Abstract: A deployable gurney ramp assembly with a retractable ramp deployment apparatus having two deployment tracks extending parallel, parallel first and second base tracks terminating in stops, the deployment tracks slidably engage the base tracks, with ramp guides slidably pivotally engaging a ramp at the end permitting the ramp to pivot when raised or lowered. Extension devices are utilized to advance the deployment ramps and the ramp guides.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting apparatus includes a main hydraulic cylinder and main hydraulic circuit operatively connected to the main hydraulic cylinder. First and second spaced apart follower hydraulic cylinders are also provided. A hydraulic lifting system includes first and second lift towers. Each lift tower includes a main hydraulic cylinder, a main hydraulic circuit, and at least one follower hydraulic cylinder. A follower hydraulic circuit is operatively connected to the at least one follower hydraulic cylinder. A lifting beam spans between the first and second lift towers. The main hydraulic cylinder of each tower is positioned along the beam axis.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting apparatus includes a main hydraulic cylinder and main hydraulic circuit operatively connected to the main hydraulic cylinder. First and second spaced apart follower hydraulic cylinders are also provided. A hydraulic lifting system includes first and second lift towers. Each lift tower includes a main hydraulic cylinder, a main hydraulic circuit, and at least one follower hydraulic cylinder. A follower hydraulic circuit is operatively connected to the at least one follower hydraulic cylinder. A lifting beam spans between the first and second lift towers. The main hydraulic cylinder of each tower is positioned along the beam axis.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated wedge lock system provides a releasable mechanical lock between telescoping boom segments. Each wedge lock mechanism includes a stationary backing wedge block that defines an angled smooth surface. A stationary shaft and piston is supported generally parallel to the backing wedge block. A slidable wedge block biased by a spring to a locked position is supported for reciprocal movement on the shaft along the angled smooth surface. Hydraulic fluid urges the slidable wedge block against the bias of the spring to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated valve fit to a tubing string for alternately closing to communicate fluids from a wellbore to the tubing string and opening to communicate fluids from a wellbore annulus to the tubing string. The valve is particularly useful for lifting liquids which accumulate in the tubing string when the reservoir has a diminished pressure. In this case, gas is accumulated in the wellbore annulus and when the valve is opened the gas enters the valve and is directed to the tubing string for lifting the liquids. The valve is closed by a spring and has a closing-assist which applies an additional force to the spring to ensure the valve is fully closed.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated wedge lock system is disclosed to provide a releasable mechanical lock between relatively movable telescoping boom segments. Each wedge lock mechanism includes a backing wedge block connected to a relatively stationary boom segment It defines an angled smooth surface. A stationary shaft is supported generally parallel to the angled surface of the backing wedge block with a stationary piston secured to the shaft at an end. A slidable wedge block is supported for reciprocal movement on the angled surface. It includes a bore having a closed end defining a receptacle between the end and the stationary piston; and, a compression spring is disposed in the receptacle biased to urge the closed end of the bore away from the stationary piston. The end of the bore is closed with a gland to define a chamber with the piston. A port is provided to supply hydraulic fluid to urge the slidable wedge block against the bias of the spring.

Abstract: The wellbore pump of the present invention comprises a plunger having passage means which may be open or closed by a valve operated by a piston which is biased in the open position by a spring of selected strength such that the wellbore pressure may overcome the spring to close the valve when the accumulated hydrostatic pressure reaches a certain value. When the valve closes the reservoir pressure forces the plunger to the surface and causes the accumulated liquids to be pumped out of the wellbore. A stem extending from the top of the piston engages a top plate and causes the valve to open when the plunger reaches the top of the wellbore. Means is provided whereby the valve opens when it reaches the top of the wellbore and a latch may be provided to retain the plunger from returning to the bottom of the well.

Abstract: The wellbore pump of the present invention comprises a plunger having passage means which may be open or closed by a valve operated by a piston which is biased in the open position by a spring of selected strength such that the wellbore pressure may overcome the spring to close the valve when the accumulated hydrostatic pressure reaches a certain value. When the valve closes the reservoir pressure forces the plunger to the surface and causes the accumulated liquids to be pumped out of the wellbore. A stem extending from the top of the piston engages a top plate and causes the valve to open when the plunger reaches the top of the wellbore. Means is provided whereby the valve opens when it reaches the top of the wellbore and a latch may be provided to retain the plunger from returning to the bottom of the well.

Abstract: The wellbore pump of the present invention comprises a plunger having passage means which may be open or closed by a valve operated by a piston which is biased in the open position by a spring of selected strength such that the wellbore pressure may overcome the spring to close the valve when the accumulated hydrostatic pressure reaches a certain value. When the valve closes the reservoir pressure forces the plunger to the surface and causes the accumulated liquids to be pumped out of the wellbore. A stem extending from the top of the piston engages a top plate and causes the valve to open when the plunger reaches the top of the wellbore. Means is provided whereby the valve opens when it reaches the top of the wellbore and a latch may be provided to retain the plunger from returning to the bottom of the well.

Abstract: A slant hole pumping unit includes a base mounting a support structure. A drive system is mounted on the support structure and is connected to a bridle strap assembly for reciprocating same. A constraint link assembly includes a lower end pivotally connected to the base and an upper end engaging the bridle strap assembly for constraining the movement thereof to an arc defined by the pivotal movement of the bridle strap assembly.

