Abstract: A logistics system manages the shipments of goods supplied from a plurality of different shippers by a plurality of carriers. It has a variety of modules integrated with each other to perform various functionalities. For example, it may have a purchasing module evaluating proposals by shippers for respective shipments of goods and awarding contracts for the shipments to the plurality of carriers. It may have an optimization module analyzing the proposals and informing the purchasing module if an opportunity exists for at least some of the shipments to be consolidated, in which case at least one contract awarded by the purchasing module is for a consolidated group of the shipments. It may have a contract administration module maintaining information relating to the status of proposals received and contracts awarded by the purchasing module. It may have a scheduling module scheduling shipments according to the awarded contracts.

Abstract: A safety mat monitoring system has individual mat indicators associated with corresponding mat switches. A mat switch is activated by pressure on or malfunction of the mat switch. Once activated, an indicator on a controller is activated and, in turn, the controller activates the corresponding individual mat indicator.

Abstract: A safety mat monitoring system has individual mat indicators associated with corresponding mat switches. A mat switch is activated by pressure on or malfunction of the mat switch. Once activated, an indicator on a controller is activated and, in turn, the controller activates the corresponding individual mat indicator.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulation panel with an insulating core sealed within an envelope. The envelope formed from a single sheet of highly flexible material with a pair of opposing edge portions sealed together contiguously along the entire respective lengths thereof to form a sleeve with a single and two open ends. The sleeve may be folded to define sides. A longitudinal pleat may be formed in at least one of the sides of the envelope. One open end is sealed to form an envelope and a core of insulation material is inserted. The remaining open end is sealed and the envelope is evacuated.

Abstract: An ulcer, lymphoedema and DVT treatment device (10) comprises a drive unit (12) adapted to deliver mechanical vibrations at its surface in three orthogonal directions at a frequency in each orthogonal direction of between 15 and 75 Hz and with an amplitude in each orthogonal direction of between 0.1 and 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A container package assembly which comprises a first support member and a second support member, a plurality of containers, a top pad, and a membrane. The first support member having a first side, the second support member having a second side. The first support member and the second support member being arranged along a common plane wherein the first edge is immediately adjacent to the second edge. Each of the support members constructed and arranged to receive a predetermined number of containers thereon. A top pad positioned on top of the containers, the top pad dimensioned to extend over at least a portion of each of the support members. The support members, the predetermined number of containers and the top pad comprising an assembly, the assembly at least partially encapsulated by the membrane.

Abstract: A container package assembly which comprises a first support member and a second support member, a plurality of containers, a top pad, and a membrane. The first support member having a first side, the second support member having a second side. The first support member and the second support member being arranged along a common plane wherein the first edge is immediately adjacent to the second edge. Each of the support members constructed and arranged to receive a predetermined number of containers thereon. A top pad positioned on top of the containers, the top pad dimensioned to extend over at least a portion of each of the support members. The support members, the predetermined number of containers and the top pad comprising an assembly, the assembly at least partially encapsulated by the membrane.

Abstract: A device to extend the jamming margin of a low data rate DSSS communication system uses a transmitter which has two spreading sequences, a primary and a secondary sequence. The receiver uses a single correlator non-coherent detector with a tau-dither tracking loop. The receiver acquires and tracks the primary sequence. The secondary sequence has a chip rate lower than the repetition rate of the primary sequence, and passes through a post-despreading filter of the receiver. The post detector filter is deliberately widened compared to the normal bandwidth required to filter the data. The addition of the secondary spreading sequence and widening of the post detector bandwidth improves the jamming margin of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tibial prosthetic knee component. The prosthesis includes a tibial tray having a posterior rail and an anterior rail, and a tibial insert. The tibial insert has a posterior dovetailed surface matching the posterior rail in the tibial tray, and an anterior surface matching the anterior rail in the tibial tray. The posterior rail of the tibial tray and the posterior dovetailed surface of the tibial insert are curved to provide clearance for the posterior cruciate ligament. A retaining clip is provided for retaining the tibial insert in the tibial tray. The clip includes a tab which extends through the tray into the insert and a resilient holding member remains unloaded when loads are applied to the knee, reducing the likelihood of dissociation of the tray and insert.

Abstract: A bottom bag closure of the present invention is created from a substantially tubular length of fabric and two sets of connectors. One of a first set of connectors is on a partial seam on a back face of the bag. Another one of the first set of the connectors is on a bottom edge of a front face. Each of the second set of connectors is on the bottom edge of the back face adjacent an unconnected portion of the partial seam. The first set of connectors is connected toward the back face of the bag and the second set of connectors is connected toward the front face of the bag. The present invention also includes a method of creating the above set forth leakproof, reusable bottom bag closure.

