Abstract: This invention is directed to an optical card reader in which the cards to be read have a format arranged in columns and rows. A row of timing marks or slots is formed in the card for each column of data. The card is driven past a read head block that directs the light to the card in which the reflected light is received through a shaped aperture or orifice so that a positive indication of the marked area is detected. The signal is applied to an operational amplifier for further treatment. There are a plurality of light sources and sensors transversely arranged in the read head block.

Abstract: A dialyzer reuse machine comprising means for passing a series of liquid and gaseous fluids through the dialysate and blood compartments of the dialyzer at different flow rates according to a predetermined sequence for cleaning and disinfecting the dialyzer and means for accurately measuring the volume of the blood compartment upon completion of the dialyzer cleaning steps. Capacitive probe and load cell embodiments of the volume measuring means are disclosed. A specially designed jet pump permits a pressure leak test and dilution of stock chemicals to be performed using only tap water pressure as a source of motive force.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid, a polysaccharide, is prepared in high yield from streptococcus bacteria by fermenting the bacteria under anaerobic conditions in a CO.sub.2 -enriched growth medium, separating the bacteria from the resulting broth and isolating the hyaluronic acid from the remaining constituents of the broth. The bacteria may be grown free of endotoxins by filtering all ingredients through a 10K Millipore.RTM. filter prior to inoculation of the medium and subsequently maintaining pyrogen-free conditions. Separation of the microorganisms from the polysaccharide is facilitated by killing the bacteria with trichloroacetic acid. After removal of the bacterial cells and concentration of the higher molecular weight fermentation products, the hyaluronic acid is isolated and purified by precipitation, resuspension and reprecipitation.

Abstract: A single-piece plastic shotshell casing and method of making same comprising softening one end portion only of a tube of uniformly biaxially oriented high density polyethylene sufficiently for forming and until a dollup is formed, then telescoping only a portion of the dollup into the rigid sidewalls of the tube, and then forming the dollup into a substantially thickened integral transverse base section constituting a head with a longitudinally extending primer opening therein, the base section being substantially biaxially oriented and the rigid sidewalls terminating a substantial distance inwardly from the outer end of the base section.

Abstract: A cationic electrodeposition composition comprising the reaction product of one or more base alkyds, containing unsaturation of the fatty acid chains to provide oxidative curing and one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and one or more amine functional monomers, which are added to the base alkyd and polymerized. This composition provides a vehicle which is hydrolytically stable. Paints are prepared by the addition of conventional driers, pigments and solvents to the vehicle composition.

Abstract: A single-piece plastic shotshell casing and method of making same comprising softening one end portion only of a tube of uniformly biaxially oriented high density polyethylene sufficiently for forming and until a dollup is formed, then telescoping only a portion of the dollup into the rigid sidewalls of the tube, and then forming the dollup into a substantially thickened integral transverse base section constituting a head with a longitudinally extending primer opening therein, the base section being substantially biaxially oriented and the rigid sidewalls terminating a substantial distance inwardly from the outer end of the base section.

Abstract: A waler bracket for use with a concrete wall form. The waler bracket includes a main frame portion attached to a stud projecting from the wall portion and a captive wedge portion for forcing the waler into firm contact with the face of the panel.

Abstract: A constant temperature anemometer wherein a bridge circuit having four legs includes a sensor in one leg and resistances in the other legs. The resistance of two of the legs is formed, at least in part, by a potentiometer which allows a simultaneous adjustment of the resistance of those legs and, accordingly, the ratio of those resistances. The potentiometer may be selectively connected within the bridge circuit or, alternatively, with other circuitry to determine the operating resistance of the sensor.

