Abstract: A system for electronically recording and sharing medical data is provided, the system comprising an electronic source document, wherein the electronic source document comprises a database. In one particular embodiment, the medical data comprise clinical study data, and in another the medical data comprise patient specific data. In some embodiments, the system includes means for defining data parameters and storing the data parameters within the electronic source document, as well as a browser-based means for entering data into the electronic source document and storing the data therein. In a further embodiment, the system comprises means for one or more users of the system to view stored data. In a still further embodiment, means for one or more users to amend data stored in the electronic source document is provided, and in yet another embodiment the system comprises means for creating and maintaining an audit trail when one or more of the users amends data stored in the electronic source document.

Abstract: A system including a first element to provide a first parameter value that varies with a first temperature of fluid adjacent the first element, a second element to provide a second parameter value, the first element connected to the second element at an output such that output signals at the output correspond to differences between the first parameter value and the second parameter value, a heater element situated between the first element and the second element to provide heat to the fluid, and a circuit to evaluate the output signals at the output and a threshold value that corresponds to a fluid flow set point and to determine whether flow of the fluid, in at least one direction, across the first element, the heater element, and the second element exceeds the fluid flow set point.

Abstract: A system for electronically recording and sharing medical data is provided, the system comprising an electronic source document, wherein the electronic source document comprises a database. In one particular embodiment, the medical data comprise clinical study data, and in another the medical data comprise patient specific data. In some embodiments, the system includes means for defining data parameters and storing the data parameters within the electronic source document, as well as a browser-based means for entering data into the electronic source document and storing the data therein. In a further embodiment, the system comprises means for one or more users of the system to view stored data. In a still further embodiment, means for one or more users to amend data stored in the electronic source document is provided, and in yet another embodiment the system comprises means for creating and maintaining an audit trail when one or more of the users amends data stored in the electronic source document.

Abstract: A system for electronically recording and sharing medical data is provided, the system comprising an electronic source document, wherein the electronic source document comprises a database. In one particular embodiment, the medical data comprise clinical study data, and in another the medical data comprise patient specific data. In some embodiments, the system includes means for defining data parameters and storing the data parameters within the electronic source document, as well as a browser-based means for entering data into the electronic source document and storing the data therein. In a further embodiment, the system comprises means for one or more users of the system to view stored data. In a still further embodiment, means for one or more users to amend data stored in the electronic source document is provided, and in yet another embodiment the system comprises means for creating and maintaining an audit trail when one or more of the users amends data stored in the electronic source document.

Abstract: A system for electronically recording and sharing medical data is provided, the system comprising an electronic source document, wherein the electronic source document comprises a database. In one particular embodiment, the medical data comprise clinical study data, and in another the medical data comprise patient specific data. In some embodiments, the system includes means for defining data parameters and storing the data parameters within the electronic source document, as well as a browser-based means for entering data into the electronic source document and storing the data therein. In a further embodiment, the system comprises means for one or more users of the system to view stored data. In a still further embodiment, means for one or more users to amend data stored in the electronic source document is provided, and in yet another embodiment the system comprises means for creating and maintaining an audit trail when one or more of the users amends data stored in the electronic source document.

Abstract: A system for electronically recording and sharing medical data is provided, the system comprising an electronic source document, wherein the electronic source document comprises a database. In one particular embodiment, the medical data comprise clinical study data, and in another the medical data comprise patient specific data. In some embodiments, the system includes means for defining data parameters and storing the data parameters within the electronic source document, as well as a browser-based means for entering data into the electronic source document and storing the data therein. In a further embodiment, the system comprises means for one or more users of the system to view stored data. In a still further embodiment, means for one or more users to amend data stored in the electronic source document is provided, and in yet another embodiment the system comprises means for creating and maintaining an audit trail when one or more of the users amends data stored in the electronic source document.

Abstract: A discharge muffler (20) in an HVAC&R system (100) includes a plurality of tubes (34, 38, 42) of predetermined length that are disposed at a predetermined spacing in substantially mutual axial alignment by a plate (30). The tubes (34, 38, 42) are secured adjacent to a compressor discharge (24) to minimize pressure reduction, improve flow characteristics and improve efficiency of the HVAC&R system (100).

Abstract: An acid-gas absorbing tablet including in relatively sufficient proportions an adsorbent which may be activated carbon or silica gel or a mixture thereof, potassium carbonate, polyvinylpyrrolidinone, and potassium bicarbonate. A method of absorbing acid gases from a confined environment utilizing the above tablet by inserting it into the confined environment.

Abstract: An acid-gas absorbing tablet including in relatively sufficient proportions an adsorbent which may be activated carbon or silica gel or a mixture thereof, potassium carbonate, polyvinylpyrrolidinone, and potassium bicarbonate. A method of absorbing acid gases from a confined environment utilizing the above tablet by inserting it into the confined environment.

Abstract: An active flowchart label is provided for displaying information regarding the state of an instrument. A label is provided having transmissive regions positioned within a graphical representation of a circuit path or in relation to textual messages provided on the label. Light sources within the instrument are positioned to illuminate the transmissive regions when activated to communicate which circuit paths are active. Additional light sources within the instrument are positioned to illuminate transmissive regions associated with the textual messages to provide additional information regarding the operation of the instrument. Light channels may be provided to direct the light from the light sources to the transmissive regions.

