Abstract: This invention relates to the control of the temperature of heated fluid flow through a so-called single pass electrical heater. Specifically, a controller and accompanying flow circuit including a flow through single pass electrical heater is disclosed which provides for heating of water upon initiation of flow. A two stage control protocol is utilized for routing current under precise control to the heater element. In the first protocol utilized at start up to a control temperature limit slightly below the temperature set point, phase angle of current turn on with zero crossing current turn off control a 220 volt current to the single pass heater element. Once the control temperature is achieved, incremental adjustment of phase angle thereafter occurs with rapid asymptotical approach of the output temperature of the flowing water to a preselected temperature "set point" occurs.

Abstract: A patient lift apparatus is provided with a U-shaped base that folds to enable convenient reduced width storage of the unit when not in use. Accordingly, the U-shaped base of the unit has a hinge with a vertical axis in each leg of the "U". These hinges are located midway of each of the vertical legs. Typically, these hinges provide for a pivotal movement of the casters at the ends of each leg of the "U" from a caster extended position for patient lifting and transport to a caster folded position parallel to and spaced apart from the base of the "U". A releasable lock mechanism is provided to each leg for locking the hinge in either the caster extended position or the caster folded position. The lock includes an outer moving sleeve with a spring biased inner key connected to the spring biased sleeve. The key moves with the sleeve and fits into and out of paired apertures in the hinge.

Abstract: A flexible bathing fluid permeable mesh sheet is attached to a rectangular frame. A flexible and collapsible bathing fluid impermeable sheet is attached to the frame below the mesh sheet and spaced apart therefrom for forming an open fluid receptacle. The mesh sheet is attached to the frame with straps which may be adjusted for allowing the patient to be placed substantially coplanar with the frame and away from the fluid collected in the impermeable sheet or lowered toward the impermeable sheet to provide an immersion bath.

Abstract: A wound irrigation apparatus and process for safe cleansing of body wounds includes a pressure bladder disposed proximate a membrane sac holding a cleaning solution. Pressurizing the pressure bladder controllably pressurizes the cleaning solution. A conduit communicates the pressurized cleaning solution to a three-way valve. Operation of the normally off valve allows a steady stream of cleaning solution at a pressure of less than one atmosphere to be selectively directed to a wound for cleaning. The three-way valve includes an intermediate position which directs a gently pulsating stream of cleaning solution to the wound for enhanced cleaning action. The pulsation rate is directly dependent upon the pressure of the fluid and may be controlled. The valve includes a first elastic part and a second elastic part. The first part has an inlet with a larger diameter chamber into which the second part extends to form an integral valve unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved apparatus for mixing and dispensing a temperature controlled medicated douche from any source of water under pressure. Means are included for maintaining the solution thus discharged at a substantially uniform concentration throughout the entire flow of the solution, which means includes a cartridge of solid water-soluble medicament disposed in the flow path. The cartridge is shaped so as to present a substantially constant surface area in contact with the water flowing past it during all stages of the dissolution of the medicament. Means are also included so that the flow of water cannot occur unless a medicament cartridge is in place.

Abstract: A gas probe for penetrating the earth to sample gasses therefrom such as gases of putrefaction in a suspected burial area. A cylindrical sampling conduit extends from an outlet at the top to a sampling manifold having at least one outwardly opening at the bottom and is affixed to a pike at its lower end which is the earth piercing portion of the probe. The sampling manifold is surrounded by a sleeve having a sealing bushing and a cylindrical section the same size as the pike. The reciprocating sleeve at the bushing seals the sampling manifold and applies pressure to the pike to force insertion of the probe. When the probe is driven to its full depth, the reciprocating sleeve is withdrawn to expose the sampling manifold. Withdrawal of this sleeve defines a protected annulus for the manifold openings simultaneously creating a gradually expanding volume which draws gases from the surrounding soil for sampling.