Abstract: A stationary, formed metal cap covers the bearing assembly of the rotatable firming wheel to protect the bearings against the ingress of mud, residue and moisture. A smooth, convex, exposed outer surface on the cap discourages the accumulation of residue and mud between the rotating wheel and its stationary support arm so as to keep the wheel freely rotating during its rolling movement in the seed trench. A flat, band-like, circular edge around the periphery of the convex surface is received within a circular groove on the face of the wheel to obstruct the ingress of moisture and materials at that location and disposes the marginal periphery of the convex surface in a substantially flush condition with the surface of the wheel to prevent wrapping and accumulation of trash.

Abstract: A sewing machine including a needle holding device which holds a sewing needle, a sheet holding device which holds one or more work sheets, and a moving device which moves the sheet holding device relative to the needle holding device, the moving device including a drive source which produces a drive force, one or more cylindrical cams which are connected to the drive source and each of which is rotatable about an axis line by being driven by the drive source, each cylindrical cam having a pair of opposite spiral cam surfaces formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and one or more cam followers which are connected to the sheet holding device and each of which is engaged with the spiral cam surfaces of a corresponding cylindrical cam such that the cam follower is movable along the cam surfaces and is substantially immovable in directions perpendicular to the cam surfaces, the cam follower being moved in a drive-force transmitting direction substantially parallel to the axis line of the cylindrical

Abstract: An improved multi-hull gas cushion supported marine vehicle that is, in its preferred embodiment, capable of transition to airborne surface effect operation is presented. This marine vehicle, known as SeaCoaster, has optional elongated knife shaped bows that slice into waves, very fine entry and low angle of divergence supporting gas cushions, water rejecting steps that extend high onto the sidehulls, and retractable water stabilizers to insure optimum performance in heavy seas. The retractable water stabilizers are in the form of inverted-T hydrofoils and/or small boat shaped members. Several variations of hydrofoil configurations are presented. It also has special, normally inverted-V shaped, gas cushion and wetdeck aft seals to insure minimum effect of wave impacts in those areas. The gas pressurization system normally includes powered blowers where a flap-like sealing device can be installed to seal gas leakage.

Abstract: Two non-movable plates mounted on the outside rear of a personal watercraft, extending below the lower edge of the hull. These plates provide lateral resistance and prevent the hull from sliding out at the rear which could initiate a spin. As these plates move laterally while in a turn they are designed not to adhere to the water by vacuum. When returning to a straight course out of a turn, the necessity to over steer is greatly reduced and the momentary loss of control is eliminated. Being considerably more narrow than the O.E.M. sponsons which they replace, lift is reduced and the pump intake remains more deeply engaged thus providing more steering control during high speed turns and manuevers. The attributes mentioned above add greatly to the safety of operation of a personal watercraft.

Abstract: An improved method for the feeding of psittacines involves the use of a feeding device having a spout that may be grasped by the mandibles of the psittacine to prompt it to pump feed flowing from the vessel down its esophagus. This method mitigates damage to the avian choana and esophagus often caused by conventional use of syringes and cannula for juvenile psittacine feeding. Details are disclosed of the relevant feeding device which includes the spout designed to permit flow of psittacine feed to the bird plus, advantageously, a handle opposed to the spout and a unique cover.

Abstract: The pompon includes a mass of soft fibrous material. A number of pieces of flexible material is interspersed through the mass. The flexible material crinkles or rustles when it is touched by a cat and may be aluminum foil, acetate paper, polyethylene or polypropylene. The fibrous material may be wool or acrylic.

Abstract: A leash-controllable dog harness and leash assembly adapted to inhibit a dog from straining against a leash held by an individual walking the dog. The harness includes a shoulder junction having a pair of slide openings therein overlying the dog's shoulder intermediate its left and right forelegs, each having a crotch leading to a sensitive pit, a chest junction lying adjacent the dog's chest intermediate its left and right forelegs, and a pair of harness straps extending between the shoulder and chest junctions on opposite sides of the dog to conform the harness to the body of the dog. Left and right restraint straps extending from the chest junction pass through the corresponding foreleg crotches and then through the opening in the shoulder junctions to terminate in a link coupling the harness to the leash.

