Abstract: A spring-powered infusion pump includes a syringe barrel 20 having two opposing openings 30, 55 forming two chambers 80, 90 between the first opening 30 and the plunger 40, and the second opening 55 and the plunger 40. The dispenser opening 30 has a one-way valve 35 to selectively release fluid retained within the first chamber 80. The second opening 55 is capped, and a spring 60 is compressed between the plunger 40 and syringe cap 50 within the second chamber 90. The spring 60 applies a force to the plunger 40 in the direction of the first opening 30. However, the one-way valve 35 retains the fluid within the first chamber 80, despite the force applied to the plunger 40, until a tubing set 70 equipped with an infuser connector 75 is attached to the dispenser opening 30 of the syringe barrel 20. The infuser connector 75 is insertable through the one-way valve 35 and thus provides a passageway for the fluid retained within the first chamber 80 of the syringe barrel 20.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits improved tooth and gum cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the head member; these bristles being comprised of at least two general directional orientations of bristles having a generally rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: A system is described for the collection and re-infusion of fluids from a patient. The system includes a non-disposable rigid cannister and a disposable flexible liner that is placed in the cannister. Fluids are collected from a patient in the cannister liner. The liner is then removed from the cannister and the contents are re-infused back into a patient. The system is unique in that it provides a stand along vacuum means for continuously providing a relatively high vacuum to the cannister and a relatively low vacuum inside the liner to cause the liner to expand against the walls of the cannister. The stand alone vacuum means also provides a consistent relatively low vacuum to a patient's cavity for collecting fluids from the patient without damaging the patient's internal organs.

Abstract: A valve for the expiratory tubing of a ventilator circuit. The valve assembly includes a valve body, diaphragm, top cap and control tubing. The valve body includes a valve seat, annular surface, sealing ribs, along with other annular members. The diaphragm includes a thick center portion, connected by a thin web to a relatively thick annular rim and surrounding flange. The top cap includes a compression ring which clamps the diaphragm annular flange to the valve annular surface. In the valve open position, the valve body supports the diaphragm only at the diaphragm flange.

Abstract: Dense, strong, composite materials are produced from mixtures of silicon and silicon carbide. The composite materials are characterized by a mixture of finely-divided silicon carbide in a substantially continuous matrix of silicon. The composite materials contain from about 40 to about 60 percent by volume silicon carbide and from about 60 to about 40 percent by volume silicon. The composite materials are produced by initially producing a finely-divided silicon carbide starting component and forming the component into a green body of the desired shape. The green body is subsequently impregnated with molten silicon in the absence of any substantial amount of carbon. Suitably, a thermoplastic resin binder may be added to the silicon carbide starting material to aid in forming the green body. The impregnation step may be carried out by surrounding the green body with finely-divided silicon metal and heating the covered body to a temperature above the melting point of silicon.