Abstract: The invention provides a balloon and a method for heat tacking one side of an object to an interior of the balloon without the other side of the object becoming attached to the balloon. The balloon is formed from at least a top sheet and a bottom sheet of a substantially gas-impermeable, heat-sealable material such as BON. A portion of the object is chosen to be heat sealed to the interior of the balloon. The reverse side of the portion of the object is coated with a heat resistant barrier such as synthetic resinous fluorine-containing polymer, heat-resistant nitrocellulose ink or the like. The object is then placed between the two sheets that form the balloon. A heating element is applied to the sheet on which the object will be attached and a pressure plate is applied on the other sheet thus forming a sandwich. This sandwich heat stakes one side of the object to the balloon while the heat resistant barrier prevents the other side from attaching to the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel connection for a toy vehicle. The wheel connection utilizes a disc component which is attached to the vehicle suspension arm and a sleeve component which is attached to the vehicle wheel rim. The disc has a groove along its outer edge and the sleeve has a number of deformable outwardly extending tabs positioned on its inner wall. The disc and disc groove and the sleeve and sleeve tabs are sized so as when the wheel rim/sleeve assembly is pushed on to the suspension arm/disc assembly, the tabs first deform until they align with the groove, whereupon the tabs regain their non-deformed shape, within the profile of the disc groove. Similarly, when the wheel rim/sleeve assembly is pulled from the suspension arm/disc assembly, the tabs again deform until they are clear of the disc's outer edge, whereupon the tabs regain their non-deformed shape.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is configured for itinerant maneuvers and is programmed by manually drawing a path on an exposed surface of a mechanical touch screen assembly on the vehicle. A microprocessor, coupled with the touch screen assembly, reads the manually drawn path and controls movement of the vehicle to follow the manually drawn path. In one embodiment, the drawn path is erased to enter a new path by pivoting the first sheet of the assembly away from the second sheet and, in another embodiment, by separating the first and second sheets by sliding a horizontal plate between the sheets. A sensor on the vehicle detects the presence of a stylus in a holder. The microprocessor responds to the presence to initiate the itinerant movement and/or activate a visual indicator or an audio generator or both in the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A CNC tool grinding machine has at least one rotatable grinding wheel (1) movable relative to a workpiece (2) for grinding a flute surface (3) of a blade in the workpiece (2). The machine is programmed with a path for the grinding wheel (1) calculated to grind a smooth cutting edge (5) for the blade, and programmed with perturbations to the path which vary the movement of the grinding wheel (1) to grind a wavy cutting edge (6) in the workpiece. With such a machine, it is possible to grind all surfaces of a wavy cutting edge in a single set up rather than requiring two more grinding and milling operations to form the wavy cutting edge.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system for a two-step polishing process which generates a reflectance trace for each of plurality of radial zones. The CMP apparatus may switch from a high-selectivity slurry to a low-selectivity slurry when any of the reflectance traces indicate initial clearance of the metal layer, and polishing may halt when all of the reflectance traces indicate that oxide layer has been completely exposed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing aluminum frames for photomask protective films comprises the step of: providing a square-shaped hollow or solid strut aluminum material, fastening the bottom end of the aluminum material to a base of a machine tool, using a milling cutter to fabricate and form a hollow trough for a selected depth in the aluminum material from the top surface thereof, and using a cutting tool to cut off the aluminum material at the periphery of the hollow trough to form individual aluminum frames for the photomask protective films. The method of the invention uses fewer chucks and screw bolts during machining, and can reduce chuck setup time and simplify machining processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blade ring saw assembly in which the blade is a narrow, flat-sided metal ring having a radial width at least twice, and preferably four to six times, its thickness and has a diamond abrasive coating covering its outer peripheral edge and a portion of each sidewall of the ring. The blade ring is supported on a base from beneath the working surface, and projects upwardly to expose more than one-half of the blade ring for cutting of hard and thick workpieces, such as tile and stone, including both curved cutting and straight cutting. The blade ring is supported beneath the work surface by a plurality of roller guides above its radially inner edge and an endless drive belt having a run that extends beneath the blade ring so as to both support and drive the blade ring.

Abstract: The present invention is a polishing pad conditioning head for a CMP and similar types of apparatus that is especially useful in conditioning the surface of fixed-abrasive CMP polishing pads to maintain optimal process conditions for the planarization process on dielectric and metal films on semiconductor wafers, as well as wafers and disks used in computer hard disk drives. The polishing pad conditioning head comprises a substrate and a layer of fine-grain chemical vapor deposited polycrystalline diamond that is bonded onto the substrate. Alternatively, a thin sheet of polycrystalline diamond may be deposited on a preferred growth substrate by a chemical vapor deposition process, then removed from the growth substrate and then bonded to the CMP conditioning disk substrate.

