Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for drying solid articles such as semiconductor wafers. In one embodiment, the dryer comprises a process tank and a drying fluid supply system. The process tank includes a plurality spray nozzles to spray a non-flammable drying fluid to wet surfaces of the article for drying without the necessity of heat or other external means. The drying fluid comprises a non-flammable, environmentally compatible, and a non-hazardous fluid including a drying agent of (hydrofluoroether) HFE and a surfactant of isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Even without the benefit of heating, little if any solution or static charge remains after drying. The drying apparatus includes a drying fluid supply system for providing the drying fluid to the plurality of spray nozzles.

Abstract: A loose leaf binder includes a first half binder section having a plurality of curled fingers spaced regularly apart and a second half binder section having a corresponding plurality of correspondingly spaced curled fingers. Each of the first and second half binder sections include a plurality of protruding tabs and a plurality of tab openings, each of the plurality of protruding tabs of the first half binder section being capable of mating with a corresponding one of the plurality of tab openings of the second half binder section. When the first half binder section is mated with the second half binder section, the protruding tabs of both the first and second half binder sections snap-fit with corresponding tab openings of both the first and second half binder sections to form the loose leaf binder and to cause the curled fingers of the first and second half binder sections to overlap. The first half binder section may be identical to the second half binder section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diving fin, securable about a swimmer's ankle, having a blade oriented at a propulsive angle independent of how the swimmer's toes are positioned. The blade can be positioned not to interfere with walking and wading. The blade and boot are lockably engageable, and are then rotatable to a locked deployed position wherein the blade projects past the swimmer's heel and in line with the swimmer's lower leg. In one embodiment, the blade has a connector and the boot has a hub lockably engageable therewith to attach or detach the blade. Thus, the boot can be worn without the blade. The engaged connector is upwardly rotatable behind the swimmer's leg. A strap secures the undeployed blade adjacent the leg. The connector is rotatable between the undeployed and deployed positions and is lockable in the deployed position. In one embodiment, the blade can wobble a few degrees when in the locked position.

Abstract: A bus regenerator, and an extended bus information system and method of communicating information, using such a regenerator. A bus regenerator has first and second information buses. A processor is connected to transfer information between the buses and at least one terminator is connected to terminate one of the buses (preferably a terminator is provided for each bus). A termination power line supplies termination power to the terminator and power to the processor. Additionally, a rechargeable power source, particularly a rechargeable battery, is connected to the termination power line, so as to supply power to at least one of the terminator and the processor, and recharge from the termination power line, as total power used by the terminator and processor varies.

Abstract: Disclosed for shortening and housing medical monitor cables in the operating room and at the bedside is a cable caddy having a base, and a cable cartridge attached to a base by a column, optionally by a mortise and tenon, optionally by a stem projecting the cartridge and fixedly or slidably attached to the column. The cable cartridge includes a winding surface and, optionally, one or more end flanges with cable grasps thereon. Optionally, the winding surface defines a groove. Optionally and to the extent needed, the flanges, cable grasps, groove, columns, and slidably connected cartridge cooperate to retain the cable on the cartridge. A stem removable endwise from a column is disclosed. A stem removable only sideways when in a particular relative position is disclosed. A strap cooperating with a column to secure the base to a pole is disclosed; mounting screws are disclosed as an alternative.

Abstract: A bracket for removeably attaching a memory storage device to an equipment side includes a frame attachable to the memory storage device, the frame including a front portion, a first rail and a second rail. A handle is pivotally mounted to the front portion of the frame and includes a guide slot and, at one end thereof, an ejection member. A slide member has a catch at one end, and includes a travel member protruding therefrom, which travel member is inserted in the guide slot. As the handle is manually pivoted away from the front portion to an open position, the travel member travels within the guide slot causing the slide member to slide against the front surface, the catch to retract and the ejection member to pivot with the handle to eject the bracket from the slide.

