Abstract: A method includes diagnosing a solenoid circuit to determine if the circuit has begun to degrade. By measuring characteristics associated with the electrical waveform, it is determined if the characteristics of a solenoid circuit are different from the previously measured characteristics of the circuit, or of a known functioning circuit.

Abstract: A folding and sealing apparatus comprising a housing supporting a feed platform for feeding a supply of pre-glued forms to the folding and sealing apparatus. The housing accommodating a first roller, a second roller, a third roller and a fourth roller, and the first and second rollers forming a first nip, the second and third roller forming a second nip and the third and fourth roller forming a third nip. A motor drives at least one of the rollers via a drive mechanism. The first roller is a spring biased roller to facilitate feeding of the pre-glued form while the second, third and the fourth rollers are all fixedly mounted to the housing so that the second nip and the third nip both provide a sufficient sealing pressure to the folded form, as the folded form passes through the second and the third nips, to facilitate both folding and sealing of the folded form. A collection bin is provided adjacent the third nip for collecting the folded and sealed forms upon exiting from the folding and sealing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the validity of a data signal communicated between two microprocessors by a dual port random access memory (RAM). The apparatus includes a sender for providing a data signal and an initialization status indicator, and a dual port RAM in communication with the sender for receiving the data signal and the initialization status indicator. The dual port RAM has a first memory location for storing the data signal and a second memory location for storing the initialization status indicator of the dual port RAM. The sender performs initialization on the dual port RAM at the beginning of a data transfer cycle which includes a plurality of data transfer from the sender to a receiver. The sender updates the initialization status indicator as the initialization progresses. The receiver of the apparatus is in communication with the dual port RAM. More particularly, the receiver reads the initialization status of the dual port RAM from the second memory location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for reducing the danger and preventing the abuse of orally administered, controlled release, pharmaceutical formulations. These formulations are useful to prevent the abuse of or accidental overdose of such formulations which can be overdosed or abused by chewing or crushing the formulation prior to ingestion. The formulations comprise a therapeutic, pharmaceutical composition and an antagonist to the pharmaceutical composition which is only bioavailable upon chewing or crushing of the antagonist prior to oral administration of the pharmaceutical formulation.

Abstract: A folding and sealing apparatus comprising a housing supporting a feed platform for feeding a supply of pre-glued forms to the folding and sealing apparatus. The housing accommodating a first roller, a second roller, a third roller and a fourth roller, and the first and second rollers forming a first nip, the second and third roller forming a second nip and the third and fourth roller forming a third nip. A motor drives at least one of the rollers via a drive mechanism. The first roller is a spring biased roller to facilitate feeding of the pre-glued form while the second, third and the fourth rollers are all fixedly mounted to the housing so that the second nip and the third nip both provide a sufficient sealing pressure to the folded form, as the folded form passes through the second and the third nips, to facilitate both folding and sealing of the folded form. A collection bin is provided adjacent the third nip for collecting the folded and sealed forms upon exiting from the folding and sealing apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided for using a dual port RAM to share data between microprocessors at high speed. By using status indicator flags, microprocessors are able to determine whether the data in memory is current and whether or not it had been utilized.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing a solenoid circuit to determine if the circuit has begun to degrade. By measuring characteristics associated with the electrical waveform, it is determined if the characteristics of a solenoid circuit are different from the previously measured characteristics of the circuit, or of a known functioning circuit.

Abstract: A low speed, low cost mechanical device for sealing folded product treated with pressure sensitive adhesive into ready to mail documents. Designed as a stand-alone machine powered by a gear motor for small business applications or as a back-up machine for larger users of pressure seal products. The unit can also be used in conjunction with any form folder for a more “automated” system.

Abstract: A quality composite board can be manufactured by combining natural fibrous material, resin and a waxy hydrocarbonaceous material wherein the waxy hydrocarbonaceous material is a natural, synthetic or petroleum wax containing from greater than 30 wt % to up to 98 wt % oil content.

Abstract: A sealed container includes a base jar for containing a substance and a removable lid for closing and sealing the base jar. The base jar includes a bottom wall, a side enclosure extending upwardly from the bottom wall having an upper portion with a screw thread, and an upper wall extending inwardly and upwardly from the upper portion of the side enclosure having a circular brim which defines a wide mouth opening for the base jar. The removable lid includes a top wall and an encircling member extending downwardly therefrom with a screw thread which matingly engages with the screw thread of the upper wall of the base jar. For sealing with the base jar, the removable lid also includes a circular projection extending downwardly from the lid which engages and seals with the circular brim.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch assembly having an axial series of friction plates for selectively transmitting torque and rotation between drive and driven assemblies. Specifically, a clutch assembly is provided that, in accordance with the present invention, transmits torque between friction plates and annular portions of rotational members having interengaging, polygonal cross-sectional configurations. The clutch also includes plastically deformable tabs for retaining the axial series of friction plates within a clutch housing. As constructed and arranged, the clutch of the present invention is suitable for high stresses and maximizes clutch efficiency.

Abstract: A sealed container includes a base jar for containing a substance and a removable lid for closing and sealing the base jar. The base jar includes a bottom wall, a side enclosure extending upwardly from the bottom wall having an upper portion with a screw thread, and an upper wall extending inwardly and upwardly from the upper portion of the side enclosure having a circular brim which defines a wide mouth opening for the base jar. The removable lid includes a top wall and an encircling member extending downwardly therefrom with a screw thread which matingly engages with the screw thread of the upper wall of the base jar. For sealing with the base jar, the removable lid also includes a circular projection extending downwardly from the lid which engages and seals with the circular brim.

Abstract: An improved chemical treatment system for hemodialysis machines, which includes a first three way valve which has a normally open position in the dialysis and rinsing modes of the hemodialysis machine. The valve in the normally open position couples a source of water through the valve to the bicarbonate pump for rinsing purposes before and after dialysis and the chemical treatment modes of the hemodialysis machine. In the chemical treatment mode of the hemodialysis machine the valve is switched to couple a source of treatment chemical through the valve to the bicarbonate pump. The chemical treatment system includes a second valve, which if in the normally open position, then only the bicarbonate portion and associated downstream portions will be chemically treated. In the closed position, the chemical will be switched to also flow through the whole hemodialysis machine from the water inlet to provide for a half or total system chemical treatment cycle.

Abstract: A valveless positive displacement pump including a closed end cylinder having two fluid inlet and outlet ports adjacent the closed end. A piston reciprocably and rotatably driven in the cylinder and including a reduced area portion on one free end which communicates cyclically with the inlet and outlet ports to pump fluid through the positive displacement pump. The piston reduced area is a reduced radius portion to minimize air bubble buildup and to minimize fluid volume at the end of the piston stroke. The piston also has a gland area formed in the piston which cyclically communicates with a pair of ports to clean the piston and cylinder and prevent the buildup of solids. The piston and cylinder can be formed from a hard ceramic material for accuracy and wear resistance. The cylinder is closed by a resilient end cap to relieve pressures caused by piston movement when the inlet and outlet ports are closed.