Abstract: A connector is provided between an I.V. or syringe supply and a Y-tube for feeding liquid medication to a patient. The connector is an integrally formed tube having a recessed needle which is factory mounted into the distal end of the connector. At its proximal end, the tube wall of the connector defines a slot which, when rotated, will engage and form a secure lock with the sidearm portion of the Y-tube. A sterile septum is mounted within the Y-tube, and the needle penetrates the septum during use, thereby maintaining sterility. Also, since the needle is recessed, asccidental needle sticks will be reduced.In another embodiment, the connector tube wall defines an elongate recess, and a slotted closure cap is mounted at the proximal end of the connector. The connector is fitted over the Y-tube so that the cap slot and recess coincide with the junction of the Y-tube sidearm and the Y-tube.

Abstract: A soft neck support collar is disclosed comprising two offset and attached, tubular ring elements, each element hooking together at their respective ends. Both ring elements contain a soft fill material such as nylon, cotton, polyester, arcylics, foam chips, etc. The combined effect of the fill material together, with the tubular configuration, enables the neck to adjust for lateral, forward and backward forces during movement. The upper ring element is tapered at each end, so that when these ends are joined together, a space is formed into which the chain can fit, thereby maintaining the neck in a neutral position, and preventing hyperextension.The lower ring element is hooked together at each end, and the rings are offset to enable the lower ring to close at the back of the neck, approximately opposite from the closure of the upper ring element. Hence, the lower ring element functions as a continuous, uniform, tubular-shaped ring which does not interfere with movement of the chin.

Abstract: A three component, self adjustable pillow is provided to support and align a user's head, and shoulders. The pillow comprises a head support base containing a soft fill such as polyester, nylon, chip foam, etc., and shaped as a round or elliptical, solid cylinder. A cloth attachment piece is connected along one of its sides to the pillow by sewing along the pillow length. A circular-shaped, cylindrical neck support is sewn onto the cloth attachment along its remaining free side, and this enables the neck support to rest on the head support base for adjustable movement by the user.Preferably, the user's shoulders are supported on the head support base and located somewhere between the edge of the support base and the base of the neck support, and usually at the edge of the support base.

Abstract: A container for solid fertilizer is provided, the container being inserted into a sprinkler line system. The container provides a screen to hold the fertilizer and permits water to permeate therethrough. The screen and fertilizer are secured within a screen holder having continuous or perforated side walls, depending on the type of solid fertilizer to be used, and a gapped bottom support for the screen.Water from the sprinkler is fed into the container and is pressurized through the screen and dissolves the fertilizer. The rate of solubilization depends on the water flow, the type and solubility of the fertilizer, and the size of the perforations in the screen and gaps in the screen holder.

Abstract: Spills such as from oil, chemicals, and the like on a body of water are recovered by overlaying the spill, or a portion thereof, with an inflatable, weighted collector. The collector may be airlifted or carried by boat to the spill site, followed by overlaying on the spill surface. Following inflation, the weights will cause the central portion of the collector to sink below the level of the spill of the contaminated area, and the contaminants will overflow, and/or be pumped into the collector. If required or necessary, water entering the collector may be removed by pumping. When the collector is filled, it can be towed away to a recovery unit by a barge or simultaneously pumped into a tanker or other on-shore facility.

Abstract: A lightweight breathing device for underwater use, and in contaminated air is disclosed. The device employs a one-way valve which requires only one hand to effect operation, and a closure stem which is securely mounted against excessive air pressure from the valve, when air is released therethrough from an attached air tank. The one-way valve includes two interfitting components, one of which is rotatable, and which provides air orifices that form an air connection upon rotation to permit the release of air from the air tank.

Abstract: A fertilizer applicator for solid fertilizer is provided, and is inserted into a sprinkler line system. The applicator comprises a container component which encloses and suspends a fertilizer holder component and spaces the two conponents to define a water pressurization chamber therebetween. Water is fed from the container through the pressurization chamber and into the bottom of the fertilizer container where it dissolves some of the fertilizer and forms a leached, concentrated solution. This leached solution rises through the fertilizer and into overflow tubes where it drains downwardly through the bottom of the fertilizer holder. The concentrated solution is then diluted with water draining from the bottom of the water pressurization chamber, and the diluted solution of fertilizer is passed into the sprinkler system for application to vegetation. The applicator has no moving parts, and has a simplified design.

Abstract: A filling device for filling an injection syringe is provided which enables the user to count the intake dosage by means of a sound indicator which may be mechanical, electrical or an electronic sound device. The filling device includes a movable syringe holder to which is attached a removable syringe that is connectable to a medicinal bottle. The filling device mounts a gear which is movable one gear tooth at a time to actuate a linear gear to which the syringe is mounted. A spring loaded ball bearing is biased against the gear wheel and produces a distinctly audible clicking sound when the gear moves a single notch. These clicking sounds can be counted by a user when the attached syringe holder moves, and hence will accurately indicate the amount of liquid medicine drawn into the syringe. The same device may be connected to a microprocessor controlled voice device to obtain a suitable readout indicating the amount of liquid medicinal uptake by the syringe.

Abstract: A catheter constructed of a polymeric material that is produced by dip coating over a mandrel or needle, is disclosed. The catheter which is formed is then removed by expansion upon contact with a liquid containing water, or by applied manual pressure. The integrally formed assembly has fewer component parts and has a more accurately shaped catheter tip and tapered end.

