Abstract: Guide catheter incorporating a braidless construction having increased performance characteristics for catheterization procedures. The guide catheter may include a tracking wire, inner or outer guide for positioning the guide catheter within the patient's vascular system.

Abstract: A proximity warning system for a fireplace including a monitor module and an alarm module. The monitor module is configured to sense when an object, such as a person, enters a defined zone proximate to the fireplace. The monitor module may use a variety of techniques to sense when an object enters the defined zone. For example, the monitor module may use capacitance or pulse infrared light to detect when an object enters the defined zone. The alarm module is coupled to the monitor module to generate an alarm when the monitor module senses that the object has entered the defined zone. The alarm may be audible or visual.

Abstract: An air filtration and sterilization system for removing airborne contaminants from air circulated through an air plenum system of a fireplace. Air filtration systems may include particulate, chemical, and ion filtration systems to filter the air. Air sterilization may include ultraviolet, ozone, germicidal coating, and channeled system of ducts systems to sterilize the air. Systems may be used individually or in combination. In addition, optional components, including a warning sensor for indicating when to replace a filter, an automatic initiation sensor for activating and stopping filtration and sterilization, and an air enhancement system for introducing desirable materials into the air, may be provided.

Abstract: A standby power generation unit used to generate electrical power. The standby power unit may be connected to a combustible fuel source that supplies fuel to a combustion engine, which in turn powers an electrical generator. The unit may be installed in any structure requiring electricity or connected to any device or electrical circuit. For example, the unit may be connected to a service panel and configured to provide electricity to selected circuits of a structure or device. The unit can also be connected to the panel to provide continuous power to a limited number of circuits and delayed power to other circuits. The unit also has integrated self-diagnostics, automatic testing/starting, and computer/modem link capability. The standby power unit may include a system that automatically detects a power outage and engages to generate electricity for the structure. A messaging unit may also provide an alert when the power generation unit is activated.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensor has a vane mounted on a rotating shaft that rotates in response to angle of attack. The shaft has a rotor at one end which is in a chamber in a housing supporting the shaft. The chamber includes a space around the rotor filled with either an electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid. A controller is used to provide an electrical signal, such as a signal controlling an electromagnet, to change the magnetic field affecting the fluid in response to various aircraft parameters to thereby control the viscosity of the electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid in the chamber and control the amount of damping of the rotating vane.

Abstract: A mixture fitting for use in a combustible gas system, for example, a fireplace. The mixture fitting may include a first portion configured to be coupled to a combustible gas source and a second portion configured to be coupled to a burner assembly. The first and second portion together from a gas passage. The mixing fitting also includes an air orifice extending from an exposed surface of the mixture fitting to the gas passage. The air orifice is configured to allow primary air to travel through the air orifice and into the gas passage to facilitate mixing of air with the combustible gas. Alternatively, the air orifice may be angled, and multiple air orifice may also be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a combustible gas flame above a surface of a liquid. The apparatus may include a manifold including a manifold space that is completely or partially positioned within the liquid and a combustible gas source. Combustible gas from the gas source may be delivered to the manifold space and delivered into the liquid or a space above the liquid. The combustible gas may then be ignited to create a combustible gas flame. The combustible gas may also be mixed with air or liquid prior to delivery to the manifold space. In addition, a pump may be included to pump a supply of liquid out a liquid outlet to create a desired effect. Alternatively, the apparatus may be disposed on a float on the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: An electric pressure probe for an aircraft comprises: a pitot tube assembly for collecting pneumatically air pressure in the vicinity of the assembly; a strut including one end mountable to a surface of the aircraft, the pitot tube assembly being coupled to another end of the strut for being supported away from the aircraft surface; a pressure sensor integral to the strut and pneumatically coupled to the pitot tube assembly for converting the pneumatic pressure collected thereby to an electrical pressure signal; and circuitry integral to the strut and coupled to the pressure sensor for signal conditioning the electrical pressure signal, the circuitry including at least one output lead for conducting the conditioned electrical signal from the probe.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensor has a vane mounted on a rotating shaft that rotates in response to angle of attack. The shaft has a rotor at one end which is in a chamber in a housing supporting the shaft. The chamber includes a space around the rotor filled with either an electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid. A controller is used to provide an electrical signal, such as a signal controlling an electromagnet, to change the magnetic field affecting the fluid in response to various aircraft parameters to thereby control the viscosity of the electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid in the chamber and control the amount of damping of the rotating vane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is delivered to and installed at the operative site primarily by working through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. This avoids the need for any significant surgery on the patient.

Abstract: A semi-flush air data sensing probe is formed as an elongated bubble housing directly supported on an aircraft surface having a generally longitudinally extending rounded outer edge surface with a rounded contoured leading end. The housing has top and bottom wall surfaces extending from the supporting surface to the rounded outer surface. The trailing end of the housing is smaller than the leading end and is contoured to provide for smooth airflow past the housing. A central longitudinally extending plane that bisects the housing and which is perpendicular to the supporting surface, forms a reference. A forwardly facing port is at the leading end and centered on the central plane, and a pair of angle of attack sensing ports are on the leading end and are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the longitudinally extending plane. A static pressure sensing port also is provided on the housing at a position along the rounded outer edge surface and spaced downstream from the leading end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is delivered to and installed at the operative site primarily by working through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. This avoids the need for any significant surgery on the patient.

