Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying reference or grid markings to wallboard during the manufacturing process is disclosed. Reference or grid markings are applied to one sheet of cover paper at a location between the originating cover paper rolls and the cover paper creaser or creasers. This is accomplished by locating and aligning multiple print heads across the width of the continuously passing cover paper, such that markings are ejected onto the cover paper in a specific and coordinated fashion. In addition to using any suitable commercially-available computer equipment to coordinate printer head activity, this function is accomplished by attaching each print head to a common horizontal support element and provide individual adjustments that are perpendicular to, and with the directional flow of the passing cover paper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying reference or grid markings to wallboard during the manufacturing process is disclosed. Reference or grid markings are applied to one sheet of cover paper at a location between the originating cover paper rolls and the cover paper creaser or creasers. This is accomplished by locating and aligning multiple print heads across the width of the continuously passing cover paper, such that markings are ejected onto the cover paper in a specific and coordinated fashion. In addition to using any suitable commercially-available computer equipment to coordinate printer head activity, this function is accomplished by attaching each print head to a common horizontal support element and provide individual adjustments that are perpendicular to, and with the directional flow of the passing cover paper.

Abstract: A method for the measurement of cardiac output in a patient in which the arterial blood pressure waveform of a patient from a blood pressure monitoring device over a period of time is subjected to various transformations and corrections, including a Fourier analysis in order to obtain the modulus of the first harmonic. The nominal stroke volume is then determined from the first harmonic and data relating to the arterial blood pressure and heart rate. The nominal cardiac output is then obtained from the nominal stroke volume.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a signal representing a physical parameter to obtain information from said signal and to extrapolate information contained in said signal and/or to ignore an interfering component in part of said signal, said signal representing either only a first portion of a skew distribution, or a first portion of a skew distribution and a second portion containing an interfering component, in which the area of a skew distribution, preferably a lognormal distribution is measured. The method is particularly applicable to the measurement of cardiac output. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the measurement of cardiac output in a patient in which the arterial blood pressure waveform of a patient from a blood pressure monitoring device over a period of time is subjected to various transformations and corrections, including autocorrelation, whereby the pulsatility and heart rate of the patient are obtained. The nominal stroke volume is then calculated from the pulsatility and the nominal caridac output obtained by multiplying the stroke volume by the heart rate.

Abstract: A mounting for a colorimeter enables it to make measurements of light emanating from a color monitor screen without affecting the colors produced by the screen or allowing the entry of ambient light which can affect measurements by the calorimeter. Pressure applied against a screen, especially of an LCD color monitor, can cause changes in the color of the light emanating from the screen. The mounting apparatus conforms to the screen, and seals the screen against ambient light entering into the calorimeter, while limiting the pressure against the screen. The apparatus is provided by a plate of compliant material, having an opening to which the calorimeter is attached. The surface of the plate, is disposed against the screen of the monitor. Since the pad is compliant, it seals the colorimeter from entry thereinto of ambient light. A strap can be expanded, and holds the pad on the monitor and against the screen. The strap is attached to the plate, and is placed around the back of the monitor.

Abstract: A manually activated seat belt device comprising: a latch plate (20) and cooperating buckle (100).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in depositing and staining cytological material on a microscope slide has an elongated hollow tube, a base member, at least one flange, and a base plate. The base member is attached to the bottom end of the tube and projects outwardly from the tube perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube. At least one flange is connected to the base member and outwardly-extends from the base member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The base member has a recessed area configured to receive the microscope slide, and slots configured and dimensioned to receive the flange. A passage in the base plate extends from each slot to releasably secure the respective flange when the tube is rotated. As designed, this apparatus advantageously allows individual staining of a slide, thereby preventing false-positive results due to floater cells which can translocate between slides in a common bath.

