Abstract: A slingshot-like tether toy which includes a handle and a ball which are connected by a single elastic cord having a stop formed or fastened between the handle and the ball. The elastic cord is adapted to pass into a slot in one edge of the handle with the stop engaging a handle surface adjacent the slot to tension a portion of the cord as the ball is drawn back prior to release. Upon release, the stop disengages the handle, and the ball continues its travel towards the target. The entire elastic cord acts as a tether to return the ball to the user.

Abstract: An improved archery rest in combination with an archery bow. The rest including a shaft and a pair of inwardly biased facing elements slidably mounted on a shaft with inwardly inclined faces. The facing elements move between a rest condition and an outward condition, when an arrow is propelled through the arrow notation areas designed by the facing elements. An archery bow receives the arrow rest in the window thereof.

Abstract: A mono-stabilizer for sport bows having a sleeve 5 is mounted on one end of a tube 7 and is provided with a screw bolt. On the other end of the tube 7 a terminal piece 8 is mounted which is provided with a self-cutting threading 9. This arrangement constitutes a mono-stabilizer which is resistant to breaking and vibration and provides a maximum damping of vibration. The sleeve has longitudinal grooves in the surface thereof. The sleeve includes structure for preventing rotation relative to the sleeve and for securing the proximal end of the elongated member to a bow.

Abstract: A convertible door for wood stoves and the like having a central opening therein. A pair of interchangeable panels are provided which are dimensioned to substantially cover said opening; one of said panels being opaque, the other being transparent. Each of the panels is detachably mountable on the rear surface of the door to thereby provide selectively opaque or transparent covers for said opening.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a building wherein a solar collector extends substantially coextensive with at least a portion of at least one vertical wall of the building. The system includes a solar collector and storage unit having means connected thereto for circulating air through such components during a collecting mode at a first predetermined temperature. Air is exhausted from such components during a dumping mode at a second predetermined temperature. Thermostat means are provided to cause air to flow through the storage unit into the building during a heating mode at a third predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Solar energy conversion apparatus comprises a solar energy utilization surface, a reflective solar energy concentrator, a tracking device operable to cause the concentrator to track the sun and thereby concentrate solar energy on the utilization surface, a structure defining a shaded zone between the concentrator and the utilization surface such that solar rays reflected from the concentrator toward the utilization surface do not enter the shaded zone when the concentrator is aligned with the sun, wherein the tracking device includes solar energy sensitive elements located within the shaded zone and producing tracking control signals when struck by solar rays when the concentrator is not aligned with the sun.

Abstract: Apparatus for absorbing solar energy including a plurality of energy absorbing members, said energy absorbing members being arranged substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to each other in a row, each energy absorbing member including a mass of solar energy absorbing material extending substantially to the edges thereof, insulating material disposed on one side of the energy absorbing material, sealing members disposed between adjacent energy absorbing members, mechanism for moving the energy absorbing members from an energy absorbing position to an energy radiating position.

Abstract: A solar panel unit for heating circulating fluid has a plurality of preferably rectangular lenses for focusing and concentrating the sun's energy onto a heat-absorbing body through which a heat-exchange fluid is circulated.

Abstract: A heating apparatus which uses solar energy to heat a solar energy working fluid moving through a solar collector is provided. The heating apparatus includes an outer tank and an inner tank completely contained within the outer tank. The inner tank is surrounded by the solar energy working fluid held by the outer tank. The wall of the inner tank acts as a heat exchanger wherein fluid from an outside source is contained in the inner tank and heated by the solar energy working fluid. The outer tank includes a resilient lid to enable the volume of the outer tank to be varied. When the temperature of the solar energy working fluid increases, the lid expands to prevent pressure increases within the outer tank. A transport line carries the solar energy working fluid to and from the outer tank. When portions of the transport line are to be drained, a section of the transport line provides an air path to assure proper drainage thereof.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a collector designed and positioned for installations within a predetermined range of latitudes without modification of collector position, construction, or tracking the sun's movement, and comprises a generator of hot or cold fluid by solar energy collection during the day to heat the fluid and/or chilling of the fluid at nocturnal nighttime.

Abstract: A solar collector panel apparatus is provided which can be easily manufactured in different shapes and capacities. A pair of manifolds is supported in a spaced relationship by one or more conductive tubes. Each tube has a helical wound tube wrapped therearound and having each end operatively connected into one manifold to create a passageway from one manifold to the other. A transparent sleeve is mounted over and spaced from each conductive tube having a helically wound tube thereover and is connected between the manifolds. A reflective material is positioned along one side of each sleeve for reflecting solar energy passing through the sleeve back towards the helically wrapped tube. An input is provided into one manifold and an output from the other manifold. The conductive center tube may be filled with a material, such as a eutectic salt, and act as the supporting framework to hold the manifolds in a spaced, fixed position.

