Abstract: A heat exchange system is provided having first and second heat exchangers connected to one another. A burner supplies products of combustion to the first heat exchanger. Fluid heated in the first heat exchanger is pumped to the second heat exchanger. A blower forces air over the second heat exchanger to heat the air. An electric heater is provided in heat exchange relationship with the first heat exchanger. The electric heater maintains the temperature of the fluid in the first heat exchanger above the effective dew point of the flue gas in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Fireplace apparatus is disclosed in which combustion air is obtained from outside the structure in which the apparatus is installed and the apparatus is sealed from the structure in which it is installed and the heat from the fireplace is collected from around the fireplace and from above the fireplace in the chimney flue for transmission to other parts of the structure in which the fireplace furnace apparatus is installed for heating purposes.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system is provided which includes a black body receiver for transferring energy from focused solar radiation to a circulating gas. The receiver includes a honeycomb heat exchanger located within a chamber sealed with impingement cooled windows, the outermost one of which acts as a one way trap or diode to prevent energy radiated by the heated honeycomb from escaping to the atmosphere. The heat exchanger is formed with a number of tubes which are oriented to be illuminated "end on" for minimizing retroreflection of the incoming energy. Because of the "end on" orientation, a large majority of the incoming energy impinges on the internal walls of the tubes and is internally reflected until it is absorbed. Cool gas, which may be air, is introduced into the receiver under pressure such that the gas passes through the tubes of the heat exchanger where it is heated to temperatures that are typically in the vicinity of 1700.degree. F.

Abstract: Recirculating natural convection solar energy collectors are disclosed. In one species of the invention, the collector comprises an insulated housing, a cover of glass or other suitable transparent material, a transparent plate of glass or other suitable material mounted inside said housing and spaced apart from the cover, a heat absorber mounted inside the housing and spaced apart from the transparent plate, an air separator mounted inside the housing and spaced apart from the absorber and cover, and a heat exchanger located inside the housing at the top of the housing. The heat absorber is made from a thin sheet of suitable material such as aluminum foil that has a surface coated with a heat absorbing material such as black paint, solar selective black chrome and the like. As the air inside the housing flows over the heat absorber, it is heated and rises to the top of the housing. The heat exchanger at the top of the housing absorbs heat from the hot air thereby cooling the air.

Abstract: A dwelling includes a hot air type solar heat collector for heating rooms and a hot water type solar heat collector for supplying hot water. The former is fitted in that portion of the roofing which is positioned above the dwelling body, while the latter is provided in that portion of the roofing which extends outward over the outer wall of the dwelling body.

Abstract: An inlet and/or outlet manifold arrangement for use with a conduit system of a solar radiation collector. The arrangement has inlet and outlet manifolds which are held in a given position and which are connected to the conduit system, there being an inlet communicating with the inlet manifold and an outlet communicating with the outlet manifold. At least the inlet manifold is equipped with a riser having a height such that when the pressure in the conduit system exceeds a predetermined value, the riser serves as an overflow which allows liquid to escape from the inlet manifold and to flow into the outlet manifold.

Abstract: A parabolic trough solar energy collector including an elongated support with a plurality of ribs secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom. One surface of said ribs is shaped to define a parabola and is adapted to receive and support a thin reflecting sheet which forms a parabolic trough reflecting surface. One or more of said collectors are adapted to be joined end to end and supported for joint rotation to track the sun. A common drive system rotates the reflectors to track the sun; the reflector concentrates and focuses the energy along a focal line. The fluid to be heated is presented along the focal line in a suitable pipe which extends therealong.

Abstract: An over-pressure protection device utilized for limiting the fluid pressure applied to a vein which has been removed from the body and which is being tested prior to transplantation within the body. The over-pressure protection device has a port for accepting a fluid under pressure, a tapered fitting for connection of the device to the vein to be tested and a resilient membrane which regulates the pressure of the fluid being applied to the vein. The specific characteristics of the resilient membrane limits the fluid pressure applied to the vein and therefore prevents subsequent deterioration of the vein.

