Abstract: A component of a breathing circuit for directing air to a patient requiring treatment. The component comprises a tubular conduit having a male end and a female end. A locking clip is disposed on the housing adjacent the male end of the component. A plurality of annular rings are disposed on the outer side of the female end. The annular rings are engagable by a locking clip of an adjacent component. A sampling port is disposed through the housing to permit sampling of the air within the breathing circuit.

Abstract: Proximal end connector units, by which medico-surgical tubes may be attached to breathing circuits or like fluid flow devices in a manner that mitigates interference with operations being performed on patients intubated with the MS tubes, comprising a straight, rigid, cylindrical distal end portion, a straight, rigid, cylindrical proximal end portion, a central tubular portion joining the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, the central tubular portion being bendable in an arc of at least 180.degree. without diminution of its effective lumen, such proximal end portion, distal end portion and central tubular portion all being integral and formed of the same thin, plastic material, the central tubular portion comprising a plurality of circumferential, angular segments each consisting of a pair of sides that are of unequal length, the central tubular portion being compressed lengthwise by having the shorter side in each segment folded back under its longer side.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved fenestrated tracheostomy tube which includes a tubular outer cannula which has a distal end for insertion within the trachea and a proximal end which remains outside of the patient. The outer cannula has a generally circular longitudinal radius of curvature and has an upper wall portion with a longitudinal center along its uppermost surface. The tube includes a disposable inner cannula having a distal end and a proximal end which is adapted to fit closely within and to be removably inserted into the outer cannula. The outer cannula has a plurality of slotted fenestrations through the upper wall portion arranged so that each fenestration is slightly spaced from the longitudinal center and forms an acute angle away from the longitudinal center in the direction of the distal end of the outer cannula. With the foregoing fenestration arrangement, the inner cannula is readily inserted into the outer cannula free from interference with the fenestrations.

Abstract: A device for controlling the release of retracted haptics on an intraocular lens is described. By controlling the retraction of the haptics, it is possible to obtain a more precise placement of the lens in the eye. The lens is attached to the device by means of sutures, which allows the lens to be safely and conveniently positioned in the eye.

Abstract: A laser catheter for insertion in a body passage and for treatment of a relatively inaccessible location with laser radiation in a preselected first wavelength range, typically in the mid-infrared band, that is outside the transmission passband of silica optical fibers. The laser catheter includes an elongated flexible tube, an optical fiber for carrying optical pumping laser radiation in a second wavelength range through the flexible tube, and a laser attached to the flexible tube at or near the distal end thereof and responsive to optical pumping laser radiation in the second wavelength range for generating output laser radiation in the first wavelength range. The laser can comprise a cylindrical laser crystal attached to the distal end of the flexible tube and having laser mirrors on opposite end faces thereof. The laser crystal can be a suitable host material doped with a rare earth ion selected to produce the desired output wavelength.

Abstract: A device for sealing an opening or puncture in the wall of a blood vessel, duct or other lumen of a living being. The device includes an elongated tubular body having an outlet at the distal end thereof and which is arranged to be inserted, such as percutaneously, through the puncture in the blood vessel so that the outlet is located within the vessel's interior. An expandible closure is disposed within the tubular body and is formed so as to be held in a compact configuration therein. The tubular body also includes ejecting means for forcing the closure out of the outlet into the interior of the blood vessel, whereupon the closure automatically expands to form an enlarged engagement surface. A retraction filament is secured to the closure for pulling it to the puncture after the tubular body has been withdrawn from the puncture so that the engagement surface of the closure means hemostatically engages the inner surface of the blood vessel contiguous with the puncture.

Abstract: A one- or two-piece flexible shield for a pacifier nipple. The one-piece shield comprises a molded, relatively thin walled nipple cover having an opening for inserting a pacifier nipple therein to enclose the nipple, first and second retainers disposed about the interior of the shield for securing the pacifier to the shield, and a top wall disposed opposite the opening comprising at least two separate sections and adapted to be separated to expose the nipple. The two-piece shield includes a base having an opening and first and second retainers disposed about the opening for attaching a pacifier thereto and a flexible nipple cover having an opening adapted for attachment to the bottom shield to substantially enclose the pacifier and a top wall substantially the same as that of the nipple cover in the one-piece shield.

