Abstract: A cup for use in medical electrode structures comprises a one-piece body of plastic having a cup shape and thus having a base and a rim. The rim is rounded for comfortable skin contact and has integrally formed barbs projecting inwardly and downwardly toward the center of the cup. The barbs permit a prefilled electrolyte sponge to be dropped into the cup without appreciable resistance from the barbs, but resist any tendency for the prefilled sponge to separate from the cup. Accordingly the cup supports the prefilled electrolyte sponge for contact to the skin of a patient but resists any tendency of the sponge to escape the cup by clinging to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A hollow rubber chamber filled with a fluid and equipped with a pressure gauge, the chamber being designed for placement over the sternum of a heart victim while giving external cardiac compression as a means for restoring heart action. As force is applied to the sternum through the hollow rubber chamber, the gauge registers the amount of pressure applied and thus aids in the optimum administration of the Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) procedure.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy device takes the form of a generally tub-shaped lower housing having an upper rim. A generally tub-shaped upper housing of resilient material is nested within the lower housing and has a periphery matable with the rim of the lower housing. The bottom wall of the upper housing is spaced from the bottom wall of the lower housing when the housings are nested together. The rim is secured to the periphery as the only support of the upper housing. A vibratory apparatus is secured to a wall of the upper housing and disposed between the respective walls of those housings.

Abstract: A cradle assembly including a rigid base supporting at opposite ends thereof a handle including a grasp element attached thereto and a stirrup assembly dimensioned and configured to be disposed in surrounding relation to thecasted limb. A support element is integrally attached in exposed outwardly extending relationship relative to the stirrup assembly wherein relative dispositions between the support element and the stirrup assembly causes a supporting engagement between the cradle assembly and the casted limb for manipulation or orientation of the casted limb by the user thereof through manipulation of the cradle assembly. Connecting straps may serve to attach the cradle assembly to the casted limb so that it may be mounted on and moved with the casted limb if desired.

Abstract: A medical splint kit having reusable components and serviceable during the X-raying of the body part involved. The kit has a splint member formed from a material transparent to X-irradiation such as an acrylic plastic. The splint also includes sections of minute loops or hooks to facilitate its affixation to the body member. Straps having hooks or loops, respectively, which will engage the sections on the splint affix the splint to the body. By incorporating sections of both hooks and loops, the strap, after surrounding the body member, will adhere to itself and retain the splint adjacent to and supportive of the injured area. A second splint member may also form part of the kit. A locking device passing through slots in both members hold the members together and provide an adjustable splint that can conform to the particular body member involved. Non-skid surfaces on both splint members will aid the splint in retaining their respective configuration.

Abstract: An orthopedic cast made of a thermoplastic polyester having a melting point between 40.degree. C and 70.degree. C, particularly poly(epsilon-caprolactone) having a weight average molecular weight of over 30,000. The cast is formed of a continuous or foraminous sheet which is either solid polyester or polyester on a substrate which is not melted at the melting point of the polyester. The sheet is made plastic by heating in water of suitable temperature and then wrapping around the subject limb.

Abstract: A rigid supporting bandage is described which is applied in situ for fixing and repositioning a part of the live body which is at least partly covered with skin, and which bandage comprisesA. a flexible layer of textile material,B. an outer layer of hard self-cured synthetic polymer resin on the outside of the bandage, andC. an intermediate layer of meshes of textiles filled with the same hard polymer resin as constitues the outer layer. At least the innermost ply of meshes of the base layer must be free from the resin. The base layer has at least one front end uncovered by the intermediate and outer layers, and contains channels which open at the one front end to the outside of the bandage. These channels are covered, on the side of the body part, by the innermost polymer resin-free ply of meshes of the base layer.A method for applying this bandage is also described.

