Abstract: An electronic system which limits exhaust emissions from an automobile engine by selectively retarding the point of firing the spark plugs at selected speeds during acceleration and at different speeds during deceleration; said system including a capacitive discharge ignition system which is responsive to an electronic system which will retard the point of firing the spark plugs a predetermined amount dependent upon the speed of the vehicle as above or below a predetermined speed. Said system also including an improved low cost tachometer for feeding to the system an analog output dependent upon the engine speed, which analog output is fed to a low rpm control level detector and a high rpm control level detector, and the outputs of said detectors are fed to a control logic which is connected to the vacuum advance of the engine to selectively disconnect the vacuum advance of the engine at certain speeds.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio controlling system for an internal combustion engine including a control circuit for controlling, in accordance with a detected air-fuel ratio, the operation of a drive motor of a control valve mounted in an additional air supply passage. The control circuit includes a timing pulse generator for generating timing pulses synchronized with a running speed of the engine and thus the control valve is intermittently rotated by a predetermined amount in response to the timing pulses. By increasing the frequency of the timing pulses during the periods of rapid acceleration and deceleration, a response to the change in the engine speed is further improved.

Abstract: A vaporization accelerating apparatus includes an elongated guide pipe that extends from the carburetor of an internal combustion engine into the intake manifold thereof. A guide member in the form of an elongated plate is integral with the end of the guide pipe that is in the intake manifold. The guide member is planar and extends over and is substantially parallel to the planar riser of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A fuel pumping apparatus for supplying fuel to a compression ignition engine comprises a rotary distributor located within a housing and having a transverse bore mounting a pair of plungers which are driven inwardly as the distributor rotates, to displace fuel through an outlet. The apparatus includes a pilot pump including a plunger which is operable by actuating means to displace fuel from a pilot pump chamber in advance of the delivery of fuel by the main plungers. The displacement of fuel by the pilot plunger effects an initial supply of fuel to the engine for the purpose of pilot injection.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine, having a combustion chamber with an overhanging lip formed by resistant metal insert anchored in the piston by means of members extending from the insert and embedded in the piston material. A portion of the free end of each member is located in a cool portion of the piston and mechanically keyed therein and is preferably also metallurgically bonded to the piston material in order to prevent the insert being loosened during service.

Abstract: A low silhouette oscillating platform upon which may be mounted a device or machine for throwing balls to a player or players for catching or batting practice. The oscillating platform allows the pitched balls to be distributed at random within any point of a specified arc. The platform may be permanently attached to the throwing device or attached by quick-disconnect latches, thereby allowing removal for storage. The platform may be left attached to the throwing device and not electrically activated for throwing or pitching to a fixed point.Two wheels are so affixed to the platform that, when required, they may be used to move or transport the entire assembly. The lower surface of the platform is smooth or padded to protect the surface upon which it is placed, which may be a smooth tennis court.

Abstract: A diamond dressing tool including a tool holding head member and supporting shank having cooperating conical bearing surfaces urged together in tight frictional engagement by spring means operatively mounted therebetween. The head member is so mounted on the shank to permit its longitudinal movement along the shank bearing surface.

Abstract: A portable collapsible stove capable of being folded into a compact package which is made substantially entirely of thin metal sheet being folded along a pair of generally parallel fold lines thereby forming a horizontal cooking surface supported by a pair of sides, and which has a fuel support surface lying beneath the cooking surface and extending between and folded together with the sides, the fuel support surface including a pair of fold lines generally parallel to the first fold lines whereby the sides and fuel support surfaces may be folded beneath the cooking surface.

Abstract: An infrared heater comprises a mirror-like reflecting plate, a combustion cylinder disposed in front of the reflecting plate, and a radiating cylinder disposed concentrically around the combustion cylinder. On the peripheral surface of the inner combustion cylinder are bored a plurality of apertures, while on the peripheral surface of the outer radiating cylinder are formed a plurality of apertures in offset positions in no radial alignment with the apertures of the combustion cylinder.