Abstract: A high pressure, low volume hydraulic lift system and a method for retrofitting a low pressure high volume lift system are provided. The lift system includes a low pressure high volume (LPHV) casing within which is mounted a high pressure ram. The ram is equipped to move a plunger in an axial direction with respect to the casing, without the need for any further reinforcement of the existing casing. The method for retrofitting is effected by removing the pre-existing structure of the LPHV system, cutting a hole in the upper portion of the pre-existing casing, and draining all hydraulic fluid. Thereafter, the pre-existing gland flange and plunger are removed. A high pressure low volume hydraulic cylinder and associated hydraulic line, are then installed in the casing of the pre-existing system. The bottom of the high pressure hydraulic cylinder is mechanically locked to the base of the pre-existing outer casing.

Abstract: A method of retrofit includes the steps of removing the pre-existing superstructure of the lift system. A hole is then cut in the encasement securing the upper portion of the pre-existing casing. Thereafter, all hydraulic fluid is drained. Thereafter, the pre-existing gland flange is removed. The old plunger is also removed. After the same has been accomplished, there is then provided a high pressure low volume hydraulic cylinder and associated hydraulic line, all of which is positioned within the casing of the pre-existing system. The bottom of the high pressure hydraulic cylinder is mechanically locked to the base of the pre-existing outer casing. A new pump and hydraulic lines are then installed. A new plunger is then added to the new hydraulic cylinder and, with it, an appropriate bearing and guide mechanism which uses the pre-existing casing as an outer guide means for the new plunger.

Abstract: An automotive lift system includes an environment-defining enclosure having an upwardly directed mouth positioned substantially at work level of the system, the enclosure defining both a longitudinal and a transverse axis. The lift system also includes an in-ground anchoring of the enclosure relative to reactive forces generated by vehicles during lifting by the system, the anchoring disposed substantially at the work level and about the mouth of the enclosure. A rigid support frame is secured upon inner annular surfaces of the anchoring, defining a rigid horizontal plane at the mouth of the enclosure and co-parallel with it. Vertically-oriented cylindrical collars are secured to opposite longitudinal ends of the support frame. Further, a vertically oriented elongated screw drive having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end including an annular thrust bearing, is positioned at about the level of the support frame.

Abstract: An over-the-wire balloon catheter for use in angioplasty includes a proximal single lumen shaft and a multilumen distal portion on which an inflatable balloon is mounted. The lumen of the shaft acts as a combined inflation lumen and guide wire lumen. In the multilumen distal portion, a distal inflation lumen connects the combined lumen with the interior of the balloon, while the distal guide wire lumen extends through the balloon to provide a passage for a guide wire.

Abstract: An automotive screw lift system includes a front below ground level cavity having a first depth below a surface level. A track element is secured across a mouth of the front cavity proximally to the front surface level. A trolley is provided which is proportioned for slidable longitudinal movement within the track of the front cavity. Further provided is a rear below ground level cavity having a depth greater than the first depth of the front cavity, the rear cavity disposed along a given longitudinal axis relative to the front cavity. Yet further provided is a cavity enclosure secured upon a top opening of the rear cavity, the enclosure positioned beneath the surface level. Within the front and rear below ground cavities are provided front and rear screw lift assemblies each having a length less than the first depth of the first cavity, each of the lift assemblies having upper ends having flanges selectably interfaceable with either of the trolley or the rear enclosure.

Abstract: A Y-adaptor manifold assembly includes a main tubular segment adapted to be coupled to an intravascular catheter. A first, tubular side port is joined to the main tubular segment so as to be in fluid communication with a through passage of the main tubular member. The first side port forms an infusion port for radiopaque dye. A second, tubular side port is joined to the main tubular segment so as to be in fluid communication with a through passage of the main tubular member. The second side port and main tubular segment are adapted to receive dilatation catheters. To prevent backbleeding, the second side port and main tubular segment include passive hemostatic valve mechanisms. Each valve mechanism includes a valve member and a disk valve. The valve member has a normally closed, sealed state, an open state and an in-use sealed state. The valve member has an inherent tendency to move to its normally closed, sealed state or its in-use state (wherein the valve member conforms about the dilatation catheter).

Abstract: An automotive lift system includes a longitudinal series of transverse pairs of left and right rigid lifting legs, neither any legs of said pairs of legs nor any longitudinally successive legs having any on-ground connection therebetween, each of the legs having a top and a bottom, each bottom of each leg having, pivotally secured to it, a planer base which is anchored upon an on-ground floor. The system also includes left and right longitudinal vehicle wheel support platforms, the platforms having a pivotal connection relative to the respective tops of each of the respective pairs of left and right rigid legs.

Abstract: A safety interlock system is provided for enabling ascend or descend interrupt of an automotive lift platform. A interface of negative rake sinusoidal shaped surfaces is employed together with an assembly for selectably placing such surfaces against each other during descent interrupt.

Abstract: An automotive lift system includes a number of longitudinal transverse pairs of left and right legs each of which legs, include a top and a bottom. Each bottom is pivotally stationed to a base which in turn is positioned upon a floor. The lift system eliminates the need for torsion bars and provides ease of front-to-back and left-to-right access beneath an automotive vehicle that has been elevated.