Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet and a cabinet door and an ice maker. A primary ice bin is disposed in the cabinet door of the appliance. A secondary ice bin is disposed in the cabinet of the appliance. A routing device is disposed inside the cabinet. The routing device includes a stationary base that supports an adjustable ramp. The ramp is operable between a first position that directs ice to the primary ice bin and a second position that directs ice to the secondary ice bin.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for verifying the achievement of a desired sterility assurance level (SAL) for components manipulated within a low-energy electron beam sterilization chamber. The components are preferably pre-sterilized and connected together in an assembly fashion which creates and maintains the sterility of the connection by subjecting the components to low-energy (less than 300 KeV) electron beam radiation. The verification is completed by measuring the sterilization dose delivered to a sensor, also known as a dosimeter, positioned within the sterilization process to simulate the components.

Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet and a cabinet door and an ice maker. A primary ice bin is disposed in the cabinet door of the appliance. A secondary ice bin is disposed in the cabinet of the appliance. A routing device is disposed inside the cabinet. The routing device includes a stationary base that supports an adjustable ramp. The ramp is operable between a first position that directs ice to the primary ice bin and a second position that directs ice to the secondary ice bin.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for verifying the achievement of a desired sterility assurance level (SAL) for components manipulated within a low-energy electron beam sterilization chamber. The components are preferably pre-sterilized and connected together in an assembly fashion which creates and maintains the sterility of the connection by subjecting the components to low-energy (less than 300 KeV) electron beam radiation. The verification is completed by measuring the sterilization dose delivered to a sensor, also known as a dosimeter, positioned within the sterilization process to simulate the components.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for verifying the achievement of a desired sterility assurance level (SAL) for components manipulated within a low-energy electron beam sterilization chamber. The components are preferably pre-sterilized and connected together in an assembly fashion which creates and maintains the sterility of the connection by subjecting the components to low-energy (less than 300 KeV) electron beam radiation. The verification is completed by measuring the sterilization dose delivered to a sensor, also known as a dosimeter, positioned within the sterilization process to simulate the components.

Abstract: This invention is to be used primarily in the hunting or outdoor viewing arena and utilizes mirrored panels to camouflage the user of said invention from detection by wildlife. These mirrored panels are thin, lightweight, strong, scratch resistant and provide a true image of the surroundings so as to facilitate the perfect camouflage. In any the terrain, this invention allows the user to blend in without detection. The mirrored panels can be manufactured out of strong and lightweight acrylic, but other substances can be effective as well. The bottom of at least two of the panels of the invention are beveled in such a way as to allow the invention to lean slightly forward. This allows the mirrored panels to reflect their immediate surroundings and prevents flaring of the sun off of the mirror itself. The panels are connected together via durable and rigid hinges. These hinges allow the invention to be folded up and transported very easily from one location to the next and also facilitate easy storage.

Abstract: An improved device for equilibrium dialysis procedures utilizing a dialysis membrane inserted in a gap in and separating all of any number of test wells contained in the dialysis block into at least a donating and receiving side which can be accessed and manipulated at any time during testing from the top of the device is described. The device may be constructed from a series of nine blocks of virgin teflon, cut and made flat to achieve certain dimensions ideal for making the device compatible with standard 96-well format laboratory equipment and conducive to robotic automation. The bars are placed side-by-side and connected by a pair of alignment pins along which the bars can slide on a horizontal plane relative to one another, individually or collectively, to aid in assembly, usage and cleaning. The bars are further held together during usage by a clamping mechanism to prevent any leakage of the sample being tested.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for detecting stuck tools in automated machining operations. When a machining operation on a workpiece is finished, the tools are retracted from the workpiece. Prior to moving the workpiece to another machining operation, a stuck tool detector is moved along a plane of separation between the machine head and the workpiece. If a stuck tool is present, the detector senses the stuck tool and sends an alarm signal of the stuck tool condition so that the operator or controlling microprocessor based system is alerted to the stuck tool. Appropriate actions or repairs can then be carried out.

Abstract: A diagnostic medical ultrasound system with wireless communication device is provided. With these preferred embodiments, an ultrasound system can be made more portable by offloading ultrasound peripherals into a host network without the disadvantages concomitant with a wire connection to a network or modem jack. By using a wireless connection, the location of the ultrasound system is not limited to areas near a network jack, thereby increasing portability. The wireless connection also avoids the inconvenience of interrupting an ultrasound examination to plug the ultrasound system into the network jack. Further, by eliminating wire connections to a network jack, injury caused by an electrical short from a network line is also eliminated. Lastly, wireless communication between the ultrasound imaging system and the host network eliminates the need to retrofit old or existing buildings with cabling to connect the ultrasound imaging system with the host network.

