Abstract: In accordance with one form of the present invention, a stereoscopic endoscope is provided which has an elongated thin cylindrical barrel with a pair of CCDs mounted transversely within the barrel adjacent the distal end thereof. A pair of objective optics are mounted within the barrel between the distal end thereof and the respective CCDs for focusing an image observed through the endoscope on the CCDs. Image signal transmitting wires connected to each CCD extend longitudinally through the barrel and out the proximal end thereof for transmitting an image signal to a remote location. Light transmitting fibers are tightly packed around the objective optics and the CCDs. A first connector is secured to the proximal end of the wires for connection to a stereoscopic image producing device and a second connector is secured to the proximal of the light transmitting fibers for connection to a light source.

Abstract: An adjustable-height post (10) for construction formwork, which is preferably made of aluminum, consists of an outer tube (12) to which a threaded nut is fastened in a lossproof manner, and an inner tube (11) that has thread segments (13, 14) on the outer surface. The segments (13, 13', 13", 13'") project into recesses (19, 19', 19", 19'") of the outer tube (12). This embodiment produces a robust post (10) whose inner tube (11) is nonrotatably supported and guided in the outer tube (12). The inner tube (11) can more easily be manufactured with the threads (14) according to the invention; at the same time, material can be saved in the manufacture of the post (10).

Abstract: A detachable carrier for mounting articles such as bicycles to a motor vehicle is disclosed. The carrier disclosed includes a frame with laterally spaced side portions and a lower offset portion that rests on a surface of the carrying vehicle. This surface is either a horizontal surface or a horizontal and vertical surface provided by the bumper either at the front or the rear of a motor vehicle. The lower end portions of the offset portions form a fulcrum with the support surface of the vehicle about which the frame will turn in a lever action. A lower pair of laterally spaced fastening straps with appropriate end fasteners secure a lower portion of the frame to the vehicle and an upper pair of laterally spaced fastening straps with appropriate end fasteners secure an upper part of the frame to the vehicle. An article support on a pivotal hub assembly extends out from the sides of the frame in an extended position and is folded to a down position between the side portions of the frame when not in use.

Abstract: Accessory devices for laparoscopic operations can be combined with a plastic receptacle 2 in such a way that an opening formed outside the abdominal wall in a cover sheet 10 can be coupled in sealing relationship with an end of the plastic receptacle 2 that can be closed or opened. The plastic receptacle 2 is in this case still located inside the abdominal space, at least in part, the opening of the plastic receptacle 2 projecting beyond the abdominal wall 4.

Abstract: A retention device and system for securing a disc, such as a wheel cover, to a wheel rim is disclosed. A first embodiment of the retention device includes a fastening member with a turned upper lip that hooks over the wheel rim, an inturned flexible section that extends along the flange of the wheel, a flexible base portion snap-fits to the wheel and subjected to a pressing force that defeats the spring action created in a bend of the base portion which in turn locks the disc retention device to the wheel. An upturned lower flange of the lower arm fits into an end of the connecting member which is attached thereto by means of a retaining member. The retaining member has an upper bight portion that extends through the upper lip of the connecting member and a pair of side legs extending perpendicular to the plane of the upper bight portion. The connecting member has two inturned folds which face opposite each other at open ends and a top arcuate edge.

Abstract: An implantable bone distraction device and method of using the device are disclosed. The device includes spaced first and second low profile blocks for subcutaneous implantation and attachment to osteotomically separated bone sections. The first block defines a drive chamber bore while the second block defines a threaded bore. A rotatable drive rod having a first end is received in the drive chamber bore of the first block. The rotatable drive rod's other end is threadably received in the threaded bore of the second block. The device further includes drive rod actuator located in the drive chamber bore for cooperating with the first end of the drive rod to rotate the drive rod so that one can adjust the depth to which the rod's threaded end is received in the threaded bore of the second block. This enables one to adjust the spacing between the first and second blocks, thereby enabling one to controllably distract the separated bone sections to enhance bone growth therebetween.