Abstract: A stove having an external casing provided with an opening and a cylindrical fire chamber disposed within the casing and provided with a hole arranged adjacent to and in communication with the opening of the casing. Arranged extending transversely across the cylindrical fire chamber is a grate, while a door assembly is disposed removably covering the opening provided in the external casing. Included in the door assembly is a hinged cover provided with a vent for controlling draft in the fire chamber, and with a lock which releasably secures the cover to a cowl of the door assembly on which the cover is hingedly mounted.

Abstract: A fireplace grate for holding logs which, apart from assembling nuts and bolts, is comprised of a first plurality of identical arcuate segments and a second plurality of identical spacer rods. This grate may be shipped knocked-down and can easily be assembled by the average householder. Since it is comprised of only two sets of elements, one of which is flat and narrow, and the other is tubular, the knocked-down grate can be produced inexpensively and packaged compactly with relative ease.

Abstract: A solar energy collector comprising a closed envelope formed from two sheets of metallic material bonded together around their peripheral edges and spaced apart to define a space adapted to be filled with working fluid and opening into a vapor space formed from an outwardly directed indentation in one of the sheets and into which space working fluid can vaporize when heated by exposing one surface of the envelope to solar radiation. At least one condensing tube is provided in direct thermal contact with the vapor space and through which liquid to be heated flows, while means are provided for returning condensed vapor from the vapor space to the working fluid space.

Abstract: A hot water feeding device having an upper water tank and a lower water tank connected with the upper tank by a conduit. The water is heated by heater means provided for the lower tank. The hot water is selectively taken out from the lower tank through a port. An additional pipe is provided for the lower tank which communicates therewith through the upper wall of the lower tank. The additional pipe upwardly extends through a bottom wall and the interior of the upper tank and opens over the current water level of the upper tank.A plurality of pipes may be provided between the lower tank and the port. Different amounts of hot water may be selectively taken out during a constant time period by opening selected valve means of the additional pipes.

Abstract: An operation area on an operating table is flanked by a blower unit and a suction unit. The blower unit creates several vertically spaced and independently adjustable streams of gas each of which is aspirated by a respective intake of the suction unit. The lowermost stream of gas, which is sterilized, flows just tangent to the operation location on the body of a patient lying on the operating table. The outlets of the blower unit and the intakes of the suction unit are independently adjustable to position the respective gas streams in accordance with the dimensions of the body part being shielded.

Abstract: A drunkometer in which the rate of airflow toward an alcohol vapor sensing device in an input channel is sensed mechanically or electrically, and a resulting flow signal is integrated. The direction of airflow in the input channel is also sensed either by photoelectric means or by a negative-temperature-coefficient resistance and an error signal is furnished if the direction of flow corresponds to inhaled breath. A validity signal signifying that the measured value is a value representative of the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream is furnished if the integrated signal representing the total exhaled air volume exceeds a predetermined minimum value before an error signal is furnished.

Abstract: An echoscope for examination of objects with the aid of an ultrasound beam, comprising at least one electro-acoustic element for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic pulses during a transmission-reception period divided into n consecutive time intervals. The ultrasonic pulses are sent to the objects to be examined and are reflected therefrom. The echo signals supplied by the receiving element are amplified by an amplifier with time-dependent gain control. The gain control is brought about by a control voltage generator which supplies a control voltage to said amplifier for determining its signal gain as a function of time. Adjusting means for the control voltage generator are provided to make it possible to change the magnitude of the control voltage in the time intervals as a function of time. The apparatus also comprises a device for visually displaying the echo signals received during each transmission-reception period.

Abstract: The disclosure is of an assembly for the collection of blood from a mammalian blood vessel. The assembly comprises a flexible tube having needle cannulas mounted on each end. One of the needle cannulas is threadably secured to a holder member for holding a blood collection container. The assembly of the invention makes possible blood sampling regardless of the orientation of the mammal from whom the blood is being collected.

Abstract: An impedance-based method for the controlled cryosurgery of a patient's malignant tumor consisting of the steps: placing a contact electrode electrically connected to an impedance meter in electric contact with a body site spaced away from the tumor target, inserting a needle electrode electrically connected to the impedance meter through the tumor target with the tip of the needle electrode penetrating the immediately underlying normal tissue therebelow, and monitoring during cryosurgery the impedance between the two electrodes as a reflection of the eutectic state of the tissue circumadjacent the tip of the needle electrode.

