Abstract: A tube-type watermattress has a plurality of elongated tubes disposed in a head-to-toe direction in the mattress. A wave dampening insert enclosed in each tube has a center portion which is substantially thicker than the rest of the insert to provide additional firmness and "lumbar" support in the area of the mattress where the lower back or "lumbar" of a person resting on the mattress is usually disposed.

Abstract: A device for controlling urinary incontinence in a human female, comprising a resilient pad, configured to seal against and occlude the urethral meatus of the user. The pad includes a base that is adapted to seat against the vestibule of the user's vulva, anteriorly of the vaginal orifice, thereby covering the urethral meatus. An adhesive is provided on the base to seal against and occlude the urethral meatus, and to retain the pad in place against the vestibule. The pad has lateral edges that fit inside the labia minora of the user, to aid in retention of the device. The surface of the pad opposite the base is formed into a longitudinal stiffening ridge that extends into the interlabial space. A handle is attached to the ridge to facilitate removal.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the concentration of selected constituent gases in the expiratory gas streams from a patient. The method includes the steps of: (a) measuring the flow rate of the expiratory gas stream to provide a flow rate signal; (b) generating a tidal volume signal in response to the flow rate signal; (c) generating a sample control signal in response to the tidal volume signal and the flow rate signal to mark an interval within the end tidal periods of several successive expiratory gas streams; (d) extracting a sample of each of the several successive expiratory gas streams during the marked interval in response to the sample control signal; (e) accumulating each extracted sample in a variable volume reservoir; (f) transferring the accumulated gas samples within the variable volume reservoir into a sample cell in response to the variable volume reaching a predetermined limit; and (g) measuring the concentration of the selected constituent gas in the volume of gas contained in the cell.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of impotence in a human male patient includes the steps of (1) selecting a penile vein or a crus of a corpus cavernosum; and (2) implanting in the patient a vascular occlusion device that allows the selective restriction of the flow of blood from the selected vein or crus when erectile function is desired, normal flow being otherwise maintained. A preferred embodiment of the vascular occlusion device comprises an inflatable cuff adapted to receive the vein or crus, a squeeze-bulb reservoir containing a working fluid, and a valving mechanism that allows fluid to flow from the squeeze bulb to the cuff, through a tube, when the bulb is squeezed, thereby inflating the cuff to restrict blood flow through the vein or crus. To deflate the cuff, the valving mechanism is manually operable to allow fluid to flow out of the cuff back into the reservoir due to the pressure gradient created by the partial evacuation of the previously-squeezed bulb.

Abstract: A utensil or tool specifically adapted for slicing bananas includes a frame which circumscribes an area generally conforming to the shape and size of a typical banana. The frame has two opposing curvilinear longitudinal sides which are interconnected with a plurality of spaced, substantially parallel disposed ribs. The ribs are sufficiently thin to cut transversely through a banana when the utensil is pushed down on a banana. The utensil is held by a user through handles which are attached to ends of the frame. An elongated hole is provided in one of the handles to permit hanging of the utensil on a peg board or the like for storage.

Abstract: A battery cable connector is disclosed for connecting to batteries that have a side terminal, as well as for batteries that have a top terminal. The invention provides for connection to either types of batteries without any further modification of the battery cable connector. Two sets of openings within the conductive portion of the battery connector cable enable easy attachment to either a side mounted battery terminal or a top mounted battery terminal without further reconfiguration of the battery cable connector.

Abstract: A blood collector system utilizes a standard disposable needle assembly and standard blood collecting and receiving tubes of the type sealed by a pierceable septum. The system has a hollow cylinder, including an internally apertured sleeve into which the needle assembly is mounted and into which the sealed blood collecting tubes are inserted to be pierced by a needle of the needle assembly. A member, such as a plate, is pivotably mounted to the cylinder. A hole in the plate accommodates the needle assembly while the needle assembly is retained in the cylinder. When the blood specimen collection is complete, the plate is moved in a pivoting motion whereby it catches the needle assembly and ejects it from the cylinder. The apparatus of the invention eliminates the need for a protective sheath to be replaced on the needle assembly before the needle assembly is discarded, and thereby minimizes the health care worker's exposure to accidental needle pricks.

