Abstract: An improved shower-mounted douche apparatus features a high pressure safety design comprising a flow restricting orifice affixed in the entry passageway of the douche bottle mixing head assembly. Increased venturi action is needed to operate a proper mix using the reduced mixing head pressure. The increased venturi action is obtained by narrowing the siphon tube near the entrance to the mixing head. A further ease of use feature consists of a push pull two position valve which allows quick and easy selection of using either the shower head or douche attachment.

Abstract: A smooth bulbous tip slips within a blood vessel after puncture by an inserted needle. Withdrawal of the needle leaves a blunt, non-lacerating conduit for intravenous fluid. A broad base prevents breakage of the cannula. Multiple break-away perforated tabs provide options for suturing the hub of the catheter to the skin of the patient.

Abstract: An injector such as a hypodermic syringe and the like is improved in that an amount of injection each time thereof is mechanically determined by a provision of a stopper means disconnectably attached to a plunger of the injector, which stopper means and the plunger are engaged with each other through a projection-recess engagement thereof, in which engagement the stopper means acts also as a wedge-like means inserted between the plunger and a barrel of the injector to make it possible that the stopper means abutting against a rear end of the barrel at a time when the injection operation is completed prevents the plunger from being advanced beyond it predetermined position, under the effect of its wedge action.

Abstract: A syringe mechanism includes a pair of sub-assemblies one of which contains a pair of threaded connector elements. One such connector element slidably surrounds a plunger rod while the other is adapted to surround a tubular barrel of the other sub-assembly. Upon engagement and tightening of the threaded elements, a resilient sleeve disposed intermediate the barrel and its surrounding connector element, is axially fore-shortened or compressed and inwardly displaced to firmly interlock the two sub-assemblies with the forward end of the plunger rod disposed within the barrel.

Abstract: A urethral catheter composed of olefin polymer, diene polymer or silicone polymer as a base material wherein an antimicrobial substance being chemically bonded with the inside wall and/or the outside wall thereof, and a process for producing the same. This urethral catheter effectively prevents urinary tract infection for a long period of time.

Abstract: A novel self actuating anti-reflex device is provided having two anti-reflex valves in fluid connection with each other and cooperatively functioning whereby the first self actuating valve permits passage of fluid and/or gaseous matter therethrough yet senses fluid or gaseous pressure within, for example, an attached receptacle for receiving the matter being passed therein and effectively closes the passageway to the receptacle in response to the fluid and/or gaseous pressure, whereby the second anti-reflex device self actuates permitting fluid and/or gaseous matter to exit therefrom wherein the second anti-reflex valve may optionally be made inoperative. A novel, fully portable drainage collection system incorporating the foregoing self actuating anti-reflex device is also provided and made adaptable for use in connection with the drainage of gastric matter using conventional gastric systems including suction systems in conjunction with the gravity drainage of gastric matter from patients.

Abstract: A manually manipulated implement and method of use thereof for facilitating the drainage of conventional ostomy pouches are disclosed. The implement includes a two-piece handle portion with an elongated engagement member extending from each, with hinge means connecting the handle pieces and engagement members of movement toward and away from one another between spaced and essentially contacting positions. When the pouch drain opening is positioned over a suitable receptacle, the pouch walls are placed between the elongated engagement members, which are then moved from the spaced position to engage the pouch walls firmly therebetween. The implement is then moved manually toward the drain opening, forcing the contents out of the pouch, into the receptacle. In the preferred embodiment the implement is of one-piece molded plastic construction and includes means for stabilizing the relative lateral position of the engagement members as the implement is moved along the pouch.

Abstract: An adapter comprising a channel shaped coupling member and a rib shaped coupling member connected by a continuous wall. The adapter coupling members are sized so as to fit between the body side and pouch of a two piece ostomy system.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene consists of a cylindrically-compressed length of a strip of cottonwool or rayon staple or a combination thereof which is wrapped with an overlap in a fluff-free or fuzz free covering material, said strip being cut into the required lengths together with the covering material perpendicularly to the overlap line, and a recovery thread attached to the length of a strip of cottonwool or rayon staple or a combination thereof. The problem which the invention solves is to prevent fibers from breaking loose from the exposed cut edges. According to the invention, the exposed cut edges are folded onto the surface of the length of a strip of cottonwool or rayon staple or a combination thereof after it has been separated and compression is carried out in such a way that the exposed cut edges are situated inside the tampon.