Abstract: A protective breathing device comprises a housing having a filter therein and with an inlet air passage through the filter and through an internal passage in the housing to a breathing tube having a mouthpiece which is adapted to be fitted to the wearer. The breathing tube includes an exhaling valve for expelling air which is exhaled through the breathing tube. The housing carries an oxygen cartridge which is fired or opened by a firing pin which penetrates the cartridge in order to supply oxygen into the housing passage for flow through the breathing tube when this is necessary. In addition, the housing has an annular chamber surrounding the inhalation duct carrying an economy bag through which portions of the exhaled air may be recirculated for flow back into the breathing tube on a successive respiration in order to maintain the oxygen content within acceptable limits.

Abstract: Wearable, self-contained and fully mobile personal breathing apparatus adapted to be worn by a surgeon or other operating room personnel is provided. The apparatus controls contamination of operating room spaces generated by the air normally expired by the wearer during surgery. The apparatus comprises a vest, a high efficiency particulate air filter secured to said vest, and conduit means for capturing and directing contaminated exhaled air from the wearer through the upstream side of said filter and a blower connected to the downstream side of said filter for inducing air flow in the conduit means and through the filter for decontamination and return to the operating room space.

Abstract: An impact resistant external casing is provided to enclose a canister containing a multi-layered chemical bed, with by-passes in each layer to accommodate the flow across and through the bed of exhaled breath which reacts with potassium superoxide in tablet form, the casing being provided with a (top) lid section which contains a mouthpiece, breathing hoses, and neck straps, the opposite side of the casing being provided with a bottom cover which accommodates the storage of a folded breathing bag and chest straps. An air passageway constituting an annular section is provided to accommodate a chimney extending from the bag through the passageway section between the casing and the canister, which is open to ambient air for cooling purposes. The inside bottom portion of the canister is provided with a trammel to prevent escape of deliquesced KO.sub.

Abstract: A method for treating skin ulcers, infections and the like by eletrotherapy. Therapeutic low intensity direct current is applied to a patient by electrodes, at least one of which contains silver. The polarity of the direct current is reversed from time to time to prevent the accumulation of unwanted material upon the silver bearing electrode due to electrochemical action.

Abstract: A portable conditioned heated air breathing device is provided comprising a compartmented canister with a collapsible hose storage compartment, an air conditioning compartment and a heating compartment and which also contains an ejector for ejecting an additive into the conditioned air as well as a structural arrangement for mixing fresh air with heated air, a filter for filtering the air and a device for igniting a burner from the outside of the canister and a manually controllable valve for controlling the flow of fuel to the burner.

Abstract: A sterile connector assembly for moving blood component preparations through a fluid path established by engaged coupling elements within adjoined connectors. The open end of the connectors are closed by barrier membranes covered by protective members with adhesive film between the protective members and the barrier membranes. A pressure cap is mounted on one of the connectors to apply pressure to the adjoining connectors so that the membranes adhere to each other along a sterile surface which is substituted for the non-sterile protective member that is progressively pulled away. A penetrator member associated with one of the coupling elements penetrates the adjoined and adhered membranes so that an associated coupling element can engage the coupling element in the other connector.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for shaping the beaks of young fowl and simultaneously giving them an oral injection. A backing member is mounted for generally horizontal arcuate movement and a red-hot blade is mounted for generally vertical arcuate movement. The upper half of the fowl's beak is put on the top of the backing member which is urged forward by force exerted on the fowl's body. A pneumatic circuit is controlled by this forward movement and actuates a pneumatic jack which moves the blade downward clamping and cutting the fowl's beak at least partially. With the downward movement of the blade an injection gun may be triggered and compressed air injects a vaccine into the fowl's oral cavity through suitable apertures in the backing member. Compressed air is also carried through the backing member to blow away severed bits of beak. After a predetermined interval the pneumatic circuit returns the blade to its initial position.

Abstract: A system for controlling the infusion of fluid to an operating field at a selected predetermined and programmed pressure, as a counterpart to an instrument for severing material from an object in the field, and for evacuating the severed material from the field in a suspension or emulsion of the infusion fluid. The system includes a simplified fluid flow control system for changing the pressure of the infusion fluid flow into the operating field during different modes of operation of the system.

