Abstract: A deck structure and fence for above ground swimming pools, with the deck being supported at its inner peripheral end on the seat rest mounted on top of the swimming pool side wall. The deck is comprised of a plurality of platform sections of predetermined size and shape, and by adjusting the distance by which the deck section inner ends overhang the seat rest, the same group of deck sections may be used with round or oval swimming pools having arcuate side walls within a predetermined range of diameters. The outer end of the deck is supported on upstanding posts having lock tabs at both ends. Openings formed through the lock tabs define hinge lines at predetermined locations which cause the lock tabs to be tensioned and prestressed as they are bent into locking engagement with deck frame members and ground support plates through mating apertures therein. A deck fence is held together by a double lock tab arrangement through which the fence top rails are securely interlocked with upright fence posts.

Abstract: A prosthetic sphincter for controlling urinary incontinence is provided with a dual-mode pressure regulating system designed to establish continence yet prevent damage to the bladder from excessive pressures. In a conventional four-valve system, the valve controlling output of the deflation pump is replaced by a two-stage valve unit having a cracking valve and a holding valve in parallel relationship, both valves permitting only one-way flow with the pressure required to open the holding valve. A flow resistor is placed in parallel with the cracking valve and in series with the holding valve.

Abstract: A surgically implantable prosthesis for the treatment of penile erectile impotence in male patients. The device comprises at least one elongated cylinder implanted within one of the corpora cavernosa of the penis. The flexible, distal end of the cylinder is adapted to rigidize upon being filled with pressurizing fluid. The rear tip or proximal end of the cylinder is formed to provide a chamber which serves as a fluid reservoir. Valve means contained within the flexible, distal end section of the cylinder, for conveniently accessible manual manipulation is utilized to selectively control fluid flow between the rear tip reservoir and the distal end of the cylinder. The prosthesis further includes a manually operable pump means utilized to transfer pressurized fluid from the rear tip reservoir to the distal end of the cylinder in order to achieve an erection. The walls of the rear tip reservoir itself may serve as the pump means, or a separate pump may be implanted within the scrotum.

Abstract: A device for removing dissolved gases from liquids is provided by utilizing a tall column initially filled with liquid which is then opened at the bottom allowing the liquid level to drop forming a vacuum above the liquid level. Dissolved gases migrate to the vacuum area and the purified liquid is then drained from the bottom of the column and the process repeated.

Abstract: A dispenser is adapted to be attached to a conventional jar-type container in which particulate material, such as instant coffee, is commercially sold. The dispenser includes a mounting member which screws on the container in the manner of a conventional lid. The mounting member has an end wall having a pair of openings therein through which coffee will pass when a container is inverted. The mounting member has a guide structure thereon which slidably receives a slide dispenser. The guide structure has one opening therethrough and the slide dispenser has a pair of openings therethrough. The volumetric space of each opening in the slide dispenser constitutes the volume of coffee which is dispensed when the slide dispenser is shifted in either direction.

Abstract: A plastic display case which may be assembled from essentially flat components is provided with a castellated tongue and groove construction. This particular construction allows extremely high stacking strength to be provided from a relatively thin gauge material.

Abstract: A prosthesis adapted to be implanted in a penis includes an elongate malleable element which may be bent to enable the prosthesis to be conformed to a variety of shapes. A bend-limiting member is positioned next to the malleable element and serves to limit the radius of bend of the malleable element and thereby minimize damage or weakening to the malleable element through extreme bending. The malleable element and the bend-limiting member are encased within a physiologically inert plastic body.

Abstract: A heat storage and delivery apparatus includes a cabinet containing a plurality of heat storage rods which absorbs and stores heat when heated air is directed over the surfaces thereof. A delivery passage and a return passage within the cabinet are adapted to be connected to a heat generator, preferably a solar collector, to permit heated air to be circulated over the heat storage rods. A charging blower and a delivery blower control the flow of air between the solar collector and cabinet, and between the cabinet and the area to be heated. An air distributor effectively distributes air from the charging blower over the heat storage rods. Heat responsive controls operate the charging and delivery blowers in response to changes in temperature in the cabinet, the area to be treated and the solar collector.

