Abstract: A security bar providing improved security from breach is obtained with the use of a plurality of free rolling inner bars. Illustratively, three inner rolling bars, arranged in a triangular relationship, are provided inside a cylindrically hollowed out outer bar, thereby ensuring that no inner bar can be attacked simultaneously from opposing sides thereof. The inner bars may be surrounded with a ring of ball bearings to provide for their ability to roll freely in place with respect to the outer bar. Electronic monitoring of the security bar identifies attempts to breach the security bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hearing aid assembly wherein the hearing aid is comprised of an acoustic receiver, an acoustic transmitter, and a body, and an annular channel, wherein the acoustic receiver is designed to fit into a external acoustic meatus of an ear, the acoustic transmitter is designed to fit into a inner ear canal, and the generally cylindrical body is disposed between the receiver and the transmitter, the annular channel is disposed on the surface of the body such that it circumscribes the body's circumference. The annular channel is adapted to receive an annular ring which functions as an acoustic seal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for sending and receiving data such as photographic or other color images. The apparatus includes a housing and a data entry module such as a number were keypad for dialing. It also includes a recording mechanism, for example a color printer for recording data received onto the fixed medium, for example to produce color photographs.

Abstract: A heat pump and air conditioning system for a vehicle that has at least one coolant loop selectively connecting an engine cooling system with a heater core, a first coolant/refrigerant heat exchanger, and/or a second coolant/refrigerant heat exchanger, in order to warm a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The system also includes a refrigerant loop that includes a first expansion device between a condenser and evaporator, and a second expansion device between the first coolant/refrigerant heat exchanger and the second coolant/refrigerant heat exchanger. The refrigerant loop provides for cooling of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, as well as operating as a heat pump, together with the at least one coolant loop, to provide heat to the vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: Composite mixture materials made of recycled plastic, glass and rubber, and optionally, sand, gravel, coal combustion by-product and metal, and containing no petroleum distillates (unless a fire retardant or recycled asphalt pavement is used) are disclosed. Methods of using the composite mixture materials include making expansion joints in pavement, filling manhole cover recesses, filling potholes in pavement, making new pavements, and making panels, walls, blocks, impact protection walls, and other such structures. Methods of making the composite mixture materials include heating the components of the material in an inert gas environmentally friendly manner.

Abstract: An embodiment of a printing apparatus is provided as including a chassis, a print engine supported by the chassis, and a casing of a cardboard material comprising cellulose fiber attached to the chassis and surrounding the print engine when attached to the chassis. A business method for recycling or refurbishing a recyclable printing mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: An improved bait for use in attracting crustaceans in traps and pots is disclosed which is particularly long-lasting when used in such traps and pots in any of a wide variety of underwater environments, together with a preferred method for making the crustacean bait. The improved crustacean bait is made of hides such as cowhides which are processed to remove the hair therefrom, and then is cured and cut into pieces of an appropriate size for use as crustacean bait in traps or pots. The pieces of improved crustacean bait may be packaged in sealed bulk packages which do not require refrigeration. The improved crustacean bait is very long-lasting when placed into a trap or pot in the ocean, and will neither decompose over an extended period of time nor degrade in its attractiveness to lure crustaceans over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A femoral augment, or set of augments, for use with a knee joint prosthesis, where the femoral augment includes a main body portion, an aperture formed within the main body portion and extending in a generally distal/proximal direction, and a pair of legs extending outwardly from said main body portion in a generally posterior direction. In the preferred embodiment, the aperture is configured to receive a stem extension implant, and to allow it to pass through. Additionally, the legs of the femoral augment are preferably configured to be seated proximal of a proximal side of a pair of condylar portions of a femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis. The present invention is intended for situations in which the distal portion of the femur is defective, and it provides a method and devices that allow for preservation of healthy peripheral bone, while still providing the necessary augmentation to the distal portion of the femur.

Abstract: A tibial augment for use with a knee joint prosthesis, composed of annular members of different stock sizes, each size being configured to fit within a cavity formed in a human tibia. The augment may include a stepped distal surface. A provisional (temporary) tibial augment used to ensure a proper fit for the permanent augment is also provided. The provisional may include grooves configured to cooperate with a set of ribs on a tong-like holder used for removing the provisional from the cavity. A pusher for use implanting the tibial augment is also provided. In addition, a system for creating a cavity in a human tibia is also described. The system preferably includes a guide with a slot therein and a set of osteotomes that are inserted within different portions of the slot. Methods for using the tools and/or implanting the prosthetic devices discussed above are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to recombinant methods for making a desired polypeptide. These method(s) yield a polypeptide product containing reduced levels of isoform impurities thereof. In particular, the present invention is directed to (1) a recombinant method for preparing growth hormone with reduced isoform impurities thereof and (2) a recombinant method for preparing a growth hormone antagonist, such as pegvisomant, and its protein intermediate, also having reduced isoform impurities thereof. More specifically, the isoform impurities that are decreased by methods of the present invention are the trisulfide and des-phe isoform impurities of growth hormone and growth hormone antagonist (or its intermediate), respectively.

