Abstract: An adsorption and desorption analyzer for performing analyses on samples comprises a manifold for selectively storing one or two gases or vapors having different critical temperatures, at least two cells constructed and arranged to store a sample for analysis, a supply line having an isolation valve connecting each cell to the manifold, an absolute pressure transducer for monitoring the pressure in the manifold, vacuum means, a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the isolation valves and the application of gas or vapor or vacuum to the manifold and a coupling line having a differential pressure transducer having a smaller range than the range of the absolute pressure transducer, enables an operator to determine data points for characteristics of the samples under study more precisely and more rapidly than is possible using an analyzer having an identical absolute pressure transducer for each cell to determine the characteristics of the samples stored in the cells.

Abstract: A previously used lock assembly constructed for operation using a given key may be operated by a different key after rebroaching. Instead of requiring an expensive, complete replacement of a lock assembly and its operable keys, the present invention allows a lock assembly to be refitted for a different key by a relatively inexpensive replacement of its plug and at least one of the tumbler components, preferably the bottom pin only, of one or more preexisting sets of tumbler components, as needed to modify the lock to receive the different key.

Abstract: A lid is rotatable relative to the upper end of a container. The container carries at least two circumferentially spaced ribs tapered longitudinally in thickness from a relatively narrow rib end to a relatively wide rib end in a given circumferential direction. The lid may have an equal number of lugs, each defining a tapered passageway having a relatively wide end sufficiently large to provide clearance around the relatively narrow end of the corresponding rib and to permit rotation of increments of successively smaller cross section past increments of successively larger cross section of the ribs until the lugs and ribs jam against each other radially, axially and circumferentially to provide a relatively rigid structure where the ribs and lugs overlap. At least three exterior walls of the ribs simultaneously engage three interior walls of the lugs when the ribs and the lugs simultaneously engage. At least one of the jamming surfaces and an engaged surface is in an oblique plane.

Abstract: A flexible belt has a single male engagement member at one longitudinal end portion and a plurality of closely spaced female engagement members at its other longitudinal end portion. A belt keeper is supported near one longitudinal end portion of the belt to align the longitudinal end portions transversely when the single male engagement member engages one of the closely spaced female engagement members when the belt is tightened against the waist of a wearer. The belt composed of an inner lamina and an outer lamina to support a base member for each engagement member and for the belt keeper is constructed and arranged to hide from view the engagement members and the belt keeper when the belt is tightened around the waist and is free of any bulk increasing mass or localized folding that increases the bulkiness of the belt. If the belt has a buckle, the latter is used for belt ornamentation rather than connecting the longitudinal end portions of the overlapping end portions of the belt.

Abstract: A previously used lock assembly constructed for operation using a given key may be operated by a different key after rebroaching. Instead of requiring an expensive, complete replacement of a lock assembly and its operable keys, the present invention allows a lock assembly to be refitted for a different key by a relatively inexpensive replacement of its plug and at least one of the tumbler components, preferably the bottom pin only, of one or more preexisting sets of tumbler components, as needed to modify the lock to receive the different key.

Abstract: Methods of performing an assay for biomolecules and solid supports for use in such assays are disclosed. An activated polymeric material is used as a solid support for binding biomolecules. In a preferred form, the support is made of a generally hydrophobic, nonporous polymer which has been activated by treatment with solvents or by mechanical means to enhance the binding characteristics of the support. The support can be made of a copolymer, such as a copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene. Detection of bound biomolecules is preferably performed by means of staining reactions and gray level scanning. Emulsifying agents, such as detergents, can be applied to the surface of the support to substantially inhibit additional materials from being bound to the support.

Abstract: Towing apparatus comprising a towing vehicle and a lifting frame that supports one end of a towed vehicle off the ground and is connected to the towing vehicle through a thrust reversal system, comprising one or more thrust reversal mechanisms, each having a rear lever arm fixed at its rear end portion to the lifting frame, a front lever arm fixed to the main frame of the towing apparatus only at a position forward of a rear wheel axle of the towing vehicle and intermeshing gears, fixed to the rear end portion of the front lever arm and the front end portion of the rear lever arm, respectively. A bracket resting on but not directly connected to the main frame of the towing vehicle near its rear wheel axle holds two pivot rods about which the intermeshing gears are rotatably mounted for simultaneous opposite rotation.

