Abstract: A diagnostic device for measuring biochemical characteristics of microorganisms. A first chamber is provided into which is inoculated a test suspension containing an unknown organism. First passage means selectively provides liquid communication between the first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber provides for contacting the liquid suspension with a substrate reagent which is located therein. Second passage means connects the second chamber to a third and selectively allows liquid communication therebetween. The third chamber may contain a suitable detection means for identifying the biochemical characteristics of the reacted test suspension when brought into contact therewith.

Abstract: A heart rate analyzer responsive to the R wave of successive ECG complexes of a patient. The intervals between successive ECG complexes are continuously counted and summed for a first number of successive complexes. First electrical representations of the average values of the intervals are generated over the first number of complexes, the number being no greater than two. The second average of the same intervals is generated for a second number of successive numbers of complexes greater than the first and electrical representations thereof are produced. These electrical representations are trapped and at least a maximum value of the first representation and a minimum value of the second representation are held. These maximum and minimum values are then converted to corresponding minimum and maximum heart rates respectively. Lastly each R wave signal generated over a predetermined period of time is counted thereby providing an indication of the average heart rate.

Abstract: An array of optical elements having imaging properties in one meridian and light-containment properties in another meridian for imaging a slit aperture in such a way that inversion of the image occurs across the width of the slit but not along the length of the slit. This one-way image reversal may be used to improve efficiency in photocopying.

Abstract: The preamplifier comprises amplifying means, the output of which is inverted relative to the input, and a feedback circuit connected from the output to the input of the amplifier so as to provide a perfect integrator which cancels the amplitude variations resulting from changes in tape speed. The impedance of the feedback circuit and the impedance of the signal source extended to the amplifier are such that the output of the amplifier is the integral of the voltage generated in the inductive head over a wide band of frequencies.

Abstract: A razor blade having vacuum deposited structural elements guarding its cutting edge. A plurality of ion plated structural elements are deposited over the blade edge and extending down the edge facets a certain distance. The spacing and extension of the elements beyond the edge are controlled during the deposition process in order to provide desirable shaving characteristics. The blade edge and guard are covered with an adherent film of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A high efficiency current regulator control circuit used to adjust and accurately control current flow in a substantially resistive load such as the low resistance filament in an electron gun of an electron microscope. The efficiency is obtained by running a solid state device such as a transistor in a switching mode. The present circuit represents an advantage over previous circuits which utilized a series or shunt pass regulator which dissipates power in performing the regulation function. The present circuit utilizes a switching mode regulator which regulates by switching a fast transistor either full "on" or full "off" in response to current flow through a sensing resistor. The ratio of "on" to "off" time determines the current transfer.

Abstract: A shaving assembly is provided with skin-flow control means positioned in advance of the blade edge to control the effective exposure and blade-to-skin angle of the blade edge so as to greatly minimize or eliminate nicking. The skin-flow control means serves to minimize or eliminate the skin bulges which may otherwise be created in the unsupported space between a razor guard element and the blade edge. The skin-flow control means is provided by extending the skin-supporting surface of the guard element into such close proximity with the blade edge that the formation of a skin bulge therebetween is substantially prevented. A plurality of small holes may be provided in the guard element near the blade edge for allowing water flow therethrough to rinse shaving debris from the region of the blade.

Abstract: Acrylic siloxanes having the formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is selected from the class of hydrogen or methyl groups, "a" is an integer from one to five, "b" is an integer from zero to seven, "c" is an integer from zero to two, "d" is an integer from zero to one, A is selected from the class of methyl or phenyl groups, R.sub.2 is selected from the class of methyl or phenyl groups, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 represent either no group (cyclic ring from "c" to "d") or methyl or phenyl groups, act synergistically with vinyl pyrrolidone and hydroxy ethyl methacrylate to provide optically clear moderate water containing contact lenses of substantially increased oxygen permeability.

Abstract: Gradient refractive index fibers or rods are formed of leachable glass clad glass core preforms drawn to a desired diametral size, bundled together, fused under high compressing forces and rapidly interdiffused at a temperature above their deformation point. Cooling, annealing and separation of the fibers or rods by leaching provides the end product devices which may be cut into lengths required for the lens power desired and end polished. The refractive index gradient is produced by interdiffusion of T1.sup.+ and K.sup.+ ions between core and cladding glasses which are selected to contain substantial proportions of thallium oxide and potassium oxide respectively.

Abstract: A mechanism which has a continuously variable amount of convergence and inward movement over the entire range of pupillary distance (PD) settings is disclosed. The repositioning of a pair of straight tracks transfers a continuously variable amount of motion to a pair of respective levers that control the position of a pair of carriages relative to the PD control and the angular relationship of lens batteries relative to the respective carriages.

Abstract: A device for sensing the occurrence and magnitude of coughs. The cough sensor is contained within an annular housing having internally mounted sensing means resiliently biased to axially extend beyond the housing. Electrical actuation of circuit means by longitudinal movement of the sensing means generates signals. The device is secured to a predetermined location on the patient's body by a belt suitably attached thereto or other appropriate means capable of retaining the device in close proximity to a body muscle involved in the production of coughs.

Abstract: An improved R-wave detector is provided for use in monitoring and/or analyzing electrical heart waveforms. Generally conventional R-wave detection means employ automatically variable scaling means for providing a threshold or reference value to a comparator which is variable not only in magnitude but also as a percentage of the average R-wave peak value from which it is derived. An ECG waveform is compared with this threshold of automatically variable percentage value and an indication of R-wave occurrence is provided when the ECG waveform exceeds the threshold. Upon an indication of R-wave occurrence, the percentage value of the threshold is rapidly increased such that a closely following T-wave of unusually large magnitude is not falsely detected as an R-wave.

Abstract: An instrument for photographing the ocular fundus is aligned by using a physical aperture designed to permit illumination of only a small area of the optic disc for minimal patient awareness of incident light and corresponding pupil dilation without mydriatics. The increased field of view and obliquity of viewing afforded by pupil dilation permits flashing of the fundus for photographic recording without image obscuring corneal reflections. The light restricting aperture is removed immediately before photographic recording.

Abstract: A fade resistant, visually undetectable identification mark is imparted to an optically clear plastic lens or the like by providing a marking composition comprising a fluorescent dye and a liquid carrier material, and preferably including an inert sublimable solid diluent, applying the composition in a selected pattern on the surface of an article to be marked, removing the carrier material from the composition to leave a solid residue of the fluorescent dye and inert solid diluent, and permanently transferring the dye to a surface layer of the article as by heating. The mark enables a manufacturer to identify a particular article as its product by exposing it to ultraviolet radiation, yet the mark does not adversely affect the visible light optical properties of the article.

Abstract: A fixture for use in refracting an aphakic eye over a properly patient fitted spectacles frame glazed with major spherical component lenses and placed in a position of use upon the patient. The fixture, having trial lens holders for right and left eye refraction, is attached to rims of the spectacles frame for establishing parallelism of the holders with the frame and provision is made for separately adjusting each right and left eye lens holder vertically and horizontally as needed for centering with a corresponding glazed lens. Refraction over the major lens in each case may be conducted with trial lenses placed in the respective holders.