Abstract: A memory storage system which facilitates swappability of memory storage device controllers includes a circuit assembly, a host system connector, controller connectors, memory storage device connectors and a display. The circuit assembly attaches to memory storage devices, memory storage device controllers and a host system. The circuit assembly enables rapid removal and replacement of memory storage device controllers from the memory storage system during operation of the memory storage system. The display electronically communicates with the circuit assembly and indicates which host system data bus the controller connector is associated with. The display also indicates the SCSI ID of the controller connector.

Abstract: Intravascular catheters that include a flexible catheter body, a distal housing secured to the catheter body, a work element disposed within the housing and exposed to the external environment through a side window, and a guiding structure for the work element, are disclosed. An axial path through the housing is defined by the guiding structure. Embodiments of the guiding structure include a slot or channel formed in the housing, a coaxial tube attached to the housing, a radially offset ribbon attached to the housing, or the external surface of the housing itself. The work element, such as a rotatable cutting blade in an atherectomy catheter, is coupled to the guiding structure such that the work element is retained within the housing during insertion and operation of the catheter and even when the housing is bent or distorted as a result of bends in the blood vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an intravascular universal catheter having interchangeable work elements and methods of use thereof. The catheter comprises a flexible catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending between the ends. A housing having an open interior and an aperture on a lateral side is attached to the distal end of the catheter body by a coupling element. A work element is movably disposed within the housing and operative through the aperture. A work element connector is disposed in a lumen of the catheter body and has a distal end connected to the work element. At least the distal portion of the lumen defines a receiving space within the catheter body, and the coupling element is configured to allow retraction of the work element from the housing through the open proximal end into the receiving space. In a preferred embodiment, perfusion ports are disposed in the catheter body and the housing proximate to the junctional region of the catheter body with the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a three dimensional quadrupole ion trap for analyzing samples. The ion trap includes two spaced apart end cap electrodes being generally opposed to one another and defining a first axis between them. The ion trap includes a ring electrode between the end cap electrodes and adjacent thereto. Each of the end caps and ring electrodes are made from Molybdenum. The ion trap having a cavity defined by the end caps and ring electrodes. The ion trap including a sample injector for injecting the sample into the cavity, an rf source for filtering the ions of the sample and a DC source for selectively accelerating the filtered ions into an analyzer a cavity.

Abstract: A device and method for the localized treatment of vasculature with drugs and medicaments is described herein. Centrifugal force is used to drive a material from a reservoir to the outer surface of the application device and thereby deliver the treatment substance to the chosen area.

Abstract: An intravascular directional atherectomy device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end and an axial lumen therebetween. A housing having an open interior and an aperture on a lateral side thereof is attached to the distal end of the catheter body. An atheroma severing device is disposed within the housing. The device includes a cutter that is slidably disposed on a saddle which is connected to the housing. A track member is disposed in the axial lumen of the catheter body and has a distal end connected to the housing. Slidable movement of the atheroma severing device severs the stenotic material that has been urged within the aperture. The saddle enables the inflexible portion of the housing to be minimized in order to fit in the very tortious regions of biological conduits.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is carrying case for protecting items. The carrying case includes an enclosure assembly having various sections, an air valve, an air pump and an attachment mechanism. Each section foldably connects to an adjacent section so that the enclosure assembly can fold from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The attachment mechanism includes a strap for holding the carrying case in the closed configuration. The air valve attaches to at least one section to selectively regulate air pressure in the section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for electrically conductive metal-to-metal bonding. The method for bonding flat metal surfaces comprises the steps of depositing a thin layer of titanium on a first surface of a first metal surface, placing the first surface of the first metal surface in contact with a first surface of a second metal surface in an inert ambiance, heating the inert ambiance to a temperature substantially below the melting point of the metal surfaces, and forming a titanium metal bond between the first metal surface and the second metal surface to provide a low resistive path between the first metal surface and the second metal surface.