Abstract: The present disclosure discloses systems and methods for measuring the bladder volume of a patient. An ultrasound transducer array may be used to transmit electrical pulses and receive the backscattered pulses that can be analyzed to develop a representation of the patients bladder. The backscattered ultrasound signals may be amplified, converted, and processed by circuitry and computer software to develop an axial position of the anterior and posterior bladder walls. Bladder volume measurements derived from the patients bladder may then be wirelessly transmitted to a display device for assessment by a healthcare provider. The ultrasound transducer array portion of the device may be held in place between the patients peritoneum and pubis by an elastic strap or a belt to ensure proper positioning.

Abstract: A vehicle air handling system includes an air conditioner having an inlet selectively opening to a source of fresh air or recirculated air from within the passenger compartment. A controller switches the source of inlet air to recirculated air under certain conditions in order to optimize system efficiency and component life.

Abstract: A vehicle air handling system includes an air conditioner having an inlet selectively opening to a source of fresh air or recirculated air from within the passenger compartment. A controller switches the source of inlet air to recirculated air under certain conditions in order to optimize system efficiency and component life.

Abstract: A method for detecting a packed slot condition in a commutator of an electric motor comprising the steps of: (a) providing an electric motor having a commutator, the commutator having a plurality of segments separated from each other by a slot; (b) monitoring the current going through the electric motor; (c) determining if the current going through the electric motor being monitored in step (b) has changed from a preset value; and (d) providing a signal to indicate that the current going through the electric motor has changed to thereby detect for a packed slot in the commutator.

Abstract: A means for detecting volatile organic compounds which utilizes a catalytic material to oxidize volatile organic compounds at temperatures substantially lower than the autoignition temperature of the compound. Because this reaction is exothermic, a thermistor in contact with the catalytic material is used to detect the heat evolved as volatile organic compounds are oxidized to carbon dioxide and water at the catalyst surface. Upon comparison to a reference thermistor, relative increases in the temperature of the sensing thermistor correspond positively with an increased concentration of volatile organic compounds and are thus used as an indicator of the presence of such compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for oxidizing volatile organic compounds to carbon dioxide and water with the minimal addition of energy. A mixture of the volatile organic compound and an oxidizing agent (e.g. ambient air containing the volatile organic compound) is exposed to a catalyst which includes a noble metal dispersed on a metal oxide which possesses more than one oxidation state. Especially good results are obtained when the noble metal is platinum, and the metal oxide which possesses more than one oxidation state is tin oxide. A promoter (i.e., a small amount of an oxide of a transition series metal) may be used in association with the tin oxide to provide very beneficial results.

Abstract: A means for detecting carbon monoxide which utilizes an un-heated catalytic material to oxidize carbon monoxide at ambient temperatures. Because this reaction is exothermic, a thermistor in contact with the catalytic material is used as a sensing element to detect the heat evolved as carbon monoxide is oxidized to carbon dioxide at the catalyst surface, without any heaters or external heating elements for the ambient air or catalytic element material. Upon comparison to a reference thermistor, relative increases in the temperature of the sensing thermistor correspond positively with an increased concentration of carbon monoxide in the ambient medium and are thus used as an indicator of the presence of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: Apparatus for abrasive blasting of the bottom of a ship in a drydock includes a blast head mounted on a vertically swinging boom on a vehicle. The blast head has freedom of movement about two pivot axes which are not parallel to each other. One of the pivot axes is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the boom. The center of gravity of the blast head is below the pivot axes when the blast opening normally faces upwardly. The boom and blast head are raised by double acting hydraulic cylinders which hold the blast head against the ship with a constant force. The blast head has a side edge which extends laterally at least to the side edge of the vehicle to facilitate blasting adjacent to obstacles under the hull. An overhung load adapter connects the blast wheel to its motor to minimize radial loads on the blast wheel motor. In the blast head, a stream of blasting material falling toward a main hopper is subjected to a transverse air stream which laterally deflects lighter particles into a debris channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for oxidizing formaldehyde to carbon dioxide and water without the addition of energy. A mixture of formaldehyde and an oxidizing agent (e.g., ambient air containing formaldehyde) is exposed to a catalyst which includes a noble metal dispersed on a metal oxide which possesses more than one oxidation state. Especially good results are obtained when the noble metal is platinum, and the metal oxide which possesses more than one oxidation state is tin oxide. A promoter (i.e., a small amount of an oxide of a transition series metal) may be used in association with the tin oxide to provide very beneficial results.

