Abstract: The invention relates to a blasting apparatus for activating a plurality of electrical detonators after predetermined time delays. The blasting apparatus includes a plurality of remote electrical delay devices. Each device is linked to a detonator, and is arranged to be serially programmed with a timing signal, which originates from the central control unit and which determines the time delay. A bidirectional signal harness, having ends which terminate at I/O ports in the control unit, serially links the delay devices to the control unit. In the event of a fault of discontinuity occurring in the harness prior to programming of the delay devices, the discontinuity is detected and the direction of programming along the bidirectional harness is reversed so that those delay devices which, due to the break, cannot be programmed in the initial direction, are programmed with timing signals travelling along the signal line in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A sub-combat unit to be separated from a flying body, comprises a warhead, a target detector and two diametrically disposed carrier surfaces designed and arranged to impart to the sub-combat unit a rotation for scanning of the target area in a helical pattern during the fall of the sub-combat unit down towards the target area. The two carrier surfaces are pivotable between a closed position and an opened position in which the two carrier surfaces form a retarding area for controlling the fall velocity of the sub-combat unit and a flow influencing means is provided at at least one of the two carrier surfaces for creating a turbulent area immediately above the carrier surface for completely relieving the carrier surfaces even for large differences in the direction of the impinging wind.

Abstract: A modular propellant charge (10) composed of N propellant charge modules (1; 11-16) each having a length Lo. In order to obtain an economical, durable, easily released connection between the propellant charge modules (1; 11-16), a displaceable sleeve (6; 17-22) of a length L is axially slidably arranged on the exterior of each propellant charge module (1; 11-16) with the relationship ##EQU1## applying for the length L. The displaceable sleeves are utilized to interconnect adjacent modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is capable of high-speed transportation of passengers and/or freight. Vehicles (22) are operated along a guideway (14) as a result of the interaction between vehicle lift, steering and propulsion apparatus, each of which includes coil assemblies that are mounted on the vehicle (22), and magnet assemblies mounted on the guideway (14). Vehicle propulsion is provided by the interaction of currents on the vehicle (22) with time-varying magnetic fields that are generated along the guideway (14). The coils and magnets interact in accordance with the magnitude of electric current passing through the coils and the strength of the magnets' fields, to give lift and directional control to the vehicle.

Abstract: A steerable truck has a pair of wheelsets supporting a pair of laterally spaced side frames. Each wheelset is connected to the sideframe at one end by a pivotal connection and at the opposite end through a steering link to provide relative displacement between the wheelset and sideframe. The connections between the wheelsets and sideframes include upper and lower pivots. One of the pivots has a lower lateral stiffness than longitudinal stiffness to allow movement of the associated wheelset out of plane without inducing torsional loads in the sideframe.

Abstract: A gondola carrying and dumping device with a frame pivotally carrying a sub-frame having a pair of lift forks with tines for carrying a gondola and a slidable cover over the gondola for controlling the dumping of workpieces from within the gondola. A pair of actuators pivotally move the sub-frame and gondola, and a third actuator retracts the cover to control dumping of workpieces from the gondola.

Abstract: To fasten a vertical support column (14) for example of a stand-up desk (16, 18) to an article of furniture, for example a writing desk (10, 12), textile adhesive closures (22, 24) are used. Support column (14) is fastened to desktop (10) of the desk by a textile adhesive closure (22, 24). Another textile adhesive closure can serve as a second fastening point to prevent support column (14) from tilting.

Abstract: An incinerator for disposing of a syringe needle having a first pair of electrical contacts adapted to connect a source of electricity at approximately opposed positions across the width of the syringe needle such that the electricity will flow across the width between the positions for welding and sealing the needle, and a second pair of electrical contacts adapted to connect a source of electricity to flow across a portion of the length of the syringe needle for incineration of said portion. The present invention ensures that the end of the needle is completely sealed, i.e., sufficiently sealed to prevent any possible leakage of harmful quantities of fluid.

