Abstract: This invention relates to a contactless ignition circuit for internal combustion engines characterized in that a primary short-circuiting current flowing through the primary winding of an ignition coil is made to flow through a power transistor controlled to be conducted and interrupted by a photoswitching means, the formation is small and simple, the contact is not worn and the life is long.

Abstract: The invention provides a plural chamber gas burner for a cooking grill. The burner has an inside space between a top and a bottom. Divider walls divide the inside space into a breather space between two independently operable gas chambers. Breather apertures in the bottom of the burner provide communication between the breather space and the outside of the burner. Ignition apertures are provided in the divider walls near burner apertures in the gas chambers so that gas from an already operating gas chamber will ignite gas of another gas chamber.

Abstract: A fireplace furnace is insertable as a unit into the front opening of an existing fireplace. It has a firebox portion and can also have a cookstove extension of the firebox which protrudes into the room when the firebox is positioned in a fireplace. A sheet metal jacket around the firebox encloses a first air space. Double side walls of the firebox define a second air space. Frontal air openings connect both air spaces to the ambient room air. Rear openings in the outermost side walls interconnect the two air spaces at the rear of the firebox. Heat exchange tubes communicating with the first air space at the back of the firebox pass through the firebox to air discharge openings at the front of the unit. Air intake blowers in the first air space are insulated from the firebox by the second air space.

Abstract: A factory-built fireplace having a refractory hearth floor which is supported from beneath only at the side and rear marginal edges, and is not physically connected to any fireplace structure other than a sheet metal cover plate which extends across and is supported by the front edge of the hearth. Thus, the hearth may be removed, in the event of cracking or for any other reason, and replaced simply be removing the hearth cover without disturbing other portions of the fireplace structure.

Abstract: A grate for burning newspapers having a structure formed of a non-combustible material and a stand formed of a non-combustiblematerial for supporting the structure in an elevated position. The structure comprises members formed of a plurality of spaced apart adjacent recesses formed in such a manner as to receive bundles of newspapers in each of the recesses. The newspapers when disposed in the recesses form vertically disposed paths for the flow of air to provide a chimney effect during burning of the newspapers.

Abstract: A shovel-like device for removing ashes from a burning fire while screening out solid burning particles which remain in the fire.

Abstract: An operating device for use with a fireplace damper having a depending actuating lever within the firebox area. The operating mechanism extends through the front wall of the fireplace and operatively engaging the damper lever. The mechanism comprises a three section actuating rod which extends through the fireplace wall. A bracket on one end of the rod operatively engages the damper lever. A decorative handle or knob is mounted on the other end of the rod for gripping and for moving said rod inwardly to close the damper and pulling said rod outwardly to open the damper.

Abstract: The invention concerns a self-regulating open fireplace and more particularly a corner open fireplace, a fireplace which is open on three sides and a fireplace which is open upon one side only.In the fixed hood of the fireplace there is fitted a hinging movable hood of truncated cone shape of which, in one position, the bottom contour is in contact with the bottom contour of the fixed hood, and in a hinged position, a continuous passage is formed between the two hoods so as to create an air curtain in front of the open fireplace and to extract all excess smoke gasses, whereas means are provided between the movable hood and a flap valve mounted in the movable hood for adjusting the passage opening of the chimney, in view of the simultaneous control of the movable hood and of the flap valve.

Abstract: A closed solar water heating system automatically replaces, with air, the water which may be subjected to freezing when the system is in a nonoperative mode.

Abstract: Solar tracking apparatus for a solar energy system comprises at least one chamber containing a volatile fluid, a shading arrangement for controlling the degree to which the at least one chamber is exposed to the sun in dependence on the position of the sun so as to control the extent to which the fluid is vaporized due to solar heating of the at least one chamber, and apparatus for coupling the expansive force generated by vaporization of the fluid to a work piece to control the position, orientation, and/or operation thereof.

