Abstract: An inserter for low density tampons adapted to provide sufficient internal rigidity to the tampon to permit insertion, and to radially or laterally spread the tampon after insertion. The inserter has two telescopically associated tubular members. The outer member has an internal central shaft over which the tampon is draped and which provides the insertion end of the tampon with its necessary rigidity while also serving as a guide rail for the inner member. The wall of the outer member encloses and retains the trailing end portion of the draped tampon during insertion. The inner member is disposed in slidable relationship with the inner walls and with the central shaft of the outer member and is used to expel the tampon from the outer tube and to spread the trailing end portion after expulsion while the forward end of the tampon is held against movement.

Abstract: A humidifer for aqualung equipment comprises a source vessel housing moistening water which is or is not contained in a fibrous material member, and a water applying passage disposed to communicate the source vessel with the gas supply passage of the respirator and normally shutting off such communication, whereby when pressure in the gas supply passage is temporarily lower than that in the source vessel upon respiration of the user, such pressure difference may cause the water in the source vessel to be applied in a sprayed form from the applying passage into the gas supply passage. A further humidifier includes a water containing fibrous material member disposed directly in the gas supply passage of the respirator and kept to be in a water containing condition by supplying water through the aforementioned water applying passage.

Abstract: A body limb support comprising a limb encircling member comprising knitted thread wherein the outer parts of the knitted thread in a relaxed state on a substantial portion of the inner surface of the limb encircling member have attached thereto a nonadhesive, noncontinuous, relatively soft, elastomeric polymeric material with a high coefficient of friction to skin so as to provide a nonocclusive slip resistant surface capable of maintaining the support in place on the limb of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for direct blood transfusion which comprises two needles with tubes connected thereto. One needle is introduced into the donor's blood system, while the other into the recipient's blood system. In order to provide for the delivery of blood from the donor to the recipient via said tubes, the apparatus is equipped with a vessel containing a medicamental liquid compatible with blood and mounted at a height sufficient for creating a hydrostatic head of the medicamental liquid exceeding the blood pressure in the recipient's vasculature. The apparatus also comprises a distributing means built around at least four proportioning vessels vertically mounted in a housing and rigidly coupled therewith. The housing is disposed between the upper and lower disks of a stator in coaxial relationship therewith. The housing is made rotatable in one direction with respect to the stator. The upper disk and the lower disk of the stator each have at least four holes formed therein.

Abstract: A wound evacuator is disclosed which is adapted for use with an external negative pressure source to provide continuous fluid evacuation and which includes its own negative pressure source to provide limited time duration evacuation. The evacuator includes a substantially rigid container and an air inflatable member within the container, the container and inflatable member having a combined configuration which avoids unnatural deformation of the inflatable member by the container in at least one direction of expansion of the inflatable member. Means are provided for inflating the inflatable member and controlling the deflation thereof and for controlling the sequence of sealing of the inlet and outlet ports by the inflatable member.

Abstract: A feminine hygienic pad for insertion into the interlabial space; the pad having a geometric configuration which (1) facilitates insertion of the pad into the interlabial space; and (2) has an improved retention within the space notwithstanding a substantial increase in weight of the pad upon absorption of discharged liquid.

Abstract: A menses collector adapted to be used during coitus for the collection of uterine discharge at the cervix thereby to isolate the same in a pocket retaining absorbtive material and preventing the same from entering into the vaginal vault. A removeable cover of supple material is attached to a pliant diaphragm, there being a yieldable opening in the cover to seal with the cervix opening therethrough into said pocket, and there being a rim at the perimeter of the diaphragm to seal with the vaginal walls and stabilizing the device between the fornix and the pubis symphysis.

