Abstract: An automatic buttonhole sizing device for sewing machines which includes a sensing wheel which by resting on the material being sewn, turns as the material is fed and has a rotatable setting ring which programs the size of the buttonhole. Incorporated in the sensing wheel are one fixed and one movable tab for holding any one of many buttons of various sizes therebetween, wherein the size of the button determines the position of the movable tab. The movable tab is so associated with the setting ring of the sensing wheel that when the two tabs are positioned touching opposite sides of a button by rotating the setting ring, the size of the buttonhole is automatically determined from the final positioning of the setting ring.

Abstract: A feed regulator shaft lock for a sewing machine operative during the feed of a work material to insure retention of a selected feed against feed back of forces from the feed dogs. A radially functioning cam is supported on a feed shaft in timed relationship to a feed lift cam also supported thereon. A brake member is affixed to a feed regulator shaft, on which a feed regulator is also supported for selective variation thereof by a manual control or by a cam. A shiftable member extending between the cam on the feed shaft and the brake member on the feed regulator shaft may be urged by the cam into pressure contact with the brake member during that portion of the sewing cycle when feed of the work material is effected.

Abstract: A mattress construction and method of making is disclosed in which an extremely wide, deep stitch flange permits a more uniform and tighter mattress construction. A mattress cover is sewn to an apron or flanging material with a wide border or flange with the thread being deeply set in the cover by the thick foam padding between the flange material and the cover. This construction allows the apron to be very tightly pulled over a coil spring and stapled through sisal padding to the coil spring rim or border. The stretching of the flange skirt and cover creates a bow in the coil spring pulling the rim toward the center. The wide flange then permits the skirt or side cover to be tightly stitched with edging tape or binding material to produce a very firm and flat mattress construction.

Abstract: A feed mechanism for can ends having curled, peripheral edge portions includes means for disposing a multiplicity of can ends in a stack, and gate means for providing underlying support for the ends disposed in said stacking means and for individually releasing ends therefrom. The gate means employs a pair of blades to successively separate the lowermost end from the stack, each of which blades is configured and adapted to provide smooth separation of the ends, and avoid damage thereto. The mechanism is particularly suited for high-speed operation.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle having a water-tight, disconnectably-sectioned, prere-resistant, rugged, hull for carrying electronic instrumentation and other apparatus, a stabilizing tail section for altitude control, a manually adjustable negative-lift wing, and an adjustable bridle for the towing thereof by any suitable tractor vehicle.

Abstract: A boat plug apparatus is described comprising a boat having a circular drain hole at the exterior of the transom, and a ball which is pivotally attached to the transom exterior on both sides of the drain hole. The ball is positioned to be partially contained within the drain hole when acted upon by gravity. When the drain hole is not otherwise sealed, the exterior water pressure forces the ball into the hole and causes the ball to sealingly close the hole, preventing the water from entering the boat. When the boat is moving or is raised out of the water, the ball is free to swing away from the drain hole and water within the boat escapes through the drain hole.

Abstract: A shank-mounted reverse pull slide and slide stop to effect release of a fouled anchor. The device can be readily mounted on a substantially solid, conventional twin fluke anchor shank without altering the structural integrity of the shank. The slide housing has interior wall surfaces which are shaped to provide a shank contact portion and a plurality of passages between the shank surface and the slide housing walls to prevent sand and other marine grit from jamming or restricting movement of the slide along the shank in a marine environment. The slide stop is mounted within the conventional shank line receiving aperture or eye and includes a shear pin receiving channel. When utilized with a shear pin, the slide is locked near the shank free end and cannot move along the shank until the shear pin is severed. Without the shear pin, the slide is moveable between the slide stop and the shank end connected to the crown. The shear pin is easily installed or removed to accommodate either mode of operation.

Abstract: An exhaust gas-cooling water separation chamber, a gas collection chamber and gas acceleration and gas flow-shaping conduit means. The entrance of the separation chamber is connectable to water coolant and gas exhaust tubes from a marine engine. The separation chamber is fitted with a water deflector disposed below the gas exit from that chamber, while a gas dam is disposed in the water exit from that chamber, the entrance and water exit going below the deflector level. The gas collection chamber is connected to the gas exit and a gas acceleration chamber which tapers downstream is connected to the gas collection chamber.

