Abstract: A disposable ligator for applying clamping clips to veins, arteries and blood vessels. The ligator comprises a first handle terminating at its forward end in a first jaw and a second jaw and a second handle, both pivotally mounted on the first handle near the forward end thereof. The handles are shiftable between open and closed positions and shift the jaws between open and closed clip-clamping positions. A clip tube containing a plurality of clips and a spring biased feeder shoe to constantly urge the clips forwardly therein is mounted in the first handle. A pusher is mounted in the first handle parallel to the clip tube in a pusher track which extends to the forward ends of the jaws. The pusher is shiftable by the first and second handles between a retracted position when the handles are closed and an extended position to locate a clip in the pusher track at the forward ends of the jaws when the handles are open.

Abstract: A surgical fastener member of an absorbable resinous material is disclosed. The prong or prongs of the fastener member have an increased surface area to volume ratio, giving the fastener an increased rate of absorption in the body. Each prong is formed with a shank having a total surface area which is at least about 25% greater than the total surface area of an equivalent shank of constant circular radial cross section having a volume equal to the volume of the disclosed shank. Also, the ratio of the smaller to the larger of the slenderness ratios about any two perpendicular axes in the radial shank cross section is in the range of from about 0.67:1.0 to 1.0:1.0, along substantially the entire length of the shank. Preferably, the shank has a central core whose radial cross-sectional area is from about 15% to about 50% of the total radial cross-sectional area and a plurality of fins projecting outward from the core and extending substantially longitudinally along substantially the entire length of the shank.

Abstract: An accessory for counteracting the consequences of vesical incontinency with males, comprising an annular tensioning means (8, 9) adapted to be tensioned around the penis (1) of the user, and further comprising a pressure element (7) with a rounded and relatively stiff pressing surface (10) having a curvature which is substantially adpated to the shape of the swelling bodies (3) of the penis (1) so as to pinch the urethra (5) elastically against said bodies (3) which are retained by the tensioning means (8, 9), said pressure element (7) being, in particular, a strip of a substantially rigid material having, more in particular, lateral portions (16, 17) which are substantially adapted to the shape of said bodies (3).

Abstract: A bandage is defined by a layer of closed cell foam polymeric material sandwiched between and bonded to adjacent layers of fabric. The foam layer is thicker than the fabric layers. One of the layers of fabric is absorbent with respect to aqueous liquids and is adapted to be in contact with an area of the body.

Abstract: A device for use in determining blood gas which employs a membrane of material permeable to blood gas to be determined characterized in that the membrane is hydrophilic polyurethane is described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid state oxygen sensor utilizing a noble metal first electrode and a silver/silver halide reference electrode and an oxygen permeable polymeric membrane electrolyte. Also disclosed is a method of producing said sensor and a method of using said sensor.

Abstract: The device uses two Doppler receivers having different center frequencies. After the mean Doppler frequency of each receiver is determined, one of the mean Doppler frequencies is subtracted from the other one of the mean Doppler frequencies, thereby providing the mean Doppler frequency associated with a frequency which is equal to the difference between the two original frequencies.

Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for medical use wherein a patient to be examined is positioned on support means (1) in a sitting posture and the required magnets (7, 11) and RF coils (13, 15) are arranged so as to allow easy movement of the patient into and out of the apparatus.

Abstract: Ultrasonic wave attenuation in passing through tissue is determined from frequency changes in reflected ultrasonic waves passing through the tissue. In a baseband ultrasonic imaging system in which transducer generated signals are coherently detected by mixing the signals with a fixed frequency signal both in phase and in phase quadrature, a measure of frequency change in the reflected ultrasonic signal is obtained by measuring phase shift in a side band of the mixed signals.