Abstract: An electric pressure probe for an aircraft comprises: a pitot tube assembly for collecting pneumatically air pressure in the vicinity of the assembly; a strut including one end mountable to a surface of the aircraft, the pitot tube assembly being coupled to another end of the strut for being supported away from the aircraft surface; a pressure sensor integral to the strut and pneumatically coupled to the pitot tube assembly for converting the pneumatic pressure collected thereby to an electrical pressure signal; and circuitry integral to the strut and coupled to the pressure sensor for signal conditioning the electrical pressure signal, the circuitry including at least one output lead for conducting the conditioned electrical signal from the probe.

Abstract: A body tissue graft for use in a patient includes a frame structure made of a first elastic material, a covering of a second elastic material on the frame structure, the covering substantially filling openings in the frame structure, and a connector connected to the frame structure. Projections are secured to the connector structure. The projections facilitate attachment of the tubular graft in a patient by securing the graft to the body tissue with which the graft is employed. The connector selectively circumferentially expands and the projections selectively circumferentially expand. This may be done using an inflatable balloon to circumferentially expand the projections. A restraining member may be provided to restrain the projections in a cone shape so that an end of the graft may be used to open an aperture through a side wall of existing body organ tubing and a portion of the projections may enter the aperture.

Abstract: A semi-flush air data sensing probe is formed as an elongated bubble housing directly supported on an aircraft surface having a generally longitudinally extending rounded outer edge surface with a rounded contoured leading end. The housing has top and bottom wall surfaces extending from the supporting surface to the rounded outer surface. The trailing end of the housing is smaller than the leading end and is contoured to provide for smooth airflow past the housing. A central longitudinally extending plane that bisects the housing and which is perpendicular to the supporting surface, forms a reference. A forwardly facing port is at the leading end and centered on the central plane, and a pair of angle of attack sensing ports are on the leading end and are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the longitudinally extending plane. A static pressure sensing port also is provided on the housing at a position along the rounded outer edge surface and spaced downstream from the leading end.

Abstract: A stall indicator for use on an aircraft comprises: a structure for mounting a housing at a leading edge of a wing of the aircraft; a paddle disposed to air flow at the leading edge of the wing and movable in response to the air flow; and a proximity sensor disposed at the housing for detecting movement of the paddle at a sensing area. Also disclosed is a method of indicating when an aircraft is approaching a stall condition comprising the steps of: permitting a paddle, disposed at a leading edge of a wing of the aircraft, movement with respect to a sensing area in response to air flow at the wing; detecting movement of the paddle by proximity sensing with electrical energy in the vicinity of the sensing area; and effecting an electrical signal representative of the detected movement of the paddle, which signal being indicative of an approaching stall condition at the wing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensing conditions of blood of the wearer of an oxygen mask that provides supplemental oxygen to the wearer. A sensor is mounted on the interior of the mask directly adjacent to or in contact with the skin of the wearer. The sensor preferably is positioned just below the jaw in the throat area, where blood vessels are relatively close to the skin and are of sufficient number and size so that a condition such as blood oxygen level can be sensed by non-invasive sensors. The sensor in turn is connected to a suitable controller that will receive the signal from the sensor and control the flow of oxygen to the mask, both as to pressure, and to control oxygen level. Additionally, the controller can regulate outside conditions such as a pressure suit that may be worn by a fighter pilot, or can activate alarms as desired.

Abstract: A mask is shown which is used for providing air or oxygen for breathing. The mask has a differential pressure sensor for providing a signal to control oxygen or airflow to the mask. In one form the sensor is in the wall of the mask or in a wall of a supply tube, to sense the differences between ambient pressure, for example in the cabin of an aircraft, and pressure in the breathing space on the interior of the mask. Reduction in the pressure on the interior of the mask can indicate that a pilot is not receiving adequate oxygen, or is being subjected to stresses that may result in blackouts or red outs. The signal from the differential pressure sensor is used to control the flow of oxygen to the mask, and also can be used for controlling the pressure of pressurized suits worn by the pilot. The pressure sensor output also can be used to maintain a higher pressure on the interior of the mask to insure ambient air does not contaminate the air being breathed.

Abstract: Connectors are provided for making connections between tubular conduits in medical procedures such as those involving treatment of a patient's circulatory system. The connectors are variously configured for making end-to-side or end-to-end connections of tubular conduits. One of the tubular conduits may be a graft conduit, which can be artificial conduit, natural conduit, or a combination of both. The connectors for making end-to-side connections can be generally T-shaped or L-shaped. Various portions of the connectors can attach to the inside or outside of the associated conduit, depending on the connector configuration that is selected.