Abstract: A solar heating system including a radiant heat collector apparatus made up of an enclosure having glazed panels. The collector provided within the enclosure is upstanding with the enclosure and the collector has heat absorbent flat walls spaced inwardly from the glazed panels. A heat storage core is provided centrally within the collector and spaced from the walls of the collector. The heat storage core includes an insulated housing and a heat retaining member within the insulated housing. Air passageways are formed between the collector walls and the insulated housing for passing input air, and duct members are provided for communicating with a household.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for heating water by reflux condensation wherein a solar vaporized heat transfer fluid passes through a condenser in heat exchange relationship with a volume of water. The collection of solar radiation is effected in a primary solar collection region elevated above the condenser. The invention disclosed provides for the recirculation of condensed heat transfer fluid from condenser to the primary collection region. Sequentially, this entails passing condensate by gravity from the condenser into a U-type trap for accumulation until excess condensate causes some spill-over and flow by gravity of condensate into a booster solar collection region, through a venturi. In the booster regin spill over condensate flash vaporizes and is channeled in reverse through the venturi. The velocity of the vapor in the venturi creates low pressure according to the venturi effect, thereby drawing condensate accumulated in the trap into the venturi.

Abstract: A solar energy collector having an energy concentrating unit and an energy collecting unit is disclosed. The concentrating unit includes at least one converging lens for concentrating the sun's rays onto the collecting unit. Each lens may be blow-formed from sheets of thermoplastic. Each lens may be hollow or filled with a liquid.The collecting unit includes a fluid-transporting member having a heat transfer fluid therein. Input and output pipes connected to the fluid-transporting member carry the heat transfer fluid to and from the fluid-transporting member, respectively. The fluid-transporting member may be a coil, or it may be a double-walled dome, or an arch of flat hollow plates.The solar energy collector further includes a backplate for fixing the position of the collecting unit relative to the concentrating unit such that the focus of each lens is on or near the fluid-transporting member.

Abstract: A solar panel, comprising a closed body of thermal insulation material with a transparent surface on at least one side thereof, the body having one or more countersunk sections which are lower than the side edges and optional support members, and is surrounded by a transparent sleeve such that one or more air spaces are formed between said sleeve and said lowered sections, the body and the sleeve together constituting an element which is adapted to be installed between structural members in a building or itself constituting an independent wall/roof member.

Abstract: Solar collector without outer glass isolation in the shape of a usual roof cover, especially a roof cover having undulations, comprising integral passageways on the lower side of the roof cover and spaced apart from each other, and crossing channels which can be connected to the passageways, especially by pressing connecting openings one upon the other.

Abstract: A mounting device for accessories of endoscope oculars comprises a mount body having a central through hole and a hollow cylindrical rim secured to one end of the body. Within the rim there is provided a cavity in the form of a truncated cone for receiving an ocular of an endoscope. Plate cams are rockably supported in axially elongated slits formed in the rim. The plate cams are urged by springs stretched between them and the rim, and their inner faces can contact an ocular inserted in the cavity so loosely that the ocular may be rotated. About the rim a fixing cam ring and a release cam ring are provided rotatably with respect to the mount body. The inner periphery of the fixing cam ring provides such cam surfaces that the fixing cam ring causes the inner faces of the plate cams to push the rear face of the ocular thereby to connecting the ocular immovably to the mounting body when it is rotated in one circumferential direction.

Abstract: The mouth closure for providing artificial respiration to patients consists of a deformable elliptical plate (2), whose periphery is surrounded by a tube (1). The tube is formed in the shape of an air hose made of an elastic film with a hose (3) for admission of air. A tube (4) passes through the plate (2) in a central region. The mouth closure is placed in the dentilabial cavity of the patient's upper and lower jaws. The tube, in association with the gums and the lips and cheeks, seals the oral cavity from the outside. A flow of air through the tube therefore enters the respiratory passages of the patient and also passes back from the respiratory passages, through the tube, to the outside.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the amount of heat delivered to a human body through ventilator therapy so as to maintain the body at a desired core temperature. The temperature of the inspired and expired gas is measured by temperature sensors to control operation of an inhalation heater so that the inspired gas temperature tracks the expired gas temperature with different adjusted separations. Automatic switching is under control of a body core temperature sensor detecting deviations from the desired body temperature.

