Abstract: An animal house includes a number of elements that can be easily assembled and disassembled, the elements can be arranged in a compact configuration and can be packaged in a small box such that the animal house has a configuration that is good for transportation purposes. The animal house includes four wheels disposed in the bottom portion for facilitating movement of the animal house. Four stops are slidably engaged in the animal house for engaging with the wheels so as to limit rotational movement of the wheels.

Abstract: A pet feeding and watering assembly (20) includes a pet feeder (22) and a pet waterer (24), where the feeder (22) may be detachably retained within a cavity (40) of the waterer (24). The feeder (22) has a molded body (26) having marginal wall structure (42-52) defining an interior chamber (54) communicating a feed inlet opening (98) and a feed outlet opening (72) across a shiftable divider barrier (136). Feed inlet lid (28) and feed outlet lid (30) are interchangeable. The pet waterer (24) includes reservoir-defining wall structure (36), a food or feeder-receiving cavity (40), and partition supports (166-172) for resisting the compressive loading of lower cavity wall (196).

Abstract: A wild animal feed dispensing machine capable of providing hours of entertainment for individuals who enjoy watching wild life eat specifically designed for wild squirrels, whose intelligence allows them to figure out the mechanism within a reasonable length of time and remember for future feeding. The machine is comprised of six major parts: (1) feed storage container; (2) rotating valve; (3) different colored spokes; (4) gnaw guard; (5) trough/perch catch basin and (6) holding bracket The feed storage container with lid, stores the feed. The rotating valve holds the feed in the storage area until the different colored spokes rotate, which in turn rotate the valve, allowing feed to fall by gravity into the trough/perch catch basin. The gnaw guard keeps the wild squirrels from gnawing at the rotating valve and damaging it. The holding bracket holds the feeder upright. Since wild squirrels have a very keen sense of smell they are able to locate the feed in the feeder.

Abstract: A stable with a dwelling area (2) for animals, a feeding area (1) for storing and presenting feed (5) and a partition (3) between the dwelling area (2) and the feeding area (1), provided with openings for allowing the heads of animals in the dwelling area (2) access to the feeding area (1), is equipped with a feed slide (6) moveable from a starting position through the feeding area (1) towards the partition (3), for pushing feed (5) stored in the feeding area (1) over the floor (4) of the feeding area (1) towards the partition (3) and with means for driving the feed slide (6). By means of the feed slide, feed (5) can be pushed towards the partition (3) according as the feed (5) is being eaten, so that at all times a substantially constant small amount of feed is accessible to the animals.

Abstract: Ant-free dishes for use by pets comprising, a lower dish positionable in a horizontal plane and defining a lower liquid reservoir therein; an upper food containing section comprising one or more upper dishes disposed vertically and in parallel relationship above the lower dish; and a support member extending vertically between the lower dish and the upper food containing section wherein the support member allows for the lower dish and the upper food containing section to be maintained in fixed vertical alignment thereto.

Abstract: A pump transfers water from an aquarium into a top container and an overflow container that are inserted into an aquarium, lowering the water level within the aquarium, and thereby creating the effect of a tide pool at low tide. Water is pumped into the overflow container when the top container is filled, while drainage holes in the overflow container continue to allow some of the water to flow back into the aquarium. As the overflow container fills with water, its increasing weight pulls down a lever connected to a flapper, uncovering a drain in the top container, thereby draining water pumped into the top container through the drain, and completely draining the overflow container, in turn raising the water level in the aquarium, thereby creating the effect of a tide pool at high tide. When the overflow container is completely drained, the lever is raised, closing the drain, and the cycle is repeated.

Abstract: A hand held trainer exerciser and method for training and exercising dogs and cats. The exerciser includes a flexible, telescopic pole and reel assembly for casting a training object connected to a retractable anchor line. The reel has an adjustable drag mechanism to selectably increase or decrease drag on the anchor line, so the dog or cat can pull line off against the reel drag. The training object is designed to be attractive to a dog or cat, and to be pursued while the lure is cast through the air or dragged along the ground.

