Abstract: Arthroscopic instrumentation for use in arthroscopic surgery and similar procedures. The instrumentation includes a cannula having a curved lumen and an elongated, flexible normally straight shape memory alloy probe. The probe is insertable into the lumen of the cannula, which in turn can be directed to a hard to reach operative site. The cannula causes the probe to bend as it passes the curves of the cannula, but the shape memory character of the probe causes the probe to exit the distal end of the cannula in a substantially straight orientation.

Abstract: An immunoassay procedure for the detection of chlamydia trachomatis antigen in a urogenital clinical specimen including a method for substantially eliminating the occurrence of false negative and false positive results of the immunoassay procedure. The method comprises treating a patent specimen with an aqueous solution having a final concentration of 0.1M NaOH or 0.1M KOH and then neutralizing the specimen-containing solution before conducting the immunoassay.

Abstract: An alkyd-type electrodepositable coating composition derived from the reaction of a base alkyd with ethylenically unsaturated monomers including an amine-functional monomer is provided with improved resistance to chipping by chemically incorporating in it by covalent bonding one or more chemical agents selected from the group of:(a) preformed elastomers having functional groups reactive with carboxyl or hydroxyl groups of acid and polyol alkyl precursors, and(b) an addition polymerizable monomer having primary and secondary ethylenic unsaturation.

Abstract: A liquid-retaining railroad car liner for lining the interiors of railroad cars enabling the cars to transport liquids. The liner serves as a bladder which may be carried by an open-topped railroad car enabling the car to be filled with liquid. The bladder, when empty, can be flattened and used as a waterproof tarpaulin to cover cargo carried by a railroad car thus protecting the cargo from the elements and helping to prevent spillage on railways.

Abstract: A method of producing multi-pane glass units having a non-air gas in the interpane space. The method includes the steps of assembling several glass units, each of which has a pair of spaced glass panes and a peripheral spacer. A separator device is interposed between one of the panes and the peripheral spacer of each of the units. When the units have been so assembled, a vacuum is drawn on the units in an evacuable chamber to remove substantially all of the air from the interpane spaces. The chamber is then refilled with a suitable gas, such as argon, to refill the interpane space of each of the units. The separator is then removed from the glass units, to close the opening between the pane and the peripheral spacer of each unit, thereby completely sealing the interpane space of each unit from the vacuum chamber environment. The units can then be removed from the vacuum chamber and further processed.

Abstract: A radiant heating system especially useful for floor heating is provided with a fluid flow apparatus that includes means for pumping a fluid such as water, a temperature-responsive actuator and a valve positionable within a valve housing in response to measured fluid temperature. The system includes heat transfer means, typically a tube embedded in the floor that receives heated fluid from the flow apparatus which in turn receives fluid at generally a higher temperature from a fluid heating apparatus such as a water boiler. The amount of heated fluid recirculated to the heat transfer means is controlled by the position of the valve in the valve housing.

Abstract: A motion sensor comprising a permanent magnet suspended in pendulum fashion at one end of a length of cord string so as to be capable of swinging freely within an electrical coil when the motion sensor is moved. The movement of the magnet induces an emf in the coil which can be detected by simple electronic circuitry. The motion sensor is extremely simple but yet highly effective to detect both shock movement or a gentle motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and process for production of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen rich fertilizers by anaerobic digestion of waste materials. The waste materials are digested in rotary digestion modules, and the chemical composition of the organic materials in the modules is monitored to determine the progress of the decomposition.

Abstract: A device and method for allowing fluid to flow from the interior of the eye into the nasolacrimal drainage system associated with the eye to relieve high intraocular pressure in the treatment of glaucoma. The method employs a flexible tube having one end extendable into the anterior chamber of the eye and having its other end in communication with the nasolacrimal drainage system of the eye. A one-way valve is provided within the tube to restrain liquid flow to a direction from the anterior chamber of the eye toward the lacrimal drainage system. The method includes the steps of inserting one end of the tube into the anterior chamber of the eye and inserting the other end of the tube into a portion of the nasolacrimal drainage system; aqueous humor is permitted to escape into the tube at the anterior chamber end, and flows outwardly into the passages of the nasolacrimal system. One or more one-way valve within the tube permit fluid flow only away from the anterior chamber.

