Abstract: A method and apparatus to fabricate nano-device and semiconductor device structures and features by controlling a coherent or near coherent particle beam to directly deposit, or direct write, onto a preselected deposition site of a substrate and into a predetermined shape is provided. Evanescent wave plates are optionally included to increase the order of the particle beam prior to interaction with a photonic lens. The photonic lens is holographically generated by means of a source laser and an optical lens to focus the atomic beam onto the deposition site by means of Lorenz force interaction between light fields of the photonic lens and dipole moments of the atoms of the atomic beam.

Abstract: A helmet backpack is provided to carry a helmet. A helmet enclosure combined with strapping form the helmet backpack. A helmet is inserted through an opening of the enclosure and secured with a zipper assembly, buttons and buttonholes, hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO strips, a drawstring assembly and/or other closure. The strapping is used by a wearer to position and hold the enclosure on his or her back. The strapping may be adjustable in length for greater user comfort. Detachable straps are also allowed for, whereby the helmet backpack strap or straps may be removed or strapped in typical backpack style or worn across the wearer's chest in a bandoleer style. Certain models include pouches which may be located either internal or external to the helmet or to the enclosure. Padding is utilized to increase protection to the helmet and to reduce discomfort to the user.

Abstract: An improved method for welding and passivation forms a chromium oxide passivated film over the welded portion during the welding process. In a shielding step, a backshield gas, preferably argon, is flowed around the welding site. In a welding step, an arc gas, preferably argon with approximately 10% hydrogen and less than 1 ppm moisture content, is flowed through the welding head and a welded joint is formed, for example by high speed tungsten-inert gas (TIG) orbital welding. In the passivation step, a process gas, preferably argon with approximately 30-100 ppm of oxygen and less than 1 ppm moisture content, and preferably less than 1 ppb moisture content, is flowed over the welded portion to form a chromium oxide passivated film on the welded portion. The process gas is passed through a gas purifier prior to being flowed over the welded portion to maintain its moisture level at less than 1 ppb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an “over-the-wire” dilatation catheter of the type comprising a flexible tubular body having a distal part, an intermediate part and a proximal part. According to the invention, the body comprises a core having a high modulus of elasticity, which core is permanently joined at one end to the proximal part and embedded at its other end in a wall defining an inner duct for a guide-wire to pass through. The invention finds a particular application in the treatment of stenoses of blood vessels.

Abstract: A cleat that increases the adhesive friction between a base pad of a stabilizer and an unstable ground surface, for inhibiting the base pad from inadvertently moving relative to the unstable ground surface is provided. The cleat inhibits the stabilizer and its utility vehicle from becoming unstable, when the vehicle is positioned on an unstable ground surface, such as sand, snow, ice, mud, or several other well known unstable ground surfaces. The cleat of the present invention is adapted to be detachably coupled to the base pad of the stabilizer. The cleat can be quickly installed on the base pad or easily removed for cleaning. The cleat includes a base plate that is configured complementary to the cross-sectional configuration of the base pad and a base member coupled to a bottom surface of the base plate. The base member is configured to increase the adhesive friction, between the base pad and ground surface, for inhibiting the base pad from inadvertently moving relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a cannula or probe used to penetrate tissue to a target area to perform a medical procedure including biopsy and RF ablation of undesirable tissues or cells for treatment, or to prevent the spread of cancer cells during a biopsy procedure. The probe is preferably shape changeable. The probe may be hollow or solid having an exterior surface coated with a dielectric material, a preferably sharpened beveled tip at a distal end coated with a resistor material, and means for coupling the probe to an RF generator and control device. The RF generator provides current to the probe. The dielectric material provides a predominant impedance characteristic of the probe in contact with tissue, thus changes in impedance will vary primarily based on the area of the probe in contact with tissue.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing viscous liquids which dispenses from the bottom of the container and which has a self-closing, non-drip dispensing spout. The dispensing spout may be provided on the bottom of an upright container having a cap at the other extremity or as a part of a removable cap for the container having a flat upper surface for storing the container in an inverted position. A self-operating closure allows one-handed operation of the container. The self-operating closure has a pivotable dispensing tube and valve with an open position and a closed position which is operated by the pivoting action of the dispensing tube. The pivotable dispensing tube and the valve are biased into a closed position to make the closure self-operating. A detent may be provided for holding the pivotable dispensing tube in an open position against the bias.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having one or two moving jaws. The jaws are pivotally attached to a housing and actuated by a central control wire attached to an actuation mechanism. Preferably, a portion of the housing forms a pin for each jaw around which the jaw pivots. The actuation mechanism moves back and forth along the body of the instrument. Engagement projections extend from opposing sides of the body of the actuation mechanism. The engagement projections engage openings in the jaws. As the actuation mechanism is moved toward the distal end of the instrument, the jaws are moved toward an open position. As the actuation mechanism is moved toward the proximal end of the instrument, the jaws are moved toward a closed position. Optionally, the jaws maybe configured to open to a predetermined, maximum angle.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for treatment of psoriasis is a mixture of garlic (Allium sativum) and seeds of the radish plant (Raphanus sativus) in dilute acetic acid, preferably in the form of white wine vinegar, which is pulverized and blended into a paste. For maximum potency, the composition is preferably prepared immediately before use from fresh ingredients in an amount sufficient for a single treatment. Alternatively, the composition may be prepared ahead of time and stored in a sealed, refrigerated container or otherwise preserved. In the method of treatment, the paste-like composition is applied topically directly to psoriatic plaques on the patient. The composition is allowed to dry on the patient's skin and is left in place for a period of approximately 24 to 72 hours, after which the composition is washed off. The composition is repeatedly applied at intervals of approximately one week over a three to six week period until the desired results are obtained.

