Abstract: In an automatic cassette loading machine a pancake is mounted on a rotatable support hub. A reading member comprising a photoelectric cell and carried by a main carriage movable at right angles to the axis of the pancake is disposed at a position spaced apart from the pancake itself and is then moved close to the latter. When the peripheral edge of the pancake is intercepted by the light beam emitted by the photoelectric cell the reading member is moved away from the pancake and disposed so that it can intercept the passage of a closure tab fastening the end of the tape on the pancake. The pancake rotation is then stopped when the location of the closure tab enables it to be picked up by a grasping member associated with the cassette loading machine.

Abstract: Cassettes are released from a remote loading station onto a supply conveyor. The cassettes travel on the supply conveyor to a flow-through tape loading machine in a response to a request from the tape loading machine. The cassettes are transported through the tape loading machine from the back to the front. The cassettes are moved across the face of the machine where they are loaded with tape. The cassettes are then transported back through the machine to a discharge conveyor. The cassettes are removed from the discharge conveyor at a remote packing station. The packing can be done either manually or automatically.

Abstract: A method of treating heart failure is disclosed in which, without removing the damaged heart, implantation of prosthetic blood-pumping means within the natural heart sustains its function. The invention includes electrically-powered positive displacement pumps, muscle-powered pumps, and electrically-powered rotary hydrodynamic pumps sufficiently miniaturized and adopted to function within the heart. The invention also includes surgical connectors and surgical methods that permit intraventricular artificial hearts to be effectively applied.

Abstract: A glasses with bridges and temples which are fixed to lens frames, without depending upon deposition. Bridges and temples of this glasses can be changed easily according to one's taste because they are not deposited to lens frames but are fixed to lens frames through the medium of sleeves and other means.

Abstract: A method of treating heart failure is disclosed in which, without removing the damaged heart, implantation of prosthetic blood-pumping means within the natural heart sustains its function. The invention includes electrically-powered positive displacement pumps, muscle-powered pumps, and electrically-powered rotary hydrodynamic pumps sufficiently miniaturized and adopted to function within the heart. The invention also includes surgical connectors and surgical methods that permit intraventricular artificial hearts to be effectively applied.