Abstract: A vapor phase system for soldering of a workpiece. A vessel for containing an electronic liquid which is heated to generate a zone of saturated vapor. A first inclined throat communicates with the vessel and a solder pot is located within the vessel. The solder pot including a reservoir for containing molten solder, a second throat aligned with the first throat and communicating at one end with molten solder contained in the reservoir means and communicating at the other end with the saturated vapor, molten solder contained in the reservoir means is pumped through the second throat and is captured by the reservoir and a conveyor carries work product through the first throat, through the saturated vapor and into the second throat whereby the work product will become immersed in the molten solder contained within the second throat.

Abstract: An apparatus for hot dip plating on one side of a metal strip, comprising a plurality of nozzles disposed at an oblique angle to the direction of travel of the strip and having outlets which are tilted toward the edges of the strip, whereby splashing of the plating material is avoided, and occurence of plating material on the non-plated side of the strip is also avoided, and the plating is regular and without irregularity of plating or areas lacking plating material.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating a web, such as paper or board web, comprises a coating nip formed between a rotating counter roll and a smoothing member, or between two smoothing members, through which the web to be coated is passed with a coating substance being applied to the web before it passes through the nip. The apparatus comprises an arrangement by which the linear load and/or the distribution of the linear load in the coating nip is adjustable to control the quantity and/or the distribution of the quantity of the coating substance applied to the web in the transverse direction thereof. A smoothing member comprises an elongate member extending transversely to the direction of web movement through the apparatus and is flexible with respect to its longitudinal dimension so that the profile of the load distribution in the nip can be adjusted to be relatively steep, i.e, the load in the nip may differ relatively widely at points which are relatively close to each other.

Abstract: A container-to-tape dispenser for drywall joint compound intended for use in a point-of-purchase container holding a supply of the compound. The dispenser includes a main body having a generally rectangular elongated base and an inverted generally U-shaped top portion. The main body is removably mounted in and extends between diametrically opposed tape entrance and exit slots formed in the container. A longitudinally extending channel is formed between the base and the top portion. An opening is formed in the top portion to permit a supply of the compound to flow into the channel. The top portion further has a pair of identical spaced side extensions, with a pair of spaced side grooves being formed between the base and said extensions. The grooves function as guides when pulling a length of tape through the dispenser and maintain the edges of the tape relatively dry and free from compound.

Abstract: The device for delivering fluid to livestock comprises a plurality of demand actuated drinker units which can be actuated by animals. Each drinker unit is connected to a vertical conduit, and the upper end of the vertical conduits are connected to a horizontal conduit. Fluid is circulted from a reservoir through the horizontal conduit and back to the reservoir. Gravity causes fluid to flow downwardly through the vertical conduits to the drinker units, but the constant recirculation of fluid through the upper conduit prevents the fluid from remaining at rest and spoiling. The system includes a fresh water supply which can be used to inject fresh water into the system or for the purposes of flushing the system.

Abstract: A lance assembly designed to clean sludge from the portion of the OTSG tube bundle which is inaccessible from the open tube lane. A track assembled between the OTSG outer shell and circular shroud around the tube bundle substantially opposite the open tube lane has a motorized carriage driven on the track which directs high pressure fluid through a plurality of nozzles toward the tube bundle through windows in the circular shroud. The nozzles are attached to a nozzle block which is capable of being moved vertically on the carriage to vary the flow impact area on the tube bundle.

Abstract: An arrangement for releasably coupling an engine to a driven device such as a power tool includes a lug-bearing ring mounted on the engine, the ring encircling a centrifugally operated clutch, splined shaft or other shaft coupling member at the end of a drive shaft and having a plurality of lugs with enlarged heads mounted thereon. The engine is releasably coupled to a driven device by passing the enlarged heads of the lugs through large portions of mating apertures within a lug-receiving ring mounted on the driven device and then rotating the engine relative to the driven device to move the lugs into necked-down portions of the apertures and lock one of the lug heads against a manually actuable resilient retainer strip mounted on the opposite side of the lug-receiving ring. A cable at the end of a manually operated engine speed control on the driven device is releasably coupled to the engine throttle control.

Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for burning a liquid or gaseous fuel in the presence of air or another oxidizer and by use of water in a combustion chamber (12) of an internal combustion engine, especially a reciprocating or rotary piston engine. During one or more selected phases, especially during the entire operation, prior to being introduced into the combustion chamber (12), the fuel is mixed intensively with air and a quantity of water which depends on the operation in order to reduce the fuel consumption and the emission of noxious components as well as to increase the efficiency when using low octane fuels, especially regular gasoline or acetylene as the fuel. The mixing takes place in a quasi-closed mixing chamber (22) in the intake passage (11). Upon compression and ignition of the fuel/air/water mixture in the combustion chamber (12) a progressing "primary combustion" of fuel/air is controlled just below the critical "detonation" temperature (T.sub.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine has one electrode in the cylinder movable with respect to the other, under the control of an external solenoid, or other operable device. The solenoid or other device is actuated, and the current to the electrodes is derived from the collapsing field of an inductor. A diode inhibits other than discharge current of said inductor from flowing to said electrodes.

Abstract: The cylinder head comprises combustion chambers (3) each of which is associated at least one admission passageway (4, 5) into which opens a fuel injector (25) and which is closable, in the region of the corresponding chamber (3), by a stem-type valve (7, 8), a cylinder head cap (24) covering the elements controlling the valves, the injectors (25) being fed with fuel through pipes (28). According to the invention, the injectors (25) each open into an admission passageway (4) slightly upstream of the associated valve (7), each injector (25) extends in a sealed manner through the cylinder head cap (24) and is maintained on the latter by the fuel feed pipe (28) which is fixed to the cylinder head cap (24), and an annular spacer member (29) which is slightly flexible and not very conductive of heat is inserted between the cylinder head (1) and the cylinder head cap coaxially with each injector (25).

Abstract: An aluminum alloy slide support member which is disclosed herein as a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine includes a slide portion, such as the cylinder for slideably supporting the piston, made of a fiber-reinforced aluminum alloy containing at least an alumina fiber as a reinforcing material, wherein the alpha rate of the alumina fiber is set in a range of 10.0 to 50.0% and the volume content of the alumina fiber is set in a range of 8.0 to 20.0%. Another embodiment employs carbon fibers in addition to the alumina fibers. Further, the walls of the cylinder barrel are of a varying thickness to equalize the cooling and cause uniform thermal expansion of the cylinder barrel.

Abstract: A control rack for driving the fuel injection quantity control member of an injection pump which supplies fuel to a diesel engine is driven by a magnetic actuator mechanism. The position of the control rack is transmitted to a position sensor via a tie bar which is pivotally supported by a support shaft. The sensor detects a signal corresponding to an actual amount of fuel to be injected. The support shaft is supported by a control member which is pivotally supported. The control member sets a reference position of the support shaft, and hence, sets the relative positional relationship between the control rack and the position sensor. A portion of the control member extends outside a housing, so that the reference position of the tie bar can be corrected outside the housing. The actuator mechanism is controlled by an instruction from a control circuit which calculates an optimal amount of fuel to be injected.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a crankcase adapted to rotatably support a crankshaft having an axis, the crankcase defining a plurality of crankcase chambers and including a generally flat manifold mounting surface including therein a first series of inlet openings aligned in the direction of the crankshaft axis, and a second series of inlet openings aligned in the direction of the crankshaft axis, the first and second series being laterally offset with respect to the direction of the crankshaft axis, and each of the inlet openings of the first and second series being respectively adapted to feed air to one of the crankcase chambers and having a minor dimension parallel to the crankshaft axis, a major dimension transverse to the crankshaft axis, and a portion overlapping the inlet openings of the other of the first and second series.

Abstract: A fuel injection control system for an internal combustion engine having means for limiting a fuel amount to be supplied to the engine according to an output of an air flow sensor to a predetermined upper limit value, and means for correcting the intake air flow rate by the output of the air flow sensor when the opening of an intake air throttle valve is opened at a predetermined value, thereby limiting the output of the sensor to the predetermined upper limit value in case that the output of the sensor increases larger than the actual value and correcting the air density if different from a reference by the correcting means.

