Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes an electrical cable having a first end and a second end, an ultrasound transducer connected to the first end of the cable and a connector assembly connected to the second end of the cable. The connector assembly includes a connector housing having a cable opening and a mating connector opening, a connector body assembly mounted within the connector housing, a removable cover assembly sealed to the connector housing and covering the mating connector opening, and a strain relief assembly for sealing the cable opening between the cable and the connector housing. When the removable cover assembly is sealed to the connector housing, the connector assembly is immersible in a liquid, such as a sterilization fluid. The cover assembly is removed from the connector housing for operation of the ultrasound probe with an imaging system.

Abstract: A drinking cup 10 for assisting swallowing has a hollow container portion 12 including a base 18 and an upwardly extending, elliptically-shaped sidewall 20. The sidewall defines an elliptical aperture 32 at its apex. The inner surface 26 of the sidewall defines an ellipse from a cross-sectional perspective at substantially all elevations between the aperture and a point proximate to the base, each cross section being taken along a plane disposed parallel to a plane defined by the aperture. The elliptical aperture is sized to accommodate a person's nasal bridge during drinking such that substantial backwards angulation of the head is not required. The cup includes a handle 16 disposed 90.degree. out from the major axis of the elliptical aperture. People with dysphagia and/or arthritis are expected to benefit especially from the features of the present invention.

Abstract: An intraocular lens folder having a generally planar, open frame in the shape of a rounded "A" with a rimmed, open head at the top of the "A." The base of the "A" forms a pair of opposing legs or handles that join to form a hinge at the crotch where the handles attach to the head. The hinge allows the handles to be squeezed together and yet spring apart when released. Squeezing the handles causes the top edge of the head rim to compress and move toward the hinge. The open head contains a plurality of projections terminating in open, relieved jaws into which the IOL is placed. The location of the projections is such that when the handles are squeezed together and the rim moves toward the hinge, two of the jaws moves toward each other, causing the IOL to be folded in half.

Abstract: Bicomposite intraocular lenses and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. Bicomposite, hydrogel intraocular lenses with one or more haptic portions having a lower water content than the corresponding optic portions, and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. The bicomposite lenses are manufactured by (i) preparing a bicomposite button of hydrogel material containing one or more polymers or copolymers; (ii) lathing the button to produce a dehydrated intraocular lens with an optic and at least one haptic; and (iii) hydrating the lens.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical heavy metal body terminates at one end in a tapered impact section, while its opposite end bears a threaded hose coupling for coupling of the hollow body to the end of a water hose. A plurality of spray nozzles mounted to the cylindrical body open to the hollow interior and bear fine diameter holes for spraying water under pressure in mist form circumfertially of the body. The body may be lowered by the garden hose or the like with the impact section penetrating accumulating creosote. The water spray rapidly puts out chimney fires without extensive water damage.

Abstract: Video discs are dried by first spraying the surface with liquid fluorocarbon to remove water and heating the disc so as to prevent water condensation during evaporation of the fluorocarbon, preferably in a fluorocarbon vapor.

Abstract: A liquid sample analyzer has an analysis chamber adapted to receive sample material to be analyzed, sensor means coupled to the analysis chamber for providing an output signal related to a constituent of the sample material, and sampler apparatus that includes structure defining a sample intake flow path that has an inlet port and is connected to the analysis chamber, and rinse apparatus in communication with a waste system. A wiper member slides along the intake tube for wiping sample residue from the outer surface of the intake tube. A drive moves the sample inlet port between a sample intake position in which the inlet port is exposed to the operator and a reset position in which the inlet port is aligned with and the wiper is seated on the rinse apparatus.

Abstract: High density information discs that have been compression molded from a conductive carbon-containing polyvinylchloride molding composition are cleaned with a water based solution to remove water soluble salts from the surface of the disc, followed by a high temperature aqueous wash wherein the temperature is from about 110.degree. to about 130.degree. F. These discs have improved environmental stability.

Abstract: A logic pulser is disclosed which provides controlled pulses for stimulating a digital logic circuit under test. The pulser is serially programmed, e.g. by means of a manually operated push button switch to generate single pulses, continuous streams of pulses, or bursts of pulses.The pulser may include a visual output indicator such as an LED which flashes in a predetermined sequence to indicate in which mode the pulser is operating.The pulser may also include output circuitry which sets the voltage and automatically adjusts the width of the output pulses to provide appropriate net charge to different types of digital circuitry.