Abstract: Subjects may be screened for possible lung cancer by a breath luminescence measurement apparatus and technique. The apparatus comprises a photon counter with special provisions for the exclusion of light from sources other than the patient's breath. A special light exclusion mask is used together with tortuous breath exhaust passages to exclude external light. A gauze plug in the breathing tube excludes light emitted by the patient's mouth tissues. Special adapters are provided so that the photon counter can be used for endoscopic measurement of internal tissue luminescence and for sample luminescence measurements.

Abstract: To improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement by utilizing the Korotkoff noises, the frequency spectrum of the Korotkoff noises is analyzed, either by a plurality of filters (16, 17, 18; FIG. 1) or by a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) system (54, 55; FIG. 2). If a plurality of filters are used (FIG. 1), which may be analog or digital, then the output amplitudes are rectified (19, 20, 21) and quotients are formed. If the quotients have a predetermined relationship, as determined by a discriminator (27, 28), a control logic provides output signals to a manometer (31) to indicate, respectively, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. For Fast Fourier Transform, a microprocessor can be used which, simultaneously, can provide clock sources to digitize output from the microphone coupled to the cuff of the blood pressure measuring instrument.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting the fertile and infertile phases of the human female menstrual cycle based upon observation of cyclic volumetric and gravimetric changes in cervico-vaginal fluid.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved coating for an angiographic guidewire and a method of manufacturing the guidewire. The guidewire takes the form of a coiled wire which is coated with copolymers of methylsiloxane and aminoalkylsiloxane units to enhance the lubricity of the guidewire when it is inserted into a catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring ligamentous insufficiency in the knee, the apparatus including a leg support having an adjustment mechanism for disposing the legs at a select test angle and having straps securing the ankles and the thighs to the leg support; an instrument bridge having mounting supports for mounting the bridge to the tibia, the bridge having at one end an indicator with a patella contact for measuring displacements of the patella and femur relative to the tibia; and a push-pull force applicator for applying posterior and anterior forces to the lower leg to induce sagittal excursions.

Abstract: Apparatus for evaluating a person's foot condition in terms of blood circulation in and anatomical shape of the feet has a transparent planar foot support with a thermographic film provided thereon to visually indicate the degree of blood circulation in the foot. The foot support is mounted on a stand with lamps for illuminating the underside of the foot support. Mirrors are positioned on the stand beneath the foot support to enable unobstructed viewing of the visual indication. By rotating the mirror, a camera may be used to photograph the visual indication of the person's foot condition. The apparatus provides an economic unit for use in readily evaluating a person's foot condition.

Abstract: An improved electrode tip (16) is disclosed which utilizes a plurality of carbon fibers (30) to form a portion of the electrode tip. These carbon fibers (30) are utilized to sense electrical activity within the user's heart, and in at least one embodiment to provide stimulation pulses to the heart. The fibers are chosen to have a cross-sectional diameter of less than 15 micrometers. These fibers form a limited porosity surface and allow a certain amount of tissue ingrowth, thereby providing passive electrode fixation. A body portion (24) of the electrode tip (16) forms an annular lip (32) which provides a surface for conducting stimulation pulses to the heart. Thus, a relatively small area is provided by the annular lip (32) for conduction of the stimulation pulses, thereby providing a high current density and less resistance. A larger surface area and a higher resistance is provided by the carbon fiber ends (44) for sensing electrical activity in the heart.