Abstract: A method for producing elastic disposable diapers, apparatus therefor and product therefrom which includes applying a continuous stripe of adhesive to stretched elastic ribbon, V-folding longitudinally spaced portions of the ribbon to immobilize the adhesive in the spaced portion, applying the intermediate flat portions of the stretched ribbon with exposed adhesive to a substrate, to form discreet diapers which have contractable portions therein.

Abstract: A disposable diaper for covering the lower torso of the body mainly the waist and crotch area for receiving and retention of waste therein.The diaper has a top sheet, an absorbent pad, a bottom sheet and is secured around the body by fastening means and sealed to the body by a restraint means to hold waste within.

Abstract: An anti-cancer device having an anti-cancer drug and a blood coagulation factor fixed to a structure. This anti-cancer device is used in transcatheter arterial embolization and needle therapy with advantage and slowly releases the anti-cancer drug over an extended period by staying in the cancer tissue and its nearby area.

Abstract: A contact lens has a transmission hologram which provides diffractive power on a wavelength and/or amplitude selective basis whereby light from near and distant objects can be focussed on the retina of a presbyopic wearer. Similarly an implant lens can have a transmission hologram to correct for non-accommodative vision. The invention is particularly useful in providing an artificial eye lens with a bi-focal action without need for distinct near and far vision zones.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implant in the eye, particularly in the anterior chamber, includes a lens body and a plurality of positioning members having proximal portions extending from the lens body supporting flexible, resilient curved filaments with the proximal portions having a width greater than the filaments to provide stable positioning in the eye and prevent pupillary capture of the lens body. In another embodiment, an intraocular lens has at least three flexible, resilient, fixation filaments extending from the periphery of a lens body and having continuous curving configurations, the fixation filaments being positioned to prevent pupillary capture of the lens body.

Abstract: A posterior chamber lens implant for a human eye includes a biconvex lens body provided at its rear convex surface at the periphery thereof with discontinuous spacers to space the posterior capsule from the convex rear face of the lens implant in the eye. The spacers are pierced to form a conduit giving permeability between the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye.

Abstract: An artificial eye lens (1) comprises an optical lens (2) and three supporting elements one of which is shaped as a loop (3), while the two other elements are made as V-shaped legs (4). The loop (3) and the legs (4) are situated on the diametrically opposite sides of the lens (2). Each of the legs (4) is secured with one of its sides (5) on the anterior surface of the lens, is inclined towards the posterior lens surface so that the other side (7) of the leg is situated in the lens principal plane. The legs diverge along the lens (2) lateral surface, and the ends of the leg sides (5 and 7) face each other.

Abstract: A lens with a central optic of material denser than the aqueous humor of the eye and having a substance incorporated therein, preferably an inert gas in a bubble, of a lesser density. In one embodiment gas bubbles are incorporated in the top and bottom of an ovoid lens and in a second embodiment in an annular ridge extending outwardly from the rear surface of the lens to also space the rear surface from the posterior capsule.

Abstract: An injectable collagen material composed of reconstituted, mechanically sheared atelopeptide collagen fibers. The material is prepared by passing reconstituted collagen fibers repeatedly through a rigid mesh screen, until a substantial reduction in fiber size and size-heterogeneity is achieved. The mechanically sheared fibers may be further crosslinked to improve implant characteristics.

