Abstract: A burner apparatus for combustion of gaseous fuel and air, for use in range-top type environments, is provided. The burner apparatus includes a burner housing, an inlet, a combustion chamber, and a heat absorbing and radiating quarl surrounding the outlet to the combustion chamber. The burner apparatus is advantageously configured so as to provide for substantially uniform heating of an object supported above the combustion chamber, through a combination of convective and radiative heat transfer.

Abstract: An upflow/downflow high efficiency furnace includes a means for mounting a secondary heat exchanger by use of a hinge member, which permits the furnace to be installed in either an upflow or downflow mode of operation, without any modification to the furnace as manufactured.

Abstract: A heat collection apparatus which collects the lost or waste heat from a domestic gas water heater. This apparatus sits on top of the water heater over the flue, where the lost heat is directed through the collector fins on the coil into the hot water outlet of the tank where the heated water flows into the tank.

Abstract: A radiant gas heating apparatus of the present invention includes a cylindrical member of a porous ceramic material adapted to be heated by radiation, and a flow passageway which directs gas radially through the pores of the ceramic material from one cylindrical surface of the cylindrical member to the other cylindrical surface thereof. A steam electrolyzing apparatus of the present invention includes a light focusing section having a porous ceramic member disposed within a transparent light-receiving section vessel, an electrolyzing cell having an oxygen electrode and a hydrogen electrode disposed on inner and outer surfaces of a cylindrical electrolyte, and a heat-insulating vessel covering the electrolyzing cell. In the steam electrolyzing apparatus, after low-temperature gas has passed through the space between the porous ceramic member and the light-receiving section vessel, the gas passes through the porous ceramic thereby being heated.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and method for use thereof. The retractor is comprised of an elongate shaft having at one end a screw made of coiled, round wire which terminates at a sharp point for attachment to an organ and a connector at the other end of the shaft. Preferably, the connector comprises an enlarged portion having a polygonal cross section for engagement by a wrench. The retractor is inserted into the peritoneal cavity of a patient through a laparoscopic port and the screw is threaded into the wall of the organ to be retracted, for example, the gallbladder. The organ is resected and thereafter drawn out of the cavity using the retractor.

Abstract: A device for the intranasal delivery of a medicament regimen to the nasal membranes for the treatment of such conditions as rhinitis.

Abstract: A breathing regulator for use in underwater breathing comprising a diaphragm and poppet actuated upon user demand. The poppet including at least one baffle located intermediate its ends wherein when air is demanded by a user of the regulator air travels through the valve and continuously impinges upon the baffle and reduces the effort of the user required to operate the valve. The regulator further comprises a sleeve which is concentric about the air passage chamber which facilitates more efficient air delivery to the user. The sleeve is selectively controlled by the user either to enhance the venturi flow of air or to cancel the venturi effect, dependent upon the needs of the user.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for assisting a rescuer in performing safe and effective mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on a victim. The apparatus allows a range of orientations between victim and rescuer and also allows the augmentation of the rescuer's air with oxygen, even when remote from a medical facility.

Abstract: The inhaler includes a storage chamber for the powder to be delivered and an inhalation passage through which air is drawn via a mouth piece. A metering member having a frusto-conical side wall presents each dose to the inhalation passage in an upwardly open metering cup to be drawn therefrom by the air flow through the passage. A wiping element removed any particles of powder from the dispensing cup as it travels from the inhalation passage to the storage chamber to be refilled, and a chamber containing a moisture-absorbent material dries the empty cup and also dries the powder in the cup prior to inhalation to aid its removal from the cup. A mechanical counter is indexed each time the metering member is indexed to display the number of doses used or remaining.

Abstract: A deagglomerator that defines a channel for passage of powder laden air, which channel changes its geometry in response to changing inhalation flow rate.

Abstract: Method and means for maintaining respiratory gas exchange, by introducing into the pulmonary air passages of a mammalian host a volume of perfluorocarbon liquid substantially equivalent to the pulmonary functional residual capacity of the host, maintaining respiratory gas exchange in the perfluorocarbon liquid-laden pulmonary air passages by continuous positive pressure breathing with a conventional respirator, for up to an hour or more, and thereafter evaporating the perfluorocarbon liquid from the pulmonary air passages. Useful for treating pulmonary surfactant deficiency or dysfunction.