Abstract: A fastening device for attaching a temple to an eyewire of an eyeglass frame, a method of fastening using the fastening device and apparatus for impelling an elongated pin forming part of the fastening device. The fastening device is so constructed and arranged to insert an elongated pin through aligned hinge barrels of a hinge to be connected with its pointed end received unit a backing member. A gun-like member is used for inserting an elongated pin having a head at one end and a pointed tip portion at its other end and a circumferential groove adjacent the pointed tip portion. The elongated pin is so constructed and arranged the backing member that receives the pointed tip portion and the circumferential groove of the elongated pin therewithin when the enlarged head of the elongated pin is fully inserted through aligned hinge barrels and into the backing member.

Abstract: A flexible insert for a container is provided with obliquely extending reinforcing straps that connect a door wall portion to a floor portion to make the door wall portion more resistant to deformation when the insert is filled with fluid or particulate cargo. The door wall portion is reinforced by vertically extending reinforcement straps intersecting horizontally extending reinforcing straps to delineate said door wall portion into vertically aligned tiers of horizontally extending sub-portions. Straps extend outward from the insert to attach a roof portion of the insert to aligned cargo rings carried by a roof of the container. Front and rear flaps reversely folded to connect the floor portion to end wall portions are attached to the floor of the container to keep the insert from shifting. Installers need not enter the insert to fix it to the container. Shooters and flaps are included to control loading and unloading.

Abstract: A device for supporting and maintaining a tracheostomy tube in a midline position relative to the stoma of a tracheostomy includes a neck plate support piece that corresponds to the neck plate of a tracheostomy tube to provide support directly over the stoma of the tracheostomy helping to secure the tracheostomy tube. Tracheostomy tapes extend from a front collar piece in opposite directions from the neck plate support piece around and behind the neck of a patient and are threaded through a plurality of longitudinally aligned loops that help maintain the tapes positioned centrally on the collar. Mating male and female snaps on the front and rear collar pieces remain attached even after conventional tapes and Velcro fastenings are loosened.The device also contains a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material covering instead of Velcro exposed directly to the stoma.

Abstract: A storage device, preferably one sufficiently buoyant to float on water, comprises a hollow multiple compartment housing including a first compartment for storing emergency supplies or tackle, a second compartment for storing a spool containing a stored portion of a fishing line wound around said spool, an access opening to extend and wind an exterior portion of the line around a recessed wall portion of the housing that surrounds the second compartment without disturbing the portion of the line stored on the spool and a hollow third compartment having a light reflecting portion at its forward axial end. A handle for the multiple compartment housing comprises thin connecting means extending radially outwards from the multiple compartment housing to connect the latter with a hollow storage chamber that is located radially outward and axially rearward of the second compartment. The radially outward position of the handle provides a mechanical advantage to hold the device when a fish bites.

Abstract: A machine to trim a used shotgun shell to an adjustable precise length with a uniform length around the circumference of the trimmed shell. The cut edge is smooth and lies in a plane of cutting essentially normal to the longitudinal axis of the trimmed shotgun shell.

Abstract: A storage container for a drain cleaning plumbing tool such as a snake or auger having an apertured rear wall is provided with a closure member rotatably mounted to the portion of the rear wall surrounding the aperture. The closure member includes a lever arm and a hook member attached to the radially outer end of the lever arm and a drive rod fixed to said closure member along an axis of rotation. A handle radially offset from said axis of rotation extends axially rearward from said apertured wall. When the hook member engages the handle, a small force sufficient to cause the closure member to rotate cooperates with the lever arm to develop a moment of force sufficient to rotate the storage container and the snake in unison with the rotating closure member developed from the small force insufficient to break the fixed connection between the drive rod and the closure member.