Abstract: Method and means for reversible sterilization of females in which caps are placed over the fimbriated ends of the Fallopian tubes and sutured to the serosa thereof. The caps block passage of sperm and ova to prevent pregnancy. The caps can be sutured to and removed from the ends of the Fallopian tubes without damage to the transport mechanism of the tubes.

Abstract: The extracorporeal circulation apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises a plurality of pneumatic diaphragm pumps incorporated in parallel relationship in a single fluid-flow system of extracorporeal blood perfusion.The electronic control system of the arrangement which processes the EKG signals is provided with a control signal distributor for sequential pump actuation such that the priming time of each pump is prolonged, frothing and haemolysis of the blood is prevented, and the stroke volume of the apparatus is maintained at a predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting temperature variations over selected regions of living tissue. The invention relates to the apparatus and to the method of detecting said temperature variations for aid in the early detection of malignant tissue in the breasts. The invention provides for the use of liquid crystals encapsulated between elastic flexible sheets which represent a composite film. The crystals are responsive to changes in temperature of said tissue to display a color pattern on said film representative of said temperature variations. The film conforms to the contour of the tissue to which it is applied, without materially deforming said tissue, by evacuating air from between said film and said tissue. The color pattern produced on said film is observed and is recorded photographically to obtain a thermogram of said temperature variations.

Abstract: A device for making physical measurements with respect to the body of a patient is provided which includes a non-opaque sheet-form viewing screen mounted in a frame. The screen includes centrally located, vertically extending graduations and a graduated, horizontally extending measuring bar is mounted for vertical movement relative to the vertical graduations on the screen. An angle measuring device in the form of a rotatable angle measuring arm and an associated indicator plate is mounted for movement along the measuring bar. An x-ray light box is pivoted for movement into and out of an operative position behind the screen.

Abstract: In an apparatus for clamping and uniformly tensioning an inside diameter cutting blade, hydraulic fluid is contained within an annular fluid channel which includes an opening confronting the inside diameter blade. The hydraulic fluid is prevented from contacting the blade by a pressure-transmitting deformable sealing piston mounted within the fluid channel. The sealing piston is generally U-shaped in cross section and includes, in addition to a relatively axially thick main body part, at the sides of the "U", two outwardly directed arms when the piston is not in place within the fluid channel which it seals. When the arms of the piston are brought toward one another for insertion of the piston within the fluid channel, the piston material, which is resilient, urges the arms radially outward thereby forming a good seal with the inner and outer walls of the fluid channel.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling to a flotation support system as, for example, a water mattress or the like, for purposes of effecting periodic oscillations of said system. The apparatus comprises an expandable and collapsible air bladder, which is positioned beneath the system in force transmitting relationship therewith. An air pumping means is connected in a pneumatic circuit with the air bladder so as to pressurize the bladder and expand same against the overlying support system. Means are provided for periodically venting the pneumatic circuit and air bladder to atmosphere, in consequence of which the bladder collapses under the weight of the overlying system; and thereupon expands following the venting. The resultant expansions and contractions of the bladder thereby effect the desired oscillations of the system.

Abstract: A dental massage device comprising a nozzle portion having one of its ends open and provided with gripping members adapted to fit over and grip a conventional faucet aerator in a sealing relationship therewith. Its other end is provided with an aperture which is connected by flexible conduit means to an ejector which is operably connected to the flexible conduit.

Abstract: Stereoscopic patterns are disclosed which have a multiplicity of representations on a backing, with the representations spaced apart in substantially horizontal rows. The spacing between pairs of adjacent representations is varied to produce a stereoscopic effect. The resulting pattern is continuous, eliminating the ghost images associated with prior art stereoscopic pictures. The representations may be identical, may be varied shapes formed of identical elements, or may be a sequential series of perspective views of the same subject. The patterns may be viewed stereoscopically in either of two manners: by diverging or straightening one's line of vision while holding the pattern relatively close, or by converging or crossing one's line of vision while holding the pattern relatively far away. When viewed in the first manner, the patterns simulate distance vision while being held close-up, providing relaxing viewing to the eyes of one engaged in close work.

