Abstract: A data collection system especially for in-hospital medical data collection combines the advantages of manual and computerized data recording. A portable data terminal unit is carried in a specially constructed carrying case which also holds patient related data in bar code form. A bar code reader connected with the data terminal unit by a cord may be scanned over the bar codes to input data more quickly and easily than when key pad entry of the data is required. Printed documents can also be carried in the case.

Abstract: An animal watering unit includes a cylindrical tank which is closed at the bottom and buried on end with its open top near ground level. Water is supplied to the tank through supply piping controlled by a float operated valve. An insulated disk serves as a cover for the tank to inhibit heat loss through the top and also as a float which controls the float valve through an adjustable chain linkage. Incoming water is discharged into the tank in a swirling pattern at the bottom. An insulated collar surrounds the upper portion of the tank near the ground surface. This construction takes advantage of the subsurface ground heat to maintain the water temperature above freezing without the need for an electric heater or other type of heater.

Abstract: A tamper evident container assembly for packaging of dairy and other food products. A container is provided with a closure comprising an end board, a downwardly extending peripheral skirt along an edge of the end board and an upturned locking ring projecting inwardly from a bottom edge of the skirt. The locking ring engages the container rim and prevents removal of the closure while the locking ring is in place. The skirt and locking ring are integrally molded with the end board being attached to the skirt subsequent to the molding process. The locking ring and a portion of the skirt may be severed from the remainder of the skirt along a score line to permit removal of the closure after initial application to the container. Removal of the locking ring provides a visual indication of possible product tampering.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention described herein is a cleaning device employing both ultrasonic and heat cleaning techniques and a method of cleaning an object utilizing techniques possible with the apparatus of the invention. The cleaning device includes a housing which receives a container for holding the object to be cleaned as well as a cleaning media. The housing defines a well which receives the container and the well is filled with water to partially surround the container. Heating elements raise the temperature of the cleaning media to at least 65.degree. C. Independent means generate ultrasonic waves which are transmitted through the container wall to the object being cleaned. Sequential timing means first operates the ultrasonic wave generating means followed by the heating means. In this manner, particulate matter may be removed from the object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic waves including pulsating currents which are induced by the ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: This invention relates to flexible coupling devices and to a method of utilizing such a device. The invention encompasses an article of manufacture which is an inflatable member characterized by a gas permeability factor sufficient to accommodate the flow of gas through the member while the member remains inflated. This article can be used as a flexible coupling to retard the accumulation of solid particulate matter in the space between two spaced apart structures and also may be used to control heat buildup between two structures. The inventive method contemplates reducing dust accumulation between two structures by providing an inflatable gas permeable member which is inflated and then allowed to lose gas through at least one wall while additional gas is continually supplied so as to maintain inflation.

Abstract: A filtration system and method constitute the subject matter of the present invention. The system comprises first and second filtration stages which are joined in series with each stage comprising a plurality of filtration modules range for parallel flow. The concentrate from the first stage forms the feed for the second stage and a portion of the second stage concentrate is recirculated to the first stage feed stream. A feed pump and a recirculating pump together with appropriate flow controllers and valves provide means for effecting control over both pressure and flow rate within the system.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, cargo-retaining header wall is provided which serves to vertically, transversely, and securely span the interior space between opposed walls of a polygonal cargo-receiving container such as a truck trailer or railroad boxcar to prevent cargo shifting beyond the header wall. The header wall preferably includes: a bottom rollered lattice structure composed of a plurality of interconnected bars spaced just closely enough to prevent cargo movement therethrough; a jacking member; and a driving assembly mounted to the lattice structure and receiving the jacking member for incrementally moving the jacking member, the assembly having an operating lever.

Abstract: A range finding bow sight for archery bows which includes a frame on which are mounted upper and lower mirrors in a substantially parallel relationship at a 45 degree angle and vertically aligned with each other forwardly of the bow. The top mirror is pivotally mounted and adjustably responsive to manipulation of a lever which cooperates through a programmed cam segment on a rotationally mounted sighting plate to which is attached a sight pin. Movement of the actuating lever correspondingly shifts the upper mirror to permit alignment of the actual target image with a reflected target image from the lower mirror. Movement of the actuating lever simultaneously positions the sight pin to provide the necessary elevation of the bow for the proper trajectory of the arrow to the target. The programmed cam section is removable and can be shaped to match the performance characteristics of the archery equipment being used.