Abstract: A power tool (10), in particular an angle grinder, having a housing (12) that receives an electric motor (21) and a gear (26), the motor (21) having a rotor (210) which is guided in rotor bearings (2100) and on one hand carries a collector (2102), which collector can be put into contact with a voltage source via carbon brushes (23) supported in brush plates, is made sturdier and easier to install in that the housing (12) comprises two longitudinally split housing shells (120, 121), and that the brush plates are part of a bearing bridge (24) that carries both the rotor bearing (2100) and the carbon brushes (23), and the bearing bridge (24), in the guide region of the carbon brushes (23), comprises plastic.

Abstract: An abrasive article that includes a fixed abrasive element having a plurality of abrasive particles, a resilient element, and a plurality of rigid segments disposed between the fixed abrasive element and the resilient element.

Abstract: A tool adaptable for use with a power drill for the duel purpose of sanding and cutting a work piece without changing tools. The tool includes two components, one for cutting and one for abrading, which are reduced in diameter as required in order to provide suitable cutting and abrading surfaces for future use.

Abstract: Rotary saw blades (1, 17, 18) for use on a power saw are disclosed for cutting and sanding materials simultaneously. The rotary blades have abrasive sanding means (10, 11) affixed to each face of the blade to accomplish the sanding process. The abrasive means may take the form of donut-shaped abrasive pieces (10) affixed radially inward of blade cutting teeth (3) on each face of the blade or a plurality of abrasive pieces or disks (11) attached to various locations on both faces of the blade. The plurality of abrasive pieces may consist of different grades of sand paper with the heavier grades of paper being radially nearest the teeth and finer grades inward so that the material when cut may be gradually sanded and polished as the cutting occurs. One embodiment provides rotary blades (17, 18) with recessed areas (12, 15) for fixing thicker pieces of adhesive means or for use when the kerf width (9) of the blade teeth (3) is less.

Abstract: A tornado type air intake and blowing device has an exhaust port communicating with an exhaust duct, an air supply chamber which is provided so as to surround the exhaust port and to which air is supplied through an air supply inlet, and air blowing ports blowing air supplied into the air supply chamber by swirling the air from the outer periphery of the exhaust port diagonally downward, the air blowing ports being provided in a side wall part of the air supply chamber, whereby the exhaust port can be formed in the entire area of the lower opening surface of the air supply chamber, the outside diameter of the air supply chamber is sufficient if it is equal to an outside diameter corresponding to the required opening diameter of the exhaust port and, accordingly, a device body can be formed compact.

Abstract: An air filter assembly for a motor vehicle has a filter housing and an air filter disposed in the housing. The housing has a liquid outlet downstream of the filter and a filter bypass passageway is provided for enabling liquid entering at an air inlet to flow past the filter and exit through the outlet.

Abstract: A building fire extinguisher system for promptly removing smoke and flammable gases from a room upon detection of a fire. The building fire extinguisher system includes a vacuum unit, a housing having a door with a powered door latch, and an intake nozzle connected to the vacuum unit by a flexible tube. When smoke detectors detect the presence of a fire within a room, the powered door latch is opened thereby allowing the door to open. When the door is opened, the intake nozzle is dropped from the housing downwardly while the vacuum is activated. The intake end of the intake nozzle draws smoke and flammable gases from within the room into the flexible tube and out through an exhaust port externally of the building. The vacuum continues to operate until the presence of a fire is no longer detected or for a fixed period of time.

Abstract: A grain module for an agricultural combine. The module includes a longitudinally elongated grain tank. An endless conveyor conduit receives grain from the combine's grain tank and selectively feeds it into the module grain tank or removes it from the module grain tank. The module may comprise the rear section of an articulated combine vehicle wherein the front section contains grain threshing and separating systems.

Abstract: A remote adjustment mechanism for the louvered cleaning elements of a combine harvester has a linearly movable output member directly fastened to the adjusting bar of each element. The actuator is driven by an electric motor. Calibration and feedback of the louver opening is provided by a pair of non-contact sensors sealed in the actuator housing. A first sensor sends a signal to a microprocessor controller when the output member is in a home position corresponding to a known louver opening. The second sensor sends a signal to the microprocessor that is responsive to movement of the output member. By tracking the movement of the output member from the home position, the current position of the output member is known from which the louver opening is determined based on the louver geometry.

