Abstract: There is disclosed herein an acoustic or ultrasonic power meter which includes a liquid crystal cell for detecting acoustic energy and a control circuit for applying an electric field to said cell. The liquid crystal cell includes a liquid crystal material having elongated molecules. The preferred liquid crystal is in the form of a layer of the nematic type which is homeotropically aligned. The elongated liquid crystal molecules exhibit positive dielectric anisotropy wherein the dielectric constant parallel to the molecule's axis is greater than the dielectric constant perpendicular to the molecule's axis. In the unexcited condition, the nematic layer is dark. In the ultrasonically excited condition, the nematic layer exhibits birefringence. A restoring electric force can be applied to the liquid crystal material to suppress the acoustically-induced birefringence condition of the cell to the dark appearance associated with the unexcited condition.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a color-coded filing system for uniquely identifying documents to be filed and retrieved. The document to be filed has sequential filing characters applied along the top and side edges thereof. Marker tabs are provided which are pressure sensitive, adhesive-backed and transparent and have a colored peripheral border that defines a two-position transparent aperture. A positively applied filing character is provided in the first position of the tab aperture and the second position of the marker tab is blank. The marker tabs can be applied over the filing characters on said document so that the characters on the document appear in the second position of said aperture next to the characters on the tab. Both characters are of a similar size, color and shape so as to provide a unique and visually acceptable identification for said document. The filing characters can be either numerals or letters which can be used on the top or side edge of the document for drawer or shelf filing.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved hermetically sealed container and closure assembly for storing and dispensing sterile liquids. The container includes a bottle having a neck which defines an outlet or mouth, a set of external threads adjacent the outlet and transverse abutment shoulder means on said neck and spaced from the outlet. The closure includes an externally threaded cup-shaped overcap having a generally cylindrically-shaped side wall, a top wall for positioning across the bottle mouth and wiper means depending from said top wall for sealing in cooperation with said outlet. The overcap is hermetically bonded to the bottle neck. An outer jacking ring is provided which is threadedly interfitted over the overcap and adapted for counterclockwise rotation to engage the abutment means and cause the overcap to move axially upwardly from the bottle outlet.Ramp-like cam means are provided on the neck for cooperation in sealing the wiper means to the bottle outlet.

Abstract: Coin card and integral slide chart therefor, giving information of numismatic value regarding the coins in the coin card, and made from a single piece of cardboard by automatic slitting, gluing and folding operations.

Abstract: Carton and slide chart formed from one piece of relatively stiff cardboard, in which the slide chart is of the billboard type and extends vertically of the rear wall of the carton, with the slide card between the sections of the end strip of cardboard, bent over to form a slide and glued in this form by a glue strip bent to project vertically of the top of the carton. The slide card is formed by slitting the upper end edge of the glue strip transversely of the carton sheet for a greater portion of the length of the sheet, but leaving a tab retaining the slide card to the slide until used, at which time the slide card is accessible through thumb notches and moved by the fingers along a rail formed by the top of the glue flap to break the tab. The carton is formed from four connected sections of the sheet forming continuations of the slide at one end and of the glue flaps and the slide card at its opposite end.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method for producing a liquid crystal display or cell which has a liquid crystal film positioned between a pair of substrate members whose surfaces have been ultrasonically surface treated so as to cause the liquid crystal molecules to be aligned in a predetermined manner.The method includes ultrasonically treating the surface of the substrate which contacts the liquid crystal film so as to form microgrooves or striations. The surface is treated by immersing the substrate in a liquid bath, ultrasonically forming a column of cavitation bubbles which is directed to the substrate where the cavitation bubbles collapse on the substrate, and moving the substrate through the liquid at a predetermined speed so as to form microgrooves or striate the surface of the substrate. Using two such treated substrates, a liquid crystal cell is prepared in the form of a sandwich of substrate/liquid crystal/substrate.

