Abstract: A method and system for the repair of hernias through laparoscopic techniques including plugging and patching, the system comprising a first assembly having a tubular sheath; a tubular plunger located within and moveable with respect to the sheath, the plunger having a distal end spaced proximally of the distal end of the sheath and a proximal end extending proximally of the proximal end of the sheath; a plug within the sheath at the distal end and moveable from interior thereof to exterior thereof upon manipulation of the proximal ends of the sheath and plunger by a surgeon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of process fluids comprising a primary loop for process fluids; a plurality of secondary loops for the process fluids; a plurality of bridges, each coupling the primary loop with a secondary loop, each bridge having feed and return connections coupled to feed and return lines of the primary loop and feed and return connections coupled to feed and return lines of the secondary loop, and a crossover line coupling the primary and secondary loops; valve means for each bridge for controlling the flow of processing fluid through its associated second loop; microprocessor means for each bridge for adjusting its associated valve means; sensor means for each bridge for determining operating characteristic information of the processing fluid and for feeding such determined information to the microprocessor means; and a host computer coupling each of the microprocessor means in systems configuration.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved single-row, two-pass steam condensing bundle used for condensing steam in air-cooled vacuum steam condensers in power plant applications and the like. The new bundle is divided into a plurality of identically built mini-bundle sets. Each mini-bundle set has one centrally located 2nd-pass tube with symmetrically placed 1st-pass tubes positioned on either side of it. The steam leaving each 1st-pass tube is controlled by a flow equalizing device installed at the end of the tubes. The flow of the noncondensible gas mixture leaving each 2nd-pass tube is controlled by an individual orifice in the gas piping system. The larger the number of mini-bundle sets incorporated into the bundle, the greater its counterflow freeze protection feature.

Abstract: An improved gate valve comprising spaced parallel housing walls having axially aligned apertures therethrough and constituting a housing; sleeves removably coupled to the housing walls and defining an annular space therebetween; a gate plate in sliding contact with the sleeves reciprocable between open and closed positions and defining a primary seal to atmosphere between the gate plate and sleeves; packing located adjacent to the upper edges of the housing walls through which the gate plate reciprocates between open and closed positions and defining a secondary seal to atmosphere between the gate plate and the packing; and means associated with the periphery of the housing walls to retain flowing fluid within the housing walls.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing, maintaining or enhancing microorganisms utilized to remediate contaminated soil or groundwater which includes of a direct push rod or cylinder equipped with a fluid or gas delivery system. The system also includes computer-based monitoring capabilities which can monitor or control the subsurface events. Microorganisms, nutrient solutions, or gases such as air can be introduced into the subsurface environment of predetermined locations. The delivery device is a long rod or cylinder which is pushed into the ground via applied pressure at the surface. The internals of this device contain tubing or other means to deliver fluid through openings in the rod or cylinder to the surrounding environment. The fluid may be driven into the environment by surface pumps or gas pressure. The delivery rod or cylinder may be withdrawn for reutilization or left in place for continuous service.

Abstract: For use with a shoe having an upper and a sole and with a block downwardly extending from the lower portion of the sole adjacent to the heel and with a magnetic plate facing downwardly from the block, an improved replaceable heel having an upper surface with an upwardly facing recess therein and a magnetically responsive plate face upwardly on the lower surface of the recess.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sheeting system for covering an operating table which includes a main body section with a head section and a foot section pivotally coupled about horizontal axes to the main body section, and with sidearms pivotally coupled about vertical axes to the main body section, the sheeting system including a single large sheet positionable over the main body section, head section and foot section formed of a non-woven fabric having an enlarged planar portion, downwardly turned edges and an inwardly turned periphery with elastomeric material coupled to at least portions of the periphery whereby the edges and periphery accommodate the bending of the sheet along its side edges with the bending of the operating table; and a pair of small sheets positionable over the side arms.

Abstract: A computer network for backing up data and program files located on networked workstations onto a centralized backup media of a backup device of the network. The backup computer network allows users of workstations of remote nodes to preselect files (by name and by file selection criteria) on their workstation which are to be backed onto the centralized backup media. The file selection processes are therefore distributed throughout the network which considerably increases the speed of backing up over the network.

Abstract: A dispenser-applicator comprising a ball applicator assembly, oppositely-faced sponge applicator assembly, and a reservoir for storage of a topical preparation formed therebetween. The reservoir functions to supply the topical preparation to the ball applicator assembly to be dispensed onto a person's skin, whereupon the sponge applicator may then be used to more evenly spread the topical preparation over the person's skin. An elongated handle is connected to the ball applicator assembly to facilitate filling of the reservoir with the topical preparation and to further facilitate use of the applicator in applying the topical preparation to the person's skin.

Abstract: A one piece earring comprising a decorative part having a slot, the slot being formed to extend from the periphery to a central section thereof, the decorative part also having a bar joining the two sides of the slot and located intermediate the periphery and the central section. An inverted J-shaped hook comprising a short section and a long section with a curved section therebetween, the short section having its end formed as a ring, the inverted J-hook being pivotally connected to the bar by the ring to allow for the extended rotation of the J-shaped hook through the slot.

