Abstract: Systems for ablating tissue control radiofrequency power to an ablation electrode by relying upon actual phase sensitive power measurements, unaffected by phase shifts between radiofrequency voltage and current. The systems also detect these phase differences, if they develop, and integrate this factor in making their control decisions.

Abstract: A seeder comprises a coulter assembly (13) operable to cut stubble/grass in a series of parallel lines in the first stage of forming a plurality of parallel rows of seed beds. The coulter assembly (13) comprises a plurality of coulters (21) and is operable to rotate the coulters (21) in a series of parallel circular paths around a central axis at a rate that is sufficient, relative to the forward direction of the seeder, so that the coulters (21) in each circular path make multiple cuts to the same section of ground surface in each parallel line.

Abstract: A putter for enabling marking a ball on the green by dropping a marking disk behind the ball without bending over simply by placing the putter head over the ball and releasing a marking disk from a magnet located under the putter in a position where by the ball trips the marker disk on entry into the opening on the putter head. The circular hollow retains the ball thus completing the marking process without the usual bending over and marking with the hand and fingers of the golfer. Three magnets are used in the functions of this putter invention. One magnet holds the disk marker in storage on the top back portion of the putter. Another magnet performs the trip marking as stated above. A third magnet allows the option of marking a ball by placing the marker disk on a frontal magnet on the bottom of the putter just behind the putter face allowing the golfer to place the putter behind the ball pinching the marker between the grass and the magnet.

Abstract: A presence detector for detecting the presence of a heat source, including a motion detector having a predetermined field of view. The motion detector is activated by movement of a heat source a certain minimum amount within that predetermined field of view. An actuator is provided for moving the motion detector sufficient to change the position of the field of view by at least that minimum amount. The actuator includes a shape memory alloy wire. The motion detector is movably or rotatably mounted to a support. The actuator is connected at one end to the motion detector and at the other to the support. The actuator also includes a biasing or return spring for re-stretching the shape memory alloy wire back to its original length once it has contracted. A strain relief spring is also provided, having a spring rate substantially higher than that of the return spring, for relieving strain on the shape memory alloy wire in case the detector rotatable mounting seizes or otherwise is prevented from moving freely.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for ornamenting hair. A portion of hair is selected to be decorated. A portion of the length of each of a plurality of floss threads is then braided into the selected portion of hair, thereby forming a base cord. An adhesive is applied to the outside surface of the base cord. Then the balance of each floss thread is tied and wrapped about the base cord and adhesive. One thread at a time is wrapped and tied, for a number of loops, with the other threads being included inside the wrapping and loops for that number of loops. This tying and wrapping is continued until a desired length, changing which thread is being looped and tied after every predetermined number of loops. Optionally, beads and/or rondles, or other decorations, may be applied to the base cord and threads among the loops. Once the floss threads are looped and tied to the desired length, all of the ends of the floss threads are tied into a single knot. Any threads then extending beyond the single knot are then cut off.

Abstract: A sparging well borehole has a single pipe extending downwardly in it. The lower end of the pipe terminates in the saturated zone and has orifices for discharging pressurized gas, usually air, which is injected into the saturated zone to liberate volatiles. A layer of impervious material is in the bore hole above the orifices and the hole is filled to the top from above the impervious layer with a porous material. A dome is positioned at the upper end of the borehole with an opening in the dome over the borehole. The dome is connected to a vacuum source to cause the vapor that is produced in the saturated zone and that is induced to migrate through the vadose zone and permeate the porous material in the borehole to be accumulated in the negative pressure interior of the sealed dome and collected for treatment by way of a piping system.

Abstract: An improved cell for removal of silver ions from a liquid such as used photographic fixer includes a container having enclosed side and bottom walls. Fluid flow inlets and outlets for the flow of a liquid into and out of said cell are provided at opposite ends of the container. A layer of iron-containing material is positioned between the inlet and the outlet, and a layer of pellets, preferably spherical, having a density greater than water, is positioned above the layer of iron-containing material so that the iron-containing material is continuously compressed by the weight of the pellets, thereby avoiding formation of voids in the material as it is consumed.

Abstract: A method and associated tool joins all types of parted wire fencing material. The method and tool allow one person to quickly create a permanent splice that unites the parted wire while restoring tension to the parted wire lengths. Following the method, the tension remains when the tool is released from the splice. The result is a taut splice, with no sag or slack.

Abstract: A mechanism that automatically locks a movable storage unit against closure of an aisle between the unit and a blocking object such as a facing movable or stationary storage unit or wall, while permitting continued opening of the aisle, without any electrical controls. A ratcheting device, such as a pawl and a toothed wheel, is shiftable between a ratcheting state permitting movement of the movable storage unit only away from the facing storage unit or wall, and a non-ratcheting state permitting movement of the unit in either direction. The mechanism includes a bar biased toward the facing storage unit or wall, and a drive shaft rotated by the bar and driving a cam block to shift the pawl from its non-ratcheting state to its ratcheting state due to the movable storage unit having moved away from the facing storage unit or wall by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A combination catheter for both detecting monophasic action potentials and ablating surface tissue in an in vivo heart of a patient is provided. The apparatus includes a catheter probe having a terminal tip portion and an electrode carried on the tip such that a portion of the tip electrode is exposed to ambient. A reference electrode is spaced along the tip from the first electrode for supplying a reference potential signal. An ablating electrode is located adjacent to but electrically insulated from both the tip and reference electrodes for providing electromagnetic energy to the tip. The electrodes are electrically connected to the proximal end of the catheter through individual conductors or wires that run through an insulated cable. An electronic filter is provided to permit the recording of MAPs during ablation without radiofrequency interference. The catheter may also include standard mapping and/or pacing electrodes.