Abstract: A boiler has an exterior housing, and a water-cooled fire chamber within the exterior housing having a rear face wall and a front face wall. A door is provided on an end of the exterior housing, and forms the front face wall of the fire chamber. The door is cooled by water circulating therein and has an opening therethrough for a burner producing a flame. The boiler includes an insert having an opening therethrough. The insert surrounds the door opening and is secured to an inside of the door to project into the fire chamber so that the insert opening is essentially aligned with the door opening. The insert is cooled by the water circulating through the door and reduces a cross-sectional area of the fire chamber available for the flame over a portion of the length of the fire chamber. Also provided is a water-cooled partition located in a rear portion of the fire chamber in front of the rear face wall for dividing the flame.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved drive train which includes an engine having at least one power cylinder with a power piston mounted for reciprocating motion therein. The power piston is connected to a crank shaft in the usual manner for translation of the reciprocating motion of the power piston into rotation of the crankshaft, which in turn, is transmitted in the conventional manner to the drive wheels of the vehicle. Provision is made for the feed of fuel into a combustion chamber located within the power cylinder at one side of the power piston. Intake and exhaust valves, in fluid communication with the combustion chamber serve, respectively, to allow intake of air during an intake stroke of the power piston and exhaust of combustion products during an exhaust stroke of the power piston. A floating piston at least partially closes the combustion chamber opposite the power piston and is mounted for reciprocating motion relative to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an engine with a constructional design and material composition for optimum thermal conductivity and vibration damping functions. The invention consists in the cylinder section (11) surrounding the combustion chamber being made of a light metal alloy and in the lower part of the cylinder section being connected to a crankcase section (13) with integral lateral walls (21,22) which enclose the cylinder section (11) with an air gap, and the crankcase section is made of a material with higher density than the cylinder section, preferably cast iron.

Abstract: In a two cycle internal combustion engine with uni-directional flow scavenging wherein a piston is disposed in a cylinder so as to be movable between top and bottom dead center end positions, the cylinder has fresh air inlet passages which are so arranged that their bottom walls are disposed below the piston top edge when the piston is in its bottom dead center position so that part of the piston top land is directly exposed to the fresh air flow through the air inlet passages and oil discharge bores extend from the air inlet passages and are in communication with the oil circulating system for the removal of oil wiped off the cylinder wall and collected in the inlet passages.

Abstract: A valve operating apparatus includes a biasing unit which applies a biasing force to a valve element so that the valve element is held at a neutral position. A first solenoid coil generates an electromagnetic force to move the valve element in a valve-closing direction. A second solenoid coil generates an electromagnetic force to move the valve element in a valve-opening direction. A stroke-length modifying unit changes a position of the second solenoid coil relative to the first solenoid coil in an axial direction of the valve element in accordance with an operating condition of an engine so that a length of a stroke of the valve element is modified. A neutral-position modifying unit changes the neutral position of the valve element to a new neutral position in accordance with the operating condition of the engine.

Abstract: The rotational phase difference between an engine crankshaft and an engine cam shaft, and a mechanism which controls the difference between the two is controlled using closed-loop feedback. The close-loop feedback has a learning function so that the rotational phase difference between the crankshaft and the cam shaft converges on a target value. The learning process uses retaining outputs based on the engine operational state to compensate the degree of actuation of the rotational phase adjusting mechanism with the value thus learned. The deviation relative to the retaining output from a map based on a variation speed at each rotational phase difference, and this deviation is added to a delay output of the feedback loop at each iteration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for starting a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having an electrical ignition system employs a manually operable device such as a piezo crystal for generating an electrical pulse which is routed to the center terminal of a standard automotive distributor. A first diode is disposed in the conductor wire that conveys the pulse to the distributor. A second diode is disposed in a feed wire that conducts current to the center terminal from the electrical ignition system. Both diodes are similarly directed so as to isolate the generated pulse at the distributor. A manually operated pumping mechanism is caused to deliver liquid fuel to the cylinders of the engine simultaneously with the generation and routing of the electrical pulse.