Abstract: An assembly of a wire inserter and lock is provided. The assembly includes a body portion with a bore inlet and outlet aligned with a locking area and an elongate outlet to align the wire as it passes therethrough.A spring loaded locking button is mounted within the body and defines two tear-shaped bores through which the wire passes. In the locked position, the wire is wedged into the narrow ends of the tear-shaped bores, and this provides sufficient force to lock the wire without damage.The body portion may include notched areas around which the wire can be wound, and a hole for capturing the end of the wire to facilitate storage of the wire.

Abstract: Water soluble coloring compositions are provided that contain a stable and uniform suspension of color and sparkle or glitter components. The process for producing the coloring compositions employs a lower temperature range than the prior art; this reduces the need for equipment heating and enables the equipment to be more readily cleaned.

Abstract: An inexpensive injection device is provided which is manufactured of plastic components, and is adapted to fit various syringe sizes. The injection device is spring loaded, and provides a firing barrel which, in the cocked position, is offset slightly from the central bore of the device.When the device is fired, the firing barrel is aligned with the central bore and projects the needle portion of the syringe into the user.For obtaining blood samples, the syringe is replaced by a striker element, which actuates a spring loaded puncture module which punctures the skin and is quickly withdrawn.

Abstract: An inexpensive injection device is provided which is manufactured of plastic components, and is adapted to fit various syringe sizes. The injection device is spring loaded, and provides a firing barrel which, in the cocked position, is offset slightly from the central bore of the device.When the device is fired, the firing barrel is aligned with the central bore and projects the needle portion of the syringe into the user.For obtaining blood samples, the syringe is replaced by a striker element, which actuates a spring loaded puncture module which punctures the skin and is quickly withdrawn.

Abstract: A die-drawing and/or extrusion device is described for producing uniform and tapered metal and composite tubes from flatstock and for reducing the size of solid stock and formed tubes therefrom, and lamination of compatable materials in one operation. The die comprises opposed die elements having curved helical tracks or grooves which follow a central orifice through which the flatstock, solid stock, tubes, etc., are pulled and/or pushed. Wedge-shaped shaping and alignment elements are positioned in the helical tracks in contact with the dies to align the feedstock with the die orifice, and to prevent the metal sheet or tube, rod, etc., from being drawn in between the tangential surfaces of the dies. The extent of product taper is determined by the pull rate applied to the feedstock in conjunction with the rotational rate of the dies, which can be varied continuously.

Abstract: A one-way septum valve in a connector device to maintain sterility is provided. The device prevents the backward flow of blood and body fluids through the connector to an injection device such as a syringe, I.V. unit, and the like.The valve includes a slit, resilient septum mounted within the connector, and a moveable plug spaced a short distance from the septum and adapted to move forward slightly upon contact with the injection device.When the injection device is moved forward, it will contact and drive the plug a short distance into the septum causing it to open and deform inwardly. This enables fluid from the I.V. unit, syringe, etc., to be fed through the septum opening and into a patient. When the injection device is retracted out of contact with the plug, the septum resiliency forces the plug back out of the septum which then closes and seals.

Abstract: An assembly of a drain plug for a dishwasher is disclosed, comprising a hollow stem portion and a drain plug body. A double O-ring is provided to seat and seal the ball body into a drain pipe, and to make a light, sliding fit with the interior of the drain pipe. The sliding fit guides the assembly during vertical movement and enables the assembly to maintain a vertical position without tilting. When the O-rings become worn, they are replaced, rather than having to discard the entire assembly.

Abstract: Water soluble coloring compositions are provided that contain a stable and uniform suspension of color and sparkle or glitter components. The process for producing the coloring compositions employs a lower temperature range than the prior art; this reduces the need for equipment heating and enables the equipment to be more readily cleaned.

Abstract: Water soluble coloring compositions are provided that contain a stable and uniform suspension of color and sparkle or glitter components. The process for producing the coloring compositions employs a lower temperature range than the prior art; this reduces the need for equipment heating and enables the equipment to be more readily cleaned.

Abstract: An impact head rest device is provided for a vehicle window. The head rest device comprises a vertically adjustable support column which includes narrow-shaped end members that fit behind or into the window molding. The support column is moveable about mid-way along its length from a slightly bent position to the straight column position.This enables the device to be inserted at each end behind the upper and lower window moldings in the bent position. Upon straightening the device by moderate pressure, the support column will be firmly wedged between the window moldings and the glass portion of the window, and thereby be secured in place.

Abstract: A needle guard is provided to protect against accidental needle stick injuries following use, and to provide a cover for the needle when shipping.The needle guard is rotatably mounted at the base of the needle and defines a longitudinal slot which coincides with the needle. When the needle is ready for use, the needle guard is rotated away from the needle; following use, the guard is rotated back to partially enclose the needle. A slotted cylinder is then moved forwardly along the needle guard and is rotated for a short distance to lock and permanently enclose the needle, and particularly the tip portion thereof.In another embodiment, a rotatable sleeve is provided to interlock with the needle guard and permanently enclose the needle.The device may be adapted for use with over-the-needle catheters, and its use facilitates attachment of other devices such as vacutainers to the needle and hub assembly.