Abstract: A swash-plate compressor having at least one groove formed on the inner wall surface of the housing, or at least one groove provided on the peripheral wall surface of the cylinder block. The groove is communicated with a hole provided in the cylinder block from the level of the lubricating oil collected in the bottom portion of the housing. The hole is communicated with a peripheral groove provided in the piston, while the peripheral groove communicates with a dent for receiving or accommodating a part of the swash plate provided in the piston.

Abstract: An optical assembly comprising an optical element and a transducer is suspended within an enclosure so that the optical assembly is free to vibrate within the enclosure. In one embodiment, the mechanisms for suspending the assembly do away with any elastomeric material that would cause outgassing in applications where the photoelastic modulator is used in a high vacuum environment. The suspension system also increases the efficiency of the system.

Abstract: The dermatome includes a blade assembly comprising a metal blade with fixedly attached thermoplastic carrier. The assembly is releasably mounted to the dermatome housing. A linear drive mechanism-that includes guide members and spring biasing of the blade assembly ensures linear, reciprocating blade movement that prolongs blade life. The linear drive mechanism is housed in a manner that facilitates cleaning and sterilization of the dermatome.

Abstract: An image display system such as an LCD projection display includes an illumination homogenizer and a centrifugal relay lens system. The illumination homogenizer, such as a reflective tunnel homogenizer or integrator, efficiently provides uniform distribution of light over a region matched to the configuration of an LCD, or other type of image source. The centrifugal relay lens system includes, for example, an S-curve aspheric lens surface that functions to increase the illumination distribution toward the edges and corners of the image source relative to the center. The projection system provides illumination with improved uniformity and efficiency while also providing a shortened optical pathway.

Abstract: An escape apparatus for installation within an upper storey of a building in the proximity of an emergency exit opening, such as a window, comprises a foldable ladder carried by a stage which is mounted on a vertically positioned fixed mounting frame for sliding and pivoting movement together with the folded ladder between a retracted position against the mounting frame to an extended position of use in which the stage projects through the emergency exit opening and in which the ladder may be slid along the stage and unfolded at a leading edge of the stage to form a rigid ladder extending downwardly from the stage outside the building. The escape apparatus may also comprise a child carrier guided by the ladder for controllably lowering a baby or small child down the ladder and an automatically opening folding rescue platform for providing a temporary place of safety for escapes unable to reach the ground while they wait for rescue.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a pressure waveform to a patient's limb for augmenting venous blood flow in the limb comprises: a sleeve means adapted to position onto a limb and apply a pressure to the limb near a pressure corresponding to a sleeve pressure signal; pressure transducing means for producing an applied pressure signal indicative of the pressure applied to the limb by the sleeve means; waveform register means for producing a reference pressure waveform signal indicative of a reference pressure waveform during a predetermined cycle time period, wherein the amplitude of the reference pressure waveform signal at any instant within the cycle time period is indicative of the amplitude of the reference pressure waveform at the instant and wherein the shape of the reference pressure waveform during a predetermined time interval within the cycle time period is adapted to augment the flow of venous blood into the limb proximal to the sleeve means from the limb beneath the sleeve means during the interval; and pre

Abstract: The present invention includes an invertible and orthoscopic LCD projector having a LCD panel for providing display information that is projected toward a display screen to form a display image. In a preferred embodiment, a converging Fresnel lens is positioned to receive the display information from the LCD panel and form a display object corresponding to the display image. The converging Fresnel lens has an optical center offset from the optical center of the LCD panel in an elevation direction and defines a projection optical axis that extends toward the display screen along an elevation angle in the elevation direction. The Fresnel lens is tilted automatically about a tilt axis transverse to the projection optical axis and the elevation direction by an amount proportional to the elevation angle to cooperate with the offset of the Fresnel lens optical center to form an orthoscopic display image.

Abstract: A combination loudspeaker housing and bracket is disclosed which is universally adaptable to any size or shape of a video monitor, and which mounts speakers outboard of the monitor.

Abstract: A conventional illumination system is supplemented by auxiliary reflectors to "fill-in" corner areas of a rectangular frame, providing more uniform illumination. The auxiliary reflectors intercept light that is emitted from the source in directions away from the system's condenser lens and any primary reflector, resulting in increased efficiency.

Abstract: The suturing system includes a cannula that defines two adjacent lumens. One lumen carries a supply of anchor members that are joined together by a suture. The anchor members are moved by a supply rod, one at a time, from a lower lumen to an upper lumen. The upper lumen terminates in a sharpened tip that is pierced through tissue. The single anchor member that is moved into the upper lumen is then deployed into or behind the pierced tissue and the cannula is retracted. The rod for deploying the anchor member also temporarily blocks movement of additional anchor members from the lower to the upper lumen so that the surgeon can sufficiently tense the suture before piercing the tissue in an adjacent location and depositing a second anchor member. A series of anchor members joined by a continuous suture are deposited in this matter to suture together tissue. Also provided is a gun to which the cannula is mounted for one-handed operation of the system.

Abstract: A paint roller assembly includes a wire frame having a spindle on which a wire cage is rotatably mounted with end mounting bearing members. An outermost bearing member includes an annular wall provided with a flexible arm having a stop at its distal end. The stop normally abuts an end of a tubular paint roller to lock same against lengthwise movement. A paint barrier on the bearing member defines an area for momentary reception of the arm and stop during roller removal and installation procedures.

Abstract: The present invention includes a projector illumination system having a light source positioned between a condenser lens and a light-collecting reflector. The light source includes a bulb that is urged under compression against a surface of the condenser lens. The condenser lens receives a flow of cooling air over a surface opposite that against which the light source is in contact to minimize deformation of the condenser lens caused by heat emanating from the light source.