Abstract: A mud flap lifting system specifically for a live bottom type trailer vehicle in which asphalt or similar is dispensed from the rear of the trailer load box for a paving operation using a paving machine in tandem with the trailer. Pneumatic lift cylinders on each side of the trailer load box are used to retract and extend cables running rearwardly from the cylinders to and through cable guides positioned vertically above the mud flaps. The cables are operable to pull or lift the lower portions of the mud flaps upwardly and outwardly into curved configurations located above a paving machine roller as it engages the rear wheels of the trailer, and at a height designed to engage the paving machine hopper as it engages the trailer.

Abstract: A hydrogel coupling device for the transmission of ultrasound therethrough having a predetermined shape and comprising a hydrogen bonded composition comprising PVA, one or both of PVP and PEG, and the balance water. The predetermined shapes are formed and are then exposed to (a) one or more freeze/thaw cycles, (b) one or more dehydration/re-hydration cycles, or (c) one or more freeze/thaw cycles and one or more dehydration/re-hydration cycles. The shapes may further be irradiated with high energy radiation followed by heat treating.

Abstract: In vivo biocompatible hydrogels to couple and transmit high intensity ultrasound for hemostasis and ablation during surgery, the hydrogels having 4-40 wt. % of a polymer comprising acrylates and the balance water. A group of hydrogels based on cross-linked methacrylate one of which is polyethyleneglycol methacrylate, can form rigid, low acoustic attenuation coupling members and are in vivo biocompatible. These coupling members consist of hydrogel formulations having mechanical and acoustic properties such that ultrasound transmission standoff members of various dimensions and structural configurations function as efficient ultrasound transmission media and devices within which the ultrasound beam can be transferred to a focal point at the end of the standoff or in close proximity to it.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound coupling media and lubricant, in gel or liquid form, comprised of polyethylene oxide (PEO), and aqueous solvent solutions. The inventive coupling media provides long term biocompatibility (bio-inert, bio-erodable or biodegraded and excreted) in vivo with human tissue and body fluids. The ultrasound coupling and lubricating media is formulated and manufactured in such manner and form that renders the acoustic media sterile, non-cross-linked, pseudoplastic, and containing acceptably low levels of pyrogens.

Abstract: Method and formulations to extend the utility of ultrasound compliant adhesive hydrogel membranes from static to dynamic applications by modifying the surface of at least one face so as to transform the tactile nature of the surface from one that is adhesive and render it smooth and lubricious. Such modification thus provides one face that is smooth and lubricious and the other unmodified, hence providing one adhesive surface that can be attached to the skin of a patient, the face of an ultrasound probe or other surfaces that benefit from the adhesive/lubricious configuration of such modified adhesive hydrogels.

Abstract: An in vivo biocompatible hydrogel acoustic coupling standoff for transfer of high intensity ultrasound to achieve hemostasis and ablation during surgery. More specifically, a group of hydrogels, based on hydrophilic block co-polymers, can form rigid, low acoustic attenuation coupling members that are in vivo biocompatible.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound coupling media and lubricant, in gel or liquid form, comprised of polyethylene oxide (PEO), at least one of polyalkylene glycols and polyhydric alcohols, and the balance water. The inventive coupling media provides long-term biocompatibility (bio-inert, bio-erodable or biodegraded and excreted) in vivo with human tissue and body fluids. The ultrasound coupling and lubricating media is formulated and manufactured in such manner and form that produces higher viscosity gels with decreased amounts of polymer and renders the acoustic media sterile, non-cross-linked, pseudoplastic, and containing acceptably low levels of pyrogens.

Abstract: Method and formulations to extend the utility of ultrasound compliant adhesive hydrogel membranes from static to dynamic applications by modifying the surface of at least one face so as to transform the tactile nature of the surface from one that is adhesive and render it smooth and lubricious. Such modification thus provides one face that is smooth and lubricious and the other unmodified, hence providing one adhesive surface that can be attached to the skin of a patient, the face of an ultrasound probe or other surfaces that benefit from the adhesive/lubricious configuration of such modified adhesive hydrogels.

Abstract: Adhesive hydrogel films as ultrasound couplants wherein such hydrogels are adhesive on both sides for adhering to an ultrasound probe and to a protective sleeve or probe cover which facilitates acoustic coupling between an object such as between the human body and the active area of an ultrasound probe, thereby eliminating the requirement for coupling gels and fluids within the sleeve or cover.

