Abstract: An apparatus for removing debris from a bore hole comprises a housing having apertures formed therein such that rotation of the housing causing entrapment of the cuttings from the bore hole. The positive displacement pump comprises a rotor surrounded by a stator coupled to the housing such that rotation of the stator rotates the housing. The positive displacement pump is operable to pump material from the housing responsive to relative movement between the rotor and stator. A motor rotates the stator, thereby cleaning the bore hole.

Abstract: An intraventricular pump (IVP) is a surgically-implanted orthotoxic heart pump capable of augmenting either one or both of the heart's ventricles. The IVP pumps blood using an internal diaphragm which is hydrualically activated by a physiologically-controlled pacemaker pump system. The entire system is contained within the human body and is powered by a rechargeable battery system. An artificial valve is incorporated into the right-sided IVP which is hydraulically-activated to work in conjunction with the IVP.

Abstract: A multiplexing data commmunication system (10) provides for communication between a plurality of microcomputer terminals (12) with a host computer (30). Communications from the microcomputer (12) are multiplexed over a Tl line (26) between two DMI interfaces (22 and 24). The DMI interface (24) includes an adaptive digital network interface (62) which processes the multiplex data in a serial manner allowing for flexibility in framing the data and processing protocol information. Program control in the adaptive digital network interface (62) is performed in part by the status of three counters (266, 268 and 272) and the bit present at the output of a fifo memory (112) allowing for increased processing speeds. Furthermore, processing speed is enhanced through use of an instruction set allowing simultaneous strobing and enabling of the elements of the adaptive digital network interface (62).

Abstract: A light bulb holster (10) is provided in which pockets (18,36) are used to hold a plurality of tubular bulbs (22). A flap (28) is operable to cover the top ends of the bulbs (22) during transport and to secure the holster (10) to a ladder brace at the work site.

Abstract: A CCD (12) or other photoelectronic device is bonded to an image tube housing (26) to provide a digital output from the image tube (19). The housing (26) and cathode (19) are degassed in chambers (44 and 42) at a high temperature and low pressure. A load lock chamber (46) is degassed and evacuated to remove contaminants. After cooling the chambers (42, 44 and 46) the CCD (12) is placed in the load lock chamber (46) which is then sealed and evacuated. After evacuation, a gate valve (54) is opened between the load lock chamber and the housing chamber (44) and the CCD is placed on a press station (63) of a metal bellow (64). The metal bellow (64) is extended to push the CCD (12) against an indium seal ring (36) on the housing (26), creating a seal between the CCD (12) and the housing (26).

Abstract: A knee brace (10) is provided with a thigh collar (12) and a tibia collar (40) for securing the brace to the user's leg. A hinge (20) is connected to the thigh collar (12) and the tibia collar (40) in order to allow extension and flexion of the leg. The tibia collar (40) is connected to the hinge (20) via a connecting rod (26) upon which the tibia collar (40) may rotate and piston vertically. The desired range within which tibia collar (40) may rotate and piston may be adjusted by cams (34 and 36). An elastic wrap (56) is attached to the thigh collar (12) and the tibia collar (40) in order to facilitate proper rotation of the leg.

Abstract: A filtering unit (10) has four filter holders (20) arranged in a rectangle around a blower (36). Each filter holder holds up to two filter elements (11). The blower draws air through the filter elements (11) and outputs filtered air through a vent (40). Refillable filter frames (16) are provided to allow the user to change the filter material (18). In one embodiment, glass chips are used as the filter material (18).

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) includes a housing (12) and a removable dome-shaped lid (14) having a filtered inlet port (18) disposed therethrough for permitting the passage of gas or steam into housing (12). A removable tray (16) is adapted to be disposed within housing (12) to hold various instruments to be sterilized and includes apertures (24) formed on the bottom of the tray for permitting condensate to drain therefrom. The bottom surface of housing (12) is sloped to two locations centered on opposite sides thereof and includes filtered outlet ports (40, 42) positioned at the two locations to permit discharged air and condensate to exit housing (12). Pedestals (30) are secured on the bottom surface of housing (12) to facilitate stacking of a plurality of sterilization containers.

Abstract: Apparatus for passively exercising the human extremities includes an elongate track (16) comprising a tubular housing (46) having a slot formed in the bottom thereof. A lead screw (62) is longitudinally disposed in the housing and a carriage (26) is threadably engaged with the lead screw (62). The carriage (26) is connected to the extremity to be exercised, so that upon movement of the carriage (26) back and forth along the elongated track (16) the extremity is moved through a pre-determined range of motion. Stop members (28) are positionable on the housing in the path of movement of the carriage (26). Engagement of the carriage (26) with the stop member (28) effects longitudinal shifting of the lead screw (62). Longitudinal shifting of the lead screw (62) actuates switches (110) which reverse the direction of rotation of the lead screw (62) thereby reversing the direction of movement of the carriage (26).