Abstract: Cell co-culturing methods and arrays providing versatility and high resolution. A method comprising: providing at least one substrate; providing at least one first tip with at least one first cell-adhesion material disposed thereon, and at least one second tip with at least one second cell-adhesion material disposed thereon, wherein the first cell-adhesion material is different from the second cell-adhesion material; depositing the first cell-adhesion material from the first tip to the substrate to form at least one first deposit, and depositing the second cell-adhesion material from the second tip to the substrate to form at least one second deposit; and wherein the first and second deposits are capable of providing selective binding to at least one first cell so that the first cell selectively binds to the first deposit, and wherein the second deposit is capable of binding to at least one second cell.

Abstract: An improved magnetic switch (10) is provided which is designed for use in an alarm circuit (52) in order to detect relative movement between first and second members such as a door (14) and frame (12), so as to signal unauthorized opening of the door (14). The switch (10) includes a switch assembly (20) for mounting in frame (12) and having first and second switch elements (40, 42), an electrically conductive shiftable body (44) adjacent the elements (40, 42), and a first attractive component (45). Additionally, the switch (10) has a second attractive component (22) for mounting to the door (14). In use when door (14) is closed and circuit (52) is armed, the magnetic attraction between body (44) and component (22) shifts the body (44) to a switch position where the body (44) is out of simultaneous contact with the switch elements (40, 42).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the controlled heating of fluid comprises a general elongated electrically heating core (16) with an exterior surface (36) formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and frustoconically shaped to slidingly receive an assembly (14) so that the assembly envelops the surface along at least a portion of the length of the core. The assembly (14) forms a sealed passageway (46) for generally unidirectional sheet-like flow upward along the core (16). A control system (20) selectively operates the heating core (16) so that the fluid, under varying flow rates, is warmed to a desired temperature without overheating, before the fluid flows from the passageway (46).

Abstract: A detachable assembly for an apparatus (10) for the controlled heating of fluid is provided. The apparatus (10) has a general elongated heating core (16) with a exterior surface (36) formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and frustoconically shaped to slidingly receive an assembly (14) so that the assembly envelops the surface along at least a portion of the length of the core. The assembly (14) forms a sealed passageway (46) for generally unidirectional unrestricted sheet like flow upward along the core (16). A control system (20) selectively operates the heating core (16) so that the fluid, under varying flow rates, is warmed to a desired temperature without overheating, before the fluid flows from the passageway (46).

Abstract: A multiple channel radio frequency repeater has a receive port for receiving an input signal from a first antenna and a transmit port for transmitting a frequency shifted output signal to a second antenna. An input bandpass filter is located at the input port. A low noise amplifier follows the input bandpass filter for amplifying all signals within the input bandwidth. A plurality of channel filters divide the input signal into a plurality of channel signals. A local oscillator generates a local oscillator (LO) signal. There is a mixer corresponding to each channel, each mixer has an input port, an output put port and an LO port. The LO port is coupled to the local oscillator. An Automatic Gain Control (AGC) amplifier is between each channel filter and each mixer for adjusting the channel signal level to the mixer input port to assure that each mixer has the same level amplified channel signal.

Abstract: Trocar assembly devices are disclosed that include an improved seal assembly that accommodates instruments having a wide range of diameters. The seal assembly includes a universal seal member that is generally of hourglass shape defining converging and diverging side walls that form a constricted center bore portion therebetween. Various alternative means are provided to either increase or decrease the inner diameter of the center bore portion of the seal member.

