Abstract: A hermetically sealed container has a closure connected to the container by a frangible web and is provided with a unitary drop dispenser suitable for dropwise dispensing of a liquid contained therein. A hollow container body defines a liquid enclosure and has a dispensing nozzle that is unitary with the container body at a proximal end thereof. A hollow, campanulate chamber is situated at the distal end of the nozzle. The dispensing nozzle defines a liquid flow passageway in communication with the liquid enclosure and with the companulate chamber, and has a substantially uniform inside diameter. The hollow, campanulate chamber has a maximum inside diameter that is larger than the inside diameter of the liquid flow passageway and defines a drop dispensing aperture having an inside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameter of the liquid flow passageway. The drop dispensing aperture is defined by an annular flange that is connected to a closure cap at a frangible web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation device for dispensing a medicament from a valved dispenser. The device includes a housing having a longitudinal slot, an associated nozzle body, a cylindrical advance tube that slidably receives therein the dispenser and that has an external helically extend thread member, an advance ring that associates with the dispenser and that slidable engages the advance tube, and a level indicator. A zigzag track in either the advance tube or the advance ring, and a mating stud in the other of the ring or tube causes the advance tube to rotate when the ring is moved reciprocally when the dispenser is actuated. The level indicator device linearly indicates a remaining amount of medicament.

Abstract: An integral harmonic mitigation device and distribution panel(s) are configured as a power center unit for non-linear electrical loads. The power center unit performs harmonic mitigation to reduce the presence of upstream electrical disturbances in a source current. The power center unit is located close to the non-linear loads to isolate the loads and facilitate load balancing to improve harmonic mitigation. The power center unit is also ideally suited for mobile or semi-mobile applications.

Abstract: This invention describes a hair relaxer system and method that ameliorates and inhibits the adsorption and retention by alkaline, chemically-relaxed hair of exogenous multivalent metal ion present in the chemical relaxer, in the rinse water or both employed during the process of relaxing naturally curly hair with compositions containing strong chemical base. In a preferred relaxer method aspect, the alkaline, chemically relaxed hair was contacted with an aqueous metal ion chelating composition containing at least one multivalent metal ion chelating agent employing a disclosed delivery system adapted for practical salon use. In another preferred relaxer method embodiment, wipes impregnated with multivalent metal ion chelating composition were employed during the relaxer process.

Abstract: Moving parts of the chuck are enclosed in a sealed cavity which is provided with a circulating lubrication. The power which drives its flow is derived from the force needed for opening and shutting the tongs of the chuck. In a chuck with hydraulically actuated jaws, this power is delivered by the pressure differences that occur between different parts of the hydraulic circuit actuating the jaws of the chuck and the hydraulic liquid acts also as lubricant.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation apparatus and method for providing electrical stimulation to tissue. The electrical stimulation apparatus includes a base unit and an electrode module. The base unit is configured to be hand portable and contains a first electrical circuit and a first battery for supplying electrical energy to the first electrical circuit. A second electrical circuit and a second battery provide a time/date function. The base unit supports an LCD to provide a visual indication of the various functions of the electrical stimulation apparatus. The electrode module is programmable to enable the prescribing physician to set the treatment protocol for the electrical stimulation apparatus. The present apparatus is particularly well suited for the treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster.

Abstract: Laminated interlocking stackable wall units are assembled using a large proportion of wood species unsuitable for use in the construction industry. The interlocking stackable wall units are used in combination with a laminated roof beam, and a roof panel to construct an earthquake-resistant buildings. Each building is tied together by composite steel bands that lend the structure flexibility and excellent resistance to wracking forces induced by natural phenomena, such as earthquakes and windstorms. The buildings are rapidly assembled with a minimum of labor, and are inexpensive to construct. The advantage is a high quality building constructed at reasonable cost.

Abstract: A rack for holding a bicycle by either its front or back wheel in an upright position on a floor. The rack includes a bracket which is adapted to be fitted on an elongate support frame. A rotatable lower brace extends outwardly from the bracket and includes spaced-apart arms which terminate in a downwardly extending lip. An upper brace extends generally upwardly from the bracket and includes spaced-apart arms. A bicycle is held on the rack by rolling the bicycle wheel directly into the lip of the lower brace and into and between the arms of the upper and lower braces respectively. A plurality of racks can be slidingly fitted onto a single support frame for holding a plurality of bicycles in spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a surgical implement guide sized for insertion into and compatible with tissues. The invention includes a hollow shaft formed of a flexible material with memory to return to a predetermined configuration, where the shaft defines a central passageway of variable inside diameter and is adapted to receive a catheter or other surgical tool or instrument. The central passageway terminates in an access opening and allows for insertion and removal of the catheter or tool An elongated tab member having at least one surface or portion thereof which is textured extends from the shaft, and positioned adjacent the access opening, acting as a handle to assist the user in removing the catheter. A tip is included opposite the tab to assist in the insertion of the guide, and thus the catheter or tool.

