Abstract: A torsional suspension unit is provided which includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, torsion rod(s) for absorbing and distributing forces and a bearing block associated with said torsion rod(s) for maintaining one end of said torsion rod(s) in a substantially fixed position. The torsional suspension unit of the present invention also includes a rotatable torque hub member for maintaining a second end of said torsion rod(s), for imparting rotational or torsional forces to said torsion rod(s) and limiting the rotation of said torsion rod(s). The suspension unit of the present invention also preferably includes torsion rod(s) which are non-linear in configuration for improved strength and for improved resistance of the torsion rod to torsional rotation.

Abstract: Extruded catheters and other flexible plastic tubing may be manufactured with improved rotational and/or longitudinal stiffness, compared with catheters made of more conventional plastics. A tubing of liquid crystal polymer plastic-containing material may be extruded through a tube extrusion die while rotating the inner and outer die walls to provide circumferential shear to the extruded tube. Thus the liquid crystal polymer is oriented in a helical manner to provide improved properties, including greater rotational stiffness.

Abstract: A medical probe such as a catheter comprises a flexible, elongated member having distal and proximal ends, with Doppler-type velocity measuring means carried within said probe adjacent said distal end, and electrical wires carried within the probe and communicating between the measuring means and the proximal probe end for connection to an electronic system for processing signals from the Doppler chip. By this invention, at least a portion of the probe, including the distal end and Doppler crystal has an ovoid cross-sectional shape. The portion has a maximum cross-sectional dimension and a minimum cross-sectional dimension substantially perpendicular thereto to provide lateral spaces for flow outside of the probe while the probe resides in a blood vessel.

Abstract: A catheter retention collar for retaining a catheter on the skin of a patient in a desired position. The collar comprises a tubular member defining a bore for receiving and retaining a catheter therein. The tubular member defines a laterally projecting apertured member to facilitate securance of the retention collar to the skin. The apertured member may engage a pivot rod in pivoting relation therewith, with the pivot rod being carried on one side of a generally flat platform member, the other side of the platform member being adhesive-coated to permit adhesion to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: A lightfastness testing chamber comprises an enclosure for samples being tested and at least one, and preferably a plurality of, lamps for irradiating samples in the enclosure. A monitor of the light intensity from each lamp present is provided. By this invention the monitor may comprise a light transmission rod, and preferably one such rod for each of the lamps, having one end positioned adjacent the lamp and another end in communication with light intensity measuring apparatus positioned more remotely from the lamp than the one end. The light transmission rod is preferably positioned on a side of the lamp that is substantially opposed to portions of the lamp that directly irradiate samples in the enclosure. Also, the samples may be moved by an elevatable platform or the like toward and away from the irradiating lamp or lamps to vary as desired the intensity of irradiation applied to the samples.

Abstract: A dicarbonyl halide preferably a straight-chain-alkyl dicarbonyl dihalide, may be used to activate a substrate surface of preferably polyurethane or polyamide. Optionally, an amine-end blocked polymer may be reacted with the resulting activated surface by reaction between amine and dicarbonyl halide groups. Then, a material to be covalently bonded to said surface, such as heparin, may be reacted with free amine groups bonded to the surface by a carbodiimide process or the like.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac defibrillator is provided having an energy source, a capacitor, and means coupled to the energy source for charging the capacitor. The capacitor comprises a planar layered structure of anode plates, cathode plates and means separating the anode plates and cathode plates. A polymeric envelope containing electrolyte encloses the layered structure. Electrical contact means extend from the anodes and cathodes to outside the envelope.

Abstract: A faucet having a single piece underbody comprising a unitary injection-molded structure is provided. A tubular waterway within the faucet underbody provides a leakproof path for water through the faucet to an outlet. Further, an injection molding procedure in which a tubular waterway is formed and in turn placed into a second mold, whereupon a second injection-molding is made, is provided. The procedure allows the formation of a unitary faucet underbody resistant to leakage and conducive to quick and inexpensive installation and replacement.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of cheese is provided in which milk is acidified, heat treated, cooled and inoculated with an acid producing starter culture. Fermentation is then allowed to proceed until an acid coagulum is formed. The coagulum is cut, cooked to the desired firmness, and further processed by adding cream dressing or press or cheddaring. The initial acidification step will be unnecessary if a supply of milk with a sufficiently low pH is obtained.

Abstract: A novel drinking water faucet of the type used with household water purification system is provided. The faucet includes a spout, a valve, means for opening and closing said valve, a waste water inlet, an air gap, and a waste water outlet. The faucet includes means for accommodating the visual display of a water quality meter. The faucet can be mounted in either a right-handed or left-handed configuration from above the mounting surface.

