Abstract: A phaco-shield for placement over an eye prior to surgery to prevent contact between the leading edge of a surgical probe and the posterior capsule of the eye. The phaco-shield includes a base with a central aperture and two flexible flaps on either side of the aperture.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a transverse axle and a body, and a shock absorber mounted between the axle and the body to absorb shock from vertical movement of the axle and prevent shock from being transmitted completely to the body of the vehicle, the improvement disclosed involves an apparatus for sensing tilt of the vehicle in combination with apparatus in the hydraulic system of the shock absorber which will prevent further tilt of the vehicle beyond a predetermined point sensed by the sensing unit.

Abstract: An essentially non-intrusive laser power meter is described which is dependent on the reflection of a minor fraction of energy from a laser beam. A small beam splitter positioned on the periphery of the laser beam directs a small amount of the beam's reflected energy to a silicon photodiode. The output signal from the photodiode is then sent to a meter readout to indicate the beam energy.

Abstract: The device of the invention employs a small Teflon.RTM. vial which is mounted in a vertical position in a plastic box, and a segment of screen attached to a rod which can be raised or lowered into the reaction vessel which contains liquid reactants. When raised, the screen carries a sample into a portion of the vessel having IR transparent parts, axially aligned with corresponding parts in the plastic outer container. The device is positioned in an FTIR spectrometer. Data obtained from successive IR scans are used to follow the progress of a chemical reaction.

Abstract: There is described within a portable, battery-powered multiple filter infrared spectrometer consisting of a highly efficient optical system employing an infrared source with a chopper, from which IR energy passes through compound parabolic concentrators (CPC's) and is directed by a beamsplitter to the external sample, where the beam intersects with the sample via reflection and is returned through the CPC and beamsplitter to a stationary filter assembly and discrete detector array where the energy is converted to an A.C. (alternating current) signal. This current energizes an LED bar graph display for spectral identification. This method and apparatus is used to determine IR spectra of solids, liquids on a mirror, and gases in a container with a mirror to reflect light.

Abstract: A specimen support for optical observation or analysis is disclosed. The support comprises a disc-like member composed of a rigid material and having a plurality of holes extending therethrough, preferably in a screen of substantially equal-sized holes. When analyzing a liquid specimen, the disc is dipped in the liquid and the surface tension of the liquid will cause the liquid to bridge or span the holes. The support is then placed vertically in a tray or holder and exposed to an infrared beam that passes horizontally through the holes to generate an infrared spectrum.

Abstract: A sublimation apparatus and process for separating solids and high boiling liquids are disclosed wherein a temperature gradient is imposed along the length of the vertically oriented, evacuated tube-shaped vessel or container and means for collecting and/or monitoring fractions of sublimate along the length of the sublimer vessel are provided.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a transverse axle and a body, and a shock absorber mounted between the axle and the body to absorb shock from vertical movement of the axle and prevent shock from being transmitted completely to the body, the improvement disclosed involves apparatus for sensing tilt of the axle in combination with separate hydraulic system to prevent further tilt of the axle beyond a predetermined point sensed by the sensing unit.

Abstract: A spectral analyzer has a high efficiency optical collector having a first concave reflector portion and an opposed second concave reflector portion providing an exit passage therethrough, and a light emitting source of a predetermined wavelength range is positioned in the collector so that the light is collected and directed to the exit passage. A specimen holder is positioned adjacent the exit passage and has windows at its entrance and exit ends. An elongated reverse non-imaging optical member which has a peripheral wall reflecting light rays entering through the exit window of the holder reduces the angle of the rays relative to the optical axis of the optical member as they pass therethrough. The light passing through the exit end of the optical member enters a detector assembly including at least one photo detector sensitive to a predetermined wavelength of light, and at least one optical filter disposed between the optical member and the photodetector to pass light of the predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: An electrochemical process and equipment for preparing iodides, e.g. hydriodic acid (HI), iodide salts and other iodide compounds, substantially free of iodine, are disclosed.

Abstract: Process and equipment for reforming and maintaining the chemistry of an electroless metal bath, particularly an electroless nickel bath is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical method for removing tissue and other objects from the body of humans or animals, e.g. cataracts, blood clots, fatty deposits, etc. by disrupting them but minimizing the danger of piercing neighboring tissue through the use of a specially designed phaco-shield. This phaco-shield is inserted through the use of a specially designed shield guide.

Abstract: Tamper-proof ticket holder comprising two opposing fingers, both having the width of a ticket, the distance between the fingers being sufficient to allow depression of the fingers for insertion of the ticket; the fingers being sufficiently flexible to hold the ticket securely.

Abstract: A process for converting the isomers of HCFC-123 to HCFC-123 using TaF.sub.5 and/or Nb.sub.5 in the absence of HF.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of fluorinated alkanes by contacting a starting material of halogenated alkene or alkane with 1 to 150 molar equivalents based on catalyst of HF, 1 to 30 molar equivalents based on catalyst of a dehydrating agent and less than 100 molar equivalents based on catalyst of a starting material, the catalyst being selected from niobium oxide or tantalum oxide, at a temperature of 0.degree. C. to 185.degree. C. The preferred dehydrating agent is a combination of chlorosulfonic acid and thionyl chloride.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of polyfluorocarbon blowing agents in the preparation of polymer foams; particularly the use of 1,1-difluoroethane in the preparation of polystyrene foams for food packaging and food serving.

Abstract: This invention is a carrier for an ambulance litter which safely and easily transports a patient between the ambulance and a hospital gurney. The litter carrier includes a frame and a platform, the platform being pivotably mounted to the frame. Moving the platform around its pivot point causes the platform to be raised or lowered relative to the frame. To transport a patient, the operator raises the platform to the level of the ambulance floor, and moves the carrier to the vicinity of the ambulance. The operator then rolls or moves the litter out of the ambulance, onto the platform, and may then secure the litter to the platform with a suitable fastener. The platform includes channels which provide a path for the wheels or feet of the litter, and which tend to prevent the litter from falling from the carrier. As the platform is lowered, its downward movement is cushioned by shock absorbers. The operator then easily lifts the patient from the litter and onto the hospital gurney or other carrier.

Abstract: This invention involves a porous device for implantation in the scleral tissue of the eye to relieve the intraocular pressure of glaucoma and a method for surgically implanting the device.