Abstract: There is provided an internal combustion engine valve having a body, a head, and a contact surface disposed on a head surface to be adapted to periodically enter into gas-sealing engagement with a valve seat, said contact surface being formed in alloy deposit welded to said valve head, by a high density energy beam such as a plasma beam or a laser beam, on said head surface, a cobalt based composition of said alloy deposit, measured at said contact surface, consisting essentially ofcarbon: 2.2 to 2.6 weight percent;silicon: 1.1 to 1.3 weight percent;manganese: 2.6 to 3.1 weight percent;nickel: not more than 1.5 weight percent;chromium: 28 to 31 weight percent;iron: 10 to 11 weight percent;tungsten: 13.5 to 15.5 weight percent;balancing cobalt and inevitable amount of impurities.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprising a smal pre-chamber 1 having a volume of about 0.7 of the volume of an associated combustion chamber, a small outlet orifice 1a in a pre-chamber having a dimensionaless throat parameter of about 0.4 to 0.7, a valve 2 controlling the introduction of hydrogen gas to the pre-chamber 1 via a valve driver 3 and a spark plug 4 for igniting the hydrogen rich mixture (about 3 times stoiciometric) in the pre-chamber to cause an ignition jet of burning gas to issue from the orifice 1a to promote efficient combustion and to reduce NOx emissions at lean burning mixtures and at higher compression ratios without knock.

Abstract: Apparatus for interconnecting an actuator and a pivotable exhaust valve opening member includes a recess in the exhaust valve opening member and a bearing member disposed in the recess and capable of swiveling therein. A plunger is carried by the actuator and is movable into contact with an engagement surface of the bearing member.

Abstract: A throttle valve control system for an internal combustion engine installed in a vehicle. A throttle valve opening sensor detects an actual opening of a throttle valve, and an ECU calculates a desired opening of the throttle valve according to the rotational speed of the engine and the required torque of the engine, which is calculated according to operating conditions of the engine and operating conditions of the vehicle, and electrically controls the throttle valve such that the detected actual opening of the throttle valve becomes equal to the desired opening of the throttle valve. An intake pressure sensor detects actual intake pressure within the intake passage, and desired intake pressure within the intake passage is calculated according to the rotational speed of the engine and the required torque of the engine. The desired intake pressure is compared with the detected actual intake pressure, and the desired opening of the throttle valve is corrected based on results of the comparison.

Abstract: A driving force-calculating system calculates a desired driving force required by an automotive vehicle depending on operating conditions of the vehicle. A kinetic energy parameter representative of kinetic energy of the vehicle is calculated from an amount of change in speed of the vehicle assumed during acceleration of the vehicle. A correction coefficient is calculated based on an average value of a maximal value of the kinetic energy parameter assumed within a predetermined time period. The desired driving force required by the vehicle is calculated by the use of the correction coefficient. A control system for automotive vehicles which incorporates the driving force-calculating system is also provided.

Abstract: In order to improve the accuracy in detection of a crank angle position of an internal combustion engine, the crank angle position obtained from signals from a crank angle sensor is corrected by using a cylinder pressure inside an engine cylinder sensed by a cylinder pressure sensor. While the engine is in a predetermined non-firing condition, a control unit determines a crank angular distance (A at steps S1.about.S12) from a reference crank angle position at which the crank angle sensor produces a reference angle signal (REF), to a top dead center indicative position at which the sensed cylinder pressure becomes maximum. The control unit calculates a deviation (.DELTA.REF) of the determined crank angular distance (A) from a predetermined reference angular distance (70.degree., for example), corresponding to a deviation of the mounting position of the crank angle sensor. Then, the control unit determines a corrected crank angle position (CAA) by using the thus-obtained angular deviation (.DELTA.REF).

