Abstract: An application or an attachment device for attaching a medical device includes a base layer and an adhesive layer on a rearward side of the base layer. The adhesive layer is adapted to removably attach the base layer. The adhesive layer can be adapted to removably attach the base layer to a patient (either a human patient or a lower animal patient). The device also includes a medical device attachment mechanism on a forward side of the base layer, The attachment mechanism is adapted to attach the medical device to the base layer. The medical device can, for example, be a sensor. The medical device attachment mechanism can, for example, include a mechanical attachment mechanism. The medical device attachment mechanism can additionally or alternatively include at least one adhesive layer on the base layer. The adhesive layer can, for example, be positioned on the base layer so that it does not extend beyond a footprint of the medical device when the medical device is attached to the base layer.

Abstract: A micro combined heat and power system includes at least a heat source, an expander, a condenser, a pump, recuperator and conduit for circulating a working fluid. After the working fluid is expanded, its thermodynamic properties allow it to remain in a superheated state so that it selectively can give up at least a portion of its excess heat first to the recuperator and then to the condenser, which can then subsequently exchange heat with a circulating air, water or related loop to provide space heat or domestic hot water that can be used, for example, to heat a dwelling. The amount of heat exchange in the recuperator can be adjusted to allow the output ratio of heat to electricity to be varied while maximizing overall system efficiency. Additional componentry, such as an accumulator, enhances system operability by smoothing out working fluid flow rates during transitional operation, such as start-up and shut-down.

Abstract: Machinery for automated manufacture of formed wire structures such as innerspring assemblies for mattresses and seating and flexible support structures includes one or more coil formation devices configured to produce generally helical spring coils having a terminal convolution which extends beyond an end of the coil; a conveyor system having a plurality of flights slidably mounted upon a continuous track and connected to a chain and driven by an index driver; a coil transfer machine which removes a row of coils from the conveyor and inserts the coils into an innerspring assembler; and an innerspring assembler. A coil forming block on a coiler machine has a cavity in which a terminal convolution of the coil is formed, and from which the coil is cut by a cutter which extends into the cavity.

Abstract: Machinery for automated manufacture of formed wire structures such as innerspring assemblies for mattresses and seating and flexible support structures includes one or more coil formation devices configurable to produce generally helical spring coils having a terminal convolution which extends beyond an end of the coil; a conveyor system having a plurality of flights slidably mounted upon a continuous track and connected to a chain and driven by an index driver; a coil transfer machine which removes a row of coils from the conveyor and inserts the coils into an innerspring assembler; an innerspring assembler having first and second sets of coil-engaging dies in a parallel arrangement, each set of dies having an upper row positioned over a lower row, the dies being mounted upon carrier bars which are vertically translated within the innerspring assembler to diverge the upper and lower dies of a set to allow positioning of a row of uncompressed coils between the upper and lower dies, and to converge the upper a

Abstract: A heating system uses a dynamic thermal stabilizer for receiving, mixing, holding and outputting a circulating heat exchange liquid in a fashion similar to the use of a flywheel in the mechanical arts. Liquid is returned to the dynamic thermal stabilizer from both an input heat exchange unit and an output heat exchange unit. A two pump system affords a simple tee fitting arrangement that provides room air heating by directly using hot liquid either from the dynamic thermal stabilizer or directly (and at higher temperature) from the input heat exchange unit itself to automatically achieve an additional boost of room heat using higher temperature liquid. The system can also provide initial short draws of domestic hot water from the dynamic thermal stabilizer alone or long draws of hot water by using the input heat exchange unit as a further source of heat input.

Abstract: An instrument for obtaining tissue samples from a site deep within the body. The instrument has an elongated proximal portion that is constructed to follow a long, torturous path to the site and has a distal end constructed to sever and remove a tissue sample from the body, including tissue specimens, polyps or the like. The instrument is constructed to take multiple biopsy samples without being withdrawn from the body. The instrument includes a tissue sample retractor. The retractor is axially movable between an extended tissue-engaging position and a retracted position. There is an open passage into which the retractor moves when moving from the extended to the retracted position. The retractor has a distal end portion constructed to engage tissue and apply axial transporting force thereto while moving from the extended to the retracted position. The retractor is constructed to be advanced and retracted repeatedly to accumulate a series of samples in the instrument.

Abstract: An electro-analytical cartridge adapted for use in analyzing fluids. The cartridge includes an electrochemical device that measures ionic activity using ion-specific electrodes. The cartridge further includes a plumbing system composed of the electrochemical device and various wells or chambers which are interconnected by passageways. After introduction into the cartridge, liquid samples are measured out and transported to the electrochemical device utilizing a sequential application of centrifugal force followed by pressurization of the system. Reference fluid is transported from a reference fluid well or reservoir to the electrochemical device for use in measuring ionic activity. The cartridge may be used to measure the ionic activity of a wide variety of ions in fluids including bodily fluids.

Abstract: An analytical cartridge adapted for use in analyzing fluids for spectrophotometry. The cartridge includes a plumbing system composed of the cuvette and various wells or chambers which are interconnected by passageways. After introduction into the cartridge, liquid samples are separated (if necessary) and transported to a cuvette utilizing a sequential application of centrifugal force followed by pressurization of the system. The cartridge may be used in a wide variety of spectrophotometric procedures to measure the concentration of a wide variety of constituents in fluids, including bodily fluids which contain liquid and solid components.

Abstract: A string trimmer head and head assembly include a plurality of arms which connect the head to a hub member. One or more flails are captured between the head and the hub member and extend outwardly into a cutting plane.

