Abstract: Microstrip antennas disclosed have one or a plurality of radiators arranged in selected arrays wherein a different and preferably lower dielectric layer is provided between the radiator and ground reference than between the feedline and ground reference. Relatively inexpensive and durable dielectric layers of polyethylene having a dielectric constant between 1.05 and 1.5 have been found suitable for between the radiator and ground reference and air for between the feedlines and ground reference. Arrays of four of the radiators disclosed provide for both horizontal and vertical polarization, isolated polarizations and circular polarization of wave energy. The radiators are series-corporate fed and corporate fed.

Abstract: A sterilizable video camera cover is provided which has a connector having a guideway for receiving an unsterile video camera within it is a predetermined fixed orientation. A receptacle is provided for holding the camera in this position against a window at the distal end of the connector which serves as a bacteria barrier. A flared end is provided distally of the window for receiving a sterile "C" mount and endoscope in a fixed position with respect to the camera. An accordion folded sleeve is positioned on the receptacle for being extended over the trailing cable of the video camera to maintain the sterile environment within the operating room even though the camera and trailing cable are unsterile.

Abstract: A simple yet highly useful cervical videoscope has been provided which can easily be used by the doctor to examine the cervix for cancerous lesions or other abnormalities. Also, because of the small size of the camera there is sufficient space between the camera and the blades of the speculum for inserting forceps and other instruments that may need to be used. By using the cervical videoscope in combination with a monochromator the physician can step the wavelength of light from one end of the light spectrum to the other until he observes florescence which identifies abnormal cells. Thereupon, he can destroy the cells by use of a laser beam. When the observes that no more florescence is occurring, then he can discontinue the operation of the laser, knowing that the lesion has been completely eradicated. Also, a channel for drawing a suction to remove smoke created by the destruction of the lesion can be provided. Finally, the camera is adjustable along a guide on the fixed blade of the speculum to focus it.

Abstract: A roll forming apparatus disclosed has a series of roll forming stations with a first group of stations having rollers that are adjustable to different width settings using the same rollers to form more than one width of ogee type gutter. A cutter uses interchangeable cutting blades and die plates for shearing different gutter sizes to selected lengths. The cutter uses a rotary drive member to move the blade in a path having a relatively short stroke that performs a scissor-like cutting action to successively cut the walls of the formed gutters for each revolution of the rotary drive member. A crank member for manually moving the cutter blade is collapsible and the crank handle is demountable for transport purposes.

Abstract: A form tie lock is provided which is releasably locked in an open position and swings over center to a closed position. A ramp is provided on an opening through which a form tie loop extends in order to compensate for any deflection of the claw of the form tie lock due to pressure exerted thereon by the form tie so that the lock will swing past the opening into locked position. Suitable recesses and detents are provided for mounting the lock on walers or other mounting surfaces. Also an arcuate reinforcing rib is provided on the plate to minimize bending or fracture thereof.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting adjacent ends of conduits, primarily used for aircraft fuel lines having redundant locking features is provided. This coupling can be manipulated with one hand and includes laterally spaced locking tines which engage raised elements for locking the coupling in secured relationship. The coupling assembly can be manipulated with one hand and has viewing ports to be sure that all parts are in place. Also, the tines and guide members are configured to create a force between the two with a longitudinal component tending to open the assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus of refinishing a building panel such as a acoustic ceiling panel or tile. The method includes placing the building panel to be resurfaced on a support surface having a plurality of perforations. The building panel is placed so that its back surface is in contact with the perforated support surface. The perforations extend beyond the building panel's side edges. An adhesive is applied to one side of an air impervious sheet or film. The coated sheet or film is placed over the decorative surface of the building panel and over the exposed perforations in the support surface which are located beyond the building panel's side edges. Vacuum is drawn between the sheet or film and the perforated support surface via the perforations which is sufficient to enable ambient air pressure to force or collapse the sheet tightly against the decorative surface so that the sheet substantially assumes or conforms to the contour of the building panel's decorative surface.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting adjacent ends of conduits, primarily used for aircraft fuel lines having redundant locking features is provided. This coupling can be manipulated with one hand and includes a central tine and laterally spaced locking tines which engage a mating channel for locking the coupling in secured relationship. Indicia is provided across the locking tines which is not visible when the coupling assembly is completely and securely closed. The coupling assembly can be manipulated with one hand and has viewing ports to be sure that all parts are in place. Also, the tines and guide members are configured to create a force between the two with a longitudinal component tending to open the assembly.