Abstract: A medical process and apparatus for repeatedly obtaining short term changes in the physiological functioning of an individual as an aid in diagnosing illness and malfunction, and determining longer term changes and "trends" that are, or may be, indicative of the onset of a developing adverse condition. The process involves repetitive testing of the individual at short term intervals and permanently recording the results of all tests, as well as comprehensive medical data about that individual, in the form of microrecordings on a small, credit card size medical record adapted to be continuously carried by the individual. The extensive compilation of test data and medical data is reviewed and compared at longer term intervals to reveal changes and "trends" in process of development. A similar process is employed for determining changes and "trends" in the degree of physical fitness or conditioning.

Abstract: A disposable, biopotential electrode has a base sheet of plastic or other material. A layer of carbon is applied to the base sheet. A layer of silver/silver chloride is applied to the carbon layer. An ionically conductive adhesive is applied to the silver/silver chloride layer.

Abstract: A multi-electrode type electrocardiographic electrode structure includes a base member made of non-woven cloth, electrode and lead sections formed by using a liquid conductor printed on or impregnating the base member, the electrode section consisting of a plurality of electrodes arranged on the base member, the lead section being connected to the individual electrodes, an electrolyte material provided on the electrodes and serving to reduce the resistance of the skin of a living body, and an insulating adhesive material provided on the base member to alternate with the electrodes for permitting the electrocardiographic electrode structure to be held in close contact with the living body.

Abstract: An electrode implantable in the brain or other area of neural activity to provide long term recording of electrical signals. The electrode comprises (a) a conducting wire, being insulated along its length except for a pre-determined area, for conducting an electrical signal to or from the body from or to an extracorporeal transmitter or receiver; and (b) an open hollow insulating structure surrounding at least a portion of an exposed portion of the conducting wire for electrically isolating signal within the structure from that outside the structure. A method is disclosed for implanting the electrode. Also disclosed is the use of a viable nerve segment dissected from a remote part of the body, such as the sciatic nerve, to serve as an anchor for neurite growth from the brain into the insulator and in proximity to or contacting the exposed end of the wire.

Abstract: An electrocardiogram electrode pad has elasticity and flexibility and encloses an electrocardiogram electrode to be held in close contact with the skin surface of a man to derive a weak current therefrom. The electrocardiogram electrode pad having a bottom wall to be held in contact with the skin surface of the man and a side wall extending from the edge of the bottom wall to be fitted on the electrode section of electrocardiogram electrode. The side wall has a greater thickness for its free end portion than its intermediate and stem portions. The side wall has a pinch portion projecting from the free end to be pinched when fitting and removing the electrocardiogram electrode pad with respect to the electrocardiogram electrode.

Abstract: An ultrasound lens is a solid rod with a front concave spherical surface which defines a back focal plane in the rod when the lens is immersed in a propagating medium. The opposite end of the rod has two flat rear surfaces which are attached to ultrasound transducers and are inclined with respect to the lens axis so that principal rays from each of the transducers propagate through the lens normal to the rear surface and intersect on the lens axis at the back focal plane.Echo ultrasound signals obtained from a sample volume using the lens may be cross correlated to yield transverse flow measurement data in the sample volume.

Abstract: Time gain compensation is provided on an automatic basis by storing an amplification gain function for an amplifier operating on the received signals and automatically varying the function until the intensity versus time functions of the received signal is substantially flat.

Abstract: An ultrasonic phased array imaging system is provided which includes a normal mode and an adaptive mode of operation. The adaptive mode adjusts the delay associated with each element in the transducer such that the average image brightness of the region of interest is maximized. A motion detector is provided for determining when the transducer has been moved a distance sufficient to render the previous adaptive measurements possibly invalid whereupon the system automatically reenters the normal mode. A method of operating the ultrasonic phased array imaging system is also provided.