Abstract: In a coal-fired boiler, a heat recovery unit is located upstream of a dry electrostatic precipitator so as to reduce the temperature of exhaust gas flowing to the dry electrostatic precipitator and thus prevent reverse ionization in the electrostatic precipitator. The heat recovery unit located upstream of the dry electrostatic precipitator will in no way be corroded even if the concentration of dust is reduced in the dry electrostatic precipitator. A desulfurization unit does not require a cooling/dust removing section and eliminates the need for a wet electrostatic precipitator. The dry electrostatic precipitator includes a gas passage divided into a plurality of parallel passages and dampers operable to close the passages. This arrangement prevents dust from being dispersed as a result of hammering without charge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for conducting a coal combustion process. The method includes and a step of combusting pulverized coal to form flyash, including a fume component formed from organically associated inorganics in the pulverized coal, and combustion off-gases, and a step of injecting a substantially noncombustible, preformed, coarse particulate material into the combustion process.

Abstract: A process for rendering usable disposal products is described, in which unsorted pollutant-containing industrial, domestic and/or special refuse undergoes a high temperature treatment. Accompanied by the entraining of existing liquid fractions and while maintaining its mixed and combined structure, the disposal product is compressed batchwise to compact packs. While maintaining the pressure action it is subsequently positively introduced into a channel heated to over 100.degree. C. and is kept in sliding, non-positive contact with the channel walls until the initially present liquids are evaporated and mechanical restoring forces of individual disposal product components are eliminated. The entrained organic constituents at least partly assume a binder function. The shape and structurally stable, lumpy solid conglomerate forced out of the channel in this state is introduced into a high temperature reactor maintained at at least 1000.degree. C. and forms therein a gas-permeable bed.

Abstract: There is provided a needle attachment position indicator device for use in a sewing machine of a type comprising a stitch pattern forming mechanism provided in a machine frame for permitting selection of one stitch pattern from a plurality of different stitch patterns, an actuator member disposed in the machine frame for permitting selection of the stitch pattern, an actuation mechanism disposed in the machine frame for setting the stitch pattern forming mechanism at selected stitch pattern in response to the selective actuation of the actuator member, and needle holding means having a plurality of needle attachment positions. The device includes an indicator member capable of indicating needle attachment position corresponding to the selected stitch pattern, in response to the selective actuation of the actuator member.

Abstract: A device for applying fabric webs includes upper and lower runners each formed with a respective edge facing a pile edge of the web and provided with respective first, second and third segments which are differently shaped and provide aligning of the edge and a seam during hemming and sewing operations.

Abstract: A boat mooring device designed to be used with a second similar mooring device to hold a boat away from a dock while allowing up and down movement of the boat in response to water level changes. In a preferred embodiment, each mooring device has an arm that extends out from the dock and is coupled to a base for movement about both a generally horizontal axis permitting lateral swinging of the arm, and a vertical axis permitting up and down movement of the arm. The two movements are cushioned by a tension spring that is connected between the base and the inner end of the arm so that the spring is tensioned whenever the arm moves down or swings laterally from a rest position.

Abstract: A device for maintaining docks or other floating bodies at a given distance from and orientation to the shore by means of a ratchet assembly hinged on the side of the dock closest to shore, and a line attached to two guides, such as pulleys, on the underside of the dock. When the level of the water varies, the device maintains the dock at the same distance from the new waterline as it was from the old, in the following manner: the line is anchored at one end on shore and at the other to a bottom anchor beyond the farthest point the dock will extend to at lowest water level. Tension in the line pushes the dock towards the shore until the ratchet contacts the bottom, where equilibrium is established. If the water falls, the ratchet pushes the dock away from shore and a new equilibrium is established, farther out; this repeats as long as the water falls. If the level rises, the ratchet is raised off the bottom and the dock moves towards shore to a new equilibrium point. This continues as long as the water rises.

