Abstract: A self-cleaning water filter assembly including a body having inlet and outlet portions and a filter housing portion defining a cavity disposed therebetween so that water entering the inlet must flow through an inner surface to an outer surface of a filter then to the outlet. A piston disposed concentrically within the filter is biased in an upward resting position by a spring in the absence of water pressure. A scraper extends radially from a piston sidewall and into contact with the inner surface of the filter. Apertures extend through the sidewall and into a central bore extending through a bottom end of the piston. In the presence of water pressure, the piston is forced downwardly into the cavity, and the scraper and apertures cooperatively dislodge and flush filtered particulate matter from the housing. As water pressure is reduced, the piston is biased into its upward resting position, dislodging and flushing filtered particulate matter again.

Abstract: The invention relates to a targeting device comprising a casing which houses a wheel. The wheel is weighted and free to rotate relative to the casing. A mount on the casing mates with a receiving apparatus on the rifle, thereby securing the casing to the rifle. The wheel's absolute orientation remains fixed, while the casing rotates with the rifle as it is aimed upward or downward. The casing has a window through which the wheel is visible. For any angle at which the rifle is positioned, a marker inscribed on the wheel aligns with a cosine number inscribed on the window, indicating the cosine of the angle at which the rifle is positioned. The cosine numbers are readable without requiring the shooter to break his cheek weld with the rifle. The shooter can then calculate the horizontal distance to target by multiplying the cosine by the straight-line distance to target.

Abstract: A multi-functional food processing, preparation and juicing unit includes an elongated hollow post fixed to a base and extending vertically therefrom. A pressure assembly is movably mounted to the post and configured to removably accept an upper processing adapter having a predetermined surface configuration. The pressure assembly includes a rack residing within the post and having a plurality of teeth. A rotatable crank assembly includes a gear extending into the post which engages the teeth of the rack for raising and lowering the pressure assembly by rotating a handle operably engaged with the gear. A holder is fixed to an upper end of the base, and is configured to releasably accept a lower processing adapter having a surface configuration which substantially mates with the surface configuration of the upper processing adapter to perform a predetermined food processing function when the upper processing adapter is brought towards the lower processing adapter.

Abstract: A feedthrough filter capacitor assembly for use in active implantable medical devices and a related process for manufacturing a monolithic ceramic capacitor utilizing dielectric materials having a dielectric constant greater than 7000, and preferably in the range of 8500 to 22,000. In the manufacture of the monolithic ceramic capacitor, one or more Curie point shifters and/or other dopants are added to the dielectric material to optimize the dielectric constant at the human body temperature of 37° C. For manufacturing purposes, dopants may be added to the dielectric material to broaden the Curie point peak or point of maximum dielectric constant thereof. The effect is that when such capacitors and terminal assemblies are utilized in a high-voltage defibrillator circuit of an implantable medical device, the dielectric material is optimized so that during the delivery of high-voltage electrical energy, capacitance value of the capacitor drops substantially.

Abstract: An improved method for the treatment of melanoma and skin diseases which utilizes a zinc chloride fixative mixture is provided. The active ingredients of the fixative mixture include zinc chloride (a deeply penetrating, tissue killing histologic preservative), and the anti-cancer plant alkaloids sanguinarine and chelerythrine. Zinc chloride allows the surgeon to perform a complete conventional surgical excision around and below a melanomatous tumor through painless, bloodless dead tissue, and because the microscopic structures are fixed in place by the zinc chloride, the excised tissue can be examined by a pathologist to confirm complete excision and clearance of the melanoma. Although zinc chloride fixative paste has been shown to be an effective treatment for human skin cancer and melanoma, this treatment has been overlooked by the medical community. The paste is difficult to maintain and complicated to apply to the affected skin.

Abstract: Parfried potato strips and a related preparation process are provided wherein the parfried strips have a relatively low moisture content suitable for oven finish or rapid finish fry preparation, and further wherein the parfried strips exhibit improved storage stability without developing undesirable off-flavor characteristics. The parfried potato strips are initially blanched and then surface treated to apply reducing sugar in a controlled amount prior to parfrying in hot oil and freezing. In one form, the surface treatment is a dextrose-containing dip or spray, whereas in another form the surface treatment is a sugar-containing starch-based batter coating. In either case, the quantity of sugar on the exterior surfaces of the strips is regulated in relation to the parfry oil temperature to achieve a target strip color.

