Abstract: A real-time method and computer system for identifying radioactive materials which collects gamma count rates from a HPGe gamma-radiation detector to produce a high-resolution gamma-ray energy spectrum. A library of nuclear material definitions (“library definitions”) is provided, with each uniquely associated with a nuclide or isotope material and each comprising at least one logic condition associated with a spectral parameter of a gamma-ray energy spectrum. The method determines whether the spectral parameters of said high-resolution gamma-ray energy spectrum satisfy all the logic conditions of any one of the library definitions, and subsequently uniquely identifies the material type as that nuclide or isotope material associated with the satisfied library definition. The method is iteratively repeated to update the spectrum and identification in real time.

Abstract: A portable gamma ray detection apparatus having a gamma ray detector encapsulated by a compact isolation structure having at least two volumetrically-nested enclosures where at least one is a thermal shield. The enclosures are suspension-mounted to each other to successively encapsulate the detector without structural penetrations through the thermal shields. A low power cooler is also provided capable of cooling the detector to cryogenic temperatures without consuming cryogens, due to the heat load reduction by the isolation structure and the reduction in the power requirements of the cooler. The apparatus also includes a lightweight portable power source for supplying power to the apparatus, including to the cooler and the processing means, and reducing the weight of the apparatus to enable handheld operation or toting on a user's person.

Abstract: A portable gamma ray detection apparatus having a gamma ray detector encapsulated by a compact isolation structure having at least two volumetrically-nested enclosures where at least one is a thermal shield. The enclosures are suspension-mounted to each other to successively encapsulate the detector without structural penetrations through the thermal shields. A low power cooler is also provided capable of cooling the detector to cryogenic temperatures without consuming cryogens, due to the heat load reduction by the isolation structure and the reduction in the power requirements of the cooler. The apparatus also includes a lightweight portable power source for supplying power to the apparatus, including to the cooler and the processing means, and reducing the weight of the apparatus to enable handheld operation or toting on a user's person.

Abstract: A real-time method and computer system for identifying radioactive materials which collects gamma count rates from a HPGe gamma-radiation detector to produce a high-resolution gamma-ray energy spectrum. A library of nuclear material definitions (“library definitions”) is provided, with each uniquely associated with a nuclide or isotope material and each comprising at least one logic condition associated with a spectral parameter of a gamma-ray energy spectrum. The method determines whether the spectral parameters of said high-resolution gamma-ray energy spectrum satisfy all the logic conditions of any one of the library definitions, and subsequently uniquely identifies the material type as that nuclide or isotope material associated with the satisfied library definition. The method is iteratively repeated to update the spectrum and identification in real time.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment comprises a pair of elastic side sections, front and back sections, and a continuous, selectively elasticized waistband operatively joined thereto. The waistband does not substantially inhibit the elasticity of the elastic side sections, and provides the same or different elasticity to the front and back sections.

Abstract: A method is provided for joining an elastic band to a continuously moving, partially elastic substrate. The method includes temporarily inhibiting portions of the elastic band and then positioning the band on the substrate. The substrate includes elastic and non-elastic segments, and the band is positioned so that an elastic portion of the band is on an elastic segment of the substrate and the temporarily inhibited portion of the band is on the non-elastic segment of the substrate. The band and substrate are then joined together, and the temporarily inhibited portion is activated to gather the non-elastic segment.

Abstract: A removal tool which includes an elongated member with two attachment devices of different size located at opposing ends thereof. A slidable hammer receives the elongated member through a longitudinal bore permitting it to slide the entire length of the elongated member which is formed of a flexible material. A component, i.e. a fuel injector, is removed by coupling a chosen attachment device to the component and then applying sharp upward strokes with the slide hammer against the remaining attachment device.

Abstract: This invention is a badge and ticket barcode reader which meets the need in the art for a cost effective and reliable barcode reader for naive users. It employs a charge coupled device type scanner in conjunction with a beam splitter, an illumination source which illuminates both sides of the card, a set of mirrors and a guide slot. The set of mirrors reflect light from the two sides of the card to opposite faces of the beam splitter and thus produces an overlaid image of the two sides. The output of the charge coupled device is processed in a known fashion to decipher the barcode. The two sides of the card may be illuminated by a single source via the beam splitter and the set of reflectors or directly via separate sources. The barcode reader may resolve the ambiguity of the two overlaid images either by printing the reverse side of the card black, or via two light sources that are activated alternately in synchronism with the scan of the charge coupled device.

