Abstract: Structure for evaluating the efficacy of sterilization apparatus using either steam or ethylene oxide as sterilant is disclosed. The structure includes an insert of porous material having a cavity formed therethrough for retaining a biological or chemical indicator. The porous material has homogeneous porosity throughout. The insert of porous material and indicator are enclosed within an outer covering which is relatively impervious to penetration of gases and which provides restricted pathways to air and sterilant. The outer covering is provided with removable portions which are removed when the structure is used to evaluate ethylene oxide sterilization. Removal of the portions enlarges the existing pathways for ingress and egress of gases which may be appropriate in certain efficacy testing.

Abstract: A ball-valve for precise and accurate sampling and dispensing is disclosed. The ball-valve includes a body having a through-bore having a first end and a second end lined with a two-part sleeve which partially surrounds a ball. The ball is rotatably mounted within the sleeve and in sealing engagement with the sleeve. The ball includes a blind-bore of a known volume. The ball rotates between a first position, in which the blind-bore registers with the first end, and a second position, in which the blind-bore registers with the second end. Rotation of the ball transports a known volume from communication with the first end to communication with the second end. The sealing engagement between the ball and sleeve will prevent depressurization through the ball-valve of a vessel mounted to the ball-valve, both when the ball is at rest and when rotating. In addition, the sealing engagement between the ball and sleeve ensures only the desired volume of fluid is transported between the first and second positions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved electromagnetic force motor (10) with internal eddy current damping. In the preferred embodiment, the motor is comprised of a body (11), a pair of permanent magnets (15.sub.L, 15.sub.R), an electromagnetic coil (20), and an armature (13). The armature is positioned with respect to the body so as to define two variable-reluctance working air gaps (30, 31) and a constant-reluctance non-working air gap (29). The permanent magnets face one another and are mounted on the body. The body and armature are both adapted to conduct magnetic flux. Each working air gap contains a magnetic flux that is the algebraic sum of a flux attributable to the permanent magnets and a flux attributable to the coil. The non-working air gap contains flux attributable only to the permanent magnets. A current-conducting member (14) is attached to the armature and positioned within the non-working air gap.

Abstract: An improved method of moving a rotary fixture (20) from a first angular position to a second angular position includes the steps of: providing a body (25); mounting the fixture on the body for rotational movement about an axis (x--x); mounting a pin (23) in the spindle (22) of a machine tool; moving the pin so as to engage the fixture at a location eccentric to the axis; and selectively moving the pin relative to the axis from one location to another; thereby to rotate the fixture from the first angular position to the second angular position.

Abstract: A device (20) for providing a uniformly-variable orifice includes an object (21) having an outer surface, a wall (24) surrounding the object in spaced relation to the outer surface and defining an annular orifice therebetween; and deforming means (F.sub.1) for causing at least one of the surface and wall to move perpendicularly and uniformly toward the other of the surface and wall without substantially altering the geometric shape of the annular orifice, whereby the movable member may be moved relative to the other to vary the area of the orifice. In the preferred embodiment, the area of the orifice varies substantially linearly with application of the deforming displacement.

Abstract: A round bangle (20) has an improved clevis-like hinge assembly (23) and an improved bangle closing mechanism (24). The hinge assembly is in the form of two end caps, which are operatively mounted on adjacent marginal end portions of the bangle halves. A clevis-type connection is recessed in one of the bangle halves such that there is the appearance of a generally smooth continuous exterior when the bangle is closed. The improved closing mechanism includes a keeper wire (42) extending outwardly from one of the bangles within the other, with an intermediate support ball (43) and a distal button (44) located on the keeper wire. When the bangle is closed, the button passes through an opening (45) in the other bangle half to releasably lock the bangle halves together.

Abstract: A self-tightening side lock (20) for a roll-up door includes a keeper (25) mounted on the jamb, and a latch member (26) pivotally mounted on a door panel. The latch member is selectively cooperable with a catch (30) to hold the door in a closed position. The latch member is biased to move in a counter-clockwise direction. The latch member is adapted to be moved in a clockwise direction, against the opposing bias or a spring 42, to an out-of-the-way position at which the displaced latch may pass by the catch. The latch member has a side cam surface (33) arranged to engage the catch (30) when the door is lowered and to cause the latch member to pivot in a clockwise direction toward the out-of-the-way position to allow the latch member to pass by the catch. The latch member also has an upper cam surface (34) arranged to engage the catch such that the counter-clockwise movement of the latch member will cause the door to be self-tightening.