Abstract: A simulator for and a process of teaching surgical knot tying techniques. A flexible tube made of material which simulates various human vessels and ducts is positioned between the arms of a support frame. Inside the tube are spring wires, which are strung under tension between the arms of the support frame. A detecting device is connected to the wires, which will generate various kinds of signals when the wires make contact with one another. The student loops a piece of surgical thread around the tube and tightens the loop until wires touch, thus indicating that a certain force has been applied to the tube by the loop.

Abstract: A refrigeration system in which compressors are mounted in one compartment of the housing and condensers and receivers are mounted in an adjacent compartment. Ambient cooling air flows first into the compressor compartment, then into the condenser compartment, and then to the atmosphere. Parallel flow paths from the compressor compartment to the condenser compartment are provided--one flowing the air over the condensers, the other bypassing the condensers, before being expelled. The bypass has a movable flapper valve controlled by the ambient air temperature which causes the ambient air to bypass when its temperature drops below a given point. A shroud encloses the receivers and has a fan-driven heater controlled by the same thermal sensor that controls the flapper valve.

Abstract: A learning device for people with damage to the cortical areas of the brain and minimal brain disfunction related to learning. It comprises an elongated housing one end of which is provided with a writing instrument and the other end of which is provided with an electromagnetic transducer which, when connected to a sound recording source, such as a cassette player, causes the elongated housing to vibrate mechanically in accordance with the frequency of sound signals. The device, when held against the skull while vibrating, transmits sound to both hemispheres of the brain so as to accomplish auditory perceptual training.

Abstract: An apparatus for intercranial transmission of a plurality of audio signals in which a pair of transducers are independently mounted on a headband for transmitting audio signals from a source to the cranium. The apparatus is comprised of two parallel wires having earmuffs attached to each end which fit over the ears to eliminate external stimuli. The transducer assemblies are adjustably mounted on the wire headband for sliding adjustment to different positions. The transducer assemblies each include separately oscillatable transducers which are insulated from external stimuli and from each other. A stereophonic plug is provided for connecting the independent transducer assembly to a stereophonic audio signal source.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing transducer comprised of a diaphragm sandwiched between two discs having substantially non-moving walls forming two adjacent chambers. Concentric electrodes on opposite faces of one of the chambers form a pair of capacitors. Ports are provided in the discs in communication with the chambers for application of fluid pressures. The transducer assembly is mounted in a housing and isolated from shock by fluid tubing supports attaching the ports on opposite sides of the assembly to the housing. The transducer can be formed of a plurality of discs and diaphragms in a sandwiched relationship to produce a family of transducers.

Abstract: A motorcycle throttle control comprised of a housing clamped to the throttle handle grip of a motorcycle having a locking arm adapted to engage a cog section mounted on the handle bar adjacent to the throttle handle grip. The cog section is rigidly fixed on the handle bar while the locking arm and housing rotate with the throttle handle grip. The locking arm has biasing means biasing it into engagement with the teeth of the cog section, locking the throttle handle grip at the position desired. The throttle control is released by disengaging the locking arm from the cog section.

Abstract: A dampening system for a lithographic press, comprised of a brush roller contacting a fountain roller immersed in a fluid. The brush roller is contacted by an elongate flicker bar transferring the fluid to a vibrator roller for application to a plate cylinder by a form roller. Drive means operate the fountain roller which is geared to the brush roller. The ratio of the gearing is such that the brush roller is driven at an overspeed condition relative to the fountain roller.

Abstract: Valve assembly which mixes two components for delivery to a spraying apparatus. The assembly is comprised of a core valve mounted in a housing or body which is secured in a chamber in a manner which provides passageways between the housing and the chamber. A fluid is delivered to the core valve by a first conduitThe valve is also incorporated into a spraying apparatus with an internal fluid mixing chamber which simultaneously mixes two fluids, then delivers mixture to a nozzle for blending with another fluid component. The spraying apparatus is comprised of a gun body with an integral fluid mixing chamber, a nozzle body attached to the gun body, and a nozzle configured to blend two fluid components coming from the nozzle into a uniform spray. The nozzle body is connected to the gun body by a hollow tubular nut, having a threaded nipple as a conduit for delivery of a fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cauterizing biological tissue while providing isolation from surrounding absorbing tissue and fluid media. The device is comprised of a probe having a special window through which an infrared laser beam is directed to cauterize the biological tissue. The device is comprised of an infrared laser beam generator, a control circuit for controlling the intensity and duration of the laser beam and an articulated arm for directing the laser beam to the probe. The probe is comprised of a hollow, laser light guide tube having an infrared transparent window in its tip which permits the tip to be brought into contact with biological tissue such as vascular tissue to be cauterized while excluding the surrounding absorbing tissue from the effects of the beam. The probe may also include an adjacent endoscopic viewing tube and accessory tube to provide fluid, suction and optical illumination at the vicinity of the window.

Abstract: A device for heating keys comprised of a plug which fits the socket of a cigarette lighter having means for heating a key. The device is comprised of a heating element surrounding a slot in the plug into which a key may be inserted for heating. The plug, when pushed into the cigarette lighter receptacle, activates the heating element which in turn heats the key. The device can be constructed as a slot in an existing cigarette lighter for use in conjunction with it, or may be a separate adapter plug. The device is activated by pushing the key into the slot in the plug or cigarette lighter and engaging the contacts by pushing the plug inward.

Abstract: A snore-prevention article is provided which is intended to be worn in a person's nose while the wearer sleeps, and which serves to prevent snoring by creating a laminar rather than a turbulent air flow through the nose. The article is formed of a piece of cotton batting, or similar material, having a dumbbell configuration with a ball at each end and an elongated flexible thin interconnecting central portion integral with the balls. The invention is also concerned with a simple process for manufacturing the article.