Abstract: A barbecue grill unit which includes thermally actuated dampers and insulated walls to conserve heat during its operation. The dampers are of the laminated bimetallic type which progressively open in direct proportion to the heat generated by burner. This limits the amount of air entering the grill which must be heated yet affords efficient combustion. A vent in the back wall of the cover also maximizes heat usage before the heated air is expelled from the grill unit. Preferably, the barbecue grill unit is of the gas-burning type.

Abstract: A device for measuring the volume of flow in a liquid conveying apparatus wherein the length and velocity of a liquid column are measured. Drops of the liquid are formed and directed into a length of measurement tubing having a known internal diameter. As the liquid column is passed through the measurement tubing its length is determined by two spaced apart liquid sensors. The actual length is determined by calculating the time elapsed for the leading edge of the liquid column to interrupt the two liquid sensors. The time for the trailing edge to pass the first sensor is proportioned to the length of the column and the quotient of the two values will give the actual length. Accordingly, accurate volume determinations can be made irrespective of velocity change such as due to viscosity, surface tension or back pressure. The device of this invention is especially adapted to be used in conjunction with an intravenous administration set.

Abstract: A device for measuring the volume of flow in a liquid conveying apparatus wherein drops of the liquid are formed and directed into a length of measurement tubing having a known internal diameter. As the drop is passed through the measurement tubing its length is determined by a combined optoelectronic mechanism including drop length sensors. The drop forming portion and measurement tubing can be manufactured from inexpensive resinous materials making these portions disposable and particularly adaptable to intravenous administration.

Abstract: A sterile container for a medicinal material which is to be intermixed in an I.V. solution wherein the container serves as a mixing device as well as a portion of an I.V. administration apparatus. The device of this invention includes a container which is closed at opposing ends by pierceable diaphragm portions. Extending from one end is a piercing pin having a diaphragm piercing portion which can pierce the diaphragm when it is moved inwardly into the container and also provide a fluid passageway for the container contents. At the opposing end a diaphragm is housed in a closure with a tubular guide section for the piercing pin of an I.V. administration set. The container therefore serves a dual function of holding a fluid material such as a powder in a sterile condition yet serving as a component of an I.V. set to thereby afford a quick and simple procedure for mixing additive components into an I.V. administration set.

Abstract: A sterile container for a medicinal material which is to be intermixed in an I.V. solution wherein the container serves as a mixing device as well as a portion of an I.V. administration apparatus. The device of this invention includes a container which is closed at opposing ends by pierceable diaphragm portions. Extending from one end is a piercing pin having a diaphragm piercing portion which can pierce the diaphragm when it is moved inwardly into the container and also provide a fluid passageway for the container contents. At the opposing end a diaphragm is housed in a closure with a flexible end wall and a tubular guide section for the piercing pin of an I.V. administration set. The container therefore serves a dual function of holding a fluid material such as a powder in a sterile condition yet serving as a component of an I.V. set to thereby afford a quick and simple procedure for mixing additive components into an I.V. administration set.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating assembling a length of flexible tubing on a component part which avoids the use of sealing solvents yet affords a secure placement of the tubing thereon. The apparatus and method assures a secure fitment by stretching the tubing to a predetermined dimension which is larger than the outside dimension of the portion on which the tubing is to be placed on the component part, and while in such a position the tubing is temporarily frozen by means of a coolant. An important feature in stretching the tubing to the enlarged dimension is in assuring that it is done in a uniform manner and that the stretched walls are substantially parallel to each other. This is effected by utilizing a parallel motion of jaw members which are placed within the tubing to stretch it to its expanded state.