Abstract: A shoulder protective device for protecting the shoulder and arm of the user when carrying heavy objects upon one's shoulder. The shoulder protective device includes a band of material being adapted to be worn about a portion of a user's upper torso and about a shoulder of a user; and also includes a sleeve being attached to the band of material; and further includes a protective assembly being attached to the band of material and including an outer layer of material and an inner layer of material; and further includes a plurality of pads being attached to the band of material and the protective assembly for providing comfort for the user wearing the band of material.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprising a transversely extending main frame and left and right transversely extending wing frames. The main frame and the wing frames are provided with a plurality of planting units. Left and right main seed hoppers are mounted to the main frame. The left and right main seed hoppers are transversely separated from one another by a longitudinally extending gap located along the longitudinal centerline of the seeding machine. A pneumatic seed on demand delivery system automatically directs seed from the left and right main seed hoppers to the planting units. A walkway is positioned in the gap between the left and right main seed hoppers to facilitate operator access to the lids of the main seed hoppers.

Abstract: A product on demand delivery system directs product from a main hopper to an application unit. An air pump directs pressurized air to a plurality of air supply hoses. The air supply hoses are coupled to air inlets located on the nozzle assembly of the main hopper. Opposite the air inlets are corresponding product outlets for receiving the air streams and product entrained in the air stream. The product outlets are coupled to product supply hoses that are in turn coupled to auxiliary hoppers located on the application units. The air inlet is downwardly angled relative to the bottom and the product outlet is upwardly angled relative to the bottom. Peaked baffles are located above corresponding air inlet and outlets so that product puddles form beneath the baffles. Gaps are formed between adjacent baffles so that product from the main hopper can flow into the product puddles.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and left and right wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extend transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position to reduce the transverse transport width of the seeding machine.

Abstract: A formulation and method to treat and control microbial growth present in the water of climate control systems such as air conditioner air handlers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers, which formulation can be entrained and dispersed into to living space air. Specifically, a formulation is provided in the form of a tablet or a spray for being applied onto a wetted surface element present in these systems which will effectively control the growth of microbes such as fungus, molds, bacteria, and virus present on the surface for an extended period of time. The formulations include at least two metals, at least two chelating agents, at least one surfactant, and at least one viscosity enhancing compound.

Abstract: A case drain coupler mounting plate is mounted to the frame of the seeding machine. The case drain hydraulic coupler is secured to the case drain coupler mounting plate when it is not coupled to a tractor. The mounting plate is provided with a keyhole-shaped mounting aperture having an enlarged upper opening and a narrow channel projecting downwardly from the enlarged opening. The case drain hydraulic coupler is provided with a circumferential groove that engages the narrow channel in the keyhole shaped slot. A backing plate is mounted to the mounting plate at a fixed distance from the mounting plate. The backing plate engages the case drain hydraulic coupler and overcomes the biasing force to open the check valve. With the check valve open the case drain line provides a drain path for hydraulic fluid from the case drain.

Abstract: A product on demand delivery system directs product from a main hopper to an application unit. An air pump directs pressurized air to a plurality of air supply hoses. The air supply hoses are coupled to air inlets located on the nozzle assembly of the main hopper. Opposite the air inlets are corresponding product outlets for receiving the air streams and product entrained in the air stream. The product outlets are coupled to product supply hoses that are in turn coupled to auxiliary hoppers located on the application units. The corresponding air inlets and product outlets have baffles extending above the air inlet and outlets. Gaps are formed between adjacent baffles. An agitator assembly having radially extending fingers is located above the baffles. The radially extending fingers extend into the gaps formed by the adjacent baffles.

Abstract: The invention provides a disc inspection and rejuvenation/repair system. The inspection system and rejuvenation/repair system may be provided as separate modules or may be combined in an integrated unit. The integrated unit may be manually operated, or may be an automated system comprising a controller and disk handling system Appertaining methods of operating the system and modules are also provided.

Abstract: A seeding machine is provided with banks of individual seed hoppers for directing seed to auxiliary seed hoppers located on individual planting units. The individual seed hoppers of each bank are provided with adjoining walls. The adjoining walls have notches so that seed in one individual seed hopper can flow into an adjoining individual seed hopper. A portion of the planting units can be disabled by placing them in a non-working position. The individual seed hoppers supplying seed to the disabled planting units are provided with removable baffles. Each removable baffle is provided with a downwardly extending leg that cooperates with the notches to prevent seed in an active individual hopper from entering an inactive individual hopper.