Abstract: This invention concerns a double-layered man-made skin which is prepared by laminating a collagen sponge sheet and a poly-.alpha.-amino acid membrane that has a good affinity with tissue cells and an appropriate permeability for moisture. When the man-made skin is applied on burns, cuts or wounds, the fibroblasts proliferate in the collagen sponge sheet forming a three-dimensional structure, while the epidermal cells proliferate in the region between the poly-.alpha.-amino acid membrane and a collagen sponge sheet. The poly-.alpha.-amino acid membrane plays a role in protecting affected part and in providing an optimum condition for the proliferation of fibroblasts and epidermal cells, and then it falls off as the epidermis completely regenerates. On the other hand, the collagen sponge sheet assimilates in the living tissue after having played a general role of the dermis.

Abstract: A prosthesis, such as a ligament or tendon prosthesis, comprises a low elastic modulus load bearing element (1) to which are attached a plurality of fine filaments (3) having a higher elastic modulus. The arrangement is such that the fine filaments are unstressed unless the load on the prosthesis exceeds a predetermined value, thus simulating the mechanical response of native collagenous tissue. The fine filaments, which are preferably of polyester, are arranged to allow ingrowth of fresh connective tissue.

Abstract: There are provided compositions for repairing defects of cartilage and bones. These are provided in gel form either as such, or embedded in natural or artificial bones. The gel comprises certain types of cells. These may be committed embryonal chondocytes or any kind of mesenchyme originated cells which potentially can be converted to cartilage cells, generally by the influence of chondrogenic inducing factors, in combination with fibrinogen, antiprotease and thrombin. The cells ought to be of the species to which the composition is transplanted. It is advantageous to incorporate in the gel extracellular matrix (ECM) of chondrocytes or other hormones and/or growth factors such as SM (Somatomedin=IGF-I), FGF (fibroblast growth factor), CGF (cartilage growth factor), BDGF (bone derived growth factor) or a combination of any of these.

Abstract: A joint endoprosthesis and an instrument for knocking it in or out, which are provided for mutual connection with collaborating ribs and grooves, on the one hand, in a fork arranged on the end of the instrument shaft and, on the other hand, on the neck of the prosthesis, the direction of the instrument shaft being transverse to the plane of the fork. To obtain a positive, play-free and sensitive connection between the instrument and the prosthesis, the end of the instrument shaft is taken as a locking pin through a threaded bore in the fork and the prosthesis contains a locking recess for receiving the locking pin.

Abstract: An implantable joint for replacing a human toe joint. The joint includes a one-piece tack member implantable into the distal end of a metatarsal, and a one-piece socket member implantable into the proximal end of a phalanx. The tack member has an enlarged head defining a smooth part-spherical convex bearing surface which engages a smooth part-spherical concave bearing surface on an enlarged head of the socket member. The head of the socket member is elliptical in cross section so that the concave bearing surface extends through about 90.degree. in the vertical direction. The convex bearing surface of the tack member is nonsymmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis and extends through an angle which closely approximates 180.degree., with this bearing surface projecting downwardly from the horizontal longitudinal axis through an extent greater than 90.degree..

Abstract: A ball and socket joint for implanting in the body is provided which comprises (1) a ball; (2) a cup to be affixed to bone which includes (a) a spherical cavity and (b) two coaxial pin members which extend into the cavity; and (3) a bearing member surrounding a portion of the ball and rotatable within said spherical cavity about said coaxial pin members, the bearing member having an asymmetric opening therein, the opening having an angular extent of less than 180.degree. in at least one plane. In certain preferred embodiments, the cup includes first and second portions, the first portion to be affixed to bone, the second portion having associated therewith the coaxial pin members and being moveable with respect to the first portion to provide a plurality of possible orientations for the axis of rotation of the bearing member within the spherical cavity.

Abstract: An improved hip prosthesis designed to simulate forces on a femur like those experienced by a normal, healthy femur. A ball is located atop the prosthesis at a proper anatomical angular relationship with a neck and collar therebelow. The prosthesis stem extends from the collar to a distal tip and includes a buttress section, a middle section and tip section. An inner surface of the buttress section is relieved and a compressible material is located thereat. The middle and tip sections of the stem are smooth, of common cross section, without any significant taper and the tip is adapted to avoid transmission of significant axial forces to the femur therebelow. When implanted with a luting agent, the majority of forces are axial compressive forces applied to the calcar and there is little or no wedging of the prosthesis in the medullary canal; little or no shear forces across the prosthesis - luting agent interface; and little or no axial stresses from the prosthesis tip distal to same.

