Abstract: An improved bailer which allows for the variance of flow into the bailer through use of attachments with varying inflow orifice sizes. As the size of the orifice changes, the weight of the apparatus can also be changed allowing for an only slightly negative buoyancy of the apparatus. The attachment may also be designed to include features for filtering unwanted particulates from the sample.

Abstract: An improved bailer which allows for the variance of flow into the bailer through use of attachments with varying inflow orifice sizes. As the size of the orifice changes, the weight of the apparatus can also be changed allowing for an only slightly negative buoyancy of the apparatus. The attachment may also be designed to include features for filtering unwanted particulates from the sample.

Abstract: The invention is of an improved pool skimmer basket which provides means by which water is vented through the basket, even when the strainer orifices are clogged. Applicant's basket is fitted with a centrally positioned vent tower which extends from the bottom of the basket, through its interior space, and slightly above the top rim of the basket. When the basket requires servicing, it may easily be removed from a skimmer well without shutting off the pool's vacuum system. The vent orifices in the vent tower allow water to pass into the hollow of the vent tower, and out through the bottom of the basket thereby bypassing the clogged strainer orifices and relieving the suction against the basket. Ease of removing the basket prevents handle and basket breakage and with it the need for the pool owner to "fish" the basket (with its unknown and, perhaps, dangerous contents) from a skimmer well.

Abstract: Applicant's invention is of an improved liquid sampling apparatus designed for collection of liquid, typically water, for sampling purposes. The improvement to existing bailer designs lies in re-contouring the proximal and distal surfaces to avoid the potentially costly effects of a presently available bailer's angular margins lodging against irregularities on the surface of well casings. The terminal ends of Applicant's bailer are generally dome-shaped, thereby eliminating angular margins which can engage surrounding protrusions or obstructions and intractably lodge the bailer in a well casing.

Abstract: A stent useful for treatment of prostatic urethral hypertrophy having a cylindrical conduit with a conical flange on one end and an annular flange on the other. The stent is constructed of a medical grade elastomer whereby it may be compressed for implantation and can thereafter be left in place for extended periods of time without adverse reactions by the patient. The stent is placed with a constructed endoscope with a novel everted, tubular retaining member to hold the stent in place during the implantation procedure.

Abstract: A convection blanket for warming persons lying thereon. The preferred embodiment has four layers, two outer insulating layers, and two inner layers of metallic foil. The inner metallic layers minimize heat loss across the length of the blanket. A unique pattern of pinholes in the top layers allows a larger volume of warm air to exit the blanket at the end opposite the air supply hose. All layers are stitched intermittently to avoid distension of the blanket, without defining clear channels, assuring uniform distribution of air within the blanket.

Abstract: A device and method for assisting the pumping action of a failed heart. The device comprises an inelastic balloon, preferably conical in shape, connected to a catheter and pump. The balloon is percutaneously fed into a major blood vessel and then guided to a ventricle of the heart. When placed in the left ventricle, the balloon inflates during the isovolumetric contraction period before the aortic valve opens, and deflates after the aortic valve is closed but before the mitral valve has opened.

Abstract: An ointment for relieving impotence. The ointment generally consists of a primary agent, a carrier, and a base, and is applied directly to the penis. The primary agent is a vasodilator selected from the group consisting of papaverine, hydralazine, sodium nitroprusside, phenoxybenzamine and phentolamine. The carrier is used to assist absorption of the primary agent through the skin around the penis. When the primary agent enters the corpora cavernosa within the penis, it causes dilation of the corpora, resulting in an erection.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for supporting the head face down during an operation. The device is comprised of a pillow having a T-shaped void therein conforming to the contours of the face. One or more channels may be cut in the pillow to provide airways or allow insertion of a tube into the patient's mouth. A support structure is also described for use with the pillow. The support structure allows the patient's face to be seen, even while lying down, and consists of a plate attached to the end of a table by clamps, having a mirror below whose orientation may be adjusted.