Abstract: A device for holding an endotracheal tube in various positions in alignment with the mouth of a patient. The tube holder has a tube holding support engaged on a frame for the holder in alignment with the mouth of a patient. The support is adjustable along the frame to position the support in various locations along the frame while still in alignment with the patient's mouth. The frame is shaped to engage the chin of a patient, and is pliant in order to conform to the chin.

Abstract: A system for detecting blood flow in blood vessels uses a scanning laser fundus camera and a fluorescent dye-containing carrier such as microcapsules or vesicles. The vesicles may be liposomes or blood cells. The fluorescent dye is contained within the carrier at a concentration to fluoresce when subjected to the laser beam. The carrier may be submicron in size and preferably about 0.02 to 2.0 microns. The fluorescent dye enables the carrier to be visualized by the fundus camera. The fundus camera records the image of the fluorescing carrier in the blood vessel and converts the image to a video signal for viewing or storage.

Abstract: A pulse oximetry sensor comprises a photoemitter; a photodetector; and, a generally tubular housing having an inner wall, an outer wall and a lumen for receiving a body part of a patient. The housing has a pair of opposed pockets for removably receiving the photoemitter and the photodetector, respectively. Each of the pockets has a bottom window through which light can pass and an open top. The housing also has side passages between the inner wall and the outer wall of the housing through which the photoemitter and the photodetector can be introduced into and removed from their respective pockets.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for measuring magnetic sources that exist in an object and produce magnetic fields outside the object. The apparatus comprises an element for detecting the magnetic fields which has a sensing portion placed in proximity with the object and adapted to incorporate an observing plane. The observing plane consists of a plurality of sensing blocks each containing at least three sensing planes on which a magnetic sensor is each mounted. The normal directions of the sensing planes are different from each other. The apparatus further comprises an element for evaluating three-dimensionally the intensities of other magnetic fields at given evaluation positions on the basis of values of the magnetic fields at the detecting element, and an element for obtaining data of the magnetic sources on the basis of the intensities of the other magnetic fields evaluated by the evaluation element.

Abstract: RF tracking system employs a RF invasive device coupled to surgical tracking equipment for tracking the invasive device. An inductive coupling permits the device to be quickly coupled to, and decoupled from, the equipment. The coupling comprises an inducting coil which transmits a signal from the surgical tracking equipment to a communicating coil in the invasive device. The signal received by the communicating coil passes along leads to a tracked coil in a distal end of the invasive device. The tracked coil transmits the signal as RF energy which is received by the surgical tracking equipment which superimposes the position of the distal end of the invasive device on an X-ray image and displays it on a monitor A sterile shield is employed as a sterile barrier between the inducting coil and the equipment end of the invasive device to prevent contamination of the invasive device by the inducting coil.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic system comprises a monitoring device juxtaposable to a patient for collecting individualized medical data about the patient's condition, and a digitizer operatively connected to the monitoring device for digitizing the data. A computer is operatively connected to the digitizer and a memory which stores medical data for a multiplicity of previously diagnosed medical conditions. The computer is operated to compare digitized data about the patient's condition with the data stored in the memory and for deriving a diagnosis as to the patient's condition. The computer is connected to an ooutput device, e.g., a printer, for communicating the derived diagnosis to a user.

Abstract: A method of predicting the locations of the lymph nodes most at risk of metastasis from a primary tumor of, e.g., the neck or head. The method utilizes data on the location of the primary tumor and the identity of lymph nodes to which the cancer has already spread. The data are transformated by a weighted multidimensional scaling (WMDS) process; points representing clusters of lymph nodes are placed in an imaginary mathematical space such that distances between points in that space are proportional to differences in the occurrence frequency of metastases.