Abstract: A manually-operable surgical tool, suitable for laparoscopic operations, has separable parts which cooperate to move a pair of end effector elements which can be readily replaced by another pair of end effector elements. A handle portion enables controlled longitudinal movement of an elongate inner element relative to an outer surrounding tubular element. The tubular element has a distal end with a first cleft and a pair of parallel cantilevered inwardly-oriented opposed cam pins. The distal end of the elongate inner element is provided with a second cleft and a transverse force-application pin. The selected end effector elements rotatably fit inside the cleft of the inner element to receive an applied force via the force-application pin. Each end effector element has a blind-ended cutout having an open end for engaging at least with a corresponding one of the cam pins.

Abstract: A grapple clamp for lifting a group of objects such as a plurality of cases of soft drinks. The clamp has four clamp jaws hinged to a frame in rectangular or square orientation so as to engage a group of objects with equal force from four sides. The clamp is adapted to be carried by a fork lift truck and each pair of opposing jaw clamps is actuated by a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. Preferably, hydraulic cylinders are used which are powered by the hydraulic system of the lift truck. The cylinders are interconnected so that the clamping forces exerted by the two pairs of clamp jaws are equalized. A pressure regulator limits the pressure exerted by the opposing jaw clamps on objects. Provision is made to level the grapple clamp on the forks of a fork lift. A load stabilizer block is suspended within the frame. The grapple clamp is cantilever mounted on one side of the forks of a lift truck and a counterweight is mounted so as to counter balance the weight of the clamp and its load.

Abstract: An etchable core glass composition consisting essentially of the following components present in the glass in the following mole percent ranges is shown:CHART I ______________________________________ CHEMICAL COMPOSITION RANGES mole percent ______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 35-46 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 22-28 BaO + SrO + CaO + ZnO 20-32 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 + Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-3.5 La.sub.2 O.sub.3 + Nd.sub.2 O.sub.3 + Sm.sub.2 O.sub.3 + CeO.sub.2 1-11 As.sub.2 O.sub.3 + Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-1.5 ______________________________________A core glass for manufacturing a microchannel plate made from a glass composition having components in the glass range as defined above is also shown. The core glass has a transformation temperature in range of about 637.degree. C. to about 654.degree. C., a liquidus temperature below 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A glass composition consisting essentially of the following components present in the glass in the following mole percent ranges is shown:CHART I ______________________________________ CHEMICAL COMPOSITION RANGES mole percent ______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 58-68 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-2 K.sub.2 O + Rb.sub.2 O + Cs.sub.2 O 0-3 PbO 10-15 Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 0.3-2.1 MgO + CaO + BaO 10-20.4 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-4 As.sub.2 O.sub.3 + Sb.sub.2 O 0.1-1.1 ______________________________________A glass composition for manufacturing a high performance microchannel plate is also shown. A microchannel plate made from a glass composition consisting essentially of components in the glass range as defined above is also shown. A method for making a non-porous glass tubing comprising a hollowed out central area and having a transformation temperature in range of about 570.degree. C. to about 610.degree. C., a liquidus temperature below 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A manifolding system for gas containers, such as propane gas cylinders, comprising interconnecting hoses between the containers for permitting gas flow from the containers to an outlet. Each hose has a non-return valve at its end nearer the outlet and an excess-flow valve at its other end, as safety means, in the event of a ruptured hose for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles suspended in a liquid from the liquid. A flow of the liquid is passed through a filter bed of ferromagnetic bodies which acts as a coarse filter to trap the larger particles in the flow. The filter bed is arranged within a truncated cone between the poles of an electromagnet. To cleanse the bed and flush out the trapped particles a wash liquid is passed through the bed and the electromagnet is energized to levitate the bed to thereby allow the wash liquid to remove the particles. The liquid flow from the coarse filter can be passed to a high gradient magnetic separator at which remaining small particles in the flow are filtered magnetically.

Abstract: Radioactive liquids are stored in coils placed in tanks containing circulating cooling medium. The liquid in the coil is circulated by a fluidic pump. In the event of a failure in the pumps circulating the cooling medium the decay heat will cause the cooling medium to boil. A reflux condensor fitted to the tank prevents loss of cooling medium during such periods of pump malfunction.

Abstract: A grapple clamp for lifting a group of objects such as a plurality of cases of soft drinks. The clamp has four clamp jaws hinged to a frame in rectangular or square orientation so as to engage a group of objects with equal force from four sides. The clamp is adapted to be carried by a fork lift truck and each pair of opposing jaw clamps is actuated by a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. Preferably, hydraulic cylinders are used which are powered by the hydraulic system of the lift truck. The cylinders are interconnected so that the clamping forces exerted by the two pairs of clamp jaws are equalized.

Abstract: Irradiated nuclear fuel is separated from the protective metal sheath in which it is enclosed by treating the sheath with an embrittling agent which effects embrittlement of the sheath, breaking up the sheath and separating the nuclear fuel material from the embrittled and broken-up sheath.

Abstract: Irradiated nuclear fuel is dissolved in nitric acid under a carbon dioxide atmosphere which is treated to remove iodine, krypton and xenon and recycled.

Abstract: In a chemical plant the atmosphere under which a chemical process is performed is contained and continuously circulated by the driving force obtained by the alternate condensation and evaporation of a part of the atmosphere.