Abstract: Methods and apparatus are set forth for preparing and delivering bone cement formed by combining a powdered polymer component and a liquid monomer component. The powdered polymer component is stored in an evacuated mixing chamber. The liquid monomer component, according to one specific aspect of the invention, is introduced into the mixing chamber by a control mechanism which causes the stored powder to be "substantially wet", i.e., all of the powdered polymer component is wet to at least some degree and is otherwise devoid of powder pockets. The control mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, stages the release of the liquid monomer into the vacuum packed powder chamber, under the effect of the vacuum, in a timed sequence using a plurality of monomer distribution channels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are set forth for preparing and delivering bone cement from a powdered polymer component and a liquid monomer component by simultaneously injecting the powdered and liquid components, stored in separate component chambers, into an evacuated mixing chamber under the effect of the vacuum; by uniformly mixing the components in the mixing chamber (to thoroughly wet the powder); and by delivering the cement formed by the polymerization process, as needed in an operative setting, utilizing a single ready to use device. The uniform mix is achieved by simultaneously subjecting the contents of the component chambers to the effects of the mixing chamber's vacuum via separate one way nozzles, interconnecting the component chambers to the mixing chamber, which cause the powder to be broadcast and liquid to be sprayed into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are set forth for preparing and delivering bone cement from a powdered polymer component and a liquid monomer component by simultaneously injecting the powdered and liquid components, stored in separate component chambers, into an evacuated mixing chamber under the effect of the vacuum; by uniformly mixing the components in the mixing chamber (to thoroughly wet the powder); and by delivering the cement formed by the polymerization process, as needed in an operative setting, utilizing a single ready to use device. The uniform mix is achieved by simultaneously subjecting the contents of the component chambers to the effects of the mixing chamber's vacuum via separate one way nozzles, interconnecting the component chambers to the mixing chamber, which cause the powder to be broadcast and liquid to be sprayed into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An interactive seating device such as a stool or chair which makes it possible for an individual to sit down without having to lower himself to do so, the seated individual being thereafter assisted in getting up from the seat. The device includes an articulated seat whose front segment is hinged to a rear segment and is so linked thereto that in a perching mode in which the rear segment is at an elevated level and the front segment is folded down, an individual can then perch on the rear segment without having to lower himself. The rear segment is mounted on a depressible spring mechanism supported on a stand that normally raises the seat to the perching mode level. When the individual perches on the rear segment, the resultant load imposed thereon depresses and thereby energizes the spring mechanism, causing the seat to sink to a sitting mode level at which the front segment is outstretched to fully support the seated individual.

Abstract: A scooping and packaging assembly adapted to scoop up and package poop deposited on a surface by a pet animal on a surface so that one may then dispose of the poop. The assembly consists of a loop provided with a handle, a hand-held wand and a rectangular plastic-film bag whose dimensions are such that when the loop and wand are inserted into the bag through its open end, they are separated from each other to an extent permitting manipulation of the wand relative to the loop. In operating the assembly, the user, who in one hand grasps the handle of the loop, and in the other grasps the wand while holding onto the open end of the bag, advances the closed end of the bag along the surface toward the poop and manipulates the wand to push the poop onto the outside of the bag in the region within the confines of the loop, the poop depressing the region to form a pocket depending from the loop.

Abstract: A nasal pack inserter apparatus having a barrel member with a throughgoing lumen providing an inlet and an outlet for a plunger reciprocally mounted therein. The barrel member defines rib means projecting into the throughgoing lumen defining a track for the plunger which is configured to fit in the track when inserted into the lumen. The plunger member has a thumb piece on one end and a pusher tip on the other end to transport a nasal pack provided with a withdrawal thread through the lumen into a nasal cavity. The withdrawal thread of the nasal pack is positioned within a channel formed in the plunger body to prevent fouling of the same within the barrel lumen.

Abstract: A device for supporting a person while standing or walking or sitting having a frame and a seat assembly. The frame supports the person while walking or standing while the seat assembly allows him to sit. The seat assembly is slidably attached to the frame between a raised position and a lowered position. The seat assembly is spring biased towards the raised position. The seat assembly moves from the raised position to the lowered position when the person sits down. The action of the spring biasing assists the person up as the person stands from the seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a main seat portion and a pivotal seat portion. The pivotal seat portion is collapsible from a supportive position where both seat portions provide support to the person and a stowed position where at least the collapsible portion of the seat is tucked away from the person while the person is walking.

Abstract: A water purification system has a longitudinal ultraviolet tube, an arrangement of helically-wound coils surrounding the tube and a filter. Water is exposed to ultraviolet energy before and after flowing through the filter. The filter, ultraviolet tube and helically wound coils are all arranged within a unitary housing adapted for kitchen countertop, sink backsplash or under wall cabinet mounting. The system is capable of operatng directly from a kitchen sink faucet. Connecting elements for the coils are specially designed to be leak-proof. A closed, reflective chamber surrounds the ultraviolet arrangement.

Abstract: A cervical and head support pillow having an outer pillow covering with a top half and a bottom half. Inserted in the top half is a contoured foam core which provides cervical and head support to a user when the user is in a supine or a side-lying position. Two cervical rolls of different convexities are in the foam core and provide varying cervical support. The pillow also has foam inserts for insertion in the bottom half of the outer pillow covering. The inserts adjust the height of the pillow and also offer the user the feeling of less or more support for the head. One of the inserts has a v-shaped depression. The user aligns the "v" in the depression with the desired cervical roll for maximum comfort. After the user inserts the desired insert pieces, the top half of the outer covering is folded over the bottom half of the covering and the pillow is closed by means of a zipper.

Abstract: A desktop computer terminal having a keyboard in which an operator can enter data and an electronic display module for presenting data entered into and received by the terminal. The module casing is defined by a semi-cylindrical trough covered by a panel on which the display is mounted, the module being nested in a complementary cradle defined by a concavity in the housing of the terminal adjacent the planar face of the keyboard. The module is shiftable from a zero position in which its panel is coplanar with the face of the keyboard, at which position the module is fully nested in the cradle, to an angled position at which the panel is more or less inclined with respect to the keyboard face and the module is then partially nested in the cradle. Means are provided to maintain the display module at that angle which affords optimum visibility.

Abstract: A ratchet-type dispenser for dental materials is disclosed. The ratchet is activated by a drive pawl and is prevented from returning by a detent pawl. The drive pawl and detent pawl are activated by the same lever arm.