Abstract: An orthopedic device designed and configured to provide ambulatory traction to specific levels of the spine of a human wherein an inflatable bladder is affixed between a rigid base plate and an apertured template plate so as to extend outwardly therefrom to engage the back portion of a patient and provide predetermined specifically directed pressure to predetermined portions of the spine. The traction apparatus which includes the bladder, template plate and base plate are removably mounted to a belt having both a latex portion causing expandable support when placed in surrounding relation to the patient as well as brace strapping which is relatively unyieldable so as to maintain the expandable, inflatable bladder at a given position relative to a preselected portion of the spine.

Abstract: An abduction pillow is illustrated wherein a wedge-shaped body is constructed of synthetic foam material for positioning the limbs in cushioned fixed divergent position and means are also illustrated for supporting and cradling the foot and ankle portions of an orthopedic patient.

Abstract: This invention concerns variably connectable orthopaedic fracture fixing apparatus of a kind comprising at least one elongate member, at least two universal joint assemblies for coupling said member and associated bone pins, and an adjustment assembly for adjusting the spacing between said joint assemblies when connected with said member. In the present case the joint assemblies are each of ball joint form in which a ball is clamped by a wedge action between two sockets. Also, the adjustment assemblies are not necessarily integrated with a fracture fixing network constructed with the apparatus, but are separable therefrom. In addition, the joint assemblies can receive bone pins in a variety of closely spaced positions to minimize any need to stress the pins.

Abstract: A bone pin for a fractured vertebra has a pair of ends, a bend between the ends, and at least one laterally extending lug at one of the ends. A nonstraight hole is drilled in a vertebra or between two vertebrae and the pin is inserted by means of a special forceps into this hole. Thereafter the lug or lugs of the pin is screwed to the vertebra. Such a pin can be applied transabdominably or transthoracically, and can even be used to pin the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra.

Abstract: The condylocephalic nail of this invention is designed to attain an optimal nail position in the head-neck fragment of the femur, and, to this end, is provided with a curve as viewed in the frontal or anterior-posterior (AP) plane, which places the upper portion of the nail adjacent to the medial cortex at the level of the lesser trochanter and also places it approximately parallel with the primary trabeculae of the head, i.e., at an included angle of about 160.degree. with respect to the shaft of the femur. The relatively high angle of the upper end of the nail was chosen in order to place it closely parallel to the stress lines encountered by the head and neck of the femur during ambulation. In order to achieve accurate rotatory alignment and to obviate external rotatory malalignment of the femur, the nai is provided, as viewed from the medial side, with a gentle S-shaped curve, in which the upper end or head of the S is formed with an anteversion curve of between about 5.degree.-15.degree.

Abstract: A metal stairway stringer with horizontal slots at each tread level, into which the treads are inserted laterally for supporting them at one end, the other ends of the treads being similarly supported in like manner by a second stringer. The slots for the treads each taper from adjacent the open end at the edge of the stringer toward the back, so that the treads must be wedged into position and are therefore held rigidly by the stringer.

Abstract: A disposable venous blood pressure manometer of provided which includes a transparent tray having a longitudinal interior channel with a transparent plastic manometer tube disposed in the channel, a calibrated scale member in the tray behind the tube, and a cover closing the back of the tray and which may be used as a label. The cover and body member provide a container which may contain a plastic extension tube and a three-way valve. The container can be opened by peeling back a bottom end portion of the cover from the body member. The extension tube and valve can then be removed for use in connecting the manometer tube in an infusion and pressure measuring system. The level of liquid in the manometer tube during use and the scale can be seen through the transparent tray for taking pressure readings. The container performs a functional part of the manometer during use.

Abstract: A syringe barrel particularly advantageous for a disposable tip cap syringe which contains a prefilled suspension. The central bore of the syringe barrel has a diameter of 0.3 to 0.7 mm and thereby minimizes the settling of a suspended medicament within the syringe bore.

Abstract: The temperature of a heating fluid used in a yarn crimping zone is controlled in response to whether a yarn plug is detected at a predetermined point, and in another embodiment a fluid is heated, passed to a yarn heating zone and a yarn is heated in the zone in response to whether the yarn is being wound in a yarn winding zone.