Abstract: A vending machine is usable in conjunction with a credit card accepting self service fuel dispensing gasoline pump. A credit card is initially input to the gasoline pump and approval of the credit card is obtained. A customer is then prompted to purchase a soft drink. The customer can input the quantity type of soft drink desired and coded portions of this information can be transmitted from the gas pump to the vending machine. A code can be generated in the gas pump, which is machine or human readable, and can be printed on a single receipt which further includes a total amount to be charged on a credit card corresponding to the gas dispensed and soft drink quantity purchased. This code can be entered into the vending machine where the soft drinks can be automatically dispensed without the need for further insertion of paper or coin money.

Abstract: The present invention provides hollow borosilicate microspheres having a mean particle size between 15 and 20 microns, and a true density below 0.25 g/cc. The invention also provides a method for making such microspheres comprising spray drying a solution of sodium silicate and sodium borate in a spray tower to form a precursor, milling the precursor, and heating the crushed precursor to a temperature in excess of 600.degree. F. to form hollow borosilicate microspheres.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for selectively monitoring the light intensity emitted from an oil-burner flame for purposes of determining when the burner is in need of preventative maintenance. The apparatus features a monitoring system including: a sensor for detecting burner, flame-light intensity; a comparator for comparing the light intensity sensed to predetermined upper and lower limits; a display for indicating whether the burner is operating acceptably or whether it requires maintenance; and a discriminator for selectively coupling out-of-range, intensity indications representative of a need for maintenance to the display. The discriminator includes measurement-threshold circuitry for determining whether the burner has successfully ignited and whether the flame generated has been sustained long enough to assure thermal stabilization.

Abstract: An X-ray cassette 30 has a window 32 for mounting a back-lit LCD 34 to expose the film therein with patient identifying information in the form of a barcode. A strip of lead 38 opposite window 32 shields film 37 when cover 31 is closed. The LCD is activated after a sensor 56 connected to an X-ray tube 54 detects the discharge of X-rays. The patient identifying information may be read directly from the patient's bracelet 47 at the same time the X-ray is taken using barcode scanner 44.

Abstract: A method and composition employing microencapsulated thickeners for providing controlled thickening of thermosetting resins, including sheet molding compositions.

Abstract: A portable tree stand includes a rigid, substantially rectangular lightweight platform having a flexible chain secured thereto for use in attaching and locking the platform to a tree trunk. A pair of elongate brace members are pivotally connected to the lower surface of the platform and are fixedly connected to a penetrating member, which penetrates the tree trunk when the tree stand is mounted on a tree. The platform has a recessed end and a pair of penetrating elements projecting therefrom, which facilitate positioning and stability of the platform. Carrying straps are provided to permit easy transport of the portable deer stand as a backpack.

Abstract: A ring valve apparatus is designed for efficient transfer of liquids and gases and for attaining near-perfect vacuum state of gases. Intake means consist of a flexible ring valve and three ports encompassed by valve seats. Exhaust means include a rigid ring valve, three port openings encompassed by valve, and three cylinders containing spring-loaded plungers. The configuration of the piston head and structure of the valves make possible a complete exhaustion of gases from a cylinder, a feature required for attaining near-perfect vacuum in a chamber.

Abstract: A tank for receiving water to be desalinated supports a vacuum pump at the upper end thereof. The inlet of the pump communicates with the tank for reducing the interior of the tank to a subatmospheric pressure and the outlet of the pump communicates with heat transfer coils submerged just below a water level in the tank. The vacuum pump has an outer casing defining a heating area which traps the heat generated by operation of the pump. An inlet for water to be desalinated leads through the heated area around the pump and is discharged above the water level at the heat transfer coils for vaporization of the incoming water. The heat transfer coils communicate with condensing coils leading downwardly in the tank. The heat transfer coils are supported on a float and have an inlet and outlet arrangement providing for even distribution of vapor.

Abstract: A heat storage unit (100) in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped is provided with a removable closure element (104), and contains a plurality of removable closed plastic tubes (126) holding a heat storage substance, the tubes being laterally supported by adjacent tubes and longitudinally supported to be spaced from ends of the unit by grids (124a and b). A transfer fluid flows from one end of the unit to the other through spaces between the tubes. A heat storage system (FIGS. 4 or 5 for example) is conveniently custom built by attaching a plurality of the rectangular parallelepiped units to form a cluster of units. Each unit includes a special structural frame (106) to allow such attaching. The units contain heat storage substances of various adjustable melting temperatures, thereby providing for the storing of heat as the latent heat of fusion at several temperature levels.

Abstract: A selective extraction heat storage assembly (32) for use in a system including a plurality of such assemblies (32a-c) and for use by itself, includes a heat unit (10) connected in parallel with a fluid circulating passage (54) and has a separate unit heat extractor (exchanger) (34) mounted in the unit (10). The unit (10) can be charged and discharged by fluid flow through the unit caused by an outside fluid circuit and can be similarly discharged thereby. However, in addition, the unit can be charged and discharged by means of the separate unit heat extractor (exchanger) (34) within the unit by closing off the heat storage assembly from the outside fluid circuit and circulating fluid through the unit via the parallel fluid circulating passage (54). A pump (42), several sensors (46 and 52), and valves (44 and 60) form a part of the heat storage assembly to provide for this operation.