Abstract: A chew toy for dogs comprised of a plurality of strands of soft pliable threads twisted about one or more strands of twisted or synthetic fibers so as to substantially encase and retain the fibers within the pliable threads. The twisted fibers are impregnated with one or more therapeutic dental agents such as fluoride and/or a breath freshening or flavoring agent so as to dispose the agent or agents within and along the length of the chew toy. Upon being chewed by a dog, the strands of soft pliable threads will provide a cleaning of the dog's teeth and a massaging of its gums and a portion of the impregnated agent or agents will be released onto the teeth and gums of the dog.

Abstract: A pet collar including first and second flexible belt segments of terminal length adapted to pass around the neck of the pet and form an encircling loop thereabout, an interlocking device attached to the other ends of the belt segments to connect the segments together in end-to-end fashion, a pocket formed in one segment and, a bib connectable to the pocket for depending from the collar.

Abstract: The system including an internal combustion engine provides the motive power source to the main and tail rotor systems of a helicopter. The engine has a rotating annular cylinder which is rotated in a predetermined ratio to oscillation of a plurality of pairs of oscillating pistons in the cylinder, the pistons being so oscillated so that adjacent pistons are moved alternately apart from one another and toward one another for the respective strokes of the internal combustion engine and having intake port, exhaust ports and ignition means on the rotating annular cylinder located by the rotation of the cylinder between adjacent pistons according to the firing order and cycle of the engine in a typical four stroke cycle system. The engine includes the use of unitary in place of articulated, oscillating crank arms to transmit power from the torque tubes to the crankshaft, and the use of pistons having gabled surfaces that are rigidly connected to the torque discs.

Abstract: A temperature control system in a liquid cooled internal combustion engine equipped with a radiator controls the state of a flow control valve for controlling flow of a temperature control fluid through a passageway leading to the radiator. Sensors detect the temperature of the temperature control fluid, t1, and the ambient air temperature, t2. An engine computer receives signals from the sensors, produces control signals based on both of the sensor signals, and sends the control signals to the flow control valve to control the state of the valve. The values t1 and t2 define a mathematical function of t1=.function.(t2) which forms a two-dimensional curve on an orthogonal coordinate system having axes t1 and t2. The curve divides the coordinate system into two regions, one on either side of the curve.

Abstract: An adapter system for use with an internal combustion engine flushing apparatus which permits connection to the crank case and the oil filter of internal combustion engines. A first adapter enables a conduit hose of a flushing apparatus to be connected with the drain plug port of an oil pan of the engine. In one form this first adapter fits within the drain plug port of internal combustion engines and a connector and upwardly directed hose are attached to the adapter. This adapter is intended to be permanently in place. In another form of the drain port adapter, the construction is relatively slim in overall depth thereby to facilitate location in awkward positions. An oil filter adapter includes adapter cap with an elongated threaded post which fits at the oil filter port leading to the oil filter adapter of the internal combustion engine. The cap for the adapter is connected to the post. The post is surrounded by a cylindrical ring which is part of the oil filter construction of the engine.

Abstract: Most existing noise reduction enclosures used with engines and engine driven equipment have failed to meet the reduced noise emission requirements of today and of the future. A few of the present enclosures meet the reduced noise emission requirements of today and of the future but are extremely expensive to purchase and are large bulky structures. The subject enclosure (10) is reasonably priced and provides an enclosure which is effective in reducing the noise emitted therefrom. The enclosure (10) includes a housing (32) having a generally rectangular configuration and being divided into an engine portion (56) defining an engine compartment (57) and a duct portion (54). The outlet ducts (88) having a length greater than the inlet ducts (84). To further enhance the noise reduction of the enclosure (10) a plurality of dynastic hardware is attached to the housing (32).