Abstract: An improved tampon-inserter stick combination in which the socket disposed in the rear portion of a compressed tampon and adapted to frictionally receive a removable inserter stick is provided with a convex bumper at the base of the socket. The bumper acts as a stop to control the depth to which the leading end of the stick can be pushed into the socket and, by eliminating or minimizing the tapered configuration at the base as found in prior art sockets, assures that the frictional resistance between inserter stick and socket is substantially uniform for all products, while eliminating the possibility that the inserter stick might be pushed too far into the socket during packing, handling or insertion and make removal difficult. The improved socket structure thus insures easy removal of the inserter stick after the tampon has been positioned in the vagina by the user. A tool for forming the socket is also defined.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having a facing sheet defining a diaper inside surface for direction toward an infant and a backing sheet defining a diaper outside surface is provided with adhesive tabs having a free end and a furcated fixed end which includes at least three integral anchoring legs. Each leg is provided with an adhesive coating on one face thereof. The fixed end is permanently attached by means of the adhesive coatings to the diaper facing and backing sheets, at least one leg being attached to the facing sheet and the remaining legs being attached to the backing sheet. The free end of the tab has an adhesive coating on one face thereof, is releasably attached to a release region provided on the diaper inside surface for such a purpose and is movable from a folded-over position, wherein the free end is releasably adhered to the release region, to a working position wherein the adhesive-coated free end is available for use in securing the diaper about an infant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a throat pack comprising a resilient moulding of polymeric foam material shaped and adapted for insertion into and occlusion of the oro-pharynx or laryngo-pharynx or both.An exposed region of the foamed material, at least in the anterior surface of the moulding, may be useful in absorbing fluids. One or more safety tapes are incorporated in the pack so as to extend outwards through the mouth.

Abstract: Appliance for sutureless closure of surgical incision comprises tape member and spring closure member. Tape member has adhesive on one side for fastening to skin of patient and pair of closely spaced longitudinal ribs on other side. Incision is made through tape member between ribs and spring member subsequently clasps ribs to provide sutureless closure. Spring member has straight side portions to grip ribs throughout substantial part of their length and is shaped so to contract laterally on axial compression to increase the grip.

Abstract: An improved catheter comprising a tubular body portion comprising a primary lumen and an inflation lumen and an outer covering, a portion of which is inflatable to form an anchoring bubble, wherein a layer of thermoplastic material is applied around the tubular catheter body in the region underlying the anchoring bubble, the thermoplastic layer containing a hole through which an inflation medium can be injected from the inflation lumen to expand a portion of the outer covering to form the anchoring bubble and the thermoplastic layer being composed of a material to which the outer covering does not adhere.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating electrical stimulation pulses in the absence of naturally occurring "R" heart waves includes a free running multivibrator for generating pulses at the desired heart stimulation rate and an output amplifier and voltage multiplier for amplifying the generated pulses for application to the heart. A plural stage filter-amplifier amplifies any naturally occurring "R" waves to trigger a normally nonconducting multivibrator to activate disabling transistors, in turn, which discharge the timing capacitors of the free running multivibrator.The apparatus can be used with either a chemical or nuclear battery or other load dependent low voltage source.

Abstract: An improved muscle stimulator, particularly suited to long term rhythmic stimulation for the selective development of musculature otherwise asymmetric or retarded in relative development. To minimize the subjects' awareness of stimulation, to permit nocturnal use, and to minimize battery consumption, the energy content of each pulse train is modulated by a progressive increase of pulse width up to a maximum, followed by a progressive decrease of pulse width, thus yielding a gradual contraction and relaxation of the muscle.

Abstract: The hydrogen engine hereof introduces water as vapor with inlet hydrogen and air, as a mixture proportioned for practical internal combustion and efficient power output. Water vapor is a substantial component of the exhaust of hydrogen fueled engines. In one embodiment of the invention, water vapor is condensed from the exhaust, and thereupon arranged to provide the input water as a continuing self-supporting process. The resultant emissions are very low in oxides of nitrogen, and readily meet the EPA Standards on pollutants as presently set for 1976. Further, and importantly, engine backfire is eliminated in the operation. Also, engine output power and efficiency are improved with the invention principles.

Abstract: A grain saving apparatus for a combine disposed at the discharge end of the combine includes a vaned member rotated relative to a straw support in the form of an open grate concave to receive a mixture of straw and grain from straw walkers in the separating sections of the combine and to change direction and velocity of movement of the material and direct it between the vaned member and straw support to separate grain and straw so that the heavier grain is collected for processing in the combine and the lighter straw is discharged by the vaned member to the rear of the combine.