Abstract: An improved disposable head covering, such as a chef's hat, includes a peripheral cylindrical wall having opposed end sections. The wall is defined by an inner liner and a corrugated sheet adhesively secured to the outer surface of the liner. A shape-sustaining crown member is fastened to the upper end section of the wall, while the lower end section thereof remains unobstructed to receive the head of a user. The crown member is a generally circular disc. The disc includes a scored diameter which serves to (a) bisect the disc into two segments and (b) facilitate folding of the disc between a collapsed condition and a shape-sustaining condition. Preferably the disc further includes tab members and cut-out members positioned along the scored diameter thereof. The tab members and cut-out members are correspondingly shaped and sized so that the tab member of one disc segment frictionally engages the cut-out member of the other disc segment when the crown member is in the shape-sustaining condition.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a portable device for inspecting bodies for internal flaws or other internal features. The device is constructed so as to be mounted on the surface of the body, emit and receive ultrasonic energy, and display the same on a liquid crystal display. The device includes a first housing member for supporting a transducer in relation to the surface being inspected. The device also includes a second housing member for supporting and positioning the liquid crystal display in relation to the surface and in relation to the transducer. Interconnecting means are provided for adjustably interconnecting the two members and fixing their positions in a reflection-receiving relation. The liquid crystal support housing is a substantially hollow tubular member having a viewing end and a surface contacting end. The liquid crystal display is positioned intermediate the ends.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an ultrasonic system for detecting internal discontinuities in a body. The system includes: an ultrasonic transducer for directing sonic energy toward a body; a liquid crystal, acousto-optical detector cell for detecting ultrasonic energy passing through said body; an optical system for illuminating said liquid crystal cell; and a liquid medium for coupling the transducer body and cell.The acousto-optical cell includes a pair of substantially rigid covers, a liquid crystal material positioned between said covers and a peripheral spacer and sealing member surrounding said liquid crystal and sealingly engaging said covers. Each of the covers is substantially acoustically transparent and at least one of said covers is optically transparent. The optically transparent cover is a laminate having at least three layers, with each of said layers of said laminate having a thickness much much less than 1/4 of the wave length of the ultrasonic energy propagating through said layer.

Abstract: An improved proportioning dialysis machine is disclosed herein. The machine includes an improved degassing system, dialysis solution flow rate and pressure control system, and sterilization system.The degassing system includes a degassing chamber, a first pump for applying a negative pressure to said chamber and a second pump for drawing degassed water from the chamber. The dialysis solution flow rate and pressure control system includes a restriction upstream of a dialyzer, a restriction placed downstream of the dialyzer, and a pump positioned downstream of the downstream restriction. The two restrictions can be adjusted in relation to the pump so as to control the flow rate and pressure within the dialyzer. The sterilization system includes a heater and controls and a valve for recirculating heated water through the proportioning machine so as to sterilize the interior thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a dialysis machine: (a) to which a negative pressure dialyzer can be connected; and (b) which can be operated so as to drain the dialysis solution from the dialyzer through the lower of the dialysis solution inlet and outlet ports. This apparatus and method permit a dialyzer to be drained of dialysis solution at the end of the dialysis treatment session in such a manner as to prevent spillage and leakage associated with the removal of the dialyzer from the machine.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a dialysis machine adapted for operation with a negative-pressure-type dialyzer. The machine includes a flow system having a negative pressure pump for drawing fresh dialysis solution through a dialyzer under a controllable negative pressure and for discharging spent dialysis solution to a drain.A flow reversing valve system is positioned in the flow system for cooperation with the dialyzer to selectively control the direction of dialysis solution flow within the dialyzer in either a first direction or a second reverse direction. The flow reversing valve system is operative in a first mode to control direction of flow to and from the dialyzer in a first direction and in a second mode to reverse the direction of flow.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a book-like coupon organizer for carrying and arranging various types and size cents-off coupons and refund offers, by designated product categories. The organizer includes front and back panels which are hingedly connected and a plurality of coupon-receiving pockets on the inner surface of said panels, said pockets extending transversely to said hinge connecting said panels. The panels are formed of rigid panel-forming members arranged in spaced edge-to-edge relation and heat-sealable inner and outer plastic sheets. Step-folded pocket-forming sheets and the inner and outer sheets are heat-sealed together so as to encase the panel-forming members as well as forming the hinge.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a slide calculator for determination of factors related to metabolic requirements and used in determining parenteral feeding dosages. By use of the calculator, factors, such as basal energy expenditure, body surface area, ideal body weight, and carbohydrate dosage can be determined.The calculator includes a front panel and a back panel, each having several window-like apertures. A slide member is positioned and movable between the front and back panels. Indicia is provided on the front and back panels and is generally arranged adjacent the window-like apertures. Indicia is also provided on the slide member and is arranged for exposure at predetermined windows.In connection with each of the factors to be determined, the indicia on the slide and the indicia adjacent the appropriate window are arranged in a predetermined manner and relationship so as to permit the desired factor to be determined or calculated.