Abstract: In systolic pressure determining apparatus utilizing a pressure cuff and means for measuring a fluctuating quantity proportional to the sum of the cuff pressure and the fluctuating component proportioned to the pulsatile blood pressure, and including means for determining the maximum value of the fluctuating component as cuff pressure is varied, the improvement comprising means for converting the quantity into a representation of a time derivative of the fluctuating component means for obtaining the time integral of the time derivative over an interval of predetermined limits between initiation of systolic rise and systolic peak in each blood pressure pulse, and means extending the time integral, as a measure of pulse pressure amplitude, to the maximum value determining means. Specifically, certain crossings of a reference value by the time derivative are recognized as being the initiation of systolic rise and the systolic peak respectively, and the integration occurs over this interval.

Abstract: A hand tool for inserting intramedulary pins in fractured bones of humans and animals. The tool includes an outer sleeve, a hollow shaft coaxially aligned within the sleeve having a continuous spiral groove in its outer surface, a cam follower on the outer sleeve slideably engaged with the spiral groove, a chuck mounted on one end of the shaft adapted to releasably grip an intramedulary pin, and a spring extended between the opposite end of the shaft and a flange integral with the hollow shaft. The tool is constructed to receive intramedulary pins of a variety of diameters and lengths. Additionally, it can be readily disassembled for its sterilization and for interchangeability of springs having different spring rates. As a person using the tool applies force to the sleeve to advance the pin longitudinally, the chuck is rotated and, with it, the pin which aids the insertion procedure.

Abstract: An imperforate clip is slidable on the air inlet housing in a diving regulator for movement over one of a plurality of valve outlet ports to adjust the ratio of the air flow into the breathing chamber to the air flow directly into the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A demand regulator for use in underwater breathing employs a deflector carried by a valve operating lever for movement between the air outlet in the breathing chamber and the mouthpiece tube to reduce the portion of air supplied directly to the mouthpiece as the air flow is increased.

Abstract: A diving umbilical cable suitable for supporting an underwater diver and, at the same time, supplying lines for air supply, depth measuring and communication elements such as, but not limited to, telephone wires, television coaxial cable, and fiberoptic bundles. The air supply line is a standard load bearing hose whose axis is substantially the same as that of the umbilical cable, around which are helically disposed any number of elements. Such elements are longer per unit length of the diving umbilical cable than is the center load bearing hose. Extruded over the center load bearing hose with the helically wrapped elements is a protective jacket which assists in maintaining the helically wrapped elements in position and, at the same time, protects them from wear and tear. The protective jacket is perforated along its length so that air may escape when the umbilical cable is lowered into the water and water may escape when the diving umbilical cable is pulled from the water.

Abstract: Skin damage, i.e., the stripping of tissue cells from the stratum corneum, caused by removal of a backing material which has been held in adherent contact with a skin surface by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive composition coated on the backing material, is markedly reduced by incorporation of about 4 to 20% by weight of an unreacted polyol uniformly dispersed in the water-insoluble pressure sensitive adhesive mass. Suitable polyols include polyethylene glycol and polypropylene sorbitol monolaurate. This improved mass finds special application for use in conjunction with adhesive bandages or rolled tapes composed of a backing material of a plasticized film of polyvinyl chloride. Remarkably, the reduction in skin damage is accomplished without sacrificing low mass transfer to skin upon removal of the backing material, cohesive strength, adhesion, or wearability, all of which are highly desirable properties of pressure sensitive adhesive tapes and bandages.

Abstract: A bandage, especially for application around a horse's foot or leg to afford protection and support and/or means for treatment with medication, and comprising: first, a tough flexible dense plastic outside layer backing sheet with a plurality of closure elements projecting from one sheet margin, for closure engagement with cooperative means spaced inward from the opposite margin, and secondly, a preferably perforated inner layer of foamed-plastic either in a continuous layer or in discrete strips, whereby there is afforded some contour accommodation to the leg or foot member on which used.

