Abstract: A device which prevents run-on continued operation of an internal combustion engine when the ignition is shut off: the device including means for preventing delayed closing of the throttle valve or valves when the ignition circuit is opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically measuring the light transmission factor of liquid test samples in which a number of transparent vats is arranged around the circumference of a stationary table over which rotates a photoelectric measuring device which successively scans each vat to determine the light transmission factor of the samples. The various samples are automatically transferred by sucking them into the measuring vats from a bank of test tubes via a bank of probes with flexible hose connections to each vat; a central control valve drains the vats after testing. Electronic timing circuits provide the control commands for the operative sequences of the device, and logic circuitry, in combination with a data storage and retrieval system, provides comparative data between reference measurements and sample measurements for each vat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for use in laying a submarine pipeline from a pipe-laying vessel. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reel pipe-laying method for continuously laying a pipeline of up to 24-inch diameter without a stinger by (1) aligning a pipe portion as it is being paid out from the reel, (2) straightening the aligned pipe portion, (3) tensioning the pipe, (4) discharging the straightened pipe under tension into the body of water, and (5) changing for different water depths and pipe conditions the lift off angle of the pipe relative to the horizontal by pivoting a diverter about a horizontal pivot, the diverter supporting at least the straightener and the tensioner and extending from the horizontal pivot mounted near the aft end of the vessel, upwardly toward the reel.

Abstract: A rotation indication system having an improved sensing device for determining the velocity of a rotating body is disclosed. The improved sensing device is tubular in configuration and includes a source of magnetic flux and two pole pieces that define a split magnetic field. The sensing device is mounted in close proximity to a rotor which is connected to the rotating body. The rotor has apertures which interrupt the split magnetic field producing an output signal with a frequency proportional to the velocity of the rotating body. The sensing device is oriented relative to the rotor apertures so that each pole piece is alternatively in register with an aperture to produce the desired output signal. Since the sensing device is tubular in shape, it can be rotated about its axis to obtain the desired orientation with the rotor apertures, thus permitting the use of the sensing device with a wide range of rotor diameters having various aperture spacings.

Abstract: A ventilating helmet which takes the form of sheet material wall member which has mounted thereon an electrically operated fan which is adapted to move air to the interior of the helmet. The electrically operated fan is to be operated through the use of a light sensitive, electrical energy producing cell. This cell is to be directly exposed to the source of light energy.

Abstract: An independent readily attachable visor member for goggles having a rim portion with slots defined therein on the sides thereof to accept a strap, the visor member being formed of a pliable sheet material and formed into a relatively rigid structure by curving the visor brim portion to provide structural rigidity, positioning end mounting sections formed on the ends of the brim portion to a position substantially normal to that of the brim, such that the end sections may be inserted obliquely through the strap slots defined in the rim, and the visor member rotated to lock the brim portion against the goggle with the end sections securely engaged in the strap slots.

Abstract: An intravascular device having a chamber for containing transplanted cells. The device is adapted to be implanted in a wall of a blood vessel with a porous chamber-forming wall of the chamber providing an interface between the cells in the chamber and the blood in the vessel. The chamber-forming wall has a pore size permitting continuous diffusion of hormonal components therethrough but blocking the diffusion of cells. The device may also be implanted between an artery and a vein in a wall of each so as to act as a sieve between the artery and vein subject to the differential pressure therebetween. A method is also disclosed for employing the device to introduce hormonal components into the blood stream.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation in the disc space after the removal of a diseased or damaged cervical intervertebral is described and comprises upper and lower disc portions having a plurality of springs positioned therebetween to yieldably urge the disc portions away from each other. A plurality of spikes extend upwardly from the upper disc portion for engagement with the vertebra thereabove. A plurality of spikes extend downwardly from the lower end of the lower disc portion for engagement with the vertebra therebelow.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the surgical replacement of a dysfunctional knee joint. The prosthesis includes a tibial platform, one or two tibial bearing inserts, and a femoral component.In a unicompartmental embodiment of the invention, the tibial platform includes a spike for securing the tibial platform to the tibia. The tibial platform, in the unicompartmental embodiment, includes a track, which may be curved, and which is slidably engaged in dovetail fashion by a tibial bearing insert. The superior surface of the tibial bearing insert is concave spherical, designed to slidably engage the inferior surface of the femoral component. The inferior surface of the femoral component is generally convex spherical, with radius of curvature slightly smaller than the radius of curvature of the tibial bearing insert.

Abstract: A urinal having a semi-rigid housing is useable by either a male or a female to receive urine discharged by a person whether in a seated or in a supine position. A cappable opening to the collector includes a spout configured to receivingly support a penis when used by a male and the combination of the spout and opening is configured to develop a seal extending from the vaginal opening to a point above the urethra to prevent urine seepage when used by a female. Opposed sides of the collector are concave to mate with the curvature of the user's thighs and help maintain the urinal in place during use. A specially configured handle at the upper rear end of the housing aids in manipulating the urinal into and out of position of use and in minimizing the danger of inadvertent tipping.

Abstract: A pair of anchoring means are secured to the rear portion of a toilet bowl by means of a suitable fastener. The head end of the anchoring means which have an annular groove formed therein extend above the toilet bowl and are positioned in similarly sized and shaped openings in a supporting plate to which the toilet seat is pivotally coupled. A pair of rotatable locking pins each having a notch therein extend through the supporting plate for selective engagement and disengagement with the respective annular groove in the head end of the anchoring means.

Abstract: An automatic flushing system having an electrically-operated flush valve, a sensor for determining the presence of a person and a control circuit responsive to the sensor for initiating the operation of the flush valve. The sensor emits pulses from within a defined viewing area. A lens system is arranged to collect reflected light only from the defined viewing area. Light reflected from walls, tile or other shiny surfaces does not activate the control circuit. The sensor is mounted below and behind the flush valve actuating means so as to be partially hidden from view and thus discourage tampering with the sensor.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive, simple and practical device for interposition between the seat of a toilet stool bowl and the upper edge of the bowl, for collecting, when in position, the fecal discharge of a patient whose feces is to be examined; the device normally being folded and stored in a sterile mailer together with a wooden spatula; the specimen collecter being produced from biodegradable materials, and including a foldable base plate which has a forward margin spaced from the forward portion of the toilet bowl to permit ready discharge of urine without contaminating or diluting the fecal sample, and the base element, when disposed in an unfolded or flat condition, having a rear tab clamped beneath the stool seat and disposing a bag-like element, adhesively secured to the base plate in an optimum position to receive the fecal specimen; the bag-like element being produced from a disposable paper-product material similar to that from which disposable diapers are produced; the bag-like element having a transv

Abstract: To be situated between a mattress and a box spring is a hinged frame that includes inflatable bags located respectively beneath the head and foot portions of the mattress. A controlled pump unit permits selective inflating of the bags so as individually to elevate the different portions of the mattress at the command of a user. Construction features of one version include internal contour-defining elements tied between space-opposed supports affixed to the walls of the bags and double-plate supports readily mounted into the bags and which enable tying of the bags to the frame. Another version uses an arrangement of straps to define contour.

Abstract: A pillow-display case for housing and displaying various objects such as mementos, collections of small items and the like is disclosed. The pillow is of conventional construction, and has a transparent flexible overlay sheet covering a substantial portion of, and attached at its peripheral edges to, at least one face of the pillow. The space thus created between the transparent sheet and the pillow's face constitutes a display pocket, with reclosable pocket access means provided for introducing, arranging and removing the objects to be displayed.