Abstract: In an exercise apparatus a rigid frame includes upper and lower back supports pivotally connected in axial alignment. Upper and lower back support pads are mounted on the rigid frame for supporting a user in a reclined position with the weight of the user providing resistance to the exercises. Leverage arms are mounted at the head end of the upper back support. The leverage arms extend above the rigid frame such that the free ends thereof may be grasped by the user while performing abdominal exercises. The lower back support includes handles extending outwardly from the foot end thereof for grasping by the user while performing glute exercises. A thigh pad is mounted on the upper end of a lever arm pivotally attached to the foot end of the lower back support. Upon pushing the thigh pad by the user, the foot end of the rigid frame is raised along with the body of the user. Abdominal curls or crunching exercises are performed by grasping the leverage arms and pulling up the upper back support.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved frozen beverage dispenser overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. Not only is the beverage dispenser relatively simple to construct and maintain, but it also provides an exceptionally fast freeze down time and accurate monitoring and control of the thickness of the slush dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the invention. The components of the beverage dispenser of the invention are housed within a compact housing incorporating solid state design with few mechanical moving parts. The closed loop system includes an evaporator, heat exchanger, condenser, compressor, and a filter/dryer. A tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a cylindrical mixing chamber having a rotatable beater bar located therein. The beater bar is coupled to a direct drive control system which monitors and controls the thickness of the slush formed in the mixing cylinder.

Abstract: An automatic beverage dispenser shut off system for a beverage dispenser includes a housing for a closed loop refrigeration system. A retaining tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a mixing cylinder having a rotatable beater bar mounted therein. The beater bar is coupled to a motor. The retaining tank cover is in actuating contact with a shut off switch in the power circuit of the beverage dispenser. Removal of the retaining tank cover automatically actuates the shut off switch and cuts off all power to the beverage dispenser.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus comprises a chilling compartment within a housing enclosing the chilling compartment and a refrigeration system for directing cold air into the chilling compartment. Cold air enters the chilling compartment through a plurality of inlet nozzles located in the walls of the compartment housing. A chilled air manifold connects the inlet nozzles to the refrigeration system. A control circuit includes an air temperature controller for selectively setting the air temperature. A timer and on/off controls are incorporated in the control circuit. A moisture sensor monitors the moisture of the chilled air flowing into the chilling compartment and terminates air flow into the compartment when the moisture in the air exceeds a predetermined level. The moisture on the drier bed is removed during a regeneration cycle, which directs hot air flow through a drier for reducing the water content to an acceptable level on the drier bed contents.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved frozen beverage dispenser overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. Not only is the beverage dispenser relatively simple to construct and maintain, but it also provides an exceptionally fast freeze down time and accurate monitoring and control of the thickness of the slush dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the invention. The components of the beverage dispenser of the invention are housed within a compact housing incorporating solid state design with few mechanical moving parts. The closed loop system includes an evaporator, heat exchanger, condenser, compressor, and a filter/dryer. A tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a cylindrical mixing chamber having a rotatable beater bar located therein. The beater bar is coupled to a direct drive control system which monitors and controls the thickness of the slush formed in the mixing cylinder.

Abstract: A stent or vascular graft for supporting a blood vessel or organ lumen is coated with a biodegradable, resorbable and hemocompatible surface substrate. Biologically active microspheres which controllably release the biologically active agent into the vessel wall or organ to inhibit restenosis of the stent is embedded in the stent substrate. The biologically active microspheres include encapsulated PGE1 in a water soluble polyethylene glycol mix, which over a period of time dissolves and releases the PGE1 into the vessel wall or organ.

Abstract: In a tension-leg mooring system a production platform supporting one or more decks above the water surface for accommodating equipment to process oil, gas, and water recovered from a subsea hydrocarbon formation is mounted on a single water surface piercing column formed by one or more buoyancy tanks located below the water surface. The surface piercing column includes a base structure comprising three or more pontoons extending radially outwardly from the bottom of the surface piercing column. The production platform is secured to the seabed by one or more tendons per pontoon which are secured to the pontoons at one end and anchored to foundation piles embedded in the seabed at the other end.