Abstract: Solar collector panels filled with porous fiber mats have the fibers coated with a pigmented intumescent paint which expands to partially fill the spaces between the fibers for retarding convective fluid flow through the fiber mat in the case of a fire in the structure with which the collector is associated.

Abstract: The solar panel comprises a cavity having disposed therein a slab apt to be lapped by the air which has to be heated, the said cavity being provided with a perforation for the inlet and a perforation for the outlet of the said air into and from the said cavity, and is characterized in comprising a second and a third cavity, each of which communicates with the said first cavity, the said second and third cavities being arranged to form sections of channel for the inlet and the outlet of the air into and from the solar panel.

Abstract: A respacer and/or reorienter feed arrangement is operative for continuously feeding cigar wrappers in proper spaced-apart relationship and/or orientation to a cigar wrapping station of a multi-station cigar wrapping machine which includes a cigar bunch supply station, a cigar wrapper supply station, and a conveyor for conveying the bunches to a cigar wrapping station at which the wrappers are spirally applied about the bunches. The method of respacing and/or reorienting the wrappers includes conveying the latter in a predetermined arranged relationship and/or orientation in which successive wrappers are located relative to one another at positions selected for optimum compact transport purposes, and continuously moving each successively leading wrapper, one after another, relative to its next successively trailing wrapper, from its respective optimum compact transport position to and through the cigar wrapping station.

Abstract: A dual chamber personal flotation device which allows rebreathing into it. One of the chambers is for flotation only and is inflated with CO.sub.2 ; the other is for rebreathing, and is inflated with air. A tube located close to the wearer's mouth has a combination mouthpiece-shutoff valve on it which is designed to collect a minimum amount of water in it prior to being inserted in the wearer's mouth, thereby minimizing problems due to water ingestion during rebreathing. The chambers are independently inflatable in the event that either the size or the buoyancy has to be minimized in order to escape.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube is fitted with a leak preventing cuff. The cuff encompasses the tube and is made self-inflating by opening a respiratory gas flow passage through the tube wall from the interior of the tube to the interior of the cuff. The function of the tube is enhanced, and safety is improved, by molding the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: A fitting for use in performing a vascular puncture includes a system for rapidly and securely stabilizing an intravascular catheter or needle to a patient's skin upon insertion of the needle or catheter into a blood vessel. The hub of the needle or catheter has upper and lower lateral wings extending from its opposite sides. The wings are folded up over the hub and gripped together while a vascular puncture is made and then the lower wings, which have adhesive under surfaces, are released and dabbed onto the skin to rapidly stabilize the fitting. The upper wings can be taped down over the lower wings to effect a more permanent attachment of the fitting.

Abstract: A dressing device for securing on a body portion of a patient an infusion needle or catheter and a safety loop of the tubing associated therewith. The dressing device comprises a base strip of flexible material having an adhesive coating on its underside for attachment to the patient's skin and a gauze pad extending transversely of its central portion for direct contact with the puncture site. The base strip has a central longitudinal slit formed therein extending from an end edge of the base strip approximately to the middle thereof and terminating in a flap forming portion. That portion of the slit overlying the gauze pad, including the flap forming portion, extends through the gauze pad as well. The slit enables placement of the dressing device about the infusion needle or catheter with the flap forming portion located at the puncture site. A flexible cover strip has a first portion affixed to the upper surface of the base strip and a second portion covering the slit in the base strip.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids allow primary liquid to be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid. The sets include a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing device to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when secondary liquid is depleted. The device also prevents the flow of primary liquid when secondary liquid is being dispensed.

Abstract: A safety valve for catheterization procedures is characterized by a piston having an internal flow path, a portion of the piston being surrounded by an elastomeric member which surrounds a portion of the piston and biases it to a closed position. The elastomeric member also severely restricts fluid flow around the piston to eliminate any flow path other than the internal piston flow path.