Abstract: A device and method rapidly quantifying the relative distention of the bladder of a human subject are disclosed. Ultrasonic transducer 1, which is positioned on subject 2 in proximity to bladder 16, is excited by pulser 3A under command of microprocessor 4 to launch an acoustic wave into patient 2. This wave interacts with bladder walls 12,13 and is reflected back to ultrasonic transducer 1, when it is received, amplified and processed by receiver 3B . The resulting signal is digitized by analog-to-digital converter 5 under command of microprocessor 4, and is stored in data memory 6B.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical diagnosis and treatment of abnormal cells through the use of hormone-specific chemical markers which are preferential to genital tissues. Abnormal cells can be differentiated from normal cells by the amount of fluorescent or thermal radiation produced by the chemical marker retained in the respective cells when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation at a predetermined wavelength. Once the abnormal cells have been detected, they can be treated through the use of an optical technique based on photochemical or thermal reactions which can be controlled to destroy the abnormal cells, while leaving normal cells unharmed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved impedance sensing system to measure blood flow and particularly cardiac output which comprise an elongated flexible catheter having two spaced apart sensing electrodes disposed on the surface thereof formed from a conductive fabric such as metallic screen. Preferably, a pair of current transmitting electrodes are also positioned on the catheter each being outside of the pair of sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A pressure transducer has a thin central portion formed of a molded thermoplastic resin. A conductive polymer forms the resistive elements of a Wheatstone bridge printed and baked onto the molded substrate.

Abstract: A method and kit for measuring the effectiveness of various bronchodilators on an individual patient are disclosed. For example, the kit includes a plurality of bronchodilator test solutions and a nebulizer for providing a dose of each solution for introduction into a patient's lungs. A spirometer or other type of flowmeter is also provided for measuring the flow characteristics of a patient's forced expiratory flow before and after inspiration of each of the bronchodilator solutions. A test panel is also provided for recording and comparing the patient's flow data before and after inspiration of each of the test solutions. And, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the patient's lungs are rechallenged to verify the best treatment for the patient. And, a second embodiment includes instructions and a peak flow meter in place of a spirometer, so that the tests may be self-administered in a patient's home.

Abstract: A tubular airway adapter having a hollow interior and a cylindrical wall for providing a sample gas air flow. The adapter includes an annular channel in the cylindrical wall and a plurality of radial channels extending from the annular channel to the interior. The annular channel is in fluid communication with ambient atmosphere through a port in the cylindrical wall. The wall of the adapter increases in thickness from on either side of the annular channel towards the annular channel to provide a double conically shaped interior and a wall region which protrudes into the interior at the location of the annular channel.

Abstract: A medical safety device which reduces the risk of transmitting disease to health care personnel who take or handle body fluid samples such as blood samples. The device reduces the risk of the transmission of disease caused by needlestick and accidental spillage of fluid samples. The device comprises a funnelshaped needle guard having a neck portion which fits snugly over the end of a sample tube such as a vacuum tube. The glass sample tube is coated with a resin to make it substantially shatterproof. The interior surface of the needle guard has interconnecting vertical and circular grooves to channel accidentally spilled fluid into the tube.

Abstract: Physiological electrode elements are constructed of tin and stannous chloride. The tin may be provided in any of a variety of ways, such as a solid tin plate or foil, or the tin may be plated over either an electrically conducting or electrically non-conducting substrate. A quantity of stannous chloride is affixed to the tin. A suitable conducting medium, such as a saline gel, is placed over the stannous chloride to provide a conductive path for electrical current between the tin and the skin of a patient to which the electrode is attached. In a particular preferred embodiment, the tin-stannous chloride electrode elements are made considerably larger than conventional ECG electrodes in order to be able to convey relatively large amounts of electrical energy associated with stimulating and therapeutic applications, as well as providing low impedance to the passage of the relatively small signals associated with monitoring.

Abstract: A device for the transmission and enhancement of tactile sensations transmitted across a barrier membrane, particularly condoms, finger cots and gloves used to prevent transmission of disease organisms between contacting body tissues. The device has a plurality of antipodal pairs of projections extending through the barrier membrane whereby the barrier membrane acts as a fulcrum for the transmission of movement by one projection of an antipodal pair to the other member of the projection pair.

Abstract: A device for subduing and then restraining a violent person comprising a relatively-stiff, bendable shield having opposed major surfaces. One of the major surfaces, designated the back surface, has attached thereto at least two handles, at least one strap, and means for releasably fastening the strap to the back surface.

