Abstract: A medical apparatus and method of use for implanting a catheter in a patient's body which catheter can be easily positioned, repositioned, and replaced. The apparatus includes an elongate sleeve comprising a wall surrounding an interior passageway extending from a sleeve proximal end to a sleeve distal end. The sleeve is intended to be percutaneously implanted through an incision in the patient's skin to place the sleeve distal end subcutaneously. The sleeve distal end outer surface carries porous material intended to contact the patient's dermis to promote tissue ingrowth. The sleeve passageway is dimensioned to snugly accommodate the outer surface of the catheter while permitting the catheter to slide relative to the sleeve. A split ring locking member is selectively operable in an unlocked state for permitting axial and rotational movement of said catheter relative to said sleeve and operable in a locked state for preventing such relative movement.

Abstract: A gaming method allows players to predict and place a wager about the future arrival of an elevator car at the floor of a building. If the player's prediction is correct, the player receives a payoff. The method can be played in buildings having one or more elevators. In an embodiment of the invention, a self-service automated gaming machine accommodates making the prediction, placing the wager, and receiving the payoff.

Abstract: An implantable device including a housing having a stud projecting percutaneously through an incision in the patient's skin. The stud defines a peripheral surface extending longitudinally inwardly from the stud outer end. The longitudinal peripheral surface is used as a substrate to carry a peripheral fibrous layer which extends longitudinally along the stud from its outer end adjacent to the skin incision to below the patient's epidermal and dermal skin layers for promoting laterally directed soft tissue ingrowth. The housing also defines a lateral shoulder surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal peripheral surface. The shoulder surface also carries a porous layer conducive to promoting tissue ingrowth. The porous layers on the device allows tissue ingrowth into the interstices of both porous layers to form an enhanced infection resistant barrier while also providing improved device anchoring.

Abstract: A supply system and method for providing water from a bottled water cooler includes a pump which pumps water from an upright bottle of water into a water reservoir in the bottled water cooler. A control device using a microcontroller monitors upper and lower sensors which are disposed in the water reservoir, and controls the operation of the pump so that the water level in the reservoir goes no lower than the lower sensor, and goes no higher than the upper sensor. The control device also monitors a sensor disposed at the bottom of the bottle of water, and de-energizes the pump if the bottle of water is empty.

Abstract: A soaking apparatus utilizing a soaking basin and a disposable liner configured to fit within the basin cavity. The basin is comprised of a material layer formed to define an integral floor and a peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The basin floor and peripheral wall together define the boundary of a basin cavity. An elongate protrusion protrudes from the floor into the basin cavity between left and right foot areas. The liner is comprised of a thin (e.g., 3-12 mils) material layer formed to define an integral floor and peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The liner floor and peripheral wall are dimensioned to closely nest within the basin cavity. The liner floor also defines left and right foot areas spaced by a protrusion projecting into the liner cavity. The underside of the liner protrusion forms a concave recess for accommodating the basin floor protrusion.

Abstract: An improved power conduit for use with automatic pool cleaners particularly configured to avoid the formation of persistent coils and/or knots. Embodiments in accordance with the invention are characterized by the use of at least one axially stiff elongate member together with axially flexible and axially swivelable means for coupling said stiff member between a stationary power source fitting and a cleaner. The axially flexible means includes means for resiliently biasing adjacent stiff members to an axially aligned orientation.

Abstract: A pool cleaner debris bag (18) having an access opening (24) and a closure means (25) operable to close the access opening (24) for collecting debris or open the access opening (24) for emptying debris from the bag (18). The closure means (25) includes a clamp member (50) having clamping edges (56) for squeezing together bag layers (28, 29) to close the access opening (24). The closure means (25) is buoyant in water for orienting the bag to avoid impeding cleaner body (6) travel.

Abstract: An automatic pool cleaner configured to be powered by a supplied positive pressure water flow including an improved propulsion subsystem for propelling the cleaner body through a swimming pool along a substantially random travel path. The subsystem includes a hydraulic valve actuator configured to use water pressure to switch a valve element mounted for reciprocal linear movement from a default state (e.g., redirect travel state) to an active state (e.g., forward travel state) and to then restore the valve element to the default state. The water pressure for controlling the actuator is selectively supplied by a direction controller which responds to regular periodic occurrences and/or irregularly occurring events such as the interruption of cleaner body motion.

Abstract: A furniture storage unit, and method of construction, configured to include one or more storage compartments each having dimensions (e.g., height and width) which can be readily varied by a user. The storage unit is configured to enable a user to arrange one or more compartments in a wide variety of configurations or patterns within the storage unit to optimize utility and aesthetic appeal. A storage compartment is formed by a suspended web of elongate flexible material having first and second hanger members respectively secured to the web at locations spaced along the web length. The first and second hanger members are configured to be supported by one or more rails at respective first and second locations longitudinally spaced along the rails. The hanger members suspend the web so that first and second spaced web portions hang substantially vertically bridged by an intermediate web portion suitable for supporting various objects, e.g., books.

Abstract: A hand tool for use by one hand provides double compound leverage of the force exerted on the handles to the jaws. This is achieved by adding additional pivots and lever arms between the handles and the jaws. The jaws may take the form of a sheet metal snip, seamer, or crimper.

Abstract: An animal actuated drinking fountain has an electronic circuit for operating a pump to supply water to an animal. The fountain has a housing with a container for holding the water. A pump receives water from the container and has an upward directed discharge port for creating a fountain of water. A light emitter and light sensor are positioned so a beam of pulsed light is positioned above the surface of the water in the container. When the animal interrupts the beam of pulsed light, electronic circuitry causes the pump to turn on and create a fountain of water for the animal to drink.

Abstract: A women's breast support garment, e.g., bra, configured to promote wearer comfort by allowing a breast cup to move multi-directionally, or float, relative to a torso member. The bra construction is characterized by a limp intermediate strip at the junction between the lower edge of each breast cup and the upper edge of a torso member.

Abstract: A non-contact, air-activated lifting and tamping device which incorporates a means of producing a Bernouilli airflow at the device nozzle, creating an adjacent low air pressure region for inducing lift; and which includes provision for high velocity air jets for tamping operation. The device is compact, never clogs or ices and is easily adjustable for a wide range of applications.

Abstract: A frame is provided for mounting a fabric layer stack and retaining it in a substantially taut condition. The frame is supported for manually guided movement beneath a fixedly located stitch head and a detector is provided to produce signals representing the magnitude of frame translation, and thus the magnitude of stack translation. The detector signals are applied to control circuitry to actuate the stitch head at a rate related to stack translation speed. The frame is supported by bearings; wheels, slides, etc, which permit the frame to be freely manually guided across a frame supporting surface beneath the stitch head.

Abstract: A hand tool for use by one hand provides double compound leverage of the force exerted on the handles to the jaws. This is achieved by adding additional pivots and lever arms between the handles and the jaws. The jaws may take the form of a sheet metal snip or a pruning shear.