Abstract: A bed elevating apparatus for use between a mattress and a box spring that is supported by a bed frame or is insertable within the mattress. The bed elevating apparatus is made of foam or rubber and has opposite spaced apart first and second ends. The first end has a first height and the second end has a second height with the first height being greater than the second height. The bed elevating apparatus also has a top surface that extends substantially in a single angularly extending plane with respect to the ground surface. The supported mattress and the mattress having the bed elevating device inserted inside the mattress have spaced apart mattress first and second ends whereby the mattress first end is elevated above the mattress second end in a single angularly extending plane with respect to the ground surface.

Abstract: A sample container and a fluid collection apparatus are disclosed for withdrawing samples for fluid analysis purposes of unpressurized body fluid from an internal body cavity. The container and apparatus are primarily useful for sampling cerebrospinal fluid obtained through a lumbar puncture or shunt tap. The container and apparatus provide a completely enclosed sample environment which protects the sample from external contamination during the sample-taking process. The enclosed environment also protects sample-taking personnel against direct contact with the fluid. The novel sample container includes an inflatable pouch with a balloon that expands on filling without significantly raising back pressure on the fluid draining from the patient. The pouch is affixed within a transparent, rigid sheath by an inlet port. The apparatus includes a needle assembly with an internal rubber septum.

Abstract: A formulation for producing a heat insulating material and the method for making the same that uses an exothermic reaction and which depends on sodium silicate, sodium hydroxide, firing clay and iron silicon. The iron silicon reacts in the alkaline medium in an exothermic reaction that results in a high release of heat. As a result of the exothermic reaction, the formulation heats up to temperatures near 100.degree. C. The formulation then starts to harden. The evolved water steam and hydrogen form pores, which allows for an increase of many times the volume of the resulting heat insulating material. The self-heating reaction causes the formulation to lose water, which leads to an increase in the dielectric qualities of the material. Additionally, the iron silicon raises the heat resistance of the resulting heat insulating material.

Abstract: A computer work station has a first desk unit with a front tapered edge and has a cabinet with an electrical control panel with surge protected outlets, a first shelf unit and a second desk unit. The first shelf unit is placed on and connected to the top of the first desk unit and has two cabinets with computer disk and compact disk storage racks. The second desk unit has a bookcase, a desktop and a file cabinet. One end of the desktop is inserted into and supported by a support rail in the bookcase and the other end is placed upon and secured to the file cabinet. The second desk unit can be connected to either side of the first desk unit with the first shelf unit attached to the first desk unit. The second desk unit has shaped edges that form a shaped edge corner with the front shaped edge of the first desk unit.