Abstract: The invention refers to a continuous cigarette rod deflecting and breaking device in a cigarette making machine, which device (1) is arranged upstream of the unit for cutting the rod (B) into individual cigarette lengths, and comprises a deflecting member (2) which upon control is movable between an uplifted active position in which it downwardly deflects the rod from its normal path along the rod-forming line (L), and a lowered down rest position in which it is located under the normal rod path, and leaves the rod free to travel toward the cutting unit. The said deflecting member (2) is integral with a severing element (6) which is caused to cross the path of rod (B) so as to cut the said rod as the deflecting member (2) is moved either from its uplifted active position into its lowered down rest position, or from its lowered down rest position into its uplifted active position.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine includes a channel (10; 100; 204) through which tobacco is pneumatically conveyed to form a cigarette filler stream (15; 209) on a conveyor (12; 130; 220) at the outlet of the channel, a first louvre (20; 110; 214) through which some of the air entering the channel through its inlet end is drawn from the channel while tobacco continues towards the conveyor, and a second louvre (22; 120; 216), closer than the first louvre to the outlet end of the channel, through which an additional amount of the air entering the channel is drawn while the tobacco continues towards the conveyor. The channel (202) may be arranged to extend around a cylinder with an inclined axis (208) so that upward movement of the tobacco is converted into approximately horizontal movement with a substantial component in the direction of movement of the conveyor (200) on which the tobacco collects to form a cigarette filler stream (209).

Abstract: A baffle for filtering cigarette smoke is described. The baffle is inserted into commonly available cigarette holders. The cleansing and filtering action of the baffle system is augmented by the throttling of the smoke in successive chambers which were created by the walls of the baffle and the interior of the cigarette holder. The successive chambers are interconnected by orifices.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the care of contact lenses in which the process comprises supporting contact lenses on a lens holder within a treatment container provided with a motor-driven stirrer and introducing into the container a liquid, e.g.

Abstract: A contact lens washer having a plurality of disposable solution containers for sequential cleaning cycles using daily cleaning solution, enzymatic, solution, disinfecting solution and saline/neutralizing solution. The containers are inserted into the contact lens washer in an inverted condition. A plurality of liquid released solenoids cause the solution containers to inject liquid into a cleaning chamber having a pair of contact lenses to be cleaned. The contact lenses are encased in a lens-encasing member which is agitated to enhance the cleaning capabilities of the contact lens washer. A timing cycle module provides sequential fluid supply both to and from the cleaning chamber and controls agitation of the lens-encasing member.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus. The apparatus utilized a support for supporting the vehicle, a first low pressure pump for applying a first solution at low pressure, a second low pressure pump for applying a second solution at low pressure and a spraying arrangement for applying fluid at high pressure to remove the first and second solutions from the vehicle.

Abstract: A contact lens washing apparatus includes a body, a container mounted detachably on the body for receiving a washing liquid therein, and a porous basket mounted rotatably in the container for retaining a contact lens therein. A small motor in the body has a shaft which is connected to a speed reduction transmission. A rotational direction change mechanism interconnects with the speed reduction transmission and the basket for changing the unidirectional rotation output of the speed reduction transmission into the rotational reciprocating motion of the basket. That is, the basket will reciprocate alternately clockwise and counterclockwise to rinse the contact lens.

Abstract: In a machine for etching objects, a nozzle assembly carries out an oscillating movement transverse to the conveying direction, in which the objects to be etched are guided through the machine. The device, which produces the oscillating movement, comprises a drive motor, whereof the rotary movement is converted by means of a cam disc into the oscillating movement of the nozzle assembly. The cam disc, on whose outer contour pressure engagement members of the nozzle assembly bear against two diametrically opposed points, has the contour of a cardioid. Due to this, a particularly linear displacement-time characteristic of the oscillation movement between the reversing points is achieved, which contributes to making the etching process more uniform.