Abstract: A cup for simultaneously dispensing dry medication along with liquid wherein the cup has a domed bottom portion joined to semicylindrical and flat sidewall portions and an apertured lid hinged along the upper edge of the flat sidewall portion so that it can be closed over the open end of the cup, the lid having a dry, medication support surface on the upper portion of the lid and adjacent to the aperture whereby the cup may be tilted to dispense fluid through the aperture in the lid over the medication and simultaneously wash the now wetted medication into the mouth of the recipient.

Abstract: A nozzle to be inserted in the opening of a nursing bottle or similar container and which allows drinking by sucking but prevents leaking when the bottle is left in any position.

Abstract: An osmotic device for releasing a useful agent at different release rate patterns from the device in a selected environment is disclosed. The device is comprised of a wall surrounding and forming a compartment as a means for containing a useful agent and having a passageway for releasing the agent. The wall is comprised in at least a part of a material permeable to an external fluid and impermeable to the agent. A layer of a pattern rate controlling material that erodes in a selected environment for changing the release rate pattern of the device is carried on the semipermeable wall distant from the compartment. The agent is soluble in the fluid and exhibits an osmotic pressure gradient across the semipermeable wall against the fluid, or the agent has limited solubility and is admixed with an osmotically effective solute soluble in the fluid that exhibits an osmotic pressure gradient across the semipermeable wall against the fluid.

Abstract: Equipment for medical or surgical uses is provided for purposes, for example, of withdrawing or draining body liquids from cavities tending to accumulate such liquids, for instance as a result of wounds, surgical procedures or of pathological conditions in the body. The equipment comprises a vacuum chamber adapted to receive a disposable collection bag and control systems are provided for regulating the vacuum in the chamber and thus the suction in the collection bag. The chamber also has a wall structure and a door cooperating to provide a closed but openable vacuum compartment adapted to receive the disposable collection bag. The bag has a liquid inlet tube and the wall structure and door have portions cooperating to form a channel therebetween for receiving the inlet tube, and the inlet tube carries a sealing device insertable into and removable from said channel in a direction transversely of the tube when the door is open.

Abstract: An enzymatic intralenticular cataract treatment method for removal of nuclear cortical and subcapsular regions of the cataractous lens through enzymatic digestion thereof, which comprises introduction of a concentrated solution of proteinase into the nuclear and cortical regions of a cataractous lens by way of a cannula inserted through a very tiny incision in the cornea and puncture opening into the lens capsule, leaving all other structures within the eye intact, after which a gas bubble is introduced from the cannula into the lens, the gas bubble serving to maintain the enzyme compartmentalized within the subcapsular region.As illustrated in FIG. 4, a preferred embodiment of the apparatus involved with the method comprises an enzyme reservoir connected through a delivery means and a four port, two channel valve to a cannula. The cannula is filled with enzyme solution then the delivery means and valve are operated by the surgeon so as to carry out the above described treatment method.

Abstract: A trial fitting device for an implantable femoral prosthesis comprising a trial head, a bearing insert removably fitting within the trial head and a femoral prosthesis stem or a trial handle onto which said bearing insert is removably rotatably mounted is disclosed. Differently sized trial heads can be quickly substituted utilizing the trial fitting device of the present invention.

Abstract: A body implantable, intravascular lead affixed with a pin or pins at its proximal end adapted to be connected to a pulse generator and with an electrode or electrodes at its distal end adapted to be placed in contact with the endocardium. An electrical conductor(s) encased within a nonconductive material substantially inert to body fluids and tissues electrically connects the electrode(s) with the pin(s) and is comprised of a first length of resilient conductor having a first flexibility and an axial mechanical loading characteristic and a second length of the conductor having a second flexibility greater than the first flexibility and incapable of sustaining the axial mechanical loading characteristic. A dumbbell shaped electrode body provides sufficient size and weight to maintain the distal end of the lead in the apex of the right ventricle.

Abstract: A cardiac pacer having an alkali metal-halogen cell comprising an alkali metal anode, preferably lithium, a solid alkali metal-halogen electrolyte and a cathode comprising a mixture of two halogens, for example iodine and bromine, the two halogens providing discharge of the cell at two different levels of cell output voltage. The two halogens are in different proportions by weight of the mixture thereby providing a two step output voltage-time characteristic. The second step or plateau in the output voltage characteristic provides an early warning of pacer battery exhaustion.

