Abstract: A temporary circulatory assist pump is disclosed for implantation in the heart of a patient through the femoral artery. The pump is driven by a flexible drive shaft extending through a catheter and being connected to a power source outside the body of the patient. The pump utilizes a helical-shaped foil impeller to pump blood at a rate of approximately three to four liters per minute through the circulatory system of the patient.

Abstract: A temporary circulatory assist pump is disclosed for implantation in the heart of a patient through the femoral artery. The pump is driven by a flexible drive shaft extending through a catheter and being connected to a power source outside the body of the patient. The pump utilizes the moineau pumping principal to pump blood at a rate of approximately three to four liters per minute through the circulatory system of the patient.

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter is disclosed comprising an outer catheter tube and an inner catheter tube centrally received within the outer catheter tube and defining an annular passage therebetween. A hydraulic motor is housed within the inner catheter tube and includes a cutting element connected to the drive shaft of the hydraulic motor. A guide wire extends in advance of the cutter element for guiding the catheter through an artery or the like. Pressurized fluid drives the hydraulic motor for rotating the cutter element. Fluid and tissue debris is removed from the site of plaque removal via the annular passage.

Abstract: A method is described for electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide to form methane by electrolyzing an aqueous solution containing carbon dioxide utilizing a cathode which comprises ruthenium. If desired, solar energy can be utilized to provide the potential for the electrolyzing. In such an instance, solar energy is, in essence, stored as chemical energy which can later be recovered from the methane.

Abstract: A method of producing methanol from carbon dioxide is set forth. A solution of carbon dioxide in an aqueous solvent having electrolyte dissolved therein is electrolyzed utilizing a molybdenum cathode. Faradaic efficiency is generally quite high and without detectable corrosion.

Abstract: A valve apparatus incorporating a deformable valve and valve seat is disclosed. The valve apparatus includes two premolded spheroid valve elements fabricated of resilient material deformable to preselected configurations. The valve elements are secured to pipe ends extending within a fluid housing. The valve deforms upon axial movement of the pipe end and is shiftable relative to the valve seat for opening and closing the valve apparatus.

Abstract: A pipe coupling apparatus comprising a concentric, relatively telescoping tube is adapted to be inserted into a receptacle. A deformable head at the distal end of the tube is deformable to an enlarged, preselected retention configuration wherein the head engages the inner wall of the receptacle to hold the pipe coupling in a locked position. Relative axial shifting of the tube deforms the head from the locking configuration to a collapsed and elongated configuration wherein the head elongates to facilitate insertion or removal of the coupling from the receptacle.