Abstract: A small engine carburetor with manually controlled choke and throttle valves and associated idle ports and main metering nozzle supplied with fuel from a common metering chamber. The A/F is automatically adjusted by a solenoid operated poppet valve and/or gear driven needle valve and cooperative electronic control circuitry and system components built-in to the carburetor. A combined accelerator pump and idle circuit shut-off mechanism is also built-in and mechanically operated by the throttle shaft so that only the main nozzle supplies fuel when the engine is running above fast idle. A mechanical choke/throttle interlock mechanism also prevents partial choking when the engine is running above fast idle, and throttle operation above fast idle when choking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for integrally molding an assembly, having parts in a die lock situation, in a single molding step. The molding process of the present invention has the steps of providing a composite component with a predefined contour, molding a core fuel rail integrated with the composite component, connecting the core fuel rail to a main core structure, overmolding the combined core fuel rail and main core structure to form a finished assembly, removing and melting out the combined core fuel rail and main core structure and extracting the composite component to provide the finished assembly with a substantially accurate finish. The present invention also relates to a manifold with integrally formed core fuel rails. The core fuel rails and injector pockets are molded together with the main manifold body in a single step although the injector pockets are in a die lock situation relative to the main manifold body.

Abstract: A control device for an internal combustion engine comprises a fuel injector provided for each cylinder, an ignition plug starting ignition in each cylinder simultaneously with a start of the engine cranking, and a detection unit for detecting combustion in each cylinder when the engine is started which determines that the fuel injector of a cylinder in which ignition is carried out before fuel injection has a fuel leak when combustion is detected in the cylinder.

Abstract: A fuel supply amount control apparatus improves controllability during engine acceleration and deceleration and immediately after starting the operation of the engine, by enabling the setting of suitable parameters. An evaporation time constant indicating chronological changes in the fuel amount introduced into a cylinder from an intake system of the engine is computed by a predetermined computation equation. During this computation, the computation load is reduced by using an Aquino operator .alpha. and a stroke interval Aquino operator A.alpha. and computation for computing the fuel injection amount is executed at an interval shorter than the interval of two successive fuel injections, e.g., a crank angle of 60.degree.. During computation of the evaporation time constant, the evaporation time constant after full warm-up is corrected based on an average temperature weighted according to an adherence rate of fuel to the intake manifold and intake valve.

Abstract: A fuel supply mechanism for a gas combustion engine has a tank filled with a gas fuel, a fuel injector having a fuel injection valve mounted on the gas combustion engine, a pipe for supplying the gas fuel from the tank to the fuel injector, a gas fuel cutoff valve in the pipe for cutting off the gas fuel flowing through the pipe, a gas fuel state detector for detecting a state of the gas fuel, and a control unit responsive to a detected signal from the gas fuel state detector for controlling the gas fuel cutoff valve and the fuel injection valve.

Abstract: A cam operated open nozzle fuel injector is provided comprising a reciprocating plunger assembly including an outer plunger, an inner plunger and a variable volume timing chamber located between the plungers. A hold down force generating means includes a cam having a hold down cam or ramp portion for maintaining the inner plunger in an innermost position against the inner end of the injector body with a sufficient hold down force during each hold down period throughout injector operation independently of injector train wear. The hold down cam portion operates to move the outer plunger inwardly towards the inner plunger throughout a substantial portion of the hold down period. The hold down cam portion functions to compensate for fuel drainage from the timing chamber so as to maintain a predetermined pressure in the timing chamber corresponding to a desired hold down force.

Abstract: An automotive ignition system lockup protection circuit utilizes a capacitor charging/discharging circuit to generate a periodic clock signal. A counter circuit activates an ignition coil deenergizing signal after a predetermined number of clock signal. The capacitor charges and discharges within a voltage reference window defined as the difference between a first reference voltage and a second larger reference voltage, wherein the first reference voltage is functionally related to a variable battery voltage and the second reference voltage is fixed and independent of battery voltage. The frequency of the periodic clock signal is modulated in accordance with the voltage reference window to thereby vary the lockup time in accordance with battery voltage. The capacitor charging and discharging current is adjustable to compensate for variations in the capacitor value and the entire circuit operates consistently over a temperature range typically required in an automotive application.