Abstract: Trocar assembly embodiments are disclosed that include a trocar tube and a housing defining a chamber adjoining a proximal end portion of the trocar tube. An elastomeric seal member is positioned within the chamber for sealing the chamber as an elongate instrument passes through an opening formed in the seal member. A seal/protector assembly is positioned in the chamber proximally of the seal member in facing relationship to the seal member. The protector assembly includes at least two axially aligned protector members, each of which has an annular collar portion and at least one leaf portion formed integrally with the collar portion so as to form a living hinge portion. The leaf portions define an opening therethrough in axial alignment with the opening in the seal member.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carrousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided which includes a spring-loaded shield that shields the cutting tip of the obturator after the obturator penetrates tissue. The distal end of the shield is conical in profile and contains a slot which conforms to the geometry of the cutting tip. The obturator tip contains a knife edge blade which extends the length of the cannula inner diameter. Ideally, the knife is made of an amorphous metal, and may be serrated at its edge.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carrousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carrousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: Trocar assembly devices that include trocar tubes of different diameters to accommodate small and large diameter implements for providing communication into an anatomical cavity and a unique method of utilizing such devices. The trocar assembly devices include an outer or larger diameter trocar tube and an inner or smaller diameter trocar tube. A distal end portion of the inner trocar tube is tapered and extends distally beyond a distal end portion of the outer trocar tube.

Abstract: Trocar assembly devices are disclosed that include an improved seal assembly that accommodates instruments having a wide range of diameters. The seal assembly includes a universal seal member that is generally of hourglass shape defining converging and diverging side walls that form a constricted center bore portion therebetween. Various alternative means are provided to either increase or decrease the inner diameter of the center bore portion of the seal member.

Abstract: An automated system for storing and cooking french fried potatoes includes a refrigeration and storage assembly and unique transport system which is easily used with fryers of a commercial type. The transport system includes a horizontal and vertical transport assembly for moving baskets of fries to and from the one or more fryers, with the vertical transport assembly being adapted to lower the basket into the fryer as well as support the basket above the fryer after cooking so as to allow the basket to drain. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the refrigeration system is such and the strips are oriented all in substantially the same direction before being loaded into a basket so as to enable the fries to be cooked with little or no sticking without requiring the operator to shake the potatoes during or following cooking.

Abstract: A keyboard support assembly for a computer work stand is disclosed comprising a subplate (74) having a profiled opening (98, 100) along each side, and a keyboard support plate (78) residing on top of the subplate. A pair of pivotal locking devices (138) are attached to the underside of the keyboard support plate to depend into the subplate profiled openings, and to selectively engage against an underside of the subplate as the keyboard support plate is slideably re-positioned thereon. The locking devices (138) include gear teeth 140 which engage with a gear rack segment 102 along the subplate underside.

Abstract: A venturi spray nozzle having a cleaning fluid manifold with a plurality of fingers extending into a plurality of venturi nozzle channels of an air manifold such that the air manifold educes cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid manifold and projects it on a surface to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid manifold is centrally positioned in the air manifold and a pressurized source of cleaning fluid is used.

Abstract: An adjustable work table is disclosed comprising a frame having spaced apart sides (6), a horizontal shaft (60) supported between the sides of the frame, and a table surface assembly (10) rotatively mounted to the shaft. Camming angular adjustment means (98, 110) is provided for rotating the table surface assembly into selective angular positions about the shaft. Vertically actuating scissor arms (44, 46) are further provided for moving the support shaft upward and downward whereby providing a vertical adjustment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for coating catalytic converter substrates with an exact amount of a precious metal. In the course of operation of the apparatus, a hollow substrate to be treated having opposed open ends is transferred from a starting location such that one end is lowered into a dip pan into which has been introduced a predetermined amount of slurry material containing the precious metal. With the one end immersed in the slurry, a vacuum placed on the other end of the substrate draws up the entire charge of slurry from the dip pan to coat the lower portion of the substrate. Thereafter, the substrate is raised from the dip pan. The vacuum continues to operate to cause the coating to be evenly distributed on all the interior surfaces of the substrate. Then the substrate is rotated and again lowered so that the other end is immersed in another predetermined charge of the slurry and the process is repeated. Thereupon, the substrate is again raised from the dip pan.

Abstract: A fluid circuit for a cleaning device having a mixture with separate water and cleaning fluid inlets and fittings interconnecting a pressurized source of water and a pressurized source of cleaning fluid responsive to change the mixing ratio of cleaning fluid to water as well as to assure the degree of mixing. The outlet of the mixing device is provided to a spray nozzle wherein the mixed fluid is projected onto a cleaning surface by an air stream through the spray nozzle. A common pump provides two levels of air pressure, a high one to the spray nozzle and a lower one to the pressurized sources of water and cleaning fluid.