Abstract: A dual balloon retention and positioning arrangement in an enemata administering device. Both balloons are mounted on the stem. The first balloon, internal of the patient, is air inflated. The second balloon, external of the patient, is in communication with the interior of the stem and is automatically inflated by the applied barium sulphate suspension fluid when the fluid is flowed through the stem to the patient.

Abstract: An eye covering member of opaque material has an inner surface adjacent the eyes of a wearer when in use. A fastening device on the eye covering member removably affixes said member over the eyes of a wearer. A pair of eye pads are removably accommodated in a pair of spaced recesses formed in the inner surface of the eye covering member over the eyes of a wearer for applying medication to the eyes.

Abstract: A double duty disposable diaper comprised of a bottom moisture impervious layer of thin material having one or more layers of absorbent material arranged thereon face to face, and a strip comprised of like layers of material centrally arranged on the absorbent layer midway between its side edges. The insert strip extends to or beyond at least one edge of said absorbent layer and is detachably secured to said layer. At least one absorbent layer of the diaper assembly may be impregnated with medication or a deodorant. The invention also embodies the method of fabricating such a diaper.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system for selectively stimulating portions of the body. The system includes an external device for alternately transmitting stimulus signals and control signals to an implantable receiver. The receiver includes a plurality of output devies adapted to apply the stimulus signals to the body and circuitry for routing the stimulus signal to the output devices under the control of the control signals. In a preferred embodiment, the control signals are formed of an alterably preselected number of pulse signals with the routing circuitry routing each of the stimulus signals to the output devices in predetermined correspondance with the number of pulse signals within a different one of the control signals. The system of the present invention may be employed to sequentially stimulate several stimulation sites, with the stimulation sites being selected to combat the same or different body disfunctions.

Abstract: A pulse generator for providing timed pulses of adjustable amplitude and constant width for nerve stimulation at selected portions of a body. The timed pulses of positive and negative amplitude are generated alternatinely and the period can be precisely set.

Abstract: Tobacco substitutes comprising an organic binder containing boric oxide or boron oxyacids and their ammonium, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal salts are disclosed. The disclosed tobacco substitute may comprise from about 2 to about 95% by weight boric oxide, boron oxyacid, or boron oxyacid salt and from about 5 to about 50% by weight, of the organic binder wherein during combustion the boron compound melts or fuses to form a stable ash. The tobacco substitute may also optionally include up to about 93% by weight of a filler such as CaCO.sub.3, MgCO.sub.3, charcoal, alumina or alumina trihydrate and up to about 15% by weight monoammonium or diammonium phosphate.

Abstract: A smokable material formed by heating a cellulosic or carbohydrate material at a temperature within the range of 150.degree.-750.degree. C in an inert, non-oxidizing atmosphere for a time sufficient to effect a weight loss of at least 60% but not more than 90%.

Abstract: A dental hygiene package comprising a container for a body of viscous material including a dental medicament, such as a topical fluoride gel or a gel including a tooth-desensitizing composition. A supply of dental floss is immersed in the body of material thereby to impregnate the floss and adhere to the strands thereof. The container has an orifice through which the medicament-carrying dental floss may be withdrawn. This orifice has a size and shape relative to that of the floss whereby a predetermined and controlled amount of medicament is supplied per length of medicament-carrying floss drawn through the orifice from the container. A cutter is secured to the container for severing the medicament-carrying floss into desired lengths.

Abstract: A method of accurately mixing gases in desired proportions which comprises establishing the gases to be mixed at a uniform pressure; sequentially feeding the gases through a common restrictor for proportionate time periods to give the gas mix desired.

Abstract: A vessel to be vented on a discontinuous basis is connected by first conduit means, containing a first valve means, to the inlet of a compressor. An equalization chamber is connected by second conduit means, containing a second valve means, to the first conduit means at a point between the first valve means and the inlet of the compressor. The valves are selectively actuated to initially connect the vessel and the equalization chamber to permit the gas pressures therein to equalize then to close off the chamber while the compressor withdraws additional gas from the vessel until the desired pressure is reached, and finally to withdraw gas from the chamber. The equalization chamber and compressor can be employed to sequentially vent a plurality of vessels. A control means can be utilized to perform the selective actuation of the valves.