Abstract: An air fuel ratio control system is so arranged to restrain a undesired variation of an air fuel ratio due to an on off control of a canister purge and thereby prevent deterioration of an exhaust performance. When a purge cut valve is closed to cut off the canister purge, the control system changes a feedback air fuel ratio corrective factor ALPHA like a step change to a predetermined initial value EVALP# to meet a leaning change of the air fuel ratio caused by the purge cut. When the purge cut valve is opened to resume the canister purge, the control system meets an enriching change of the air fuel ratio caused by restarting of the purge by producing a step change in the corrective factor ALPHA to an initial value EALPHA.times.KEVAL# determined in accordance with a value EALPHA of the corrective factor ALPHA obtained immediately before the cutoff (KEVAL# is a constant).

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine controls a fuel injection amount based on operating conditions of the engine and an evaporative fuel concentration-dependent correction coefficient. The control system includes a purge control valve arranged in a purging passage connecting a canister for temporarily storing evaporative fuel generated from a fuel tank and an intake passage. This coefficient is held to a predetermined value for a predetermined time period after purging is permitted, and to another for a predetermined time period after purging is inhibited. In another aspect, the purge control valve is controlled based on operating conditions of the engine and a purging flow rate correction coefficient. This coefficient is held when purging is inhibited, and is progressively set to a larger value depending on the evaporative fuel-dependent correction coefficient, after purging is permitted.

Abstract: A device for launching soft foam balls includes a launcher body, a launching wheel having a circumferential gripping surface thereon and a restriction in the launcher body for urging a soft foam ball into compressed engagement with the launching wheel. The device further includes a manually operable rack gear assembly for rapidly rotating the launching wheel and a feed assembly for individually releasing foam balls so that they contact the launching wheel for launching them from the launcher body in rapid succession.

Abstract: A disc discharging toy for discharging discs is provided which comprises a plurality of resilient discs, a magazine for holding the discs in a stacked position, a forcibly feeding device for forcibly feeding the discs so held in the supply portion piece by piece toward a discharging position, and a discharging device for discharging the disc so fed. The discharging device includes two rollers and a motor for rotating at least one of the two rollers in a direction in which the disc is discharged.

Abstract: An arrow retention device is disclosed including a frame/guide which is attachable to a bow so as to limit the flight path of an arrow, a holding mechanism which is disposed along the frame/guide, and a release mechanism which selectively moves the holding mechanism between a closed position, wherein the holding mechanism holds the arrow, and an open position wherein the holding mechanism does not hold the arrow. The present invention includes an embodiment for use when assuming an overdraw position, and one which can be used with a conventional arrow. The mechanism simultaneously prevents an arrow from being knocked out of place and protects the user of the bow from injury.

Abstract: A camera actuating archery apparatus including an archery bow having a bowstring for use in shooting an arrow, and a camera. The camera has an exposed actuating button, a connector for attaching the camera to the archery bow, an actuating mechanism, and a string between the actuating mechanism and the arrow serving to cause the actuating mechanism to depress the exposed actuating button in response to release of the arrow. In an alternate embodiment, the camera is mounted in a housing having the connector and the actuating mechanism secured thereon.

Abstract: An archery bow stabilizer is formed of at least three elongated stabilizer rods secured at their inner ends to a base member mounted detachably on the handle of an archery bow and extending forwardly of the bow handle in parallel, circumferentially spaced-apart arrangement. At least one tuning slide member has elongated openings therethrough, spaced apart to match the spacing of the stabilizer rods and having a larger diameter than the rods for freely receiving the rods therethrough. A set screw is threaded into a threaded bore in the tuning slide member, the bore communicating with each opening, and a resilient pad on the inner end of the set screw is arranged to engage the associated stabilizer rod to secure the turning slide member to the stabilizer rods intermediate the ends of the rods, the pads allowing the rods to vibrate in the enlarged openings.