Abstract: A portable game machine electronically executes target games and has an input unit, a game processing unit, and a display unit in a housing. A plurality of targets to be hit are displayed on the display unit. First pitching data concerning the vertical displacement of a ball and second pitching data concerning the horizontal displacement of a ball are successively input by a game player through operation keys provided for the input unit. By using the information of the first pitching data and the second pitching data, the game processing unit determines whether the ball has hit one of the targets. Based on the determination result, an image of the target after the ball has been thrown is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: An object is to provide a free-entry type of race game apparatus wherewith a player can join at any time. This is a race game that simulates an endurance race in which many vehicles run for a long period of time. The vehicles are continually running on the track. (ST 1), from which number a player selects any vehicle at will (ST 3) and joins the race in progress (ST 4, 5). The game is terminated on the basis either of a pass count indicating the number of cars passed (or passed by) (ST 6), or a limiting time (ST 7).

Abstract: The present invention involves a gaming device with a bonus scheme which includes a symbol generator and a plurality of symbols. When two or more predetermined symbols are generated and displayed, the bonus round terminates. Depending upon which symbols the gaming device generates and displays, the bonus round may or may not terminate. This type of bonus scheme provides an exciting manner of terminating bonus rounds and increases player entertainment.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating participation by a player in a bonus event of a slot machine. A display grid associated with the slot machine is presented, where the display grid includes a plurality of active display segments. Symbols are presented in each of the active display segments, such as by randomly selecting symbols and displaying a randomly selected symbol in each of the active display segments. At least some of the symbols are discontinue symbols which, if presented in a display segment, causes that display segment to be deactivated, thereby eliminating that display segment from the bonus event. The presentation of symbols and subsequent deactivation of symbols associated with discontinue symbols continues until all of the active display segments have been deactivated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device having an offer/acceptance type bonus game. One embodiment provides a plurality player selectable selections wherein each selection has an associated offer, anti-terminator or terminator. The gaming device enables the player to pick the selections. If a terminator is associated with the selection, the game ends unless the player has previously picked an anti-terminator associated with a selection. When the player picks an anti-terminator, the processor retains or accumulates the anti-terminator until a terminator is selected. The anti-terminator nullifies the effect of the terminator and allows the game to continue. The present invention accordingly provides a gaming device which includes the combination of an offer acceptance bonus scheme having at least one terminator and at least one anti-terminator.

Abstract: A home site operates a game involving player visits to play sites, to view information at the play sites and possibly to perform additional activity at the play sites. Play sites are selected in accordance with interests of a game player and/or because characteristics of a game player satisfy desired player characteristics associated with the play site. The play site game activity, performed to participate in the game, may be viewing information at the play site, or pseudo-buying an item at the play site. In some games, member icons are provided to players, and the players must find the member icons at the play sites. After an icon is found, communication between the player and member is enabled.

Abstract: The tripod member has three trunnions which are projected radially. Each of the trunnions carries a roller, and this roller is accommodated in one of the track grooves in the outer joint member. The outer peripheries of the rollers and the roller guideways make angular contact with each other. Support rings are fitted onto the outer peripheries of the trunnions. These support rings and the rollers are assembled (unitized) via a plurality of needle rollers to constitute roller assemblies capable of relative rotations. In longitudinal sections, the outer peripheries of the trunnions have straight shapes parallel to the axes of the trunnions. In cross sections, the outer peripheries are elliptic in shape, with their respective major axes perpendicular to the axis of the joint. The inner peripheries of the support rings have arcuate convex sections.

Abstract: To easily perform a change between a four-wheel drive operation of a vehicle to a two-wheel drive operation of the vehicle. In a four-wheel buggy having the four-wheel drive specification in which a longitudinally mounted engine with a crank shaft is directed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicular body, an output shaft is divided into a main body portion and a front wheel connection portion. In the case of applying the output shaft structure to the four-wheel drive specification, a male spline formed on a front end portion of the main body portion is fitted in a female spline formed in a rear end portion of the front wheel connection portion. A front end portion of the front wheel connection portion projects forwardly from an outlet portion of a front case cover, and is connected to a front wheel propeller shaft.