Abstract: A tractor protection valve for use in the air brake system of a tractor-trailer vehicle combination to protect and maintain the braking system of the tractor includes a housing having tractor supply and control ports, trailer supply and control ports, and a pair of exhaust ports. The housing has a chamber with the exhaust ports being positioned at opposite ends of the chamber. First and second spring-biased pistons are axially movable in the chamber to control communication between the ports.

Abstract: A valve to shut off leakage from a damaged section of a pneumatic braking system: the valve comprises a spring biased movable shutter which is spring biased against a fixedly positioned annular seat and a second annular seat coaxial with the first annular seat; the second annular seat is spring biased to move a controlled maximum distance toward the shutter; a plenum defined between the first and second seats and the shutter; a small flow rate leakage passage from the high pressure concuit into the plenum. Pneumatic pressure enters the plenum and raises the shutter off the fixed valve seat while the movable valve seat follows the motion of the shutter and finally the shutter lifts off the movable valve seat, also; upon leakage, the shutter re-engages the movable and then the fixed valve seats. A valving assembly including the aforesaid valve plus other valves in the passages leading to the aforesaid valve, and each of these valves servicing a unit of the braking system.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein includes a main check valve responsive to the rate of flow of fluid to a demand system and a bypass valve metering the flow of fluid to a bypass system. In the closed position of the main check valve, the bypass valve is in a fully open position whereby a predetermined minimum flow from a pressure source is maintained; in an intermediate position of the main check valve responsive to the predetermined minimum rate of flow thereacross, the bypass valve is closed and remains closed from the intermediate position of the main check valve to the fully open position. Operation of the bypass valve is controlled by fluid pressure from the inlet side of the main check valve which acts on a piston associated with the bypass valve and the buildup of pressure is controlled by a pilot valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing fluids at a fixed ratio. It includes a large tank for the mixture, a storage tank for an additive fluid and preferably, an intermediate tank having a volume at least equal to the amount needed to provide the desired ratio when the large tank is completely filled with the larger volume of fluid and the additive from the intermediate tank. A stand pipe in the large tank and pipes and valves between the tanks are arranged to enable the introduction of the main fluid into the large tank, through a fill valve, to simultaneously displace a proportional amount of additive fluid into the large tank by the action of the main fluid rising in the stand pipe. An interlock arrangement between the fill valve and the other valves assures proper refilling of the large tank with the correct mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a valve having a valve member in the form of a roller supported by a roller support such that the roller when moved to closed position is forced against a valve seat and such that inlet pressure in said valve aids in maintaining said roller in a tight closed position, said valve preferably comprising a tubular valve housing having an axial inlet and a peripheral outlet.

Abstract: A pipe system connects a first supply tank to a flask for dissolving solids, connects the flask to a mixing tank, connects the first supply tank to the flask and to the mixing tank, connects a second supply tank to the mixing tank and connects the mixing tank to an outlet. Valves in the pipe system selectively control the connection of the first supply tank to the flask and to the mixing tank and of the mixing tank to the flask and to the first supply tank. Pumps in the pipe system pump liquids through the pipe system.

Abstract: An inlet orifice device to control thruput flow for a pressure regulator, and to prevent increases in inlet pressure from causing variations in outlet pressure. The novel inlet orifice device also permits improved relief valve performance by limiting the maximum available thruput flow to constant levels, within the design range of inlet pressure, regardless of the variation of the inlet pressure supplied within such range.The improved inlet orifice device serves the dual function of controlling the thruput flow by (1) varying the open area (flow limiter area) on the inlet side of the pressure regulator thru the said device and (2) cooperating with the valve to vary the open area (throttling area) on the outlet side of the said device. The improved inlet orifice device includes a fixed nozzle on the inlet side and a control member moveable relative the nozzle and the valve, which valve is disposed on the outlet side and actuated responsive the diaphragm.