Abstract: Carbonaceous materials comprising major amounts of carbon, and minor amounts of hydrogen and ferrous group metal components, particularly nickel and cobalt, react with steam at low temperatures, and produce commercially attractive quantities of such gases as hydrogen, methane, carbon oxides and other light hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Previous coated abrasives with adhesives suited to rapid, UV light initiated cure often had intractable curl problems. Therefore, such coated abrasives have been unsuited to precision finishing of workpieces with strict flatness or other curvature requirements, such as read-write heads for magnetic recorders or computer memories.This invention provides coated abrasives, having adhesives with cure initiated by UV light, which are suited to curvature control by the methods used conventionally for magnetic recording media. The preferred adhesive formulations include reaction products of 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate with polyol polyester oligomers capped with isocyanate end groups, alkoxylated diacrylated monomers, and N-vinyl pyrrolidone and other monomers with only one polymerizable unsaturated double bond per molecule, and sometimes also include nonpolymerizable thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for cooling blast furnace gas for use in a blast furnace gas treating system having incorporated therein a coarse particle removing unit having a dust collecting box. Nozzles extend through the box as arranged circumferentially thereof at a plurality of locations for injecting a cooling fluid into the unit without wetting the inner wall thereof. Since the unit which has a large capacity is used also as a cooling container, a large quantity of cooling fluid can be injected to effectively cool the blast furnace gas even when the gas has a considerably high temperature. The system can be constructed at a low cost without necessitating any additional cooling container.

Abstract: A laser surgery smoke evacuator system is disposed within a small, thermally and acoustically insulated casing. The system includes a filter, a vacuum pump disposed downstream of the filter, an alternating current motor driven by an AC power source, a DC power supply energized by the AC source, an AC phase controller to vary the motor speed, a capacitor circuit to isolate the phase control from electromotive interference and a filter clog circuit. The DC power supply powers the phase controller and the capacitor and filter clog circuits. The AC phase controller is mounted next to an air intake in the casing for cooling the motor. The motor drives the vacuum pump which evacuates smoke from a laser surgery site, draws such smoke through the filter and exhausts clean air from the casing.

Abstract: An improved method of forming porous glass preforms by generating glass particles from a vapor phase and applying the particles onto a substrate characterized by generating the glass particles from a vapor phase in a separate operation, collecting the particles and then subsequently applying the previously collected particles onto a deposition surface of the substrate by creating a hot zone adjacent the deposition surface and projecting the particles as a stream through the hot zone and onto the deposition surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating glass by pyrolysis of a powder at the glass surface to form a coating on that surface, and in which a flow of a suspension of a powder in a carrier gas is applied to a moving hot glass surface across the width of that surface, comprising means for supporting and advancing hot glass beneath an applicator comprising a chamber terminating in a slot extending across the supporting means close to the path of the glass surface to be coated, which chamber diverges downwardly from a central inlet for the downward flow of the suspension of the powder.