Abstract: The valve needle of the injection valve is actuated by a control pressure created by a hydraulic injection system. The control pressure is created by a piston pump and is supplied via a control line to the injection valve. At the beginning of the stroke, a bypass flow path is open with a cross section which decreases continuously with progressing piston stroke. With the aid of the pressure medium volume flowing out through the bypass flow path and decreasing in the course of the stroke, a control pressure which is free from pressure waves and their reflections in the control line and which continuously approaches a desired value is created and supplied through the control line to the valve needle without pressure fluctuations causing an oscillating opening and closing of the needle.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine fuel injection system having a reciprocating charge pump and a bidirectional flow, solenoid valve for precisely regulating the fuel injection timing by precisely reglating the intake charge quantity of fuel supplied to the charge pump during each intake stroke and for precisely regulating the fuel injection quantity by precisely regulating the spill termination of the high pressure delivery of fuel during each pumping stroke. An electrical controller having a data processor timely energizes and deenergizes the solenoid valve and adjusts the charge pump stroke timing, if adjustable, for adjusting the fuel injection timing and quantity. A start-of-pumping sensor or charge pump stroke timing sensor is used to provide a closed loop feedback, or in the alternative where the charge pump stroke is not adjustable, a calibrated input is used in lieu of a charge pump stroke timing sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus including a mixing chamber is installed between a standard carburetor base and the intake manifold of a gasoline engine. The mixing chamber includes an air inlet port for admitting a controlled amount of outside air into the mixing chamber and a gasoline vapor port for admitting gasoline vaporized externally of the carburetor into the mixing chamber, a carburetor inlet port for receiving a mixture of air and partially vaporized gasoline from the carburetor throat, and an outlet port through which a mixture of all the gases exhausts into the intake manifold. The carburetor includes a first throttle valve for controlling the air amount and partially vaporized gasoline passing into the mixing chamber. A second throttle valve controls the amount of mixed gas drawn through the mixing chamber outlet port into the intake manifold. A linkage connected to the automobile accelerator cable opens the second throttle in response to initial accelerator displacement.

Abstract: A circuit for generating a charge voltage in a capacitive ignition system having an inductive source for producing a voltage substantially below the required charge voltage. The circuit includes, in series, an electronic switch and a resistor connected across the voltage source to form a controllable current path. Connected parallel thereto is a charging circuit for the capacitive ignition system. A control circuit is connected across the resistor and is adapted to control the state of the electronic switch. The control circuit also has a self-holding circuit. During the build-up of the source voltage, the electronic switch is in its closed state resulting in a heavy current flow therethrough. This in turn results in a build-up of voltage across the resistor actuating the control circuit. The control circuit causes the electronic switch to change into a cutoff state, thereby causing a build-up of the charge voltage for the capacitive ignition system.

Abstract: An auxiliary revolution sensor (16) is disposed for detecting a reference position signal (16a) of each cylinders. A computer (3) outputs an auxiliary reference cylinder signal (3d) by the reference position signal (16a). A pseudo reference position signal generator (12, 13, 14, 15) generates a pseudo reference position signal (15a) by the auxiliary reference cylinder signal (3d). An electronic distributor (5) outputs ignition signals (6) to ignitors (6-11) by outputting signals of the pseudo reference position signal generator and the computer, when a revolution sensor (1) is out of order.

Abstract: An archery bow having side by side launching and bending bowstrings, the bending bowstring drawn one or more times as a preliminary to firing of the bow to bend the bow limbs, which bent limbs are released only at firing after drawing and releasing both bowstrings, to accelerate an arrow nocked in the launching bowstring. Bending mechanisms are mounted to the bow handle and are operated by the bending bowstring, to wind up a pair of load cables attched to the limb tips onto capstan elements released at firing. A mechanical advantage is achieved in the bending mechanisms to reduce the effort required to bend the limbs by drawing of the bending bowstring.

Abstract: A food preparation apparatus including a cooking chamber having a pair of openings in two opposite facing walls thereof. A conveyor extends through the side wall openings and the chamber for conveying a food product through the chamber. First and second pairs of impingement finger ducts are provided for forming a plurality of columnated air jets and for impinging the jets against discreet points of a food product supported on the conveyor. A first one of each of said pairs of ducts is disposed above the conveyor and a second one of each of said pairs of finger ducts is disposed below the conveyor. First and second plenums, each of which has a fan respectively associated therewith, supply air to the finger ducts. One or more baffles in each of the plenums guides and streamlines the air as it flows out of the plenums and through the finger ducts. A single burner is associated with the plenums for simultaneously supplying heat energy to both plenums.