Abstract: A four-stroke cycle, multi-cylinder reciprocating internal combustion engine has a camshaft phaser for powering an exhaust camshaft and for adjusting timing of the camshaft with respect to the rotational position of the crankshaft so that the cylinders of the engine may be deactivated by adjusting the camshaft timing such that the exhaust valves for each cylinder open and close at points which are approximately symmetrical about a rotational position of the crankshaft at which the direction of motion of the pistons change. The controller also closes an intake port throttle during cylinder deactivation.

Abstract: An apparatus for governing the idling rpm of an internal combustion engine, in order to control a quantity of operating fluid to be delivered to at least two flow lines of the engine. According to the invention, the first valve closing member and the second valve closing member are disposed axially displaceably relative to one another and coupled via a slaving device in such a way that in the closing position of the first valve closing member, the second valve closing member is likewise closed, and the second valve closing member is adjustable in the valve opening direction only after attainment of a predetermined opening position of the first valve closing member. The closing properties of the apparatus can be adapted as required by means of the selection of the disposition and design of the springs that act upon the valve closing members.

Abstract: In a method of providing a desired output torque for an internal-combustion engine a desired air mass-flow value or a desired load value is determined from a desired output torque value in dependence on the engine speed and the throttle-valve opening angle, and the measured actual value is adjusted to the respective desired value by control of the throttle-valve opening angle. A conversion between load and air mass flow takes place by means of a load filter which compensates for the deviations, occurring in dynamic operating states, of the measured air mass flow from the air mass flow actually flowing into the combustion chamber of the engine and a transition between the two regulating methods can take place continuously or in a switched manner.

Abstract: A throttle valve control system for an internal combustion engine mounted on a motor vehicle comprises a first device which determines necessity of controlling a throttle valve irrespective of operation of an accelerator pedal upon sensing a predetermined operation condition of the vehicle; a second device which devices a target opening degree of the throttle valve from the existing depression degree of an accelerator pedal with reference to a data-map, the data-map showing a relationship between the opening degree of the throttle valve, the depression degree of the accelerator pedal and the operation condition of the vehicle; a third device which compares the existing opening degree of the throttle valve and the derived target opening degree of the same; and a fourth device which controls the opening degree of the throttle valve in accordance with a result of the comparison of the opening degree.

Abstract: An ignition timing controller for an automobile in which at least two reference ignition point signals are established for each cylinder, and the ignition timing is set according to the reference ignition point signal that is closer to the target ignition timing.

Abstract: An ignition timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle includes a detector connected to an internal combustion engine for detecting a revolution number of the internal combustion engine and a control unit operatively connected to the detector for controlling an ignition timing period in accordance with the detected revolution number of the internal combustion engine, the control unit being connected to an ignition unit connected to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method of reducing undesired premixed burning in an internal combustion engine includes lifting an injector needle of a fuel injector a constant low-lift increment from a valve seat of a valve covers orifice (VCO) nozzle having an injection hole opening into the valve seat, and preventing lifting of the needle beyond the low-lift increment for a sufficient interval of time to inject a relatively small initial fuel charge into the engine from the VCO nozzle, the injection producing a highly atomized, wide-angle spray plume with relatively low penetration. The interval terminates when lifting forces imposed on the needle overcome holding forces imposed on the needle by a stop plate which has opposed first and second surfaces exposed to an ambient fluid pressure and to a fluid vapor pressure, respectively. A subsequent step includes lifting the needle to a higher lift position to inject a main fuel charge into the engine, the main fuel charge being injected as a relatively narrow jet having high penetration.