Abstract: A rod and reel storage system for a fishing boat. In one embodiment, trays are mounted in the gunwale walls and provided with guide tubes through which stored fishing rods extend into the gunwale cavity. The trays have separate compartments which receive and hold the reels. Hinged hatches on the gunwales cover gunwale hatchways that provide access to stored rods and reels. In another embodiment, a reel storage compartment is located to one side of the control console of the boat, and tubes extend forwardly beneath the bow fishing deck to hold the rods. A hinged door opens and closes the storage compartment and may be locked closed.

Abstract: A lug nut removal tool has an upright support leg on a base, a clamp which can be adjusted up and down on the leg, a pivot bracket on the clamp, and a lug wrench mounted for axial sliding and rotation on the pivot bracket. The stand formed by the support leg and base holds the lug wrench at the proper elevation to be applied to lug nuts on a wheel, and and elongated handle on the wrench allows the wrench to be easily turned while applied to the lug nuts. The leg, wrench bar and handle can be pivoted to positions parallel to one another to provide for compact storage of the tool when it is idle.

Abstract: In a fishing boat, a built-in tank which serves the combined function of a livewell for holding fish that are caught and a bait well for receiving a minnow bucket. An electric pump powered by the battery of the boat pumps water from the lake into the tank in a manner to aerate the water and circulate it in the tank. A drain tube drains off water from the tank and prevents overflow. One half of the tank serves as a bait well in which a minnow bucket may be suspended. The other half of the tank is a livewell which receives newly caught fish. The livewell and bait well have separate hinged lids.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing measured doses of liquid during each dispensing cycle. A fluid-tight bottle is provided with a well at its bottom. A hollow shell fits in the well and includes an opening permitting flow of material from the bottle into the shell. A tubular stem extends from the shell through the top of the bottle and terminates in a dispensing spout. A vent tube exceeds from the interior of the bottle adjacent to the shell and terminates in an upper end located outside of the bottle. The vent tube is apertured inside of the bottle, and a shutter is provided to control the aperture exposure to adjust the level at which the liquid can rise in the shell.

Abstract: A universal blood diluent for use in hematology analysis is the subject of this invention. The diluent consists of an aqueous solution of 0.4-1.5% by weight of either Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 or NaNO.sub.3 or a combination of the two. Also included is 0.1-0.4% by weight of a salt of the formula XH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 where X is either Na or K and 0.1-2.4% by weight of a salt of the formula X.sub.2 HPO where X is Na or K. The phosphate salts may be hydrous or anhydrous. A mixture of Na and K phosphate salts may also been employed. The salts should be present in a ratio of from 1:1 to 1:6 (by weight), XH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 :X.sub.2 HPO.sub.4. 0.1 to 1% by weight of one or both of NaCl and KCl is also included. The Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and NaNO.sub.3 should be present in a ratio of at least 1:1 (by weight) relative to the chloride salt. The pH of the diluent should be within the range of 6.0-8.0 and it should have an osmotic strength of 200-400 milliosmoles.

Abstract: A sock which comprises an outer shell made up of an arrangement of non-stretchable fabric combined with a panel or panels of stretch fabric and an inner shell of insulating material. The fabrics are lined with a waterproof, breathable liner, such as Gortex or the like. The inner shell is connected with the outer shell only at the open upper end of each. A "stretch" or elastomeric cuff is connected to the open and serves to hold the sock up on the ankle and to prevent loss of heat or entry of water should the leg be immersed above the ankle.

Abstract: A method of constructing written educational tests at the local school district level from validated test questions linked to statements of specific learning objectives in a data base recorded on compact laser discs. A laser disc player operated by the educator who is formulating the test displays and edits the available questions in selected topics on a visual monitor. The questions which are displayed may be selected at the local level to reflect the actual content of the course which is being examined. After all questions have been selected, they can be downloaded (including graphics) to a laser printer which prints professional quality test booklets at the local site. Alternatively, reference to the selected questions (numbers) can be downloaded onto a floppy disc which is transported to a service bureau for printing of the test booklets there. The test results can be scored locally and test reports can be printed locally.