Abstract: Cyclohexadiene derivatives as tobacco flavoring compositions.

Abstract: A method of upgrading a first batch or mass of tobacco which comprises fermenting another tobacco batch or sample in an aqueous medium to which has been added a suitable carbohydrate with an alcohol producing yeast, is characterized by utilizing material from the resultant liquid medium to upgrade the first batch of tobacco. The resultant liquid itself or an extract thereof may be utilized.

Abstract: A ventilated smoking pipe comprises a bowl having a cavity and an integral stem portion with a short passageway adjacent a bottom portion of the bowl opening into the bowl cavity at one end and into the stem at the remote end. A longitudinal ventilation chamber is formed in the stem communicating with the passageway in the bowl having a substantially uniform cross-section larger than that of the passageway and extending from adjacent the bowl on one end along substantially the entire length of the stem. An air hole is formed in the stem communicating with the ventilation chamber intermediate the end thereof for introducing fresh outside air into the chamber reducing the moisture content and cooling the smoke as it passes through the stem.

Abstract: A filter element for a smoking article, such as a cigarette, comprises a generally cylindrical body having at least one helical groove in its peripheral surface and closely wrapped in a material pervious to vapor-phase constituents of the smoke, whereby such constituents are removed by diffusion thereof through said material during passage of the smoke along the groove. The body may be wholly or in part of a filter material capable of removing particulate-phase constituents from the smoke during its passage through the element. Suitably the groove extends from the upstream end face of the body to a point short of the downstream end face, where it opens into a space separated from the downstream end by an ungrooved portion of smoke-filter material. One or more faces of the groove and/or said upstream end face may be partially or wholly sealed against penetration of smoke into the body.

Abstract: A process for treating hair to reduce its critical surface tension and/or coefficient of friction by applying to said hair a composition comprising a fluoropolymer containing as monomers at least: ##STR1## wherein n is a number of about 7 to 11 inclusive; and ##STR2## in which n' is a number of about 2 to 4 inclusive and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are lower alkyl, preferably having 1-4 carbon atoms or its N-oxides or salts.

Abstract: A plurality of telescopically associated hair rollers each have an open first end, a second end with openings therein and an outer perforate wall for supporting a flow of drying air therethrough. The rollers are telescopically associated in a nested arrangement with adjacent rollers engageable at the second ends so as to prevent relative rotation therebetween and promote mutual rotation. Each roller which encloses another roller has an elongate slot extending from its open end toward the other end for receiving hair therethrough as the roller is axially moved into position about the next inner roller.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail is formed to have a stop abutting the convex forward edge of a natural fingernail, and to be securely bonded to the latter at edge overlap locations.

Abstract: An improved product for extending the length of and enhancing the appearance of eyelashes and the method of applying it is disclosed. Separate containers of a liquid mascara adhesive and synthetic fiber filaments are each provided with a suitable applicator and means for regulating the amount of material removed from each container by its applicator each time it is used. The method of application in brief involves moistening the eyelashes with liquid adhesive, applying the fiber filaments, and coating the resultant extended lashes with more liquid mascara adhesive.

Abstract: An interdental stimulator for use with human teeth in situ is formed of a stick of clear wood, preferably European sycamore, elongated in the direction of the wood grain and for the most part being substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section. One end portion of the stick is conformed to define two mutually inclined, longitudinally extending, approximately planar side surfaces. This end portion is substantially triangular in transverse cross-section and is truncated to form an inclined planar surface opposite the apex or ridge of the triangular portion. The end portion in transverse cross-section is of a size to be at least partly received in the normal interproximal spaces between human teeth.

Abstract: In a coin classification device in a coin processing machine, coins of various denominations received in a coin receiving section and sent one after another into a coin passageway by a coin picking-up device are classified in-sequence from higher denomination to lower denomination by a plurality of respective rollers arranged along the coin feeding passageway with respective lowest parts at different heights above the passageway and operating to kick or flip coins of respective denominations off the passageway. The coins thus classified are then guided through a plurality of respectively separate passages to separate coin depositing positions to be processed as desired.

