Abstract: A method for casting an ophthalmic lens having a toric surface includes the step of providing a casting cell that includes a conventional front mold, a novel gasket, and a novel toric back mold. An annular carrier ring is integrally formed with or attached to the toric back mold. The gasket has a first annular flat step against which the front mold squarely abuts and a second annular flat step against which the annular carrier ring squarely abuts. The gasket includes no toric annular seat against which the front surface of a toric back mold abuts. This eliminates the need for a lens maker to maintain a large inventory of toric back molds and gaskets. The square seating enhances the sealing capability of the mold, reduces leaks, and produces lenses having fewer bubbles and flash on the edge of the lens.

Abstract: Large items such as magazines or large envelopes lie flat upon and are transported by a first conveyor in a first, transverse direction until they sequentially encounter a frustoconical member rotatably mounted to a back wall. A second conveyor is disposed normal to the first conveyor so that it transports the items that have encountered the frustoconical member in a second direction normal to the first. A rotatably mounted barrier has a first, retracted position where it does not interfere with items approaching the frustoconical member and a second, deployed position where it stops the items short of the frustoconical member. The position of the barrier is controlled by information concerning postal routes. The items are sorted into sharply defined groups that are transversely staggered with respect to one another.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A spear gun includes two spears disposed in laterally spaced relation to one another. A separate trigger is dedicated to each spear. Each spear is received within the lumen of a forward spear guide tube and a rearward spear guide tube. Each forward spear guide tube includes a laterally extending post to which is attached the forward end of an elastomeric member. The rearward end of each elastomeric member engages an inclined notch formed in the trailing end of its associated spear. The trailing end of each spear is notched and the notch is engaged by a mating notch formed in a pivotally mounted detent plate. Pulling a trigger pivots the detent plate so that the notches disengage and the bias on the elastomeric member unloads to propel the spear forwardly. A safety latch prevents pulling of the trigger by preventing pivoting of the detent plate.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot having multiple load points includes a sole only. A longitudinally-extending slot divides the heel end of the sole into a lateral heel member and a medial heel member. A heel end of the lateral heel member is formed by a return bend that terminates in an upwardly turned straight pylon support that is normal to the sole. The medial pylon support has the same construction but has less thickness and strength and therefore more flexibility than the lateral pylon support. In a second embodiment, an elongate pylon supplants each pylon support. The split heel structure provides a prosthetic foot having enhanced heel elasticity.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot having multiple load points includes a sole having a toe end and a heel end. A longitudinally—extending slot divides the heel end of the sole into a lateral heel member and a medial heel member which respectively include a lateral, posterior pylon support and a medial, anterior pylon support. A heel end of the lateral heel member has a gradual ninety degree bend formed in so that it forms the lateral, posterior pylon support which is disposed normal to the sole. The medial heel member includes a return bend and a gradual ninety degree bend that positions the medial, anterior pylon support in anterior relation to the lateral, posterior pylon support. A heel extension is formed integrally with the lateral side only of the sole and diverges from the lateral, posterior pylon support along a transverse parting line.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot having multiple load points and an anterior/posterior pair of upper sections includes a sole and an upper member. A heel end of the upper member has a gradual ninety degree bend formed in so that it is normal to the sole. An elongate longitudinally-extending slot divides the heel end of the upper member into a lateral, anterior pylon support and a medial, posterior pylon support and further divides the upper member into a lateral upper section and a medial upper section. The lateral, anterior pylon support is thicker than the medial, posterior pylon support and the lateral upper member section is thicker than the medial upper section so that forces applied to the lateral, anterior and medial, posterior pylons are transferred to a greater extent to the medial, posterior pylon. In a second embodiment, elongate pylons supplant the pylon supports.