Abstract: A pocket-sized roll-your-own cigarette maker is disclosed. The cigarette maker includes one or more elements defining a tobacco chamber to receive a charge of tobacco to be made into a single cigarette, and a mandrel which serves as a form for making a cigarette wrapper into a paper tube to receive the tobacco charge. The mandrel includes a tamping device for tamping the charge of tobacco into the proper shape and into place in the paper tube. A tongue member may be provided on the tamping device to aid in moving the tobacco charge into the tube. A stop element may also be provided to hold the paper tube in place adjacent the tobacco chamber to receive the charge of tobacco.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding tobacco pneumatically into a cigarette making machine comprises a duct (10) defined on one side by a wall (10B) whose width (i.e. in cross-section) increases along the length of the duct from an inlet end (10A) to an outlet end (10B), is concave in longitudinal section so that centrifugal force on the tobacco will urge the tobacco against that wall of the duct, and carries a splitter member (14) arranged to split the tobacco stream (12) flowing along the said wall into separate streams (12A,12B) passing along opposite sides of the splitter member, and to spread apart the two streams. From the outlet end of the duct, the air and tobacco pass into an air separator (22) from which the tobacco passes via a rotary seal (70) into the hopper of a cigarette making machine. The rotary seal may have special provision for preventing tobacco being trapped and crushed between the rotary part and the surrounding housing of the seal.

Abstract: Smoker's equipment for facilitating roll-your-own cigarettes includes a base formed from an open top box-like receptacle and a cover formed with a dished upper surface to serve as an ash tray. The cover fits down over the base to form a humidor. A ledge member located within the base supports a tray within the base, which tray separates the base into a first and second compartment. Tabs located within the base support a package of cigarette papers therein and permit the dispensing of the individual papers.

Abstract: A combination cigarette/cigar extinguisher and ash disposal device made up of four separate single piece construction units removeably connected to each other to form a free standing unit.

Abstract: A combustible smoking material having a color other than that of conventionally cured tobacco leaves is coated with finely divided vermiculite that has previously been subjected to heat treatment to develop a brown color therein. The vermiculite coating imparts a tobacco-like brown color to the combustible smoking material.

Abstract: A combustible smoking material having a color other than that of conventionally cured tobacco leaves is coated with finely divided, toasted cereal grain to impart a tobacco-like brown color to the combustible smoking material.

Abstract: A vending machine for tokens, coins or the like incorporating a bill acceptor, a supply hopper, a dispensing unit, and a pair of delivery chambers, by which a programmable quantity of tokens are delivered to a delivery tray in accordance with the programming of a control system. An intermediate hopper located between the supply hopper and the dispensing unit facilitates disassembly of the apparatus without requiring the supply hopper to be emptied.

Abstract: An umbrella automatically openable and closable by a single push-button operation. The umbrella comprises an outer tubular shaft having a lower ring fixed on the upper end thereof; an intermediate tubular shaft slidably inserted in the outer tubular shaft and having an intermediate ring on the upper end thereof; an upper inner shaft slidably inserted in the upper end of the intermediate tubular shaft and having an upper ring fixed on the upper end thereof; a lower inner shaft slidably inserted in the lower end of the intermediate tubular shaft and having on the lower end thereof a grip, operably mounted thereinside a first spring pawl attached with a push button on the lower end thereof and a second spring pawl; a first spring means fitted over the intermediate tubular shaft in between the intermediate ring and the lower ring; and a second spring means mounted inside the intermediate tubular shaft in between the upper inner shaft and the lower inner shaft.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve assembly is controlled by an electromagnetic valve assembly. A flat disc armature, which forms part of a flux path, is operable in an inner chamber to modulate the flow between the inner chamber and an exit port in response to an applied magnetic force. The level of the effective magnetic force is a function of the armature mass, and the pressure acting on the disc surface. A pole piece adjacent to the flat disc armature is slidably adjustable to establish a specified force to actuate the armature to the closed or sealing position. This specified force is proportional to the current flow through the winding of the electromagnetic valve assembly. Thus the armature operates to seal communication between the inner chamber and the exit port at a given pressure differential as a function of current flow. The travel distance between the armature and a nonmagnetic seal seat has been minimized by spring biasing the armature in proximity to the seal seat.

