Abstract: A method for assessing the solderability of metals by spectroscopy is provided. The method includes illuminating the sample and collecting and analyzing the spectral characteristics of the sample. Specifically, the present invention effectively solves the problem of evaluating the solderability of preservative coated metals. An apparatus and software are also provided which are in particular useful to assess the solderability of preservative coated metals.

Abstract: A device is provided to retain the tongue in a normal or extended position without undue discomfort for an extended period of time by holding the tongue securely in a housing by means of vacuum created within the device. The housing may then be positioned by holding it with the fingers or, in another embodiment, by an integral flange which rests against the face and permits self-application. The device uses a housing that is designed to form a seal with the tongue at its proximal portion, and diverging walls within the housing to limit other areas of contact with the tongue. The device also preferably uses an opening that is arcuate shaped and includes a soft conformable extension portion. Certain embodiments of the device disclosed are particularly adapted to control snoring by preventing the tongue from blocking the airway. Embodiments using a separate tongue receiver connected to a remote control unit that may include a vacuum supply are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an angiographic catheter package consisting of a sterilizable envelope pouch, an elongate tray and a catheter tip restraint which releasably retains the catheter tip therein in the desired performed shape. The tip restraint securely holds the catheter tip in the desired shape during sterilization and storage of the catheter and yet readily releases the catheter tip from the tip restraint when the user desires to remove the catheter from the sterile package.

Abstract: An improved non-whip angiographic catheter has a preselected number of openings of preselected size, location and orientation along the straight portion of the catheter near the distal tip so as to distribute the force of the high-pressure dye injection jets while maintaining the non-whip characteristic. At least one opening in the catheter long portion is provided facing the open end of the tip portion so that the dye trajectories from the catheter tip opening and the catheter long portion opening are generally coplanar and perpendicular so as to interfere with each other for improved dye dispersion. At least two reaction openings of predetermined size are provided on the opposite side of the catheter long portion at preselected locations, the dye trajectories of these three reaction openings also being generally coplanar with the trajectories of the first opening and the open end of the catheter tip.