Abstract: A device for improving the delivery of water, aeration and fertilizer to the root system of plants provides an open-ended, water retaining, root barrier envelope which is placed around the root system of the plant, and a plurality of root deflector ribs for delivering water, aeration and fertilizer that extend downwardly along the envelope, and which are attached to the root barrier. Water, aeration, and fertilizer which are applied to the plant in the envelope will percolate downwardly through the upper portion of the soil surface embedding the root. The water will also move downwardly through the deflector ribs and then migrate inwardly through the perforations to a sub surface portion which is below the watered portion of the upper soil surface.

Abstract: A disposable fiber optic sleeve for attachment at the forefront of a surgical instrument. The sleeve is an elongated tubular shape and incorporates multiple fiber optic bundles for transmission of visible light to enhance intraocular visualization. Additional bundles of optical fibers may provide for the application of laser beam and video transmission to intraocular tissue. The sleeve is constructed of inexpensive plastic materials and is designed to be disposable after a single or several uses.

Abstract: A disposable fiber optic sleeve for attachment at the forefront of a surgical instrument. The sleeve is an elongated tubular shape and incorporates multiple fiber optic bundles for transmission of visible light to enhance intraocular visualization. Additional bundles of optical fibers may provide for the application of laser beam and video transmission to intraocular tissue. The sleeve is constructed of inexpensive plastic materials and is designed to be disposable after a single or several uses.

Abstract: An iodophor teat dip is disclosed comprising a solution of a fatty alcohol polyglycol ether carboxylic acid, glycerin, I.sub.2, I- (or HI) and, a pH buffer. The teat dip reduces the spread of mastitis infection, imparts a smoother teat condition, improves milk let down, and has few discernible long term effects.

Abstract: An attachment for a chain saw is provided for adapting the saw blade to cut small diameter branches without weakening the saw blade holder or causing undesired kickback or jamming. The attachment comprises a pair of L-shaped cutting bars attached on both sides of the saw blade holder and spaced sufficiently apart to accommodate the width of the cutting chain. The cutting bars comprise a support portion and an angle portion, the support portion positioned approximately midway along the length of the saw blade holder and extending along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the saw blade holder. The angle portion of the cutting bars projects beyond the lower edge of the blade, and forms a wedge shaped angle or bight between the saw blade attachment and the cutting chain.

Abstract: A blood collection system is provided for collecting multiple samples of blood into evacuated vials from a single needle insertion site, and comprises a capillary tube system which acts as a regulator so that samples of blood can be collected at a controlled rate, thereby reducing the risk of vein collapse or other patient trauma. The capillary tube system includes a flexible catheter which mounts an intravenous cannula which can be positioned within a blood vessel from which is drawn the blood sample. A plurality of fittings are located along the length of the capillary tube system, and define openings for interfitting needles, which lie within a series of bores that extend axially from the blood collection system. Samples of blood are taken by inserting covered, evacuated vials into the bores of the blood collection system until a needle pierces the cover of a vial.

Abstract: A device for improving the delivery of water, aeration and fertilizer to the root system of plants provides an open-ended, water retaining, root barrier envelope which is placed around the root system of the plant, and a plurality of root deflector ribs for delivering water, aeration and fertilizer that extend downwardly along the envelope, and which are attached to the root barrier. Water, aeration, and fertilizer which are applied to the plant in the envelope will percolate downwardly through the upper portion of the soil surface embedding the root. The water will also move downwardly through the deflector ribs and then migrate inwardly through the perforations to a sub surface portion which is below the watered portion of the upper soil surface.

Abstract: A woven, stabilized fabric suitable for reinforcing resin matrices is provided. The fabric comprises a woven fabric of graphite, fiberglass, aramid, etc., in which a limited amount of a resin coated fiber is woven into one direction of the fabric. Prior to weaving, the resin coated fiber is initially coated with a resin such as an epoxy, polyimide, etc., followed by drying and then weaving into the fabric with as few picks as possible. When the fabric is heated, the resin coat melts and adheres to the fabric, and imparting stabilizing properties thereto. The stabilized fabric is then set up in a mold for resin impregnation, without undergoing undesirable movement.

Abstract: A disposable sterile covering for the handle of a dental light or surgical light is provided for reducing the risk of contamination arising when treating patients. The sterile covering is sufficiently flexible to stretch over the entire handle of a dental light without slipping, while being sufficiently resilient to withstand gripping forces applied to its ends. One or more tear strips extend along the covering, and when the tear strips are removed, the covering will separate into two or more parts, which can then be easily removed from the light.

Abstract: A system is provided for managing washing machines, and controlling laundry chemical dispensers. The system enables a user to choose controls, such as: automatically select, change, increment and monitor formulations used in a specific washing machine, or in a group of machines; flush out chemicals to the washing machine in conjunction with a low level indicator; select a specific washing machine out of a group of machines for a different operation; a power reset following a spike detection, power surge or a brownout; readings for: hot and cold water consumption, drain output, and steam output; the use of a plurality of machines to perform a series of washings using a sequence of chemicals; and, print-out times, and dates associated with the operation of each machine in a series of machines. The control system is regulated by an input keyboard, and specific operations may be recorded by a printout, viewed on a screen, or both.

Abstract: An adjustable pad is provided, having particular utility as a seating and/or recliner support with chairs, seats such as car seats, or as a mattress construction. The pad comprises an array of individual, resilient, spaced-apart, longitudinal, parallel support pads which are joined together, and separated by a plurality of respective hinge regions. When the pad is used as a seat support and/or back support, it may be as a single thickness or folded over in a multiple thickness and interlocked by inserting one or more pads into a respective space between each pad, thereby stabilizing the pad array. The pad may have an attachment section such as hook and loop fastener material connected at each end to secure the pad to the seat or seat back, or both, and this enables use of the pad in both areas of the seat.