Abstract: An avionic tray has a base plate for supporting a line replaceable unit (LRU) and a plenum beneath and substantially coextensive in length with the base plate to provide for discharge of coolant air from the plenum into the LRU. The base plate has an opening leading to the plenum and the cylindrical casing of a motor driven fan is coupled to the base over the hole for air from the fan to be discharged into the plenum. The outlet end of a ram tube is coupled coaxially with the fan casing to increase the volume that would be delivered without the ram tube. The inlet end of the ram tube is preferably cut at an angle relative to a plane to which the axis of the tube is perpendicular so the inlet is elliptical rather than circular. The fan is mounted to a special transition adapter in some cases. The adapter is configured to provide a clearance space for cables that run out of the rear side of a connector block on whose front side connector prongs on the LRU are inserted.

Abstract: An electrode tip assembly attachable to the end of a catheter for supporting a tip electrode for percutaneous insertion into a living body having a steering mechanism includes an elongated body bendable in response to external forces to steer the tip electrode. The body is connected at its distal end to the tip electrode. At least one steering wire is attached to the elongated body for transmitting bending force to the body from a remote control mechanism. An movable stiffening member, preferably in the form of a sleeve or rod provides a variable fulcrum for bending of the body in response to an applied bending force. A control stylet or sleeve extends through the catheter and is attached to the stiffening member for moving the stiffening member in a distal/proximal direction or for rotating it relative to the body.

Abstract: A steering mechanism including a steering shaft coupled to a controller which includes a handle and apparatus for manipulating the distal end of the steering shaft. The steering shaft includes a flexible coiled spring having a lead spring fixed in position with respect to a distal end thereof in the distal end of the steering shaft. One or more steering wires is affixed at the distal ends thereof to the lead spring. The steering wires extend through the steering shaft to the controller, and the steering apparatus of the controller is used to place tension on one or both of the steering wires. The attachment of the distal ends of the steering wires to the lead spring may be opposite one another or may be offset for providing greater maneuverability.

Abstract: Two thin sheets of material have slits to define coplanar flaps that are configured and arranged in conformity with segments of a segmental display such as a seven-segment digital display. The layers are superimposed such that corresponding segments are superimposed. The layers have contrasting colors. Applying a force against the overlying flap in a segment causes the overlying and underlying flaps to deflect in the same direction for the outer edges of the flaps to pass each other. When the force is removed the flaps restore to positions that are substantially coplanar with the layers in which they are formed. When the flap in the overlying layer is coplanar with its layer that flap and, hence, the segment is not visible because there is no contrast between the flap and the layer being viewed. When the flap of the underlying layer is caused to switch over the flap in the overlying layer there is contrast between the flap and the overlying layer so the segment represented by the flap is visible.

Abstract: A fluid flow control assembly for controlling the flow of fluids to and from a number of tanks, and for controlling the communication of that flow. Raw material, product, CIP solution and drain conduits pass near to the tanks. The fluid flow control assembly which is the subject of this invention includes three sets of valves. One set of valves regulates the flow of raw materials from the first conduit into the tanks. Another set of valves regulates the flow of product out of the tanks into the second conduit. A third set of valves regulates the flow of CIP solution out of the tanks into the third conduit. Each set of valves prevents flow of fluid into or out of its respective conduit when desired, such that one of the tanks can be being filled at the same time another of the tanks is being emptied of product and a third one of the tanks is being flushed with CIP solution.

Abstract: A catheter carries a functional component, like an ablating electrode, having a predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter also electronically retains an identification code that uniquely identifies the predetermined operating characteristic. The catheter is capable of transmitting the identification code to an external reader in response to a predetermined prompt. An associated apparatus, like an ablating energy source, reads the identification code and compares it to predetermined operating criteria. The apparatus will not permit interaction with the functional catheter component, if the identification code indicates that the functional characteristics of the catheter are not suited for the intended interaction. The catheter can also store usage information, to prevent reuse.

Abstract: A device for testing the mass airflow sensor for a motor vehicle provides for connecting the positive and negative terminals of dc source to the corresponding positive and negative terminals on the mass airflow sensor. A circuit comprised of an LED and a resistor connected in series has one end connected to the positive terminal of the dc source and another end connected to the signal output terminal of the MAF sensor during a test. If, after the tester is connected to the dc source and to the MAF sensor the LED does not flash at all or burns continuously, it is a first indication of a defective MAF sensor. Because the flash or pulse rate of the signals driving the LED are too fast for visual counting, a tachometer or frequency meter is connected between the LED circuit and the negative terminal of the dc source. The meter needle deflects on a scale calibrated in terms of frequency or engine rpm which quantities are both related to mass airflow.

Abstract: Improved corrosion preventive pigment grade zinc cyanamide suitable for protective coatings is prepared by providing a hydrated slurry of finely divided, dispersed basic zinc carbonate, mixing with said slurry a stabilized soluble aqueous solution of hydrogen cyanamide to form zinc cyanamide having a crystalline structure characterized by the presence of an intense IR absorption spectral band at 2200 cm.sup.-1 and the substantial absence of component bands at 2050 cm.sup.-1 and 700 cm.sup.-1.

Abstract: The viewing angle and illumination intensity of windows and indicator panels are improved by printing the legends associated with indicator windows on a clear plastic sheet. An opaque ink having a color that contrasts with the color of the printed matter is coated on the backside of the panel with suitable masking so that transparent windows are defined in the panel. A clear tinted ink is coated on the background color coating to impart color to the windows. The next coat is a transparent ink, which contains a white reflective and light-dispersing pigment that makes it translucent. Finally, a coat of a transparent ink is applied and it is cured to produce a textured effect which contributes to the light scattering and diffusing process performed by the white pigment such that when a window is illuminated from the backside, it can be visualized along an optical axis which is almost parallel with the plane of the panel.