Abstract: A removable cartridge that is used in combination with a liquid drug infusion apparatus that comprises a housing that defines an inlet and outlet and has a recess for receiving the cartridge, a confined flow passageway extending between the inlet and outlet, and a conduit extending from the outlet to the infusion site. The removable cartridge includes: a hollow shell that fits within the recess, is adapted to contain the liquid drug, and has an outlet that is adapted to communicate with the inlet of the housing and the drug contained within the shell; pressure means within the shell that maintains a constant, positive pressure on the drug; and lock means on the shell that engages the housing to reversibly lock the cartridge within the recess.

Abstract: A cassette is described for use in an intravenous delivery system having a pump. The volume of a main chamber defined by the cassette body is varied and unidirectional inlet and outlet valves maintain the fluid direction into and out of the main chamber. In the operating position of the cassette, the outlet valve is positioned to be in communication with any gas present in the main chamber. For the purpose of accumulating air from the upstream portion of the intravenous delivery system in which the cassette is used, a prechamber is positioned above the inlet port communicating therewith.

Abstract: A balloon-tipped extracorporeal cannula apparatus suitable for use in a cardiac cannulation technique including a first elongated and flexible tube having an open proximal end and a closed distal tip with a plurality of holes near the distal end, an inflatable balloon on the inside wall of the first tube adjacent to and proximal of the holes, and a second flexible tube contacting the balloon for readily inflating and deflating the balloon. When inflated, the balloon completely occludes the lumen of the first tube and extends to a point between the most distal portion and the most proximal portion of the holes near the distal end of the first tube thereby only partially obstructing the holes.

Abstract: A portable bidet which includes a check valve and plug in its receptacle so that the receptacle which contains washing liquid can readily be restored to its original inflated shape after being constricted, to thereby allow speedy washing of the vagina.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable dosing device for the continuous, controllable release of medication in the human or animal body, comprising a medicine reservoir of variable volume and a liquid chamber which is tensionally connected to the medicine reservoir and the volume of which can be varied by liquid which is transported through an ion exchange diaphragm by electro-osmosis due to an electric field between two electrodes. According to the invention, the electrodes in such an implantable dosing device are hydrogen electrodes which are connected to each other by a line for hydrogen, and means are further provided for compensating hydrogen losses.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable dosing device for the continuous release of medication in the human or animal body, comprising a medicine reservoir of variable volume and a propellant chamber of variable volume tensionally connected to the medicine reservoir, as well as flow-control means. According to the invention, an electro-osmotic control valve with an ion exchange diaphragm arranged between two porous electrodes is provided for the flow control in such a dosing device.

Abstract: A bistoury handle comprises first and second elongate members, the first member being provided at one end with means for gripping a blade and having a straight portion extending from that end and a curved portion extending from the straight portion towards its opposite end. The second elongate member is straight and is joined at one end to the first elongate member at a point adjacent to the blade-gripping means and is joined at its other end to the opposite end of the first elongate member. The handle further comprises a plate-like member secured to the second elongate member intermediate the ends thereof. The curvature of the curved portion of the first elongate member is adapted to fit in the hollow of the hand while the middle and ring fingers extend about the second elongate member, one on each side of the plate-like member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises first and second elongate members which are pivoted together intermediate their ends in crossing relationship, so as to define a major plane of the instrument extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of pivotal movement of the members and in which the members move during relative pivotal movement thereof. Each member has at a forward end an operating portion which cooperates with the operating portion of the other member when the two operating portions are brought together by relative pivotal movement of the two members, and each member has at its opposite, rearward end an actuating portion which can be urged towards the actuating portion of the other member for bringing the operating portions into cooperating disposition.

Abstract: A surgical tape in one embodiment having an elastomeric tubular body with the ends of the tubular body sealed to entrap air therein at substantially atmospheric pressure. A curved metal needle may be affixed to one end of the tubular body to facilitate insertion of the tape device between body structures. A clamping pad may be attached to the tubular body at a point intermediate the ends thereof. The clamping pad is adapted for use in ligating blood vessels by engaging the blood vessel between the clamping pad and a portion of the tubular body and drawing the tubular body into engagement with a jaw portion of the clamping pad.