Abstract: An adaptive fuel control system and method directed for use in a motor vehicle powered by a fuel-injected engine and having a fuel tank and a fuel rail and which is operative to run on a plurality of fuels and fuel blends. The system includes a refueling mixer which acts as a fluid damper to slowly introduce new fuel into the fuel rail and correspondingly slow the rate at which new fuel composition is mixed with existing fuel. A stratification mixer is also utilized to re-mix components of blended fuels which may have separated at cold temperatures. An Exhaust Gas Oxygen sensor (EGO) monitors engine exhaust gases and generates a corresponding electrical signal when the air/fuel mixture of the fuel switches between rich and lean. Finally, an electronic control assembly communicates with the EGO and the fuel injectors to generate and store in memory an updatable extended adaptive fuel control table of air/fuel ratio multipliers for selected engine load/engine speed cells.

Abstract: A device for controlling the amounts of returned exhaust gas, wherein an exhaust gas return valve in an exhaust gas return line is supplied with pressure from a pressure source via a control valve in such a way that the return of exhaust gas is stopped during full load operation and idle operation and is allowed during partial load operations. In this case the control valve is embodied as a 3/3-way valve which, when a fuel injection floating lever is displaced, is continuously displaced in one movement direction and controls the connection between the pneumatic servo motor and the pressure source as a function of the three switching positions of the control valve.

Abstract: A compression-ignition type engine in which fuel is injected in a combustion chamber during the compression stroke or intake stroke before 60 degrees before top dead center of the compression stroke and in which the mean particle size of the fuel injected at that time is made a size in which the temperature of the fuel particles reaches the boiling point of the main fuel component, determined by the pressure in the combustion chamber, at substantially the top dead center of the compression stroke. After the injection and until about the top dead center of the compression stroke is reached, evaporation of the fuel by boiling from the fuel particles is prevented and the fuel of the fuel particles boils and evaporates and fuel is ignited and burnt after about the top dead center of the compression stroke.

Abstract: In order to mount a power transistor chip, a multilayered member formed by fixing a molybdenum plate to a copper base is flattened by eliminating its deformation in the member caused by heated fixing through elastic working, it is possible to prevent cracking in a power transistor chip or a solder layer caused by the deformation. Especially, it is possible to improve the reliability of an electronic distributing type ignition device mounted on an engine block formed in a unit of an ignition controller and an ignition coil.

Abstract: The improved assembly includes an arrow shaft support, preferably in the form of a twisted elongated blade, connected at its rear end to the free end of a transverse cross-bar, the intermediate portion of which is received for rotation in the lower portion of a depending bracket. The upper portion of the bracket holds the rear end of an arrow shaft side pressure arm preferably similar to the support and which extends forwardly and diagonally to a point adjacent the front end of the support. The bracket bears a tubular extension which passes transversely through the rear portion of an elongated mounting block, the front portion of which is adapted to be secured to the sidewall of an archery bow riser so that the assembly extends behind the arrow window in the bow. A guide rod passes from the bracket transversely through the block and is spaced from the tubular extension to prevent rotation of the bracket.

Abstract: A portable sportsman furnace wherein a unitary housing is arranged for selective securement to an external propane fuel supply, wherein an internal valving permits preselected fuel flow and heating of the burner assembly within the housing to a predetermined level of fuel consumption, and wherein a baffle assembly within the housing permits even distribution of heating throughout the housing, such that louvered vent openings permit ease and consistent distribution of heat throughout a surrounding area relative to the furnace of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering grease laden fumes in the space above a cooking appliance, including a hood, a supply air plenum and an exhaust air plenum on each side of the hood, a source of air under pressure being connected to a supply air transition duct connected by an air supply transition duct coupled to an opening in the air supply plenum, the supply air plenum being provided with perforated balancing plates which perform the function of modulating the incoming air to flow in a particular manner, and further being provided with perforated deflector pairs of overlapped plates positioned below the balancing plates, to additionally modulate the air flow paths, so that straight paths of air flow move into the interior of the hood above the cooking appliances and then pass through filters which remove grease particles as the exhaust air moves through the filters into the exhaust air plenum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image passing member, such as an optical window is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to permit optical images to pass into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve and to permit illumination light to pass to the surgical site. An automatically retracting blade is positioned distal to the image passing member to facilitate penetration of body tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a plurality of segments which can be moved relative to each other from a first position in which the segments extend in a straight direction and can be inserted through an opening in a body to a second position in which segments are brought tight against each other to cause the instrument to go round a bend. The segments are brought tight against each other by pulling a flexible element extending through the segments from a part of the instrument located outside of the body. Scissors or gripping means may be located at the free end of the instrument within the body, and these scissors or gripping means may be operated from outside of the body.