Abstract: A diamond-set insert carrier tool for dressing, chamfering, smoothing or polishing machines which comprises a body or support of thermoplastic material, in the active surface of which there are provided cavities able to receive diamond-set abrasive inserts or bodies and retain them substantially flush with said active surface by interference, said interference being between 0.1 and 0.3 min.

Abstract: A stove having a plurality of burners (1) which is under the control of a computer that has one or more cooking control programs to control the activation, time of operation and heat output of a selected burner. The user of the stove, a utensil and the stove have components of a transmitter/receiver system that permits burner actuation through the computer only when the user and utensil are authorized.The stove includes subsystems that supply information to the computer: a flame sensing system (C); a time regulating system "timer" (41); a weight checking system of the food to be cooked; a nearness sensing and identifying system of authorized users and utensils to operate the stove; a sound and/or visual alarm system; a voice synthesizer system associated with the other systems.

Abstract: A one-piece, seamless food service base is insert molded from a heat and impact resistant plastic. The base is shaped to receive a standard serving plate and includes an integrally molded core. The core is made from a metal or other material that is characteristically susceptible to heating through induction heating. In one form, the core is a solid metal disk with strategically disposed bores for molding the base. In another form, the core is a hollow metal disk having a standard wax phase change core.

Abstract: A flameless heater includes two non-woven polyester sheets which are thermally bonded together to form a number of pockets. Each pocket is filled with a powder mixture of Mg--Fe alloy, NaCl, antifoaming agents, and an inert filler. The outer surfaces of the polyester sheets are preferably treated with a food grade surfactant. The polyester sheets are gas and water permeable over substantially their entire surfaces and the filled pockets define intervening channels where the polyester sheets are bonded. The resulting heater can be made approximately 50% thinner and 50% lighter than a conventional FRH. In use, both the channels and the permeability of the sheets allow water to wet the powder rapidly and initiate the chemical reactions quickly. The byproducts of the chemical reactions cause the pockets to inflate slightly thereby adding sufficient rigidity to the heater to support a food packet.

Abstract: An induced draft, fossil fuel fired, deep fat fryer comprising a fluid container, a fluid container housing wall disposed around a portion of said fluid container, forming at least one combustion gas chamber between the fluid container and the fluid container housing wall, the combustion gas chamber having a combustion air inlet opening and a combustion product gas exhaust opening, a burner for combustion of a fuel/air mixture, forming a combustion product gas in the combustion gas chamber, a baffle guiding the combustion product gas into heat transfer communication with the fluid container, and a blower for inducing a subatmospheric pressure condition in the combustion gas chamber, the blower disposed downstream of the combustion product gas exhaust opening and in communication with the combustion product gas exhaust opening.

Abstract: A fireplace, comprising an inner jacket and an outer jacket defining an air circulation path therebetween, is provided with a smoke chamber convection wall and a baffle convection wall oriented so as to efficiently transfer heat from the fire box to the air circulation path. A damper plate and a back draft blocking wall are positioned in the fireplace so as to effectively block back drafts in both the open and closed damper positions. The fireplace also includes exterior controls whereby the damper plate and an outside air vent can be controlled in a safe manner. A clean out shaft and a draft control are also provided to facilitate safe operation of the fireplace.

Abstract: Improved aerosol inhalation devices including a nebulizer and a rain-off chamber for returning droplets of liquid medication or diagnostics exhaled by the patient back to the nebulizer for reatomization.

Abstract: A dilator formed with a truss with a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces that provides a restoring force therebetween if forced toward one another, this restoring force provided by a resilient band extending between the opposite ends of the truss with a plurality of notches located at each of the ends thereof. The notches exceed at least a third of the thickness of the band and may comprise a separation at the location thereof between selected portions of said first resilient band with this separation surrounded by a corresponding separation edge thereabout intersecting a first surface of the first resilient band. A second and similar band may also be provided in the truss.

