Abstract: The flashlight of the invention includes an improved mechanism for selectively varying the light beam intensity and area. The mechanism includes a cam member, and abutting head and outer switch housing shoulders, which enable movement of the bulb forwardly and rearwardly relative to the light reflector by rotation of the head of the flashlight, so as to selectively vary the intensity and area of the light beam, while preventing axial movement of the head and light reflector. The flashlight includes structural means for recharging its battery; and a battery charger/flashlight holder is designed to retain the flashlight and charge the batteries when the flashlight is stored therein. A shield in the lens prevents damage from heat emitted by a high intensity halogen bulb.

Abstract: An improved, four-chamber chest drainage system include (1) a collection chamber for collecting blood and other liquids to be drained from the pleural cavity of a patient, (2) an underwater seal chamber for preventing contamination of the patient's pleural cavity by atmospheric air, (3) a manometer chamber for accurately indicating the negative pressure in the patient's pleural cavity, and (4) a suction control chamber for regulating the amount of negative pressure (or suction) applied to the patient's pleural cavity. The suction control chamber has a flexible diaphragm adapted to flex in response to increased negativity above a predetermined level to block the opening to the suction source until the negativity returns to the predetermined level. A combination vent valve-and-filter assembly permits ready venting of the collection chamber to filtered atmospheric air.

Abstract: Medicinal fluid to be injected into a patient is drawn into a hypodermic syringe barrel through the valve portion of a combination valve and filter assembly, and is ejected through the filter, thereby preventing particulate contamination of the injected medicine. The valve and filter assembly comprises a generally cylindrical, porous filter element, and an elastomeric valve having a generally annular skirt portion overlying the distal end of the filter element and a central portion extending into the central passage in the filter. The central portion of the valve has a slit therein which opens to permit the flow of medicinal fluid therethrough in a distal-to-proximal direction, but closes to block the flow of fluid therethrough in a proximal-to-distal direction.

Abstract: An improved system for generating an ion beam comprises a nozzle through which a gas to be ionized is fed, and a ring electrode encircling the tip of the nozzle. High positive potential and negative potential are applied to the nozzle and ring electrode, respectively, to create a high intensity electric field. The gas atoms passing through the capillary nozzle are ionized, and the ions so created are accelerated in a direction forwardly from the nozzle by the field. The current level or "brightness" of the ion beam so generated may be controlled by varying the pressure of the gas supplied to the nozzle, or the electrical potential difference applied between the nozzle and ring electrode.

Abstract: A rugged, heavy duty flashlight which is hermetically sealed to prevent intrusion of moisture and dirt. A manually operable electric switch is provided having a rotary contact to complete the battery circuit to the bulb. When the switch is actuated the rotary contact is moved axially to engage stationary contacts and is then rotated to wipe against such stationary contacts to clean the contact surfaces. The flashlight is readily adjustable to change from a narrow concentrated light beam to a broad scattered beam.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for simultaneously extruding two lengths of plastic tubing wherein each of said lengths includes alternate axial sections of materials having different characteristics (e.g., a harder material and a softer material). The apparatus includes two extruders which feed plastic extrudate to a dual die head having first and second dies for forming tubular lengths. Valves are operatively associated with each extruder for selectively feeding plastic extrudate from each extruder to either of the dies. The valves are intermittently operated so that during one cycle extrudate from the first extruder is fed to the first die and extrudate from the second extruder is fed to the second die, and during alternate cycles extrudate from the first extruder is fed to the second die and extrudate from the second extruder is fed to the first die. A cooling tank receives the tubular length from the dies for setting the plastic material.

Abstract: An improved exercising device for exercising the legs of a user includes a frame member with a lever arm having one end pivotably attached thereto. The lever arm extends downwardly from the portion of the frame member to which it is pivotably connected, and a pair of foot-engaging force transfering members are mounted on the lower end of the lever arm. A cable has one end pivotably connected near the lower end of the lever arm, passes around an eccentrically mounted pulley and has its other end connected to weights. As the user lifts the lower portions of his legs, the lever arm is pivoted to pull the cable and the weights attached thereto, thereby strengthening the knee muscles of the user. The eccentrically mounted pulley varies the resistance to movement of the user's lower legs initially increasing the resistance and then decreasing the resistance in a sinusoidal manner as the lower legs are lifted to pivot the lever arm and lift the weights.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering continuous positive airway pressure to a patient (e.g., an infant) includes a cradle assembly for firmly and adjustably supporting the head of a patient to whom continuous positive airway pressure is to be delivered, a support frame assembly mounted on the cradle assembly for adjustably supporting a disposable airway set, and a disposable airway set which receives fresh air and delivers it, under pressure, to a patient. The cradle assembly includes a head-supporting cradle which may be moved to any one of a number of angular positions. A pair of adjustable head-restraining plates are mounted in the cradle for firmly supporting heads of different sizes. The support frame assembly which receives and holds the disposable airway set is mounted on one end of the head-supporting cradle and can be adjusted relative to the cradle for accurate positioning of a nasal cannula at the delivery end of the disposable airway set.

Abstract: For the control of the pH value of a nutrient solution for growing plants the pH value is increased by supplying nitrate nitrogen and is decreased by supplying ammonium nitrogen to the nutrient solution.

Abstract: A combination body rest (for lounging at the beach, for example) and totebag includes a pair of frame members hinged at the tops thereof and covered with fabric so as to form a storage compartment. The unit further includes a seat panel adapted to serve as a ground cover when the unit is used as a body rest. Tabs provided with cooperating snap fasteners are secured to the bottom portions of the frame members. The tabs are adapted to be fastened to one another when the unit is carried as a totebag to (1) hold the bottoms of the frame members relatively close to one another, (2) provide added support for the contents of the storage compartment, and (3) maintain the seat panel in a rolled-up, out-of-the-way position beneath the storage compartment.

Abstract: A gauging frame for transmitting measuring movements comprises two bar elements allowing components to be mounted thereto individually and each independently of other components by engagement with the bar element transversely thereof.

Abstract: An improved pressure regulator for an inflatable cuff on an endotracheal tube or the like includes a housing which contains a valve assembly and a pressure regulating chamber. The housing is adapted to be connected to an inflatable cuff so that the pressure regulating chamber communicates with the cuff through the valve assembly. The valve assembly (1) permits slow increases in air pressure in the cuff to be transferred into the pressure regulating chamber, thereby preventing over-inflation of the cuff, and (2) closes in response to relatively rapid pressure changes in the cuff to prevent collapsing of the cuff when the pressure of the air or other gas delivered through the endotracheal tube (e.g., by a respirator) is relatively high. A spring-biased piston is disposed in the pressure regulating chamber for regulating the pressure in an inflatable cuff to which the regulator housing is connected, and a rolling diaphragm covers the piston.

Abstract: An access control system for controlling and monitoring access to selected restricted areas and "alarm" conditions at such areas. The system comprises a central controller unit which repeatedly polls a number of remotely located reader terminals and alarm monitors. The reader terminals are adapted to receive and "read" magnetically encoded card keys issued to personnel and to sense "alarm" conditions at such areas. When a card key which has a proper facility code on it, is inserted into a card activated lock, a card reader at a reader terminal determines whether the card key is magnetically encoded so as to meet all entrance criteria stored in a memory of the central controller. If the card is properly encoded, access is granted to the cardholder at that location.