Abstract: Improved vacuum generating and constriction apparatus with user adaptablity including provision of an adapter insert for changing the effective internal diameter of the entry end of a vacuum chamber, an improved constriction means having a generally circular periphery with elongated handle unitary at a single end with an inner toroidal ring, improved vacuum seal connector and a hand pump which fixedly locates an on/off valve for controlling the vacuum.

Abstract: A full-open, disc-removal, end wall structure (25) with improved easy-open lever action and edge-protection features is disclosed along with methods of fabricating and opening. A back-scoreline (38, 52) is ruptured, by Class 2 lever action, upon lifting of a rigid (non-lanced) tap opener (28, 51, 63) as the working end (32) of the tab opener ruptures a portion of peripheral scoreline (33); continued movement of the tab opener in the direction (46) into contact with chime seam (47) provides for continued lever-action rupture of the peripheral scoreline by Class 1 lever action about the chime seam as a fulcrum. Multi-folds of sheet metal provide rounded edge metal (73, 78) shilding for residual scoreline metal; pre-folding of the metal is carried out while leaving access for scoring tooling (86, 88) to enable scoring on a single thickness of sheet metal; and so as to avoid premature damage to the residual scoreline metal upon final orientation.

Abstract: A composite underbody cushioning and ventilating structure of general use and especially useful as a seat pad for the occupants of vehicles, formed of two sheet members with padding material between them, one sheet member being of woven, fibrous decorative material designed for ready passage of air therethrough and the other sheet member being a formed plastic three-dimensional preferably air impervious sheet member that serves the multi-purposes of (a) spacing the sheet members apart for passage of ventilating air between them; (b) presenting an exterior surface that ventilates by lateral air movement and thermal current air movement within local areas of the member; (c) acting as a support for a body while contacting the body in measurably less than 50% of the area of the body; and (d) presenting an exterior surface having a decorative appearance. The present invention also involves the features of the formed plastic sheet member, per se.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the timely determination of potentially harmful biocidal gas leakage from a pressurized chamber during sterilizing operations are disclosed. Biocidal gas make-up values are monitored during the sterilizing phase to provide prompt warning of biocidal gas leakage. In one embodiment, the timing of preselected pressure increment gas make-up charges are measured and compared to minimum acceptable gas make-up charge times. In addition, absorption of biocidal gas by the load can be compensated for in sterilizing operations where load absorption is a significant factor. Also, provision is made for predicting gas absorption by the load from steam absorption data obtained during pressure-controlled conditioning cycles.

Abstract: An anti-static laminate material comprising a glass-reinforced panel having an electrically conductive mesh disposed at or just below its operational surface. The mesh is positioned near enough to the surface to impart a predetermined surface conductivity to the panel. The panel surface can be smooth or can have a textured, non-slip anti-glare configuration.