Abstract: A slide irrigating unit has two plexiglass boxes, an inner box forming an irrigating chamber and an outer box forming a drain box. The outer drain box is tightly sealed and its inner walls form the perimeters of the inner box which is open at the top. PVC tubing extends through the outer box and underneath the inner box. This tubing is attached to a fresh water source. The fresh water flows into this PVC tubing and under the bottom of the inner box. Water emerges from this PVC tubing through holes in the bottom of the inner box. As the water level increases in height, it rinses racks of stained microscopic slides that have been inserted into the inner box from the top. The inner box contains drainage holes approximately one inch from the top of the open inner box. The stain contaminated water rises from the bottom of the inner box and drains through these drainage holes into the sealed outer box. The stain contaminated water exits the outer drain box through a PVC drainage pipe in the bottom of the outer box.

Abstract: A crutch having a telescoping section for adjusting its length. The length of the telescoping section is locked by a pair of detents on the inner telescoping tube popping through selected ones of many periodically recurring confronting holes formed in the outer telescoping tube. The upper and lower ends of the outer one of the telescoping tubes are riveted to spaced parallel upright members which form the weight carrying part of the crutch. The lower rivets to do not pass through the entire diameter of the telescoping section. Instead, heads of the rivets form bosses projecting radially inward from diagonally opposed points on the internal perimeter of the outer telescoping tube.

Abstract: A bed tent with a base portion snugly fitted around a mattress and a canopy portion connected to the base portion along its lower periphery is supported in an upright position over the mattress to provide an enclosure having a bottom surface area substantially coextensive with the surface area of the mattress and an opening for ingress and egress.

Abstract: A frame structure formed of a plurality of parallelly disposed rafter bars having axially connected thereto, a plurality of bow members forming the rear wall. The edges of said rafter bars are connected to a ridge bar and supported above ground level by uprights connected thereto in the vicinity of said ridge bar and the ends of said bow members being set in base plates on the ground, and a covering shaped to fit over said frame structure. Various cross bars and supports may be provided.

Abstract: An air actuated valve system for shutting off fluid flow in a fluid conduit includes a seismic valve disposed in a seismic air circuit which is coupled to a primary air circuit. The primary air circuit delivers air at a high pressure to an air driven actuator which maintains a shut off valve in a fluid conduit in an open position. The high air pressure flows through an air switch which is operationally open and coupled to the seismic air circuit such that when the seismic valve is closed a pilot air pressure is prevented from flowing to the air switch. In the absence of the pilot air pressure, air pressure is bled from the air switch, causing the air switch to move from an open to a closed position, thus preventing air from flowing to the air actuator.

Abstract: A self-actuating drip valve for attachment to a standard outdoor faucet for the prevention of freezing of such exposed faucets and water pipes leading to the faucet. A tube includes a collar at one end for securing to the end of the faucet. A stem extends within the tube so as to be adjacent the faucet. One or more ports extend between the faucet and the interior of the tube. The distal end of the stem mates with an orifice through the distal end of the tube. The tube and stem have different coefficients of expansion, one being plastic and the other being metal. In practice, the tube is attached to the faucet, which is open, and is filled with water. When the outside ambient temperature drops, the tube and stem contract at different rates and the relative movement opens the orifice in the distal end of the tube so as to permit water to drip therethrough.

Abstract: There is disclosed a check valve apparatus for use with risers in an irrigation system. The valve apparatus stops the flow of water when the respective riser is broken away from the water supply conduit. The valve apparatus has a conduit member and a valve member. The conduit member has an opening extending therethrough and between the ends of the conduit member. A shoulder positioned intermediate the conduit member ends projects inwardly. The valve member seats on the shoulder, wherein it is in the open position. When the riser is subjected to a sufficient amount of force, the coupling member severs at a weakened portion, thereby severing the shoulder and allowing the valve member to close to minimize the flow of water.

Abstract: A swing check valve for use between flanges wherein the valve seat and cage for the valve disc extend from the upstream to the downstream ends of the valve body. Cooperating shoulders are provided in the valve body and the member forming the seat and cage to prevent upstream movement of these members in the valve body, and downstream movement is prevented by plate-like members fitting in recesses in the cage portion and the valve body bore.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ink flow from an ink storage tank to at least one ink fountain of a high-speed, web-fed printing press employing a scale for measuring the weight of the ink storage tank and comparing weight signals from the scale at successive times to determine the weight of ink consumed over the interval between readings. A pump is associated with the storage tank for pumping the ink to the fountain via coupling lines. An ink level sensor detects the level of ink in the fountain and provides an ink demand signal for operating a valve means in the ink coupling line to in turn cause ink flow to the fountain so as to provide replenishment of ink thereat. With the use of plural fountains, means are provided for prioritizing delivery to the fountains so that individual ink consumption on a per fountain basis can be determined. In this regard, the system also employs a volume sensor preferably in the form of a pump stroke position sensor for determining incremental weight delivery per stroke.

