Abstract: An inflatable percutaneous oxygenator has an inflatable balloon suitable for insertion into a blood vessel. Oxygen is circulated through a number of gas-permeable passageways (such as hollow gas-permeable fibers) adjacent to the balloon surface to permit diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood vessel and the passageways. Pulsatile flow can be used to increase the rate of cross-diffusion of gases. A pump is used to alternately expand and contract the balloon. This causes movement of the passageways within the blood vessel to minimize streaming or channeling of the blood flow around the oxygenator, maximizes turbulence in the blood stream, and therefore maximizes diffusion of gases. In one alternative embodiment, the balloon is made of a gas-permeable material and is inflated with oxygen to supplement cross-diffusion of gases with the bloodstream.

Abstract: A vertical shaft processor includes a feed zone utilizing a lock hopper for introducing particulate material to a treatment zone in charges while inhibiting the release of treating fluids from the vessel. A separator receives particulate material from the lock hopper and distributes it across the cross-section of the vessel so as to encourage a uniform cross-sectional flow of various sized particulate material through the treatment zone. Treating fluids are uniformly distributed into the treatment zone of the vessel beneath the separator and through not only linear but also arcuate distributor pipes so that the treating fluids are uniformly exposed to the particulate material across the cross-section of the vessel.

Abstract: A method of anesthetizing a patient includes the steps of providing a plurality of gas permeable tubes, providing means for injecting an anesthetizing gas onto the tubes, inserting the tubes within a blood vessel of a patient and injecting an anesthetizing gas into the tubes so that the gas can diffuse through the tubes into the blood steam to anesthetize the patient. The anesthetizing gas may be an original source of such gas or a vaporizer may be added to a gas line passing to the gas permeable tubes so that oxygen can be passed through the line and a liquid anesthetic vaporized in the vaporizer so that the oxygen carries the vaporized anesthetic into the tubes.

Abstract: An expandable collapsible product is made by providing a pleated sheet (8,10) having legs (20) which are made by securing two parts of a fold (17) together. Two sheets are combined by securing the end of a leg (20) to a crease (16) or a leg (20) of an opposite sheet. The sheet material is folded to preferably provide alternating taller folds (17) and shorter folds (16), and the taller folds are modified to provide the legs (20) by gluing parts of the taller folds (17) together. Gluing is accomplished by moving glue heads across the sheet at high velocity through the use of linear motors. The glue lines are heated after being laid down by the use of electro-magnetic radiation, preferably from a high-powered laser. The finished product is used as insulated window coverings, or the like.

Abstract: A blood collection reservoir and filter device includes a generally cylindrical housing and an internal filter medium with the filter medium being retained in spaced relationship from the side wall of the housing so that blood can pass through the filter in a non-traumatized manner and flow smoothly onto a dispersion plate for cascading delivery to the internal surface of the side wall of the housing where it can flow in a non-traumatic manner to an outlet in the bottom wall of the housing. The filter medium includes a defoaming filter layer and a particulate filter layer so that blood removed from a surgical wound can be defoamed and filtered within the device. The filter is elevated within the housing to provide a relatively large temporary storage area where blood can be retained in non-contact with the filter.

Abstract: An exercise device for simulating cross-country skiing includes a plurality of longitudinally extending channel members mounted on cross frame members so as to define elongated slots in which trolleys for foot supporting members and hand engaging members can reciprocate. A control system interconnecting the foot supporting members and hand engaging members includes a main drive pulley interconnecting the foot supporting members for coordinated reciprocal movement and a secondary belt interconnecting the foot supporting members and hand engaging members so that each hand engaging member will reciprocate in an opposite direction to its associated foot supporting member and at a speed of twice that of the foot supporting member. A resistance structure is provided for resisting movement of the trolleys to provide a selected level of exercise.

Abstract: An improved rafter for use with a retractable awning for eliminating the sag in the canopy of the awning is automatically adjustable in length while retaining a somewhat constant axial pressure and is completely storable within the roll bar about which the canopy is wrapped.