Abstract: Flat type gas burner with a body having a central vertical passage and a cap which define between them an annular convergent-divergent duct supplying flame orifices in the annular foot of the cap. The burner comprises an enclosure into which opens a flame orifice conferring on the mixture a flow speed identical with that of the other orifices. The volume of the enclosure permits an expansion of the mixture substantially to static pressure. The outlet aperture of the enclosure confers on the mixture a speed of flow 7 to 12 times less than that of the other orifices.

Abstract: A power venter for connection to an appliance vent system to provide draft and gas flow and which has components mounted exteriorly of a building wall and components extending through the wall, with the latter components including an inner pipe connectable to a vent pipe of a vent system and an outer pipe surrounding the inner pipe in spaced relation functioning as a heat shield and providing an annular space therebetween. The outside components include a vent hood with a blower housing mounted interiorly thereof and having a blower with an inlet communicating with an outside end of the inner pipe and having a blower outlet to atmosphere. An orifice plate is associated with the blower to separate positive and negative pressure areas and has an orifice opening leading to an eye of the blower, with the blower rotatable about an axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the inner pipe to provide a desired blower diffuser angle.

Abstract: A solar water heater comprises a tank formed from dark colored, heat absorbent material, with an adapter fitting depending from the bottom of the tank for demountably mounting the heater in the deck ring of a boat. An upstanding neck is formed at the top of the neck, defining a fill port for filling the tank. A vented closure member is demountably carried in the neck of the tank and a removable transparent cover member is provided for fitting over the neck and enclosing the tank so as to retard the escape of solar energy. An outlet passage is formed in the adapter fitting, and coupling means are provided for coupling a water distribution element to the tank in order to deliver heated water below the deck of the boat.

Abstract: A solenoid device for treatment of body tissue such as bones or other regions with pulsed signals comprises a flexible flat belt for encircling a body part or cast surrounding a body part containing tissue to be treated. The belt has a plurality of parallel conductors extending along its length and has its opposite ends offset by one or more conductor spacings. The resultant aligned conductor ends are connected together to form at least one continuous coil, with the resultant unconnected outer conductor ends at opposite sides of the belt comprising inputs across which a suitable electrical signal can be connected. An adjustment device or buckle is mounted on the belt to allow the diameter of the belt to be adjusted. The buckle traps a doubled over portion of the belt circumference which is adjustable in length to change the diameter of the device to closely fit the underlying body part or cast.

Abstract: An endoscope according to the present invention comprises an insertion section which as a distal structure. An objective optical system is disposed in the distal structure so as to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. A solid-state image sensing device, which has a light receiving surface with an image area therein, is disposed in the distal structure, so as to be substantially parallel to a plane which contains the longitudinal axis of the distal structure. An optical element is attached to an end portion of the objective optical system, whereby the optical path of a light incident on the objective optical system is bent substantially at right angles, so that the light is guided to the light receiving surface of the image sensing device. The endoscope further comprises a forceps channel having one end attached to the distal structure.

Abstract: The unit has a power source with a shaft connected to a cable extending to a massage applicator to rotate an eccentric therein, the cable having at both ends drive keys in sliding engagement with the motor and applicator shafts which shafts have accommodating bores to slidingly receive the cable drive keys to thus accommodate tension and compression exerted upon the cable during driving engagement, with a sheath surrounding the cable and having swivel couplings at the sheath ends, the sheath having at each end ferrules connected to the power unit and the applicator by nuts, and having a high strength bearing of stronger material than the applicator near the eccentric, with the applicator having watertight seals, and the applicator structure providing a passageway for the eccentric drive shaft and a ferrule therein, the power unit having a carrying handle receiving and releasably locking the applicator allowing a hand to grasp and carry both the power unit handle and the applicator, with the applicator rear ha

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the generation and transmission of complex pressure surges to the fluid system of the inner ear, this fluid system comprising an outer fluid chamber (perilymphatic space) provided with inlet and outlet, which entirely surrounds an inner fluid chamber (endolymphatic space), the fluid volume therein regulating the hearing ability of the ear in order, through intermittent compression of said inner chamber, to reduce any impairment of the hearing which may exist due to expansion of said chamber caused by too large a volume of fluid in said inner chamber, reproducible pressure pulses or surges are produced, consisting ofa first pressure component (a) having varying pressure oscillations, anda second component (b) superimposed on said first component (a) and having a predeterminable overpressure,said first component (a), by means of rapidly repeated pressure variations, substantially blocking the passage of fluid from the outer fluid chamber, in addition to which the said component (b)

