Abstract: Apparatus for transferring electrical energy to and from living tissue comprises a glove of thin, flexible elastomeric material, which carries electrodes, electrically connected to a connector disposed at the cuff of the glove. The connector permits the electrodes to be electrically connected to a source of electrical energy or to a load, so that electrical energy may be applied to or drawn from living tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a stopper from a bottle comprising a threaded shaft member, a bottle-gripping member slidably and rotatably coupled to the shaft member, and a stopper-gripping member threadedly engaged to the shaft member. The bottle-gripping and stopper-gripping members are lightly constructed and relatively flexible, but are buttressed and made rigid and operative by their cooperation with a slidable collar which encircles them and may selectively be positioned for stopper removal or for application of the apparatus to a bottle for stopper removal.

Abstract: A composite fusible interlining fabric is provided. The fabric comprises a nonwoven layer and a fibrous layer stitched together. A coating of thermoactive adhesive material is disposed on the outer face of the fibrous layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for opthalmic irrigation provide sterile, filtered irrigation fluid to the eye at high flow rates. The apparatus includes a filter capable of removing particulates on the order of 0.8 microns, and preferably as small as 0.22 microns. A distribution manifold is disclosed whereby fluid from a common reservoir may be routed sequentially to plural recipient sites.

Abstract: A non-resin treated fusible interlining fabric comprises high wet modulus rayon in the warp and filling, and provides improved dimensional control, hand, drape, bond strength and fusing performance.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing compost to the beds of a mushroom house includes a mobile, freestanding, selectively positionable distributor, which receives compost and using a conveyor mounted upon it, distributes the compost to the beds. The distributor is fed from above, by a movable guide supported above the distributor, the guide being so positioned and arranged as to direct material onto the conveyor of the distributor. The guide, in turn, is supplied by a system of conveyors, which transport material from a receiving point to the guide.

Abstract: Hanger apparatus comprises an elongated strap member adapted to be secured to a support structure, and load supports, such as cradles, coupled to the strap member. The strap member has a series of longitudinally spaced openings, and the load supports have thereon hooks and openings, and projections spaced from the hooks by distances corresponding to the spacing of the openings of the strap member. When operatively disposed, the hooks of the load supports extend through the openings in the strap member, and serve to urge the projections of the load supports into association with openings in the strap member, to create a secure and stable assembly.

Abstract: A carrier for work to be printed comprises a web made up of a series of panels, connected edge-to-edge, and providing means, such as slits, tabs and flaps for coupling the work to the web. The slits, tabs and flaps are preferably arranged to accommodate standard sizes of stationery, so that cut sheets of stationery, coupled to the web, may be printed automatically.

Abstract: A stimulator for penile erection comprises a body member which may be inserted into the rectum of a user, the body member being so shaped as to closely conform to the topological configuration of the rectum from the anal area to a site adjacent to the prostate gland. Within the body member is electrical circuitry for generating a neutrally stimulating electrical signal. Electrodes, placed at particular locations on the surface of the body member, apply the signal to the user. At least one of the electrodes closely contacts the prostate gland when the body member is operatively disposed, at a region or spot on the prostate gland previously determined to be sensitive to electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A stimulator for inducing salivation by neural stimulation comprises a housing which may be received in the oral cavity of a user, the housing enclosing electronic signal generating means and electrodes for applying a signal to neurally sensitive areas of the oral cavity to induce salivation. In its method aspect, the invention involves stimulation of salivation by the application of an electrical signal to neurally sensitive areas.

Abstract: Contiguous metal plates are welded together without special edge preparation or bevelling e.g. of cut edges 13 from one side using a focussed high intensity laser beam 7. To ensure maintenance of welding conditions even when the plate edges are spaced apart by cutting imperfections or the like a wire 12 is fed to, or near, the beam focus 10 to intercept the beam and give rise to a plasma. This plasma is kept in place by gas supply means 8, the gas supply through ducting 15, 16 of which (a) prevents plasma building up above the weld zone (which would decrease the beam intensity at the weld) but (b) holds some plasma in the region of the beam impingement on the wire so as to allow energy transfer to the adjacent walls.Butt welds or T welds can be made in this way, even in plate material, in a single pass from one side. The technique thus permits the arrangement of work stations on a production line to be simplified and rationalized when making up multiweld repeat structural units e.g. in shipbuilding.

Abstract: An eye and machine readable medical data, identification and health insurance card provides two "leaves", each of which has two faces upon which data may appear. The leaves, which are card-like members, are interconnected by a self-hinge, and may be folded with respect to each other or made to lie flat. The data includes eye-readable material on the card as well as on a microfilm strip associated with the card, and also machine-readable indicia such as the bearer's medical history, including, if so desired, an electro-cardiogram.

Abstract: An air-cooled cyclone coal combustor comprises a horizontally disposed shell, provided with a non-sacrificial refractory liner. The liner is surrounded by an array of air-cooling tubes, the tubes serving both to cool the liner and to physically support and reinforce it. Air cooling in the manner disclosed facilities precise control of the thickness and flow of slag on internal walls of the combustor, so as to avoid reevolution from the slag of the sulfur pollutants. Pulverized coal fuel and a pulverized sulfur sorbent (limestone or the like), as well as primary and secondary combustion air, are introduced into the chamber at an end wall. The cooling air, heated regeneratively in the cooling tubes, provides the secondary air, and is introduced in the chamber in helical flow, at a radius outwardly from the radius at which the solids and primary combustion air are introduced into the chamber. A thermally insulated nozzle provides an outlet for combustion gases.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting nasal secretions by selective neural stimulation applies an electrical signal to a selected neurally sensitive area of the oral cavity. A method for inhibiting nasal secretions includes the steps of applying an electrical signal to a neurally sensitive area in the oral cavity, such as on opposite sides of the frenulum and beneath the philtrum.

Abstract: An insulating enclosure for a ceiling opening of the kind typically provided for a pull-down folding stair provides an inexpensive and simple structure for enclosing and insulating the opening. The structure comprises wall portions and a top portion overlying the wall portion when the apparatus is operatively disposed, the wall portions and top portions comprising modular insulating block-like members. The block-like members may be made of foam, encased in corrugated board or plastic sheet, interconnected by tabs or tape.

Abstract: A waistband assembly is provided including a woven stiffening strip having a smooth fused edge. The edge may be formed by an ultrasonic slitting process as the strip is made with a high thermoplastic content. Sufficient warp yarns are provided within the strip to insure adequate fusing along the edges. This prevents the fill from working its way out and thereby forming an irregularly shaped edge. A rough edge, which could damage the shell fabric of a garment, is accordingly avoided even after numerous dry cleanings. Because the edge is made from the same materials as the strip itself, it will last as long as the strip.

Abstract: Protective headgear for infants and young children comprises a head-enveloping member having the appearance of a conventional hat, but constructed of a core of impact absorbent foam, encapsulated within a shell of textile fabric material, the textile fabric material providing the inner and outer surfaces of the garment.