Abstract: The present invention includes an improved apparatus for discharging liquids in a spray, including a recyclable liquid module containing a liquid to be sprayed, and a separable pump module containing an air compressor or pump driven by a weight activated by shaking the device in an essentially vertical direction. The liquid stand alone module is side coupled by a common wall with the pump module with a coupling extension providing a connection between the two modules for the transfer of compressed air from the pump module to the liquid module. Since the outlet check valve of the pump is located within the liquid module, the liquid module remains pressurized even with the pump module detached. A fluid conduit within the liquid module conducts the fluid to be sprayed to the outlet valve for discharge under the influence of the compressed air.

Abstract: A method for use in endoscopic investigations comprises the steps of providing an endoscopic insertion member with a suction line, inserting the endoscopic insertion member with the suction line into a patient, and visually inspecting organic tissues inside the patient with the endoscopic insertion member. To collect a fluid specimen, a port cover on the suction line is moved with respect to the suction line to open a port in the line. A specimen vial is coupled to the suction line at the opened port so that the suction line communicates with the vial. A vacuum is applied to the suction line to draw a fluid specimen into the vial. Subsequently, the vial is detached from the suction line, and the port cover moved back into position to again cover the port.

Abstract: A method for use in an intravenous tube assembly comprises the steps of automatically monitoring liquid flow along a fluid flow path extending through an intravenous catheter to detect at least a partial cessation of flow along the fluid flow path and, upon detecting a diminution of liquid flow along the fluid flow path, automatically feeding an anticlotting agent to the fluid flow path. An assembly for implementing the method takes the form of a systolic actuator for dividing the fluid flow into successive aliquots which can be timed. The systolic actuator extracts energy from the fluid stream and monitors the stream via the extracted energy. Alternatively, a pressure device is operatively connected to the catheter for automatically detecting at least a partial cessation of liquid flow along a fluid flow path extending through the catheter.

Abstract: The invention provides increased surface contact area for circuit board heat removal, without exposing the circuit board components to the coolant fluid. This is accomplished by compressing a heat conductive flexible membrane between adjacent circuit boards. The flexible membrane contains coolant fluid which is pumped into and out of the flexible membrane. The membrane isolates the circuit board components from the coolant fluid and is flexible enough so that it conforms to the surface of individual circuit boards. A plurality of coolant membranes are sandwiched between adjacent circuit boards and housed such that the combination of fluid pressure and circuit board to circuit board spacing maintain the conformity of the membrane to the circuit board surface. Individual circuit boards within the housing are electrically connected with edge connectors on all four sides and are separately removable from the housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly for use in snare cauterization operations comprises a tubular sheath member, a metallic cauterization loop, and a metal wire operatively connected to the loop, the wire passing longitudinally through the sheath. An electrical supply is operatively connectable to the wire for feeding an electrical current to the loop via the wire, while a manually actuatable shifter is operatively connected to the wire for longitudinally sliding the wire along the sheath in alternately opposite directions. A flexible web member is connected to the loop to form a capture pocket, the loop defining a mouth opening of the pocket. During use of the snare cauterization instrument, the loop is at least partially expanded from a collapsed configuration and passed over a polyp to be removed, so that the web member substantially surrounds the selected polyp.

Abstract: A method of printing an analog waveform having a time variable, such as an ECG by first converting the analog waveform into a time sequence of digitally expressed values, forming predetermined groups of digital data and then determining maximum and minimum amplitude values of the digital data within the groups. These values are stored in a line buffer memory. A recording medium advances past a transversely oriented linear array of discrete recording elements, such as a linear array dot printhead. The serial stored values are read out in parallel to each of the recording elements, with the elements actuated in parallel by the stored values at an initial time and for time durations for each element that is a function of the stored maximum and minimum amplitude values for that element. The waveform is recorded as a series of appropriately placed short parallel longitudinal lines to form in aggregate a transverse waveform display on the recording medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a constant density trace of an analog signal which utilizes a thermal stylus is disclosed. The minimum rise and fall times of the analog signal are of the same order of magnitude as the thermal time constant of the thermal stylus. The thermal stylus is typically controlled by a galvanometer type movement which is responsive to the variations in an analog signal. In a preferred approach, the analog signals are those obtained from electrodes connected to a human body. The thermal stylus contains a heat generating element which, in the usual situations, heats up in response to a fixed heating voltage. In the present situation, the heating element is responsive to the absolute value of the rate of change of amplitude of the analog signal.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser in which the material to be expelled is carried within a container in communication with a spray nozzle. An air compressor carried by the container supplies compressed air to the container to pressurize the said material. The compressor is operated by the normal vertical shaking of the assembly. The compressor may be carried within the container or attached thereto during use. In one embodiment the container may be refilled. In a second embodiment the container is separable from the compressor and may be discarded after use.

Abstract: An aerosol container includes a housing and a manually operable discharge valve mounted thereon for the dispensing of a liquid from the container. A reservoir for the liquid to be dispensed is mounted within the container and a chamber adapted to contain a supply of pressurized air is also mounted within the container. An air pump is mounted within the housing adapted to develop a supply of pressurized air upon oscillatory motion of the container by shaking. The container is so constructed as to provide for the withdrawal of liquid from the reservoir and for the discharge of the liquid thus withdrawn from the discharge valve under the influence of the pressurized air.