Abstract: A high performance boat stabilized through the use of foam stabilizing members is provided. The boat has a rigid, planing hull including a transom, and a pair of curved sides extending forward from the transom to form a bow. A bottom is joined to the sides forming a chine. The foam stabilizing members are mounted on the sides of the hull above the chine and extend from the transom along the length of the boat. The sides of the boat also include an upper and lower flange extending outwardly from the sides of the boat adjacent to the upper and lower edges of the stabilizing members at the location where the stabilizing members attach to the sides of the hull. The lower flange helps to ensure that water is not forced in between the sides of the boat and the stabilizing members, thus preventing possible damage to the boat.

Abstract: A personal marine craft for transporting an individual user across the surface of a body of water. An inflatable buoyancy membrane having independent air chambers, including side buoyancy chambers and a forward bumper chamber is attached to and extends along the sides and about the bow of a central rigid hull. An upper exposed deck of the rigid hull, which is structured and disposed to accommodate the user thereon, hingedly lifts open to provide access to a water-tight engine compartment containing a drive unit, including an engine, fuel tank, battery and air pump for inflating the air chambers. A seat and a steering handle post ar hingedly attached to the rigid hull and are each independently movable between a raised, operable position and a collapsed, stowed position. A lifting handle on the bow and retractable wheels on the transom of the rigid hull facilitate portability on land.

Abstract: An aquarium comprises a bifurcated pedestal and a cylindrical transparent viewing tank mounted within the arms of the pedestal. The pedestal contains a reservoir beneath the viewing tank, the volume of the reservoir being sufficient to hold the contents of the viewing tank. A secondary fish tank or drawer is mounted within the pedestal beneath the reservoir. The fish drawer contains gravel and aquarium plants, and fish can move freely between the viewing tank and fish drawer. The fish drawer is removable from the pedestal to replace the fish and/or aquarium plants during which time water from the viewing tank is stored in the reservoir. Water filters are provided within the pedestal with water conduits arranged so that when the viewing tank is filled with water, water flows under the influence of gravity from the fish drawer up to the filter and then back to the reservoir. Pumps within the reservoir pump the water into the viewing tank.

Abstract: A multi-purpose pet accessory comprises a bottom wall and a vertical wall with an access opening in the front. A panel sized to fit in the access opening is included. By inserting the panel in the access opening, the accessory is suitable for use as a whelping bed. Also included is a lid adapted to fit the bottom and the top of the enclosure. When the accessory is used as a pet bed or whelping bed, the lid is placed on the bottom of the enclosure, forming a decorative base. When the pet passes away, the accessory may be converted to a casket by closing the access opening with the panel and placing the lid on the top of the enclosure.

Abstract: A poultry watering system is provided having a support conduit integrally formed within a flange extending from and integrally formed with a fluid conduit. That flange further includes a snap-fit connection to a hanger bracket which also mounts a two wire anti-roosting device. The fluid conduit also includes saddle flanges retained via snap-fit which shield the saddles and associated drinker devices from run off. When so retained, the saddles penetrate the fluid conduit and permit fluid flow to the drinker devices. The fluid conduit, its flanges and the support conduit can be extruded as a unitary element from PVC plastic materials while other materials can be employed for the saddle and drinker devices to minimize costs without loss of system effectiveness in performance. Additional stability of the system may be attained (if necessary) by housing a stabilizing member in the support conduit.

Abstract: A large animal handling chute designed to accommodate an elephant includes a fixed wall assembly and an opposing, movable wall assembly. The movable wall assembly is selectively movable toward and away from the fixed wall assembly upon movable supports traversing a pair of top and a pair of bottom support rails. The movable wall is independently pivotable at each of the movable supports. Four leg straps, two body straps, and a body support flap are provided to secure the elephant within the chute, and the entire chute including the confined elephant is rotatable about a pivot support to make the elephant's feet and legs accessible to a handler. A floor is hinged to the fixed wall assembly and can be hydraulically lowered to a horizontal position once the chute is rotated. The lowered floor thus provides a convenient work platform for an animal handler or veterinarian.