Abstract: Adhesive hydrogel films as ultrasound couplants wherein such hydrogels are adhesive on both sides for adhering to an ultrasound probe and to a protective sleeve or probe cover which facilitates acoustic coupling between an object such as between the human body and the active area of an ultrasound probe, thereby eliminating the requirement for coupling gels and fluids within the sleeve or cover.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound coupling media and lubricant, in gel or liquid form, comprised of polyethylene oxide (PEO), at least one of polyalkylene glycols and polyhydric alcohols, and the balance water. The inventive coupling media provides long-term biocompatibility (bio-inert, bio-erodable or biodegraded and excreted) in vivo with human tissue and body fluids. The ultrasound coupling and lubricating media is formulated and manufactured in such manner and form that produces higher viscosity gels with decreased amounts of polymer and renders the acoustic media sterile, non-cross-linked, pseudoplastic, and containing acceptably low levels of pyrogens.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound coupling media and lubricant, in gel or liquid form, comprised of polyethylene oxide (PEO), and aqueous solvent solutions. The inventive coupling media provides long term biocompatibility (bio-inert, bioerodable or biodegraded and excreted) in vivo with human tissue and body fluids. The ultrasound coupling and lubricating media is formulated and manufactured in such manner and form that renders the acoustic media sterile, non-cross-linked, pseudoplastic, and containing acceptably low levels of pyrogens.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound coupling media and lubricant, in gel or liquid form, comprised of polyethylene oxide (PEO), and aqueous solvent solutions. The inventive coupling media provides long term biocompatibility (bio-inert, bio-erodable or biodegraded and excreted) in vivo with human tissue and body fluids. The ultrasound coupling and lubricating media is formulated and manufactured in such manner and form that renders the acoustic media sterile, non-cross-linked, pseudoplastic, and containing acceptably low levels of pyrogens.

Abstract: A homogeneous, solid, elastic, biocompatible sheath which is conformal and performs as if integral to the diagnostic and/or therapeutic medical ultrasound transducer, and comprised of 20 to 95% biocompatible liquid, preferably about 70% to about 95% biocompatible liquid, that render properties to the sheath resulting in the desirable level of acoustic coupling, with acceptable low levels of acoustic artifacts, distortion and attenuation and provides a microbial barrier between the transducer and a surgical field or skin. Such sheaths are fabricated from a group of hydrophilic block co-polymers whose chemistry and physical properties provide ability to form products by dipping, casting, molding or extrusion.

Abstract: A modular system for the support and positioning of a workpiece for use with a device such as an inspection system. The system includes a base having a plurality of exterior faces, at least some of which have an array of equally spaced holes forming a grid pattern. At least one riser is attached to the base cube by a fastener, which can be inserted into the riser by defeating an outwardly biased locking member at the inner end of the fastener, extending through said riser and into the holes of the base cube. The fastener is used to provide positive location and fastening of the risers to the base cube. Functions of individual risers include support, clamping, datum point positioning and providing reference points.

Abstract: Windingless rotor, variable reluctance, field excited, eletromechanical machines that provide for a family of windingless rotor machines consisting of both line commutated, synchronous machines, and self-commutated or self-synchronous machines, in both rotary and linear format. The basic operational format of this group of machines is a combination of an interdependent working relationship between the geometric parameters of the stator and rotor poles, and specially contoured pole surfaces and tips, all working in a complementary relationship to provide magnetically workable, variable reluctance air gaps that are capable of controlling the alternating magnetic flux waveform to effect a viable and efficient energy conversion process at substantially the fundamental frequency component, which is also the synchronous frequency of operation of the machine.

Abstract: An airfoil having improved aerodynamic characteristics has a leading edge and a trailing edge longitudinally spaced therefrom. A continuous lower surface of the air foil forms a lower camber extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The upper surface of the air foil has a first fixed upper surface extending rearwardly from the leading edge and terminating in an offset and a second upper surface extends rearwardly therefrom and is movable from a first position defining a first upper camber portion of the airfoil to a second position defining a second upper camber portion thereof.

Abstract: An airfoil having improved aerodynamic characteristics incorporates a leading edge (13) and a trailing edge (14) longitudinally displaced therefrom. A continuous lower surface (21), defining the lower camber of the airfoil, extends from the leading edge (13) to the trailing edge (14). The upper surface of the airfoil incorporates a first upper surface (22) extending rearwardly from the leading edge (13) and terminating in an offset (20), and at least a second upper surface (23) extending rearwardly therefrom. The first upper surface (22) defines a first upper camber portion of the airfoil and the second upper surface (23) defines a second upper camber portion thereof.

Abstract: A beverage container holder for mounting on a bicycle handle bar and the like. The holder providing a convenient and accessible place for carrying and storing various sizes and different types of containers and allowing the operator to free both hands during the operation of the bicycle.