Abstract: An electric radiant heating system for heating building interior living and working space. The system comprises an electric resistance heating cable embedded in a cementitious thermal mass for transferring thermal energy to the thermal mass when an electric current is applied to the cable. The system utilizes a wall-mountable line voltage thermostat control to detect the temperature of the surrounding air, compare it to a selectable reference temperature, and perform a number of functions automatically depending on the results of the temperature comparison. High limit sensors, composed of bimetal strips, detect the temperature of the electric heating cable, sending a signal to the control means to interrupt power to the electric heating system when the electric resistance heating cable reaches a predetermined temperature. Cable-retaining hardware secures the electric resistance heating cable at regularly spaced intervals to the subfloor.

Abstract: A bracket for use in constructing a stairway of the type having stringers and a plurality of treads and risers. The bracket includes adjacent horizontal and vertical portions attachable to tread and riser members respectively, and an upwardly angled portion carried by an end of the bracket for attached to a stringer. The vertical portion of the bracket includes a downwardly directed finger which is grippingly receivable in an upwardly open slot means of an adjacent bracket, enabling a plurality of identical brackets to be firmly joined together and attached to a plurality of stringers to construct a stairway.

Abstract: A carrying rack mountable on a vehicle, such as a pickup, for carrying bulky and oversized objects. The rack is characterized by including a frame mountable to the bed of the vehicle and including a forward rack member. The frame also includes a pair of support members extending rearwardly of the front rack member, these support members including a pivotal connection carrying a rear rack section. The rear rack section is movable between a forward, folded position and a rearward, extended position for carrying large objects thereupon. The foldable nature of the rack permits easier access into the bed of the truck when the rack is not in use, while providing an aesthestically pleasing configuration, such as that of a roll bar. Optional winch means, lighting, and reflectors may also be incorporated in the unit.

Abstract: A bone implant prosthesis having an outer stress-free surface and a subsurface carried generally beneath and parallel to the outer surface for bearing tensile stresses. The prosthesis of the invention includes a plurality of slots undercutting the outer surface of the prosthesis thus forming a stress bearing subsurface to free the outer surface from being subjected to substantial stresses. The stress-free outer surface is readily adaptable to receive a porous coating to enhance bone ingrowth without decreasing the stress resistance characteristics of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed which can be used in the field (i.e., outside the laboratory environment) to determine qualitatively and at least semiquantitatively the presence or absence of minute quantities of ligand. The apparatus can be in the form of a strip comprising a support means provided with a groove intermediate its ends forming a crease line upon which the strip can be folded upon itself with bibulous elements and spaced from the crease line and arranged so that when the strip is folded upon itself the bibulous elements become aligned with each other and come into liquid contact.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting articles to or from a clean room or from one place to another within a clean room. The conveyor has housings extending along either side of the path of conveyor travel. Extending between the housings are conveying members, usually metal rods, elongated perpendicularly to the path of conveyor travel. Each housing is slotted so that the ends of the conveying members may extend therethrough. Within each housing are rollers journaled to the ends of the conveying members and a track. The track receives and guides the rollers. Extending along and in air communication with each housing is a plenum, and between each housing and its plenum is an air restriction sheet that restricts the flow of air. The conveyor also includes a blower for drawing a partial vacuum within each plenum thus drawing a lesser vacuum in the housing. Each housing, plenum, air restriction sheet, and blower are arranged so that a pressure differential is created between the housing and plenum.

Abstract: A water, ice and sediment trap attached to the lower portion of the fuel chamber of a carburetor for an internal combustion engine. The sediment trap receives and retain particles and fluids heavier than gasoline and stores them away from the fuel flow path. The sediment is retained in a transparent sediment tube which enables theuser to visibly inspect the trap for sediment accumulation. Sediment accumulation can be drained by removing a plug firmly received in the bottom end of the sediment tube.

Abstract: An adjustable brush glider mountable to a brush block to provide a surface for supporting the brush block a selected distance away from a floor. Complimentary inclined spacers are carried respectively by the brush glider and the brush block. One of the spacers is rotatable with respect to the other to selectively alter the spacing of the brush glider from the brush block.

Abstract: The drawings illustrate an apparatus for housing a radar detector between the roof and an exposed inner surface of automotive vehicle and for deploying the radar detector in operable position during movement of the vehicle, utilizing a switch means for actuating suitable electrically operated means for raising and lowering the radar detector.