Abstract: A steerable catheter includes an elongate cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. A blood characteristic sensor, such as an oxygen sensor, is connected to the cannula and disposed to sense percent oxygen saturation of blood at the distal end of the cannula. The blood oxygen sensor generates a signal indicative of percent oxygen saturation. An oximetry display is responsive to the signal and capable of displaying sensed percent oxygen saturation in a form understandable by an operator. A steering mechanism is operably connected to the cannula and is selectively operable by an operator to deflect the distal end of the cannula. A method of locating the coronary sinus of a heart involves endovascularly introducing a catheter into the right atrium, sensing percent oxygen saturation at the distal end of the catheter, and steering the catheter toward a region of lowest percent oxygen saturation.

Abstract: An oil filter includes a housing 14 having an end plate 20 attached to the open end thereof. The end plate 20 includes an outlet opening and inlet openings 22. An anti-drainback valve 49 is provided adjacent the end plate. A filter element having an end cap at each end is positioned within the housing. The end cap 50 remote from the end plate includes a plurality of openings 52 spaced from a closed central portion 51. A spring valve 60 cooperates with the end cap 50 and the interior wall of the housing to alternately allow and disallow oil flow through the end cap openings depending upon the differential pressure across the end cap 50. The spring valve 60 and the end cap 50 can be operationally interengage to provide a relatively flat profile. Depressions 72 (FIG. 5) may be included between the arms 62 of the spring valve to provide a flow path should the spring valve be flattened against the housing during operation of the filter.

Abstract: This invention concerns improvements to gravity gradient instruments (GGI) and in particular to the accelerometers that are paired within these instruments. Accelerometers have a proof mass suspended by a spring within a magnetic field. An internal feedback loop provides a signal related to movement of the proof mass back through a reaction coil retaining the proof mass in the magnetic field, to maintain the proof mass stationary. An external feedback loop adjusts the accelerometer scale factor. The internal feedback loop provides second order compensation to the proof mass and the spring stiffness. In a further aspect the invention is a method of matching accelerometer pairs.

Abstract: A closure insert for a hermetically sealed container including a hollow boss that defines an access port sealed by a pierceable membrane and by a primary seal in the form of an inwardly extending skirt portion that sealingly surrounds a draining spike after piercing the membrane.

Abstract: A machining cell capable of providing tool movement along at least one axis is provided with at least one, but preferably a pair of articulated debris shields mounted to a tool carriage that translates along an axis of motion. Each articulated debris shield occludes space vacated by the tool carriage as it translates along the axis of motion. In a preferred embodiment, the machining cell provides tool movements along x-, y-, and z-axes and has a stationary housing that supports a z-axis carrier frame slidably mounted thereto for translation along the z-axis. An x-axis carriage is slidably mounted to the z-axis carrier frame for translation along the x-axis. A y-axis spindle frame is slidably mounted to the x-axis carrier frame for vertical translation along the y-axis.

Abstract: A combination point-of-purchase package and point-of-use disposable cooler for beverage containers, such as bottles or the like, which is a container provided with a separate, liquid impervious liner therein. The beverage containers are stored in the container and enveloped by the liner at the point-of-purchase. A spacer in the container but removable therefrom is provided to create a space in the container for receiving a cooling medium such as ice for cooling the beverage containers.

Abstract: Impotence can be ameliorated without substantial undesirable side effects by nasal administration of apomorphine, optionally with an antiemetic agent present in an amount sufficient to substantially reduce nausea symptoms that may be associated with the use of apomorphine.

Abstract: An apparatus for hitching two bicycles together including a first hitch which connects the apparatus to one of the bicycles and a second hitch which connects the apparatus to the second bicycle. The second hitch includes a stem which is slid through and secured to the head tube of the second bicycle after the front fork and wheel have been removed from the second bicycle.

Abstract: This invention describes materials and methods usable for the purification of polyelectrolytes, such as nucleic acids and proteins. The materials of the invention are separation media that possess pH-dependent groups with pKa value in the range of about 5 to about 7. Separation of the nucleic acids or proteins from a separation medium is effected at a neutral or higher pH.