Abstract: A method and article for performing an aneurysm repair is the subject of the present invention. A prosthetic graft is utilized to replace the damaged segment of the blood vessel. The graft is characterized by being movable from a collapsed formation of a diameter less than the diameter of the vessel to an open formation of a diameter approximately equal to that of the vessel. A plurality of radially spaced anchoring pins are located adjacent each end of the graft and provide means for securing the graft to the wall of the healthy vessel, on opposite sides of the aneurysm. Once in place, hemodynamic pressure will assure a continued fluid tight seal between the graft and the healthy vessel wall tissue. The prosthetic graft may be used without the need for major surgery by securing it to a catheter and inserting the catheter at a distal location from the aneurysm. The catheter with the prosthetic graft attached is moved through the vessel, utilizing fluoroscopic and X-ray data, to the area of the aneurysm.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprising, a catheter having an elongated shaft, and an elongated sleeve of flexible material covering at least a substantial portion of the catheter. The sleeve has a pair of opposed first and second walls extending between a pair of opposed longitudinal fold lines at sides of the sleeve with the catheter being received between the walls in a generally flat configuration of the sleeve. The sleeve has a circumferential cuff of enlarged dimensions defining an open distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A sun tanning table adapted to support the body of the user for sun tanning purposes, including a base adapted to be supported on the ground, and a substantially flat table top mounted on the base for supporting the body of the user in a reclining position for sun tanning purposes. A device is provided for mounting rotatably the table top on the base to enable the table top to rotate continuously through 360 degrees relative to the base. A motor rotates the table top about its vertical axis relative to the base to enable the user to attain a uniform sun tan.

Abstract: A beam defining system for an electron accelerator has an adjustable collimator with an accessory holder attached thereto for retaining an electron applicator. The electron applicator has an applicator wall which encloses an electron beam cone from the collimator. A frame-shaped spacer which can be brought into contact with the patient is attached to the applicator wall. A frame-shaped limiting aperture additional to limiting members in the collimator are provided on the applicator wall in order to limit the electron-beam cone at marginal regions facing away from the beam defining system.

Abstract: An electrode structure for use in emitting electromagnetic radiation for localized heating of tissue in medical therapy and capable of permitting deep heat penetration while skin surfaces and subcutaneous tissue remain at lower and physiologic temperatures not harmful to living tissue. An electrode structure having a wall with an emitting surface adapted to be placed in direct facial contact or in close proximity with external skin surfaces, the wall forming part of a cooling chamber through which cooling fluid is circulated to maintain the wall and adjacent tissue at selected relatively cool temperature. The electrode wall is connected to a radio frequency generator through impedance matching circuitry. In one embodiment, the wall surface is suitably curved for direct uniform contact with the surface configuration of the body to which it is applied.

Abstract: Apparatus for stimulating body tissue and in particular the heart, is disclosed as including a device or circuit responsive to the initiation of stimulation and/or to the failure or pending failure of a component of the stimulating apparatus to provide the patient with a perceivable stimulation to a second, different portion of body tissue. There is disclosed an impedance level detector for sensing the impedance presented between the outputs of the stimulation apparatus to provide a warning signal indicating that the output impedance falls outside a predetermined range. In particular, the impedance level detector output is sensed by a stimulation control logic to apply a first train of pulses at a first rate to an auxiliary electrode for stimulating the second portion of tissue.

Abstract: A timing device having a self-generating voltage source to modify the constant rate of a cardiac pacemaker in which the resulting improvement consists in making the constant rate of a cardiac pacemaker a variable rate as a function of physical activity.

Abstract: A device for pulse current action on the central nervous system includes a current pulse preamplification unit and a unit for adjusting a value of an additional constant component. The current pulse preamplification unit is coupled via a switch to the current pulse duration adjusting unit of the device to produce the second level of the first stage of general electroanesthesia, or to the intermittent analgesia unit of the device to make it possible to anesthetize growing pain. The unit for adjusting the additional constant component value is connected to the power unit of the device. This permits the reduction of the impedance at the points where the electrodes are attached to the forehead and neck areas.