Abstract: A liquid level measuring system having a tubular ultrasonic probe with a length in excess of the depth of liquid to be measured; for vertical insertion into a tank. A transducer inside the tube, at a first distance above the bottom end of probe body, responds transmits a sinusoidal acoustical pulse through the probe to the surface of the liquid. An echo returns from the surface of the liquid to the transducer and provides a sinusoidal echo signal. A receiver responds to the echo signal by providing a start signal corresponding to the transmitter signal crossing a predetermined amplitude in a predetermined direction and by providing a stop signal corresponding to a first selected echo signal crossing a second predetermined reference level in a predetermined direction. The speed of sound in the liquid is measured by measuring the echo time to a calibration rod in the tube at a known distance from the transducer.

Abstract: A system for metering a fuel additive into a flow of fuel into a fuel tank includes a mixing unit coupled to the filler neck of the fuel tank. The mixing unit has a body with an axial main flow passage, having a fuel inlet and a mixture outlet. The fuel inlet is dimensioned to receive the standard nozzle found on conventional service station pumps for motor fuel. The body also has an additive inlet that communicates with the main flow passage through a metering passage controlled by a metering valve. The metering valve is actuated by a pivot arm having a first end that is in the flow path of fuel flowing through the main flow passage and a second end that engages one end of a pushrod, the other end of which engages a valving element in the metering valve. The flow of fuel against the first end of the pivot arm causes the pivot arm to pivot so as to push the pushrod against the valving element to move the valving element away from its seat, against the force of a biasing spring, to open the metering valve.

Abstract: A cassette for dental instruments includes two substantially identical trays with each tray having a hinge to permit removable assembly of the tray to the other tray to form the cassette or enclosure. Each tray has apertures or holes wherethrough liquid cleansing agents can be sprayed into and can be drained out of the tray. Ribs are removably mounted into the trays and are held in spaced substantially parallel positions therein. At least one of the ribs has a clamping device for holding dental instruments in positions substantially transverse to the ribs. An intermediate locking plate is removably mounted into each tray above the ribs to further secure the dental instruments in their clamped positions in the tray. The two trays when assembled together as a cassette are readily washed, autoclaved, stored and transported together, while each tray can contain a separate set of dental instruments.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of impotence in a human male patient includes the steps of (1) selecting a penile vein or a crus of a corpus cavernosum; and (2) implanting in the patient a vascular occlusion device that allows the selective restriction of the flow of blood from the selected vein or crus when erectile function is desired, normal flow being otherwise maintained. A preferred embodiment of the vascular occlusion device comprises an inflatable cuff adapted to receive the vein or crus, a squeeze-bulb reservoir containing a working fluid, and a valving mechanism that allows fluid to flow from the squeeze bulb to the cuff, through a tube, when the bulb is squeezed, thereby inflating the cuff to restrict blood flow through the vein or crus. To deflate the cuff, the valving mechanism is manually operable to allow fluid to flow out of the cuff back into the reservoir due to the pressure gradient created by the partial evacuation of the previously-squeezed bulb.

Abstract: A diagnostic method or process is disclosed for determining one or more parameters which are characteristic of the adhesiveness of blood platelets of a human patient. A blood sample is collected from a venipuncture of a patient through a filter which comprises a load of glass beads or spheres placed in a medically acceptable plastic, polyvinyl or like, tube. The time is measured that it takes for a predetermined volume of the sample to be collected through the filter. For control, a blood sample is also collected without passing the sample through a filter. The number of platelets per unit volume in each sample is determined by conventional counting techniques. From the measured platelet counts and the measured time period, the rate (in platelet count per second) is calculated at which the filter apparatus retains the blood platelets of the patient. The percentage of the retained platelets as compared to the unfiltered blood sample is also calculated.