Abstract: The fluid displacement pump enables substantially continuous pumping from a low-pressure side to a high-pressure side substantially without any backflow or backpressure pulsations. Liquid or gas is injected to the high-pressure side by way of mutually intertwined worm spindles that form a fluidtight displacement system. The blades of the impeller system are slightly curved from the inside out, i.e., from their axles to their periphery, so as to ensure a tight seal between adjacent blades. The orientation of the blades is almost flat, i.e., their attack angle relative to backpressure is close to perpendicular so that they will turn quite freely in the forward direction, but will not be turned backwards by a pressurized backflow. The impeller rotation that is introduced via the spindle shafts nevertheless leads to a volume displacement towards the high-pressure side, for instance, towards a chamber to be pressurized or to be subjected to equal pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball and a method of making a golf ball which comprises a center, at least one cover layer, and at least one layer of windings between the center and the cover having at least two threads. Preferably, the threads of the present invention have different physical or chemical properties and are wound onto the center of the golf ball simultaneously. The threads may be wound with varying tensions or angles. The wound layer of the present invention may be applied to golf balls with liquid or solid centers to achieve desired golf ball characteristics.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate layer and a cover, wherein the intermediate layer has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is lower than that of the cover and, additionally, a primary ingredient of the intermediate layer is made from a material including polybutadiene, natural rubber, butyl-based rubber, acrylics, trans-polyisoprene, neoprene, chlorinated polyethylene, balata, multi-layer thermoplastic films, blends of ionomers, polyvinyl alcohol copolymer and polyamides, and dispersions of acid salts of polyetheramines.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a solid core, an intermediate layer, and a cover in a surface of which a plurality of dimples are formed. The solid core has a center JIS-C hardness of 50-70 and a surface JIS-C hardness of 60-80, and has a diameter of 35-40 mm. The intermediate layer is made from a material mainly containing an ionomer resin, and has a JIS-C hardness of 70-85 and a thickness of 0.5-2 mm. The cover is made from a material mainly containing an ionomer resin, and has a JIS-C hardness of 85 or more and a thickness of 0.5-2 mm. A difference in JIS-C hardness between the intermediate layer and the surface of the solid core is in a range of 15 or less. A different in JIS-C hardness between the cover and the intermediate layer is in a range of 10 or more. The hardnesses of the solid core, the intermediate layer, and the cover satisfy a relationship of (hardness gradient from intermediate layer to cover)/(hardness gradient from core center to intermediate layer)≧6.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having improved flight performance, controllability and good shot feel at the time of hitting. The multi-piece solid gold ball has a core having at least one layer, an intermediate layer formed on the core, and a cover covering the intermediate layer. When thickness of the intermediate layer is represented as X (mm) and JIS-C hardness of the intermediate layer is represented as Y, then X is 0.3 to 1.5 mm, X and Y have a correlation represented 10X+55≦Y≦10X+75, and the JIS-C hardness of the cover is 70 to 93.

Abstract: A golf ball having a sinusoidal surface is disclosed. The golf ball has a sinusoidal structure. The golf ball of the present invention conforms with the 1.68 inches diameter requirement for USGA approved golf balls. The interconnected sine waves form a sinusoidal structure in the preferred embodiment. The preferred embodiment has a parting line that alternates upward and downward along a sine wave.

Abstract: A power transmission belt is disclosed in which the exterior of the overcord section is generally flat in contour and bears an outer seamless tubular knit textile material adhered to an adjacent rubber layer material interposed between the exterior belt back surface and a strain-resisting tensile section. The belt is adapted to be run against backside idlers or tensioners with minimized noise generation. A simplified process including use of a tubular knit stretched over and applied to the building drum is disclosed, thereby eliminating conventional calendaring and Bannering operations.

Abstract: An eccentric planetary gearing comprises two internally toothed gears, a double-ring externally toothed planetary gear and a planet carrier. The planet carrier is composed of support means for providing the rotatable mounting of the planet carrier itself and the rotatable mounting of the double-ring externally toothed planetary gear, said support means being integrated into a rigid member through two interjacent crescent-shaped sections consecutively disposed relative to one another. Each of the interjacent crescent-shaped sections is disposed within the space between the respective gear ring of the double-ring externally toothed planetary gear and the respective internally toothed gear.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets and four clutches. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the third planetary gear set and an output member that is continuously connected with another of the third planetary gear set. A member of the first planetary gear set is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The four clutches provide interconnections between various gear members, interconnecting members, and with the input and the output shaft, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least five forward speed ratios.