Abstract: An electric signal to pneumatic signal transducer 10 comprises a nozzle 12 that accepts an input pneumatic supply and expels a gas stream 20. A receiver 16 that is spaced from the nozzle is positioned to recover at least a portion of the gas stream. The recovered portion constitutes a pneumatic output signal. The position of a deflector 14 relative to the gas stream is controlled by an electric input signal to aerodynamically deflect the gas stream expelled from the nozzle. The aerodynamic deflection affects the magnitude of the portion of the gas stream recovered by the receiver in a manner having a known relationship to the electric input signal, thereby generating a pneumatic output signal responsive to the electric input signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for decanting a liquid from a receptacle. A body has a skirt for assembly in the upper opening of a receptacle and a transverse partition which is traversed by a first elbow for decanting liquid and a second elbow for injecting gas under pressure, this partition also supporting a tubular section with lower orifice for containing a ball while a perforated cap has an inner extension which prevents escape of this ball performing the role of safety valve in the event of excess pressure in the receptacle.

Abstract: An adaptor for supporting a key box on an underground gate valve, the adaptor including a rectangular metal ring adapted to be seated on the gate valve bonnet flange, a number of radially extending arms positioned to engage the lower edge of the key box bonnet, and a resilient ring positioned between the adaptor ring and the key box flange.

Abstract: A locking frame for a ball valve consists of a sheet metal stamping folded into an enclosure having upper and lower plates to partially surround a part of the operating handle and the nut which secures the handle. The handle is keyed to the valve stem and engages body flanges to limit travel to valve open and valve closed positions. The frame is also fitted over the valve stem and includes tabs which engage the flanges to position same and to prevent rotation thereof. The upper plate is folded to a position parallel to the lower plate after assembly and includes a depending tab to further enclose the nut to prevent tampering. A pair of holes in the upper and lower plates are thus in registry and the shackle of a padlock may be passed therethrough to prevent movement of the handle from the valve open and valve closed positions.

Abstract: A gas regulator valve comprising a housing with an inlet and an outlet and a partition wall or the like, which divides the housing into two chambers. The inlet communicates with the first chamber and with the outlet via a main valve. Between the two chambers a pressure equalizing passage for the gas is provided, and between the second chamber and the outlet a narrow channel is provided which has a valve seat facing toward the second chamber. The valve seat cooperates with an externally regulated valve body. When the valve is to be utilized in connection with a breathing valve for breathing masks, it also comprises a respiration sensor in the form of a membrane or the like. Via a link arm system or the like, the movement of the sensing membrane is transmitted to the valve body via a needle or a rod which passes through the channel.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve including an electromagnetic unit having a magnetic core, a coil bobbin arranged around the core, an electromagnetic coil wound around the bobbin, a stationary yoke and a first valve seat formed in a flange of the coil bobbin and a valve unit having a movable yoke, a valve stopper provided at an end of the movable yoke whose other end is rotatably coupled with the stationary yoke and a second valve seat provided in opposition to the valve stopper. When the coil is not energized, the valve stopper is resiliently urged against the second valve seat and a first fluid passage connected to the first valve seat is communicated with a valve chamber in the valve unit, but when the coil is energized, the movable yoke is attracted to the core to urge the valve stopper against the first valve seat and a second fluid passage connected to the second valve seat is communicated with the valve chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a solenoid valve with three ways and three positions, having a general construction with symmetry of revolution about an axis (1) and incorporating a magnetic armature (4) which is movable in translation along this axis under the action of an electromagnetic coil (3) and of a return spring (10). This armature is hollow and incorporates internally two valves (56a, 56b), movable relative to one another and relative to the armature (4), separated from one another by a spring (12) and provided with flanges (11a, 11b) by the intermediary of which they can be displaced by the movable armature (4), facing respective fixed seats (7a, 7b) which they are capable of closing. Each valve is pushed to the closed position by the intermediary of a spacer block (13) in point contact at the point (C) with the valve (56b).