Abstract: A stack of sheets is stood on a support surface inclined to the horizontal by 15.degree. at the upstream end of a track. A pair of elements perpendicular to this surface and mounted on a carriage clamp this stack and the carriage is displaced to the opposite end of the track. An applicator brush underneath the track in its center is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the track and parallel to the support surface. This brush is partially immersed in a hot-glue bath so that on rotation it may stroke a layer of glue on the bottom of the stack held in the clamp on the carriage.

Abstract: A photoresist spraying apparatus for coating both sides of metal sheets with photoresist and including a spray gun for spraying photoresist upon a workpiece, a spray chamber having a filter and exhaust vent for containing any overspray; a rack rotatably mounted within the chamber for holding the workpiece to be sprayed; a spray guide disposed at the front of the chamber in front of the workpiece for guiding the spray gun across the workpiece, and a positioning mechanism for moving the spray gun along the guide.

Abstract: In the culture of confined aquatic animals such as fish, tadpoles and frogs, the cage or other confining structure is used both to restrain the animal being cultures, and also to trap wild aquatic animals (e.g. fish) for the animals being cultured to eat. Thus, a simple, low-cost automatic means is provided for supplementing the diet of insects, commercial food pellets, etc. which also is fed to the animals being cultured. The cage walls have a mesh size small enough to keep out all but the small aquatic animals. At least one fish-trap entrance structure is built into the walls of the cage. The entrance opening of the fish-trap structure is of a size such that only forage fish significantly smaller than the animals being cultured in the cage can enter, and the cultured animals cannot escape. The fish-trap structure substantially prevents escape of the forage fish until they have been eaten.

Abstract: A system for economically controlling feed of livestock to effect maximum consumption of all feed ingredients supplied to livestock comprising cage structure for confining livestock in a plurality of separate groups, separate feed troughs on the cage structure for each of the groups of livestock, and individual travelling feed dispensing hoppers for dispensing feed into the separate feed troughs. The system also includes a control mechanism for periodically effecting travel and return of the feed hoppers to dispense feed into the troughs numerous times in the course of each day. Each of the feed dispensing hoppers includes feed dispensing mechanism for causing feed to be dispensed therefrom into the troughs associated therewith. The feed dispensing mechanisms in the hopper for one group of livestock is of such capacity as to dispense all the feed that the group of livestock can eat during the course of each day with such feed being dispensed in small quantities numerous times each day.

Abstract: For transportation and storage the device is made of detachable components which are easily assembled without use of special tools. Three platforms, preferably circular, are held horizontal by at least one vertical post fitting through holes in the platforms. Fastening means engaging the post or posts hold the platforms horizontal and vertically spaced. Surrounding the two lower platforms and supported by dowels in the edges thereof are wires which function as perches. Edgings around the lower platforms prevent the contents from falling to the ground. On top of the upper platform is a pan and depending from its lower surface is a circular skirt which protects the contents of the lower platforms from being washed away by rain. The plan on the top functions as a bird bath. One of the lower platforms contains bird seed and the other gravel or other items on which birds feed. A hummingbird feeder may hang below the lowest platform.

Abstract: An animal leash with slip loop having a slip connector unit associated with the slip loop so that said loop may be adjusted in size according to the size of the neck of the animal with which it is to be used. A simplified embodiment is also provided which allows for simple adjustment of the slip loop without the use of a connector as detailed as in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: An animal size sorting and control gate for efficient operation in a number of operative modes permitting passage in a single direction, passage in both directions or passage in either direction. A pair of width limiters, each having a pair of horizontally disposed arms and a vertical rail extending between the arms, are pivotable with respect to horizontally disposed frame members. A plate underlying an upper horizontal frame member has a plurality of apertures arranged in circular arcs about either side of the frame members for alignment with an aperture in one of the arms of the width limiter to selectively fix the operating position of the width limiters by placing a pin through the aligned apertures. A space between the vertical rails of the width limiters determines the maximum size of animals which may pass therethrough.

Abstract: A boiler furnace that is adapted to burn slag producing pulverized coal in suspended form at the upper end of the furnace in which solid fuel is being burned on a subjacent grate. The boiler furnace has an upright combustion chamber with baffles intermediate the upper portion of the furnace and the grate to effectively arrest slag that falls from the upper portion of the furnace before it reaches the subjacent grate.