Abstract: A liquid jet massage device (10) for producing selectively rotating jets of liquid for massaging the body of a user. The device (10) comprises a movable carriage (13) provided with a conduit for carrying liquid dispensed to the carriage (13) by suitable pump system. The device (10) comprises at least one, and in the preferred embodiment two, liquid dispensing primary head members (11, 12) rotatably mounted on the movable carriage (13). The primary head members (11, 12) define a liquid reservoir (42) for receiving the liquid from the conduit (32), the bottom portions (40) of the head members (11, 12) defining axial openings (46) for establishing liquid communications between the reservoir (42) and the conduit (32). The top portion of the head members (11, 12) are provided with axially displaced nozzles (45) for discharging liquid from the reservoirs (42) thereby producing jets of liquid.

Abstract: A pin clamp particularly adapted for use in an external skeletal fixation device to clamp pins inserted in the distal segment and/or proximal segment of a fractured bone for positioning and immobilizing the bone segments to reduce the fracture. The pin clamp employs a wedge lock construction including a block having a tapered, hollow interior which receives a wedge element having opposed, tapered sidewalls connected to a slotted top wall. The pins are inserted between the sidewalls of the wedge element into the slot, and are clamped therebetween as the wedge element is moved into the block. A screw carried by the block threads into a bore in the top wall of the wedge element to move the wedge element in and out of the block. Both the block and wedge element are formed of a composite material and the sidewalls of the wedge element which contact the pins are preferably coated with a grit material having a high coefficient of friction.

Abstract: An osteotomy apparatus and method for precisely locating two parallel, spaed apart bone cuts are disclosed. The apparatus includes a locator blade which is capable of being positioned in a first bone cut. A saw guide having a slot therein is positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of the locator blade. The locator blade is fixed to a carriage member which has a flat bed, with the locator blade positioned at an acute angle with respect to the flat bed. The saw guide is part of or attached to a moveable member which is shaped to ride along the flat bed with the saw guide extending outwardly therefrom. A screw drive positions the moveable member and the saw guide on the flat bed and a scale on the flat bed locates the saw guide relative to the locator blade.

Abstract: The invention is a self contained infant restraining device (10) used for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other emergency treatment on a patient up to 2 years old. The device (10) has 2 sections (12 and 14) which are normally attached together by use of latches (16). Top section (12) is used to carry and restrain the infant's body. Bottom section (14) contains 2 drawers (52) which are used to carry drugs, medical supplies and instruments for treatment of the infant patient. The top section (12) may be quickly released from bottom section (14) if the user wants to make top section (12) lighter and more portable. The infant's body is placed in indentation (36) of the top surface (28) and securely restrained by a plurality of straps (44) using hook and pile fasteners (46). The infant's head is restrained in head indentation (26) which is equipped with two small sand bag pillows (32) attached to indentation (26) by hook and pile fasterners (33) and (34).

Abstract: An apparatus for production of ultra-fine homogenous aerosols, or a nebuliser, is described comprising a Coanda-plate (1) and a liquid channel (3) opening in the vicinity thereof, preferably through an orifice plate (2). The apparatus is useful for producing a micro-aerosol in medical treatment and in other fields. The aerosol is produced from a liquid film formed on the Coanda-plate, which film flows over the plate under radial thinning and breaks into small homogenous droplets at the edge of said plate. Preferably the apparatus is provided with a liquid container (5) surrounding the Coanda-plate.

Abstract: An emergency exit respiratory mask device comprises a rebreathing bag, a face mask, and a head-covering cap, all formed of a single sheet of flexible transparent plastic. The sheet is folded upon itself and sealed along selected margins thereof to determine the boundaries of the bag, a filling and emptying passageway to the bag, and the cap. A mouthpiece is provided at the distal end of the passageway. A whistle is provided in the mouthpiece. An inflating spring is employed in the bag. Printed instructions are provided inside the bag and are readable through the bag material.