Abstract: A low non-skidding rack holds a breathing bag against the operating room floor in position to be conveniently squeezed rhythmically by the anesthetist using the ball of his foot, thus reinforcing or even taking over the depressed respiration of his patient, while leaving both his hands free for doing venipunctures and performing other functions. The rack includes at one end a rigid tube, removable for sterilization, which couples a breathing hose coming off the gas machine to the mouth of the gas bag, and at the other end an arm with means for gripping and holding the tail of the gas bag.

Abstract: A system for inactivation of microorganisms and their products (viruses, bacteria, toxins and cells) such as, for example, Herpes simplex viruses by superposition of a component such as, for example, methylene blue (MB) plus light, oxygen and electricity. The system serves to generate the superoxide radical anion (O.sub.2) and consequently hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2 O.sub.2) and the hydroxyl radical (OH.), both of which enter into the inactivation process, but each has use beyond said system. The disclosed activating components include methylene blue covalently bonded to conconavalin A to enhance its binding to mammalian lymphoblasts and compounds of d.sup.- and f.sup.- transition metals such as cis-platinum diamino dichloride.

Abstract: A tampon having an absorbent core with two fluid permeable wraps is provided. The combination of two wrapping layers aids in withdrawal particularly when a superabsorbent material is used as part of the absorbent and also may aid in the prevention of reverse fluid flow from the saturated tampon.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube of the inflatable cuff type and having a suction chamber adjacent the upper side of the cuff. The suction chamber is in the shape of a bulge having four ports equally spaced about the periphery of the bulge and facing upwardly. Suction applied to the chamber will extract fluids from the trachea above the cuff without invaginating the tracheal mucosa. Medicinal fluids may also be introduced into the trachea via the suction chamber and ports.

Abstract: Peat moss having increased wettability and increased brightness while maintaining its absorbency and structural integrity is provided. The peat moss is treated so as to chemically graft onto its structure, unhydrolized polymeric chains of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and --CH.sub.3, X and Y are selected from the group consisting of --CN, --COONH.sub.2 and --OCH.sub.3 and wherein m and n are integers which when summed together equal at least 500.

Abstract: Disclosed is an acetabular prosthetic cup positioning instrument for use in positioning such cup during total hip surgery. The acetabular cup has a convex outer portion that is disposed in the patient's reamed and prepared acetabulum, the cup has an inner cavity and the cup has a rearward-most portion between such outer portion and inner cavity defining a rim portion. The instrument has an interchangeable ball and flange for respective engagement with such cup's inner cavity and rim portion to mount, orient and align such cup relative to such instrument. A drive mechanism, operatively connected through a drive coupling rod, flexible drive cable and drive member and carrying such ball, effects translatory movement of such ball away from such flange while such ball maintains its engagement with such cup's inner cavity to thereby disengage such flange away from such cup's rim portion.

Abstract: An intubation set includes a flexible sheath, a probe inserted in the flexible sheath having a proximal end extending out of the sheath and a length of tubing secured to the sheath to permit the tubing to be positioned in a body by inserting the probe within the sheath into the body, withdrawing the probe from the sheath and pulling the sheath through the body to position the tubing by grasping an end of the sheath. A method of positioning the length of tubing in the lacrimal ducts utilizes the intubation set with a pair of flexible sheaths connected with the tubing and a pair of probes received in the sheaths.

Abstract: An improved automatically rate adaptive pacemaker, wherein the rate of delivered stimulus pulses is controlled as a function of sensed hearbeat characteristics and/or patient threshold. The pacemaker analyzes different characteristics or parameters of the detected heartbeat signal, and the rate of delivered stimulus pulses is controlled as a function of predetermined correlation factors. The pacemaker includes means for automatic threshold tracking, and also for adjusting the rate of delivered stimulus pulses as a continuous function of the patient threshold.