Abstract: Apparatus for improved recovery of heat from combustion gases in the convection section of a furnace by improved radiant heat transfer. Thin strips of selected metals are arrayed and supported on the fluid carrying pipes in the furnace, in such a way that interference to the vertical flow of combustion gases is held to a minimum. The metal strips are heated by flow parallel to their surfaces of the combustion gases. Heat is radiated from the metal strips to the pipes with a consequent increase of heat transfer to the fluid within the pipes.

Abstract: A once-through boiler is provided with integral separators and a plurality of valves for controlling fluid flow during boiler startup. A pressure control generates an open or close signal for all of the valves and a sequence selector responds to the pressure control and a valve-in-operation logic circuit to generate valve selection signals which enable the valves to respond sequentially to the pressure control output.

Abstract: A furnace has its interior walls covered with tubes which carry fluids being heated has supports for the tubes extended from the furnace shell. The supports are attached to the inside of the shell and extend beyond the refractory lining the shell. A strap member on each support extends from, and is movable in, tracks of each support to clamp a tube to the support.

Abstract: Rotary piston engine has an intake port formed in one of the side housings, said intake port being connected with an intake passage which has a curved portion merging to the intake port. The radius of curvature of the curved portion is varied in widthwise direction of the passage with smaller radius at the side opposite to the direction of rotor rotation whereby the difference in flow resistance thus produced effectively bends the direction of mixture flow towards the direction of rotor rotation to establish recommendable stratified fuel distribution.

Abstract: In an electronic closed loop control system for optimally controlling the air-fuel mixture fed to an internal combustion engine, two electrical circuits are provided: one for removing cumbersome manual adjustment of a standard signal level for ensuring the system a proper air-fuel ratio control, and the other for ensuring the system a proper control during a certain period after initially energizing the system.

Abstract: Rotary piston engine of fuel injection type wherein fuel injection is performed when the intake air flow is relatively high so that an improved fuel atomization can be attained. Further, the fuel injection timing is also determined from the view point that air-fuel mixture is forced toward the leading part of the intake working chamber. The engine has a peripheral intake port formed in the rotor housing and a side intake port formed in one of the side housings, said side intake port being used only in heavy load range of engine operation. The intake passage leading to the peripheral intake port is inclined in the direction of rotor rotation so that intake fluid is forced toward the leading part of the intake working chamber.

Abstract: An improved device having no moving parts which, when in communication with the air intake of a carburetor of an internal combustion engine injects a mist of water into the air-fuel mixture formed by the carburetor, which water when in the zone of combustion in the engine reacts with carbon monoxide and free carbon therein to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The hydrogen so formed reacts with oxygen in the air-fuel mixture to form water that is either discharged in the exhaust from the engine or reacts with additional carbon dioxide and carbon in the zone of combustion to produce further carbon dioxide and hydrogen that continues until the carbon dioxide and water are discharged in the exhaust from the engine. The device when operating not only lowers the content of carbon monoxide in the exhaust discharged from the engine, but also tends to remove and minimize the depositing of carbon on spark plugs and in the cylinders of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stratified combustion type engine comprising an engine cylinder, a main combustion chamber located above the cylinder, an injection nozzle for injecting auxiliary fuel towards the combustion chamber, and an open pre-combustion chamber provided within the combustion chamber for locally holding and vaporizing the flow of auxiliary fuel from the injection nozzle. The pre-combustion chamber is internally equipped with a spark plug.

Abstract: An apparatus which comprises a detector for detecting the density of one component (oxygen, for example) of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine for regulating the ratio of air to fuel based on the detected value of the component in such a manner that the air-fuel ratio can be made approximate to the theoretical air-fuel ratio. The apparatus further comprises a first comparator having a hysteresis range and a second comparator having no hysteresis range for detecting the output of the detector for detecting the density of one component of exhaust gases, in order that variations in the characteristics of the detector or changes in its characteristics with time can be compensated for.

Abstract: Resilient means yieldably opposes opening of the throttle for an automobile engine when the latter is accelerated too rapidly for acceptable fuel economy. Pressure actuated means responsive to inlet manifold pressure withdraws the resilient means from the path of opening movement of the throttle to enable throttle opening without opposition by the resilient means when the rate of acceleration is sufficiently low to achieve the acceptable fuel economy. The throttle opposing force of the resilient means is readily detectable by the automobile driver, but may be overcome by him when rapid acceleration is desired. Also supplemental means under the control of the driver is provided for selectively withdrawing the resilient means from the path of throttle opening movement when no indication of rapid acceleration is desired.