Abstract: A nasal dilator for preventing outer wall tissue of nasal passages of a nose from drawing in during breathing. There is a spring member for bridging a human nose, the spring member extending over the bridge and at least partly beyond the bridge on both sides of the bridge. A pad with an adhesive surface covers the spring member and extends around the spring member so that there is a perimeter of space formed between the spring member and the pad member. The dilator can be at least partly formed of transparent or clear material so as to enhance its cosmetic appearance on the nose. Ornamentation can be provided to one surface of the spring thereby to be visible through a transparent pad. Alternatively or additionally the pad can be imprinted with ornamentation.

Abstract: A high-frequency fan ventilator having a rotating fan fixed via its central shaft to the base of a ventilator chamber. The chamber has separate openings for incoming pressurized air/oxygen and other openings for expelling exhaled gas rich with carbon dioxide originating from the lungs. Using the high-frequency fan ventilator, gas exchange between the lungs and the atmosphere is achieved by rotation of the fan. This rotation creates a negative pressure zone around the fan's center and leads to helical gas waves moving towards the fan's center (away from the lungs), simulating expiration of gas from the lungs. The rotation of the fan's arms also produces helical gas waves directed from the fan, to the periphery of the chamber and towards the lungs through the connector of the ventilation chamber and the endotracheal tube, which is inserted into the trachea, simulating inspiration of gas into the lungs.

Abstract: A reliable contamination resistant single use disposable medical non-ventilating aspirating device and method. The device releasibly connects to and aligns with an indwelling endotracheal tube to accommodate advancing of an aspirating catheter tube the device by manual manipulation through a sterile flexible envelope and selective evacuation of lung secretions through a closed and sterile two-position normally closed manually operable valve at the proximal end of the device, while simultaneously accommodating voluntarily respiration by the patient.

Abstract: A one-piece injection molded elastic plastic peg-like or clip-like support for sensor elements of a pulsoximetry ear sensor has legs interconnected by an elastically deformable rib. The rib runs in the longitudinal direction of a web and projects from a web surface. The smooth surfaces enable the support to be easily cleaned and sterilized and inexpensively manufactured.

Abstract: A multi-lumen, multi-purpose cardiac catheter which incorporates optical filaments and an optical coupler for use with external apparatus for determining the oxygen concentration in the blood of a patient under critical care conditions, as well as incorporating therein a thermal element useable with a second external apparatus for measurement of continuous cardiac output. The thermal element is disposed at a necked down portion of the catheter at the distal end thereof, with at least one of the lumens of the catheter substantially compressed at the necked down portion thereof. The catheter also includes a thermistor and at least one injectate port for enabling the user to also conduct thermal dilution readings and obtain intermittent measurements of cardiac output. The combination of a thermal dilution catheter with a SVO.sub.

Abstract: A printed electrode for biological use comprises a support having thereon a printed ink paste or binder containing (a) a microgranule of at least one hydrophilic substance selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers and water-soluble substances and (b) a microgranule of an electroconductive substance.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) active invasive device system employs a small, high-field polarizing magnet, and a large low-field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging magnet for the purpose of generating MR angiograms of selected blood vessels. A subject is positioned in a large low-field MR imaging magnet. A catheter is inserted into the patient at or near the root of a vessel tree desired to be imaged. A hydrogen gas is first cooled and condensed into a liquid state, and then passed through the small high-field polarizing magnet where it becomes highly polarized. A contrast fluid is then made by chemically combining the polarized hydrogen with oxygen to obtain highly polarized water. The water is then heated to physiologic temperatures and, if desired, made more physiologically compatible with the addition of substances such as salts. The physiologically conditioned polarized fluid is then introduced into the subject through the catheter.

Abstract: An external trigger method in a magnetic resonance inspection apparatus includes the steps of inputting collectively imaging control data including an imaging portion of a subject, the kind of sequences, a time interval between the sequences and the number of times of repetition of the sequences, executing a pre-processing sequence corresponding to the imaging sequence set to be first executed, and checking whether the time interval until the start of the imaging sequence to be next executed is set to a predetermined value. The imaging sequence is started by an external trigger when the time interval is set to the indefinite value. The imaging sequence is started after the passage of the time of the predetermined value when the time interval is set to the predetermined value.