Abstract: A bottom bag closure of the present invention is created from a substantially tubular length of fabric and two sets of connectors. One of a first set of connectors is on a partial seam on a back face of the bag. Another one of the first set of the connectors is on a bottom edge of a front face. Each of the second set of connectors is on the bottom edge of the back face adjacent an unconnected portion of the partial seam. The first set of connectors is connected toward the back face of the bag and the second set of connectors is connected toward the front face of the bag. The present invention also includes a method of creating the above set forth leakproof, reusable bottom bag closure.

Abstract: A compound having the formula ##STR1## where Ar=naphthyl, biphenyl, or quinolinyl;X=oxygen or NH;Y=2 to 8;R.sub.1 =phenyl, substituted phenyl, hydrogen, lower alkyl; andR.sub.2 is the same or different from R.sub.3 and is alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, thiazolyl; andthe pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.Compounds of this general formula are useful as anti-inflammatories, and as anti-psoriatic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a children's safety guard apparatus for installation into the frame of a window. A plurality of preferably square guard bars disposed in spaced relationship are connected to two support members, which are secured to the frame of a window. The bars are adjustable to a predetermined length, comprising two elongated members, one slidably mated inside the other. A means for locking the members so as to prevent them from sliding together is mounted to at least one bar of the plurality, the means being attached to the smaller member abutting the larger member. The means for locking includes a flexible sleeve portion surrounded by a flexible grip having flanges that can be drawn together or released via a bolt extending through bolt holes in the flanges, the bolt having a head provided with a keyway that fits a key.

Abstract: An improved positive reinforcement respiratory inhalation device of simple construction is provided for respiratory therapy while simultaneously providing to the user controlled ingestion of liquid. The device is used primarily for post-surgical patients when respiratory therapy is most important and restricted liquid intake is usually required. The respiratory inhalation device includes a container for holding liquid and a tube assembly having a first tube slideably coupled to and concentric with the second tube affixed to the container. In one version the tube assembly is affixed to the bottom wall portion of the container. One end of the tube assembly projects to a point adjacent the bottom wall of the container and the second end is adapted for insertion into the mouth of a user. One or the other or both of the first and second tubes are provided with openings in side wall portions thereof whose aperture is adjustable by the sliding movement of one tube relative to the other.

Abstract: A novel positive pressure and volume measurement respiratory device is disclosed which provides positive pressure respiratory therapy to the user. Simultaneously the user's inspiration volume can be measured by merely observing the amount of liquid displaced from one container to another. The respiratory therapy device is comprised of two containers connected by flexible tubing which are raised and lowered relative to one another by appropriate linkage connected to a motor either cyclically or intermittently dependent upon the needs of the user. A user tube which communicates with the interior of one container acts as the conduit to the mouth of the user for expelled air when positive pressure is developed within the container.

Abstract: A novel combination inhalation and exhalation respiratory therapy device is shown which allows measurement of the respiratory capacity of the user. Additionally, it is so constructed that the user or one supervising the user may control the rate of inspiration or exhalation while simultaneously measuring the total volume of air inhaled or exhaled. The respiratory therapy device, to be used with a liquid such as water, is comprised of two containers inter-connected by a conduit tube through openings in either the top wall portion or side wall portion of each respective container. Additionally, an opening is provided in the top wall portion of the first container to communicate atmospheric pressure to the surface of the liquid contained therein. A tube is fixedly mounted through the top wall portion of the second container having a user end adapted to be placed in the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: An intermittent pressure pneumatic stocking system for creating pressure changes on selected parts of the body of the user or patient. The pneumatic stocking is filled with air or other suitable gas to a selected low pressure and through slight movements of a bedridden patient intermittent pressure changes to selected external areas of the body are achieved. Movements of the patient cause pressure and volume changes in a first pneumatic sac placed under the patient or wrapped around the torso of the patient. These changes in pressure and volume cause gas displacement through pneumatic tubing to at least one second pneumatic sac located on one of the patient's extremities. The second pneumatic sac is so arranged to surround the particular region such as the calf of a leg. Each of the pneumatic sacs may be divided into a plurality of compartments.

Abstract: A positive reinforcement respiratory inhalation device is provided for respiratory therapy used primarily for postsurgical patients. The device also provides controlled ingestion of liquid. The respiratory inhalation device includes a container for holding liquid and a first tube projecting through the lid of the container which provides support for a second tube which fits snugly inside the first tube and extends into the container. The second tube has a plurality of openings at various heights in its wall which selectively can be occluded by moving it relative to the first tube. When the container is filled with liquid to a level above a first end of the second tube, the amount of inspiratory effort applied to the second end of the second tube which is required of a patient to withdraw a given amount of liquid from the container can be controlled by adjusting the second tube up or down within the first tube to occlude more or less openings.