Abstract: A system 10 for proportional control of a pneumatic cutting device 13 includes a linear solenoid valve 11 having a flow rate therethrough proportional to the current passing through the solenoid 32. The linear solenoid valve 11 is actuated by a selectively varied electrical signal generated by a power supply 18 and controlled by a potentiometer 14 which is itself operated by a pedal foot controller 16. Regulated fluid pressure is fed through the linear soleoid valve 11 to a pneumatic cutting device 13 such as an intraocular microscissors which closes increasingly as the applied pressure increases. The linear solenoid valve 11 includes a flow path which is variably constricted or closed by a valve member 36, and a solenoid 32 which is arranged to pull the valve member 36 to open the flow path.

Abstract: A heart pacemaker has a pulse generator and circuitry for measuring a respiration signal of the user and a control unit for controlling the pulse generator by changing the pulse repetition rate dependent on the respiration signal. A heart action detector is provided for acquiring heart action signals and the respiration signal measuring circuitry includes detectors for measuring the amplitude fluctuations in the heart action signal and supplying those fluctuations to the control unit.

Abstract: A telemetry system for transmitting digital data from an implanted pacer to an external programming/receiver unit includes a voltage-controlled pulse generator having an output period proportional to its input voltage magnitude. The external receiver unit includes a pulse period detector to generate a reconstructed analog signal whose amplitude is proportional to each pulse-to-pulse time interval from the pulse generator. The pulse generator requires only minimum width pulses and thus there is minimum system drain because the signal information is contained only in the pulse-to-pulse interval and not in the pulsewidth.

Abstract: An electrode pad is provided with a cut to form a substantially rectangular tab that can be lifted out of the plane of the main pad portion. An aperture is included at the end of the cut to receive an electrical connector wire extending from a connector mounted to an electrode fitting on the pad. A carrier sheet is removably attached to an adhesive surface of the pad. The carrier is separated by the cut into two separable sections that can be removed separately from the pad to facilitate placement of the line and to minimize patient discomfort. By this arrangement, the carrier sheet can be removed and the main pad portion pressed against the patient's skin before the tab is lifted up. The tab section of the carrier sheet is then removed to expose the adhesive surface. The tab is then placed over the electrode line extending from the electrode fitting on the main portion to hold the line securely to the patient's skin adjacent to the main portion of the pad.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer probe having a mechanically steerable acoustic element includes a linear motor having a stationary magnet assembly and a coil bidirectionally linearly movable with respect to the magnet assembly. A mechanical arrangement formed of a pair of spaced apart, rotatably mounted pulleys and a flexible belt connecting the pulleys couples the coil and an ultrasonic transducer or acoustic element. The transducer element is mounted for rotation with at least one of the pulleys so that linear motion of the motor coil is converted to rotative motion of the transducer whereby the transducer and the ultrasonic beam it emits is caused to sweep through a selected angular sector. A position sensor formed of a supplemental stationary magnetic material and a position coil mounted for movement with the motor coil is utilized for detecting the linear position of the coil and, correspondingly, the angular orientation or position of the transducer element.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention comprises an insertion portion having a hard distal end portion. A first holding member is provided to the hard distal end portion, and an ultrasonic vibrator is mounted on the first holding member. A second holding member, detachably mounted with respect to the first holding member, is provided at the hard distal end portion, and an observation optical system is mounted on the second holding member. The second holding member is fixed to the first holding member by a fixing means. In the ultrasonic endoscope with the above arrangement, the first holder for holding the ultrasonic vibrator can be separated from the second holder for holding the observation optical system.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system comprises an annular array ultrasound transducer, a mechanical driver, a transmitter/receiver, and a controller. The controller includes an imaging controller, a heating controller, and a select controller. The mechanical driver mechanically drives the transducer to change at least one of the position and direction of ultrasound beams transmitted and received by the transducer. The transmitter/receiver may supply drive signals to the respective elements of the transducer, and receive the ultrasound echo signals from the elements. The imaging controller gives a first drive command to the transmitter/receiver, and at the same time drives the mechanical driver, radiates scanning ultrasound beams for tomographing through the transducer, and obtains a tomogram of a target portion in a patient from the echo signal derived from the transmitter/receiver.

Abstract: An omnidirectional ultrasonic probe, having specific application for connection to the distal end of an esophageal catheter, includes a support member upon which are coaxially mounted a transmitter member, a receiver member, and one or more acoustic reflector members. The acoustic reflector member or members reflect transmissions and receptions of ultrasonic signals along substantially parallel paths. The reflector members also provide omnidirectional reflection. Separate transmitter and receiver members are used in the preferred embodiments to facilitate continuous wave operation.