Abstract: Apparatus to enhance vaporization of liquid particles entrained in a gaseous carrier comprises:A. means including a chamber defining at least two flow paths for said carrier and particles, the carrier and particles in each path defining a flow stream,B. said means including surfaces directing said streams alternately to merge with mutual impingement and to separate, at different locations therealong.The apparatus has particular utility with a carburetor for an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In addition to the gasoline-air mixing primary carburetor on an internal combustion engine, an auxiliary carburetor is provided for mixing air and alcohol, to thereby provide a substantial portion of the fuel-air mixture used by the engine during idle conditions and light-load conditions, while the primary carburetor provides an increasingly greater portion of the total fuel-air mixture during high-load conditions. The alcohol fuel-air mixture flows directly to the intake manifold, thus by-passing the throttle valve which controls the fuel-air mixture from the primary carburetor. The auxiliary carburetor is vacuum controlled.

Abstract: A fuel injection timing control system is provided wherein a fluid actuator having a fluid chamber containing therein a movable wall member and the amount of pressure medium in the fluid chamber are controlled by electromagnetically operated control valve means to cause the actuator to operate an element for controlling the fuel injection timing of a fuel injection pump.

Abstract: A device for splitting the operation of a multicylinder internal combustion engine to allow the use of one group of the cylinders during a first phase of operation and the use of both the first and second group of the cylinders during a second phase of operation. In the first phase of operation all fuel and air is blocked by a throttle valve from entering the inactive second group of cylinders, causing these cylinders to operate in a vacuum environment. The throttle controlling the second group of cylinders operates in response to the operation of a throttle controlling the first group of cylinders. In an alternative embodiment, the throttle of the second group of cylinders is kept slightly open during the first phase of operation to provide just enough fuel and air to the second group of cylinders to provide power to turn the pistons in the second group of cylinders and reduce the potential drag forces to the active first group of cylinders.

Abstract: This device is a spear gun for underwater fishing and is operated by a reservoir of compressed air. A reservoir is maintained in an elongate gun barrel within which a slidable piston is located between the pneumatic valve end the other or spear discharge end. A shock absorbing cushion is provided at the discharge end of the gun barrel for stopping the travel of the piston without damage. A gun stock is secured over the gun barrel adjacent the discharge end, and remote from the valve end. The spear rod is provided with a conically reduced portion leading to an abrupt radial shoulder against which shoulder a V-shaped lock is pivoted in the bottom of the spear gun to abutting position to hold the spear in position ready for firing. An L-shaped sear is pivoted to a trigger rod slidably reciprocable through bearings for releasably engaging the V-shaped lock.

Abstract: A fuel injection system includes a piston movable within a bore to displace fuel through a fuel outlet. Fluid under pressure can be admitted to the other end of the bore by way of a valve means to effect movement of the piston to displace fuel and when the valve means is closed a further valve means can be opened to permit the piston to move in the opposite direction. The valve means and the further valve means are actuated by a control pressure generated by a stack of piezo-electric crystals. The valve means 23 includes a plurality of pressure balanced pistons and when the stack of crystals is de-energised the valve means is in the closed position.

Abstract: A fuel separating device adapted to be connected between a carburetor and the intake manifold or integrally built into the intake manifold of an internal-combustion engine for removing excess fuel from the fuel-air mixture provided by the carburetor. The device comprises a housing having upper and lower chambers that are separated by a plate having a plurality of upright tubular members which communicate the upper chamber to the lower chamber. The device has an inlet port communicating the upper chamber to the outlet of the carburetor and an outlet port which communicates the lower chamber to the inlet of the manifold such that a fuel flow passage is provided for directing the fuel-air mixture from the carburetor to the manifold, while excess fuel droplets carried by the mixture are deposited at the bottom of the upper chamber. Means are provided for drawing off the excess fuel and returning it to the fuel supply tank.

Abstract: In a multicylinder internal combustion engine a cylindrical member is located downstream of a carburetor, with the cylindrical member disposed parallel to a vaporizing barrel of the carburetor and arranged downstream of the vaporizing barrel. A deflector plate for changing the stream of a fuel-air mixture is provided at a downstream position of the cylindrical member. Further, a cylindrical member with a deflector plate is disposed in the downstream of the primary vaporizing barrel of a duplex carburetor, and a cylindrical member with a slant port is disposed downstream of the secondary vaporizing barrel.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine, wherein the energization time of the primary winding of the ignition coils is maintained constant regardless of the engine revolutions, is provided with reference time signal generator means within the apparatus. The reference time signal thus produced from the reference time signal generator means is compared with an actual energization time, and the time difference therebetween is negatively fed back to the energization time signal generator means, thereby controlling the energization time in such a way as to always approximate the reference time.