Abstract: A tube stop for cooperation with a tube and fin furnace wall and a horizontal buckstay which includes first and second generally parallel generally planar spaced plates, apparatus for attachment of the first and second generally parallel generally planar spaced plates to the associated tube wall. A U-shaped plate has first and second opposed generally planar generally parallel space side walls, the first and second side walls being respectively disposed in spaced relation generally parallel relationship to the first and second generally parallel generally planar spaced plates, apparatus for coupling the first and second walls of the U-shaped member respectively to the first and second generally parallel generally planar spaced plates, and apparatus for rigidly coupling the U-shaped plate to the to the associated horizontal buckstay.

Abstract: A valve operating system in an internal combustion engine comprises an operating-force generating means for generating an operating force corresponding to the revolution of the engine, an operating-force applying means for operating an engine valve, a hydraulic transmitting means capable of hydraulically transmitting the operating force between the operating-force generating means and the operating-force applying means, a mechanical transmitting means capable of rigidly transmitting the operating force between the operating-force generating means and the operating-force applying means, and a selective switchover means capable of alternatively switching-over the transmissions of the operating force from the operating-force generating means to the operating-force applying means by the hydraulic transmitting means and by the mechanical transmitting means.

Abstract: The invention provides a power transmitting system for a small boat, such as a water jet propulsion craft, and more particularly, an improved arrangement for connecting an engine output shaft to a propulsion unit input shaft. Also provided is an arrangement for balancing an engine within the craft against undesirable operational forces tending to render the craft unstable. The connecting assembly includes a coupling arrangement utilizing elastomeric vibration dampening members. One of the dampening members possesses a high degree of elasticity, while another of the dampening members possesses a low degree of elasticity. A durable, yet efficient vibration dampening coupling arrangement, which is additionally able to act as a universal joint, is thereby achieved. The engine balancing arrangement includes a flywheel which rotates in response to the crankshaft assembly of the engine.

Abstract: A device for introducing a small amount of a rare earth mixture or composition in the combustion chamber of an combustion engine (1) comprises a container (4) containing a dry, air-permeable filling (5) of rare earth-containing fibers and/or powder, wherein the container (4) communicates via an opening (11) with the atmosphere and via a suction line (8) with a vacuum line (2), which is connected to the combustion chamber of the engine (1).

Abstract: A rotary servo fluid pump and a rotary water pump for an internal combustion engine have respective drive shafts which are both drivingly coupled to the rotor of the servo fluid pump by splines, keys, dogs or by having non-circular section shaft portions engaged in complementary non-circular bores in the rotor of the servo fluid pump. Flow passages of the two pumps are preferably formed in a common pump casing part which can be directly mounted on the engine block with the flow passages in open communication with respective flow galleries in the engine block. The casing part can then serve as a mounting bracket for the pumps on the engine.

Abstract: A device for stopping a diesel engine can properly control an engine stopping operation even if an engine rotation signal is not transmitted due to disconnection of a signal line at the time of the engine stopping operation and can prevent an engine stopping actuator from being burnt even if the engine does not stop due to mechanical trouble in a stopping mechanism. A contact 1a of a key switch 1 is turned from an ON terminal to an OFF terminal, whereby a transistor TR3 of a engine stopping operation section 8 us turned off. A transistor TR4 is turned on by a discharge of a capacitor C4, and a transistor TR5 and a relay switch 10 to follow are turned on to actuate a solenoid 11 to shut off fuel supply through a stopping mechanism.

Abstract: An engine control system is disclosed for reducing the hydrocarbon content in the exhaust gas of a crankcase scavenged, two-stroke engine in the operating range near idle, with light operator induced engine loading. As operator demand for engine output power is increased, the system increases the fuel per cylinder supplied to the engine while restricting the supplied mass of air per cylinder to a value less than that flowing at unloaded engine idle.

