Abstract: An improved hammerhead is disclosed characterized by nail retaining means for facilitating initial driving of the nail without the requirement of holding the nail in the hand of a user. The nail retaining means incorporates an elongate recess sized to receive and self-align the shank portion of the nail upon the hammerhead, an angular-shaped pocket sized to receive the head portion of the nail and a magnet insert positioned proximal the angular-shaped pocket adapted to maintain the nail in the elongate recess during initial driving. The magnet insert is readily removable from the hammerhead to permit rapid replacement after its magnetic flux force has deteriorated through prolonged use.

Abstract: A hood-like garment which can be comfortably worn over the head of the user to protect clothing being put on or removed from becoming soiled with cosmetics of facial oils is disclosed. The garment is lightweight, flexible, and nonrestrictive of the user's movement and vision and constructed to prevent direct contact of the garment with the user's face and hair. The garment is formed with an aperture in its bottom portion with two embodiments of the garment including an elastic band that permits initial expansion of the aperture for placement over the head and subsequent contraction to position and hold the garment in place. An area of expansion in the garment about the chin provides for positioning the garment and facilitates chin movement. A second aperture formed in the top of the garment may be further provided to facilitate additional locating and positioning of the garment on the user's head.

Abstract: A system for conducting an immunoassay in a single chamber, by concentrating antibodies for antigenic components on microbeads treated for binding immunological components, physically separating the fluid from which the immunological active component is separated, and determining the amount of immunological component collected on the beads, comprising a multiple-chamber dispensing cylinder.

Abstract: A weight strap adapted to be mounted circumferentially about the scuba tank of a diver is disclosed which is specifically designed to permit rapid jettisonning of the same in an emergency situation. The weight strap of the present invention is formed to utilize conventional lead diving weights and includes a resilient strap portion designed to provide tension within the strap and tightly maintain the weight strap about the scuba tank. Opposite ends of the strap are provided with a pair of mating, quick release connectors which by way of a single manual motion, may be separated from one another to selectively release the weight strap from the scuba tank.

Abstract: A jig for fitting a halo to a patient with a cervical injury, which supports the patient's head during the fitting, and leaves the surgeon's hands free for manipulation and stabilization, is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved external fixation device is disclosed composed of a pair of arcuate frame segments and multiple adjustment rods and pin holders, which cooperate with one another as well as plural pins extending through the soft tissue and bone of a patient to rigidly immobilize a bone fracture and permit compression, neutralization or distraction of the fracture from a location external to the body.

Abstract: A casting solution of two nylons in formic acid, e.g., high molecular weight extrusion grade Nylon 66 homopolymer [.eta.] about 2 or higher, and nylon multipolymer 66, 610, 6 as a strengthening polymer and gelation promoter, when cast by either the dry or wet phase inversion processes, results in highly unexpected membranes of superior strength, flexibility, and uniformity, suitable for use in microfiltration and ultrafiltration.

Abstract: A moisture sensor detects the presence of foreign matter in a fluid conducting conduit and produces an electrical signal which activates a pump to purge the conduit of the foreign matter. The moisture sensor includes a pair of conduits that may be formed of an electrically conductive material and a coupling for placing the pair of conduits in fluid communication. A pair of electrodes are mounted in the coupling and are insulated from one another until electrically conductive foreign matter bridges a gap between the electrodes. Bridging the gap between the electrodes causes a signal to be sent to a source of gas that injects gas in the conduits to remove the foreign material therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is an article used in the application of liquid to the hair of an individual during a beauty treatment. The article includes at least one single ply of absorbent material shirred, or puckered, and coupled to an elastic strip so as to expand. A fastener is provided for securing the absorbent material snugly around the head of the individual. Further, a flexible material is coupled to the absorbent material and extends therefrom to enclose the hair of the individual. During application of the liquid to the hair, the absorbent material prevents excess liquid from dripping on facial regions and clothing. Upon completion of the application, the flexible material can be extended and fastened so as to completely enclose the hair. Thus, annoying fumes and additional liquid are prevented from escaping the enclosure.

Abstract: A chemical heat pump system is disclosed for use in heating and cooling structures such as residences or commercial buildings. The system is particularly adapted to utilizing solar energy, but also increases the efficiency of other forms of thermal energy when solar energy is not available. When solar energy is not available for relatively short periods of time, the heat storage capacity of the chemical heat pump is utilized to heat the structure, as during nighttime hours. The design also permits home heating from solar energy when the sun is shining. The entire system may be conveniently rooftop located. In order to facilitate intallation on existing structures, the absorber and vaporizer portions of the system may each be designed as flat, thin wall, thin pan vessels which materially increase the surface area available for heat transfer.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in reduction of fractures in the vicinity of the neck of the femur comprising a lag screw for being threadably received in or adjacent the head of the femur, and extending through the neck of the femur, an annular sleeve telescopingly receiving the shaft of the lag screw, with means capturing the lag screw within the sleeve for limited telescoping movement therein, and a trochanteric plate for securement to adjacent cortex portions of the femur is disclosed.

Abstract: A cardiovascular exercise apparatus is disclosed comprising a support frame adapted to carry a user thereon including a pair of separate means for providing aerobic exercising of both the upper and lower body portions of the user. Both of the exercising means are governed by a hydraulic motor/regulator which applies a preset, variable exercise load or torque to the exercising means. Biofeedback means are additionally provided to monitor the heart rate of the user during the exercise and control the hydraulic regulator to reduce and/or terminate the exercise load in response to the user's heart rate exceeding a preset limit for the particular exercise time period.

Abstract: A hot wire anemometer flow meter device is disclosed which is particularly adapted to be inserted down hole in a gas or oil well line or casing to accurately measure fluid flow through the line. The device comprises an elongate member formed of a plurality of tubing segments or modules interconnected in an end-to-end axial orientation. The segments located adjacent opposite ends of the elongate member include a plurality of arm struts, extensible radially outward to selectively anchor and axially register the device in a desired location within the line. Each of the arm struts mount one or more hot wire anemometers which yield a varying current signal in response to fluid flow across the same.

Abstract: A chemical heat pump system is disclosed for use in heating and cooling structures such as residences or commercial buildings. The system is particularly adapted to utilizing solar energy, but also increases the efficiency of other forms of thermal energy when solar energy is not available. When solar energy is not available for relatively short periods of time, the heat storage capacity of the chemical heat pump is utilized to heat the structure, as during nighttime hours. The design also permits home heating from solar energy when the sun is shining. The entire system may be conveniently rooftop located. In order to facilitate installation on existing structures, the absorber and vaporizer portions of the system may each be designed as flat, thin wall, thin pan vessels which materially increase the surface area available for heat transfer.