Abstract: A rinsing tank constructed to allow low volume water flow from an ingress point at one end of the tank to an outlet. Weirs are provided in the path of water flow to normally dam scum driven by the water flow yet allow passage of water. The rinsing water is, therefore, free of scum over a major part of its surface to permit immersion into and withdrawal from clear water of parts to be rinsed. Immersion of parts raises the water level in the tanks whereby scum dammed by the weirs can rise and pass over the weirs to the tank outlet.

Abstract: A dishwasher that has a steam boiler containing hot water and steam under pressure. The dishwasher has a dishwashing and rinsing compartment with a body of hot water, adjustable as to depth, received in the bottom of the compartment. A time controlled device delivers steam from the boiler to steam jets in the compartment for a predetermined time period for washing the dishes. The steam jets have apparatus associated therewith that will cause the steam jets to periodically entrain hot water from the body of water to deliver a pulsating steam and hot water action against the dishes for washing them. The depth of the body of water can be raised so that only live steam and water will issue from the steam jets if desired, with no pulsating action. The time controlled device delivers hot rinse water from the boiler for rinsing the dishes in the compartment after the dishwashing operation.

Abstract: An improved dishwasher is provided, which is particularly intended for domestic low-pressure water supplies. The dishwasher has a container with a floor and an open top which is closable by a lid. A water inlet extends into and a water outlet drains water from the container. A rotatable spray unit is supported rotatably in the container, and has a tubular T-shaped spray member. The T-shaped member includes a substantially vertical tubular stem, and a first tubular arm and a second tubular arm, both of which are substantially horizontal and are joined at the top to the vertical stem and have their ends closed off. A fluid guide joins the water inlet to the vertical stem for supplying water into the vertical stem and the horizontal arms. A number of spaced holes are provided in the vertical stem and in the first and second arms for providing jets of water for rotating the tubular spray unit and for washing and rinsing articles placed inside the container.

Abstract: A system for cleaning vehicles, such as train cars, locomotives, buses, and large trucks, of various outer configurations, with optimum cleaning of each vehicle regardless of outer configuration and without use of brushes. The apparatus includes a prewet station, a wash station and a rinse station. The wash station has several conduit arches, each with an engineered nozzle arrangement that provides a specific impact angle in the order of about 80 degrees and a specific impact pressure in the order of from about 0.3 to about 0.5 psi of the washing liquid on vehicles of a specific configuration. The rinse station likewise has several conduit arches, each with an engineered nozzle arrangement that provides a specific impact angle in the order of about 80 degrees and a specific impact pressure in the order of from about 1.5 to about 2.0 psi of the rinse liquid on vehicles of a specific configuration. Each arch is shaped and sized to allow passage of the largest vehicle to be cleaned.

Abstract: A system of lances for washing a rotating heat exchanger. The lances extend from a cylindrical manifold wherein a hollow cylinder is rotatably mounted to distribute a washing fluid successively to the different lances, and thereby to different annular areas of the rotating heat exchanger.

Abstract: An improved invalid walker is provided with extra bracing between each front and rear leg so as to increase the strength of the structure. In addition to the handle section of the walker, there are two braces connecting each front leg to its respective rear leg so as to make three structural attachments between each front leg and the rear leg. The bracing structure is connected together in a unique circular manner. An additional set of hand grips may be placed on one set of the braces so as to help an invalid assume the standing position from the sitting position. The legs of the walker are splayed to improve stability. The walker has exceptional strength due to the additional bracing that exists between the front and the rear legs and the manner in which the bracing members are associated with each other.

Abstract: A resilient tip member, preferably molded as a unit from rubber, having a gripper pad, a crutch holder and an interposed sleeve portion. A pivot pin preferably has a disc-like upper portion disposed within the crutch holder, and a depending pin portion extending through the sleeve portion and into the gripper pad. An instep plate is disposed within the gripper pad and has an upwardly concave portion of generally complementary configuration with respect to the lower end of the depending pin portion with the two being in contact.Means for introducing lubricant into the contacting portions of the pivot pin and instep plate may be provided. Traction means may be removably or permanently secured to the ground engaging portion of the resilient tip member.