Abstract: A method for producing tobacco in calendered foil form from a mixture of pre-comminuted tobacco, a powdered cellulose derivative binder, water and an organic solvent in which the solvent is mixed with the dry mixture of binder and tobacco to swell and moisten the binder, then the water is added and mixing continued to produce a homogeneous granular mass which is calendered into a smooth continuous foil. The solvent contains a liquid which boils below 100.degree.C. (a lower alcohol, ketone, haloalkane, ester or ether) and a liquid which boils above 100.degree.C. (a polyhydric alcohol or potassium lactate solution). The homogeneous granular mass can be rolled into a foil on a single three-roll mill or calender.

Abstract: A process for improving enhancing or modifying the organoleptic properties of a tobacco product, which comprises adding thereto about 1 to about 1000 parts per million based on the weight of tobacco of at least one compound selected from the group of compounds having the following formula ##SPC1##Containing a double bond in one of the positions indicated by the dotted lines, and wherein X represents either a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group when the double bond is in the ring, or an oxygen atom when the double bond is external to the ring, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 represent a lower alkyl substitute, and Z stands for oxygen or sulfur.

Abstract: A frame which is detachably secured to a wig form supports a fabric hood or cover of a lightweight flexible material over a wig, which is applied to the form, to protect the wig from dust. The hood or cover is supported by the frame so as not to mash or otherwise disturb the wig while positioned thereover. A handle which forms a part of the frame and extends over the top of the form, above the cover, is utilized for lifting the form with the wig applied thereto.

Abstract: A hair clip or the like is provided of the type having two metal jaws hinged together at a pivot point and having finger extensions beyond the pivot point with a spring tending to keep the jaws closed. The clip of the present invention utilizes a novel pivot joint and spring holder.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning conveyor belts includes a cylinder, and drive means for causing the cylinder to rotate. A plurality of fingers extend from and are spaced about the curved exterior surface of the cylinder with the fingers being inclined in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the cylinder. To clean a conveyor belt, the cylinder is positioned adjacent the surface of the conveyor belt so that the fingers of the cylinder contact or nearly contact the surface of the belt and, as the cylinder is rotated, the fingers are forced outwardly to make greater contact with the surface of the belt. To enhance the cleaning process, the conveyor belt is driven in a direction opposing the direction of movement of the fingers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for cleaning the surface of cast strip produced on continuous casting machines, and concerns in particular strip of aluminium, zinc or their alloys. The cast strip is formed between two endless strip molds which are spaced apart and are provided at least in part with a protective layer in the form of a particulate material. Particles of the protective layer adhering to the cast strip are removed from the strip by spraying with water under pressure immediately after the strip solidifies, on leaving the mold.

Abstract: A roll over valve construction having a housing provided with an inlet and an outlet separated by a valve seat. A pair of balls are carried by the housing so that one thereof can move to close the valve seat when the valve construction is rotated from its normal position to a certain other rotational position thereof, the pair of balls normally being held away from the valve seat by gravity when the valve construction is between the normal position thereof and the certain position thereof. A larger ball member is carried by the housing for preventing the first pair of balls from moving to close the valve seat when the valve construction is between the normal position and the certain position thereof even though the valve construction is being subjected to shocks, impacts, bouncing, etc. that would normally cause one of the pair of balls to move to close the valve seat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vent valve having an elongated housing. The housing has an inlet port positioned below an outlet port when the housing is in an upright position. A passage connects the inlet and outlet parts. The passage construction provides free passage of gaseous fluid but restricts momentary liquid flow or splash when the housing is in an upright position. A ball valve in the passage restricts liquid flow when the housing is tilted more than 90.degree. from its upright position.

Abstract: An assembly for explosively shearing material to form openings in contain and to separate attached elements comprises an explosive material positioned within a groove in a backing support adjacent one side of the material to be severed. A shear element located on the other side of the material has its shearing edge axially aligned with the centerline of the groove and explosive material. Upon detonation, the explosive pressure forcibly displaces the material against the shearing edge, severing the material without fragmentation.

Abstract: A flow divider valve assembly is provided which divides a flow of fluid between a priority flow device, such as a power steering system, and an excess flow device, such as an auxiliary mechanism. A valve spool is axially movable within the main valve bore and defines an axial bore having one end in fluid communication with the priority flow outlet port. The valve spool is movable within the main bore in response to variations in the pressure differential between the outlet ports. A first aperture communicates between the inlet port and the axial bore and the valve spool defines a spool land defining a second aperture communicating between the inlet port and the axial bore.