Abstract: A graphite fabric-reinforced ceramic matrix composite material is fabricated from multiple plies of graphite fabric saturated with a slurry of an aqueous alkali silicate and a powdered ceramic. The slurry-saturated plies, laid up on a pattern, are vacuum-bagged and cured at elevated temperatures, either in an oven, or, in a preferred embodiment, in an autoclave under elevated pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the fibers of the graphite fabric are metal-plated to provide an outer surface metallization for improved bonding with the alkali silicate. The result is a composite material with the mechanical and thermal characteristics necessary for use in molding tools for the fabrication of other structures made of high temperature composite materials.

Abstract: An improved spout assembly for a squeeze bottle or the like includes an extensible dispensing tube slidably disposed in an elongated, hollow cap member, with the distal end of the tube extending from an orifice at the tip of the cap member. The tube is extensible from the cap member to a selected extended position. The cap member has an improved structure which includes a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart, rib-like bearing elements extending radially inwardly from the interior wall surface of the cap near the tip. The bearing elements frictionally engage the extensible tube so as to maintain the tube in a selected position. The cap member is made of injection-molded plastic formed in a novel mold assembly comprising a solid core and a hollow cavity. The core has a cylindrical plug extending axially from its tip. The plug snugly seats in a socket at the bottom of the cavity.

Abstract: A blood collector system utilizes a standard disposable needle assembly and standard blood collecting and receiving tubes of the type sealed by a pierceable septum. The system has a hollow cylinder, including an internally apertured sleeve into which the needle assembly is mounted and into which the sealed blood collecting tubes are inserted to be pierced by a needle of the needle assembly. A member, such as a plate, is pivotably mounted to the cylinder. A hole in the plate accommodates the needle assembly while the needle assembly is retained in the cylinder. When the blood specimen collection is complete, the plate is moved in a pivoting motion whereby it catches the needle assembly and ejects it from the cylinder. The apparatus of the invention eliminates the need for a protective sheath to be replaced on the needle assembly before the needle assembly is discarded, and thereby minimizes the health care worker's exposure to accidental needle pricks.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed in which a valve adapted for opening a fluid passage is normally biased into closed position. The valve is opened by movement of a piston operated by hydraulic pressure of a liquid contained in a chamber disposed behind the piston. The hydraulic pressure of the liquid is generated by an actuating force, such as manual depression of a handle. A duct permitting restricted flow of the hydraulic liquid, however permits escape of the hydraulic liquid from the chamber when the hydraulic liquid is pressurized and thereby gradually relieves pressure from the piston even when the actuating force is maintained. The hydraulic liquid escapes into a second chamber from where it returns through a relief valve into the first chamber when there is no actuating force on the handle.

Abstract: Changes in the tide effects at a given location are measured by monitoring the respective levels of a measuring liquid in two containers which are in fluid communication with one another. The liquid levels are measured by suitable transducers including floats, and result in electronic signals indicative of the respective positions of the floats. A difference between the two signals is either computed or obtained from a differential amplifier into which the signals indicative of the respective float positions are inputted. A change in the difference between the float positions measures a change in the tidal effects at the location. The change in tidal effects is advantageously measured in conjunction with measuring leakage of liquid from liquid storage tanks, such as fuel storage tanks of filling stations, where tide effects occur and must be taken into account.

Abstract: A bag turner for rotating a bag having a front and side surface and moving along a path on a conveyor. The bag turner has a bag turning wheel having an axis of rotation substantially normal to the plane of the conveyor and offset to the side of the path of the bags. The wheel has a first and second radial member. Each the radial member extends from a hub on an axis in a horizontal plane to form a substantially right angle. The radial members engage a bag moving on the conveyor turn the bag as the wheel turns. A means for raising the bag turning wheel to permit free passage of the bags on the conveyor is provided.