Abstract: A mechanically offset fluid amplifier for converting the absolute pressure f a pressurized fluid to a differential pressure indicating the pressure of the pressurized fluid relative to a predetermined set point pressure. The device includes two outlets separated by a splitter, a supply nozzle for directing a jet of the pressurized fluid toward a first of the two outlets at a velocity determined by the absolute pressure, and control elements for deflecting the jet toward the second outlet such that as the jet velocity increases from zero, the deflection of the jet increases to a maximum value and then decreases until the differential pressure between the two outlets is equal to zero when the absolute pressure of the pressurized fluid is equal to the predetermined set point pressure.

Abstract: The hose reel comprises a supply hose having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a drum mounted for rotation about a central axis and having an outer surface for receiving the supply hose. The inlet end is connected to the drum and a sheave is provided for wrapping the supply hose around the drum outer surface as it rotates. The sheave is moved axially along the drum as it rotates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a levelling device for weaving mechanisms incorporating cams of the negative type. With each oscillating lever there is associated a tipping pawl adapted, under the effect of a control member common to all the pawls, to bear yieldably against the edge of the lever in question and to cooperate with a retaining stop formed thereon. Under these conditions, it is the weaving mechanism itself which furnishes the effort of levelling the heddle frames.

Abstract: The tensioning beam assembly has a tensioning beam and/or support beam mounted in step bearings located across the width of the weaving machine. Sagging of the tensioning element is eliminated and reduced diameter tensioning elements and support beams can be used.The tensioning element may be formed as a solid shaft which is rotatably mounted in individual step bearings on the support beam or fixedly mounted by connecting pieces to the support beam. In one embodiment, the tensioning element is in the form of a plate which is secured directly to the support beam and which has a curved outer end over which the warp threads pass. In still another embodiment, the tensioning element is in the form of a U-shaped plastic strip which is mounted about a projection extending along the support beam.

Abstract: Different weft threads are drawn off of different supply spools and are inserted through a first and a second jet arrangement in accordance with a predetermined insertion sequence. In the process, the fluid supply pressure for at least a portion of the second jet arrangement is selected at different values for the different types of weft thread. This pressure is changed synchronously with the weft insertion sequence. In this way, different weft thread types may be inserted in combinations not heretofore possible without leading to problems, e.g., operating problems or weaving faults. These problems are avoided since the weft threads of each type are transported optimally and gently, and are held taut without damaging the threads.

Abstract: A self-cleaning system and method for dispersing aggregates in a fluid medium is provided. The system is comprised of first and second members operatively associated to form an internal chamber and having an inlet to the chamber for admitting the fluid to be treated. At least one of the members is biased toward the other whereby the introduction of a fluid medium to be treated into the chamber under an operating pressure in the range of from about 50 to about 1,000 psid (3.5 to 70.3 kg/cm.sup.2) provides an elongated orifice between the first and second members having a transverse dimension or width of from about 1 to about 1,500 micrometers for egress of the fluid medium. As the fluid passes through the elongated orifice, aggregates contained therein are dispersed. The system is self-cleaning by virtue of the biased nature of at least one of the members toward the other, thereby providing longer onstream operation and requiring less servicing.

Abstract: A particle-free dockable interface with an interlocking latch is disclosed for linking together two spaces each enclosing a clean air environment and preventing the opening of the interface without the presences of two mating system components. The interface comprises interlocking doors on each space which fit together to trap particles which have accumulated from the dirty ambient environment on the outer surfaces of the doors. The interlocking latch is comprised of a latch spring and latch foot assembly coupled to a first one of the two clean air spaces and a mating door pull and port latch assembly coupled to the second of the two clean air spaces. The latch foot, door pull, and port latch assemblies are constructed so that interlock doors cannot be opened unless the first and second clean air spaces are properly aligned and mated.

