Abstract: A coating for an orbital implant where the coating has an anterior portion having a different, longer term bioabsorbability than a posterior portion. This allows the implant to have a smooth surface for insertion and to provide reduced irritation to neighboring tissues, to help prevent exposure of the porous core of the implant, and to provide a stable anchorment for extraocular muscles, but which also encourages rapid fibrovascular ingrowth. The coating is marked with a visual indicator to facilitate proper orientation. Shell materials are further selected to allow for sterile packaging, the securing of therapeutic agents thereon, and to provide adequately strong securing of the coating to the core. Apertures are formed through the coating to enhance fluid flow to and from the core, and to provide exposure of the surface of the core to extraocular muscles, and for sutures. The apertures are sized and shaped to reduce irritating surface contact with orbital tissues.

Abstract: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped container. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge and individually ejected by a flow of air generated by a blower under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism at the dispensing end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically assessing the quality of a printed circuit board assembly using digitized video image analysis. The apparatus integrates with existing relatively low precision automated surface mount technology (“SMT”) manufacturing systems as an inspection station insertable at various steps in the assembly process or as a separate manually loaded station. The inspection station includes a high resolution video imaging system and a video image analyzer comprising an onboard master computer that generates control signals to reposition the camera mounted within a screen on a movable carriage and/or reposition the circuit board, and adjust the lighting; and generates individual board status data to be archived, graphically displayed on monitors or otherwise utilized by a rework station.

Abstract: A fluid specimen testing device having a removable lid which carries at least one testing strip behind a transparent top viewing window. Testing is initiated by tilting the device into a stable sideways orientation to allow the specimen to contact the sampling pad portion of the strip. The device is adapted to provide stability in the upright, tilted and inverted orientations. A roll-inhibiting feature also acts as an indicator for proper roll positioning in the tilted configuration. The strips are also oriented in the lid so that they are substantially vertical when the device is in the tilted position thereby enhancing a condition for proper capillarity. The strip is carried close to the upper surface which allows it to be copied on a flat glass copier providing for more objective recordation of the test results.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus using a gravitationally encouraged, interrupted, downward, diffusive and programmed flow of fluid to provide for rapid confirmatory immunological testing (“RCIT”) in, for example, a clinical, point-of-care setting. A fluid specimen such as blood, saliva or urine is deposited into a first chamber carrying a source of conjugate having mobilizable binding members such as immunographic antigens or antibodies specific to the condition being tested conjugated to a detectable label such as colloidal gold. The specimen is premixed with a first measured, reactive mix buffer solution carried within an openable tank. The specimen and solution are temporarily held within an incubation reservoir formed behind a dam made from porous, diffusive material.

Abstract: In a dump truck where a monitoring system prevents the raising of the cargo bed when the level of lateral tilt exceeds a safe limit, a keyed switch allows for presetting the maximum safe degree of tilt by simple left or right manipulation of the switch, and to switch the display from current level of left or right tilt to the value of the preset limit.

Abstract: A surgical table width extender having an angled tang structure for engaging the gap formed between a standard table and its stand-off-mounted side rail. The tang structure contacts portions of the rail and portions of the table edge to enhance the load-carrying capability of the table side rail assembly. The extender further provides its own stand-off-mounted rail and a quick release clamp for securing the extender to the table. The tang structure is formed to allow a single extender to be used on either side of a surgical table where the stand-offs are not evenly spaced apart. The extender body is formed from a lightweight, strong carbon fiber composite material. Further enhancements protect exposed corners of the extender and protect potential high stress surfaces. An angularly orientable attachment is provided for use when two width extenders are used simultaneously on opposite sides of the table. In a lowered, horizontal orientation the attachment acts as a table length extender.

Abstract: A sound baffle attached to a telephone handset comprises a pair of telescopically connected members shaped and dimensioned to act as a sound guide in combination with a reflecting cover plate that can be obliquely adjusted to direct the sound waves emitted by the user toward the handset microphone, and to muffle his conversation to the surroundings for improved privacy.

Abstract: A lap tray to securely hold finger food and a beverage cup on one's lap while parked in a vehicle or watching a spectacle either at home, at a movie theater, or in a stadium. The cup receptacle consists of a well positioned at the center of gravity of the tray. The well extends below the lower surface of the tray to fit between the thighs, and also provides, in cooperation with some undersurface fins, a convenient way to grab and carry the tray with one hand. The top surface area surrounding the well is slanted toward it. The ribs project into the cupholding well to keep the cup at a slight distance from the wall and bottom so that any spillage is drained to a reservoir area formed at the bottom of the well. A central depression in the front edge of the tray provides some clearance for a steering wheel. Slots provide for holding common eating utensils and the attachment of a carry strap.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for treatment of a patient's lacrimal system is applied transnasally without the use of a guide wire or a curve retention member. The catheter uses a stainless steel hypotube of sufficient stiffness and column strength to be pushed from the patent's nasal cavity through an opening-formed through the lateral nasal wall and lacrimal fossa, into the lacrimal sac. The catheter has an inflatable member mounted about a rigid bent distal segment. The opening is first formed by pushing small holes through the medial sac, lacrimal fossa, and lateral nasal wall with an instrument and coalescing the holes. The catheter is then introduced into the nasal cavity and pushed laterally through the opening by manipulating its proximal end. Pressurized fluid is then applied to the catheter to inflate the inflatable member and dilate the opening.

Abstract: A banner-carrying apparatus which reduces the folding and winding up of the banner or flag about the banner-carrying pole by using a tubular sleeve coaxially, annularly and rotatively mounted about a flag pole shaft. Low friction bearing surfaces allow the sleeve to freely rotate unwinding, through the force of gravity, a flag which has been wound upon it. Specialized clamps provide adjustable and releasable securing of the flag to the sleeve.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing scuba diving equipment including aqua lungs, wet-suits, fins, caps and masks comprises exposing confined parts of the gear such as hoses, pressure regulators and mouthpieces to a pressurized flow of fluid using a fluid-conditioning spray gun adapted to mix a germicidal solution into a jet of water or other fluid carrier. The spray gun has a conical nozzle provided with a set of graduated, flexible, feather-edged disks or barbs that can hermetically mate with a number of scuba diving component apertures of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A device for quantitively collecting, preserving and mailing a specimen of fecal or other biological matter for later analysis comprises a tubular vessel defining a chamber closed at one end by a plug and restricted at the opposite end by a narrow aperture. A stopper for closing the open end of the vessel extends into a stick having indentations capable of retaining some of the biological matter. The stick intimately engages the aperture so that the amount of matter introduced into the chamber is limited to what is carried in the indentations. The shank of the stick seals the aperture once the stopper has been screwed into place. The plug mounts a breakable hollow nib and is installed after introduction into the chamber of a metered volume of preserving solution. A cover caps the plug and nib to provide additional sealing of that end of the vessel.

Abstract: A self-erecting structure includes a series of fabric panels each tautly spread by a length of steel wire or other resiliently flexible, filiform material. The steel wire may form a closed loop, an open loop or a mere arc. The wire is selectively inserted into at least two of several pockets or fabric straps positioned around the periphery of the panel. The selection of the wire-holding pockets or straps defines the shape of the spread-out panel. Parts of the fabric which are not encompassed by a wire are held folded over it and against the spread-out portion. The shape of the structure can be quickly modified by repositioning of the wires.