Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue.

Abstract: A portable projection and display system can include a frame assembly having one or more folding trusses, a counterweight bar arranged on a rearward bottom portion of the frame to help provide a stable base, and an adjustable boom. A projector can be mounted on one end of an adjustable boom. The boom can adjust a distance between the projector and the display screen. The boom can be mounted to the frame with a hinged connection to permit it to act as a lever to raise and lower the projector. An adjustable boom bar can be attached to an end of the boom opposite the projector such that adjustment of the boom bar raises and lowers the projector via a lever action about a fulcrum.

Abstract: A portable projection and display system can include a frame assembly having one or more folding trusses, a counterweight bar arranged on a rearward bottom portion of the frame to help provide a stable base, and an adjustable boom. A projector can be mounted on one end of an adjustable boom. The boom can adjust a distance between the projector and the display screen. The boom can be mounted to the frame with a hinged connection to permit it to act as a lever to raise and lower the projector. An adjustable boom bar can be attached to an end of the boom opposite the projector such that adjustment of the boom bar raises and lowers the projector via a lever action about a fulcrum.

Abstract: A portable projection and display system can include a frame assembly having one or more folding trusses, a counterweight bar arranged on a rearward bottom portion of the frame to help provide a stable base, and an adjustable boom. A projector can be mounted on one end of an adjustable boom. The boom can be configured to be capable of adjusting a distance between the projector and the display screen. The boom can be mounted to the frame with a hinged connection to permit it to act as a lever to raise and lower the projector. An adjustable boom bar can further be provided. The adjustable boom bar can be attached to an end of the boom opposite the projector such that adjustment of the boom bar raises and lowers the projector via a lever action about a fulcrum.

Abstract: Various types of valve systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a positive control reciprocating sleeve valve system for use with an internal combustion engine includes opening and closing rockers controlled by corresponding opening and closing cam lobes. In one aspect of this embodiment, interference can be designed into the valve control system to provide additional “hold-closed” force to hold the valve against its seat during a portion of the engine cycle. In another aspect of this embodiment, positive control valve systems can include compliant components and systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and/or mechanical spring systems to control valve lash, facilitate sealing, etc.

Abstract: Various types of valve systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a positive control reciprocating sleeve valve system for use with an internal combustion engine includes opening and closing rockers controlled by corresponding opening and closing cam lobes. In one aspect of this embodiment, interference can be designed into the valve control system to provide additional “hold-closed” force to hold the valve against its seat during a portion of the engine cycle. In another aspect of this embodiment, positive control valve systems can include compliant components and systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and/or mechanical spring systems to control valve lash, facilitate sealing, etc.

Abstract: A portable projection and display system can include a frame assembly comprising one or more folding trusses, a counterweight bar arranged on a rearward bottom portion of the frame to help provide a stable base, and an adjustable boom. A projector can be mounted on one end of an adjustable boom. The boom can be configured to be capable of adjusting a distance between the projector and the display screen. The boom can be mounted to the frame with a hinged connection to permit it to act as a lever to raise and lower the projector. An adjustable boom bar can further be provided. The adjustable boom bar can be attached to an end of the boom opposite the projector such that adjustment of the boom bar raises and lowers the projector via a lever action about a fulcrum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medicament or food supplement, that when ingested by an individual, forms a gel mass in the individual's stomach, said gel mass consisting essentially of methylcellulose and water, as well as methods for inducing satiety, reversibly reducing stomach void volume, and reducing caloric intake in an individual.

Abstract: Various types of valve systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a positive control reciprocating sleeve valve system for use with an internal combustion engine includes opening and closing rockers controlled by corresponding opening and closing cam lobes. In one aspect of this embodiment, interference can be designed into the valve control system to provide additional “hold-closed” force to hold the valve against its seat during a portion of the engine cycle. In another aspect of this embodiment, positive control valve systems can include compliant components and systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and/or mechanical spring systems to control valve lash, facilitate sealing, etc.

Abstract: A container inspection apparatus and method measures both warp and off-level of an annular sealing surface of a container. The apparatus preferably has a warp gauge device and an off-level gauge device suspended over a container support and base by at least one column for the warp gauge device and a pillar for the off-level gauge device. When measuring for warp, the off-level gauge device is constructed and arranged to pivot clear of the warp gauge device, and vice-versa when measuring for off-level. The container preferably is held laterally or radially in place by two V-bracket assemblies, and vertically in place by a container support. The V-bracket assemblies are adjustable vertically to accommodate containers of differing diameters and heights.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting lean of a container includes a light source positioned beneath a container for directing light energy onto the container bottom as the container is held in position and rotated around an axis. A light sensor positioned beneath the container receives portions of the light energy from the source reflected from the container bottom. An information processor is coupled to the light sensor for determining, as a combined function of the reflected light energy and container rotation, departure of the container bottom from a plane perpendicular to the axis. The container preferably is held in position and rotated around an axis by a drive roller that urges the container against axially spaced backup rollers so as to define an average axis of rotation as a function of the geometry of the container and spacing between the backup rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a container finish includes at least one light source for directing light energy onto the sealing surface of a container. At least one light sensor is disposed to receive light energy reflected from the sealing surface of the container, and is responsive to such reflected light energy to provide signals indicative of the level of the sealing surface at at least four points on the sealing surface spaced from each other around the axis of the container finish. An information processor is responsive to such signals for detecting variations in level at the sealing surface of the container. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the points on the sealing surface from which reflected energy is received at the sensor are at a nominal angle of 90° from each other. The information processor preferably is responsive to such signals for detecting warp, dip, off-level and overall height variations at the sealing surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting checks in the finish of a translucent container that includes a first optical subassembly in which a first light source directs light energy onto the container finish as it rotates and a first light sensor receives portions of the first light energy reflected from horizontal checks in the container finish, and second and third optical subassemblies include respective second and third light sources and associated second and third sensors for directing light energy onto the container finish and receiving energy reflected from vertical checks in the container finish. Each optical subassembly includes an associated mounting plate, by means of which the optical subassemblies are mounted at an inspection station with the first light source and sensor disposed in a vertical plane, and the second and third light sources and sensors disposed in opposed mirror-image arrays on opposite sides of the vertical plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the formaldehyde emission of composite wood products bonded with urea-formaldehyde adhesives employing the combination of a small sample chamber and an electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the formaldehyde emission of composite wood products bonded with urea-formaldehyde adhesives employing the combination of a small sample chamber and an electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: A disposable device for absorbing and removing liquid lipids, primarily molten fats and oils, from the surface of an aqueous food mixture. The device comprising a multitude of capillary passages separated by partitions of a pellicular material possessing both hydrophobic and lipophilic properties. The capillary passages and partitions extend vertically through the device between its upper and lower faces. When exposed to the surface of an aqueous food mixture, the device selectively absorbs liquid lipids but does not absorb appreciable quantities of water or other ingredients present in the food mixture.

Abstract: An orifice plate for a glass ribbon machine has an orifice provided with a side wall having a continuously variable angle. When used for making envelopes for incandescent lamps, the plate provides stronger bulbs.

Abstract: An orifice plate for a glass ribbon machine has an orifice provided with a side wall having a continuously variable angle. When used for making envelopes for incandescent lamps, the plate provides stronger bulbs.

Abstract: A high vacuum apparatus includes a vacuum tank having a pair of upstanding conical side walls arranged with the centers thereof extending outwardly in opposite directions. A peripheral side wall structure interconnects the peripheral edges of the conical side walls to define an internal enclosure. An inlet opening is provided through one side wall adjacent the top of the tank and the top of the tank is open for connection to a vacuum source.