Abstract: An improved syringe assembly is provided in which a double-looped ring member comprising an index finger loop and a stem loop, permits the index finger of one hand to be inserted in the index finger loop so as to actuate withdrawal of the plunger of the syringe. Utilization of the index finger allows the exertion of a withdrawal force on the plunger along a much flatter arc than if the thumb of the same hand is used. The different articulation of the index finger of a person's hand, compared with the articulation of the thumb, allows even an elderly person to utilize the syringe assembly with one hand, without binding the plunger in the barrel of the syringe. The double-looped ring member is made of wire stock, is removably positioned on the stem of the syringe, and the stem loop is necessarily movable with respect to the stem of the plunger. Further, though the wire loops are stiff, they are manually deformable.

Abstract: A two-step release valve unit for a feminine syringe wherein a valve member and nozzle serve to open and close a dispensing port for an expandable syringe bag. The valve unit includes a slidable nozzle member which in one position will open a valve element. A two-step frictional engagement is provided between the nozzle member and the valve member housing so that the nozzle is retentively held out of contact with the valve element in a first position yet can be released therefrom to engage and open the valve element in the second position. When the nozzle member is removed, the bag is easily filled through a filling orifice in the valve member.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for aspirating and evacuating a pneumatically operated surgical instrument, such as an intraocular vitrectomy unit having a reciprocating blade for severing unwanted intraocular tissues, is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a collapsible conduit pneumatically connected to a receptacle for conducting an aspirating negative pressure to the surgical instrument and evacuating material received therefrom into the receptacle. A pneumatically operated clamping means functions both to terminate the application of negative pressure through the collapsible conduit and to eliminate residual negative pressure within the conduit between the blocked portion of the conduit and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A two-chambered underwater drainage apparatus is provided which is adapted to be connected with the pleural cavity of a patient by means of a thorocotomy tube. The underwater seal which prevents the flow of atmospheric air from the device to the pleural cavity of the patient is formed at the lower end of the thorocotomy tube and the secretions from the body cavity form the liquid in the seal. A oneway valve is provided at the outlet from the device to prevent backflow of air from the atmosphere into the device, but, permits outflow of air from within the device when the air pressure within the device is higher than atmospheric pressure or when the device is used with a suction pump. A hanger attachment is provided which permits the device to stand on the floor or be hooked onto the bedside.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having constringent means in the longitudinal side margins is disclosed. The constringent means foreshortens the side margins and acts on an absorbent batt contained within the diaper to bulge the side margins of the batt.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is disclosed for absorbing liquids, particularly body exudates such as menstrual discharges. An apertured formed film topsheet having a layer of fibers affixed to the inner surface thereof overlays an intermediate layer having a multiplicity of tapered capillaries. The apertured formed film topsheet has a specified combination of caliper, percent open area and percent of apertures having an equivalent hydraulic diameter less than or equal to 0.025 inches (0.064 cm.) which impart a stain resistant character to the topsheet.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having improved strike-through and rewet characteristics is disclosed. The disposable absorbent article has an embossed and perforated thermoplastic film interposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The topsheet, likewise, is embossed. The combination of the embossed topsheet and the embossed and perforated thermoplastic film permit liquid to rapidly penetrate the topsheet while preventing liquid in the absorbent core from flowing from the absorbent core back to the topsheet.

Abstract: A microsurgical clip for clamping of small blood vessels formed of a hollow shell having openings top and bottom with an integral duck bill extending forwardly from the lower edge of its front wall. A cooperating insert of inverted "U" shape is nested in the housing to define a central pocket and terminates in a duck bill which cooperates with the duck bill of the shell. The shell and the insert have their back walls hinged together, and an expansible spring is seated in the pocket with one end coupled to the shell and the other end coupled to the insert for urging the insert upwardly into the shell to bias the duck bills together. The insert has a crown which projects upwardly through the opening at the top of the shell so that upon application of pinching pressure the insert is pressed downwardly with respect to the shell to compress the spring and to spread the duck bills for clamping engagement of a blood vessel therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved device for securing a teat (5), provided with a bead (6), to a pacifier, the device comprising a tapered part (1) formed with a flange (2), which part optionally has a bore (9) and has a snap action with an undercut cavity (8), the latter being defined by a protecting disc (4) and an annular flange (3) being either integral with or adapted to the disc, the flange exhibiting an inwardly directed shoulder (7); the tapered part (1) being moveable in the undercut cavity (8); and the teat (5) being secured between the tapered part (1) and the protecting disc (4).

Abstract: A body slenderizing method is disclosed comprising topically applying on the body a composition comprising a silicon organic derivative in combination with heat notably under the form of infra-red rays.