Abstract: Localizer embodiments (40, 140, 180, 240, 280) suitable for guidance of medical instrument tips (104) to a breast lesion (79) are provided. In one embodiment (40), the breast is closely fitted within a selected one of a plurality of sized MR transparent cups (44) to reduce movement during imaging and localization. A guide bore (60A) is selected from an array of bores and a medical instrument is guided therethrough in accordance with imaged spacings obtained with the aid of an MR visible coordinate system (46). A medical instrument (300) suitable for use with the localizers is also provided.

Abstract: A direct digital modulator for demodulating ultrasound signals. The demodulator includes a baseband demodulator, a magnitude and differential phase generator, and a Doppler preprocessor. The demodulator further includes an interface for receiving a signal from an analog front end. The baseband demodulator utilizes a Hilbert transform to convert received ultrasound signals into analytic signals. The present invention compensates phase and frequency of the analytic signal in order to process the signal. The phase information in the signal is then extracted.

Abstract: A shaft is shown having inner and outer members in interfering contact along their length, at least one of which comprises a wire, at least a portion of which is superelastic, to achieve substantial mechanical fidelity and resistance to damage. An ultrasound imaging catheter has a hollow catheter shaft, an ultrasound transducer in the shaft, and a drive shaft that rotates the transducer. The shaft comprises at least one metal coil having characteristic elastic deformation under stress in the range of about 3% to 9%, while a restraint means prevents torsional deflection of the coil. A drive shaft having a coil surrounded by a tube, a coil bonded to an inner coaxial cable, and an inner and outer coil that interfere with one another are shown. A superelastic coil is formed by continuously winding a wire about a mandrel, heating a region of the wire to render it superelastic, and after cooling, removing it from the mandrel.

Abstract: A medical endosurgical device is provided having both ultrasonic imaging and biopsy capabilities for easy grasping and manipulation by a surgeon. The medical endosurgical apparatus includes an ultrasonic imaging probe having an insertion portion with an ultrasonic device near the insertion tip and a probe handle for manipulating the ultrasonic imaging probe to position the ultrasonic device in the patient's body. The medical endosurgical device also includes a biopsy actuator that is mounted on the handle of the ultrasonic imaging probe so that a biopsy needle assembly exiting from the biopsy actuator is oriented to the field of view of the ultrasonic device on the probe.

Abstract: Calibration apparatus and method for calibrating a movable pressure sensor include the use of a stop device to establish a reference position outside the sensing movement range of a first sensor. While in vitro, a reference pressure is established by applying pressure to the sensor to move it against the stop surface with a controllable pressure source. This reference pressure is stored. During use when the sensor is in an unknown position, such as when in vivo, the controllable pressure source applies pressure to move the sensor against the stop surface and the pressure required to do so is measured. The measured pressure is compared to the reference pressure to determine the unknown pressure and the system is then recalibrated. An optical system may be used as a second sensor to determine the position of the first sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting susceptibility to sudden cardiac death simultaneously assessing cardiac electrical stability and autonomic influence. Cardiac electrical stability is assessed by analyzing at least one of a beat-to-beat alternation in a T-wave of an ECG of a patient's heart and dispersion of repolarization in the ECG of the patient's heart. Autonomic influence on the patient's heart is assessed by analyzing at least one of a magnitude of heart rate variability in the ECG of the patient's heart and baroreceptor sensitivity.

Abstract: A condom holder package including a condom member, a condom carriage member having a U-shaped condom holder portion, and rupturable inner and outer packaging film members. Outer packaging surface treatment is provided to identify and to assure proper wear orientation of the packaged condom. The condom member is neatly gathered in a ready-to-use state about the U-shaped condom holder. The U-shaped configuration of the condom holder departs from traditional annular condom holders, and facilitates an unimpeded lateral removal of the condom holder from a positioned condom. The laterally removable U-shaped condom holder configuration, carrying a ready-to-use condom, along with the rupturable packaging film members produce an instant-on condom product.