Abstract: This invention provides an improvement in a flywheel magneto having a thyristor controlled capacitive ignition system including a flywheel having permanent magnets and at least one cooperating coil core which has three pole legs and at least one charging coil and one trigger coil. The improvement therein comprises a charging coil arranged on the intermediate pole leg of the coil core and a trigger coil being arranged on the last pole leg when viewed in the direction of rotation of the flywheel.

Abstract: A magnetic field, such as produced by a surrounding coil, lowers the breakdown voltage of a gas discharge device in series with a spark plug so that the ignition voltage will preferentially go to that spark plug rather than to others in series with gas discharge devices having no magnetic field. The switching of the field-producing coils of the gas discharge devices in accordance with the firing cycle of an engine may be produced by a transistor switching circuit excited by a simple rotary electric timing device that also times the spark pulses. A gas discharge device for this system is shown having an elongated cup-shaped anode and rodlike cathode, which can also be made to serve as the sealing tube, centered within the anode. Gas discharge devices for this system are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,144 to the same assignee.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a rotary valved internal combustion engine is disclosed. The seal assembly comprises longitudinal side seals for axially sealing an interface between a cylindrical valve housing and a complementary valve rotor body therein. Circumferential ring seals are spaced apart along the valve rotor body for isolating inlet or exhaust ports which extend diametrically through the rotor. The ring seals are provided with a novel means for biasing the seals against the rotor. Spacers are provided for locating and retaining the seals in position within the housing, with bearing rings between the spacers for rotationally supporting the rotor. The assembly also includes means for locating the spacers properly in a head of the engine and for properly orienting the end seals.

Abstract: A rotary valve engine in which the rotary valve is located laterally of the cylinder and includes straight longitudinally extending, concentrically arranged intake and exhaust passages for unrestricted flow of air or combustible mixture into the cylinder or cylinders and exhaust of combustion products with the incoming air or combustible mixture being in heat exchange relation to the exhausting combustion products. The rotary valve includes an inner tubular exhaust member made in sections connected together with expansion joints, seal strips mounted in the bore of the valve case with the valve being suspended in the valve bore and the rotary valve being lubricated by a roller lubricating system.

Abstract: A monitoring and control apparatus for an engine, particularly a water-cooled internal combustion marine engine, which includes devices for monitoring the temperature and/or flow of the coolant liquid and/or of the lubricant, the monitoring devices being included in an alarm system adapted to give visual and/or audible warning of an abnormal condition and to reduce automatically the speed of the engine, in order to prevent or minimize the danger of damage thereto.

Abstract: A side-mounted pull-rope recoil starter for low horsepower, vertical crankshaft internal combustion engines in which a starter gear moves vertically in a pair of journalled slots in the starter mounting bracket into engagement with a ring gear carried by the engine flywheel. The starter includes a starter brake spring which is released when the starter gear engages the flywheel, an operator handle which is specifically contoured to be comfortably held by the operator during pulling of the starter rope and a mechanical interlock between the engine and a drive transmission to prevent engagement of the starter mechanism when the transmission is in other than the neutral position. A safety lock mechanism which is operable by means of a removable key and which prevents unauthorized activation of the starter mechanism is also disclosed. A top-mounted pull-rope recoil starter is disclosed which incorporates many features of the basic side-mounted starter embodiment.

Abstract: This is a unique and improved throat for chimneys such as chimneys used in connection with fireplaces which features a complete former damper and throat attached to the sides of the chimney hood portion immediately above the firebox in such manner as to provide a chamber into which downdrafts from the chimney will be directed so as to be diverted back up the chimney and wherein the draft from the firebox or combustion chamber together with smoke will be diverted up the chimney so that if diverted otherwise by downdraft it will enter the air shelf and return up the chimney; the invention is further characterized by the capability of being formed of cardboard or the like in an inexpensive manner which will burn away, and leave the masonry which has been formed thereabout as the final unit; the air shelf is provided with unique cleaning potential through provision of a washing opening.