Abstract: A supplementary degassing system is disclosed herein for use with a bedside console of the type employed in a central delivery system in the event additional degassing is necessary. The system may also be incorporated in a dialysis machine as the main degassing system.The system includes a chamber for receiving a liquid to be degassed. The chamber includes: a liquid inlet; a gas outlet through which gas is withdrawn; a degassed liquid outlet from which degassed liquid is drawn; and a recirculation inlet for receiving at least recirculated liquid. A recirculation loop is also provided for recirculating and treating liquid from the chamber. The loop includes a variable-restriction assembly for regulating pressures and enhancing degassing. The variable-restriction assembly includes a variable restriction comprising an orifice and valve for adjustably controlling liquid flow through the orifice.

Abstract: A method of preshrinking a semipermeable membrane or blood bag of the type used in an artificial-kidney coil dialyzer, so as to prevent or minimize shrinkage of the membrane during sterilization of the dialyzer. The preshrinking method of the present invention includes the steps of passing the membrane through a humidity chamber in a free-hanging state and then into a warm air drying chamber. The amount of membrane shrinkage can be controlled by varying the residence time, the temperature and the humidity of the chamber. By preshrinking the membrane to approximate the amount of shrinkage which normally occurs during the sterilization, substantially all shrinkage during sterilization is eliminated.

Abstract: A curtain-type lading-restraining device for use in lading-carrying containers which employs decking which is positionable above the floor of the container so as to provide two surfaces for supporting cargo.The lading-restraining curtain includes an upper curtain assembly for positioning above the decking and for cooperation with the cargo on the decking. The upper curtain assembly is suspended from a trolley positioned adjacent the ceiling of the vehicle container.Track channels are provided in each of the sidewalls below the decking for supporting the lower curtain. Sliders are positioned in each of the channels for longitudinal movement therein and for supporting the lower curtain. The lower curtain is connected to the slider through a link chain system and can be positioned to engage cargo on the floor of the container. One end of the support chain includes a detachable hook so that one end of the lower curtain can be stored on the opposite side of the container.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a negative pressure dialysis machine which includes a negative pressure valving system and transmembrane pressure alarm system.An electromagnetically controlled flapper valve is disclosed herein for use as a negative pressure control valve. The flapper valve permits accurate control of negative pressure and changes in negative pressure to be affected rapidly.Transmembrane pressure alarm systems are provided which detect the difference in pressure between the blood and dialysate in the dialyzer and activate alarms and prevent dialysis (a) if the dialysate pressure exceeds the blood pressure and/or (b) if a blood pressure signal is not received which would permit actual transmembrane pressure to increase beyond a predetermined limit.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved needle assembly or fistula set which includes a hollow metal needle, a larger plastic fluid-carrying conduit, and plastic spacers between the needle and the conduit. The conduit and spacers are heat sealed to each other so as to provide a fluid-tight junction with the needle.A method for heat sealing the fistula set is also disclosed. In that method, the needle is used as one electrode and the other electrode includes jaw-like members which engage and surround the conduit at the junction where the heat seal is to be formed. During the heat sealing operation, the conduit and needle are maintained in substantial coaxial alignment so as to assure coaxial alignment thereafter.A fixture or tooling apparatus is also disclosed for effecting heat sealing and assuring substantial coaxial alignment.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a refuse retrieval device having an elongated frame with a handle at one end, scoop-supporting arms at the other end and an elongated central section therebetween. Clamshell-like scoops are mounted to the supporting arms. A control rod is carried by the frame and is connected to the scoops for opening and closing the scoops. There is also provided biasing means associated with the control rod and the frame so as to normally urge and maintain the scoops in a closed position. The control rod is mounted for axial movement between the scoop closed and scoop open position. The control rod also includes a handle which is positioned within a frame handle and which can be retracted by the use of one hand so as to open the scoops.