Abstract: A linkage for transmitting torque includes a stationary member, a movable member rotatably mounted to the stationary member, an input link having one end rotatably mounted to the stationary member and a second end connected to a linear actuator and a coupler link. The coupler link is connected to the second end of an output link, preferably integral to the movable member. The moment applied to the input link by the linear actuator is transferred through the coupler link to the output link, or movable member. The angle of rotation of the output link is greater than the angle of rotation of the input link.

Abstract: A variable height column having a base, a midsection and an upper section. The base includes at least one upwardly extending guide shaft and the upper section includes at least one downwardly extending guide shaft. The midsection includes guide paths and bearings dimensioned for sliding engagement with the guide shaft. Hydraulic actuating means are provided to move the midsection vertically relative to the base and to move the upper section vertically relative to the midsection at the same rate to permit the uniform straightline extension and retraction of the column.

Abstract: Means are provided for the monitoring of a sterilization procedure employing alkylene oxide, particularly ethylene oxide, to sterilize medical equipment, especially heat-sensitive equipment, and especially for monitoring the aeration of the so-sterilized goods and articles to desorb the retained alkylene oxide, which means employ interaction of the alkylene oxide with a cation-exchange resin and subsequent aeration of the cation exchange resin coupled with pH indicator means sensitive to changes in the ion exchange resin effected by the alkylene oxide employed in the sterilization and subsequently by the air employed in the desorption step.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for sterilizing goods comprising a method for substantially reducing condensate on the processed goods. The method includes producing an exothermic reaction during the process between effective amounts of at least two reactants to release at least a sufficient quantity of heat proximate the goods to substantially reduce condensate on the goods at the conclusion of the process. Hydratable salts may be housed in a liner which is permeable to a condensate vapor present in the process. Contact between the vapor, or condensate, and the salt produces the exothermic reaction during the process.

Abstract: A process for sterilizing and depyrogenating a pretreated solution, such as water, by adding an oxidant selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and ozone and heating the solution and the oxidant to a temperature sufficient to sterilize and depyrogenate the solution for a period of time, preferably less than 5 minutes. The oxidant is thereafter removed and the sterilized, depyrogenated solution is cooled for dispensing.

Abstract: A method of vaporizing a multicomponent liquid, such as a hydrogen peroxide and water solution, for injection into a vacuum chamber including the steps of metering successive predetermined increments of the liquid at a predetermined rate onto a heated surface in a vaporization chamber. Upon exposure to the heated surface, each liquid increment is substantially instantaneously vaporized before the next succeeding liquid increment is metered onto the heated surface to produce a multicomponent vapor increment having substantially the same weight percent composition as the multicomponent liquid increment. Each vapor increment is passed into the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An improved tubing organizer for hospital use having Velcro.RTM. straps, a Teflon.RTM. loop and a stainless steel clip connected by stainless steel eyelets. The improved tubing organizer is able to withstand repeated exposure to temperatures up to two hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit and can be permanently attached to a length of tubing.

Abstract: An extruder of the variety including a body having a cylindrical bore therethrough, and a shaft rotatably supported within the bore. The shaft includes at least a first helical flight means defining a main channel. The shaft is divided along its length into a feed section, an intermediate melt section, and at least one metering section. A portion is included in one of the sections which has a plurality of discrete grooves arranged in a discontinuous helix cut into the main channel. There is preferably a plurality of staggered rows of grooves within the main channel, the axis of each row being substantially parallel to the helical axis of the adjacent first helical flight means. The grooves are adapted to so receive the material forced through the extruder that the average shear force exerted against the material, and thus, the average temperature of the material, is reduced while the output of the material is maintained at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A cleaning device is provided for use with sizing screens in material reduction apparatus, such as crushers, pulverizers and shredders. The cleaning device automatically clears obstructions from the openings in a screen. The preferred embodiment of the cleaning device includes a rake connected to a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes a wheel and rail system. The tines of the rake extend upwards into the openings of the screen. When the wheels move along the rail, the rake tines travel along the openings in the screen, forcing any obstructing material into another portion of the material reduction apparatus. The rake is actuated manually, periodically at predetermined intervals or in response to a sensed reduction in flow.

Abstract: An assembly for permitting a sterile person to control adjustable equipment in a sterile field without contamination to the person or the field. The assembly includes a cover having two halves which can be folded together over the handle of the equipment in a closed position to isolate the handle from the sterile field. A flap on the cover isolates a control panel on the equipment from the sterile field. The assembly also includes a container in which the cover is sterilized and with which the cover is so applied to the handle following sterilization that the container provides a barrier against contamination of the exterior of the cover during such application. The container is structured to maintain the cover in a partially closed position and is adapted to be so deformed that the container can move the cover from the partially closed position to a closed position around the handle.

