Abstract: A method of manufacturing angiographic catheters comprises providing a length of elastomeric tube of a predetermined outer diameter and braiding multiple strands of wire wrapping about its exterior. A plastic bonding agent is extruded onto the entire length of the wire wrapping to bond the strands to each other. Thereafter, the wire wrapping is ground away at predetermined spaced locations along the length of the elastomeric tube to provide a series of wire wrapped sections joined by non-wrapped sections. An elastomer layer is disposed over both the wire wrapped sections and the non-wrapped sections throughout the length thereof. Subsequently, the coated length is severed into pieces with the pieces each constituting unitary construction including a wire wrapped section that forms a catheter body and a non-wrapped section joined to at least one end thereof to constitute a flexible catheter tip.

Abstract: A surgical lighthead having a stacked elliptical reflector (20) directs light from a lamp (10) to an illumination zone (Y) without the need for a refractor to redirect the reflected light. The reflector is formed of at least three annular reflector segments (22, 24, 26) stacked on top of each other to form a continuous reflector surface. Each of the reflector segments has a longitudinal cross section of a different conical shape such as elliptical or parabolic for directing the light to a different portion of the illumination plane. The stacked elliptical reflector provides the benefits of reduction of the image of the filament in the light field and reduction of shadowing due to objects passing between the lighthead and the illumination plane.

Abstract: Described is an ink for use in ink jet printers, comprising (a) a solvent, which consists at least of approximately 80% of a homopolar, non-watery solvent, (b) a pigment dispersed in the solvent and (c) a copolymer of vinyl-pyrrolidone with one or several long-chain .alpha.-olefins with at least 6 carbon atoms, specifically with 6 to 24 carbon atoms. Properties of the ink are as follows: reduced color bleeding, reduced penetration of coloring agent into the surface of the paper, improved optical density and improved storage stability.

Abstract: Retractable doors 22 to a washing chamber 20 of a washer 10 open automatically to allow a load to be processed to be wheeled into the chamber. The doors are fitted with blowout panels 42, 44. In an emergency, a worker trapped in the washing chamber can escape by pushing the blowout panels outward. A tilting floor assembly 70 includes a floor 76 supported on a frame 74 and a lifting mechanism 90 for selectively raising and lowering a side of the frame to tilt the floor. The floor is tilted automatically during a cleaning cycle to allow cleaning fluids to drain from the load, then leveled before opening of the doors for ease of removal of the load.

Abstract: The device comprises a holder (10), which has a bottom (11) with a sealing element (17) for sealing off the air supply opening to a bubble generator of print head (2) and, at the top, an arm (15) with a passage bore (16). A spike (23) serves for boring or piercing an opening (28) to the ink reservoir in a cover area (5) of the print head (2). An ink reservoir (27) is inserted with a hollow needle into the created opening (28). The reservoir (27) has in a bore (32) of lid (31) a cone (33). A closing element (22) serves for closing an air supply opening (6) of a lung of the print head (2).

Abstract: An interventionalist or operator uses a variety of apparatus 30 including tools, tool guides, and pointers in a procedure on a region of interest. The region of interest was previously the subject of a diagnostic imaging procedure to generate three dimensional diagnostic image data, selective slices or other portions of which are displayable on video monitors 34. The position of the apparatus 30 in operator space is determined by actuating emitters 32, receiving the emitted signals with receivers 12, and calculating the position of the pointer in operator space. A pair of radio translucent constructions 14, 16 each carry a plurality of radiopaque markers 18 which are positioned adjacent the region of interest. Two or more projection images are taken through the region of interest and the radiopaque markers using a movable x-ray tube 22 and radiation detector 24.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of imparting anti-pathogenic properties to a substrate material comprising: (a) preparing a coating composition containing an anti-pathogenic agent consisting essentially of PVP-I and N-9 in a ratio of from about 100:0 to about 0:100 of PVP-I to N-9, the coating composition further containing a pre-mix solution with which the anti-pathogenic agent is intimately mixed in a ratio of from about 6:4 to about 8:2 of agent to pre-mix on a dry basis, and having a percent solids content of from about 5% to about 35% solids; (b) feeding the anti-pathogenic coating composition into a coating machine; (c) loading substrate onto the coating machine; (d) operating the coating machine such that the coating composition comes into intimate contact with at least one surface of the substrate; and (e) drying the coated substrate material.