Abstract: A whole tree feeding and chipping assembly for longitudinally feeding whole trees with attached limbs and branches to a chipper wherein the chipper disc is arranged crosswisely at an acute angle to the longitudinal pathway of feed, and a feed works is provided for feeding the tree butt first to the chipper knives. The feed works includes a generally vertically disposed, fixed axis side feed roll on one side of the pathway, a generally vertically disposed swing side feed roll on the opposite side of the pathway; and a bottom feed roll disposed crosswisely to the pathway and defining the lower boundary of the pathway. A partly conical convergent chute minimizes frictional impedance and a plow is provided for moving debris from the vicinity of the feed works. The rolls are driven at coordinated speeds of rotation in a direction to feed the tree into the chipper mouth.

Abstract: A one-piece plastic insulated beverage receptacle holder having longitudinal side panels, one of which is wider than the remainder and recessed to accommodate ad copy or the like.

Abstract: A tire for tractors and like vehicles has a tread with three sets of lugs extending axially inwardly from each lateral edge of the tread. The lugs of each of the sets extend across the tread a different distance as compared to the lugs of each of the other sets of lugs. Each lug has two portions, with the portions oriented at different angles with respect to the mid-circumferential plane of the tire.

Abstract: The side wall (5) of a pneumatic tire comprises an at least double encirculating multi-layer winding (9, 12) which is joined in an interlacing manner with the laterally adjacent winding (9, 12) by means of staggered layers (10, 11, 13, 14).

Abstract: A wheel assembly (10) having self-contained tire mounting and demounting capabilities includes a closed torus tire (18) mountable on a wheel rim (11). The tire (18) is forced onto the wheel rim (11) by a plurality of retainers (25) which are driven into a plurality of mating slots (13) in the wheel rim by bolts (31). Similarly, the tire is forced off of the rim by screwing the bolts through threaded apertures in the retainers and against the wheel rim. Thus, the tire can be demounted from the wheel rim and that tire or another tire can be mounted on the wheel rim without removing the wheel rim from the vehicle.

Abstract: A power actuated folding door having two panels hinged to each other, one panel being hinged to a door jamb. The panels are movable by a linearly movable element, acting on the outermost door panel from the door jamb, from a closed position at which the panels are generally coplanar to an open position at which they are folded back upon each other.

Abstract: A roller shade return mechanism comprises a rotary roller shade rod (1) which is rotatably mounted in relation to a non-rotary member (4) carrying a profiled pin (5) to be received in a roller shade mounting bracket.

Abstract: A method for producing pulp in high yield in order to achieve strength improvement and increased absorption of liquid in the end-product, the paper, whereby a lignocellulosic material is treated in liquid or gas phase in alkalic media, the treatment thereby being performed in the presence of oxygen gas. The material is then mechanically defibrated in the presence of oxygen. It is possible to perform the treatment on the material when in the form of logs, chips, shavings as well as on completely or partly separated fibres. The treatment is performed in such a combination of treatment time, temperature, charge of chemicals, oxygen gas pressure and pulp consistency that pulp yield, i.e. the ratio between the produced amount of fibre and the charged amount material, is higher than 80%, preferably within the range of 80-95%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a security paper document incorporating counterfeit deterrent, optical variable devices that display their optically active properties in reflectance when there are changes in the angle of incodent light with respect to the eye of the viewer. The devices are applied by means of a carrier paper and a base web format during the papermaking process. An embedment roll presses the device within the base web while the base web fibers are unconsolidated and pliable.

Abstract: A paper stock diffuser system employing a plurality of spaced, generally V-shaped projections having adjoining shear surfaces diverging away from one another.

Abstract: Method of making a cast reinforced article, such as a connecting rod which includes preparing a bundle of uni-directional inorganic fibers, at least some of which are metallic or metal coated by placing the bundle into a shaping container and heating it to partially fuse the metallic or metal coated fibers to each other. The partially fused bundle is positioned in a mold with a fixed minimum gap surrounding it. A molten light metal alloy is squeeze cast into the mold forming a matrix of the alloy and the bundle. In the case of a connecting rod, the bundle should be shaped elliptically and positioned in the mold such that (I(c) y<I(c) x).