Abstract: A retractable awning for use on mobile homes, recreational vehicles or the like having slide-out units as a part thereof includes an awning sheet that is secured along an inner edge to the side of the mobile home with the opposite edge being secured to a torsionally biased roll bar rotatably disposed on the outer ends of support arms pivotally mounted to the outer face of the slide-out unit. A flexible tie-down strap secures the awning in an extended position with the support arms projecting substantially horizontally away from the outer wall, and upon release of the tie-down strap, the awning automatically retracts to a position immediately adjacent to the outer wall of the slide-out unit. The awning sheet always overlies the top wall of the slide-out unit when the slide-out unit is extended and regardless of whether or not the awning is extended or retracted.

Abstract: An elastic garment and method of using same are disclosed for providing therapeutic results as well as improved endurance and stamina. The garment includes six component parts which can be used in various combinations. Each component part is made of an elastic material so as to act in a compressive manner on the body part which it surrounds. A pant-like portion of the garment extends from the waist downwardly through two leg segments to a location beneath the knee joints. A pair of tubular leg portions extend from the feet upwardly beyond the knee joints so as to form an overlap with the leg sections of the pant-like portion. In a similar manner, a coat-like portion is worn around the upper torso or chest and includes depending sleeves which extend beyond the elbow joints. Tubular arm portions extend from the wrists upwardly beyond the elbow joint to form an overlap with the sleeves.

Abstract: A valence for a luggage or carrying case includes male and female extrusions adapted to be secured to the opposing edges of the case sections. The extrusions include dual structures for positively securing the extrusions to the edges of case sections as well as mating male and female portions adapted to establish a seal between the male and female extrusions when the luggage or carrying case is in a closed condition. The frame extrusions further include structures by which accessory items such as rails can be supported in a convenient manner and for the purposes intended.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for assisting an operator of a retractable awning in lifting the awning to a desired elevation. The mechanism includes a pair of back-to-back gas spring units which are operatively connected to relatively sliding telescoping members of a support arm for the awning to bias the support arm outwardly in a direction to assist in lifting the awning into a desired orientation. In one embodiment of the mechanism, a compression spring is provided in axial alignment with the gas spring units to provide an elongated stroke for additional assistance in attaining abnormal elevation of the awning.

Abstract: A support structure for a television monitor includes an anchor in the form of a swivel which can be secured to a ceiling joist and includes a unique framework suspended therefrom that includes a tray on which a television monitor can be seated. A detachable shell is adapted to be connected to the framework so as to enclose the framework as well as the television monitor in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The shell has a tinted plexiglass window through which the monitor can be seen when in operation, but prevents viewing of the monitor when it is not operative. A flexible wall mounted in the shell is adapted to be moved between a first position wherein it overlies the tinted window and a second position that is unobstructive of the window.

Abstract: A support system for mounting a television monitor on a ceiling or wall is described in various embodiments providing various options for ceiling or wall mounting and for interconnection with a television monitor. Means are provided for adjusting the viewing angle of the television monitor about a horizontal axis and in some embodiments swivel means are provided for rotating the monitor about a vertical axis to further accomodate optimal viewing.

Abstract: A storage container mountable on the exterior spare wheel of a vehicle. The storage container has a storage space defined by a base and a removably mounted cover. The container is removably mounted against the outer side of the spare wheel in contact with the tire. The cover includes a threaded sleeve which extends through the base for engagement by a nut. A threaded shaft is mounted on the spare wheel and extends through the sleeve for engagement by a fastener to secure the container to the wheel. Access to the storage space is gained by first removing the container from its position against the spare wheel and then separating the base and cover.

Abstract: A toe strap for use on a pedal of a bicycle includes a strap portion with a length-varying mechanism to adjust the length of the strap and a pressure-release connector adapted to interconnect opposite ends of the strap portion so that a bicyclist foot will be released from the pedal upon the application of a predetermined pressure. A bolt is provided on the pressure release connector with the effective length of the bolt being variable to vary the pressure required to affect a release of the connector.