Abstract: Disclosed systems, methods, and products include a self-contained electroencephalogram (EEG) recording patch including a first electrode, a second electrode and where the first and second electrodes cooperate to measure a skin-electrode signal, a substrate containing circuitry for generating an EEG signal there-from, amplifying the EEG signal, digitizing the EEG signal, and retrievably storing the EGG signal in a programmatic fashion. The patch also comprises a power source and an enclosure that houses the substrate, the power source, and the first and second electrodes in a unitary package.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence of a target microorganism in a sample to be tested, the method comprising: (a) combining with the sample an amount of bacteriophage capable of attaching to the target microorganism to create a bacteriophage-exposed sample; (b) providing conditions to the bacteriophage-exposed sample sufficient to allow the bacteriophage to attach to the target microorganism while inhibiting phage replication in a potentially cross-reactive, non-target microorganism; and (c) assaying the bacteriophage-exposed sample to detect the presence or absence of a bacteriophage marker to determine the presence or absence of the target microorganism; wherein the amount of the bacteriophage is between 10% to 70% of the threshold number of bacteriophage that the assay can detect, or between 1×106 pfu/mL and 7×106 pfu/mL.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence of a target microorganism in a sample to be tested, the method comprising: (a) combining with the sample an amount of bacteriophage capable of attaching to the target microorganism to create a bacteriophage-exposed sample; (b) providing conditions to the bacteriophage-exposed sample sufficient to allow the bacteriophage to attach to the target microorganism while inhibiting phage replication in a potentially cross-reactive, non-target microorganism; and (c) assaying the bacteriophage-exposed sample to detect the presence or absence of a bacteriophage marker to determine the presence or absence of the target microorganism; wherein the amount of the bacteriophage is between 10% to 70% of the threshold number of bacteriophage that the assay can detect, or between 1×106pfu/mL and 7×106pfu/mL.

Abstract: Bacteriophage are combined with a test sample in an incubator, and the bacteriophage-exposed test sample is conjugated and applied to a sample pad in contact with a lateral flow strip to determine the presence or absence of a target bacterium. The conjugation may be performed in the sample pad or prior to application of the bacteriophage-exposed test sample to the pad. The incubator comprises a bacteriophage container and an incubation container separated by a valve. The test sample may be inserted into the incubation chamber using a swab or a rod with a piercing tip and a sample collection eye. The valve comprises a breakable stem. An antibiotic may be added to the test sample to determine the antibiotic resistance or susceptibility of the bacterium.

Abstract: A method for detecting one or more target bacteria in a raw sample where: 1) bacteriophage(s) specific to each target bacterium are added to the raw sample, 2) the test sample is incubated, and 3) the test sample is tested for the presence of each phage in sufficient numbers to indicate the presence of the associated target bacteria in the raw sample. In one embodiment, each phage is initially added to the raw sample in concentrations below the detection limit of the final phage detection process. In another embodiment, the parent phages are tagged in such a way that they can be separated from the progeny phage prior to the detection process. Preferred phage detection processes are immunoassay methods utilizing antibodies that bind specifically to each phage. Antibodies can be used that bind to the protein capsid of the phage. Alternatively, the phage can by dissociated after the incubation process and the sample tested for the presence of individual capsid proteins or phage nucleic acids.

Abstract: A sample is tested for the presence of bacteria, such as in an automatic blood culturing apparatus. If bacteria are determined to be present, a bacteriophage-based bacteria identification process is performed to identify the bacteria present. A plurality of bacteria detection processes, such as a blood culture test and Gram stain test may be carried out prior to the bacteria identification process. A bacteriophage-based antibiotic resistance test or antibiotic susceptibility test is also conducted on the sample.

Abstract: A predetermined amount of parent bacteriophage capable of infecting a target microorganism is added to a sample to create a bacteriophage-exposed sample; the sample is incubated for a defined incubation time and assayed to determine the level of a bacteriophage or bacterial marker in the sample; and if the measured marker level has increased, then the initial concentration of the microorganism exceeds a specific threshold value. An antibiotic in different concentrations is added to different and separate portions of the sample and tested to determine if the bacteriophage marker is present and thereby determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of a given antibiotic. The antibiotic preferably is an antibiotic that inhibits DNA replication or protein synthesis.

