Abstract: A combined air intake and combustion gas vent terminal is provided for engagement with at least one of a pair of pipes extending horizontally and being spaced apart to accommodate the inward flow of combustion air and the outwardly flow of exhaust air from a furnace. The terminal assembly is installed entirely outside of the building and has a stepped structure for engaging the pipes such that it can accommodate different sized pipes.

Abstract: A spin-on filter cartridge includes a housing, a filter element operably oriented in the housing, a baffle plate, and a seal arrangement. The baffle plate is operably oriented over the housing open end and defines a central flow aperture. The baffle plate also defines a continuous groove immediately adjacent to and circumscribing the central flow aperture. The seal arrangement is secured to the baffle plate and spaced from and circumscribing the continuous groove. A filter assembly including the spin-on filter cartridge and a filter head is also disclosed wherein the filter cartridge is removably mountable on the filter head. When the spin-on filter cartridge is oriented on the filter head, a seal member is received within the continuous groove and the seal arrangement forms a seal between and against the baffle plate and the filter head. The seal can be radial or axial or have both axial and radial components.

Abstract: A humidifier is provided and includes a membrane, which is permeable to water of a condensate supply but impermeable to acid of the condensate supply and a housing system to urge airflow across the membrane to humidify air with the water of the condensate supply.

Abstract: Methods of estimating the temperature of a reaction site on a measurement strip in a blood glucose measuring devices are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes determining an activation initiation time, an activation duration time, a thermal magnitude and a temperature elevation for heat generating components within a device. The temperature elevation for each of the heat generating components is determined at least in part by an impulse response matrix [Xi], the activation initiation time, the activation duration time and the thermal magnitude for each of the heat generating components.

Abstract: A vent system for improving the efficiency and/or reducing emissions of a combustion device is disclosed. The vent system may include an outer pipe and an inner pipe having a longitudinal section that is permeable to water or water vapor and is longitudinally disposed within the outer pipe. The inner pipe defines a first passageway and the outer and inner pipes define a second passageway therebetween. As the moisture and/or heat are transferred from the flue gas to the intake air through the longitudinal section of the inner pipe, the efficiency of the furnace may be improved and the NOx emission of the furnace may be reduced.

Abstract: Methods of estimating the temperature of a reaction site on a measurement strip in a blood glucose measuring devices are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes determining an activation initiation time, an activation duration time, a thermal magnitude and a temperature elevation for heat generating components within a device. The temperature elevation for each of the heat generating components is determined at least in part by an impulse response matrix [Xi], the activation initiation time, the activation duration time and the thermal magnitude for each of the heat generating components.

Abstract: An embeddable module for measuring a blood glucose level may be embedded in an external host and may comprise a host interface, a microcontroller, an ASIC, a temperature measuring element, and a measurement strip port. The host interface may permit electrical communication between the host and the microcontroller. The microcontroller and ASIC may communicate with each other and may work together to measure the blood glucose level of a blood sample. The measurement strip port may receive a removable measurement strip having the blood sample. The ASIC may communicate with the measurement strip port such that the ASIC may receive signals from the measurement strip port related to the blood glucose level of the blood sample. The temperature measuring element may be in electrical communication with the microcontroller and may measure the temperature of the module and transmit signals to the microcontroller related to the temperature of the module.

Abstract: A combined air intake and combustion gas vent terminal is provided for engagement with at least one of a pair of pipes extending horizontally and being spaced apart to accommodate the inward flow of combustion air and the outwardly flow of exhaust air from a furnace. The terminal assembly is installed entirely outside of the building and has a stepped structure for engaging the pipes such that it can accommodate different sized pipes.

Abstract: A work scheduling method utilizes a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) which communicates with a work order database and a labor pool database, each having a plurality of entries therein. A resource leveling program accesses the entries in the databases and applies an order of fire to the entries to utilize available manpower in a manner which at least attempts to achieve plant success through the provision of at least a draft work schedule. After running the resource level program, the preferred embodiment allows user input to affect at least portions of the order of fire to allow modification and an ability to rerun the program.

Abstract: A gas furnace responsive to a thermostat includes a thermal switch wired in series between the furnace power supply and the thermostat. A microprocessor connected to the thermal switch detects when the switch opens and closes, carrying out prearranged programs in response thereto. The thermal switch is mounted so that it opens when an over-pressure in the furnace draft system is detected, as evidenced by hot flue gasses passing over the thermal switch probe. The switch is allowed to cycle at least one time before the furnace is disabled. After a certain period of the time, the combustion cycle is reinitiated and the above steps are repeated if the thermal switch again resets.