Abstract: A portable hypobaric sleeping chamber for acclimatization to high altitude or athletic conditioning is provided, capable of maintaining internal pressures about 0.1 to about 10 psi below ambient.

Abstract: A pleated, disposable, liquid-resistant face mask formed of a three-ply or four-ply composite laminate structure that is conformable to the shape of the wearer's face. The three-ply face mask has a first ply formed of a non-woven material, a carded cotton material, and a creped tissue wadding material; a second ply formed of a non-woven, meltblown, polypropylene material; and a third ply formed of a non-woven, thermobond, polypropylene material. In the four-ply mask,there is an additional ply of non-woven, colored, spunbond, polypropylene material which may be of any color and acts as the face-contacting surface of the face mask.

Abstract: A pressurized breathing system enabling the execution of the Valsalva maneuver. A breathing mask has an inhalation valve and an exhalation valve. A Valsalva valve when in its normal position does not interfere with the regular performance of the system. When it is activated, it holds the exhalation valve closed. An exhalation effort of the wearer then accomplishes the Valsalva maneuver against the closed inhalation valve.

Abstract: A method for determining if tissue is malignant as opposed to non-malignant (i.e., benign tumor tissue, benign tissue, or normal tissue). In one embodiment, the method comprises irradiating a human breast tissue sample with light at a wavelength of about 310 nm and measuring the time-resolved fluorescence emitted therefrom at about 340 nm. The time-resolved fluorescence profile is then compared to similar profiles obtained from known malignant and non-malignant human breast tissues. By fitting the profiles to the formula I(t)=A.sub.1 e.sup.(-t/.tau. 1.sup.) +A.sub.2 e.sup.(-t/.tau. 2.sup.), one can quantify the differences between tissues of various conditions. For example, non-malignant human breast tissues exhibit a slow component (.tau..sub.2) which is less than 1.6 ns whereas malignant human breast tissues exhibit a slow component (.tau..sub.2) which is greater than 1.6 ns. In addition, non-malignant human breast tissues exhibit a ratio of fast to slow amplitudes (A.sub.1 /A.sub.

Abstract: A multi-purpose sensor a single unit is capable of measuring both electric signals from the object and pressures at the same time and which yet is compact, lightweight and cheap enough to be used as a disposable product. Element in a disk form that is composed of carbon fibers superposed in layers at low density to produce a felt-like texture is surrounded with concentric cylindrical holder. Terminal is connected to an end face of each of element and holder whereas terminal is connected to the other end face, whereby the deformation of element due to an externally applied force is picked up as a voltage change.

Abstract: A magnetic field generating apparatus has a permanent magnet arrangement for generating a magnetic field in a magnetic field generating space and a yoke arrangement for forming magnetic circuits for generation of the magnetic field together with the permanent magnet arrangement. The yoke arrangement includes a first pair of yokes arranged facing each other, a second pair of yokes arranged facing each other through which the first pair of yokes are magnetically connected to each other, a third pair of yokes arranged between one end of one of the first pair of yokes and one end of one of the second pair of yokes and between the other end of the one of the first pair of yokes and one end of the other of the second pair of yokes, respectively, and yoke moving units for independently moving the one of the first pair of yokes and each of the second pair of yokes with respect to the third pair of yokes, respectively.