Abstract: A muffler for reducing fluid flow noise in a hydraulic system comprises a cylindrical elastomer insert having multiple reinforced flow ports with different diameter porting, internal air chambers, and cast from an elastomer mixed with hollow glass spheres to form an insert of 40 percent air by volume. The insert is placed within a housing and connected to the hydraulic pipe assembly for receiving fluid under pressure and diverting it through the multiple flow ports of the insert wherein flow sounds, pump surges, and flushing noises of the hydraulic system are muffled by the disruption of the flow through the flow ports, the absorption by the internal air chambers, and the absorption by microspheres created by the hollow glass spheres in the elastomer insert.

Abstract: Apparatus for lubricating pistons having a pressure metered lubrication reservoir in fluid flow attachment with the piston through a lantern port in the wall of the stuffing box surrounding the piston. A check valve in fluid flow alignment between the stuffing box and the lubrication reservoir prevents the flow of spent hydraulic fluid from the stuffing box into the lubrication reservoir in the event of a seal leak or failure. A safety valve having a higher trigger pressure than the pressure of the lubricant flowing from the reservoir to the stuffing box and being in fluid flow alignment with the stuffing box and lubrication reservoir prevents the escape of lubricant flowing from the reservoir to the stuffing box, but allows the escape of spent hydraulic fluid in the event of a seal leak or failure.

Abstract: A muffler for reducing fluid flow noise in a hydraulic system comprises a cylindrical elastomer insert having multiple reinforced flow ports with different diameter porting, internal air chambers, and cast from an elastomer mixed with hollow glass spheres to form an insert of 40 percent air by volume. The insert is placed within a housing and connected to the hydraulic pipe assembly for receiving fluid under pressure and diverting it through the multiple flow ports of the insert wherein flow sounds, pump surges, and flushing noises of the hydraulic system are muffled by the disruption of the flow through the flow ports, the absorption by the internal air chambers, and the absorption by microspheres created by the hollow glass spheres in the elastomer insert.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing polymer seals consisting of bonding together a combination of cured pre-polymers to form a single multi-layered seal of varying hardness urethane with at least one pre-polymer being a polyester based pre-polymer and at least one pre-polymer being a polyether-based prepolymer.

Abstract: A polymer seal and method of making same consisting of a combination of pre-polymers cured and bonded together to form a single multi-layered seal of varying hardness with at least one pre-polymer being a polyester-based pre-polymer and at least one pre-polymer being a polyether-based pre-polymer. The different pre-polymers, upon curing, yield 80 to 90 shore A and 80 to 90 shore D hardness urethanes respectively.

Abstract: A packing member comprising an annular body having a circular groove extending axially thereinto through an end wall to form inner and outer sealing lips utilizes a resilient circular member embedded in the annular body to exert a radially directed force to a wall surface of the groove to actuate one of the sealing lips. The other sealing lip has a plurality of spaced apart circular holes extending axially there into through the first end wall of the body. In the preferred embodiment the resilient member is a hollow O-ring of elastomeric material carried in a recess formed in the inner wall surface of the groove to actuate the inner sealing lip. An annular layer of self-lubricating polymeric material is disposed over the inner wall surface to facilitate low-friction slidable contact with a separate movable member.

Abstract: An elastomeric O-ring seal (10) for sealing between a housing (20) and a shaft (22). The seal (10) defines an inner sealing surface (12) and an outer sealing surface (14) having a generally uniform non-deformed radius of curvature in cross section. An upper protrusion (16) and a lower protrusion (18) extend outward of a circle defined by this radius in cross section to prevent the seal (10) from rolling when placed in sealing engagement with the housing (20) and shaft (22). This reduces the wear on the seal (10) and permits a longer surface life.