Abstract: A column assembly having a plurality of floor-height columns which are erected vertically, one on top of the other, to define the floors of the building structure to be constructed. Each column comprises a plurality of reinforcement rods which are embedded in the column and extend outwardly from the ends thereof. The rods are cut at precisely equal lengths to extend precisely equal distances from each end of the column. Each rod is threaded in a precise manner with the thread beginning at the same orientation for each rod such that when the columns are stacked end-to-end, the rods are in perfect axial alignment with the thread of one rod continuously leading into the thread of the contiguous rod to which it is aligned. A threaded sleeve is threaded onto the rods extending from the lower end of the upper column and, after stacking of the upper column end-to-end onto a lower column, the threaded sleeve may be threaded onto the axially aligned and contiguous rods extending from the lower column.

Abstract: A replacement rear door for a van comprising in combination an interior front panel, an exterior rear panel with exterior peripheral panels defining an internal equipment storage zone; an air conditioning system housed entirely within the equipment storage zone for cooling the warm air generated in the passenger section of the van; a gasoline powered internal combustion engine for generating the power to operate the air conditioning system; gasoline connection means adapted to be coupled into the main gasoline supply line for supplying fuel to the engine; electric connection means adapted to couple the main battery of the van to the peripheral equipment of the engine; electronic means for controlling the stopping and starting of the air conditioning system; and hinge means extending outwardly from one of the exterior side panels for mating with the body hinges on the van.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling used plastic bottles formed of a lower base cup and an upper container with a neck ring comprising in combination: a processing star wheel for supporting bottles by their neck rings and for moving the supported bottles sequentially through a plurality of processing stations; an input conveyor for sequentially feeding bottles to the processing star wheel; a first processing station for inserting pressurized air into the containers to return them to their essentially initial shape; a second processing station for inserting hot water into the containers for cleaning purposes and for effecting their contraction; a third processing station for removing the base cups from the containers; a base cup conveyor for feeding the separated base cups from the system for granulization and recycling; a fourth processing station for removing the labels from the containers; a label conveyor for feeding the separated labels from the system; a fifth processing station for removing the water f

Abstract: Apparatus for the cleaning of water in which the apparatus is positioned, through the biological oxidation of microbiologically digestable compounds within the water, comprising in combination: filter means positionable in the water to be cleaned, the filter means having pluralities of surfaces providing high surface area per volume; biological agents supported on the surfaces for cleaning the water in which it is positioned by digesting microbiologically digestable compounds in the water flowing through the filter means; locating means for locating the filter means spaced from the bottom of the water to be cleaned; pump means with a discharge component for effecting the flow of a pressurized fluid through the water and across the surfaces in circuitous paths for the cleaning and redistribution of the water; and positioning means to position the discharge component beneath the filter means and above the bottom of the water for directing the flow of water through the filter means for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of hernias comprising a plug positionable in an opening in the abdominal wall; a patch positionable over weakened portions of the abdominal part adjacent to the opening, a central extent of the patch being coupled to the proximal end of the plug; and a resilient means coupled to the patch and provided with memory to assume a configuration of an extended shape for the proper positioning of the patch with respect to the weakened portions of the abdominal part.

Abstract: For multi-cell, mechanical draft, vacuum steam condensers, a design of a noncondensible gas removal system that isolates bundles and fan cells from external/internal influences and gas/vapor interchange and allows bundles to operate in a reverse air-flow direction, all of which promotes freeze protection and improved performance.

Abstract: A hardside waterbed over which bedding is to be placed; a rod and bracket assembly secured to the waterbed, such rod and bracket assembly including rods, and a plurality of brackets secured to the waterbed by their upper extents with upwardly projecting resilient fingers of a size as to receive the rods around the opposite sides and bottom end of the waterbed, and a bed skirt having means at its upper end for coupling the bed skirt to the rod means.

Abstract: A cushion system adapted for the comfortable and convenient supporting of a child in the mini-basket of a shopping cart comprising a back cushion having a central part and forwardly extending side parts positioned with its rear surface against the rear portion of the mini-basket, its lower middle surface on the seat of the mini-basket, and its lower forward surface on the forward portion of the mini-basket, and with an essentially 90 degree angle between the lower rear surface and the lower middle surface and with an arcuate portion on the upper surface generally perpendicular to the lower middle surface for receiving the back of a child; and a front cushion extending from side to side between the side parts of the back cushion and with a trapezoidal cross sectional configuration, the larger parallel face extending upwardly and with the shorter parallel face resting on the mini-basket seat.

Abstract: An illuminated sign comprising a housing, illumination component within the housing and electrical components for powering the illumination component. The housing has a front wall with apertures representing information to be illuminated, sidewalls, a bottom wall, a back wall, an upper wall, the housing also has interior thereof a translucent panel positionable behind the front wall, a stencil panel with the apertures representing the information to be illuminated mounted behind the translucent panel, and a reflector within the housing. The illumination component is mounted on the rear of the stencil panel facing the back wall whereby illumination of the illumination component will reflect light from the back through the stencil panel, translucent panel, and the front wall. Electrical components feed current from the battery to the illumination component for effecting the illumination of the sign.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving a plurality of component parts of a hypodermic syringe, at least some of which are elongated with one enlarged end, from a plurality of molding machines and for conveying such parts in a programmed manner to a plurality of assembly machines including a plurality of coneyors each having a primary conveyor paths for feeding parts from a molding machine and a plurality of secondary conveyor paths for feeding parts from a primary conveyor path to the assembly machines; diverter means between the primary conveyor path and secondary conveyor path for directing parts to a preselected one of the secondary conveyors and to a preselected assembly machine; isolator means on a primary conveyor path to separate a predetermined number of parts from all other parts and to allow such separated parts to be fed as a group to the diverter means; and orienting means associated with at least some of the primary conveyor path to move elongated parts in a hopper to a position at the input end of