Abstract: Cardiac output is measured utilizing an indicator, such as saline, which alters blood resistivity, and an electrically calibrated conductivity cell positioned at the tip of a catheter. The catheter with the tetrapolar conductivity cell at the tip is inserted into a blood vessel for current injection to develop a potential which is proportional to blood resistivity for inscribing the dilution curve occurring due to injection of the indicator, which curve is utilized to determine blood flow or cardiac output.

Abstract: An installation for monitoring and controlling a machine for producing items which at the end of production thereof are subjected to quality control with rejection of defective items, comprises a computing means (4), a detector (5) for sensing the number of items produced, a weighing machine for weighing the reject items, a precision weighing means for weighing an item produced, and a display means, the computing means operating on the basis of the data supplied thereto by the sensor, the weighing machine and the precision weighing means to provide the number of items produced, the number of items rejected and the difference therebetween, constituting the number of accepted items.

Abstract: A penile tumescence monitoring device and method which use strain gauges connected to a connector device which translates the strain gauge input into a magnetically recordable output signal. A magnetic tape recorder is used for tape recording the monitored penile tumescence. The system further includes test switches and indicating lights for testing the proper functioning of the electronic circuitry and strain gauges involved in the system.

Abstract: A floating fish receptacle for retaining caught fish in a live condition under water includes a molded foam, generally cylindrical housing member which includes as part thereof in unitary construction a floatation collar outwardly extending from the outside diameter surface and a pair of baffle members inwardly extending from the inside surface. The baffle members are arranged in an axially (vertically) separated relationship and are radially spaced 180.degree. apart so as to create a zig zag slide action for fish which are dropped through the top opening of the housing. As the fish enters, it strikes one downwardly and inwardly inclined surface of one baffle member and then is transferred to the corresponding surface of the other baffle member and then on through to a mesh bag which is suspended therebelow for retention of the fish. The top opening of the housing is above the water level while the opposite and lower opening of the housing member is below the water level.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for driving threaded fasteners into workpieces. The apparatus includes means for successively feeding workpieces to the first of two spaced apart work stations. A power drilling means drills holes into opposite ends of each workpiece at the first work station. The workpieces are then successively advanced to the second work station where a driving operation is performed. The driving operation is accomplished by successively feeding the threaded fasteners to a transfer station, transferring the fasteners from the transfer station to a loading station axially aligned with the second work station, loading the fasteners into the chuck of a power stud driver, and then driving the threaded fasteners into one of the pre-drilled holes. Transfer of the threaded fasteners between the transfer and loading stations is accomplished by pivotal movement of a placing arm and a finger attached to the placing arm. All operations are performed automatically and in timed relation to one another.

Abstract: A machine for destroying used syringes. A box includes a pair of bearing rods extending internally thereacross which slidably receive a carriage having a pair of spaced apart knives mounted thereto. A funnel mounted within the box is positioned beneath an aperture provided in the top wall of the box to receive the syringe to be destroyed. A pair of clamps mounted beneath the funnel releasably hold the syringe as the carriage moved by a linear actuator forces the knives to engage and sever in multiple locations the syringe. The clamps release the severed syringe allowing the parts to fall into a container removably positioned within the box.

Abstract: A pole-type structure having a plurality of outer walls arranged together so as to define an interior region includes a series of holes excavated below the existing grade line into which a concrete bearing pad is poured. After the concrete sets, a pole is placed in the hole and onto the concrete bearing pad. The resultant plurality of poles provides the main structural support members for the structure. Secured to the poles are bearing plates which extend from pole to pole in a perpendicular arrangement, and disposed across the top of these bearing plates is a spaced plurality of floor joists. The floor joists extend toward the exterior of the structure beyond the poles and the outwardly extended end portion of each floor joist provides a support portion for the exterior surface of the structure, which is brick veneer.

Abstract: There is provided a modular planter system for forming an endless variety of horizontal, vertical and spatial arrangements. The modular planter system includes three or more pot housings each capable of receiving a plant pot. One or more connecting members are attached to each of the pot housings at a plurality of radially spaced-apart locations. The connecting members mate together vertically in order to permit the interconnection of the pot housings in various angular orientations. The pot housings have hollow interiors to permit them to be filled with water and provide water to plants received within the housings by means of a wick. At least one of the pot housings may alternatively be adapted to receive a light fixture to provide the planter system a source of artificial light. The system is supported by a variety of external support means including a floor support base, an adjustable length pole and a ceiling-mounted chain.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for applying fluid to the teeth and gums includes as one of its principle components a U-shaped flexible, rubber-like tray having side walls and a bottom wall which define a channel into which the teeth and gums can extend. Attached to the inside perimeter of the side walls near the upper edge of the tray is a flexible, elastic tube. One end of the elastic tube is sealed. The other end of the elastic tube extends through the side wall at the front of the tray and is open for connection to a source of pressurized fluid for inflating the elastic tube. Attached to the bottom wall and communicating with the channel are conduit tubes. A method using the above apparatus to apply a fluid, such as an anesthetic, to the teeth and gums is also disclosed.