Abstract: A video endoscope is provided which has an inner cylindrical body member containing the optics and electronics in a manner which is impervious to liquid so that the inner member can be soaked in a disinfectant between uses. An outer rigid cylindrical sheath is provided into which the inner member is inserted during an operation. This outer sheath is heat sterilizable and therefore is in a sterile condition at the time of use. The inner body releasably locks into the outer sheath. The outer sheath also includes an accordion shaped sleeve at the proximate end which can be drawn down around the trailing cables containing the optics and electronics so that the entire endoscope is sterile for use within the operating room. After use, the inner body member can be removed and the outer sheath can be disposed of or it can be resterilized by heat for use at a subsequent time.

Abstract: The vapor plug can be inserted into an open end of a pipeline. It comprises a hydraulic cylinder carrying a vertically disposed, elastic, resilient seal ring. The cylinder may be hydraulically actuated to expand the ring radially to seal the bore of the line. The hydraulic lines to and from the cylinder chamber may be blocked to lock the plug in the expanded mode. A plunger valve, responsive to pipeline pressure, controls a hydraulic fluid passage connecting the ends of the cylinder chamber. When the plunger valve is in the closed mode, it prevents fluid moving between the chamber ends. When the valve is moved by pipeline pressure to the open mode, fluid can move freely between the chamber ends, thereby permitting the ring seal to contract, to unseal the bore. The plug may then be pumped down the line and recovered at a pig trap.

Abstract: A method and device for simultaneously collecting cytology cell samples from the endocervix and exocervix are disclosed. The device includes a handle for manipulating and rotating the device. Adjacent the handle is an intermediate cell collecting surface which is sized and configured to scrape cell samples from the exocervix when it is in contact with the exocervix and the device is rotated. The device also includes a distal cell collecting surface adjacent the intermediate cell collecting surface. The distal section is sized and configured to scrape cytology cell samples from the endocervical canal when it is located within the canal and in contact with the walls thereof and the device is rotated. The distal and intermediate surface are further positioned on the device with respect to each other to enable the endocervical canal and exocervix to be scraped simultaneously as the device is rotated.

Abstract: A cleaning device in a bath enclosure connected to a water supply pipe and to a shower head and operable to direct water flow through either the shower head or a spray head disposed in an upper portion of the bath enclosure. The spray head has a plurality of discharge openings arranged to direct streams of fluid in a spread pattern so as to wash down substantially the entire inside surface of the bath enclosure. An injector assembly permits a container to introduce a cleaning fluid into the water to be sprayed through the spray head. One form disclosed has a diverter valve between the shower head and water supply pipe and the other form has a diverter valve at the hot and cold water control valves.

Abstract: The disposable trochar in the form of a gas insufflation needle having a removable rod and needle portion within an outer sheath is provided. The rod has a blunt end and is retractable during insertion so that the needle edge cuts through the abdominal wall. Once passing through the wall the rod extends so as to protect the bowel from the sharp needle. A gas port provided for introducing gas through the rod and out a side passageway near the blunt end. After the abdomen is extended, the rod and needle can be removed as unit from the sheath and thrown away and a suitable instrument introduced through an instrument port having a separable diaphragm. The gas can continue to be introduced around the instrument and into the abdomen while the instrument is in place. After the required medical procedures are completed, the instrument is removed. Then the sheath and associated parts are removed and thrown away.

Abstract: A method and system for controllably gas embolyzing a portion of a blood vessel is disclosed. The method includes providing an obstruction to the flow of blood in a blood vessel and introducing sufficient gas, preferably carbon dioxide, into the blood vessel at a location adjacent the obstruction to create a controlled segmental embolism in the blood vessel adjacent the obstruction. The carbon dioxide fed embolism clears blood away from a portion of the blood vessel to provide a blood-free area which can be easily viewed by a physician looking through an endoscope. The method is carried out with a catheterization system which includes means for providing a controlled obstruction to the flow of blood in a blood vessel and tubular means defining a channel for conducting sufficient gas into the blood vessel at a location adjacent the controlled obstruction to create a controlled gas embolism in the vessel adjacent the obstruction.

Abstract: An improved bowling lane stripping apparatus is disclosed of the type wherein the squeegee-equipped pickup head whose function it is to wipe the alley free of dirt-laden solvent is pivotally connected to the carriage carrying the power unit such that this head is free to raise up without gouging the lane surface as the carriage support wheels roll down the ramps leading into the gutters alongside the lane thereby causing the unit to tip forwardly. As a further improvement, the pickup head is so weighted and displaced forwardly of its pivotal connection to the carriage a distance chosen to cooperate with the weighted head and define a cantilevered mounting capable of maintaining the squeegee carried thereby in continuous wiping contact with the lane surface that thus becomes effective to remove even puddles and pools of liquid left in depressed areas of the latter.