Abstract: A color adaptive frame averaging method for an ultrasound imaging system adds persistence to images. The color adaptive frame averaging is achieved by computing filter weighting coefficients and using the filter weighting coefficients to compensate for aliased color data. Frame rate compensation is achieved by adjusting the filter weighting coefficients. In accordance with the present invention, the color adaptive frame averaging method comprises a filter, such as an infinite impulse response filter.

Abstract: A pressure pulse wave sensor for detecting a pressure pulse wave produced from an arterial vessel of a living subject in synchronism with heartbeat of the subject, the sensor having a press surface adapted to be pressed on a body surface of the subject, a protruding portion protruding from the press surface and having a top surface, and at least one pressure sensing element provided in the top surface of the protruding portion, for detecting the pressure pulse wave produced from the arterial vessel, the top surface of the protruding portion being covered with a resilient protective layer, the pulse wave sensor further comprising a hard member which surrounds the protruding portion such that a top end of the hard member is substantially flush with the resilient protective layer covering the top surface of the protruding portion.

Abstract: A small and power-saving automatic sphygmomanometer constructed of minimum of parts. This automatic sphygmomanometer which inflates a pressure cuff to a value higher than that of one's maximum blood pressure and measures the blood pressure in the process of deflation is comprised of a cuff, air pump connected to the cuff, constant-rate pressure reducing valve for automatically adjusting a cuff pressure reducing velocity to be constant regardless of cuff pressure, exhaust valve for exhausting the air from the cuff, and controller for controlling open/close of the exhaust valve.

Abstract: Remote monitoring of cardiac electrical activity and/or pacemaker function under extensive control by personnel at a central station over the operation of a monitoring instrument at the patient's home, to thereby reduce reliance on active participation by the patient and to enhance useful information and suppress undesirable information in the signals transmitted between the home monitoring unit and the central station.

Abstract: The method and system for precise time based presentation of recorded medical data, such as cardiac data, encephalographic data, fetal monitor data or the like, which has been recorded on an ordinary audio cassette tape utilizing an inexpensive presentation device. An off-the-shelf tape transport deck is utilized which operates at an actual presentation speed which varies in a linear fashion in response to variations of a control signal which do not vary by greater than a selected maximum value during a given time period and in a nonlinear fashion in response to variations of a control signal which do vary by greater than the selected maximum value during a given time period. A timing track signal is utilized to determine actual presentation speed and small variations between the desired presentation speed and the actual presentation speed are coupled to a linear control system and utilized to vary the control signal at a rate which does not exceed a first rate.

Abstract: A modular auscultation sensor and telemetry system ("MASTS") for sensing body sounds of a patient in a noisy environment where both desired body sounds and undesirable noise may be detected. The MASTS includes a transducer head that comprises two sensors that are substantially acoustically and mechanically isolated from each other. The first sensor is positioned to sense body sounds of a patient when the transducer head is placed against a patient's skin, and the second sensor is positioned to sense primarily noise, if any. The sound signals are transmitted to a digital signal processor carried in a waist-pack or similar container. The digital signal processor processes the sound signals using an adaptive filter scheme to produce an output signal that is indicative of primarily of the body sounds emanating from the patient.

Abstract: An air sampling device for obtaining a sample of air from a person's lungs. The air sampling device is comprised of a blow tube connected to a waste air collection bag, and an air capture assembly connected to the blow tube by a needle assembly, for directing a portion of the air from the blow tube into the air sample capture assembly. The air sample capture assembly including a test tube containing a vacuum and having a rubber stopper that separates the vacuum contained within the test tube from the needle assembly connected to the blow tube. The rubber stopper is capable of being pierced by a needle of the needle assembly at a predetermined time. Additionally, the invention includes a method of using the air sampling device for obtaining a sample of air from a person's lungs.

