Abstract: A solar energy concentrating and collecting arrangement and method in which a semi-cylindrical oblong concave reflector/concentrator forms the roof of a house, school or other building, particularly a heat utilization building. A collector is movably supported in spaced relation above and along the length of the oblong roof/reflector, for pivotal movement to a zone of maximum confluence of solar energy rays reflected from the roof reflector as a result of variations of sun path during the various parts of the year and also to further accommodate each day's movement of the sun. Movement of the collector is by pivotal movement about an axis parallel with the center of curvature or curvatures of the roof/reflector and disposed adjacent the roof/reflector.

Abstract: A bed having a torque compensated parallelogram lifting arm arrangement. The bed has a subframe vertically adjustable by the parallelogram lifting arm arrangement and thereby retains a level relationship at all height adjustment levels.An articulated mattress support surface is provided, which is formed by articulated pivotally interconnected head or back, seat, thigh and leg sections mounted on the level vertically adjustable subframe. The seat section is double-pivoted, and enables simple and effective Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg positioning independent of any position of the height-adjustable supporting subframe. The seat, thigh, and head sections are articulated by cam and cam follower drive arrangements. Selective pivot defeat means are provided to enable selective pivotal lowering of the thigh and head or back sections without pivoting the seat section, and independent of the supporting subframe position, enabling simple and effective hyperextension positioning.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing arrangement for injecting liquid parenteral drugs or other liquids, including a syringe or cartridge with a needle-hub secured thereto, a plunger in the syringe or cartridge for effecting liquid discharge and injection, and a combination sealing and by-pass valve plug initially in a radially compressed sealing position at the forward end of the cartridge or syringe body or barrel and separating the liquid in the cartridge or syringe body or barrel from the needle-hub assembly, the valve plug being longitudinally forwardly movable to a by-pass discharge position within a by-pass chamber of larger diameter than the normal unrestricted and uncompressed diameter of the plug. The plug has tapered cruciform ends with corresponding circumferentially spaced by-pass grooves formed thereby at its opposite ends to aid in liquid by-pass therepast during liquid discharge or aspirating action.

Abstract: A packaged catheter arrangement having a soft and pliable latex rubber catheter for body orifice use and having its shaft slidably removably disposed within a relatively rigid tube sheath of plastic to form a catheter handling assembly which is enclosed as a unit within a peripherally sealed peel-apart dual sheet overpackage. The tube sheath is sealed closed at one end and the catheter preferably has a pre-lubrication coating on its insertion shaft and enclosed within the closed-ended tube sheath.

Abstract: A bed safety side rail arrangement which includes two opposite articulated side rail assemblies selectively pivotally movable from an upper safety position to a lowered position, as for patient transfer and handling and/or bedmaking tasks. The opposite side rail assemblies are readily removably secured to opposite sides of a bed, and desired structural rigidity is provided through the medium of tubular cross members or cross member assemblies which engage the side rail assemblies at their respective pivot connections.