Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: A composite carpet cushion incorporating a film layer, a foam layer and a fiber layer and a process of forming the composite carpet cushion. The film layer of the composite carpet cushion is a polyethylene film having a lateral dimension in the range of about 0.4 to 3 millimeters. The foam layer is urethane in an amount ranging from about 20 to 90 grams per square foot of the composite carpet cushion. The fiber layer is comprised of natural or synthetic fibers or a combination thereof having a lateral dimension in the range of about 1/16 to 7/16 inches. The process of forming a composite carpet cushion comprises applying an uncured urethane foam mixture uniformly on a polyethylene film layer. The combination foam and film layer is applied to a fiber layer which is proximate the foam layer. The composite layers are moved through a heated press which compresses the layers and causes the foam layer to react and cure to form a bond with the fiber layer and the film layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a waterbed mattress having a slab of substantially open celled foam or cellulosic sponge substantially submerged in the liquid fill of the mattress. The waterbed mattress of the present invention retains the positive qualities of bouyant support and comfort of conventional waterbed mattresses, and reduces the undesired wave motion often created within the mattress. Other embodiments of the present invention include a waterbed mattress having a large number of substantially open celled foam or cellulosic sponge particles which are substantially submerged in, yet partially suspended at the upper surface of, the mattress's liquid fill, such particles being either enclosed in a gauze-like sack or unenclosed within the mattress. The present invention may be incorporated in waterbeds or other body supporting furniture such as chairs and couches in which a liquid fill medium is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making flat topped foamed buns (e.g. polyurethane) in a continuous foaming process. In accordance with the method, continuous thin film tubular members are guided onto each side of the central trough defining conveyor of a continuous pouring system, and a central trough defining film member generally covering the central conveyor is guided thereover prior to the dispensing head. The edges of the tubular members are subsequently guided upward over guides at each side of the trough so that the tubular define upward sloping side walls traveling at an angle and rate determined in accordance with the rate of longitudinal travel and the rate of rise of the foaming reactants so as to encourage the sides of the bun to the same height of rise as the center region of the bun. Continuous slitting of the tubular members at an appropriate elevation allows the material thereof to progress longitudinally with the cured bun.

Abstract: A method of making textured foam coatings and materials is disclosed. A mixture of a curable frothed elastomeric emulsion composition and 20 pounds or less of thermally expandable beads to each 100 pounds of elastomeric composition is applied to a foam substrate and heated. During heating the plastic beads expand to produce a textured pebble-like coated elastomeric article.

Abstract: An improved mattress foundation particularly suited for use with foam mattresses to provide proper support for the mattress and to duplicate the feel of box springs. The mattress foundation utilizes an upper and lower frame assembly separated by a flexible, resilient material, which may be in the form of blocks, strips or slabs of flexible, resilient material, with the upper frame assembly preferably being somewhat flexible so as to be capable of deforming from its normal planar condition when subjected to more concentrated loads. The material separating the upper and lower frame assemblies are selected to have a resilience which will support the weight of one or two persons while distributed over the mattress foundation without substantial deflection, but which will deflect significantly when subjected to an individual's weight in more concentrated form, such as occurs when an individual sits on the edge of a bed or is getting into or out of the bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making flat topped foamed buns (e.g. polyurethane) in a continuous foaming process. In accordance with the method, continuous thin film tubular members are guided onto each side of the central trough defining conveyor of a continuous pouring system, and a central trough defining film member generally covering the central conveyor is guided thereover prior to the dispensing head. The edges of the tubular members are subsequently guided upward over guides at each side of the trough so that the tubular define upward sloping side walls traveling at an angle and rate determined in accordance with the rate of longitudinal travel and the rate of rise of the foaming reactants so as to encourage the sides of the bun to the same height of rise as the center region of the bun. Continuous slitting of the tubular members at an appropriate elevation allows the material thereof to progress longitudinally with the cured bun.

Abstract: A textured building material, suited for use as an acoustical wall and ceiling covering, comprising a cellular urethane foam substrate and an elastomeric coating and a method for its production is disclosed. The building material is flexible and damage resistant, which makes it especially useful in mobile vehicles and homes. The process consists of applying a foamed elastomeric resin emulsion onto a urethane substrate to a desired thickness; drying the coated substrate thus formed; and thereafter crushing the dried elastomeric coated substrate to form a composite textured material.

Abstract: An improved cushioning element is provided which is prepared from a synthetic resinous cellular resilient body. A plurality of intersecting grooves are formed in the surface of the cushioning element thereby providing a body-supporting surface of a plurality of spaced-apart bosses generally independently deflectable and recoverable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making flat topped foamed buns (e.g. polyurethane) in a continuous foaming process. The method comprises the guiding of a continuous thin film tubular member through gathering devices adjacent the cream line at each side of a conveyor, and subsequently guiding the tubular members upward along guides at an angle and rate determined in accordance with the rate of longitudinal travel and the rate of rise of the foaming reactants so as to encourage the sides of the bun into the same height of rise as the center region of the bun. Continuous slitting of the tubular members at the appropriate elevation allows the material thereof to progress longitudinally with the cured bun.

Abstract: A textured building material, suited for use as an acoustical wall and ceiling covering, comprising a cellular urethane foam substrate and an elastomeric coating and a method for its production is disclosed. The building material is flexible and damage resistant, which makes it especially useful in mobile vehicles and homes. The process consists of applying a foamed elastomeric resin emulsion onto a urethane substrate to a desired thickness; drying the coated substrate thus formed; and thereafter crushing the dried elastomeric coated substrate to form a composite textured material.