Abstract: A Total Relative Value Platform may be provided. The platform may be used to quantitatively make comparisons between law firms and attorneys working on similar matters in the same or similar jurisdictions. The platform may take a set of data related to a selected legal team's performance on a matter and calculate a score representing the legal team's overall effectiveness in resolving the matter (a “GLI Score”). The performance data may include, for example, information indicating the time spent on various tasks, expenses, cost of resolving the issue, and whether the outcome was positive. In this way, it may be possible to compare the GLI Scores of various legal teams with respect to similar matters and determine which legal team is more likely to have a better future performance. Thus, the platform may allow entities to lower their legal costs and make better decisions in the hiring of outside counsel.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of hydratable polymers are prepared by hydrating a hydratable polymer in water without agitation sufficient to shear the molecular structure of the polymer thereby maintaining intact the polymer's molecular structure thereby providing a structurally uniform composition. The resulting solutions are sticky and tacky and are useful in controlling insects and for other uses. The resulting solutions can be dried to form powders. The resulting products readily degrade, are non-toxic, and non-ionic, and hence environmentally benign.

Abstract: A method of adhering a denture, having a biocontact surface, to a gum or a roof of a mouth, containing the steps of: (1) Treating the biocontact surface of the denture with a denture adhesive composition containing a chemical substance derived from an aloe leaf to obtain a treated denture; and (2) placing the treated denture in close proximity to a gum or the roof of the mouth thereby engaging the treated denture with the gum or the roof of the mouth. A method of preparing a denture adhesive composition containing a chemical substance derived from an aloe leaf.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of hydratable polymers are prepared by hydrating a hydratable polymer in water without agitation sufficient to shear the molecular structure of the polymer thereby maintaining intact the polymer's molecular structure thereby providing a structurally uniform composition. The resulting solutions are sticky and tacky and are useful in controlling insects and for other uses. The resulting solutions can be dried to form powders. The resulting products readily degrade, are non-toxic, and non-ionic, and hence environmentally benign.

Abstract: A water saving device for use with domestic hot water systems of the noncirculating storage tank heater type uses a hydraulic motor to drive a water pump to pump water from the hot water pipe to a cold water pipe. Pumping begins when a hot water tap connected to the device is turned on and the water in the hot water pipe is cold. Pumping continues until a temperature sensing element senses that hot water has reached the water saving device and actuates a valve. When hot water is present at the device, the valve permits the hot water to pass directly to the tap instead of driving the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A therapeutic medical device is described that is comprised of a dried hydrogel of a hydrophilic-hygroscopic polymer, such as an unmodified or modified polymeric carbohydrate, in the form of a solid foam. The dried hydrogel is prepared by preferably freeze-drying a hydrogel of this polymer in a liquid medium, such as water. The dried hydrogel can be sterilized by radiation or other means so that the sterilized product has a relatively indefinite shelf-life without refrigeration. The resultant dried hydrogel can be transformed into a hydrogel upon absorption of addition liquid medium. The described therapeutic device can serve as a dressing for a wound or lesion, drug delivery system, a hemostatic agent and a biologic response modifier. The described therapeutic device enhances the wound healing rate.

Abstract: This invention is directed to improved syringes and protected needle accessories for use in injecting or withdrawing fluids as well as catheter placement use. Needles are encapsulated for proper disposal after use is complete. Accessories include syringes, catheters, filters, guide wires, dental cartridge-needle combinations and medication-laden syringes, blood drawing needles, holders and biopsy needles. Devices help combat drug abuse and disease transmission by safely isolating the needle point. Containment shells, caps, case accessories, and self-annulling plugs are provided to protect the user and innocent bystander from needle and contaminating fluids. Superior sealing means are disclosed and a tactile securing means to fasten a needle or cap to a threaded hub or collar. Standard parts are used where possible. Self-aspirating capability is provided in some cases.