Abstract: A string trimmer includes a wire guard assembly which retains a wire guard and debris shield on a motor housing. The wire guard is retained in a pair of grooves in the motor housing to capture the debris shield between the wire guard and an upper portion of the motor housing. The wire guard is locked in place by locking members on the bottom of the shield, thereby substantially permanently connecting the shield to the motor housing without the necessity of additional parts.

Abstract: A lawn and garden tool, such as a string trimmer, includes a lower housing, an upper housing having one or more axial channels interconnected with one or more circumferential channels disposed on an interior surface thereof and a shaft connected between the upper housing and the lower housing. A boss is located on an exterior surface of the shaft and is disposed within the channels such that the boss is capable of traveling back and forth between the interconnected axial and circumferential channels. Movement of the boss within one of the axial channels telescopes the shaft while movement of the boss within one of the circumferential channels rotates the shaft and, thereby, rotates the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The shaft may be moved from a locked position upon actuation of a push-button mechanism located on the upper housing of the string trimmer.

Abstract: An analytical cartridge adapted for use in analyzing fluids which contain liquid and solid components. The cartridge includes a plumbing system composed of various wells or chambers which are interconnected by passageways. After introduction into the cartridge, liquid samples are separated and transported to a test well utilizing a sequential application of centrifugal force followed by pressurization of the system. The cartridge may be used to measure the concentration of a wide variety of chemical constituents in bodily fluids and is useful in measuring other properties of these fluids which contain liquid and solid components.

Abstract: A surgical probe wherein a heat sterilizable and reusable detector component is combined with a disposable handle and cable assembly. The reusable detector component incorporates a detector crystal and associated mountings along with preamplifier components. It is formed having a positioning shaft extending therefrom to a contact supporting surface carrying a pattern of electrical contact surfaces. Two orientation bosses are formed with the positioning shaft. The disposable handle employs an insert member having a receiving cavity. The electrical contact carrying tip of the shaft engages an elastomeric seal and moves into electrical engagement with a pattern of electrical contacts mounted within the handle in conjunction with a permanently affixed flexible cable.

Abstract: An electro-analytical cartridge adapted for use in analyzing fluids. The cartridge includes an electrochemical device that measures ionic activity using ion-specific electrodes. The cartridge further includes a plumbing system composed of the electrochemical device and various wells or chambers which are interconnected by passageways. After introduction into the cartridge, liquid samples are measured out and transported to the electrochemical device utilizing a sequential application of centrifugal force followed by pressurization of the system. Reference fluid is transported from a reference fluid well or reservoir to the electrochemical device for use in measuring ionic activity. The cartridge may be used to measure the ionic activity of a wide variety of ions in fluids including bodily fluids.

Abstract: An instrument for obtaining tissue samples from a site deep within the body. The instrument has an elongated proximal portion that is constructed to follow a long, torturous path to the site and has a distal end constructed to sever and remove a tissue sample from the body, including tissue specimens, polyps or the like. The instrument is constructed to take multiple biopsy samples without being withdrawn from the body. The instrument includes a tissue sample retractor. The retractor is axially movable between an extended tissue-engaging position and a retracted position. There is an open passage into which the retractor moves when moving from the extended to the retracted position. The retractor has a distal end portion constructed to engage tissue and apply axial transporting force thereto while moving from the extended to the retracted position. The retractor is constructed to be advanced and retracted repeatedly to accumulate a series of samples in the instrument.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting a first member relative to a second member comprises a button with two sets of teeth and movable between first and second positions. When in the first position, both sets of teeth engage sets of teeth carried by the first and second members to prevent relative movement of the first and second members. When in the second position, one of the sets of teeth carried by the button disengages one of the sets of teeth carried by one of the first and second members to allow relative movement thereof.

Abstract: A combination thermostat and selector valve for a prime mover for a gas driven heat pump system is positioned upstream of the prime mover in a heat pump system, so that the coolant for the prime mover will be maintained at a substantially constant temperature without regard to load or outdoor ambient conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing cooling for the prime mover for a gas powered heat pump system, which is operably configured to provide cooling for the prime mover without additional equipment or losses in heating capacity or efficiency. The method and apparatus of the present invention advantageously utilizes the residential or structural hot water system for removal of heat from the prime mover and delivery of that heat to the indoor heat exchanger and/or domestic hot water tank for the heat pump system.

Abstract: A heat pump system having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, each unit having a refrigerant coil, a compressor and an engine forming a part of the outdoor unit and situated in an enclosure forming a part of an outdoor unit housing, a fan mechanism being adapted to draw ambient outdoor air over the outdoor refrigerant coil, the refrigerant coil and the fan mechanism being disposed in the second compartment of the housing, and an exhaust conduit for strategically directing engine exhaust gases into the downstream side of the airflow developed by the fan mechanism whereby fan noise, engine noise and exhaust gas odor are masked and wherein condensation caused by engine fuel combustion is disbursed in the discharge airstream.

Abstract: The cylindrical enclosure 12 of a recuperator 10 as in FIG. 2 contains an annular coaxial heat exchanger 50 full of cooling liquid 22 circulating therethrough. Exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine flows from an inlet end 32 through the heat exchanger 50, first in an axial region 15 via a conduit 14, then back through a surrounding annular region 18, then through tubes 37 to an outlet end 34. The inlet 30 and outlet 31 for the gas are in the side wall 40 of the cylindrical body 12, and the exhaust gas 11 enters and leaves via conduits 14 and 19 that are perpendicular to the side wall 40 at the inlet 30 and at the outlet 31. So the ends 41 and 42 of the body 12 are free of adjacent obstruction, and at least one of them is removable, as in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 . Thus, the recuperator 10 can be opened and closed to make the interior accessible for inspection, cleaning, or other desired purpose.