Abstract: A vein locator for locating a vein of a patient for insertion of a venous access catheter. The locator comprises a sleeve partially encompassing the vein to be located, and a ring removably attached to the sleeve. The ring has protuberances around an opening wherein the protuberances can be felt through the skin of the patient to locate the vein. The opening surrounded by the protuberances defines the vein location for insertion of the catheter. The method of locating a vein and the method of inserting a venous access catheter is also contemplated by the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved pillow block characterized by a cast body containing a main bore for housing an antifriction bearing and cast bolt-receiving slots for mounting same and for attaching endplates thereto that do away with the need for drilled and tapped holes. The endplates are cut from common sheet materials and gang-drilled to provide the apertures that accept the bolts used to assemble same onto the opposite faces of the body with an O-ring therebetween to establish a fluid-tight seal. In like manner, a hole cutter is used to cut rather than drill a central hole for passing the rotating element to be journalled in the bearing.

Abstract: An improved basket assembly and method of making same of the type designed for use in a sugar centrifuge that includes an annular mounting flange containing an upwardly-flared frustoconical seat and an open-bottomed conical element adapted to mate in assembled relation with the aforementioned frustoconical flange seat. The apparatus is characterized by shaping the opposed surfaces at the lower end of the cone and base of the seat so as to cooperate with one another in assembled relation to define an upwardly-opening and inwardly-flared continuous annular groove for the reception of a weld. The apparatus also includes a circumferentially-spaced series of apertures in the wall of the cone opening onto the conical surface of the seat when assembled to receive a corresponding number of plug welds.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electroplating electrode characterized by a drum having a longitudinally-extending groove therein that constitutes the groove of a first tongue and groove connector, the tongue of which comprises a second tongue and groove connector adapted for insertion into the groove of the first.

Abstract: A fluid control valve having a pair of blades arranged one above the other in superimposed relation for relative movement in parallel planes, each of said blades including means having a generally concave edge, and said concave edges when arranged in opposed overlapped relation cooperating with one another to define an opening whose size varies with the degree of overlap. Simultaneous movement of both blades is such that the edges of the openings therein move either toward or away from one another to vary the size of the opening without appreciably displacing the center thereof. A suitable reciprocating actuator serves as the means for simultaneously actuating both blades, one of said blades being directly connected thereto while the other is operatively associated with the blade so-connected by a rigid link.

Abstract: An air and massecuite warming device comprising a pair of nested, concentric frusto-conical tubular members positioned above a massecuite separating centrifuge in which steam is directed into the chamber formed between the nested members. The steam is discharged from the inner member by a plurality of nozzles located in the conical wall of the inner member forming a vortex. Before contacting the massecuite, the steam mixes with the air drawn through the centrifuge, raising the air temperature. This warm air reduces the massecuite viscosity by increasing the temperature of the massecuite and the temperature of the centrifuge elements contacting the massecuite thereby increasing the centrifuge separation capacity and improving the purity of the sugar produced.