Abstract: A programmer is disclosed for programming with encoded signals selected parameters and modes of operation for the control of a pacing generator including a memory for receiving and storing the encoded signals for the control of its operation. The programmer includes a keyboard for receiving upon selected of its keys the designation of the parameter or the mode of operation, as well as the value of the parameter to be so encoded, a display for indicating the mode or parameter to be programmed as well as the value thereof, a transmitter for encoding and transmitting signals via an antenna or coil to the pacing generator which has a receiving coil therein for detecting the transmitted signal. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, there is included a secondary coil inductively coupled to the antenna to sense the generation of signals therein.

Abstract: An eye fundus oximeter adapted to measure spectrally the oxygen saturation of the blood in the fundus of the human eye. The oximeter includes an illuminating optical system (8, 21, 10) for first illuminating the fundus of the patient's eye (11) with light of a wide wavelength range and then illuminating the same with light of four different spectra, a photoelectric element (13) for receiving the four kinds of light directly and not via the patient's eye and a photoelectric element (16) for receiving the four kinds of light impringing on the fundus of the eye and then reflected therefrom. The outputs of these photoelectric elements (13, 16) are compared at each of the same spectra, the results of such comparison being subject to given arithmetic operations to evaluate the oxygen saturation.

Abstract: A pressure or force transducer capable of miniaturization. Preferably, the transducer takes the form of a "contact lens" and is applied to the eyeball to permit intra-ocular pressure to be measured.

Abstract: A respiration monitor for measuring the variations of the thorax impedance of a patient due to respiration is described. The monitor includes circuitry for suppressing the indication of unwanted signals caused by cardio-vascular activity of the patient. The circuitry receives trigger signals immediately following the QRS complex of the patient's ECG waveform. If a certain negative-going slope is detected in the thorax impedance waveform following the QRS complex, it is counted as a cardio-vascular artifact and not respiration activity. After a predetermined number of cardio-vascular artifact are detected and counted, the respiration monitor is disabled so that this cardio-vascular activity will not reset an apnea counter.

Abstract: A digital watch has a face mounted local pulse sensor unit which is coupled to infrared plethysmograph electronics within the watch. The local pulse sensor includes transmitter and receiver photodiodes connected to the electronics by a plurality of moveable contact fingers. A connector at one end of a flat cable is insertable into a slotted opening on the side of the local pulse sensor and between the contact fingers and the two local photodiodes to disconnect the photodiodes from the electronics. Simultaneously, a remote pulse sensor unit at the other end of the cable is electrically coupled to the contact fingers by the connector for enabling the wearer's pulse at his finger to be sensed. A loop about the connector end of the cable maintains the connector in position when inserted into the local pulse sensor receptacle. A cuff at the remote sensor end of the cable secures the sensor to a wearer's finger for pulse monitoring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and obtaining actual bio-electrical characteristics of a subject, such as EEG, or determinants of the psycho-electro-physiological state of the subject, under predetermined conditions of evoked response stimuli, and by interaction with a computer, apply cutaneous electrical stimulation to the subject, using a signal generator to modify current amplitude and frequency in a direction to achieve bio-electrical characteristics in the subject related to the actual bio-electrical characteristics monitored. The signal generator may have an output of several frequencies simultaneously, and uses a sinusoidal waveform output, with battery power passed through a transformer to power a transconductance amplifier to obtain constant current output despite resistance changes in the line with the subject, and with the transformer not placed in the signal path of the sinusoidal waveform.

Abstract: A urine receptor comprising, a receptacle having a chamber to receive urine, and a valve assembly attached to a lower portion of the receptacle. The valve assembly is normally closed, and permits passage of urine through the valve assembly when a valve element of the assembly is pressed.