Abstract: An improved hitch for connecting a trailer to the rear axle of a towing vehicle includes an elongated resilient steel drawbar having opposite end sections, an intermediate section offset from at least one of the opposite end sections and an inclined bend section integrally connecting the intermediate section to the at least one opposite end section. The drawbar is solid and rectangular in cross section. A clamp rigidly and removably clamps one end of the drawbar to the tongue of a trailer with the greatest cross sectional dimension of the drawbar substantially horizontal and with the lesser cross sectional dimension substantially vertical. A pivotal support for the other end of the drawbar is mounted on the rear axle of the towing vehicle with a pivot pin extending vertically through the drawbar behind and adjacent to the center of the axle.

Abstract: A catheter for medical or veterinary use is provided which is especially adapted for gentle and pristine introduction into a body cavity or vasculature. The catheter includes an outer and inner tube with a cylindrical membrane connecting distal ends of the two tubes. A fluid may be introduced into an annular space between the tubes to inflate the membrane, which may have a variable thickness to inflate into various configurations within the body cavity. The catheter may be advantageously provided with a guide wire for directing the catheter during insertion into the body cavity by diverting the distal end of the outer tube. The invention hereof also includes a method of using the catheter including the steps of inserting, directing and locating the catheter, extending inner tube beyond the outer tube, isolating the body cavity or vessel and then withdrawing the catheter from the body cavity or vessel.

Abstract: A hydopermic needle apparatus includes a barrel having an internal chamber, a plunger mounted in said chamber and adapted to be movable both axially and rotatably within the chamber, and a needle mechanism. The barrel includes a collar at a tip thereof having an internal bore and having first and second threaded connector fittings separated by a stop within the bore. The plunger has, at one end theroef, a hub extending outwardly toward the needle mechanism. The needle mechanism includes a base with a needle extending therefrom and having an internal cavity that opens opposite the needle. The base also includes a third connector fitting adapted to mate with either of the first or second fittings within the collar.

Abstract: A container adapted to contain a number of ingredients separated until intermixture thereof is desired, consisting of a bottle having a plurality of sections each adapted to carry one of the ingredients, successive pairs of sections being separated by partitions each carrying a normally closed valve which when opened establishes communication between the associated bottle sections. The valves are individually operable manually, so that if three or more materials are to be intermixed, the order of intermixture may be controlled, and also may be closely regulated as to the degree of opening, whereby to control the rate on intermixture. A lock is also provided to prevent accidental opening of any of the valves until intermixture is desired.

Abstract: A container for facilitating the manufacture, handling, shipping and storage of products to be produced by the intermixture of a plurality of ingredients, the intermixture of which for various reasons should not be performed until a time just prior to the application of other end usage thereof. The container is provided with internal partitions dividing its interior into a plurality of compartments, in each of which one of the product ingredients is initially stored for shipping and handling. The compartments are sealed from each other to prevent premature intermixture of the ingredients. Opening of the container in a prescribed manner removes the partitions to permit intermixture of the ingredients at the desired time, that is just prior to actual usage.

Abstract: A catheter adapted to be introduced into a body cavity, such as a bronchial tube or lung, and a method of using the catheter. The catheter consists of inner and outer concentric tubes having a reflected cylindrical membrane attached adjacent their distal ends. Pressurized fluid may be introduced through the perfusate passage running between the tubes and thus between the walls of the reflected membrane in order to provide relative rigidity for the membrane and to seal the reflected end of the membrane, thereby creating a closed pristine chamber, defined by the walls of the reflected membrane about the end of the inner tube. A cage composed of balls mounted on resilient pins may be disposed within the reflected membrane to aid the reflection of the membrane. A portion of the reflected membrane may be perforate.

Abstract: A filtration system, especially for use in aquaria has a lower or first chamber, a middle or second chamber and an upper or third chamber with an interconnecting valve to provide fluid communication therebetween. A microfilter is disposed between the first and second chambers. The upper or third chamber may be divided into two separate parts; one of which parts forms a gravel filter, and the other of which parts forms a pump conduit between the valve and an outlet of the system for connection to a suction pump. Alternatively, a separate pump conduit may be used.