Abstract: In an apparatus for forming concrete pathways, a mold includes a plurality of openings for receiving concrete therein. The mold openings define separate and distinct concrete cavities. Concrete pathways, are formed by placing the mold of the invention on a surface for receiving the concrete in the concrete cavities. Upon removal of the mold, the concrete segments retain the shape of the mold cavities and are slightly separated from each other. The procedure is repeated to form a pathway of a desired length and configuration.

Abstract: An offshore production platform includes one or more decks supported above the water surface for accommodating equipment to process oil, gas, and water recovered from subsea hydrocarbon formations. The decks are supported on surface piercing columns which are mounted on a support platform substructure, secured to the seabed by tubular piles driven below the mudline through skirt pile sleeves located at the respective corners of the substructure and connected to the substructure by grouting or mechanical means. The base of the platform includes an open framework permitting the platform to be placed over a well template, through which one or more wells may be drilled.

Abstract: A distal atherectomy catheter is disclosed for removing obstructions, plaque, stenosis, occlusions, or the like from an artery or coronary vessel. The catheter comprises a flexible, hollow catheter tube. A cutting element is located within a cylindrical housing mounted at the distal end of the catheter tube. The cutting element is connected to a hollow, flexible drive shaft concentrically located within the catheter tube. The cutting element housing includes a side opening window or port providing access to the interior of the housing. An idler shaft journaled about the drive shaft provides a non-rotating surface adjacent the cutting element. An annular return passage is defined between the catheter tube and the flexible drive shaft providing a discharge passage communicating with external aspirating means for collection of cuttings removed by the cutting element from the artery or coronary vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved frozen beverage dispenser overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. Not only is the beverage dispenser relatively simple to construct and maintain, but it also provides an exceptionally fast freeze down time and accurate monitoring and control of the thickness of the slush dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the invention. The components of the beverage dispenser of the invention are housed within a compact housing incorporating solid state design with few mechanical moving parts. The closed loop system includes an evaporator, heat exchanger, condenser, compressor, and a filter/dryer. A tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a cylindrical mixing chamber having a rotatable beater bar located therein. The beater bar is coupled to a direct drive control system which monitors and controls the thickness of the slush formed in the mixing cylinder.

Abstract: A distal intravascular filter is disclosed for filtering blood flow therethrough and entrapping and retaining embolic debris. The intravascular filter including a small diameter hollow guide wire or tube capable of percutaneous placement of the distal end thereof beyond a carotid stenosis. The distal portion of the tube includes a filter mounted thereon. The filter is deployable from a tightly closed configuration to an open circumference for blocking the unfiltered flow of blood beyond the carotid stenosis. The filter is deployable between open and closed positions by manipulation of an actuating wire extending from the filter and out the proximal end of the tube.

Abstract: An offshore production platform includes one or more decks supported above the water surface for accommodating equipment to process oil, gas, and water recovered from subsea hydrocarbon formations. The decks are supported on four surface piercing columns which are mounted on a support platform substructure, secured to the seabed by tubular piles driven below the mudline through skirt pile sleeves located at the respective corners of the substructure and connected to the substructure by grouting or mechanical means. The base of the platform includes an open framework permitting the platform to be placed over a well template, through which one or more wells may be drilled.

Abstract: A multicylinder, double acting improved mud pump is disclosed. The preferred embodiment incorporates a hydraulic powered piston in a cylinder which connects with a piston rod which, in turn, drives a second piston in a cylinder adapted to pump fluid mud. The first piston is driven by hydraulic oil delivered under pressure to intake manifolds through an independently driven valving apparatus which times the delivery of the hydraulic fluid for the main power stroke and further times the discharge of the hydraulic fluid for the return secondary power stroke, the system being controlled independently of piston action in timing of multiple pistons in multiple cylinders by the valve system. Additionally an intake valve delivers fluid mud at lower pressure on the intake side of the mud compression piston, and an outlet valve transverses with the piston rod to direct the outlet mud flow.

Abstract: An cover for protecting a trailer hitch ball or box beam comprises a resilient body having a wiring connector integrally formed therewith. Moisture, dirt and physical damage of the trailer hitch ball is minimized through use of the protective cover.