Abstract: The present invention provides an iodine-based solution, and a method of using that solution, which sterilizes tissue implants without denaturing the proteins in the implant and without inducing calcification of the implant in vivo. Preferably, the tissue implants sterilized using the present invention are fixed without using glutaraldehyde. Most preferably, the tissue implants are fixed by photooxidation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as a catheter guidewire and a method for making a catheter guidewire. The apparatus comprises an elongate non-coiled wire having a proximal portion, a distal tip and a flexible portion located between the proximal portion and the distal tip having axially spaced grooves cut therein. The method for making the guidewire includes burnishing one end of a wire to create a rounded distal tip and cutting a predetermined pattern of axially spaced grooves in a length of wire adjacent to the distal tip to create a flexible portion.

Abstract: A teaching device for a sports implement (3,30,75,110) is disclosed including an electro-mechanical or electronic sensing device (1,35,84,116) incorporated in the sports implement (3,30,75,110) which interacts with the thing sported (5,36,90,119) to sense the configuration or proper or improper operation of the implement during actual play and by means of a signal or alarm (27,56,106,119) provide feedback of the configuration status to the sports participant.

Abstract: The penetration depth of an intraluminal device, such as a transesophageal probe or a vascular catheter, is monitored by totalizing incremental advancement and withdrawal of the device over time. For a first embodiment, the devices are provided with axially spaced-apart markings along at least a portion of their lengths. The penetration depth of such intraluminal devices into a body lumen is monitored by detecting passage of the markings past a fixed location relative to the body lumen. Usually, the markings will be optically detected in a manner which permits forward and retrograde motion to be distinguished. Thus, the net totalization of the markers will correspond to the actual penetration distance in real time. In an alternate embodiment, the incremental advancement and withdrawal may be followed by use of a contact roller. In either case, the distance can be displayed by itself or in combination with a real time image, with the distance and image optionally being recorded.

Abstract: Direct injection of sphincteric botulinum toxin is disclosed as an effective, safe and simple method of treatment for disorders of gastrointestinal muscle or smooth muscles elsewhere in the body, with results that appear to be sustained for several months. Muscle disorders which are suitable for such treatment include achalasia, isolated disorders of the lower esophageal sphincter, gastroparesis, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, short-segment Hirschsprung's, anal fissure, hemorrhoids, proctalgia fugax, irritable bowel syndrome, disorders of the upper esophageal sphincter, vasospastic disorders, and disorders of uterine and bladder spasm. Devices suitable for delivering this therapy are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for percutaneous sealing of punctures in arterial and venous blood vessels is provided. After catheterization of any vessel or organ for diagnostic or interventional procedures or endoscopic or orthopedic procedures involving the intentional puncture and penetration of a vessel wall, or the accidental puncture of a vessel wall, separate solutions containing fibrinogen and thrombin, respectively, are introduced into the tissue surrounding the puncture site. The solutions are allowed to mix forming a semisolid gel at the time of application at the puncture site. The gel further hardens around the site to seal the puncture closed preventing the leakage of blood. Solutions of antibiotics and epinephrine as well as agents that slow clot breakdown may be included in the mixture. An apparatus for accomplishing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined brush and comb ("brush-comb") is used to apply tones, touches or streaks of hair treatment liquid to human hair. The brush-comb has a curved body portion terminating in a tip, which may be used to part the hair, and a head portion having comb tines and brush tufts positioned close to the tines. Each tine has at least one and preferably a plurality of grooves perpendicular to its axis to retain the liquid and to replenish the liquid to the brush tufts. In operation, the brush-comb head portion is dipped into a container of the liquid and then the head portion is pulled through the hair to apply touches of the liquid to selected areas of the hair.

Abstract: A compact for containing material (e.g., cosmetics), having a base and/or a cover constituted of a peripheral frame and a central panel mounted therein for rotation between inwardly and outwardly facing positions. In a base so constituted, the panel is a material-holding tray. In a cover so constituted, at least one side of the panel may bear a mirror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning heated surfaces with substantially constant progression of a jet cleaning medium. The invention monitors the rotational and translational position of the lance tube and is programmed with a schedule of lance tube rotation rates and blowing medium discharge rates for the specific configuration of the heated surfaces. Based upon the rotational and translational position of the lance tube and the distance the jet travels before impinging upon the heated surfaces, the rate of rotation of the lance tube is varied throughout every rotation to maintain substantially constant progress of the jet across the heated surfaces.