Abstract: An electrode on a lead may be implanted at the heart by placing the lead through a hole in the parietal pericardium and positioning the distal end of the lead in a desired position relative to the heart. Thereafter one secures the lead in the desired position by attachment thereof to a fastener member, including the step of attaching the fastener member to the parietal pericardium by compressive action between a pair of opposed jaws of an attachment tool, with one of the jaws being positioned within and the other of the jaws positioned outside of the parietal pericardium. Also, a tool is disclosed for securing leads to a tissue site, particularly in accordance with the above method.

Abstract: A method for surgically securing body parts with a cable, typically making use of crimping pliers which comprises a pair of operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member by manual pressure on the operating handles. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a cable which passes through a tubular crimp member carried in the jaws. By this invention surgical cable may be looped around body parts in surgical operations, and the loop may be permanently secured at a predetermined desired tension.

Abstract: An air cushion table game comprises a playfield which has an air cushion apparatus so that puck may slide on the playfield in the manner of the known air cushion table games. A goal is provided for receiving the puck at one end of the playfield, while a movable barrier is provided for retaining the puck at the far end of the table to prohibit unauthorized use when the blower motor is shut off upon completion of the game. An obstacle may be carried on the playfield to increase the difficulty of propelling a puck into the goal from the opposite end.

Abstract: A holder for positioning and displaying charts. The holder comprises a hand-holdable board member, the board member defining at least one and preferably a plurality of generally parallel slot pairs extending therethrough. The slot pairs may be defined by separate slots, or alternatively one or more rollers carried in an aperture formed in the board member to define the respective slots of a pair between opposed roller sides and the wall of the aperture. Accordingly, an individual paper chart can be placed to extend through individual slots of a pair, being wrapped about the roller if present, to place a portion of the chart on one side of the board member with the remainder of the chart positioned in the slots and on the other side of the board member. By this means, several charts may be carried in one hand in a regular array, and portions of the charts may be presented for view, while the remainder of the charts is out of the way, but available for such viewing.

Abstract: A rotary pump comprises a housing and at least a pair of rotatable, meshing gears positioned within the housing. The meshing gears define teeth which extend helically in the general direction of the axis of each gear rotation. A flow inlet and a flow outlet are positioned in the housing to permit fluid to flow longitudinally along the gears generally in the direction of said axis as the gears rotate relative to each other. By this invention, the helically extending teeth define on at least one of the gears a total angle of wrap from end-to-end of the gear upon which they are carried of essentially 360 divided by twice the number of teeth on the gear, in degrees, multiplied by a number N of 1/2 to 3. This relatively low total angle of wrap provides significant improvements in gear pumps.

Abstract: Packaging such as a blister pack is provided for at least one element such as a catheter having a thin, elongated portion. The packaging comprises at least two elongated, flexible sheets adhered to each other, which form between them a space for receiving the element such as the catheter. By this invention, the space is formed by a pressed-out or outwardly projecting portion generally corresponding to the shape of the element in at least one of the sheets. The sheet, in the part of the pressed-out portion corresponds with the thin, elongated portion of the element, has an at least partly corrugated profile. Also, the catheter packaged herein may have a distal end curved in a predetermined shape, in which the part of the pressed-out portion corresponding with the curved distal catheter end is locked within the pressed-out portion, to prevent distortion of the catheter tip out of the particular shape.

Abstract: A medical instrument such as a catheter introducer comprises a housing, with the housing carrying a valve for receiving and sealing an elongated member with penetrates the valve. The valve comprises an elastomeric partition member which, in turn, comprises a first, solid hydrophilic elastomer wall to limit the passage of aqueous liquids while permitting the passage of water vapor through the wall. The wall defines outer and inner faces, with the outer face carrying a hydratable lubricant material, and the inner face being bonded to a foamed elastomer material. The elastomer material facilitates sealing of the valve when an elongated member is penetrating therethrough, and it facilitates penetration of the elongated member. Also, the foamed elastomer material serves as a support for the hydrophilic elastomer wall, which is typically very thin to permit a high rate of water vapor diffusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane intended to form the external wall of a reservoir which is capable of being implanted under the skin of a patient. It comprises at least one layer (3) of a fibrous material arranged between two layers of a biocompatible elastomer.

Abstract: A solid-state flipper control circuit for controlling the operation of a pinball machine includes a flipper, a flipper switch, and a solenoid coil for controlling the movement of the flipper. The flipper switch is formed as a microswitch having a common terminal connected to a ground potential and normally-open contact terminal. A solid-state driver circuit is provided which is responsive to the activation of the microswitch for generating momentarily a first voltage on its output terminal so as to move the flipper to the actuated position. The solid-state driver circuit includes a timer for automatically disconnecting the first voltage after a predetermined time and for generating subsequently a second voltage so as to hold the flipper in the actuated position until the microswitch is deactivated.