Abstract: Apparatus for making large blocks of crystal clear ice for ice carving has a tank of brine of freezing temperature. A water can filled with water of the size and form of the desired ice block is in the tank. A tube extends down to the bottom of the container. A source of air under pressure about one and three-quarter pounds/square inch, is connected to the tube to bubble air out of the container to drive air out of the water to be frozen, by bubbling action. A rotating cam is connected to oscillate the tube up and down. A resilient hollow bumper is connected to the bottom of the tube, the cam being designed to raise the tube a predetermined amount, approximately two inches, and then permitting a drop, whereby, as ice forms from the bottom, the tube is gradually retracted so that it will not become frozen in.

Abstract: A catalyst for the combination of CO and O.sub.2 to form CO.sub.2 which includes a platinum group metal--e.g., platinum; a reducible metal oxide having multiple valence states--e.g., SnO.sub.2 ; and a compound which can bind water to its structure--e.g., silica gel. This catalyst is ideally suited for application to high-powered, pulsed, CO.sub.2 lasers operating in a sealed or closed-cycle condition.

Abstract: A catalyst for the combination of CO and O.sub.2 to form CO.sub.2 which includes a platinum group metal--e.g., platinum; a reducible metal oxide having multiple valence states--e.g., SnO.sub.2 ; and a compound which can bind water to its structure--e.g., silica gel. This catalyst is ideally suited for application to high-powered, pulsed, CO.sub.2 lasers operating in a sealed or closed-cycle condition.

Abstract: A method of exchanging rare-isotope oxygen for common-isotope oxygen in the top several layers of an oxide-containing catalyst is disclosed. A sample of an oxide-containing catalyst is exposed to a flowing stream of reducing gas in an inert carrier gas at a temperature suitable for the removal of the reactive common-isotope oxygen atoms from the surface layer or layers of the catalyst without damaging the catalyst structure. The reduction temperature must be higher than any at which the catalyst will subsequently operate. Sufficient reducing gas is used to allow removal of all of the reactive common-isotope oxygen atoms in the top several layers of the catalyst. The catalyst is then reoxidized with the desired rare-isotope oxygen in sufficient quantity to replace all of the common-isotope oxygen that was removed.

Abstract: A method for the reactivation of a tin oxide-containing catalyst of a CO.sub.2 laser is provided. First, the catalyst is pretreated by a standard procedure. When the catalyst experiences diminished activity during usage, the heated zone surrounding the catalyst is raised to a temperature which is the operating temperature of the laser and 400.degree. C. for approximately one hour. The catalyst is exposed to the same laser gas mixture during this period. The temperature of the heated zone is then lowered to the operating temperature of the CO.sub.2 laser.

Abstract: An airconditioning control system for an automotive vehicle includes a flow control responsive to individual inputs from multiple locations within the motor vehicle for providing conditioned air processed by a blower, an evaporator and a heater, with air being provided at selected flow rates to each of the locations, with each of the flow rates being independent of the other.

Abstract: Cog wheel vehicle system. A single track consists of a square beam having a pair of flanges. There is a row of holes in each flange. A vehicle rides on the track and has a cog wheel engaging the holes in the flange. A directional hydraulic motor is connected to drive the cog wheel. A hydraulic pump is connected to drive the motor. A gasoline engine is pivotally mounted on the vehicle and is connected to drive the pump.

Abstract: Adapter for installing, inside a building wall, a vending machine coin box of the type normally mounted outdoors. The coin box is mounted on the inside of the wall, the coin box having a coin receiving aperture, a coin return slot and a coin return lever. A first chute is mounted in the wall and connected to the coin receiving aperture, the first chute extending downwardly from the outside of the wall. A second chute is mounted in the wall connected to the coin return slot, the second chute extending downwardly from the inside to the outside of the wall. A coin return bar extends through the wall and connected to operate the coin return lever, whereby the coin box is protected from vandalism and burglary.