Abstract: Compost is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium, and/or diseases caused thereby by adding to the compost, desirably after peak heating has been achieved but before substantial recolonization of the compost by mesophilic microorganisms has occurred, one or more microorganisms antagonistic to the plant pathogen. Desirably the inoculated antagonistic microoganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with a Pseudomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: Aminothiadiazoles of the formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, A, X, Z, m and n have the meanings given in the description, are used for controlling undesirable plant growth.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for the chlorinating volatilization of impurity metals detrimental to the production of iron from a raw material which contains the oxides of the impurity metals and iron or which forms them in an oxidizing atmosphere, in which the pulverous raw material is at a high temperature of 900.degree. C. or more and in an oxidizing atmosphere contacted with a magnesium chloride in order to chlorinate and volatilize the impurity metals. The preheated raw material and anhydrous magnesium chloride are fed into a fluidized bed on an inclined grate, hot air being fed into the bed through the grate in order to volatilize the chlorides of the impurity metals, and purified raw material is discharged from the lower section of the fluidized bed into a separate chamber, in which it is rinsed with an air flow the flow rate of which is substantially higher than that of the air flow fed into the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A method for recovering precious metals from ore is disclosed. Ore is treated in an acidic slurry with an activated oxygen mixture obtained from an ultraviolet light ozone generator. The activated oxygen frees chemically bonded precious metals creating an expanded, hydrated ore so that the metals may be oxidized and leached out using standard leaching techniques. In addition, the activated oxygen aids in the leaching process. Substantial increases in the amount of precious metal recovered from a given amount of ore result.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating cast iron melts with silicon carbide. In this process, the silicon carbide used is subjected, before being introduced into the cast iron melt, to an oxidizing treatment in such a manner that the individual SiC granules are coated with a covering containing silica. A silicon carbide of this quality can be manufactured, for example, by subjecting the SiC in granular form, in a static or agitated mass, to an oxidizing atmosphere, such as air, oxygen or water vapor, at temperatures within the range of 900.degree.-1600.degree. C. and subsequently subjecting the agglomerates formed to gentle comminution to expose the SiC surfaces which, as a result of the formation of an agglomerate, completely or partially escaped the oxidizing attack.

Abstract: A PTC ceramic composition comprising a fundamental component represented by the formula:(V.sub.1-x A.sub.x).sub.2 O.sub.3wherein x is a value within the range of 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.02 and A is at least one of Cr and Al, and tin in an amount of 1 to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the composition, has a small electric resistance in the low resistance state, good PTC properties, and a high density.

Abstract: A binder composition for Portland cement is disclosed, said composition including 100 parts by weight metakaolin and, based upon said metakaolin, from 20 to 70 parts by weight slag; from 85 to 130 parts by weight of at least 1 material selected from the class consisting of fly ash, calcined shale, and calcined clay; from 70 to 215 parts by weight finely divided silica, preferably amorphous silica; and from 55 to 145 parts by weight of a mixture of potassium silicate and potassium hydroxide, wherein at least 55 parts by weight is potassium silicate. The binder composition can be mixed with Portland cement or with a combination of Portland cement and fly ash to provide a composition curable to a material having a high early strength and a high ultimate strength.

Abstract: In a method of preventing deposition of sludge and of removing deposited sludge, liquid spray devices installed at predetermined positions in a tank are driven by a pressure of a liquid sprayed therefrom, the liquid sprayed from the spray devices is sprayed at a predetermined speed in the tank, and the flow of the liquid removes sludge deposited in the tank.

Abstract: It has been found that tri-nickel aluminide compositions are quite sensitive to the ratio of nickel to aluminum in their ability to receive boron as a dopant and that compositions which are relatively poor in the aluminum component can be doped more effectively with boron. Further, it has been found for the nickel aluminides which have lower concentrations of aluminum that the percentage of boron which can be added to the composition to effectively increase the strength of the alloys is favored by the lower aluminum ratio so that higher concentrations of boron are addable. The compositions which result have significant strength properties based on tensile tests of the compositions.

Abstract: A process for producing chalcogenide semiconductor material is disclosed. The process includes forming a base metal layer and then contacting this layer with a solution having a low pH and containing ions from at least one chalcogen to chalcogenize the layer and form the chalcogenide semiconductor material.

Abstract: A grain-oriented silicon steel sheet having high magnetic induction and low iron loss can be obtained by adhering uniformly at least one member selected from the group consisting of elements of Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Bi and Zn and compounds containing these elements to the surfaces of a silicon steel sheet before or after the decarburization annealing in a method for producing grain-oriented silicon steel sheets. According to this method, a hot rolled steel sheet is subjected to at least one cold rolling, the finally cold rolled steel sheet is subjected to a decarburization annealing, and the decarburized steel sheet is applied with an annealing separator consisting mainly of MgO and then subjected to a final annealing, or by carrying out the adhesion treatment of element in combination with a preliminary annealing before the decarburization annealing in the above described method, or by using the annealing separator further containing Bi or a Bi-containing compound in the above described method.