Abstract: To ensure a high-precision simultaneous control of the enginegenerated torque, air fuel ratio of the automobile engine and related factor, the present invention calculates the target air mass flow rate as the air mass flow rate at the inlet port which achieves the target torque, estimates the air flow condition inside the intake manifold, supplies the result to the fuel injection control system and the throttle control system, and determines the fuel injection pulse width which achieves the target air fuel ratio according to the estimated air mass flow rate at the inlet port for the fuel injection control system, while determining the throttle angle which achieves the target torque according to the estimated condition and the target air mass flow rate for the throttle control system.

Abstract: An engine wherein a target air-fuel ratio is changed over according to the running conditions is provided with a device for computing a target throttle opening area based on the accelerator operation and a selected air-fuel ratio. It also includes a device for correcting the throttle opening such that the throttle opening area is equal to a target throttle opening area, a device for computing a fuel amount to be provided to the engine based on the target air-fuel ratio, intake air volume and engine speed, and a device for regulating the fuel supply to the computed amount. In this way, the throttle valve opening is corrected when the air-fuel ratio is changed, fluctuations in the torque generated by the engine are smoothed out, and torque shock due to the air-fuel ratio change-over is thereby prevented.

Abstract: In an operation control method of an engine using a mixed fuel of a mixture of a plurality of fuels having different properties, operation condition of the engine being controlled according to a detection signal from a fuel blend ratio detector for detecting the blend ratio of the plurality of fuels in the mixed fuel, and when a malfunction occurs in the detection by the fuel blend ratio detector, the engine is provided with blend ratio storage for storing a plurality of emergency blend ratios for ignition timing control and for air fuel ratio control, and operation condition of the engine is controlled according to the plurality of emergency blend ratios.

Abstract: An electronic distributor for an internal combustion engine, having a plurality of switching elements for conducting and breaking currents flowing to a plurality of ignition coils, a first lead frame for separately flowing the currents of the plurality of switching elements to the plurality of ignition coils and a second single lead frame for dropping current levels of currents of at least two switching elements of the plurality of switching elements to a common electric potential, characterized in that a resistance value of the first lead frames has been set to be larger than a resistance value of the second lead frame.

Abstract: A slingshot device includes a missile and a launcher for launching the missile, the launcher including a handle adapted to be grasped by a user, an elastic strap for projecting the missile, the elastic strap having a first end connected with the handle and a second free end, a launching wedge affixed to the free end of the strap for releasably coupling the free end of the elastic strap with the missile such that upon drawing the free end back away from the handle and then releasing the free end the missile is accelerated forward and launched beyond the handle, and a somewhat flexible control tube connected to the handle for restraining any uncontrolled whipping about of the elastic strap and essentially precluding travel of the free end of the elastic strap forward beyond the handle, the control tube essentially surrounding at least a portion of the length of the elastic strap so that the elastic strap is retracted within the control tube upon launching of the projectile and is precluded from following the pr

Abstract: An essentially jam-free bulk loader for a semi-automatic paintball gun includes a storage housing positionable above the gun infeed opening and adapted to hold a quantity of paintballs to be gravity fed to and fired by the gun. Extending downwardly from a bottom outlet opening in the housing is a feed tube having a bottom end portion connectable to outer end of the gun infeed elbow. During normal operation of the loader, a series of paintballs fall into the tube and infeed elbow and are vertically stacked therein for sequential downward delivery to the gu through the inner end of the infeed elbow. If a paintball jam occurs within the storage housing above its outlet opening during firing of the gun, a void is created in a top end portion of the feed tube above the downwardly moving paintball stack. An optical sensor detects the void and responsively actuates a motor driven agitator member within the storage housing adjacent its bottom outlet opening.

Abstract: A launcher for holding and successively launching a plurality of projectiles, such as fireworks projectiles, which explode into an aerial pyrotechnic display. The launcher includes a pressure tank containing a compressed gas and a plurality of launching tubes for holding the projectiles. The launching tubes are constructed to form a magazine to enable successive launching of fireworks projectiles by appropriate indexing of the magazine and thus the launching tubes. A control apparatus opens and closes a valve to introduce compressed gas into one of the launching tubes to launch a projectile into the air. Indexing of the launching tubes when the pressure tank is pressurized prior to launch is prevented by a stop mechanism. The stop mechanism also prevents inadvertent or accidental detonation of the projectile in the launching tube.

