Abstract: A calibrated guidewire for use in determining the magnitude of arterial occlusions in the body and a method of using the guidewire. The guidewire includes a flexible sleeve having a distal end and a hemispherical tip having a flat inner surface. A multifilar flexible coil is disposed between the distal end of the sleeve and the tip. The coil has a uniform outer diameter and is formed by two sets of different wires, one of which is radiotransparent and the other of which is radiopaque. The spacings between each of the sets is identical and is defined by the widths of each of the sets to provide regularly spaced radiotransparent areas of indicia that are observable as a fluoroscopic image to enable the user measure of the magnitude of an occlusion in a tubular structure in the body. The multifilar construction extends the entire length of the coil between the sleeve and the tip.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the writing quality of a ball point pen for ink laydown, blobbing, and degree of inconsistency employs a computer and an image analysis software package capable of assembling a pixel gray level distribution known as a histogram. The distribution of pixel gray value for a writing sample is manipulated and analyzed, the values then being compared to a range of pre-established values.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing razor blades from a continuous strip of metal stock by stamping a plurality of openings in the strip for precise registry of the blade edge when employed in the razor and then running the stock through a device which partially slits the strip along lines which are precisely located with respect to the edges of the stock and the openings. The strip is then heat treated after which it is run through a device which splits the stock along the previously slit lines to form a plurality of continuous strands containing interconnected blades disposed end to end.

Abstract: An interproximal brush for carrying on the person has an elongated one piece body member of elastomeric material forming a planar surface disposed between two leg members from which a substantially rigid boss extends for supporting a brush member. A plurality of hinges are formed in the body member at either side of the boss and the oppositely extending leg members are folded one adjacent the other and attached for slidable movement relative to one another. The planar surface is disposed transverse to the direction of relative movement of the leg members and rotates to move the brush from a position in alignment with the direction of movement of the leg members to a position forming an angle with the direction of movement of the leg members, when the leg members are moved relative to one another. The one piece body member may also be made foldable in the opposite direction to encase the brush within the leg members, or a bumper may be provided for supporting the planar surface when the brush is so rotated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dispenser for depositing a liquid material onto a print medium wherein a circular tube having a substantially uniform wall thickness is formed of moldable plastic material. The tube is placed in a mold cavity having a portion for receiving the tube in interfitting engagement and an enlarged cavity portion extending outwardly from the wall of the tube. Pressure is applied to the internal walls of the tube with the tube in plastic flow condition to expand the tube walls into the cavity forming a bulbous portion having a wall thickness less than the tube uniform wall thickness to provide a squeezable portion of greater flexibility than the remainder of the dispenser body.

Abstract: A hand operated device for transferring an adhesive film from a carrier tape to a substrate is provided with a single spool having a portion containing the roll of carrier tape and a large diameter portion having a plurality of knurls formed on the circumference thereof. The tape is fed from the spool to contact the substrate and then fed between the knurls. A spring arm serves as a clutch by maintaining the tape in contact with the knurls but allowing slippage of the tape therebetween at a predetermined tape tension.

Abstract: A hand operated device for transferring an adhesive film from a carrier tape to a substrate is provided with a feed spool containing the carrier tape, and a take-up spool mounted in a housing. The carrier tape is fed from the feed spool to the take-up spool over an applicator bar and the take-up spool is driven by the feed spool through a clutch plate to maintain a degree of tension in the carrier tape during operation of the device.

Abstract: An interproximal brush for carrying on the person has an elongated one piece body member of elastomeric material forming a planar surface disposed between two leg members from which a substantially rigid boss extends for supporting a brush member. A plurality of hinges are formed in the body member at either side of the boss and the oppositely extending leg members are folded one adjacent the other and attached for slidable movement relative to one another. The planar surface is disposed transverse to the direction of relative movement of the leg members and rotates to move the brush from a position in alignment with the direction of movement of the leg members to a position forming an angle with the direction of movement of the leg members, when the leg members are moved relative to one another. The one piece body member may also be made foldable in the opposite direction to encase the brush within the leg members.

Abstract: A side (or heel seat and side) lasting machine comprises two lasting rollers (232; 232') arranged one at either side of a shoe support (20) by which a shoe is supported bottom up. Each roller (232; 232') has a helical rib arrangement (294) which, when rotated while in pressing engagement with the shoe bottom, effects an inwiping movement on the lasting marginal portions of the shoe upper. The rollers (232; 232') are inclined to the longitudinal center line of the shoe support, with their free ends directed heelwardly; the acute angle subtended between each center line and the roller axis of rotation is in the order of 50.degree. to 62.degree., preferably 57.degree.. The lasting rollers (232; 232') are of non-metallic material, preferably synthetic polymer or ceramic material, and have a single helical rib the pitch of which is in the range of 10 to 15 mm.

Abstract: For drying coatings of solvent-based adhesive applied to shoe bottoms a through-flow drying apparatus is provided which utilises air at ambient temperature for the constant rate period (i.e. the period during which the surface of the coating is "wet"), and thereafter applies infra-red heating during the falling rate period (i.e. the period when migration of the solvent through the solid adhesive is to be achieved). In the first stage, jets of air are directed against the shoe bottom at a velocity of not less than 15 meters/second (measured at the inlets (38)), while at the heating station a plate heater (42) of a size which is larger than the area of the shoe bottom is provided. Ideally, when the shoe is removed from the apparatus, an outsole having a reactivated coating of adhesive can be located with the shoe bottom and bonded thereto, without reactivation of the shoe bottom adhesive itself.

Abstract: A forming assembly comprises two presser members (22,24) each having a corrugated surface for receiving a workpiece made up of generally diamond-shaped pockets (10). Each presser member is made up of sections (22a,22b; 24a, 24b) mounted on slide rods (38) for movement between a spaced-apart position, in which a workpiece can be located therebetween, and a closed position, movement into which, while the workpiece is held between the presser members, is effective to compress the workpiece laterally. For holding the pockets in their diamond shape formers (20) are inserted therein. A flange (18) is formed at one end of the workpiece and integral therewith by pressing outwardly folded material against a lateral end face of the presser members (22,24) using a presser plate (52). This forming method is especially suitable for forming self-supporting filter units.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for use with an elongated applicator having a container with a reservoir portion and a cylindrical neck portion, a tubular insert fabricated of softer material than the container disposed in the neck portion for receiving the elongated applicator and a rotatable cap which engages the insert when in the sealing position. A plurality of axially disposed vanes are provided on the internal surface of the cylindrical neck portion which serve to cold form the outer surface of the softer insert and become embedded in the insert to prevent rotation of the insert when the cap is removed.