Abstract: A furnace and method of operation are disclosed for the efficient, controlled combustion of a combustible material such as wood, coal, etc. The furnace includes a grate which grate permits a large amount of combustible material to be stacked within the grate and to be constantly compressed to insure efficient combustion. The furnace also includes a heat exchanger surrounding the grate, which heat exchanger is comprised of an intake jacket and an exhaust jacket disposed on opposite sidewalls of the furnace. The heat exchanger also includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes disposed above and behind the grate and connecting the jackets. Air is drawn into one of the jackets, is directed through the heat exchange tube where the air is heated, and is exhausted through the other jacket. A portion of the heat exchanger intake air is diverted through a perforated air delivery tube disposed adjacent to the grate to provide combustion air for the combustible material.

Abstract: A guard fixture is mountable on a fireplace grate of the type having a frame formed of a plurality of spaced rib members which extend fore and aft when the grate is placed in a fireplace opening. The guard fixture includes an elongate post which projects substantially vertically with respect to the grate frame. The post is mounted on the grate by a pair of flange plates, one of which is affixed to the bottom of the post. The flange plates are positioned on opposite sides of adjacent rib members, and are caused to be held thereagainst by a threaded bolt which passes between the adjacent rib members to mechanically couple the flange plates.

Abstract: An improved solar heat generator incorporates a novel finned heat-absorbing and transfer plate which employs upstanding fins of relatively small length which are arranged in uniformly spaced rows across the direction of gas flow, with the fins in each row laterally displaced a constant, relatively short distance from the position of the fins in the upstream adjacent row.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of a liquid through a solar heating system of the type having the output of a solar energy collector coupled to the input of a storage tank and having a circulating pump interposed along a return liquid pipe coupled between the recirculating output of the storage tank and the input of the solar energy collector. A first element senses the temperature of the liquid adjacent to the output of the solar energy collector and generates a first signal responsive thereto. A second element senses the temperature of the liquid at a second location within the solar heating system and generates a second signal responsive thereto. A first comparator is coupled between the first and second elements for generating a run signal responsive to the difference between the first and second signals exceeding a predetermined level.

Abstract: In a solar-to-thermal energy converter comprising an insulated frame, a solar energy absorber mounted in the frame, fluid flow heat exchanger means thermally coupled to the absorber to carry away as thermal energy the absorbed solar energy, and a window transmissive to solar energy mounted in the frame and spaced from the absorber, that improvement consisting of a heat loss suppressor comprising a multiplicity of walls extending between the window and the absorber, adjacent walls being at least in part non-parallel to each other to define a first set of elongated channels generally diverging and opening toward the window interleaved with a second set of elongated channels generally diverging and opening toward the absorber, the walls being of materal transmissive to solar energy and absorptive of thermal energy, the channels being narrow enough to reduce conversion heat loss and deep enough to reduce radiation heat loss.

Abstract: A frying pan grease shield is presented consisting of an integral imperforate hollow shell having a planar open bottom edge having a top and surrounding walls on three sides extending down to the bottom edge and leaving one side open where the frying pan handle will stick out. A continuous grease accumulation trough surrounds the bottom edge on the inner side and the top and walls are inclined so that hot fat or grease will flow by gravity along the top and walls and into the trough.

Abstract: An improved vaginal device for females afflicted with urinary incontinence. The device consists of a molded, resilient cellular mass of plastic or rubber-like material formed in the general shape of a mushroom and dimensioned so that when inserted into the vagina, the head of the mushroom exerts an upward thrust against the anterior wall of the vagina of sufficient magnitude to block the flow of urine through the uretha, while the stem of the mushroom is posterially positioned in the vagina resting either against the prineal body or in the posterior fornix of the vagina. For ease of insertion, the cellular mushroom-shaped body is pre-compressed and inserted in a plastic sleeve or tubing which is then sealed to maintain the device in the compressed condition until it has been inserted in proper position in the vagina.

Abstract: A compression implant to resist the flow of urine through the urethra comprising a cap, an external planar pressure face on the cap, a base, an external bearing face on the base, and a peripheral wall continuously interconnecting the cap and the base. A peripheral fold in the peripheral wall enables the face to move toward and away from the base by changing the shape of the fold without elastic stretching of the material which forms the wall. The cap, base and peripheral wall together define an internal cavity which can be filled with an adjustably variable amount of fluid whereby to adjust the firmness of the capsule and thereby to adjust the force which it exerts against the urethra after implantation.