Abstract: A high efficiency fuel-fired induced draft condensing furnace is provided with a horizontal vent termination assembly installed in an exterior wall of a building served by the furnace. The vent termination assembly, constructed entirely from PVC plastic pipe and fittings, includes a combustion gas vent pipe connected to the furnace's draft inducer fan outlet, horizontally extending through an opening in the wall, and having an open discharge end positioned outwardly beyond the wall. A larger diameter combustion air inlet pipe circumscribes the vent pipe within the wall opening and forms around the vent pipe an annular combustion air flow passage that is communicated with the furnace combustion air inlet. A coupling member connected to the outer end of the inlet pipe has a diametrically enlarged end portion positioned on the outside surface of the wall, axially inwardly of the outer vent pipe, and forming an annular inlet to the flow passage between the two pipes.

Abstract: A high efficiency gas furnace utilizes a unique premix design in combination with a pressurized/high velocity combustion process. The combustion process occurs in a combustion chamber and the high temperature high velocity products of combustion follow a circuitous route from the combustion chamber through finned tubular conduits to an exhaust. Heat from the high temperature high velocity products is transferred to the finned tubular conduits. An air blower assembly forces air across the finned tubular conduits and the combustion chamber to remove the heat from the finned tubular conduits and transfer this heat to a building or an enclosed portion thereof.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking apparatus relating to an improved gaseous fuel fired cooking apparatus that has a burner frame supporting a removable cooking vessel for containing liquid such as cooking oil, or the like using a fuel source (such as propane or butane) contained in a canister with a conduit to supply the fuel to one or more vertically oriented nozzles that are offset with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the vessel, so that an offset application of heat to the vessel insures a rotation of liquid flow within the vessel during use and wherein a trap portion of the vessel spaced away from the heat source to collect sediment (such as pieces of food or batter).

Abstract: A shield structure is arranged in mounted communication with a fireplace grate in adjacency to a rear wall of a fireplace to afford protection to the fire bricks of the fireplace rear wall minimizing their deterioration. The shield structure is arranged to include abutment portions to a rear face of the shield arrangement to provide for a spaced relationship of the shield relative to the fireplace rear wall to provide for an air barrier between the shield and the rear wall.

Abstract: An exoskeletal robotic device supplements relative movement between biological skeletal members coupled at a biological joint of a wearer, and preferably forms complete sections of a skeleton to be worn by a human. First and second frame members for mechanical joints are attachable to the wearer adjacent the biological joint. The mechanical joints define a center of relative rotation of the frame members about at least two, and preferably three mutually perpendicular axes, the center of relative rotation of the frame members being displaced from the outer surfaces of the skeletal members to correspond in position with the center of the biological joint. Actuation devices in the form of hydraulic cylinders are coupled between the first and second frame members for rotating the frame members under power under control of a microprocessor which can execute stored sequences or apply power in the same direction as exerted by the wearer against pressure sensors coupled to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for a regulator is of a structure in which it is possible to freely utter words, and to talk even when a driver wears the regulator. The mouthpiece 10 is mounted under a communicating condition on a demand regulator unit 2 which is connected to a cylinder through a hose 4. The mouthpiece 10 comprises a tube 12 abutted against an outer side of a mouth portion of a diver, and a pair of teeth grips 13 extending from the tube into a cavum oris of the diver, so as to be bitten and held by molar teeth of the diver. When the mouthpiece 10 is worn, the mouth portion of the diver is made free. Accordingly, talking and conversation are made possible while being worn.

Abstract: In a tracheostomy tube structure, a neckplate of the tube structure and on elbow dis-connectible from the structure, the steps include providing flexible band means, attaching the band means to the neckplate, extending the band means to retain the elbow, and tightening the band means to hold the elbow against inadvertent disconnection from the tube structure.