Abstract: A gear train has a sun gear with a tooth count e, n (where n is a natural number of 2 or more) planetary gears having a first gear part with a tooth count z1 meshing with the sun gear and a second gear part with a tooth count z2, a fixed internal tooth gear with a tooth count I1 meshing with the first gear part of the planetary gears, and a movable internal tooth gear with a tooth count I2 meshing with the second gear part of the planetary gears, where tooth counts e, z1, z2, I1 and I2 are each a multiple of n. Even if the gear form of each gear has a small module, a planetary gear train mechanism can be configured without raising operating or assembly problems, and it can be miniaturized more than conventional gear trains while still have a sufficient gear reduction ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system, especially for motor vehicles, with a first power source (10), especially an internal combustion engine, and a second power source (20), especially an electric motor. The power sources acts upon a gearbox (14) that is provided with a plurality of gearwheel sets which modulate. The first power source is linked with the gearbox via a clutch (L1) and the second power source is linked with the gearbox directly. The aim of the invention is to provide a construction that is favorable both in terms of design and functionality. To this end, the first power source acts upon a shaft (12) that carries the one gearwheels of the gearwheel sets and the second power source acts upon a second shaft (16) that carries the other gearwheels of the gearwheel sets. A separate output shaft (22) can be optionally coupled to the first (12) or the second (16) shaft.

Abstract: A static hydraulic continuously variable transmission includes a fixed capacity swash type hydraulic pump and a variable capacity swash type hydraulic motor, connected by a hydraulic closed circuit. A control system and method controls hydraulic pressure in the variable transmission, and thereby reduces the likelihood of noise in the variable transmission under certain driving conditions. The hydraulic pressure is controlled by changing the inclination angle of a movable swash plate. The driving conditions which prompt the control system may include: (1) A signal voltage of a throttle sensor indicates the throttle opening is lower than a first threshold value; (2) A vehicle speed is over a second threshold value; (3) An acceleration is over a third threshold value; (4) An engine speed is below a fourth threshold value; and (5) Conditions (1) through (4) last for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle which is controlled by an electronic transmission control device which continuously exchanges signals with a digital engine electronic system of an internal combustion engine, to reduce the thermal load on the automatic transmission in emergency operating mode, a transmission-independent program module (M1) of the digital engine electronics system presets an admissible maximum engine torque for the emergency operating mode (M_mot_max_not).

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring training programs prescribed to benefit a subject. A training program prescriber may evaluate training effectiveness from a separate location from where a subject performs training tasks. Accuracy of actual task performances is measured and is compared with quality-benchmark data. The number of tasks actually performed is recorded and is compared with quantity-benchmark data. Benchmark-data may be obtained from previous subject performances or from performance by a defined reference population. Categorized results are calculated and assessments regarding program difficulty and motivation of the subject may be formulated. Compliance with expected program goals is analyzed and monitored.

Abstract: An electromechanical device that provides a spot to a weightlifter performing a weightlifting exercise. The device has a metal frame that supports two arms, called spotter arms. The two spotter arms extend out so as to be able to support a barbell. The arms raise and lower on the frame, remaining parallel with the floor and perpendicular to the frame and are powered by a motor driven lead screw. The operation of the motor is controlled by a computer control system. The input to the control system is provided by a load-cell mounted in one of the two spotter arms. When the control system is operating in the spot mode, the load-cell measures the amount of force that is placed on the spotter arm by the barbell held by the weightlifter. The control system then moves the spotter arms in accordance with the amount of force on the load-cell in order to provide a safe spot thereby increasing the effectiveness of the exercise. The load-cell is mounted within a hollow interior of one of the spotter arms.

Abstract: A back roller exercise apparatus is disclosed having a base, a support member and a backrest slidably engaged with the support member. In a preferred embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes a seat adjustably attached to the support member, a lower bar attached to the seat, and an upper bar adjustably attached to the support member. In an operating configuration, the support member is substantially vertical and the backrest slides up and down between the seat and the upper end of the support member. The support member is preferably pivotally attached to the base. In a storage configuration, the support member is pivoted such that it is substantially parallel to the base. The exercise apparatus is utilized to perform squats, lunges, narrow pull-ups, wide pull-ups, dips and push-ups. The exercise apparatus may be utilized in three exercise modes: strength, aerobic and circuit training.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for varying the load on an exercise machine is provided. The apparatus includes at least one load-bearing member having a plurality of receivers formed therein, and a plurality of weights in slidable communication with the at least one load-bearing member. Each of the weights has a weight selection device housed therein for selectably locking each of the weights to the receivers of the load-bearing member.