Abstract: A urine meter comprising, a container having a cavity for collection of urine, and a drainage tube for draining urine from a patient. The meter has a receptacle having a chamber, with the drainage tube defining a port communicating with an upper portion of the receptacle for passage of urine into the chamber. The receptacle has a baffle extending across an upper portion of the receptacle below the drainage tube port and defining opening means permitting passage of urine from the drainage tube port into the chamber. The meter communicates between an upper portion of the receptacle and an upper portion of the container to permit passage of urine from the chamber to the cavity by tilting the receptacle while the baffle prevents passage of urine into the drainage tube.

Abstract: A urine meter bag for accurately measuring and storing urine passing from a patient including a meter for receiving the urine flow having a large measuring chamber and a smaller calibrated chamber into which the flow initially passes. Upon filling of the calibrated chamber, overflow passes into the large chamber. The meter rests in tandem against a flexible drainage bag and is in fluid communication therewith near the top so that the meter can be tipped and its contents emptied into the bag. A special support assembly pivoted on the bag hanging bracket includes slotted side arms which straddle the meter and receive pivot pins on the meter which facilitate support and emptying of the meter into the bag.

Abstract: A needle assembly for use in preventing backflow of blood being collected from a patient comprises a housing with a chamber therein, and including first and second access openings through the housing in fluid communication with the chamber. A cannula extends outwardly from the first access opening and is adapted for insertion into a patient. The chamber has a volume sufficiently large to store blood therein collected from the patient and to delay blood from backflowing from the second access opening into the first access opening under normal patient blood flow conditions due to the large amount of blood which must first be displaced from the chamber.In another embodiment of the present invention, the chamber includes flow resistance elements positioned in the chamber to provide flow resistance in the flow of blood from the chamber toward the first access opening. These objects may include tapered cones to favor flow of blood in one direction but not the other direction.

Abstract: A harvesting machine with crop threshing and separating means; the crop threshing and separating means comprising a separator rotor rotatably mounted in a generally cylindrical separator housing and operable to move crop material across the inside of said housing. The separator housing is formed in part by a separator concave for the separation of grain therethrough, and in part by an impervious cover rearwardly of the separator concave as seen in the direction of rotation of the separator rotor. The concave and the impervious cover have adjacent edges which are spaced apart over a short distance, thus defining an opening therebetween and downstream of the separator concave.

Abstract: A device for applying a chevron-shaped cigar wrapper blank onto a rotating double cigar body as the body is being rotated in a mechanically driven nest where certain driving rods of the nest are modified to provide clearance for a tuck lifter that initiates the wrapping procedure.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine includes at least one transfer wheel for transferring the filler stream onto the wrapper web, and air guide vanes extending in approximately tangential directions towards the transfer wheel. As a result, the vanes arrest any particles of tobacco which fly off the wheel, and air streams induced by the suction in the wheel tend to return the particles to the wheel with a forward component of motion.

Abstract: An ashtray is provided with devices for extinguishing smoking cigarettes, including an open socket under which is affixed coacting pincers. These may be a pair of spring biased plates or a thin plate having a small diameter hole therethrough. Pincer action is attained by making radial cuts about the hole to produce a saw-tooth spring edge.When a smoking cigarette is inserted through the pincer arrangement, the edges of the pincers pinch the end of the smoking cigarette just behind the hard, burning tip. Withdrawal of the cigarette causes the burning tip portion to be pushed off allowing it to fall automatically into a reservoir in the bottom of the ashtray.

Abstract: Processes and compositions are described for the use in foodstuff flavor and aroma, tobacco flavor and aroma and perfume and perfumed article aroma augmenting, modifying, altering and enhancing compositions and as foodstuff, chewing gum, toothpaste, medicinal product, tobacco, perfume and perfumed article aroma imparting materials of acetyl hydrindacenes and acetyl indanes and mixtures of same, said acetyl indanes and acetyl hydrindacenes having the structures: ##STR1## and existing in the liquid phase at ambient temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The improved eyelash curler of the present invention comprises a blade, a pad, support means holding the pad substantially horizontally below the substantially horizontal blade and means for vertically controllably opposing the pad and blade to curl eyelashes therebetween. The surface of the blade and/or pad which contacts the eyelashes during curling thereof is substantially curved and/or sloped from the horizontal to impart varying degrees of curl to various portions of the eyelashes for an improved natural appearance. The pad and/or blade can be made removable from the curler and, preferably, reversible. The curler may, if desired, be adapted for primary use for one eye, specifically the eyelashes of the upper lid of one eye, and a pair of such curlers can be used, one for each eye. The curler is simple, inexpensive and effective.