Abstract: A self-adjusting electric tappet switch includes a housing, an electrical switch contact carried on the housing, a slider member movable relative to the housing and adapted to actuate the electrical switch, and an elongate tappet member extending from the housing and selectively engageable with the slider member. The slider member has a first engagement portion adapted to selectively connect with a second engagement portion provided on the elongate tappet member. The switch is self-adjusted by relative rotational movement between the slider member and the elongate tappet member to lock the pair together.

Abstract: A digital detector for radiography and fluoroscopy is disclosed. The detector includes a large area, flat panel that easily fits into a conventional X-ray room bucky tray. The detector utilizes a layer of photoconductor (i.e. a-Se in the preferred embodiment) to detect X-rays and convert the X-ray energy to charge, and an active matrix TFT array in the form of a very large area integrated circuit, for readout of the charge. A dual gate structure is used for the TFT array wherein the top gate is formed as an extension of the pixel electrode, so as to provide high voltage protection of the TFT. An integrated pixel storage capacitor is provided for enhanced absorption of X-ray energy with low pixel voltage, low leakage current and a large charge leakage time constant. In a preferred embodiment, the integrated pixel storage capacitor is created by overlapping the pixel the pixel electrode with an adjacent gate line or a separate ground line of the active matrix readout array.

Abstract: A stereotactic guide apparatus 100 is provided for use with a CT scanner device 18 for guiding the entry of a probe into a patient's body. The CT scanner device is provided with a stereotactic arm member 30 having a first base end 42 connected to the CT scanner device 18 and a second free end 40 movable relative to the CT scanner device. The stereotactic surgical instrument guide apparatus includes a first end effector member 106 including a guide channel 152 defining a probe insertion path 150. The surgical instrument guidance device further includes a second end effector member 104 on the free end of the stereotactic arm member and including a laser light source 108 generating a light guide beam along the probe insertion path 150.

Abstract: A gantry (A) has a bore defining a first patient examination region (12). A first x-ray source (B) is mounted to a frame (C) for rotation around the examination region (12). An arc of first radiation detectors (14) detects x-rays which have traversed the examination region. A first image reconstruction processor (18) reconstructs a tomographic image representation from signals generated by the first radiation detectors. An angiographic device (D) is positioned remote from the gantry along a longitudinal axis (25) for generating and displaying angiographic image representations on a display monitor (46). A second examination region is defined along the longitudinal axis (25) between a second x-ray source (36) and an image intensifier tube (38). A second processor (44) reconstructs the angiographic projection image representations from signals generated by the image intensifier tube (38).

Abstract: A concentrate sense window which defines a variable thickness flow path area is provided for sensing the concentration levels of inks having varying levels of luminance. Sensor window panels are configured in relationship to each other such that an area defined therebetween varies from a first area to a second area. An emitter/detector pair are located on opposite sides of the sensor window. The emitter transmits a signal through the sensor area and at least part of the signal is sensed by the detector. The emitter/detector pair are designed so as to be movable along the surface of the sensor window whereby ink of varying illuminance may be sensed without the need of separate windows or multiple emitter/detector pairs.