Abstract: A direct acting valve assembly including a valve body and a guide tube attached thereto. An insert is secured within the guide tube and includes an upraised valve seat surrounding a central aperture. The valve body includes an annular surface between an annular inlet and a centrally located outlet, and an annular seal is positioned between the annular surface and the insert to provide a fluid tight seal therebetween. The guide tube receives a closure member which carries a valve seal positionable against the upraised valve seat of the insert. A solenoid is operable to move the closure member from a first position displaced from the insert and opening the valve and a second position adjacent the insert and sealing the central passageway.

Abstract: A spike exchanger to move a spike from one peritoneal dialysis bag to another. A pair of peritoneal dialysis bags are positioned by a base having clamps for releasably closing the tubular ports of each bag. A patient connectable tube with a spike shaped end is removably mounted to a device slidably mounted on the base and guided by means of a slot and roller combination to the tubular port of either bag. Various embodiments of the slot roller mechanism guide the spike shaped end to the tubular ports. A hook shaped tool pivotally mounted upon the base is engageable to unlock a sterile clamp mounted to the spike and port of one bag. Spaced apart and integrally connected arms moveably mounted to the base receive a sterile clamp and are positionable to lockingly mount a sterile clamp to the spike and port of the other bag. A further hook shaped arm pivotally mounted to the base is moveable against a bag port to hold the port immoveably straight as it is engaged by the spike.

Abstract: A low oiling gel filled article comprising a polydiorganosiloxane gel contained within a polysiloxane rubber envelope. The gel is characterized as being the addition product of a first prepolymer having silicon-bonded additional radicals on a terminal silicon atom, and a second prepolymer having silicon-bonded addition radicals on several intermediate silicon atoms. The polydiorganosiloxane prepolymers, and complex fluid, as well as processes for making same, are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A vented, nestable-extendable pouring spout for use with a container having an opening therein includes an annular mounting portion adapted to be secured to an annular lip encompassing the opening of the container. A generally funnel shaped flexible body portion is secured at its larger circumferential edge to the mounting portion and at its smaller circumferential edge to a tubular neck portion located inwardly of the mounting portion. The body portion has an invertible fold portion adjacent the mounting portion to which is attached a plurality of circumferentially spaced ears. In the nested orientation of the spout, the ears extend downwardly out of the way of the nested neck and body portions. As the spout is extended, causing the invertible fold portion to invert, each ear rotates inwardly about its point of attachment until the ears extend inwardly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spout.

Abstract: A flexible sheath assembly for an indwelling catheter is provided which maintains the sterility of an otherwise exposed portion of an indwelling catheter so that the depth of insertion of the catheter within a body may be adjusted without causing contamination. The assembly includes a transparent flexible sheathing which is sealingly secured at its ends to front and rear hubs each having a passageway therethrough which is sized to permit passage of a catheter. The flexible sheathing is longitudinally expandable from a collapsed position wherein the sheathing is twisted about an axis substantially parallel to the length of the sheath. The flexible sheathing in the collapsed position defines a central passageway which is aligned with the front and rear hub passageways for permitting the catheter to be guided through the interior of the flexible sheathing as it is passed between the front and rear hubs.

Abstract: A side rail for an outdoor pool table includes a silicone rubber cushion member which is formed with a recessed portion providing a first method of interlocking, a synthetic material backing member formed with a second contoured portion which is mutually engageable with the first contoured portion for providing an interlocking assembly between the cushion member and the backing member. The subassembly of the cushion member and the backing member is disposed within a sewn acrylic fabric cover. This sewn construction defines an interior receiving pouch which has an interior peripheral dimension of sufficient size to slidably receive the cushion member and backing member assembly. In order to mount this fabric-covered subassembly to the pool table, a synthetic material support strip is applied directly against the lower portion of the backing member and threaded fasteners are received by the surrounding portion of the pool table.

Abstract: A catheter wire guide having an axially movable mandril with a tapered tip for permitting the flexibility of the distal tip of the wire guide to be varied. The mandril is coated with a lubricating material, such as Teflon, for facilitating the smooth movement of the mandril within the wire guide.

Abstract: A method for the production of a composite material formed from comminuted particles including blending the particles and a suitable adhesive, forming the blend into a mat, and compressing the mass by at most about 65 percent. In related aspects, the particles have a defined diversity of thicknesses, adhesive is used in an amount less than about six percent by weight, and the material is compressed to have a void volume of at least about 10 percent.