Abstract: There is disclosed a family of check and/or pressure relief fluid valves utilizing a spring biased annular diaphragm element for valving. In a single-function form there is disclosed a simple check valve. In a dual-function form there is disclosed a check valve also having a pressure relief function permitting reverse flow above a predetermined pressure differential, this form being disclosed in an automotive fuel tank filler tube cap (i.e. a "gas cap"). There is also disclosed an improved filler tube cap construction and seal therefor. In a multifunction form there is disclosed a fluid valve capable of relieving a source of fluid under pressure to a primary outlet at a first very low pressure and additionally to a secondary outlet at a higher pressure. This valve also acts as a check valve by preventing the pressure of the fluid source from dropping below that at the secondary outlet.

Abstract: Pipeline capsules, pigs, or other solid objects bypass a pipeline pump station via a bypass system that avoids cycling of the primary fluid flow. The fluid is removed from the main pipeline through perforations in the pipeline wall, transported through the pump and reinjected into the main pipeline downstream from the fluid removal point. Two valves are located in the main pipeline between the fluid removal point and the fluid reinjection point. The first valve is opened in response to the detection of the incoming solid object, allowing it to pass through the valve. The first valve is then closed and the second valve opened to allow the solid object to pass through the second valve and re-enter the main fluid stream.

Abstract: An underground valve has an operating rod extending above the ground which may be rotated to shut the valve off or turn the valve on. Difficulty with freezing prevents the valve operation at certain times during the winter months and by having the rod located within an external protective tube and sealed therein by a cylindrical element which is rotatable with the rod relative to the tube, whereby the operating rod for the valve can always be rotated since no ground water can get into the tube which extends below the frost line and above the ground.

Abstract: A pipe connection means for connecting at least one transversely extending pipe to a longitudinally extending transport pipe in which a connection unit engaging the transport pipe is provided with a flow channel extending normal and leading to the transport pipe to which the transversely extending pipe is attached, the connection unit also having a guiding channel extending transversely relative to the transport pipe, with the transport pipe having a recess arranged in the guiding channel, and a longitudinally movable and rotatable valve body mounted in the guiding channel and provided with a transverse through flow hole, with the transverse flow hole, in a fixed end position of the valve body, being arranged in line with the recess in the transport pipe and the flow channel and at right angles to the recess and the flow channel to prevent communication between the transport pipe and the transversely extending pipe, but upon rotation of the valve body, the transverse flow hole co-acts with the recess and flow

Abstract: This is concerned with a center pivot irrigation system made up of a series of pipe units flexibly interconnected end to end and supported by a series of towers which may be self-propelled with a coupling between adjacent sections which allows each section to rotate freely about its own axis relative to the other sections with substantial angulation between adjacent pipe sections in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A check valve having a body with an inlet and an outlet which are coaxially aligned and a valve element including a section of a sphere which is spring loaded urging the valve element towards and sealing against the inlet. The valve element is supported on a stem which is coaxially movable in the valve body. The body has a cavity of a cross-sectional area greater than the valve element by an amount at least as great as the area of the inlet whereby the valve avoids restricting the flow of fluid through the body. Locking means are provided for locking the valve element in the closed position.

Abstract: Reed valves for an internal combustion engine constituted by a thin flexible flat sheet of fiber-reinforced resin containing from 55-63% by weight of fine diameter fiber, this sheet having a tab portion which is restrained in use to provide a cantilevered flexing portion extending away from said tab portion, the sheet is formed to a thickness in the range of .012 to .020 inch per inch of length of said cantilevered portion, the sheet being constituted by a plurality of layers in each of which the fibers are straight and parallel with one another, with the reinforcing fibers in the outer layers being oriented to run generally from said flexing portion to said tab portion, and with the reinforcing fibers in the inner layers being symmetrically oriented to run in other directions, and the fibers having an average tensile strength above 300 .times. 10.sup.3 p.s.i. and an average modulus of elasticity greater than 18 .times. 10.sup.6 p.s.i.