Abstract: A reflectance oximeter is so mounted to the upstream or proximal side of a laryngeal mask as to face the posterior wall of the pharynx when the laryngeal mask has been positioned to perform its function of sealed, exclusive airway communication with the laryngeal inlet. Thus positioned, radiation from the oximeter can utilize local back-bone features as a reflector, for two-way passage of the radiation through tissue which characterizes the posterior wall of the pharynx. Moreover, the oximeter-observation region is within the body, so that ambient light has no degrading effect, and changes in oxygen saturation will be detected earlier than by use of any peripherally placed oximeter probe.

Abstract: A dual chamber pacemaker system is provided having an improved Wenckebach response for optimizing tracking of atrial signals having rates within a rate range above the normal tracking range, i.e., in a designated Wenckebach range. When an atrial sense occurs in the Wenckebach range, the AV delay is extended up to a predetermined maximum extension to enable delivery of a ventricular pulse at the ventricular upper rate limit (dynamic tracking limit). When the AV delay would have to be extended beyond the maximum extension in order to pace the ventricle at the dynamic tracking limit, the next ventricular stimulus is delivered asynchronously at an escape interval greater than the escape interval corresponding to the dynamic tracking limit, e.g., at a predetermined lower pacing limit.

Abstract: A system for disabling an oximetric device when radiation-carrying channels are exposed to excess ambient radiation is disclosed. It includes a transmitter channel adjacent the sample to be measured, means for isolating the channel from the sample so that it does not carry radiation reflected from or transmitted through the sample, a detector for receiving the transmitted signal, if any, and means for disabling the output in response to the transmitted signal. Preferably, the transmitter channel runs parallel to other transmitter channels in the device, and is isolated from undue ambient light. The system preferably includes means for determining when the second transmitted signal exceeds background noise and the output is disabled when the second transmitted signal exceeds background noise.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for detecting deep venous thrombosis in a human body wherein changes are effected in the amount of deoxyhemoglobin in the body limb by trapping blood in the venous system for a determinate time period and then releasing the trapped blood in the venous system. During the period that the changes in the amount of deoxyhemoglobin are effected, first and second light sources emit light of two selected wavelengths which penetrate into the deep venous system of the body limb so that the reflectance contributions can be used to measure changes in the flow and amount of deoxyhemoglobin and to thereby detect the presence or absence of deep venous thrombosis.

Abstract: An electrode for establishing electrical contact with nerve tissue. The electrode is chronically implantable. The outer substrate of the electrode is a semi-rigid, body compatible, insulating material such as a chronically implantable polymer. The outer substrate is molded as a single structure having a central spine along the longitudinal axis of the electrode. A plurality of fingers extend orthogonally from the central spine, and are bent circularly about a radius of curvature approximating that of the nerve to be contacted. Each of the plurality of fingers is of sufficient length to extend approximately one-half of the distance around the outer circumference of the nerve tissue. The plurality of fingers extend from the central spine in one of two opposite directions causing the electrode structure to encompass a hollow cylinder having an inside diameter the same as the nerve.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring the heart wall movement of a person, including a measuring head (10, 12) placeable on the breast with an electrode arrangement (76, 78) and a measuring circuit (84) for capacitively measuring the skin movement with respect to the electrode arrangement (76, 78), the measuring head has a holding ring (10) with an annular surface perpendicular to the ring axis (26) intended for placement on the body (30, 32) and straps for fastening the measuring head (10, 12) to the body. In the holding ring (10) is an adapter (12) including the electrode arrangement (76, 78) resiliently supported for movement in the direction of the ring axis (26) as well as in two other axes perpendicular to the ring axis and to one another.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for covering the lens tip of a tonometer. The protective lens cover of the subject invention comprises a unitarily molded structure having an open end and an opposing closed end. The protective lens cover slidably receives onto the lens tip of a tonometer therein providing a temporary sterile environment to contact the eyeball of a patient.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic imaging system, an ultrasonic angiographic image of a blood vessel, equivalent to an X-ray angiographic image, is produced in a real time by utilizing an IIR digital filter with a ROM and a frame memory.