Abstract: Bubble forming amusement devices include a housing defining an air flow path therethrough, a bubble forming member disposed along the air flow path, and dried bubble forming material formed of bubble soap concentrate associated with the bubble forming member. Application of a liquid to the bubble forming material permits creation of bubbles as air is forced through the air flow path. Bubble forming material can be added to an inner surface of a receptacle to which liquid is added to create a bubble forming solution. The bubble forming soap concentrate is typically applied to the bubble forming member or receptacle and allowed to dry. The bubble forming material can also comprise a hardened gel or saturated open-cell material which is then associated with the bubble forming member.

Abstract: An external medical drainage system is provided which has a slide interface between a mounting assembly to a pole, and a disposable drip assembly and a stopcock which snap-fits to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a clamp which is fastenable to the pole, and a support rail affixed to the clamp and which has a longitudinal slot that defines an open-face elongated channel. The drip assembly includes a key adjustably positionable within the channel, a graduated cylinder supported by the key, a drainage bag fluidly connected to the graduated cylinder, tubing extending from the graduated cylinder opposite the drainage bag, and a stopcock associated with the tubing and fixed to a clip. The stopcock clip snap-fits into clip-accepting notches of the clamp. A portion of the key disposed within the channel has a cross-sectioned configuration substantially matching the cross section of the channel.

Abstract: A deep root watering unit is provided for improved irrigation and aeration of tree roots and the like, particularly with respect to trees planted in non-native or hostile environments such as planters, tree wells in paved areas, clay soils and arid climates. The root watering unit includes a porous sleeve extending downwardly from an upper atrium housing, wherein the watering unit is adapted for in-ground installation adjacent to tree roots or the like. The atrium housing defines a hollow atrium chamber equipped with internal support members for mounting different types of irrigation water dispensing devices, such as a bubbler head or emitter device, for delivering irrigation water downwardly into the porous sleeve and further there through to the adjacent plant roots. A cap grate is removably mounted over the top of the atrium housing to accommodate access to the atrium chamber and the selected water dispensing device mounted therein.

Abstract: A process for treating a patient with hydrocephalus is disclosed which utilizes an external medical drainage system having a slide interface between a mounting assembly and a disposable drip assembly. The mounting assembly is generally reusable and the drip assembly disposable. The mounting assembly includes a clamp which is fastenable to the pole, and a support rail affixed to the clamp and which has a longitudinal slot that defines an open-face elongated channel. The drip assembly includes a key adjustably positionable within the channel, a graduated cylinder supported by the key, a drainage bag fluidly connected to the graduated cylinder, and tubing extending from the graduated cylinder opposite the drainage bag. A portion of the key disposed within the channel has a cross-sectioned configuration substantially matching the cross section of the channel.

Abstract: A foundation comprising one or more layers or mattresses of tires, and a fill material provided within and/or between tires of each of the mattresses. The fill material is preferably a relatively coarse aggregate and provides a porous bed having relatively high drainage capacity. The lowermost mattress is cloth which is designed to allow the passage of water across the lowermost mattress whilst preventing the ingress of relatively finer material into the fill material and which can otherwise lead to degeneration of the foundation. At least some of the tires typically also have an upper sidewall removed therefrom.

Abstract: A rear suspension system for two-wheeled vehicles having a generally triangular configuration includes first and second spaced apart support axle plates having aligned apertures receive an axle of a rear wheel of the vehicle. An upper arm assembly is pivotally connected between a vehicle frame and the first and second support axle plates. A lower arm assembly is pivotally connected between the vehicles frame and the first and second support axle plates. First and second control arms are pivotally connected at the respected first ends to the vehicle frame, with the second ends thereof being pivotally connected to the first and second support axle plates, or the lower arm assembly. A shock unit is associated with a pivot arm assembly of the lower arm assembly at one end, and connected to the vehicle frame at the opposite end.