Abstract: A pivot steering vehicle having a pair of hydrostatically operated driving wheels; and motors for driving those wheels which are driven by variable speed, reversible pumps; a control system is provided, having valve means for controlling the pressure applied to the pumps for controlling the speed and direction of the pumps; and cam means is provided which, in response to turning movements of the steering wheel, reduces the speed of the inside driving wheel, and after a predetermined point in the turning movements of the steering wheel, reverses the direction of that wheel.

Abstract: A means for mounting a diaphragm in an accumulator-reservoir device or the like in which the gland receiving the diaphgram bead has faces formed to oppose such pull on the bead as will break the sealing contact between gland faces and the bead. Back draft angles and grooved surfaces are used in conjunction with an initial applied compression to fix the bead in place in the gland.

Abstract: A multiple orifice assembly for increasing the flow resistance in a conduit for conducting fluid flow. The multiple orifice assembly comprises a plurality of orifices spacedly supported in the conduit and a diffuser which is supported intermediate adjacent orifices. The diffuser is spaced from the upstream orifice a distance less than that distance required for fluid issuing from the upstream orifice to fully expand back to the constraints of the conduit.

Abstract: A plug assembly for fluid sealing a pipe includes a cylindrical plug made of pliable material which has a conical bore defining a cylindrical wall of tapering thickness. A threaded bore or stud extends axially of the bore and has a nut rotatable mounted thereon. A spherical or conical drive member carried by the bolt contacts and expands the tapered wall of the plug when the nut is tightered on the bolt. The nut may bear against the drive member or one end of the plug. The bolt may be prevented from rotating when the nut is tightened, by shaping one end of the bolt to engage a wrench, or by locking the other end of the bolt in the plug and providing gripping means on the plug arranged to engage the inside of the pipe.

Abstract: A convolutely wound tube having portions adjacent the inside and outside edges thereof more pliable than the remainder thereof for easily conforming to the contour of the inside and outside surfaces thereof and method for making same from a predetermined length of elongate sheet material having opposed first and second surfaces and first and second longitudinal side edges, wherein the method includes mechanically deforming a minor portion of the sheet material adjacent the first or second longitudinal edge, or both, thereof to render same more pliable than the major portion of the sheet material, convolutely winding a predetermined length of the elongate sheet material transversely of the length into a convolute tube while forming the inside edge of the tube from the first longitudinal edge and the outside edge of the tube from the second longitudinal edge of the sheet material so that the pliable portion of the sheet material adjacent the inside and outside edges will readily conform to the contour of the in

Abstract: An impression sleeve for use in an impression packer comprising a smooth rolled sheet adapted to be connected on the outside of a packer to form an impression cover therefor, said sheet composed of about 60% to 80% by weight synthetic nitrile rubber, about 10% to 20% by weight natural rubber smoked sheet, about 5% to 15% by weight hydrated amorphous silica, and about 2% to 6% by weight of rubber processing oil.

Abstract: A valve device, especially for an air cushion of plastic sheet, said device having a first portion which is adapted to be mounted in an aperture in the wall of the cushion, said first portion having a relatively large bore which is adapted to constitute an outlet for emptying the air cushion, a second portion of the valve device being adapted to be screwed into the bore in the first portion, the two portions having valve surfaces which are adapted to close the bore airtightly when the second portion is screwed completely into the bore, a relatively small air passage in the second portion adapted to constitute an inlet for pressurized air during inflation of the air cushion, a non-return valve in said air passage, and stop means at the outer end of said second portion adapted to prevent the second portion's becoming completely detached from the first portion.

Abstract: A control valve has a stepped cylinder and piston having at one end a small iameter end face forming an end chamber, and also a large diameter annular face forming an annular chamber at the end. The other end of the piston has a large diameter end face forming a large diameter chamber. A high pressure pump conduit, a low pressure discharge conduit and a variable pressure consumer conduit have cylinder ports cooperating with the stepped piston, and the consumer conduit has a branch conduit opening in the annular chamber. The piston is movable between the neutral position closing the conduits and two operative positions for connecting the pump conduit with the consumer conduit or with the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A three way solenoid valve comprising a housing which contains a cylindrical cavity around which an electric coil is disposed. Two seats extend perpendicularly relative to the cavity axis and are arranged opposite one another. The seats communicate respectively with an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice. A work orifice communicates with the cavity. A core of ferromagnetic material is mounted with axial clearance in the cavity and two valve closure members are mounted in the core and capable of cooperating with the seats in accordance with the reciprocations of the core. A return spring urges the core with a position in which one of the valve seats is closed.