Abstract: A flap valve, in particular a return flap valve, having a flat disc valve housing with an associated valve seat and a locking member which is actuated in a stroke and pivot movement by two control levers of different lengths, the control levers being pivotably mounted with one of their free ends on the valve housing and with the other free ends on the locking member, and the pivot axes of both control levers being arranged parallel with respect to each other. The two control levers are articulated with one of their ends at the front face of the surface side pointing to the valve seat and with their other ends within the cross section of the valve flowthrough channel at the inlet side in front of the valve seat on the valve housing.

Abstract: A digital valve assembly has a body provided with a plurality of planar sides and has an inlet passage running axially thereinto and opening past an axial projection and through a plurality of inlet branch passages in divergent array to inlet valve openings on the respective sides of the body. There is also an outlet passage substantially coaxial with the inlet passage and open at the other end of the body. In communication with the outlet passage over an axial projection therein is a plurality of outlet branch passages, each opening on a respective one of the body sides and converging therefrom toward the outlet passage. The outlet valve openings and inlet valve openings are close together or are paired, so that each pair is coverable by a respective one of a number of valves, each mounted on the body on one of the sides in a position to control flow through the openings therein.

Abstract: A low flow needle valve assembly is described having a non-metallic valve stem guide and a cross-flow system such that fluid flow occurs over only metallic metering surfaces. The valve assembly is particularly advantageous in view of its low cost and its smooth, non-reversing flow characteristics which result in precise control of extremely low fluid flow rates.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for material handling and more particularly for processing material from a source for use in a material forming apparatus which produces residue material. The system includes storage means, which stores a predetermined amount of materials for use in the apparatus; return means operating cyclically which returns the residue material from the apparatus to the storage means; and a supply means which supplements the residue material with materials from the source, and the methods relate to ways in which such a system can be employed. A unique diverter valve composed of two pieces of substantially rigid material with a hole through each piece forms a part of the system. The two pieces of material are held together with their holes aligned. A piece of slightly deformable plastic, occupying most of the space between the two pieces of rigid material, has an aperture through it which can align with holes in both pieces.

Abstract: A faucet including a spout with a longitudinal duct, a housing, a recess in said housing for rotatably receiving the inner end of the spout; the spout being rotatable between at least two positions, a first position and a second position, a transverse duct in the spout proximate the inner end of the spout and communicating with the duct longitudinal of the spout; a bore in the housing for connection with a fluid source extending to the recess and the inner end of the spout; an adjustable sealing member in the bore; and a passage extending through the adjustable sealing member to the recess for communicating with the transverse duct in the first position and not in the second position.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a cascade of guide vanes or other objects extending across a conduit, characterized in that there is provided within the conduit two longitudinal partitions or plates separated by a small gap, and in that said object is formed in two parts each of which has one end fixed to a wall of the conduit and the other to the longitudinal plate nearest to this fixing point.

Abstract: The invention concerns the centering and the fixing of a long thin object inside a tubular body. It has as its object a means consisting in a filling in of the space left free by the long thin object inside the tubular body with a granular substance at least a part of which is agglomerated by means of a resinous isocure compound hardening when cold in a very short time on coming into contact with a gaseous catalyst. It applies more particularly to the centering of a wave guide in a metallic tube.

Abstract: A hollow flexible tubular body which comprises at least one tubular layer. The layer is formed by adjacent helical windings having hooked edges and substantially flat sections. The turns of the helix do not show any spontaneous tendency to increase in diameter.

Abstract: A loom includes a take-up assembly to which the forward ends of longitudinal strands are attached and a tensioning assembly to which the rear ends of the strands are connected. The tensioning assembly maintains the strands taut and further arranges the strands in a predetermined array in which a plurality of strands exist in both crosswise directions. A shedding assembly is located between the take-up assembly and tensioning assembly and includes a plurality of vertical wires which pass crosswise through the array and a plurality of horizontal wires which also pass crosswise through the array. The vertical and horizontal wires are arranged in pairs with the two wires of each pair being on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline for the array and spaced equally therefrom. Each pair of wires is supported on a single cable system having an actuator. The actuator when energized moves the cable system such that the wires either move together or spread apart.