Abstract: A gas furnace responsive to a thermostat includes a thermal switch wired in series between the furnace power supply and the thermostat. A microprocessor connected to the thermal switch detects when the switch opens and closes, carrying out prearranged programs in response thereto. The thermal switch is mounted so that it opens when an over-pressure in the furnace draft system is detected, as evidenced by hot flue gasses passing over the thermal switch probe. The switch is allowed to cycle at least one time before the furnace is disabled. After a certain period of the time, the combustion cycle is reinitiated and the above steps are repeated if the thermal switch again resets.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting one or more component parts of a unit in assembly. The apparatus includes a mounting plate containing one or more extruded holes each having a raised lip surrounding the hole which protrudes upwardly from the top surface of the plate for receiving a threaded fastener that is used to secure a part to the bottom mounting surface of the plate. An endless depression surrounds each hole which also protrudes outwardly from the top surface of the plate. The size and shape of the depression is such that the plate area surrounding the fastener receiving hole is strong enough to resist high impact loads.

Abstract: A computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus with improved features. The computerized exercise apparatus permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user where apparatus calibration is accurately determined before exercise to compensate for the user selected force application device, the push assembly, if used, and environmental factors; where hydraulic flow can be accurately controlled by use of an alternating current dither circuit; where multiple user force application devices, a push assembly, and a detachably connectable operator support are available for a myriad of exercises; and where the instantaneous forces measured during user exercise are displayed to the user in such a novel way so as to motivate the user to maximize their exercise efforts and thereby obtain increased personal benefit.

Abstract: A biosensing meter is provided that determines a value of an analyte in a biological sample. The meter employs an algorithm for determining the analyte value, which value is dependent upon ambient temperature about the biological sample when it is present in a reaction zone. The biosensing meter includes a processor and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is positioned within the meter's structure and thereby exhibits a delayed response to changes in the ambient temperature. The meter performs a temperature estimation method to overcome the delayed temperature response. The method commences by the meter repetitively and periodically acquiring temperature readings from the temperature sensor when the biosensing meter is both in an on state and in an off state. When the meter is in the on state, the algorithm estimates the ambient temperature by employing at least two most recent temperature readings and extrapolating therefrom to achieve an ambient temperature estimate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user force application device which will optimally be used with a computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus, preferably, an apparatus which permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user. One embodiment of the user force application device comprises a main support structure; securing assembly for securing the main support structure in an exercise position desired by a user; a shaft having a cable end and a handle end, the shaft being received by the main support structure and moveable therein, the cable end and the handle end extending from the main support structure; controlling assembly for controlling movement of the shaft within the main support structure; a handle detachably connected to shaft handle end; and detachably connecting assembly for detachably connecting the shaft cable end to the tension transmitting device of an exercise apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user force application device which will optimally be used with a computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus, preferably, an apparatus which permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user. One embodiment of the user force application device comprises a hollow outer cylinder, an inner cylinder inserted into the hollow outer cylinder and in co-axial alignment therewith, the inner cylinder being freely rotatable around its axis and freely slidable within the hollow outer cylinder along its axis. Grips of different size and shape can be provided which can easily be attached to the inner cylinder. The movement of the inner cylinder inside the hollow outer cylinder can be restricted. By attaching a larger cylinder to the inner cylinder and in co-axial alignment with it, rotational resistance can be provided. The user force application device can be secured to the exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus.

Abstract: A computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus with improved features. The computerized exercise apparatus permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user where apparatus calibration is accurately determined before exercise to compensate for the user selected force application device, the push assembly, if used, and environmental factors; where hydraulic flow can be accurately controlled by use of an alternating current dither circuit; where multiple user force application devices, a push assembly, and a detachably connectable operator support are available for a myriad of exercises; and where the instantaneous forces measured during user exercise are displayed to the user in such a novel way so as to motivate the user to maximize their exercise efforts and thereby obtain increased personal benefit.

Abstract: A differentially inflatable toilet comprising flexible plastic sheet structure forming, when inflated, a hollow body having a central well; gusset structure in the hollow inflated body for resisting lateral relative closing of the well when the body is sat upon to become deformed, and; a flexible sheet receptacle that has a first portion received in the well, and a second portion overlying and supported on the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for neutralizing and disposing of infectious solid waste and non-hazardous solid waste includes a housing having an upper chamber for receiving the infectious solid waste and a lower chamber for receiving the non-hazardous solid waste. The upper chamber includes an exterior loading door, and an interior discharge door. A discharge ram forms one wall of the upper chamber opposite to the discharge door. The upper chamber includes door seals and pressure fittings so that the infectious waste placed therein may be sterilized by steam introduced under pressure. The neutralized wastes are ejected by the discharge ram through the interior door into the lower chamber. One wall of the lower chamber comprises a compactor ram which is extendable through a discharge opening to compress the neutralized and non-hazardous wastes into a closed compactor container.