Abstract: A bolster chair includes a seat having a horizontal position to support a seated user and an upwardly folded vertical position where it enables a user to stand in a space bordered by back and side walls of the bolster chair. The vertical position of the seat is height adjustable so that users of differing heights may lean against the seat when standing in the bordered space. When the seat is in its vertical configuration, the user may displace a handle in a first direction to lock the plunger and the seat into a position of vertical adjustment and to cause a pair of locking members to extend and to lock the seat so that it cannot be folded into a horizontal position. Displacing the handle in an opposite direction releases a gas spring plunger to unlock the seat for vertical adjustment and retracts the pair of locking members.

Abstract: A double-walled container having a bottom wall, an exterior wall, and an interior wall disposed in concentric relation to the exterior wall. The bottom wall, the exterior wall, and the interior wall define a liquid fluid-holding reservoir. An annular top wall interconnects the exterior wall and the interior wall at their respective uppermost rims. A fill opening formed in the top wall enables introduction of liquid fluid into the liquid fluid-holding reservoir. The interior wall and the bottom wall define a soil or liquid fluid-holding space. A flow control valve extends through a first opening formed in the exterior wall and a second opening formed in the interior wall. Liquid fluid in the liquid fluid-holding reservoir is introduced into fluid communication with soil in the soil-holding space by opening the flow control valve. In another embodiment, a flask is retrofit into a single-walled container.

Abstract: Openings in a mammalian body made by any medical procedure or non-medical event are sealed with a bioabsorbable plug or sewn with a bioabsorbable suture. In one exemplary embodiment, the plug in dehydrated, unexpanded condition is pushed by a pushing device through the lumen of a needle until a first part of the plug is external to the opening and a second part is internal to the opening. The needle is then withdrawn while the position of the pushing device is maintained. The pushing device is then withdrawn, leaving the plug in sealing relation to the opening. The body's moisture causes the plug to expand to complete the sealing of the opening, or the expansion may be caused by exposure to air, light, or other stimulant. The opening may be formed in soft tissue, internal organs, or hard tissue. The plug seals the flow of liquid or gaseous biological fluids.

Abstract: A first catheter has a return bend formed near its distal free end and a first magnet is mounted on the distal free end. The first catheter is introduced through a sheath in a first common femoral artery into an elongate leg of a stent graft and pulled back until the return bend positions the first magnet near a truncate leg of the stent graft. A second catheter having a second magnet on its distal free end is introduced through a second common femoral artery and positioned near the first magnet so that the magnets become interconnected. The second catheter is pulled into the stent graft, a guide wire is inserted through it, and a second sheath is introduced into the stent graft. A contralateral limb is deployed through the second sheath and the second sheath is removed. In another embodiment, catheters with magnets pull a nephroureteral stent from a kidney.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot has a split upper ankle and exhibits differentiated heel elasticity. The ankle diverges upwardly from a sole along a transverse parting line and includes a horizontal and a vertical part. The horizontal part is supported by a horizontal leading end of a central support that forms one of four parts that collectively form the heel of the prosthetic foot. A downwardly turned return bend is formed in the trailing end of the central support and a central extension extends in trailing relation to a free end of the central support. A lateral heel extension and a medial heel extension are formed integrally with the sole and flank the central extension. Each of the four heel parts absorb impacts generated during ambulation and therefore provide differentiated heel elasticity.

Abstract: A bailer collects a column of liquid fluid of predetermined height from a body of liquid fluid at a predetermined depth. The bailer is emptied without contaminating the collected liquid fluid with oxygen. The bailer has two check valves spaced apart from one another by a preselected distance so that it can collect liquid fluid at a predetermined depth below the surface of the body of liquid fluid. A vent opening is formed between the first check valve and the second check valve to enable the bailer to be emptied in the substantial absence of oxygen contamination.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot having variable cross section density. An ankle part diverges upwardly from a sole along a transverse parting line and includes a vertical part. A longitudinally extending slot divides the vertical part into a lateral pylon support and a medial pylon support. A lateral pylon connector is secured to the lateral pylon support and a medial pylon connector is secured to the medial pylon support. A second embodiment eliminates the pylon connectors and the lateral and medial pylon supports are elongated to provide lateral and medial pylons. High rigidity areas of the foot are formed of a high strength outer layer made with carbon reinforced composite and an inner layer made of a matrix within which is dispersed a plurality of low density hollow spheres. High stress areas of the foot are formed of carbon-reinforced composite throughout.

