Abstract: A logic selection circuit for selectively matching the transistor logic type of a first interfacing circuit with the transistor logic type of a second interfacing circuit. The logic selection circuit comprises a circuit latching means which latches the level of voltage signal present at the second interfacing circuit while receiving a signal from the first interfacing circuit. The logic selection circuit further comprises both an NPN transistor and a PNP transistor to ensure that the transistor logic type of the first interfacing circuit and the transistor logic type of the second interfacing circuit may be properly matched. The logic selection circuit disclosed may be utilized in a conventional magnetic proximity sensor which helps to control the movement of a piston within a cylinder.

Abstract: A system for making multi-site skin tests primarily for use by allergists making use of a multi-head applicator and a matching multi-well dipwell tray. The applicator has an elongated handle with arms extending transversely from opposite sides having downwardly extending legs terminating in multi-pointed ends or heads capable of picking up and retaining small quantities of liquid skin-testing substances. The multi-point ends or heads occupy the same plane and are arrayed in a pattern suited for simultaneously making multi-site skin tests. The applicator cooperates with a multi-well dipwell tray with a plurality of dipwells arrayed in patterns which match the pattern in which the multi-pointed ends or heads on the cooperating applicator are arrayed. The volume of testing substance or medicament in a dipwell will equal many times the volume of a single dose or increment that is picked up by one of the multi-pointed ends or heads on an applicator.

Abstract: Dilatation balloons and catheters including same are provided. The balloons are fabricated of a material such as a nylon or a polyamide material, and they have an inflated, non-distended working profile as well as a stretched inflated profile which is achieved by applying pressure through a dilatation catheter or the like that is in excess of that needed to achieve the inflated, non-distended profile and which is adequate to effect dilatation or the like up to a maximum pre-bursting pressure application. The maximum pre-bursting size of the balloon can be tailored depending upon the needs of the particular balloon within a wide range of possible maximum pre-bursting sizes.

Abstract: Lubricious silicone surface modifying treatments and/or coatings for modifying the frictional or slip surface characteristics of shaped elastomeric articles are provided in surface modifications including a coating or surface modifying composition comprising: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from unsubstituted and halogen-substituted aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic and alkyl aromatic groups having less than or equal to about ten carbon atoms, R.sup.1 is independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, alkoxy and acyloxy groups, R.sup.2 is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl and halogen-substituted alkyl groups, n is an integer of 1 to 3 inclusive, and m=3-n. The cured, highly crosslinked, three dimensional silicone coatings are effective at reducing the coefficient of friction of surfaces of shaped elastomeric articles, such as those frequently used in medical devices, by a factors of from about 50% to about 80% as compared with the same uncoated substrates.

Abstract: A protective foam cushion-making apparatus dispenses reactive foam components into an interior space between two panels of plastic film to form protective foam cushions. The apparatus includes a supply of plastic film and a film a driving assembly, such as two pliable rollers. A foam component dispensing assembly is interposed between the film panels and injects reactive foam components into the interior space where they are mixed together to form a mass of expandable foam. The plastic film forms a flexible mixing chamber in the area between the two pliable rollers in which the reactive foam components are mixed together after they are dispensed from the foam dispensing assembly.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for mounting a monitoring device to an electrical cable includes a core assembly formed by a plurality of laminations secured together and arranged in a generally rectangular configuration. A spring spanning the core is anchored at one end to the core at a point near the housing of the monitoring device and at the other end is attached to a bridging member affixed at the opposite end of the core near the housing. This allows the spring to expand less as it transverses the bridge in order to accommodate different power cable diameters.

Abstract: A seating apparatus is provided which has a seating surface that tilts in a full-circle manner, the tilting being controlled so as to be adequate to allow the person seated on the apparatus to change the alignment of body muscles and skeletal members, while avoiding a degree of movement which would be excessive, potentially uncomfortable and/or possibly disruptive. The apparatus can incorporate a ball-and-socket arrangement which provides for the full circle tilting while also incorporating an appropriate stop surface for preventing excessive tilting along the full-circle rotation orientations. When used for extended periods of time, the seating apparatus improves, rather than detrimentally affects, muscle tone and flexibility, while also reducing risk of back injury and muscle stiffness due to prolonged sitting.

Abstract: A supply feedstock intended for use in a workpiece finishing machine wherein individual workpieces are successively separated and presented in a predetermined fashion to an automated loading means. The feedstock includes a plurality of individual workpieces arranged in side-by-side order in the form of a continuous belt, or bandolier, of workpieces, each of the workpieces being interconnected at head and tail portions of the workpieces by integral webs, successive workpieces being trimmed from the bandolier and presented to a loading means, while the separated webs are discharged to waste.

Abstract: An endoluminal graft which is both expandable and supportive is provided either in a longitudinal form or in a bifurcated form. The graft expands between a first diameter and a second, larger diameter. The support component is an expandable stent endoprosthesis. A cover, liner, or a liner, or both a cover and a liner are applied to the endoprosthesis in the form of a stretchable wall material that is porous, elastomeric and biocompatible in order to allow normal cellular invasion upon implantation, without stenosis, when the expandable and supportive graft is at its second diameter. Preferably, the elastomeric wall material is a polycarbonate urethane.

Abstract: A percutaneous line ablation catheter is provided for ablating maze-like patterns on the surface of the heart of a patient through line ablation procedure. Typically, the catheter will include an internal electrode at its distal portion that is rendered electrically conductive by ion process deposition of the polymeric material of its shaft with a metallic material or materials. An external electrode typically will be placed on the outside surface of the patient's body, and a conductive circuit connected between the external electrode and the internal electrode to develop an electrical circuit through the patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a significantly improved therapeutic tool for radiation therapy in or near body cavities accessible through existing orifices. At least one therapeutic balloon of a catheter and balloon assembly is inflated by fluid communication through the catheter. Several embodiments provide radiation therapy, at times in association with one or more of formation of seals, control of movement, nutrient passage and drainage. The radiation therapy is provided by means of rods or other radiotherapeutic items secured, positioned or inserted along the contour of the surface of the therapeutic balloon and which are thus deployed to treatment position by balloon inflation.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided which includes a flexible tube on one end of which a balloon is mounted to be inflated by means of the tube, which balloon has an annular restriction in its middle region in a plane approximately perpendicular to the tube axis. The balloon is produced in the form of a bag inside which the end of the tube is engaged, the opening of the bag being fixed to the outer wall of the tube, and the distal end of the balloon projects beyond the distal tip of the catheter tube to provide a cushioning region at the tip of the catheter assembly. A procedure for making the balloon is also described.

Abstract: A compact disc storage case for storing a compact disc includes a base portion with a disc-receiving recess formed therein and a manually manipulated sliding cover that overlies the recess. The cover is bifurcated and has a cover portion and a sliding portion interconnected by a hinge. Movement of the sliding portion raises the cover portion and causes a disc-lifting mechanism to lift the disc partially out of the recess.