Abstract: A mobile heat exchange tube bundle cleaning apparatus in which a truck trailer contains a tube bundle receiving reservoir that rotates and sprays partially submerged tube bundles with cleaning fluid from multiple fixed spray nozzles. The apparatus further comprises a trailer mounted cleaning fluid reservoir with pumps and filters to re-circulate cleaning fluid after it is sprayed onto the rotating tube bundles within the receiving reservoir.

Abstract: An improved crank handle assembly for a shade umbrella suitable for patio or beach use, which has a bolt and a crank formed as a unitary member where the head of the bolt is insert molded into the hub of the crank in its manufacture. An annular spacer is mounted on each end of the bolt. An end of the bolt has a reduced threaded portion, which receives a washer and a nut, and the main body of the bolt forms a shoulder adjacent to the threaded portion. The washer abuts against the shoulder and one of the spacers at one end of the bolt. Tightening of the nut causes the washer to bottom out against the shoulder, and the annular spacers to abut against the umbrella pole applying a predetermined amount of compressive force to the crank handle assembly and the umbrella pole.

Abstract: A sunshade arrangement includes first and second pairs of telescopically retractable spaced posts, first and second tubes respectively mounted to upper ends of the first and second pairs of posts, a reel assembly, and a screen. Each post includes a device for controlling telescopical movement.

Abstract: Multiphase fluid flow, such as gas and water, is controlled to provide splitting the flow from a supply conduit into one or more branch conduits with a predetermined gas-to-liquid ratio in the branch conduits by providing a flow mixing device interposed in the main conduit at the intersection of the main conduit with the branch conduits and a variable area orifice provided by a sleeve type closure member to effectively regulate the gas-to-liquid ratio entering the branch conduit. Gas to liquid ratios may be varied by providing the branch conduits as swivel connections to the main conduit so that the entry portion of the branch conduit may be oriented vertically upward or downward or at a selected position in between. Gas-to-liquid ratios may be measured by flowmeters and differential pressure gauges located upstream and downstream of the intersections of the branch conduits with the main supply conduit or manifold.

Abstract: A bypass valve to be connected in line with a gas service line conducting gas from a gas meter to the corresponding residence or commercial building includes an open ended tubular fitting forming a flow chamber therein having a flow inlet end and a flow outlet end and an auxiliary port formed thereon to allow for access to the gas service line by an auxiliary gas source. An open ended poppet cage is mounted internally in the flow chamber and has one end thereof connected to the auxiliary port and further has a number of ports formed in the side wall thereof defining cage outlets. A poppet comprising a cylindrical center body with enlarged-in-cross section disks at the opposite ends thereof is disposed inside the poppet cage and has free axial movement therein.

Abstract: An inflation and deflation device especially adapted for use with dunnage air bags includes a cylindrical valve body possessing a first end mounted for relative rotation within a hollow interior cylindrical portion of a valve actuator. An internal spring biases a valve seat radially outwardly into engagement with an internal cylindrical side wall portion of the valve actuator. Rotation of the valve actuator selectively aligns air exhaust passages of the valve seat and the valve actuator to deflate an associated dunnage air bag. The valve body includes air passages connecting a compressed air source to the dunnage bag for selective inflation and to allow use of the compressed air source to provide a relatively high velocity air stream across an air passage connected to the dunnage bag to facilitate deflation of the bag by inducing a vacuum.

Abstract: A device is provided for the interconnection of two flexible flowlines extending between a subsea production station and a surface facility to allow running of a pig from one line to another. The device is a modular crossover apparatus which includes a control valve connected between two curved pipelines and a pair of substantially Y-shaped connections inserted in the flowlines respectively with ends of the curved pipelines remote from the control valve connected to the connections.