Abstract: A method of applying a graphic image to a candle includes the step of printing a graphic image onto a thick sheet of paper. The paper is folded or otherwise conformed to the shape of the mold and is inserted into the cavity of the mold such that the printed image is on an interior surface of the paper. Molten wax is then introduced into the cavity and allowed to cure. As the molten wax cures, the graphic image transfers from the paper to the wax. After the wax has cured, the resulting candle is removed from the mold and the paper is removed from the external surface of the candle. The graphic image, which may be any image, including a photograph, appears clearly and distinctly on the exterior surface of the candle.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the efficacy of an engine oil change includes an oil filter adapter positioned in sandwiched relation between an oil filter housing of an engine and an oil filter. A plurality of outlets formed in the oil filter adapter is in fluid communication with the oil filter inlet and with the oil filter housing. An air inlet formed in the oil filter adapter is in fluid communication with a source of compressed air so that when compressed air is admitted into the air inlet, the compressed air flows through the oil filter housing opening and into the oil pan. The compressed air dislodges residue from an oil pump screen when the engine is not running, dislodges residue from interior walls of the oil pan after the engine has been operated and shut down, and purges dirty oil and residue when dirty oil is drained from the oil pan.

Abstract: A machine for spreading bedding material, comprises a hopper for receiving a bulk supply of the material. The hopper has sides, ends and a base, conveying means in the hopper for displacing the bulk supply in the hopper towards the ends, and discharge apertures in the base and located towards or at the ends, whereby material displaced by the conveying means falls through the discharge apertures, and including two distribution spinners which are adapted to be driven about upright axes and are located to receive the material which falls through the respective apertures, and to propel it horizontally away from the respective hopper ends onto the area to be layered.

Abstract: A manually-operated cart retrieves a waste container from a compactor and transports the waste container across a support surface to a waste collection receptacle. An operator activates a winch and a belt that extends from the winch to a base frame lifts the base frame. The base frame is constrained to travel between a pair of vertically disposed channel members that form part of a back frame for the cart. A waste container rotating apparatus is secured to the base frame and is lifted with it until an immovable barrier secured to one of the channel members is encountered. Continued lifting of the base frame effects rotation of the waste container about an axis of rotation until the waste container tilts sufficiently to allow waste contained in it to fall out under the influence of gravity into the waste collection receptacle.

Abstract: A method for protecting surface finishes, sealing cracks, joints, and seams, and enhancing the aesthetic value of a surface includes the step of applying a multi-purpose flexible coating compound to the surface. The compound also has utility in the field of decorative writing, artistic creations, and creative doodling. The method further includes the steps of repeatedly stripping the compound from a surface and repeatedly re-applying the compound to the surface. The compound is a one to one mixture by volume of a brush caulking compound and a dimensional fabric paint. The amount of each ingredient in the compound may vary by twenty per cent so that the brush caulk may range from thirty to seventy per cent of the mixture as may the dimensional fabric paint.

Abstract: An intermittent positive pressure breathing device for neonatal infants. The device is connected to a supply of pressurized oxygen supplied through a first conduit. The first conduit terminates in a venturi nozzle by which ambient air is entrained so that a mixture of oxygen and ambient air at a desired concentration is delivered along a second conduit towards the mouth of the neonate. The second conduit terminates in a mask having a first aperture disposed adjacent the mouth of the neonate in a sealing relationship and a second aperture which is repeatedly and rhythmically covered by the operator to initiate a conventional breathing pattern for the neonate. A one way valve upstream of the venturi nozzle opens when the venturi nozzle induces a lower than atmospheric pressure in the device and automatically closes when the pressure in the device is increased by the operator closing off the second aperture.