Abstract: A battery monitoring means for an implantable tissue stimulator in which a signal related to the internal impedance of an implanted battery is telemetered to an external receiving means. More specifically, the implanted battery is loaded by a varible load until current flowing through the battery lowers its output voltage until it has a predetermined relationship with respect to a reference voltage. The current flowing through the battery to achieve the predetermined relationship is directly related to the internal impedance of the battery. A voltage related to the value of this current is then telemetered to the external receiving means. In a specific embodiment, the variable load is a field effect transistor (FET) connected as a source follower. The impedance of the FET is controlled by the output of an operational amplifier having as inputs the reference voltage and a voltage related to the output voltage of the battery.

Abstract: Memory control circuitry for use in a pacemaker or other medical device for setting volatile memory to a known configuration if the battery voltage and/or current drops below the level required for reliable operation of the memory devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electrical pulses which are suitable for application to selected areas of the user's body for pain control or muscle stimulation. The current level, pulse width, pulse rate, voltage level and pulse configuration are all controlled to produce the desired effects. The apparatus includes a timing circuit which emits pulses of selected width and repetition rate. The pulses from the timing circuit energize a switching circuit which selectively connects the primary of a pulse transformer to a power source. The transformer is so constructed and arranged that it operates near saturation, thereby effectively operating as a current limiter, which helps to prevent spikes in the electrical pulse output of the apparatus.

Abstract: A brassiere which has a pair of cups, opposed side portions extending laterally from these cups and a pair of back portions extending from the side portions also has along lower regions of the cups, side portions and back portions and elongated continuous stretch band which is in a stretched condition extending around the body of the wearer, when the brassiere is worn. This stretch band serves to anchor the brassiere to the body of the wearer so as to oppose undesirable displacement of the brassiere during wearing thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring magnetic fields and electric current flow in biological systems and other systems employing a room temperature pick-up probe connected to a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID).

Abstract: An electrode device for transcutaneous PCO.sub.2 measurement with a pH-sensitive measuring electrode behind a CO.sub.2 -permeable membrane, a reference electrode, and an electrical heating device for thermostating the measuring electrode and thermally stimulating the blood flow in the skin in the measuring area, the reference electrode being in direct heat-conductive contact with the electrical heating device and being designed so that it surrounds the measuring electrode. This permits compact design of the electrode in a very small size.

Abstract: A device for the transcutaneous measurement of the partial oxygen pressure in blood, comprising a measuring head which includes a measuring cell of the Clark-type which is surrounded by one or more annular shielding cells of the Clark-type in order to eliminate any oxygen which laterally penetrates from the ambient air.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic Doppler flowmeter system for the measurement, imaging and mapping of blood flow, a transducer coupled to a patient's skin is caused to emit pulses of high frequency ultrasound waves. The resulting echo signals are received by the transducer, demodulated into quadrature components, sampled into a large plurality of channels, and digitized. An improved stationary filter circuit utilizing a finite iteration then suppresses unwanted masking "clutter", i.e., low frequency but large amplitude signals from stationary tissue interfaces, with significantly improved response time and dynamic range, while providing good resolution. The Doppler frequency period of the moving acoustic scatterers is obtained by passing the remaining signal through a zero crossing detector.

Abstract: It is proposed that respiration in neonates, and respiration and contractions in woman in advanced pregnancy and labour, be detected and measured by direct reference to change of curvature of the abdominal wall during expansion and contraction thereof. An apparatus for this purpose, an abdominal spherometer, comprises a detector capsule having one wall defined by a resilient diaphragm for engagement with the abdominal wall, the capsule being pneumatically connected to a variable volume compartment operably connected, in turn, to a volume-responsive transducer. The compartment is suitably of similar form to the capsule with the transducer being a capacitor having electrodes respectively located as or on the compartment diaphragm and opposite thereto.

Abstract: A spirometer for encouraging inhalation exercises and particularly for indicating the volume of air that is inhaled by the user. The spirometer comprises a two-part generally cylindrical housing having a bellows assembly positioned therein. A breathing tube is connected to a port in the housing that communicates with the interior of the bellows. By inhaling through the breathing tube the user causes the bellows to contract and a pointer on the bellows coacts with a scale on the housing to indicate the amount of air that has been inhaled. Each of the housing parts is formed with a plurality of spaced apart discrete wall sections and the sections of the two parts interfit with one another to reduce the size of the spirometer for shipping.

Abstract: A hammer having a head and flexible shaft for testing neurological reflexes. The head is formed with a striking edge and point opposite to it lying in a plane with the plane passing through the axis of the shaft at an acute angle. An annular tubular compressible resilient member forms a peripheral rim and defines the striking edge and point of the hammer head.

