Abstract: An automatic washing device includes a plurality of fluidic oscillators arranged on the periphery of a rotating drum. The fluidic oscillators emit a pulsatile stream of fluid at a predetermined angle through a slit that is perpendicular or at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the oscillator. The automatic washing device can remove microorganisms from the pliant epidermal surface of a human hand that comprises brushlessly scrubbing the pliant epidermal surface of the human hand with a plurality of cleansing fluids.

Abstract: An automatic washing device includes a plurality of fluidic oscillators arranged on the periphery of a rotating drum. The fluidic oscillators emit a pulsatile stream of fluid at a predetermined angle through a slit that is perpendicular or at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the oscillator. The automatic washing device can remove microorganisms from the pliant epidermal surface of a human hand that comprises brushlessly scrubbing the pliant epidermal surface of the human hand with a plurality of cleansing fluids.

Abstract: The invention is a solid state microanemometer and a method of making thereof. Specifically, the invention relates to a microanemometer including an electrically conductive resistor in the form of a semiconductor wafer doped with an impurity having an upper surface, a lower surface having a peripheral edge; a substrate bonded to the semiconductor wafer having an upper surface, a cavity having a peripheral edge and a peripheral margin defined on the upper surface and bounded by the peripheral edge of the cavity wherein the lower surface of the semiconductor wafer rests on and is supported by at least part of the peripheral edge of the cavity such that the semiconductor wafer is over the cavity; and a means for electrically connecting the resistor to a current source. The microanemometer also includes a plurality of metal conductors in contact with the resistor.

Abstract: A spacer used with aerosol inhalers designed to lower plume force to comfortable levels and to be compact in size in order to conveniently fit in a pocket or purse as part of a drug delivery/actuator system with the geometry and material of the spacer have been selected to provide easy attachment to inhalers, to minimize drug retention, and to provide efficient dose delivery.

Abstract: A light, self-contained, hand held, ultrasonic surgical scalpel having a housing, an ultrasonic power source within the housing, to which ultrasonic vibrations are provided to a blade to which result in cutting features by lateral motion as well as by reciprocating motion imparted to the blades with said cutting action being adjustable.

Abstract: A light, self-contained, hand held, ultrasonic surgical scalpel having a housing, an ultrasonic power source within the housing, to which ultrasonic vibrations are provided to a blade to which result in cutting features by lateral motion as well as by reciprocating motion imparted to the blades with said cutting action being adjustable.

Abstract: A spacer used with aerosol inhalers designed to lower plume force to comfortable levels and to be compact in size in order to conveniently fit in a pocket or purse as part of a drug delivery/actuator system with the geometry and material of the spacer have been selected to provide easy attachment to inhalers, to minimize drug retention, and to provide efficient dose delivery.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler pump for delivering a metered dose of an active compound from an active compound inlet through a spray outlet without the need of a pressurized active compound container. Reciprocating action of an inlet valve, an outlet valve and a plunger alternately draw a metered dose of the active compound from an active compound container into an active compound chamber and pressurize the drawn metered dose of the active compound to eject the metered dose through the spray outlet. The plunger substantially fills and evacuates the metered dose chamber, leaving no void head space therein.

Abstract: A process for cleansing microorganisms from the pliant epidermal surface of a human hand which comprises brushlessly scrubbing the pliant epidermal surface of the human hand with a plurality of cleansing fluids. The cleansing fluids are oscillating sprays which are sprayed onto the epidermal surface at a frequency of 20-80 HZ and at a temperature of 40-50° C. thereby removing microorganisms present on the pliant epidermal surface.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler including a mechanism for agitating the medicament formulation prior to its separation in a measured dose, for administration to a mammal, including a human. The separated dose is a homogeneous mixture of prescribed medicine in a fluid carrier.

Abstract: Fluidic oscillators are used to apply pulsatile sweeping streams of a liquid, preferably a cleansing solution, to selected areas of epidermis in a manner consistent with the resonant characteristics of the epidermis. The device thereby cleanses the skin, pores, and folds of microorganisms.

Abstract: A domestic water valve assembly protects against water leaks by closing a valve if a leak is detected. A leak is detected when a water flow rate falls below a predetermined low flow rate for a length of time longer than a predetermined time-out period or when the water flow rate exceeds a predetermined high flow rate. The predetermined high flow rate, low flow rate, and time-out period may be changed by an operator. When a leak is detected, a control system activates an electric motor to close a valve, the valve remaining closed until reset by the operator.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a device for indicating the number of fluid dispensations remaining in a container for holding and dispensing metered quantities of the fluid. The device is a hermetically-sealed unit which is assembled with the dispenser portion or component of the container and includes microprocessor means for maintaining an inventory of the doses or dispensations remaining of a predetermined number of dispensations. Indicator means signals when the predetermined number of dispensations reaches a level before empty.

Abstract: A cover has been designed to make a sealed chamber over a desired specimen area to control reagent evaporation which is critical for amplifying DNA in slide specimens. The cover is positioned over the specimen and temporarily adhered to, or pushed against, the slide, forming a sealed chamber. Reagents are added through a channel in the cover with a standard pipette and the channel opening is closed to prevent evaporative loss of reagents. The chamber is also designed to relieve internal vapor pressure, which is creating upon heating, thereby facilitating diffusion in and out of cells rather than allowing high pressure to flatten cells against the slide surface. Increasing the height of the chamber upwards toward a neck in the cover allows air bubbles being formed during each cycle to leave the specimen area, while at the same time preventing water vapor loss or partitioning of water vapor condensate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing automated sample preparation, DNA amplification and detection, which apparatus has heat-sinking, flat carriers for holding specimens and reagents, devices for heating and cooling and maintaining the specimen to or at any given temperature for any given time periods, and a computer to generate signals that control said temperatures and times.

Abstract: A dipstick locator device is mounted inside the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, and more particularly to the dipstick assembly. The device includes a light source which is activated at least when the hood is lifted to enable a person to locate the dipstick even under poor lighting conditions.

Abstract: A device for sensing the presence of and measuring the concentration of a specific non-aqueous particle or gas material in an environment, the device comprising an interdigitated capacitor having at least a pair of selected covering layers thereupon, said pair of layers comprising a first passive electrically insulative layer and a second material layer having a spacial relationship to said first layer, said second layer selectively permeable to the specific material to be sensed and measured; said second coating, when juxtaposed said first coating, selectively permitting permeability of the particular material sought to be sensed and measured, and when spaced apart, permitting passage through of the specific material in order that the material may migrate to the proximity of the first coating and thereby be sensed and measured.

Abstract: An intravenous fluid warmer includes an electrically heated warmer module receiving a low volume (10 ml.) disposable cartridge through which the fluid being heated flows. The module is configured as two spaced concentric elongated metallic heating elements having attached electric heaters and defining therebetween an elongated plenum adapted to receive the disposable cartridge. The temperature of the heating elements is individually monitored by separate sensors and an electronic temperature control module maintains the inner heating element at a slightly higher temperature (36.degree. C.) than the temperature (34.degree. C.) at which the outer heating element is maintained. The inner heating element is free floating through a limited range to accommodate manufacturing differences is the disposable cartridge. The cartridge, made of polystyrene or polycarbonate plastic, nests in the plenum in contact with the heating elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing automated sample preparation, DNA amplification and detection, which apparatus has heat-sinking, flat carriers for holding specimens and reagents, devices for heating and cooling and maintaining the specimen to or at any given temperature for any given time periods, and a computer to generate signals that control said temperatures and times.