Abstract: An assembly for containing fluid leaking or overflowing from an appliance to a destination of waste fluid. The fluid containing assembly comprises a wall protecting member, a floor protecting member, and an overflow conduit for channeling water to the destination of waste fluid. The appliance is placed on the floor protecting member with the wall protecting member between the appliance and the wall. The wall and floor protecting members are fluid impermeable. The wall protecting member has a fluid supply orifice, a waste orifice, and a power supply orifice formed therein. The floor protecting member has an overflow orifice formed therein. The orifices in the wall protecting member and floor protecting member are arranged such that fluid leaks or overflows from the appliance are directed from the wall and floor and into the overflow conduit to the destination of waste fluid.

Abstract: A device is provided that permits admission of air or water to one or more molds. It includes at least two three-way valves that move together between a position admitting and exhausting air, a position admitting and exhausting water, and a position blocking all ports.

Abstract: A valve includes a body having a valve element positioned therein. The valve element includes a bore therethrough, which is selectively alignable with bores through the valve body. As the valve element is moved to position the valve element bore in an askew position with respect to the valve body bores, flow eddies or turbulence may form and result in vibration and/or noise. The valve includes a plurality of diffusers which break up the flow to reduce the noise and/or vibration. Additionally, a secondary flow passage may be disposed between the valve element bore and the outlet bore of the valve body, to permit a portion of the flow through the valve to pass therethrough as the valve element is rotated to throttle the flow through the valve.

Abstract: A double-solenoid type electromagnetic valve having two solenoids integrally connected is disclosed. The solenoids of the electromagnetic valve have the same structure and the same external shape and have connecting mechanisms with engaging rims and engaging grooves on the sides. By connecting the connecting mechanisms with each other, the solenoids are closely connected and overlapped without any gap between them.

Abstract: An intake bypass valve comprising a primary tubular member, the member having a cavity at its central extent for the receipt of a spherical ball; a secondary tubular member coupled to the primary member, the secondary member adapted to direct the fluid from the central extent of the primary member; and a spherical ball rotatably positioned within the recess of the primary member, the ball adapted to be rotated about an axis, the ball having a central aperture therethrough with a diameter, the ball also having a clapper plate pivotally located in the wall of the ball, the clapper plate including a spring adapted to resiliently urge the plate into a closed position wherein its exterior surface is co-extensive with the wall of the ball, the plate adapted to be moved into an open position wherein the clapper plate is located within the aperture of the ball.

Abstract: A device for remotely actuating a piece of equipment by varying the flow conditions of a fluid, possibly incompressible, an comprising an actuating piston, a nozzle-needle assembly. One of the nozzle or the needle is mounted for sliding movement into the piston. An arrangement is provided for returning the slidably mounted nozzle or needle to a predetermined position relatively to the piston.

Abstract: A locking cap for securing the open end of a well pipe to prevent contaminants from entering the well comprising a cap member adapted to be disposed over the open end of a well pipe casing to be locked, an outer flange downwardly extending from the cap member and integral therewith, the outer flange adapted to fit over the exterior surface of the well pipe casing to be locked, inner flange downwardly extending from the cap member and integral therewith, the inner flange adapted to fit about the interior surface of the well pipe casing to be locked, the inner flange including a series of parallel slots extending longitudinally inward from the end of the inner flange and towards the cap member to provide a series of radially expandable gripping fingers positioned along the perimeter of the well pipe casing interior surface, a cam disk positioned coaxially adjacent the inner flange, the cam disk being selectively movable against the fingers to radially expand each of the fingers into binding engagement against t

Abstract: A wedge and ring-type plug assembly for plugging a heat exchanger tube to provide a leak resistant seal. The plug assembly is designed to reduce the effect of friction forces so that the tapered elongate wedge can be displaced through the compressible ring with a relatively low amount of force.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automotive fuel conduit which comprise an inner tube, an outer tube substantially surrounding the inner tube and mechanical locking structure at the interface between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube for preventing substantial relative movement between the inner and outer tubes. The mechanical locking structure preferably comprises a plurality of mating projections and indentations on the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube, such as grooves, cuts and ridges. The inner and outer tubes are preferably each formed of polymeric material and each contain both projections and indentations.