Abstract: A distractor device is used to apply force to a pair of distraction hooks each positioned between selected pairs of vertebrae. The hooks are components of a spinal distraction system used in the treatment of spinal deformities or fractures. The distractor device includes a threaded rod having a pair of force applying members shiftably mounted on the rod and each engaging one of the distraction hooks. A threaded nut on the rod engages and causes one of the force applying members to be moved away from the other force applying member to exert a distraction force on the distraction hooks. Each force applying member is pivotally mounted on the rod and is also comprised of a pair of pivotally connected elements whereby the pivoting movement between the force applying members and the rod permits positioning and adjustment of the distractor device in confined spaces.

Abstract: An adhesive discharge device for use with adhesive which sets by the evaporation of a solvent. The device incorporates a valve-controlled discharge nozzle for intermittent discharge of adhesive on a cycle basis. Drying of adhesive around the nozzle opening when the valve is closed and the discharge of adhesive is interrupted is prevented by a movable closure cap containing a solvent vaporizer. The closure cap is movable into a position enclosing and sealing the nozzle opening, and the vaporization of solvent inside the closure cap around the nozzle opening prevents the drying and encrustation of adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste water includes a revolvable disc assembly partially submerged in a tank containing waste water. The disc assembly includes a plurality of similar lightweight nonmetallic discs, each disc comprising a plurality of similar disc sections. Adjacent discs of the disc assembly engage each other and each disc has a surface configuration that cooperates with the surface configuration of the next adjacent disc to define a plurality of concentric passages between the discs. A plurality of elongate rigid rods secure the disc through yieldable joints to a pair of circular end support members and to circular intermediate support members.

Abstract: A surgically implantable prosthesis for the treatment of penile erectile impotence in male patients. The device comprises at least one elongated cylinder implanted within one of the corpora cavernosa of the penis. The flexible, distal end of the cylinder is adapted to rigidize upon being filled with pressurizing fluid. The rear tip or proximal end of the cylinder is formed to provide a chamber which serves as a fluid reservoir. Valve means contained within the cylinder controls fluid flow between the rear tip reservoir and the flexible, distal end of the cylinder. The prosthesis further includes a manually operable pump means utilized to transfer pressurized fluid from the rear tip reservoir to the distal end of the cylinder in order to achieve an erection. The walls of the rear tip reservoir itself may serve as the pump means; or a separate pump may be implanted within the scrotum.

Abstract: The meat cutter of the instant invention is designed for slicing into a number of chunks soft-meat logs such as braunschweiger and the like. The log is held in a slotted trough which revolves about a first axis. A gang of knives pivotable about a second axis parallel to the first axis is arranged to correspond to the slots in the trough. Upon actuation, the trough and knives rotate towards each other, thereby imparting a slicing motion to provide a clean cut.

Abstract: Intravenous monitor for monitoring drip rate being delivered to a patient from an intravenous solution container and visually displaying the drip rate on a digital readout of the monitor. The monitor includes an alarm for signaling deviations from predetermined adjustable maximum and minimum drip rates. The intravenous monitor includes a photocell reader sensor which positions around a drip chamber below the intravenous container and a horizontal support which maintains vertical orientation of the drip chamber.

Abstract: A container is designed for packaging cassettes or eight-track tapes at the point of sale. The container will hold up to two cassettes or one eight-track and is designed so that once the merchandise has been inserted, the container is closed permanently and must be cut or otherwise destroyed in order to remove the merchandise, such removal to take place by the consumer at home after purchase.

Abstract: A foundation vent structure is positioned upon the footing of a building below the lowermost row of concrete blocks of the basement wall and extends below the concrete floor of the basement. The vent structure is formed of a plastic material, preferably in strips, and is shaped to define alternate tunnels and channels having openings therein. The vent structure intercommunicates the openings in the hollow, concrete blocks with the drain area located along the marginal area below the basement wall to permit moisture to be vented into this drain area.

Abstract: The method of making a novel upholstery pad includes the steps of preparing a colloidal suspension containing predetermined amounts of sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium perborate, a degreaser, and a biodegradable soap containing no phosphates. The upholstery pad, which is of multi-ply construction including a terry cloth ply and a velour ply, is immersed in the colloidal suspension at room temperature and is removed and allowed to slowly, partially dry over a predetermined period of time to a damp condition. The pad is then rapidly dried in a drying medium so that the cleaning pad is permeated with a dried cleaning compound that be readily activated by immersing the pad in water.