Abstract: A seal for use in the gear housing (52) of an elevator hoist drive mechanism (10) is provided. The first embodiment, seal (98), is generally formed of an annular body of elastomeric material having an outer sealing section (102) with first sealing surface (104) for engagement with the inner rim (86 and 88) of gear housing (52), an inner sealing section (106) with second sealing surface (108) for engagement with cylindrical connecting drive shaft (69) and a bonding wall (100) for securing seal (98) on gear housing (52). Sections (102 and 106) are separated by a V-shape groove (124) to insure independent resilience of the sections. Seal (98) is split to form ends (112 and 114) to simplify installation.The second embodiment, seal (132), is generally formed of an annular body of elastomeric material having a fabric coating.

Abstract: A seal for use in the gear housing (52) of an elevator hoist drive mechanism (10) is provided. The first embodiment, seal (98), is generally formed of an annular body of elastomeric material having an outer sealing section (102) with first sealing surface (104) for engagement with the inner rim (86 and 88) of gear housing (52), an inner sealing section (106) with second sealing surface (108) for engagement with cylindrical connecting drive shaft (69) and a bonding wall (100) for securing seal (98) on gear housing (52). Sections (102 and 106) are separated by a V-shape groove (124) to insure independent resilence of the sections. Seal (98) is split to form ends (112 and 114) to simplify installation.The second embodiment, seal (132), is generally formed of an annular body of elastomeric material having a fabric coating.

Abstract: An elevator connection (22) is provided for joining an elevator car (10) to a hydraulic piston (20) which raises and lowers the elevator car (10). Misalignment between the hydraulic piston (20) and guide rails (14) of an elevator shaft (12) is accommodated by a washer assembly (28) and cushion assembly (30) disposed between a stud bolt (32) and the top of the hydraulic piston (20). Washer assembly (28) includes an elastomeric disc (34) together with springs (36) which enclose a tubular washer (42) having a convex lower end surface. Cushion assembly (30) comprises an elastomeric disc (46) with springs (48) on either side thereof and enclosing a wobble tube (54) having convex end surfaces (56, 58). The elevator car (10) is held securely to the hydraulic piston (20) but is permitted to offset slightly from the piston (20) and tilt to accommodate misalignment of elevator guide rails (14) with the hydraulic piston (20).

Abstract: A sleeve assembly for sanding, rust removing, and pit filling on a piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder or the like includes a sanding component, a rust removing component and a pit filling component. The sanding component comprises a rigid annular outer member, a resilient annular intermediate member adhesively secured to the inner surface of the outer member, and an abrasive annular inner member adhesively secured to the inner surface of the intermediate member and in interference contact with the piston rod. The rust removing component comprises an annular upper ring member composed of a rigid material and an elastomeric annular lower C-ring member having brass or bronze particles imbedded therein. The pit filling component comprises an annular upper ring member composed of a rigid material and an elastomeric annular lower C-ring member having lead particles imbedded therein. Clamp means releasably engages the members of each of the components about the piston rod.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for continuously cleaning rust and other corrosion from elevator guide rails and for filling pits, joints and other irregular areas in the rails. A plurality of guide brackets are mounted on the car for contact with the rail. Each guide bracket includes a bushing insert for contact with surfaces of the guide rail. In one embodiment, the insert is made from an elastomeric material with particles of bronze or brass embedded therein. In a second embodiment, the insert has lead embedded therein. Where the insert has bronze or brass embedded therein, the sliding of the insert relative to the walls of the guide rails acts as an abrasive cleaner to remove rust, corrosion and dirt particles from the surface of the rails. Where the insert has lead embedded therein, contact between the insert and the rail results in the transfer of lead to the rails to fill pits, joint areas and irregularities in the rails.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly for sanding, rust removing, and pit filling on a piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder or the like includes a sanding component, a rust removing component and a pit filling component. The sanding component comprises a rigid annular outer member, a resilient annular intermediate member adhesively secured to the inner surface of the outer member, and an abrasive annular inner member adhesively secured to the inner surface of the intermediate member and in interference contact with the piston rod. The rust removing component comprises an annular upper ring member composed of a rigid material and an elastomeric annular lower C-ring member having brass or bronze particles imbedded therein. The pit filling component comprises an annular upper ring member composed of a rigid material and an elastomeric annular lower C-ring member having lead particles imbedded therein. Clamp means releasably engages the members of each of the components about the piston rod.