Abstract: Mercury cadmium telluride (Hg.sub.1-x Cd.sub.x Te) is formed from an atmosphere of mercury vapor maintained at a temperature of within about 1.degree. C. of a desired temperature which contacts a liquid cadmium-tellurium solution with or without mercury maintained at a temperature within about 1.degree. C. of a desired temperature. The resultant mercury-cadmium-tellurium solution then is cooled to solidification.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser comprising a substrate having a plurality of closely spaced channels in the surface thereof with mesas separating the channels to form a channelled region in the surface of the substrate. A first cladding layer overlies the surface of the substrate and the channels and has a surface layer over the channelled region which is not coplanar with the surface of this layer over the surrounding substrate. A cavity region comprising a guide layer and an active layer overlies the first cladding layer and a second cladding layer overlies the active layer. The active layer and guide layer taper in thickness in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A method of doping amorphous semiconductor films have a first bandgap by forming the first bandgap amorphous material in a first plurality of spaced apart layers; and then forming a second plurality of semiconductor layers of amorphous material having a second bandgap wider than the first bandgap interleaved with and contiguous with the first plurality such that the conductor and valence band step at the interfaces between the first plurality and the second plurality is of sufficient magnitude to confine carriers. The second plurality is doped such that the electrons in the gap states from the second plurality of layers transfer to the first plurality of layers and cause the conductivity of said first plurality to increase.

Abstract: Ni-based alloys comprising 8 to 34 atom % of Al, 2 to 70 atom % of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Mn, and Si (providing that each or total of Fe and Co is present in an amount of 2 to 70 atom % and/or each or total of Mn and Si is present in an amount of 2 to 25 atom %), and the balance to make up to 100 atom % of substantially pure Ni, and possessing great strength and high ductility.These alloys enjoy outstanding ductility and strength and, therefore, are ideally useful for various filter materials and composite materials.

Abstract: A copper base alloy capable of forming a microstructure comprising a plurality of discrete particles in a surrounding metal matrix having a lower melting point than the particles. The alloy consists essentially of from about 3% to about 6% nickel, from about 2% to about 4.25% aluminum, from about 0.25% to about 1.2% silicon, from about 5% to about 15% zinc, up to about 5% iron and the balance essentially copper. When iron is included in an amount from about 3% to about 5% and zinc is restricted to a range of from about 8% to about 10%, the alloy is capable of forming the desired structure in the as-cast condition using a process which does not include stirring during casting.

Abstract: High energy composition which is meant for propellants, pyrotechnical and technical compositions, explosives or corresponding items, and production method.

Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer ceramic circuit board including the steps of forming a multilayer structure consisting of patterns of copper-based paste and glass-ceramic layers, the glass-ceramic layers consisting of a mixture of 10 percent to 75 percent by weight of .alpha.-alumina, 20 percent to 60 percent by weight of crystallizable or noncrystallizable glass which can be sintered at a temperature lower than the melting point of copper, and 5 percent to 70 percent by weight of quartz glass, based on the total weight of the glass-ceramic, blended with a binder containing a thermally depolymerizable resin; prefiring the multilayer structure in an inert atmosphere containing water vapor, the partial pressure of which is 0.005 to 0.3 atmosphere, at a temperature where the thermally depolymerizable resin is eliminated; and firing the multilayer structure in an inert atmosphere containing no water vapor at a temperature below the melting point of copper so as to sinter the glass-ceramic.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in heat exchangers of the type having a container which defines a cylindrical cavity and a cluster of parallel cooling tubes extending through the cylindrical cavity. The housing is provided with a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a center baffle dividing the cylindrical cavity into an inlet compartment and an outlet compartment. The inlet and the outlet are located on opposite sides of the center baffle, but near one edge thereof. An opening is provided near the opposite edge of the baffle, such that fluid must circulate through a nearly circular path within the cylindrical housing between the inlet and the outlet conduits. A second fluid such as cool air, may be blown through the parallel tubes for removing heat from the fluid in the cavity.