Abstract: A device for sampling liquid and semi-liquid materials which comprises a container with a top and end cap, the container being filled through an opening in the top cat which is closed by a valve manually or electrically operated by the user. After filling, the container may be capped with permanent caps for transportation, or the container may be emptied into another container through the end cap which is fitted with a spring biased valve allowing discharge of the contents.

Abstract: A new method of vacuum packaging food products utilizing a vacuum and seal following a blanch and achieving a combination of heat and reduced pressure which causes a critical point or boiling point of water, resulting in microbial kill in excess of that achieved by the blanch alone and significantly enhancing shelf life and safety of the food products.

Abstract: The low-pressure hoisting air cushion has an airtight chamber the walls of which (20) consist of a coated fabric which is elastic. Inserted into a hole (22) of the wall is a nozzle (24) of a valve. It consists of a tube socket accessible from the outside (26) and a ring-fastener (28) fitted internally. A compensation ring (34) is fitted between the ring-fastener (28) and the wall (20). It has a greater diameter than the ring-fastener (28) and is joined on one side to the ring-fastener (28) and to the wall on the other side (20) in such a way via a ring shaped joining area that there is created between both of them a circular shaped compensation zone (36) to which the compensation ring (34) is not attached on either side (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A gas ionization type vacuum gauge for testing the internal vacuum levels to below 10.sup.-6 torr is disclosed which uses a multipactor discharge means as the source for the electron current used to ionize residual gas molecules. The invention comprises an RF field enhancing cavity which can be constructed of high-vacuum-compatible materials, able to withstand bake-out microwave temperatures and a negatively biased ion collection wave, wire, or grid. A simple ceramic RF feed-through permits simple and noninvasive pressure measurements. The device can be made much smaller than conventional gauges.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring multiple wavelengths of fluorescence emitted from fluorescent dye-treated cells, tissue preparations, or solutions which is comprised of a custom designed optical module into which is integrally fitted a source of long wavelength red light, a specimen stage, an epifluorescence system, a high intensity ultraviolet light source for excitation, an optical subassembly which permits simultaneous fluorescence detection and real time visualization of the subject under study. A standard microscope may be used in place of the custom designed optical module for integration of the component systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishment of an airway in transtracheal intubation via the cricothyroid membrane is disclosed in which the design integrates within a single unit a curvilinear needle with cutting blade, stylet, syringe and non-metal airway cannula in an over-the-needle position. The integrated design enhances quick and accurate placement of the airway in both emergency and non-emergency applications.

Abstract: A coin-operated particulate product vending machine, such as for candy, nuts and the like, has a horizontally disposed elongate cylindrical product dispensing chamber having a cylindrical tumbler rotatably disposed therein with an aperture for receiving and dispensing particulate product. A plurality of flexible elongate members are disposed about the interior surface of the product dispensing chamber which brush the exterior surface of the tumbler as it rotates from the product receiving mode to the product dispensing mode. The flexible members meter the product flowing into the tumbler and prevent product from escaping around the sides of the tumbler. They also prevent the product from passing through the tumbler from the dispensing chamber to a discharge chute as the tumbler is rotated. The tumbler also has a slideably mounted plunger for varying the size of the tumbler product containing chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing for the presence of leaks in sections of pipe is intended primarily for the testing of household connections. The apparatus has a front pipe sealing pad (20) to the rear wall of which (24) is attached (a) a hose so that the sealing pad can be inflated and (b) a connection (42) for a distancing rod (44). The device also incorporates a rear pipe sealing pad (22) through which are passed, properly sealed, the hose (26), tubing for expelling air (52) and a connection for filling (51). The rear pipe sealing pad can also be joined to the distancing rod (44) and is, furthermore, connected with its internal area (46) to a connection (48) so that filling and emptying can be carried out.

Abstract: A new non-metallic louver system made of substantially transparent polycarbon resin material by extrusion processing, which allows light through the closed louver blades when in the closed position, while producing an airtight and watertight system. The polycarbon resin composition of the louver system allows the unit to be lightweight, yet sturdy enough to withstand extremes of weather, fire and chemical corrosion.

Abstract: The pipe sealing pad has a cylindrical sleeve (20) which is made of reinforced rubber material and two end walls (30) which are also made of rubber material. They are joined together in one single vulcanization procedure involving heat and define an air-tight inner compartment (34) which can be accessed via an air connection (32) in the form of a pipe fitting (42). Internally, the connection (32) merges into a ring-disk (46) which is connected to the pipe fitting (42) only in the region of its inner area (48). This ring-disk is not connected to either the pipe fitting (42) or the end wall (30) in a ring-shaped concentric compensation zone (50) which adjoins. It is connected on an outer area (52) with an inner surface (54) of the end wall (30).