Abstract: A conical plug adapted to be seated on a conical seat in a pipe and locked in seated position, and an apparatus for seating and locking, or unlocking and unseating, the plug, and a method of doing so.

Abstract: Lug strap consisting of a bight joining two parallel elongated legs the bight consisting of a central portion having an inner surface which is substantially at a right angle to the direction of the legs and is joined at its ends to the legs by transition portions.

Abstract: A method of fixing the end portion of a line such as for example, a wire or the like, to a reel by plastically bending the end portion of the line into the form of a U-shaped recession extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the line, wire or the like and depositing the deformed end portion into a slot provided within the reel.

Abstract: In forming a mat, a continuous length of wire is fed between a winding plate and a pair of laterally spaced parallel spindles located closely above the plate. The winding plate is adjustable relative to the spindles so that the wire forming the mat can be held gently between the spindles and the plate. A feed member is pivotally mounted for supplying the wire in a continuous alternating manner first to one spindle and then to the other. Each spindle has a helically formed wire guide followed by a screw thread. The wire fed to the spindles is directed into the screw threads by the wire guide. The spindles are rotated in opposite directions to obtain the desired feeding action. The mat is built up from a plurality of juxtaposed wire sections connected at their opposite ends by return bends. Welding members are movably positionable relative to the mat being formed to provide welding of the wire sections together on both sides of the mat.

Abstract: A sample fraction collector for sequentially collecting a plurality of samples of uniform volume despite variations in sample flow rate and/or viscosity comprises means defining a sample chamber, an outlet conduit means having a rotatable valve means therein, rack means for sequentially positioning a plurality of individual receptacles beneath a dispensing outlet of said outlet conduit means, a generally U-shaped tube for holding an electrolytic solution with first and second electrode means positioned in one leg and a pressure tube communicating between the other leg and the sample chamber. A control system is actuated by the electrolytic solution contacting both electrode means to energize the rack means to the next position and then to rotate the valve means to the open position for a period of time to drain the sample chamber.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for introducing material such as cement into sacks of the valve type which are positioned in a magazine adjacent a rotary packing means having a plurality of material filling spouts distributed thereabout and means to supply the material to the spouts. The method relates to positioning the sack magazine adjacent the rotary packing means in a manner such that the foremost sack is positioned adjacent the rotary path defined by the spouts while rotating the rotary packing means in a direction such that the spouts successively and repeatedly approach the bag carrying means in the general direction of rotation.

Abstract: A method for filling containers with predetermined amounts of food material (e.g., leafy vegetable, like fresh blanched spinach). It employs a vertically extending tube having removable cut-off means at its lower end. The food material is supplied to the upper end of the tube in loose uncompacted form, and as it moves downwardly into the tube a column of the material is formed which provides progressively increased gravity compaction toward the lower end of the tube. Lower end portions of this column are recurrently cut off and caused to be transferred to containers being filled. Also apparatus for carrying out the method including the vertical tube into which the material is fed and having cut-off means at its lower end. Also, means is provided for continuously shaking the tube with a vertically directed stroke.

Abstract: A machine is described for shearing a block of wood into a plurality of individual sheets in a single pass through a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced, stationary shearing knives. The knives are rigidly supported, one after the other, in vertically spaced relationship. Means are provided to force the wood block past the knives. A pressure applicator is provided for positively holding the wood block down against a horizontal supporting surface as it passes through the shearing knives. The wood block contacting surface of the pressure applicator is made up of a plurality of small diameter rod-like roller elements, each supported so that it can individually rotate with respect to adjacent roller elements. The roller elements contact each other and each is individually pressed against the wood block by a block-like mass of polyurethane elastomer of a durometer such that high unit pressure is maintained between each of the roller elements and the wood block.

Abstract: A wood splitting attachment for a backhoe includes a guide track mounted on the backhoe main boom and a guide track follower attached to the backhoe secondary boom or dipperstick. The follower engages and follows the guide track as the main boom and secondary boom swing toward each other. A wood splitting wedge on the track is driven through a stick of wood pushed along the track by the dipper-stick.