Abstract: A catheter adapted to be introduced into a body cavity, such as a bronchial tube or lung, and a method of using the catheter. The catheter consists of inner and outer concentric tubes having a reflected cylindrical membrane attached adjacent their distal ends. Pressurized fluid may be introduced through the perfusate passage running between the tubes and thus between the walls of the reflected membrane in order to provide relative rigidity for the membrane and to seal the reflected end of the membrane, thereby creating a closed pristine chamber, defined by the walls of the reflected membrane about the end of the inner tube. A cage composed of balls mounted on resilient pins may be disposed within the reflected membrane to aid the reflection of the membrane. A portion of the reflected membrane may be perforate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for curling hair and for straightening hair are disclosed, wherein the compositions contain, as the principal active ingredient thereof, guanidine hydroxide. The guanidine hydroxide may be conveniently prepared by reacting calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate.Hair is curled by contacting the hair with the composition while the hair is on curlers, or otherwise maintained in a curled configuration. After the desired treatment time, the hair is rinsed and neutralized, with long lasting curls of the so-called "permanent wave" nature resulting.Hair may be straightened by contacting the hair with the composition and maintaining the hair in a generally straight configuration over at least a portion of the time that the hair is contacted by the composition. Thereafter the hair may be rinsed and neutralized.

Abstract: In a bottle cleaning operation, bottles to be cleaned are introduced into a machine housing divided into a first housing and a separate second housing intercommunicating with one another through a bottle transfer section. Bottles are introduced into carrier compartments mounted on a first endless circulating chain in the first housing. After undergoing certain cleaning procedures in the first housing, the bottles are transferred into the second housing with the bottles passing in a free-falling manner from the first circulating chain. Within the second housing the cleaning operation is continued with the bottles held in carrier compartments on a second endless circulating chain. After being treated within the second housing, the bottles free-fall from the second circulating chain and return into the first housing for completing the cleaning operation before the bottles are discharged from the first housing.

Abstract: A device for cleaning can ends made in the form of a flat circular member having a number of high pressure fluid orifices disposed in a circle on one flat face of the member and connected internally to a high pressure air inlet. Alternating with the orifices are a number of through-bores which serve as exhaust ports.

Abstract: A device for confining liquid metals comprises a coil which surrounds a jet of liquid metal to be confined and means for causing an alternating current to flow through the coil. These means cause an alternating current to flow through the coil at a frequency which is less than the inverse of the product of the magnetic permeability of the liquid metal, the electrical conductivity of the metal and the square of the radius of the jet of the metal after confinement, in coherent units.The invention applies to the casting of steel, aluminium, copper and alloys thereof.

Abstract: A device for balancing the pressures of two different feeds of fluid is disclosed, consisting of a housing and two longitudinally extending casing portions on each side of the housing and communicating therewith. The housing contains a longitudinally displaceable flexible but non-elastic diaphragm. An actuating rod is rigidly secured to the diaphragm and extends into both casing portions. Each of the latter contains a slide valve secured to the outer ends of the actuating rod. Each slide valve is a hollow rigid tube having a slit in its surface. Each casing portion is provided with an outlet opening and an inlet opening. The fluids enter the inlet openings, flow through the slits in the slide valves and act on the diaphragm through the casing portions before flowing out through the outlet openings at balanced pressures.

Abstract: An automatic flood control valve apparatus having a normally open valve, in combination with a latching relay for closing the valve, which latches the valve in a closed position when the relay is energized and until it is manually reset, and a single transistor sensor circuit for energizing the relay in response to a flood. A power supply circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: Regulation of pressure at which fluid is allowed to flow is determined by a device which is externally substantially monolithic in character and includes internal components assembled within it through an end coupling. Relatively low height and small girth are promoted by unique communication of internal flow around the edge of a diaphragm from one side and which is distinctively sealed only along the opposite side.

Abstract: A centrally bored and counterbored valve body is secured at one end to a refrigerant line. The line connected end of the valve body contains a normally closed valve core having a stem spring biased to close the valve core. The other end of the valve body contains a mandrel moveable toward and away from the valve core stem for opening and closing the latter. The mandrel contained end of the valve body is surrounded by a cap, containing a sealing ring, manually moved threadedly on the valve body for biasing the mandrel against the valve core stem to open position and sealing with the adjacent end of the valve body. At least one refrigerant outlet service valve is connected with the valve body through a valve body lateral port communicating with the valve body counterbore surrounding the mandrel.