Abstract: The invention falls within the art field of electronic detection and measuring instruments for medical use. Connected to the audio output of a conventional Doppler device, the instrument disclosed processes the Doppler signal (P.sub.t) and produces an output signal (R.sub.t) in the form of a quantity per unit of time which is proportional to the radius of a circular cross-section equivalent in area to the effective cross-section of the blood vessel under examination. The instrument provides a video image of this `relative` cross-section as well as producing a numerical read-out proportional to the maximum and the minimum radius of the relative cross-section which register during heartbeat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for measuring uterine artery blood flow characterized by non-invasively positioning a transducer crystal capable of generating an ultrasonic signal within the vagina of a human female at the lateral aspect of the cervix underneath and in close proximity to the uterine artery, measuring the internal diameter of the artery by sweeping the transducer thereacross through an arc lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the flow of blood therethrough for the purpose of determining its cross section, redirecting the transducer along the artery at an acute angle opposing the direction of blood flow therethrough while impinging upon the latter a pulsed series of ultrasonic signals of known frequency, detecting the reflections of the pulsed signals and measuring the shift in the frequency of the reflections for the purpose of determining a mean velocity of the blood flowing through the artery by applying the Doppler Effect principle, and determining the blood flow volume based

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for monitoring waveforms representing the respiration of a patient and for detecting waveforms having characteristics indicative of apnea. The method comprises processing a first electrical signal having a waveform representing the respiration of the patient and a second electrical signal representing the electrocardiogram of the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an indication of a cardiopulmonary activity of a person using noninvasive monitoring means and for detecting motion in the area of the apparatus includes an electrostatic charge detector for providing an output signal including signals indicative of motion and cardiopulmonary activity of the person. A detection apparatus is connected to receive the signals and to filter the extraneous noise signals from the signals of interest to provide output signals indicative only of the motion of interest or cardiopulmonary activity of the person. Breathing signals are applied to a comparator which is tripped if breathing occurs at a rate below a predetermined value. Cardiac signals are applied to a circuit which adjusts the trip level for the breathing rate if the cardiac rate declines to a level suggestive of bradycardia without breathing rate increases.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument for the collection and extraction of endocervical tissue samples is disclosed. The instrument has a sample extraction head preferably ellipsoid or cylindrical in shape and of one-piece construction. The head contains one or more longitudinal blade portions integral with the surface of the head. Directly adjacent to each blade portion is a sample collection well. The well is of sufficient depth to permit the retention and removal of tissue specimens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steerable guidewire. More specifically, the invention is directed to a guidewire which comprises flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and inner and outer surfaces, a helically wound flexible spring coil having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the spring coil being attached to the flexible tubing and the distal end of the spring coil comprising stretched coils, a deflection wire extending through the flexible tubing and spring coil, the deflection wire having proximal and distal ends, optionally a control wire having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the control wire being attached to the spring coil proximal to the stretched coils, and a rounded tip engaging the distal end of the spring coil, the distal end of the deflection wire, and the distal end of the control wire.

Abstract: A cigarette holder and an insert for a conventional cigarette holder, including a first chamber for receiving the butt end of the cigarette and a second chamber for condensing the noxious elements of tobacco smoke. The two chambers are connected by an opening such that the smoke travels from the first chamber to the second chamber. The second chamber has an end plate opposite the opening, but has spaced orifices in its side walls through which the smoke passes. The cross-sectional area of the second chamber is less than the cross-sectional area of the first chamber and increases from the open end to the end plate. The second chamber is designed to create turbulences therein.

Abstract: In a method of expanding tobacco the tobacco is contacted in a first vessel with an expansion agent and, with the vessel being closed and liquid phase expansion agent in the tobacco being at a temperature above the boiling point at a lower, release pressure, the first vessel is connected to a closed second vessel the interior of which is at the release pressure. When the tobacco is contacted in the first vessel with the expansion agent, the tobacco is maintained in a mobilized, particle separated condition by supplying gaseous mobilizing medium to a mobilizing zone of the first vessel via nozzles located at upwardly diverging walls bounding the zone and preferably supplying in addition gaseous accelerating medium to the zone in an upward direction from a lower region of the zone.