Abstract: A device to facilitate putting an elastic envelope (1) on a part projecting from a human body, e.g. putting a urinal drop collector onto a penis, consists of a casing (4) with two flexible side walls (5, 6) connected to each other along at least two of their side edges (5a, 6a; 5b, 6b) and with at least one opening (8) between two other side edges of the walls. The envelope is at least partially enclosed between the walls (5, 6) and its portion provided with an opening (2) is removably attached to said opening (8). By pressing the mutually connected side edges towards each other the opening (8) is enlarged between the walls, the opening of the envelope also being enlarged. The casing (4) is substantially flat when it is not used, and the space between it and the envelope (1) is airtight, whereby, when the opening (8) between the walls is extended, the portion of the envelope situated inside the casing is enlarged so that the envelope can be put onto part of the human body.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a housing that is divided into two parallel passages. A fan in one passage causes air from the outside of a building to flow through one of the passages into the building and a fan in the other passage causes air to be exhausted from inside the building to the outside. A flapper valve prevents entrance of air into the building through either passage when the fans are not operating. A series of media disks, two embodiments of which are disclosed, constitute successive stages, picking up heat and/or moisture from one passage and transferring the heat and/or moisture to the other passage as the disks are rotated within recesses formed in stationary separators. A special drive mechanism is utilized for rotating the disks. Provision is also made for spraying the disks in order to clean them and/or to control the humidity within the building.

Abstract: A T-shaped blood access device which is adapted for implantation into a patient and which has its stem portion extending outwardly above the skin of the patient. An elastomeric septum is positioned in sealing relationship in the stem adjacent the junction with the main conduit portion. The septum is compressed between a support extension within the device stem and a pressure plate above the septum. The septum is provided with pre-formed openings therethrough to provide a resealable pathway for a needle pair. The septum may have a concave edge to facilitate sealing along the interior device edges and to accommodate laterally displaced septum material during needle insertion. A needle assembly which includes a pair of round ended needles with side openings is preferably used with the T-shaped device.

Abstract: An implantable device for providing communication between interior structures of the body and the exterior of the body, the device comprising a rigid member of biologically compatible material, including a smooth tube portion extending through the skin and a flangeless subcutaneous portion, the subcutaneous portion containing on the exterior surfaces thereof a porous tissue ingrowth media such as a collar of Dacron velour or a coating of porous titanium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a wheelchair and its occupant to the interior of a vehicle is disclosed, in which a pair of elongated flexible tensioning straps are secured at one end to the floor of the vehicle behind the wheelchair, a hood member carried by the intermediate portion of each is placed over the upper peripheries of each of the large wheels of the wheelchair and the opposite end portion slidably extends through a keeper secured to the floor ahead of the wheelchair and thence upwardly where its terminal portion is secured to the wheelchair frame. A section of a restraining belt is carried by intermediate portions of each of the tensioning straps, the sections connecting transversely between the straps to cooperatively restrain the occupant in the wheelchair.

Abstract: An implant device for peritoneal dialysis which permits a flexible catheter to be removed and replaced without invasive surgery. The catheter is passed through a substantially rigid tubular percutaneous device and a flexible sleeve member which together form a continuous conduit from the body exterior through the peritoneal wall. The catheter is associated with a percutaneous tubular device so as to be removable and replaceable through the sleeve member after implantation. The catheter preferably has a relatively weak memory which gives it a tendency to maintain a compact coiled configuration near the peritoneal wall. The catheter may extend through the percutaneous device or, more preferably, terminates within the interior cavity of the percutaneous device and is sealed from the environment by means of a septum closure within the device cavity.

Abstract: A tractor-drawn levee plow having a telescoping frame pivotally supporting a pair of harrow-gangs arranged to move soil laterally toward each other to a center-line to form the levee, the frame also pivotally supporting a pair of hydraulic cylinders powered by the tractor and connected in fluid-power series, one each of which is pivotally connected to the outer end portion of one of the gangs and each of which is utilized in practicing a new method involving forcibly holding the outer portion of its gang in elevated and/or depressed relation to its inner end portion while in ground-engaging position to thereby most effectively and efficiently construct a levee.

Abstract: A target trap for multiple disk targets having a base, an elevational arm, a lower target throwing arm rotatably mounted to a shaft on the elevational arm, and a power device to rotate the lower target throwing arm. An upper target throwing arm is hingedly mounted by its trailing edge to the trailing edge of the lower arm and a linkage device varies the separation between the leading edges of the upper and lower arms causing targets to be thrown at varying speeds and angles.

Abstract: A single piece plastic shotshell comprising a tube of high density polyethylene which is uniformly biaxially oriented to a substantial degree throughout its length and has side walls of constant internal diameter, thickness, molecular orientation and physical strength, the tube having a substantially thickened integral transverse base section formed of a compressed length of the tube at one of its end portions with a longitudinally extending primer opening therein, the base section being substantially biaxially oriented and telescoped within said end portion of the tube. Apparatus and methods for making the shotshell are also disclosed.