Abstract: A method for making recessed tray liners for storing objects in a storage container is disclosed. The first step in the method is to size a structural thermoplastic foam liner to fit within a tray. The foam liner is preferably a foamed polyethylene plastic. After the tray is lined with the foam liner, the object or objects to be held in the tray are then heated to a temperature sufficient to soften the thermoplastic foam. The temperature of the heated object is selected to be above the softening temperature of the thermoplastic foam, but below the melting temperature of the foam. After the object or objects have reached the appropriate temperature, the heated object is pressed into the foam lining to form a cavity. The heated foam will flow such that the cavity will conform to the contours of the object being pressed into the foam. After the object is sufficiently pressed into the foam, it is rapidly cooled to a temperature below the softening temperature of the foam.

Abstract: A carton blank is etched with a laser to remove at least a portion of a coating material on a glue panel area of the carton blank. The laser-etching process allows the use of cold-resin or other standard glue in manufacturing a carton from the carton blank, instead of a more expensive specialized glue which would be otherwise required to provide an adequate bond for the carton. The laser-etching process is controlled as a function of the coating material required to be removed from the glue panel of the carton blank, the speed of the carton blank as it is processed through the system, and the dispersion characteristics of the laser beam.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a bag assembly from a tube and a tubular flexible membrane operates in accordance with a four step process. This process includes the steps of clamping the tube within an open end of the membrane, injecting liquid adhesive into the open end of the membrane, clamping the membrane and tube where the adhesive was injected, and heating and curing the assembly.

Abstract: A paper conversion dispenser machine for converting sheet-like material into a relatively low density cushioning dunnage product. The machine has a stock supplying assembly that supplies at least one stock paper roll, a shaping member for crumpling and converting sheet-like material of the roll(s) into a three-dimensional shape that consists of a pre-entry section with two side entry guiding rollers for guiding and reducing the sheet-like material of a supplied width to a narrower width non linear crumpled stream of paper, and an entry section with two side entry rollers to guide and reduce the crumpled down stream of paper to an even narrower width relatively low density cushioning dunnage product. The machine also has a guiding tunnel of a substantially uniform cross section, a feed mechanism with driving rollers for driving the stock material through the shaping member, and an automatic cutting set for cutting the dunnage product.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a rotatable separator bowl, a hollow shaft spindle in the bowl along the rotational axis of the bowl, and a variable-drive motor for selectively rotating the bowl at a high separating speed and at a lower scraping speed. A scraper and feed assembly including scraper blades is supported by the shaft spindle within the separator bowl. A feed liquid is supplied to the separator bowl via the scraper and feed assembly at substantially the interior surface of the separator bowl. The scraper assembly rotates with the bowl at the separating speed while centrate is drawn off. While the bowl is operated at the scraping speed, the scraper assembly is prevented from rotating with the bowl and is moved axially with respect to the bowl to scrape accumulated solids from the interior surface of the bowl. Loosened solids exit the centrifuge via a discharge port at the bottom of the bowl.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a radioactive stent having a radioactive layer. A solution containing a radioactive isotope depositing substance in solution is provided and placed into contact with the stent or any other substrate material capable of receiving the radioactive isotope. The radioactive isotope is deposited on the stent or substrate material. Preferably a phosphorous isotope is used and the solution is polymerized forming polymer chains containing the radioactive isotope. In this embodiment, the phosphorous is bonded with the substrate material in a phosphorous-oxygen-phosphorous network.

Abstract: A magnetic therapeutic device for application to a target pain or injury area under a user's skin includes a plurality of hook-like members for attaching to an inner surface of a user's clothing adjacent the target pain or injury. In an embodiment, the device further comprises a plastic member including a smooth surface for contacting the user's skin adjacent the target pain or injury area, a magnet sandwiched between the hook-like members and the plastic member for generating a magnetic field in the target pain or injury area under the user's skin, and a keeper for placing outside a user's clothing. In an embodiment, the device is held in place by the attractive force of the magnet to pinch the clothing between the magnet and the keeper.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a mechanical cardiac pumping device includes modeling the circulatory system of the patient who will receive the mechanical cardiac pumping device and identifying an operating condition of the native heart to which the device will respond. The model is used to determine the required blood volume to be ejected from the device and an initial estimate of the power required to be provided to the mechanical cardiac pumping device is provided in order to provide the required ejected blood volume. The resultant ejected blood volume is evaluated with data obtained from the model and the estimate of the power requirement is then updated. The above steps are iteratively performed until the power required to obtain the necessary ejected blood volume is identified.