Abstract: A device that incorporates magnetic componentry frictionally engage one or more sheets of paper therebetween is provided. The magnetic componentry of the invention is selected to exert sufficient magnetic force therebetween to retain the paper. The invention includes a magnetic backing member and a ferromagnetic retaining clip rotatably coupled thereto for frictionally engaging paper therebetween. The retaining clip may have an upturned end to facilitate disposing paper between the clip and backing member. The backing member and retaining clip are selected so that the backing member exerts just enough magnet force on the retaining clip to draw the clip against the backing member with enough pressure to retain up to several thin sheets of paper therebetween. The present invention is well suited for one-handed operation thereof.

Abstract: A fishing rod controlling device has four general sections: a leg pad, a curve section, a rod holder, and a belt. The fishing rod controller may be constructed by post-forming a section of plastic pipe. In the section of the controller that forms the leg pad, the pipe is split and spread apart far enough to allow the user's leg to rest within the curve. Above the leg pad and just below the curve, is a belt attachment. The controller is slit on both sides so belting material may be run through the slits. The belt is fit around the user's waist. Above the belt, the rod controller curves outward (away from the body of the user). The uppermost section of the rod controller is the rod holder. This section is a hollow cylindrical section of the pipe which is left unaltered in the basic version of the rod controller. It is within the cavity in the rod holder section that the rod is placed.

Abstract: An improved bicycle saddle is made of a dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate. The upper layer is a lower density (1.5 to 5 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam for comfort, absorbing minor impacts and distributing impact stress over a larger surface to reduce fatigue. The lower layer is a higher density (5 to 7.2 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam to absorb major impacts and add structural stability to the bicycle saddle. Cushioning pads may be added inside the bicycle saddle for customizing fit. The preferred material for the upper and lower layers of the laminated, dual density bicycle saddle is a nitrogen blown, cross-linked, closed-cell, polyethylene foam. The dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate of the bicycle saddle provides improved impact attenuation. The laminate also reduces the weight of the bicycle saddle, improves comfort and reduces neck fatigue for the user. The polyethylene foam laminate also exhibits improved recovery after an impact.

Abstract: A hole plug and method of installing the hole plug to seal and repair a hole in a wall of a pipeline, tank or other physical structure is provided. The hole plug has a bolt with a bolt head and a threaded shank, where two or more adjacent notched washers, one or more sealing washers and an exterior washer are secured about the threaded shank and between the bolt head and a threaded nut. The present invention includes an internal sealing washer and/or an external sealing washer. The sealing washers and the exterior washer are selected to provide a surface area larger than the hole. The hole is prepared by establishing a solid, clean edge. The bolt head, a length of the threaded shank, the notched washers and an optional internal sealing washer, are passed from the exterior side of the wall and through the hole. Insertion of the notched washers is accomplished by tipping the washers at an angle to the wall and rotating the washer through the hole.

Abstract: The inflatable greenhouse is an approximately hemispherical dome-shaped inflatable structure which is entirely self-supporting when inflated. The greenhouse has a double-walled structure of plastic sheet material which gives the greenhouse structural rigidity when inflated and which increases the thermal protection provided by the greenhouse. The walls of the greenhouse are made of a transparent or translucent plastic material to allow optimal light transmission for photosynthetic plants or of a light filtering or opaque plastic material for light-sensitive plants and animals. The greenhouse has an access door through the wall to allow easy access to the interior of the structure. The door is placed such that it does not interrupt the structural integrity of the inflated dome-shaped structure, therefore no rigid structural members are needed to support the walls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and polishing products, including fruits and vegetables, in which the product is placed in a specially constructed cleaning bag and oscillated. The rolling motion of the product cleans and polishes the surfaces of the product. The bag has a lining especially selected for the purpose and is designed for occasional replacement of the lining or temporary removal for cleaning purposes. In one embodiment, the bag features an elastic section that accommodates various sizes of loads.