Abstract: A box spring grid which includes coil spring engaging ears and a plurality of support wires secured to the grid and each including an ear. The ends of each support wire may be reversely bent around one end coil of a coil spring. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a box spring support grid wherein ears are formed in all longitudinal wires, between each pair of transverse wires, and, subsequently, selected portions of certain longitudinal wires are removed.

Abstract: The resiliently biased movable tool jaw in, for example, a strap applying tool is maintained in closed contact with the other jaw of the tool against a counteracting force during a critical phase of the tool cycle by the selective deployment of a lock pin engageable with the movable jaw and which is operatively coupled to an actuator cooperative with a reciprocating plunger employed to drive the movable tool jaw into its closed position. Movement of the lock pin is synchronized with the movement of the plunger to insure correspondence between the relative positions of the lock pin and the movable jaw.

Abstract: A wire preforming assembly is fixedly mounted on a circular turntable having thereon a predetermined plurality of bobbins dispersed in an array to provide a predetermined plurality of wires to the assembly equally spaced around its periphery. The assembly and the turntable are coaxially aligned with and relatively rotating about a longitudinally advancing, mandrelled hose. The wires are being directed to the hose by the preforming assembly so that the hose pulls the wires with uniform equal tension and causes them to be simultaneously wrapped thereon in side-by-side parallel helical convolutions. The wire is directed in a helical path around the surface of a preforming tube of the assembly and is bent toward the hose as it is being wound thereon. The bending imparts a characteristic to the wire which causes it to naturally retain the desired helical shape around the hose.

Abstract: In a liquid storage tank such as an underground storage tank for liquid fuels having a liquid input passage and a vent passage, the improvement of vapor recovery passage means opening outwardly from the tank and connectible to an external vapor recovery system, the vapor recovery passage being blocked by liquid flow when the level of liquid in the tank rises above a predetermined level to prevent the discharge of vapor therethrough, signal means communicating with the vent passage means and operative in response to an increase in pressure in the vent line caused by the blockage of the vapor recovery line during the filling of the tank to provide a signal indicating that the tank has been filled to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A device for supporting and holding open the mouth end of a bag during the filling thereof including an elongated, relatively thin, flexible, plastic sheet having hand openings and a series of spaced slots therein and depending locking tabs on one end thereof. Thus, the sheet may be bent into cylindrical form with its edges overlapping and the tabs disposed in those slots which permit the sheet to cylindrically and snugly conform to that of the bag within which it is inserted. When so sleeved within the mouth of a bag, the locking tabs will retain the sheet in assembled position to permit of ready filling thereof, after which the device may be withdrawn and collapsed for reuse.

Abstract: A stop member includes a flat member of uniform thickness and having attached at a position spaced from one end thereof an abutment member. The abutment member may be adjustable in the longitudinal direction of said flat member. The stop member is inserted into a cut made in a log by a chain saw until the abutment member abuts the exterior of the log.

Abstract: A semi-hard magnetic material characterized by a high coercive force (Hc), i.e. 20-50 Oe, can be produced by the disclosed process.In accordance with the process, an alloy consisting of 73 to 93% Co and 3 to 7% Nb, and the balance being iron is worked into a suitable form, solution treated, cold worked at a reduction of area not lower than 75% and aged. Said alloy contains niobium in a greater amount than the known alloy for the same application in order to enhance the coercive force. With the increase in the content of niobium, however, the cold workability of the alloy deteriorates. In order to overcome this disadvantage, the Inventors provide particular conditions for the solution treatment. The solution treatment consists of heating the alloy to a temperature not lower than 1000.degree.C and cooling it to room temperature. During the cooling, quenching of the alloy should be started at 800.degree.C or higher and continued to a temperature of 500.degree.C or less.

Abstract: An anti-skid chain having horizontal links and at least one vertical shackle having arms surrounding the horizontal link and firmly connected thereto.