Abstract: Abdominal wall lift devices and methods are disclosed that extend a lift device through an opening in the abdominal wall in an entry configuration and subsequently transform the device to a deployed configuration within the abdominal cavity. One embodiment includes a plurality of elongated bar members that may be introduced into an abdominal cavity in a separated end-to-end orientation. The bar members are subsequently interconnected into a deployed configuration within the abdominal cavity. Another embodiment includes a device that may be introduced through a small opening in an abdominal wall in a generally L-shaped configuration and subsequently deployed into a generally T-shaped configuration within the abdominal cavity. A further embodiment includes an umbrella-like device that may be introduced in a slender generally cylindrical configuration and subsequently deployed into an open umbrella-type configuration.

Abstract: A booster usable in a radio telephone communication system can amplify and repeat both analog and digital representations of communications. The unit monitors control channel communications going to subscriber units and reverse control channel responses from subscriber units. When a digital traffic channel assignment is detected, the booster directs the subscriber unit to a different traffic channel pair. The booster communicates with the subscriber unit on the traffic channel pair assigned by it to the subscriber unit. The booster communicates with the cell site on the channel pair assigned by the cell site. Digitized communications from the subscriber unit are amplified only during the associated time intervals. Hence, other communications in different time intervals on the same message channel are not effected. Analog conversations and other message channels can be simultaneously boosted and retransmitted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of targeting folate-receptor-positive tumor cells for lysis by binding a conjugate of folate and an anti-T-cell-receptor antibody or an anti-Fc receptor antibody to those cells. A process of lysing folate-receptor-positive tumor cells comprising exposing the cells to a folate/anti-T-cell-receptor antibody in the presence of a population of T-cells is also provided. A process of lysing folate-receptor-positive tumor cells comprising exposing the cells to a folate/anti-Fc receptor antibody in the presence of a population of natural killer cells, monocytes, or macrophages is also provided. Still further, the present invention provides a conjugate of folate to an anti-T-cell-receptor antibody or an anti-Fc receptor antibody.

Abstract: Trocar assembly devices are disclosed that include an improved elastomeric seal member to maintain sealing engagement during off-centering or radial motion of instruments extending therethrough. The seal members include an inner section and an outer section. The inner section has an opening formed therein to permit an elongate instrument to pass therethrough in sealing engagement therewith. In accordance with certain embodiments, a corrugated portion is formed in the outer section. In accordance with certain embodiments an annular floating ring separates the inner section from the outer section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting an abdominal wall during laparoscopic diagnostic and surgical procedures. The surgical lift device includes a gripping portion for contacting and holding an external skin surface adjacent the abdominal wall. The gripping portion is selectively detachable from the skin surface. The device further includes a lifting portion that extends outwardly from the gripping portion. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the gripping portion may comprise an adhesive sheet or a suction member and the lifting portion may comprise a wire member or a portion of a hook and loop-type fastener.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of biodegradable waste products. The influent is aerated and directed through a fixed media assembly to promote intimate surface contact and cause microbial growth. The fixed media assembly comprises a stack of spaced apart, parallel, substantially vertical corrugated sheets. The corrugations are defined by obliquely inclined peaks and valleys and are oriented so that the corrugations of immediately adjacent sheets intermate with one another so as to define an inclined sluffing channel at each corrugation to provide a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough while inducing turbulence and mixing.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow comprising end sections and an intermediate portion. Valve means for inflating the pillow is connected to one of said end sections and passages are provided interconnecting said end sections to simultaneously inflate the pillow. The pillow further includes an intermediate trapezoidal section containing a relatively flat portion at its upper end and an inflatable portion at its lower end that is a fraction of the height of the inflatable end sections. A strap means is provided to secure the pillow to a back rest to provide stability of the pillow when in use.

Abstract: A multiple element reflector usable with an elongated light source in a strobe unit provides wide fields of view in both horizontal and vertical directions when the unit is mounted on a wall. The reflector includes a first, elongated, curved reflector element which extends generally parallel to the elongated light source. At least second and third centrally located reflector elements extend between the first reflector element and the light source. The first reflector element provides illumination generally in horizontal and vertical directions perpendicular to the elongated source. The second and third centrally located reflector elements provide illumination in a direction generally along the elongated source.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for adapting a machine employing a wheel assembly to apply a carrier stock to two rows of containers, such as beverage bottles, so that the machine can employ a carrier stock with each carrier having two container-engaging portions and a handle portion joined to the container-engaging portions at a longitudinally extending junction. A camming member for reconfiguring the carrier stock from a flattened condition into a reconfigured condition is positioned so that the carrier stock is drawn past the camming member before the carrier stock is received by the wheel assembly and is arranged to spread the container-engaging portions of the carriers laterally so that the handle portions of the carriers tend to be downwardly turned about the longitudinally extending junction of the carrier stock.

Abstract: An originality-ensuring device for container closures (32), having an indicator element (35) subdivided by predetermined breaking points (37) into individual segments (36), the indicator element (35) being formed as a separate part for self-holding arrangement in the container (23), at least partially embracing the latter, and the segments (36) being arranged with respect to one another in such a way that, when there is a relative movement of the segments or segment parts (40), owing to a clamping reception of the indicator element (35) between a container closure (32) and a container shoulder (21), there takes place a severing of the predetermined breaking points (37) for individual separation of the segments (36) and the latter are held in a clamping manner.

Abstract: A building fascia is disclosed, which comprises an elongate gutter and a soffit. Being made from sheet aluminum, steel, or copper, the gutter has back, bottom, and front walls and a channel extending along and into the gutter from the back or bottom wall, preferably from the back wall. Being made therefrom or from vinyl or other polymeric material, the soffit has an edge portion inserted into the channel. Lips formed on the edge portion and on one of two side walls of the channel have sufficient flexibility and are shaped to permit the edge portion to be readily inserted with a snap action but to restrain the edge portion against being withdrawn from the panel. Preferably, one of the side walls of the channel is spaced narrowly from the bottom wall of the gutter, the narrowly spaced walls flaring into the gutter so that ice forming between the narrowly spaced walls is extruded into the gutter.

Abstract: A panel member consisting of inner and outer interconnected panels, and reinforcement members placed therebetween to increase the strength of said panel in localized areas. The reinforcements consist of a structure made up of a base material of plastic or aluminum and an insert material of a hard metal. Loads are transferred to the panel through the metal insert material and dissipated to the panel members through the base structure. In the illustrated arrangements, the reinforcement members are used, for example, in the latch and hinge areas of car hoods.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for addressing a plurality of spaced-apart detectors or control units in a multiple zone detection system shortens the time needed for a centrally located control element to communicate with the detectors or units. The control element addresses a plurality of units simultaneously by means of a serial bidirectional communications line. Information can be transmitted time serially to each of the addressed units which is associated with a respective time interval. The addressed units can return, time serially, on the serial communication line a plurality of indicia. The control element associates each indicium with a respective detector by means of the indicium's position relative to other returned indicia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to 2-acetyl-6-cyanopyridine compounds that are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of oligo-2,6-pyridines. The present invention is also directed to new, simpler, less expensive methods for synthesizing such oligopyridines using the novel 2-acetyl-6-cyanopyridine compounds as intermediates.