Abstract: The flavor compositions of this invention include certain dialkyl-.alpha.,.beta. -diacyl succinates which significantly enhance the flavor component or components of flavor compositions. For example, butterscotch flavors are materially improved in smoothness and certain fruit flavors are given greater richness and ripeness.

Abstract: This invention provides coated tobacco product having a hydrophobic coating on at least one surface thereof, the coating comprising a cellulose propionate having an acetyl content of less than about 6% by weight, a hydroxyl content of at least 1.5% by weight, and a content of acyl groups of more than about 3 carbon atoms of less than about 10% by weight. The coating preferably comprises a mixture of the aforesaid cellulose propionate with a glyceride having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein preferably one of the R groups is a group selected from the group consisting of acetyl and propionyl, at least another R residue group represents an acyl containing at least about 12 carbon atoms, any remaining R group is hydrogen. The coating composition is applied, e.g. to a reconstituted tobacco product, as a clear solution in a volatile solvent. The volatile solvents which are suitable include alcohol-water mixtures, esters, and anhydrous alcohol-ester mixtures.

Abstract: A tobacco product having a reduced nicotine content. Tobacco is subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nicotine through a biochemical reaction in which, inter alia, 3-succinoylpyridine is formed. Tobacco treated in accordance with this process, when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product, produces a mild smoke, having a reduced nicotine content. However, there is no loss of desirable flavor, taste and smoking properties.

Abstract: A cigarette perforating mechanism which operates to perforate a cigarette after the filter final assembly in a cigarette making machine. Perforating points of V design are mounted adjustably so that the points may be set to different heights to make perforations of different size thereby to obtain better control of the depth and width of point penetration. The points are arranged on an arc and are made integral in a thin strip of sheet metal which is fixed in a rolling shoe. A rolling drum rolls the cigarettes over the shoe and the height-adjusted points to perforate the cigarette with holes to a preselected depth and width assembly depending on the preselected depth to which the V-shaped perforating points are driven into the cigarette.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smoking apparatus including a rotatably mounted liquid piston assembly that acts to pump air and resulting smoke through material being held or supported by the apparatus as the liquid piston assembly is manually turned in half turn intervals. The liquid piston assembly comprises two opposed compartments communicatively open with respect to each other in order that a liquid contained therein may move or gravitate from one compartment to the other as the respective compartments are rotated. After each half turn, liquid will gravitate from an upper oriented compartment to a lower oriented compartment and as the liquid gravitates a vacuum is created within the upper oriented compartment causing smoke to be pulled within that compartment. Further, the gravitating liquid will effectively force smoke received in the preceding half cycle from the lower oriented compartment through an exhaust valve associated with the liquid piston assembly.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail mounting is provided having a frame to which a plurality of artificial fingernails are secured by their tips leaving the cuticle ends of the fingernails free to facilitate the selection of a fingernail by a user. The mounting may be packaged in a parallelpiped box having aligned transparent sections enabling a possible purchaser to examine and select the artificial fingernails without removing the fingernails from the box.

Abstract: A toothbrush or other hygienic device typically used regularly on a daily basis by the average person includes a handle in the form of a pill dispenser. The handle is constructed as a hollow tubular member and has openings in its longitudinal sides for holding the pills. Each pill is releasably sealed within one of the openings by plastic sheets, one of which is frangible to permit removal of a pill. The handle may be detachably connected to the remainder of the device and is closed at an open end thereof by a plug. The plug may be used to free a pill from its opening. Indicia is imprinted on the exposed surface of one of the plastic sheets to permit identification of each pill.

Abstract: A portable collapsible frame structure for tents, shelters, temporary buildings and the like is disclosed. The frame includes a plurality of elongate, rigid frame members connected by pivotable joints to each other in end-to-end relation such that alternating joints are articulatable in opposite directions to permit folding of the frame members into side-by-side, parallel relation for ease of transportation. The frame structure is held in its erected position by tensile elements which are arranged to apply a compressive force to the abutting ends of the frame members and thereby rigidify the joints of the frame structure.