Abstract: The cleaning apparatus includes a pre-rinse tank, a cleaning tank, and at least one post-rinse tank. The cleaning tank cleans oil, flux and other foreign matter off the surface of a work product by subjecting the work project to a rising stream of bubbles of uniform density which overflow the upper end of a chimney and return to the bottom end of the chimney. The bubbles are created by porous chambers internally pressurized with a gas such as air. The post-rinse tank is likewise constructed so as to subject the work product to a rising column of bubbles having uniform density across the width of the post-rinse tank but without any recirculation of the rinse liquid.

Abstract: A tent comprising side walls which are inclined when the tent is erected, loops at the lower edges of the walls adapted to receive stakes driven into the ground, and a floor member of water impervious material comprising a floor panel adapted to lie on the ground when the tent is erected and sides extending up from the floor panel, the perimeter of the floor panel being spaced inwardly from the lower edges of the walls when the tent is erected, the sides of the floor member and the walls of the tent being sewn together at seams at the upper edge margins of the sides of the floor member, said seams being above the ground. Rings of elastic material are provided at the perimeter of the floor panel adapted to receive the stakes for holding the floor panel taut.

Abstract: A housing is disclosed for shielding portions of a motor vehicle from weather conditions. The housing includes a frame which is adjustable in size and which, in the preferred embodiment, is adapted to shelter the hood portion of an automobile. In another embodiment, the frame includes a section that is adapted also to protect the windshield portion of the automobile.

Abstract: A tank for automobile fuel, having a back-up tank contained therein to maintain a minimum fuel level about the opening of the fuel suction line during vehicle acceleration conditions, has a back-up tank assembly and related components, such as a filter, a pump and guide walls forming funnels, all of which can be inserted and secured in the tank through an opening therein after fabrication and installation of the tank.

Abstract: A rotationally indexing valve capable of directing refrigerant flow to various zones of a heat exchanger is disclosed. A piston is mounted for reciprocal movement within the valve casing. Means are provided for rotating the piston between selected positions as the piston reciprocates, each position connecting a valve port to a liquid chamber for directing flow therethrough.

Abstract: An air flow control valve, for example for control of air of a ventilating flow in a vertilation system comprises an axially extending valve casing having a venturi-shaped inner face, and an axially movable valve member movable within said valve casing to vary the air flow through the valve. In order that the control movement of the valve member may vary the volume of air flow through the valve according to the same predetermined function regardless of the pressure drop across the valve, or the system in which it is incorporated, the valve casing is shaped to compensate for the variation of the drag coefficient of the valve resulting from movement of the valve member. The invention also comprises a method for determining the required dimensions of a valve casing incorporating such correction.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve includes a fixed valve member having inlet means, a movable valve member positioned adjacent the fixed valve member and having an inlet port movable into register with said inlet means, and seal means carried by the fixed valve member and in sealing engagement with the movable valve member. A shear member is positioned on the opposite side of the movable valve member from the seal means and is in intimate contact with the movable valve member. Movement of the movable valve member to control the flow of fluid passing from the inlet means to the inlet port causes the inlet port to slidingly move adjacent and between the shear member and the fixed valve member to remove or break up foreign material held by the inlet port.

Abstract: An automatic water safety valve assembly having sensors adapted to be placed in various locations on the floors of a building so that an expandable element in each of the sensors having an electrically conductive plate expands when wetted to operate a circuit which causes the water safety valve to close and shut off the main water line to the building. The valve, when activated, also operates a power interrupter which deactivates the connections to the device from the AC power source.