Abstract: The leak sealing-pad for sealing off the damaged wall of containers and pipes is constructed from reinforced rubber material which is vulcanized under heat. It has a pad-surface (20) which is faced towards the leak and a pad-surface, equally as large, which faces away from the leak (22), both these surfaces being joined at their edges to form an air-tight inner-chamber (24) which can be accessed externally via a nipple (26). Attachment components (30), loops 54, and bridges 64 are attached to two edge zones which lie opposite each other, the narrow sides 28. These attachments are intended for a tension device which spans the container or pipe. Both the surfaces of the pad (20, 22) have internal reinforcing with bisecting, flexible reinforcing threads (34, 36; 40, 42).

Abstract: A method of forming material including alternating layers of fibrin and collagen, formed into tubes, is disclosed for use in repairing transected nerve fibers either by tubulization of the approximated nerve ends, or as an artificial graft which are placed in the severed ends of the nerve, for promotion of nerve growth and regeneration. The new material is treated to reduce antigenicity and is resorbed into the body following regeneration of the nerve fibers.

Abstract: A newel post fastener and rail attachment consisting of a bolt or screw perpendicularly oriented and fused to the center of a metal disk, with holes encircling its periphery, allows the joining of newel posts to the floor or stair tread and joining of railing to newel posts such that the fastener means is not visible after connection of the members. In the manner of fastening the newel post to the floor, the need for additional millwork to conceal the means of fastening is obviated.

Abstract: An apparatus for the injection of liquid additives, such as fertilizers and insecticides, into irrigation sprinkler systems for even dispersal within the least distance of conduit pipe from the point of injection is presented. Said injection is accomplished by injection of the additive through a hollow L-shaped spindle about the horizontal arm of which is a rotatable hollow hub from which extend hollow injection tubes, along the length of each there being a semi-circular impeller blade. The apparatus, centrally located within the conduit pipe of an irrigation system, disperses pressure-injected additive while the rush of water through the conduit causes the impeller to rotate, thus further facilitating dispersion of the additive.

Abstract: An apparatus for self-service check out which calculates, within a main computer, the cumulative total weight of items, based on pre-determined and pre-programmed weights, and compares the computerized cumulative total weight to the weight determined by a second weigh scale means which determines the total weight of all items placed in a receiving container means. Items scanned by electronic means are itemized by the computer which directs the printing of an itemized register tape. Fraudulent mishandling of items by the customer is overcome by communication between the computer and ending weigh scale when weights calculated by each correspond within a determined tolerance level. In an alternate embodiment, a weighing of pre-scanned items in total is required to correspond with the total weight calculated by the computer and the end weigh scale, within a determined tolerance level.

Abstract: A device for use in building construction applications to position wallboard or like materials in place by means of attachment of the device to a wall stud, thereafter placing the wallboard member in the positioning bracket of the apparatus and engaging the mechanism to securely hold the wallboard in place. Use of the apparatus so described thus allows a single workman to position, adjust and attach the wallboard by nail or screw means to existing wall stud structures.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for constructing artificial fingernails. A fingernail form is inserted underneath the fingernail against the fingertip. A preferably acrylic-based compound is spread over the fingernail form and natural fingernail with a vibratory brush to create a lengthened fingernail having a natural appearance and great durability.

Abstract: An invention which prevents the overturning of ALL Terrain Vehicles (ATV's ) when such vehicles are driven up an incline of sufficient grade so as to cause the lighter-weighted front end of the vehicle to rear backwards causing a backward overturn. This invention, which consists of a tire attached to a bracketing system, which in turn is mounted to the rear of an ATV, provides a stabilizing support to the rear of the vehicle in incidences of imminent overturn. The device is easily attached to most ATV's of different manufacture, and do not interfere with the operation of the vehicle when driven on flat or slightly hilly surfaces.

Abstract: A fiber optic intubating scope with camera and screen is used in the intubation of an endotracheal tube in patients whose larynges are not easily viewed with a laryngoscope because of morphological irregularities or complications. Use of the invention in intubation of such patients in emergency situations facilitates exact placement of the endotrachael tube by providing a screen-displayed image of the patient's pharynx and larynx, and further allows the physician to simultaneously monitor the internal placement of the endotrachael tube and the external conditions of the patient. The intubation process, facilitated by use of the invention, can be accomplished via the pharynx of nasopharynx. In alternative embodiments, the invention can be powered from a peripheral source or can be powered by means of a self-contained power source pack. The invention has both emergency and non-emergency intubation application, as well as utility in the form of a bronchoscope.