Abstract: A compression screw assembly for applying compression to a fractured bone includes a lag screw, a compression plate including a hollow barrel member adapted to receive the lag screw in at least one fixed orientation, a wrench assembly adapted to releasably engage the lag screw in axial alignment therewith, and apparatus having surface contours complimentary with the outer surface of the lag screw and inner surface of the barrel member for being optionally insertable into the barrel member to prevent axial rotation of the lag screw with respect to the barrel member.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting articles placed within an apparatus for use with a conventional supply of fluid. The apparatus includes an outer vessel, an inner vessel so disposed within the outer vessel that an outer chamber is defined therebetween, means for covering the inner vessel, means of introducing fluid into the inner vessel, and means for selectively draining the inner and outer vessels. There may also be means for agitating the fluid in the inner vessel.

Abstract: An improvement suitable for incorporation into a lighting fixture having a plurality of light source means for emitting light rays and at least one reflector wherein the one reflector superposes the light source means in a partially circumscribing, radially spaced relationship about the axis of symmetry of the lighting fixture to receive light rays and to project them onto a work surface. The improvement is a second reflector in axial alignment with, and rotatably mounted about, the axis of symmetry. The second reflector is positioned beneath the light source means and has a plurality of distinct surface sections, each of the surface sections being associated with one of the light source means for receiving the light rays emitted therefrom and projecting the light rays onto the one reflector. Each surface section has two radially adjacent portions. One portion has a textured finish for diffusing the light rays and the other portion has a specular finish for intensifying the light rays.

Abstract: A compression screw assembly for applying compression to a fractured bone includes a lag screw, a compression plate including a hollow barrel member adapted to receive the lag screw in at least one fixed orientation, a wrench assembly adapted to releasably engage the lag screw in axial alignment therewith, and apparatus having surface contours complimentary with the outer surface of the lag screw and inner surface of the barrel member for being optionally insertable into the barrel member to prevent axial rotation of the lag screw with respect to the barrel member 1.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing/ejecting a lamp from a plug-in socket wherein the lamp is mountable in a frame. The device includes a spring member for stabilizing the lamp in the frame and an ejection member pivotally attached to the spring member. The ejection member includes an upper ejector, or cam formed therein for separating the socket from the lamp, an outwardly extending lower ejector for ejecting the lamp from the frame and a lever for sequentially actuating the upper ejector and the lower ejector in one stroke. The stroke moves the lever from a rest position in which the spring member is operative, through a transition position in which the upper ejector is operative to eject the socket from the lamp and to reinforce the spring member to stabilize the lamp during the socket separation. The lever moves from the transition position to a final position in which the lower ejector is operative to eject the lamp from the frame.

Abstract: A system including an apparatus for disinfecting articles placed within the apparatus for use with a conventional supply of fluid. The apparatus includes an outer vessel, an inner vessel so disposed within the outer vessel that an outer chamber is defined therebetween, means for covering the inner vessel, means of introducing fluid into the inner vessel, and means for selectively draining the inner and outer vessels. There may also be means for agitating the fluid in the inner vessel. The system includes the apparatus, means for selectively injecting disinfectant into the fluid prior to introduction of the fluid into the inner vessel, means for selectively sterilizing the fluid prior to introduction into the inner vessel and means for selectively recycling the disinfectant containing fluid for reintroduction into the inner vessel.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the anisotropic properties of ferromagnetic steels by use of Barkhausen noise simultaneously sensed in a plurality of directions without contact with the steel specimen.

Abstract: A cantilevered wall and foundation unit particularly useful for supporting a building constructed on a hillside includes cantilevered side walls and an inclined rear wall. The cantilevered side walls include a support section and a cantilevered section. The foundation unit can be constructed in place or, in part, at a location remote from the excavation area. The rear wall can be planar, can include a section having the shape of a portion of a sphere, or can include a series of steps. The sidewall can be used to underpin an existing structure.

Abstract: A rack for holding items in a washing, washing-sterilizing or sterilizing apparatus having a frame and a plurality of wire components, each wire component having at least one end releasably secured to the frame. A plurality of sleeves, preferably made of a silicon based elastomer, are provided. One sleeve encloses the length of each wire component and is sufficiently flexible to substantially conform to the configuration of the component on which the sleeve is disposed. The sleeves are removable for selective replacement thereof.

Abstract: A device for indicating the presence of unacceptable levels of noncondensable gas, such as air, in a stream sterilization chamber. The device includes an insulated heat sink having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the heat sink is in such open communication with the sterilization chamber that the steam enters the heat sink. The device also includes a chamber proximate the lower end of the heat sink. The heat sink defines a path through which the steam travels from the upper end toward the chamber. The path is adapted to provide sufficient exposure of the steam to the heat sink so that the steam condenses within the path, releasing any noncondensable gas associated with the steam and forcing it toward the chamber. The chamber includes means for indicating the presence of noncondensable gas accumulated therein. The device also includes means for preventing the condensate from effecting the indicating means.