Abstract: A device for disaggregating cytological material includes a cylindrical body and a plurality of shear plates at least one of which is located at the bottom end of the cylindrical body. The shear plates have a plurality of holes or slots formed therein which disaggregate the cellular sample and permit the passage of single cells and small cell clusters into a chamber defined by the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A process for producing a monolayer of cytological material on an optically-clear, cationically-charged substrate, includes the steps of separating the cytological material by centrifugation over a density gradient, producing a packed pellet of the cytological material, mixing the pellet of the cytological material, withdrawing an aliquot of a predetermined volume of the material from the mixed pellet of the cytological material, depositing the aliquot and a predetermined volume of water into a sedimentation vessel, which is removably secured to the substrate, allowing the cytological material to settle onto the substrate under the force of gravity, and after settlement of the cytological material, removing the water from the sedimentation vessel.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis stapling operation is provided. The surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly mounted by a curved shaft to an actuator handle assembly and incorporates an improved actuator mechanism for transmitting the required operating forces and movements from the actuator handle assembly through the curved shaft to an anvil and staple driver of the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly includes a longitudinally movable trocar detachably secured by one or more retainer clips on a hollow shaft of the anvil. When the trocar is retracted, the anvil shaft slides into a central support tube which aligns the anvil axially and circumferentially with a staple holder on the stapling head assembly. The retainer clips are locked against the trocar by the support tube and transmit tension from the trocar to the anvil with no tension load on the anvil shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis stapling operation is provided. The surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly mounted by a curved shaft to an actuator handle assembly and incorporates an improved actuator mechanism for transmitting the required operating forces and movements from the actuator handle assembly through the curved shaft to an anvil and staple driver of the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly includes a longitudinally movable trocar detachably secured by one or more retainer clips on a hollow shaft of the anvil. When the trocar is retracted, the anvil shaft slides into a central support tube which aligns the anvil axially and circumferentially with a staple holder on the stapling head assembly. The retainer clips are locked against the trocar by the support tube and transmit tension from the trocar to the anvil with no tension load on the anvil shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis stapling operation is provided. The surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly mounted by a curved shaft to an actuator handle assembly and incorporates an improved actuator mechanism for transmitting the required operating forces and movements from the actuator handle assembly through the curved shaft to an anvil and staple driver of the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly includes a longitudinally movable trocar detachably secured by one or more retainer clips on a hollow shaft of the anvil. When the trocar is retracted, the anvil shaft slides into a central support tube which aligns the anvil axially and circumferentially with a staple holder on the stapling head assembly. The retainer clips are locked against the trocar by the support tube and transmit tension from the trocar to the anvil with no tension load on the anvil shaft.

Abstract: A microtiter plate containing a plurality of reaction wells for conducting immunogenic reactions the bottom wall of the reaction well has an inner surface which is substantially hydrophilic, and the side wall of the reaction well has an inner surface which is substantially hydrophobic and a process for producing said trays.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis stapling operation is provided. The surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly mounted by a curved shaft to an actuator handle assembly and incorporates an improved actuator mechanism for transmitting the required operating forces and movements from the actuator handle assembly through the curved shaft to an anvil and staple driver of the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly includes a longitudinally movable trocar detachably secured by one or more retainer clips on a hollow shaft of the anvil. When the trocar is retracted, the anvil shaft slides into a central support tube which aligns the anvil axially and circumferentially with a staple holder on the stapling head assembly. The retainer clips are locked against the trocar by the support tube and transmit tension from the trocar to the anvil with no tension load on the anvil shaft.

Abstract: A microtiter plate containing a plurality of reaction wells for conducting immunogenic reactions wherein the bottom wall of the reaction well has an inner surface which is substantially hydrophilic, and the side wall of the reaction well has an inner surface which is substantially hydrophobic and a process for producing said trays.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is provided which employs a highly pressurized gas as its source of energy. The highly pressurized gas is conducted to means for indicating the presence of the pressurized gas and to a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator controllably develops gas pressurized to a desired operating pressure. The pressure regulator supplies gas at a fixed or variable pressure to a tissue clamping mechanism and to the trigger mechanism of the instrument. In response to actuation of the trigger mechanism gas at the desired stapling pressure is supplied to a stapling mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, pressurized gas is maintained at the stapling mechanism until the trigger mechanism is reset for a subsequent stapling procedure.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is provided having safety and sequencing features to mandate proper operation of the instrument during surgical clamping and stapling of tissue. The instrument is powered by pressurized gas, and includes a manual control for supplying gas to a clamping mechanism in the stapler head and a trigger for actuating a stapling mechanism therein. The instrument prevents actuation of the trigger until the tissue has been clamped. The trigger may not be actuated to implant staples until a trigger safety has been actuated. Following actuation of the stapling mechanism, the instrument is either automatically reset to its initial condition, or may require manual control by the user to restore the clamping and stapling mechanisms to their initial conditions. The instrument affords correct sequencing of operation and prevents inadvertent stapling.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for road and other vehicles, of belt form. The belt is essentially tubular but is normally in a collapsed condition, and is provided with resilient means which on operation of the belt cause the belt to expand in volume and to be filled with air through a one-way valve. The belt can be held in the collapsed condition by vacuum.