Abstract: A surgical sponge comprising, a sheet of absorbent material. The sponge has an elongated visually detectable element at a visible location on the sheet comprising a pair of elongated twisted strands. One of the strands has a color which contrasts with the color of the sheet, and the other of said strands has a color which contrasts with the color of blood.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an elongated visually detectable element on a sheet of absorbent material comprising, a device for extruding at least one colored strand, and a device for placing the strand on the sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enclosure for one or more electrical printed circuit board assemblies. The enclosure features an elongated body portion of U-shaped cross section, and is equipped with flat top and end panels. The assembled enclosure is, accordingly, a six-sided container. On the opposing inner faces of the elongated body section are formed at least one pair of cavities suitable for engaging a flat printed circuit board. The end panels are removable from the opposing ends of the elongated body section. In addition to the cavities formed on the opposing inner faces of the elongated body section for engaging the flat printed circuit board, the enclosure features an additional pair of cavities located on the opposing inner faces of the elongated body section, which lie longitudinally, parallel to the base of the elongated body portion. Each cavity is suitable for accepting a threaded fastener, such as an elongated nut and bolt.

Abstract: A kit for performing a medical procedure comprising, a procedure tray having a plurality of recesses to receive procedural components. The kit has a prepping tray having a plurality of recesses to receive prepping components, with the prepping tray being disposed in a side-by-side relationship with the procedure tray. The prepping tray has an outwardly directed upper transparent flange which is sufficiently large to cover the procedure tray.

Abstract: An anesthesia device comprising, a syringe having a chamber, and a device for pumping fluid from the chamber. The device has an elongated cannula attached to the syringe, with the cannula having a lumen in communication with the chamber of the syringe, a plurality of apertures in a distal portion of the cannula communicating with the lumen, and an opening adjacent a distal end of the cannula and distal the apertures, with the opening communicating with the lumen. The device has an element for releasably closing the apertures in the distal portion of the cannula while leaving the opening unobstructed, and for frictionally engaging the cannula to prevent dislodgment during use of the cannula.

Abstract: An anesthesia device comprising, a syringe having a barrel defining a chamber, a hollow needle at a distal end of the syringe, and a plunger for pumping fluid from the chamber through the needle. The device has a holding member having a wall with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the syringe barrel, an open proximal end, and an opening at a distal end of the holding member, with the wall defining a cavity to receive the syringe barrel. The device has an elongated cannula having a lumen, and a plurality of apertures in a distal portion of the cannula communicating with the lumen. The device has a hollow adapter secured to a proximal end of the cannula. The adapter receives a distal portion of the syringe with the needle received in the cannula lumen, and the holding member receives the syringe and attached cannula with the syringe barrel received in the holding member cavity, and with the cannula extending distally from the holding member opening.

Abstract: A cannula comprising, an elongated catheter of elastic material and having a relatively soft distal tip. The catheter has a lumen extending from the tip to a proximal end of the catheter, and a plurality of openings in a distal end portion of the catheter communicating between the lumen and the outside of the catheter. The cannula has an elongated relatively rigid stylet snugly received in the catheter lumen, with the cannula having one or more channels communicating between a proximal end of the stylet and the openings.

Abstract: A gas-venting filter assembly for a collection device such as a colostomy pouch includes an outwardly extending recess in a wall of the pouch which is bridged by a filter unit that is designed for the free flow of gas therethrough. Preferably, the pouch recess is provided with an aperture in the form of a slit which provides suitable venting in normal use. Pressure build-up within the collection device resulting in ballooning of the device and/or discomfort to the wearer is avoided while at the same time protecting the filter assembly in use, and also facilitating leakage testing during manufacturing.

Abstract: A roll-through cold forming apparatus adapted to form simultaneously a plurality of either external or internal straight spline or gear type teeth on a cylindrical workpiece carried on a movable ram. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a plurality of radially disposed pivotally mounted teeth forming blades which are disposed around the axis of movement of a linearly movable ram, whereby when the ram moves in one direction past the teeth forming blades, the blades are engaged by an interference contact with the workpiece carried on the ram, and the teeth forming blades are moved over the external surface of the workpiece in a rolling contact action so as to displace the material of the workpiece between each tooth forming edge of each of the blades. The material on the external surface of the workpiece is formed around the radius of each of the tooth forming edges of each of the forming blades on a line with the configuration of each tooth forming edge.