Abstract: A body of an automated hand held tubing sealer encloses an electric motor, a drive train responsive to the electric motor, a source of RF energy, a switch for initiating operation of the electric motor and limit switches for controlling operation of the source of RF energy as a function of the drive train and a programmable microprocessor for controlling and varying any of numerous parameters. A sealing head assembly is formed by a fixed jaw and a movable jaw to compress tubing placed therebetween in response to operation of the drive train and to melt the compressed tubing as a function of operation of the source of RF energy. A fitting permits selectively detachably attaching the sealing head assembly with the body at any of more than one angularly displaced positions.

Abstract: A blade retaining clip and a blade assembly for axially securing a root portion of a blade component within an axially extending slot of a rotating disk. The blade retaining clip includes a shank portion, a first end portion and a second end portion. The shank portion includes an axial downwardly curved profile. The first end portion and the second end portion are integrally formed at opposed ends of the shank portion. The first end portion and the second end portion are configured to secure the root portion of the blade component within the axially extending slot of the rotating disk. The axial downward curvature of the shank portion minimized operating stresses at the first end portion and the second end portion and subsequent failure of the blade retaining clip.

Abstract: The invention features apparatuses and methods for inactivating viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens in protein-containing fluids. The apparatuses include a radiation transparent housing at least of a portion of which is radiation transparent. In addition, the housing contains a static mixer such that fluid flowing the housing approximates fully mixed flow. Pathogens are inactivated in liquids flowing through an apparatus of the invention by exposing the liquid to UV radiation, e.g., UVC radiation, at an appropriate intensity for an appropriate period of time.

Abstract: A turbine or compressor disk assembly comprises a plurality of blades attached to a central hub by means of the blade root of each blade engaging a corresponding slot in the hub. According to the principles of the present invention, a turbine or compressor disk assembly includes one or more locally bulging regions extending axially away from the surface of the disk in the vicinity of the bottom contact plane of the disk attachment firtree. The locally bulging regions reduce the peak Macke stress in the disk bottom fillet and blade attachment root. In an illustrative embodiment, two locally bulging regions are incorporated into the disk and the corresponding blades, one of which extends forward from the leading edge of the disk and the other of which extends rearward from the trailing edge of the disk. The rearward locally bulging region has an exaggerated extension which allows the stress reduction ring to form an aft flow discourager as well as functioning to reduce peak stress.

Abstract: A dual cavity substrate having a sample compartment for selectively discharging the fluid under test is rotatably mounted in a holder. A monolayer of red blood cells is centrifugally developed on the cavity surfaces of the substrate and, after typing, is subjected to the presence of an antibody which antibody may or may not have an affinity for the antigen of the first layer of red blood cells. A second monolayer of red blood cells is layed on the antibody. One of the two layers of blood cells or the antibody is the element being tested. Should agglutination of the second layer of red blood cells occur, the test is positive. Equipments for various substrate surface preparation procedures as well as for washing, lysing and optical inspection procedures are also described. A method for conducting various tests performable by the apparatus is disclosed.