Abstract: Bilumen catheters of the present invention have tow lumens to supply two non-miscible liquids simultaneously and a method for their use. The two lumens are enclosed within a single catheter and have different cross-sections, the lumen of larger cross-section being adapted to infuse or remove higher viscosity fluids, such as blood, and the lumen of smaller cross-section designed to infuse or remove lower viscosity fluids. Catheters of this invention are more narrow than prior art catheters so that they need not be employed in the vicinity of the heart or other vital organs and may be used in peripheral portions of a patient's body, such as the patient's limbs. This invention reduces the likelihood of blood clots, dysarythmias and infection. They do not need highly trained individuals, such as doctors, for injection purposes, but may be used by any paramedic or nurse in an emergency.

Abstract: A convertible bench seat or bed for vans and other vehicles constructed and arranged to be readily mounted between a storage position and an operative position without displacing the bench seat. The bench seat of this invention is pivoted about a first vertical axis and comprises a seat portion pivoted relative to a back portion of the seat. Means are provided for securing the convertible bench seat in its seat storage position without requiring a great deal of time-consuming labor. Similarly, a minimum amount of labor is required to lock the seat in its operative position in sufficiently spaced relation behind permanent front seats of the vehicle.

Abstract: Compact and portable exercise apparatus is disclosed. A frame assembly having a wedge type of shape comprising aluminum structural members has mounted thereto a pair of hydraulic cylinders which are interconnected by a hydraulic flow line containing an adjustable needle valve. The other end of the hydraulic cylinders is connected to a foot pedal which allows the force of a person's downward push of his legs to act upon the resistance provided within the hydraulic circuitry and which automatically causes the opposite foot pedal travel upward. The exercise apparatus is intended to primarily be used in conjunction with a person sitting in an ordinary chair.

Abstract: A two-sided storage system or bin comprising a plurality of flat, rigid shelves arranged in a zig-zag vertical arrangement in such a manner that alternate shelves of the system or bin are located in alternate oblique planes extending transversely of the shelves at an acute angle preferably not exceeding 15 degrees, in alternating opposite directions from horizontal. The system or bin provides access openings to compartments converging transversely from said access openings on each longitudinal side of the system or bin for a pair of operators working simultaneously on opposite sides of the system or bin and prevents each operator from interfering with the work of the other operator. The oblique support planes for the shelves improves the vision area of each operator over what would exist if the shelves extended horizontally.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for attenuating glass fibers. Primary glass is delivered into a primary, high temperature, high velocity gaseous blast to produce fibers that are attenuated while carried by said primary blast. While the fibers are above the minimum glass attenuation temperature, the fiber containing primary blast is subjected to opposing rows of thin, closely spaced, high speed jets that deliver fuel and oxidant at a higher speed and less rate of mass flow than said primary blast in directions essentially normal to the primary blast to increase the attentuation of the fibers and the temperature of the primary blast at one or more locations spaced downstream from the location where primary glass is delivered to said primary blast. Shields may be provided in spaced relation on opposite sides of the primary blast and closely offset from the opposing rows to limit the amount of atmospheric air that is entrained into the primary blast.

Abstract: Drooping of an upper eyelid is counteracted by applying a liquid adhesive composition that does not harm the eye along an elongated area where a healthy eyelid would normally fold. Blinking the eye or applying a flexible member to the eyelid along the elongated area of application or applying the adhesive composition to the flexible member and applying the treated member to the outer surface of the droopable eyelid causes the eyelid to fold and the eyelid portions to adhere, thus causing the eyelid to assume an undrooped condition. This invention replaces the need for a surgical procedure to sew the upper eyelid portions together or for a special applicator requiring special training to remove a preformed two-sided tape from a plastic support sheet and apply the removed tape to the outer surface of an unfolded upper eyelid. Instead, this invention provides a simple application procedure that can be performed readily by an untrained individual and apparatus for performing said procedure.

Abstract: A bi-directional valve constructed and arranged for insertion into the esophagus in the vicinity of its lower gastroespohageal sphincter for permanent installation comprises an outer cylindrical housing that engages the inner wall of the esophagus and suspends a flexible conically or pyramidally shaped body having an open base facing the proximal (upper) end of the esophagus, a converging wall housing an upper open portion closable by an upper valve and a rounded apex having a lower slot valve facing the distal (lower) end of the esophagus.