Abstract: A disinfectant hand wash includes triclosan and a reduced amount of surfactants in order to reduce skin irritation while maintaining improved activity against Gram negative and Gram positive organisms, including Serratia marcescens. The hand wash includes an effective amount of triclosan, preferrably 0.2-3.0% and a non-aqueous solvent. A mixture of hexylene glycol and isopropanol provide improved efficacy in killing skin-born microbes. The hand wash further includes 2-20% surfactant, preferrably at less than 10%. The hand wash further includes a chelating agent, a thickener, a buffering agent, and water.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing anaerobic microorganisms is provided having a dish top that contains a sealing ring upon which the media surface in the dish bottom rests when the apparatus is inverted. The contact between the sealing ring and the media surface forms a seal that traps the gas in the headspace between the media surface and the inside of the dish top. A oxygen reducing agent can also be incorporated into the media together, in some instances, with a substrate which react with oxygen in the media and with oxygen in the headspace thereby creating an environment suitable for growing anaerobic, microaerophilic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: A frame (10) supports a plurality of illumination modules (12) arranged in a common plane in a spoke-like pattern extending radially outward from a central axis. Each module includes a lamp (24) with a vertical filament (26) mounted in a faceted reflector (22) to direct a beam of light to a planar, dichroic mirror (30). The mirror (30) reflects the visible spectrum portion of the beam of light downward toward the central axis with all of the beams of light intersecting the central axis in a common plane to create an illumination zone of selected diameter. A disk (32) which is light transmissive at least in portions (34) forms a bottom cover for a cover (14). A handle (40) is rotatably mounted to the frame and connected by a mechanical linkage (50) with the reflectors for tipping the angle of the emitted light beams to adjust the diameter of the illumination zone.

Abstract: A hand-held scrubbing device used for cleaning and/or scrubbing bathroom walls, tile, tubs, faucets, crevices, shower stalls, and other surfaces. The hand-held scrubbing device includes a head which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of an elongated body portion of the device. The head can simultaneously swivel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion. Various cleaning implements, such as brushes and scrubbing pads, are attached to the head. The device also includes a handle which is rotatable with respect to the elongated body portion and is locked into a pistol position or a wand position. Preferably, the device can include a universal joint assembly which allows the head to rotate and swivel with respect to the elongated body portion. A splash guard can be attached to the head. A motor is housed within a hollow portion of the elongated body portion and is powered by battery.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (10) includes a primary magnet assembly for generating a temporarily constant magnetic field through an examination region (20), a gradient coil assembly for inducing magnetic field gradients across the examination region (20), and a radio frequency coil for receiving resonance signals from the examination region. The gradient coil assembly includes a coil carrying member (22) carrying first (44) and second (46) spaced apart gradient coil portions which are physically separated from each other on the coil carrying member to define at least one azimuthally directed gap (48, 50, 52, 54) extending along the coil carrying member between said first and second gradient coil portions. The first and second coil portions are disposed towards opposite top and bottom sides of the examination region and have internal windings therein for generating gradient magnetic field components along at least two mutually orthogonal axes (X, Y) in the examination region.

Abstract: A lounge chair is disclosed that includes an upper body support portion, an aperture extending through said upper body support portion, and a movable flap secured to the upper body support portion for selectively covering and uncovering the aperture. In particular, the flap can be repositioned to cover and uncover an aperture through a upper body support portion without having to get up out of the chair and without having to reposition the upper body support portion.

Abstract: A system which reduces the transmission of noxious fumes into the surrounding air during the application of a heated liquid roofing product on a roof. A mobile tanker or kettle contains a supply of the heated liquid. The air space within the tanker or vessel above the liquid product communicates with a mobile filtration unit by a first duct. A rooftop carrier for the liquid product has a fume collection hood which communicates with the filtration unit by a second duct. A blower in the filtration unit creates negative pressure which draws the noxious fumes from the tanker or vessel and carrier through the ducts and into and through the filtration unit. The filtration unit has a series of airtight chambers mounted on a mobile truck bed, each containing a different type of filtering medium to remove various components of the noxious fumes as the fumes move through the filtration unit.

Abstract: A dispensing valve assembly for dispensing a fluid product and preventing air from being drawn into the fluid product through the valve includes a flexible diaphragm valve (10, 50, 100) and a valve seat insert (12, 58, 102). The flexible diaphragm valve flexes from a concave closed position to a convex open position in which fluid product is dispensed through a dispensing opening (26, 56, 116) in the diaphragm. The valve seat insert is positioned adjacent an inside surface of the diaphragm valve in its closed position to prevent the valve from buckling inward and prevent air from passing into the fluid product through the valve.