Abstract: A liquid storage container also having liquid measuring and dispensing capabilities includes: (a) a two-part, rotatable, threaded rod mounted on the container's longitudinal axis, (b) a disc diaphragm that cooperates with the rotation of the threaded rod to move the disc to a height in the container such that the volume of liquid beneath it is that which is to be dispensed, and (c) a coronal plane post which is slidably mounted to move up and down between the rod's two parts and by such action allows the liquid below the diaphragm to be dispensed from an orifice in the bottom of the container while air from the environment surrounding the bottom of the container is allowed to flow up a passageway in the coronal post and into a region of the container that above the level of the liquid in the container.

Abstract: A mattress has a sensor pad affixed on a top surface thereof. The sensor pad has (i) a matrix array of plural pressure sensors, (ii) plural row conductors, and (iii) plural column conductors. Each intersecting row and column conductor provides an electrical signal from a corresponding sensor when pressure is applied thereto. The sensor pad has plural through-holes therein disposed between the plural row conductors the plural column conductors, respectively. Preferably, at least one patient-mounted physiological sensor is configured to provide an output signal corresponding to a patient physiological parameter. An electronic unit is mounted inside the mattress and is configured to receive signals from the sensor pad. The electronic unit has a data storage unit preferably storing (i) patient identification information, (ii) patient physiological information, and (iii) mattress information.

Abstract: A mattress has a sensor pad affixed on a top surface thereof. The sensor pad has (i) a matrix array of plural pressure sensors, (ii) plural row conductors, and (iii) plural column conductors. Each intersecting row and column conductor provides an electrical signal from a corresponding sensor when pressure is applied thereto. The sensor pad has plural through-holes therein disposed between the plural row conductors the plural column conductors, respectively. Preferably, at least one patient-mounted physiological sensor is configured to provide an output signal corresponding to a patient physiological parameter. An electronic unit is mounted inside the mattress and is configured to receive signals from the sensor pad. The electronic unit has a data storage unit preferably storing (i) patient identification information, (ii) patient physiological information, and (iii) mattress information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) comprising an assembling piece (3) provided with a hole (4), and a fixing element (5) having a shank (6) as well as head (7). The device (1) has a locking screw (8a) of the head (7), characterized in that the hole (4) is shaped for producing a stop (9) for the head and for enabling the head (7), when it rests against the stop (9), to be displaced inside the hole (4) in the plane of the cross-section of the hole (4), the hole (4) having an inside thread in which the locking screw (8A) is to be screwed so that the locking screw (8A) rests against the head (7) and thus presses the latter against the stop (9). The invention also relates to fixing devices, in particular, surgical implants.

Abstract: An expandable penetrating needle of substantially conical shape when in an unexpanded state. The expandable penetrating needle has a needle shaft with a preferably sharp point at a first end, and a base at a second end. The base is adapted for attachment to a substantially hollow hub. The needle shaft is divided into separable segments. An additional device may be inserted through the hub and into the needle shaft. As the additional device is passed through the needle shaft, the segments thereof are caused to progressively separate, thereby causing a gradual expansion of an initial entryway produced by insertion of the point of the needle shaft into a material to be penetrated. The expandable penetrating needle may be used for medical as well as non-medical purposes.