Abstract: Cooling water is circulated through the heating water jacket of a gas sterilizer during the initial gas pressurization phase to reduce the temperature rise within the sterilization chamber caused by the heat of compression of the gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing materials and/or equipment by exposure to a biocidal gas. The apparatus is designed to be used with an exhaust vent system. A sensor is provided in the exhaust vent system for determining flow of gas therethrough. The sensor provides a signal to the control unit of the sterilizer so as to control the operational status of the sterilizing apparatus when a flow of gas in the exhaust vent system is stopped.

Abstract: A prophylactic device designed to isolate completely those portions of the body most susceptible to the introduction of infected bodily fluids of another into the bloodstream. The device includes a body portion fitting the wearer like a garment, extending from the vicinity of the navel downward to extend onto the thighs. A trap portion, either integral with or fixed to the body portion, covers the perineum of the wearer. The latter portion is formed of a highly expandable material and fitted loosely. The trap portion can respond to pressure from within or without to extend outwardly or inwardly to maintain an impermeable barrier between a penetrating member and the interior of a target orifice.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, an improved mechanism for adjusting the rotational axis of the crankshaft to vary the engine compression ratio. The crankshaft is supported at spaced points therealong in circular disks that are swivably adjustable about their central axes. The crankshaft rotational axis is eccentric to the disk axis, whereby disk adjustment moves the crankshaft axis in a direction to vary the engine compression ratio.

Abstract: A closed passage system surrounding an engine cylinder for cooling purposes. Fins extend longitudinally along the various passage sections to promote heat transfer into the air flowing through the passage. Fin density varies according to the heat load. Near the upper end of the combustion chamber, a large fin density is used; near the lower end of the chamber a lesser fin density is employed. An effort is made to continuously guide the coolant air for efficient heat removal action.

Abstract: Mechanism for cooling individual cylinders of an engine, using low pressure air bled from an engine supercharger. Special passage structures are provided to guide and confine the air during its passage across external surfaces of the engine cylinders. After performance of its coolant function, the air may be passed into the supercharger outlet passage. The mechanism is especially useful for cooling engines in armored military vehicles in that a minimum number of air openings are formed in the armored hull structure; engine cooling is achieved without sacrificing the integrity of the armor envelope.

Abstract: An engine supercharger is modified to include an auxiliary turbine downstream from the main turbine wheel. The main shaft of the supercharger is tubular (hollow) to accommodate a second shaft. The opposite ends of the second shaft are suitably connected to the auxiliary turbine and an auxiliary fan that is located upstream from the main compressor wheel within the supercharger. An air-collection chamber of scroll-like configuration is arranged between the auxiliary fan and compressor wheel to receive air discharged from outer tip areas of the fan blades.

Abstract: The disclosure illustrates an insulated composite piston comprising a crown of ceramic or other heat resistant material secured to an aluminum piston body by a bolt of temperature resistant alloy. A low conductivity interface between the crown and the body is provided by a series of stacked discs having low effective thermal conductivity. The relative thermal expansion of the parts is compensated for by bellville washers on the bolt. The above arrangement insulates the crown from the piston body thereby minimizing the temperature gradient across the crown so that its temperature can be maintained as high as necessary to increase efficiency and minimize noxious emissions.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic device for a prosthesis between metatarsal and phalangeal bones comprising proximal and distal components which are engageable with each other. The proximal component has a convex, part-spherical bearing surface and a stem projecting from this surface for securing the proximal component into the end of the first metatarsal. The distal component has a concave, part-spherical bearing surface and a stem projecting from this surface for securing the distal component into the end of the phalanx adjacent to the first metatarsal. The engagement of the two components forms a less-than-hemispherical articulation.