Abstract: An instrument for removing bowel blockage comprising a handle, and a probe element extending from the handle, the probe element being elongate, having a round or oval transverse cross-section, and having a rounded distal end, the handle being substantially imperforate, and the probe element being shaped to avoid injuring a patient, as by cutting. A method of safely removing bowel blockage comprises providing a probe element having a rounded distal end and rounded exterior and a handle at the proximal end of the probe element, inserting the distal end and at least some of the probe element into the rectum of a patient, and removing said probe element from the patient to permit evacuation of fecal matter through the anal canal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid atomizer particularly for high volume flow rates is disclosed. An enlarged tip with a plurality of orifices is provided to increase the flow rate. A gradual transition to the enlarged atomizer tip can also be provided to enhance performance. A barrier disposed adjacent the atomizing surface of the atomizer tip enhances proper atomization of liquid, particularly when the enlarged atomizer tip is used, and particularly when such an atomizer is vertically oriented with the tip facing downwardly. A lip extending about the atomizer surface prevents unatomized liquid from leaving the atomizing surface in radial directions.

Abstract: A system for aiding a person in determining whether a ball has struck one of a plurality of boundary lines of a playing court. A plurality of laminated, pressure sensitive contact type switches extend along the boundary lines of the court. Digital circuitry connected to the switches repeatedly examines the status of the switches before and after the closure of any one of the switches to determine if the closure lasted for a predetermined time interval, e.g., more than 800 microseconds and less than 5 milliseconds, and therefore resulted from the impact of a ball. A plurality of resistors interconnect the switches so that the simultaneous closure of any pair of switches by a player's foot and the ball will uniquely determine a plurality of resistor networks. The amplitudes of the currents in the networks are determined by a measuring circuit which outputs signals that enable logic circuitry to determine the location on the court where the impact of the ball has occurred.