Abstract: Planar serpentine antennas disclosed include a generally flat, non-conductive carrier layer and a generally flat radiator of a preselected length and arranged in a generally serpentine pattern that is secured to a surface of the carrier layer. One form of the antenna disclosed that is particularly suited for vehicle transceivers and mounting on a vehicle window in a stick-on fashion has a series of change of direction points characterized by a succession of right angle turns and back folds to obtain substantially the greatest length in the smallest surface area. Another form of the antennas disclosed that are particularly suited for AM/FM radios, stereos, etc. have a sinuous pattern with radiator sections in parallel spaced relation to one another and further are connected at opposite ends in curved back folds.

Abstract: An apparatus, for simultaneous or selective treatment of an area of the skin and adjacent subcutaneous structure of a patient utilizing photo energy and therapeutic heat, which includes a plurality of juxtaposed diodes. Each diode has a longitudinal axis and is capable of projecting a non-coherent cone of light which overlaps the cone of light from each juxtaposed diode so that the light completely covers the treatment area. A flexible pad or appliance holds the diodes in juxtaposed position with each other. Each is held in contact with the skin and has a longitudinal axis which is in substantially perpendicular relationship to the skin. A resistor heats each diode, which acts as a heat sink, so that the treatment area of the skin and the adjacent subcutaneous structure of the mammal receive light and thermal treatment simultaneously. An adjustable control varies the light intensity of the diodes and the amount of heat generated by the resistor in a selected and controlled manner.

Abstract: A Roman shade having a plurality of rearwardly extending vertically spaced horizontal pleats uses plastic retaining means adhesively bonded to the outer surfaces of the pleats and eyelets to precisely and durably maintain the pleats. The shade includes bodies of flexible facing and backing materials integrally segmented by folding portions of the material into pleat segments to form the pleats. Plastic strips having vertically aligned openings are adhesively secured to the outside surfaces of the pleats and interconnected by eyelets extending through the openings. Engaging surfaces of the eyelets engage the plastic strips further securing strips to the pleat outer surfaces. Edge borders of facing and backing material formed of back folded edge portions of said facing and backing material adhesively secured to itself, combined with disclosed pleat design, obviate need for sewing during construction.

Abstract: Drive apparatus and method for converting linear motion to rotary motion to rotatingly drive the driveshaft of a motor vehicle are disclosed. The drive apparatus includes a sprocket rigidly connected to a shaft and axially aligned thereabout. In addition, a moveable ratch for moving between first and second drive positions and having opposing first and second linear sprocket engaging drive segments is provided. The first linear drive segment of the moveable ratch engages the sprocket when the ratch is in its first drive position and the second linear drive segment engages the sprocket when the ratch is in its second drive position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soil fertilization method which includes a process for producing a fertilyzer by-product from an ammonia filtering media. The method includes the steps of providing a filter media containing phosphoric acid soaked particles. In addition, the method includes providing ammonia laden air. The ammonia laden air is passed through the filter media to remove ammonia from the air which is removed by a chemical reaction which converts the phosphoric acid soaked wood particles to ammonium phosphate coated wood particles. After substantially all of the wood particles are converted to ammonium phosphate wood particles, the filter media is collected and then applied to soil to fertilize and build the soil.

Abstract: A device for converting a combustible liquid fuel into converted fuel having a smaller proportion of vapor and a larger proportion of microscopic fuel droplets, mixing the converted fuel with air in a manifold to convert more of the converted fuel to a vapor and transferring the converted fuel and air mixture into a combustion chamber is provided. The device includes a vacuum chamber formed as a cylindrical housing wall having a longitudinal axis with at least one fuel inlet in the housing wall and a fuel outlet in the housing wall offset from the inlet. An eccentrically mounted cylindrical rotor is provided within the housing wall for rotation about a longitudinal axis about bearings mounted in opposite end walls. The rotor has one or more radial slots and a generally rectangular vane slidably received in each of the slots. Each vane is urged outwardly against the housing wall when the rotor is rotated.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improvement is provided in an annular orthodontic band for encircling the crown of a molar or bicuspid tooth wherein an antitip rest extends inwardly from a location along the mesial portion of the occlusal edge for a distance which is sufficient for the rest to be engageable with the occlusal surface of the tooth to prevent the mesial side of the band from sliding past the mesial ridge of the tooth. Additional antitip rests can be provided along the occlusal edge of one or more of the buccal, lingual and distal portions of the band for additional bodily support for proper positioning of the band. A ledge can be provided on the band for engagement by an instrument to seat the band on the tooth. A ball hook can be positioned on the gingival side of the ledge of a band for an upper tooth.