Abstract: A method for detecting electrical brain response in a subject includes presenting stimuli to the subject, and detecting electrical brain responses therefrom. The responses are analyzed for uncovering event related brain potentials. In one embodiment, the stimuli are presented with a predetermined inter-stimulus interval, and the subject is informed of a predetermined time range within which blinking is permitted. In another embodiment, Probe stimuli relevant to a situation under investigation are presented, and include acronyms.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the status of a current ovulation cycle of an individual human female subject, involving testing of the body fluid concentration of an analyte of significance in relation to the status of the ovulation cycle, such as urinary E3G, during at least part of the pre-ovulation phase of the current ovulation cycle of the individual subject, and identification from the results of such testing an analyte concentration change indicative of imminent ovulation, relative to an analyte concentration reference value that has been adapted to the individual human subject on the basis of analyte concentration test data obtained from the individual human subject during one or more previous ovulation cycles.

Abstract: A multiplanar ultrasonic probe incorporates a mechanically rotatable linear phased transducer array. The transducer array can be remotely maneuvered to change the scan plane. A ring gear affixed to the transducer array surrounds the transducer array and is concentric with the axis of rotation. The ring gear is engaged and rotated by an indexing mechanism in incremental angular steps in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The indexing mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism displaceable along a line between first and second positions from a neutral position intermediate the first and second positions. The ratchet mechanism carries a pair of pawls, one of which engages the ring gear to cause clockwise rotation and the other of which engages the ring gear to cause counterclockwise rotation. The ratchet mechanism is displaced by actuators such as bimorphic devices, made of piezoelectric material, which bend in response to electrical pulsing.

Abstract: A method and closure device for performing a routine biopsy procedure without the use of sutures or butterfly bandages. The method and closure device controls bleeding, repairs the biopsy site, reduces the likelihood of inducing excessive scarring and reduces the handling of tissue. The closure device is comprised of a circular sponge made from an absorbable foam material which swells and fills up the defect left by biopsy and an applicator for implanting the sponge into the biopsy site. The sponge is detachably held to one end of the applicator and is pre-cut to a diameter which approximately corresponds to the diameter of the punch which is used for excising a biopsy specimen. A fibrous cotton wad is attached to the other end of the applicator. After the specimen is excised the sponge is implanted into the space from which the specimen was taken. A slight pressure is applied to the sponge with the fibrous cotton wad for approximately 30 to 60 seconds to stop any excess bleeding.

Abstract: A condom disperses local tightening force at the opening end portion and maintains wind-up property. Further, it enables the drug to be automatically applied when it is being used to effectively prevent infection of diseases. The condom has a sperm reservoir at an end portion thereof and extends in a cylindrical form, wherein an open end portion includes elastic annular trapezoidal portions in cross section with notch and an elastic annular end with a hollow end portion. The condom may have sol type active drug in the porous hollow end portion, so that said drug is applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion when the condom is used.

Abstract: A device for supporting and positioning the arms of a patient lying in a supine position and being subjected to various medical procedures. The device comprises a flat, head-receiving base configured to rest upon a flat surface and having opposed side edges which taper toward each other from bottom to top. A pair of opposed side panels are integrally formed along the side edges and angularly project with respect to the base. The side panels are configured to receive and support the patient's arms when the arms are positioned in an upraised position.

Abstract: An apparatus for intra-oral use including a framework having an upper curved platform and a lower curved platform, each of the platforms being defined by two walls extending from and separated by a floor, a material bonded to the upper and lower curved platform adapted to be molded in a shape suitable for relatively snugly receiving maxillary teeth of a user and for relatively loosely receiving mandibular teeth of the user when the user's mouth is closed in a normal, closing arch, and a cavity formed between the upper and lower platforms adapted to receive the tongue of the user.

Abstract: A pressure regulating earplug for regulating the rate of change of pressure inside an ear to minimize the pressure differential between the middle ear and a volume of the external ear cavity adjacent the ear drum is made of an ear plug adapted to fit tightly within the external ear cavity with no or minimal air leakage, and disposed within the earplug is a pressure regulator with a slow leak rate. Examples of the material which causes the pressure regulation include porous metal and porous ceramic material.