Abstract: A valve which works without friction is provided which includes a movable obturating member and an annular seat. The annular seat is secured to a base by means of a support. The obturating member, preferably a ball, is set in a support which is fixed in the central opening of a substantially flat circular flexible membrane. The circular membrane is secured in a prestressed condition, in a plane parallel to the plane of the annular seat with the obturating ball member coaxial to the seat, by welding the contour of the membrane to the base. The membrane is mechanically isotropic so as to be radially rigid in the plane thereof and deformable in the direction perpendicular to its plane. Deformation of the circular membrane in directions perpendicular to its plane cause the obturating ball member to move into and away from the annular seat to interrupt and allow fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A pillar tap has a main water chamber and a control chamber housed within the main chamber. The control chamber has two different sized openings. The smaller opening which is located opposite the main outlet valve seat of the main chamber supports a membrane. The membrane in turn supports a valve member for movement into and out of engagement with the valve seat. The larger of the two openings is closed by a resilient diaphragm. A pair of control valves and control the admission and release of water to and from the control chamber. By controlling the control valves and the pressure differential between the main and control chambers and can be varied and so used to control the degree to which the valve member is opened. Once the flow rate through valve seat has been set, the diaphragm responds to pressure variations in the main chamber to alter the position of the valve member in a sense to maintain a substantially constant flow rate irrespective of the pressure variations.

Abstract: A swing check valve having a disc where the opposite end portions of the hinge pin of the disc are supported on flat surfaces formed at the opposite ends of a segmented ring surrounding a portion of the valve seat seating area.

Abstract: The valve, depicted as of the plate-type, has a ported valve seat, stop plate, and valving element (movable between the plate and seat) biased toward the seat by compression springs. Eight sets of compression springs are employed, in the disclosed embodiment, and each set comprises a pair of helical, counterwound (compression) springs concentrically nested together.

Abstract: A sump pump adaptor which includes a tank which is mounted to a bottom nipple connected to a sewer pipe. A vertical sump pump is mounted on the tank so as to pump water from the tank out of a basement, for example as by pumping water through the basement window.

Abstract: A valve and an arrangement for testing and draining a fire suppression water sprinkler system includes a valve which has a valve member with first, second and third ports. The selective rotation of the valve member interrupts a flow of water through the valve and permits a flow at two different preselected flow rates. The valve may be constructed so as to permit its use in either of two orientations with respect to inlet and outlet openings of the apparatus. A sight glass arrangement may be provided in which two sight glasses are offset from one another by 90 degrees and are arranged in the arrangement in a manner permitting the easy visual observation of flow therepast.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting hydraulic lines in a control stab module assembly has an inner annular ring (27) having a plurality of radially outwardly facing ports (28) for the passage of hydraulic fluid therethrough, and an outer annular ring (1) having a plurality of radially inwardly facing ports (2) for the passage of hydraulic fluid therethrough. The inwardly facing ports (2) are arranged to be aligned with the outwardly facing ports (28) when the outer ring (1) is positioned about the inner ring (27). Each port comprises a first valve member (16, 33) which is resiliently biassed to a closed position to close the port, and urging means (53) are provided to urge the first valve member (16, 33) into an open position against the biassing means (17, 33) when said rings (1, 27) are positioned one about the other. Sealing means (25) are provided to seal an inwardly facing port (2) with an aligned outwardly facing port (28).

Abstract: A three-way valve comprises a cylindrical valve chamber with a pair of axially spaced ports on one side and a third centrally located port on the other side. A valve disk on an axial valve rod is movable between positions on opposite sides of the third port to control communication between the ports. The chamber includes liner sleeves between which the valve disk moves and against the inner ends of which the disk bears in its respective positions. The sleeves support the disk against fluid pressure forces resulting from flow between the ports, and an effective seal is provided between the disk and the respective sleeve.