Abstract: A laparoscopic fixation, repair and ligation suture; and device has a central passageway with first and second parallel channels on opposite sides thereof. A suture extends through the central channel passageway and has a loop with a slip knot on the distal end and a pull on the proximal end. By pulling on the pull the loop can be drawn tightly about a tissue to be ligated. A nesting tube is provided in one channel to receive a suture needle attached to a loopless suture to easily suture to a body cavity wall. In another form, a tapered handle frictionally receives a suture needle attached to a looped and slip knotted suture to repair a tear or rupture in a body part by suturing through one or more laparoscopies without tying ligature knots inside the body cavity. In a third form, a curved carrying device in one channel and a ligation assist device in the other channel permits ligation of large vessels attached to a body part by fibrous tissue.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube intubation assist device in which all endoscope is utilized to provide a visual image as an aid in performing the intubation of an endotracheal tube within a patient's trachea. The assist device includes a handle, a malleable elongated insertion section and an endoscope assembly having a viewing end mounted within the insertion section to provide a visual image of the trachea. In use, the endotracheal tube is placed around the insertion section and removably attached to the handle for insertion into the trachea. The malleable insertion section can be bent by the attending medical personnel for providing a custom fit for the patient at hand. The handle of the assist device is also formed with an oxygen supply conduit for supplying oxygen to the patient during the intubation process. Additionally, the handle includes a suction port for attaching a suction tube for evacuation of the trachea during the intubation process.

Abstract: A brush has bristles that tilt laterally out in a first position and tilt laterally in in a second position and are moved back and forth between the two positions to provide a brushing action. The bristles shown are mounted on a flexible membrane that is in an outwardly extending convex configuration to dispose the bristles in the first position and in an inwardly extending convex configuration to dispose the bristles in the second position. A bladder filled with a non-compressible fluid and an electric solenoid are used to move the flexible membrane between the two positions in a continuous cycle.

Abstract: A steerable sheath for use with one of several optical catheters is provided to be positioned in a passageway leading to a body cavity of a patient for observation and/or treatment. The apparatus includes an elongated, deformable, hollow body having a distal end and a proximal end. An optical catheter is removably extendable through the body and has a distal end which is alignable with the distal end of the body and a proximal end extendable outwardly beyond the proximal end of the body. An articulatable hollow, cylindrical member is provided within the sheath body at the distal end thereof and extends along the sheath body for a short distance toward the proximal end. A first generally cylindrical yoke is pivotally mounted about an axis at the proximal end of the sheath body. The proximal ends of a first pair of wires which extend longitudinally within the sheath body from the distal end thereof to the proximal end are attached to the first yoke and offset 90.degree. from the first yoke axis.

Abstract: An electronic fuel injector control is provided for selectively activating fuel injectors for introducing macroscopic liquid fuel droplets into the vacuum chamber of a device for converting fuel into microscopic fuel droplets and fuel vapor. The control has a rotatably mounted rotor shaft, connectable to the rotor in the vacuum chamber and fuel conversion signal device to provide first periodic signal pulses responsive to the angular rotational position of the rotor shaft. Engine sensor electronics is responsive to input signals from engine sensors indicative of engine condition and is further responsive to an output signal pulse from the fuel conversion signal device each time the vane sweeps past the fuel injector. A sensor is provided which is responsive to the desired angular position of the engine crankshaft to provide second periodic signal pulses.