Abstract: An improved oxygen delivery system for use in a fishing vessel which is capable of distributing oxygen to individual fish and minnow live-well holding tanks for oxygenating the water within each such holding tank to sustain the fish and minnows therewithin, as well as distributing oxygen to a person in need of oxygen, such as in the case of a medical emergency.

Abstract: A body compatible stent is formed of multiple filaments arranged in at least two sets of oppositely directed helical windings interwoven with one another in a braided configuration. Each of the filaments is a composite including a central core and a case surrounding the core. In the more preferred version, the core is formed of a radiopaque and relatively ductile material, e.g. tantalum or platinum. The outer case is formed of a relatively resilient material, e.g. a cobalt/chromium based alloy. Favorable mechanical characteristics of the stent are determined by the case, while the core enables in vivo imaging of the stent. The composite filaments are formed by a drawn filled tubing process in which the core is inserted into a tubular case of a diameter substantially more than the intended final filament diameter. The composite filament is cold-worked in several steps to reduce its diameter, and annealed between successive cold-working steps.

Abstract: A device for filtering and refining oil being cycled through an engine includes a container, a cover having an evaporator plate incorporated therein, and a filter cartridge. The evaporator plate is dimensioned to conform to a predetermined inner shape of the container to sealably fit therein inhibiting the purified oil to cycle back through the filter. The configuration is such that a predetermined amount of oil is directed into the device and first passes through the filter cartridge and then passes over the evaporator plate. The contaminants evaporated from the oil pass through a vent in the cover. The filtered and refined oil is then directed back into the engine.

Abstract: A body compatible stent is formed of multiple filaments arranged in two sets of oppositely directed helical windings interwoven with one another in a braided configuration. Each of the filaments is a composite including a central core and a case surrounding the core. In the more preferred version, the core is formed of a radiopaque and relatively ductile material having a linear attenuation coefficient of at least 25 cm.sup.-1 at 100 KeV, e.g. tantalum or platinum. The outer case is formed of a relatively resilient material, e.g. a cobalt/chromium based alloy. Favorable mechanical characteristics of the stent are determined by the case, while the core enables in vivo imaging of the stent. Alternative composite filaments employ an intermediate barrier layer between the case and core formed for example of tantalum, niobium or platinum. To improve compatibility, a biocompatible cover layer can surround the case.

Abstract: A control program for IBM compatible microprocessors utilizing the MSDOS operating system provides the ability for a plurality of application programs to pass information amongst themselves and to a KERNEL program whereby the KERNEL may spawn applications according to the contents of its message buffers, thereby enhancing the MSDOS environment without the usually encountered conflicts associated with inter-programmed communication schemes.

Abstract: A cutting head apparatus for use in a high speed horizontal wrapper. The apparatus has two modular cutting heads each with a cutting shaft. The cutting shafts cooperate for cutting and sealing wrapping material between the products being wrapped. The cutting shafts are journaled for rotation in bearing blocks located on opposing ends of the shafts. Each modular cutting head can be mounted in at least two operative positions on a cutting head support frame. The bearing blocks of the modular cutting heads are mounted on the cutting head apparatus to permit movement of the shafts away from the cutting area in the event a product becomes misaligned and the cutting blade and anvil contact the misaligned product.

Abstract: A method for modulating both in vivo and/or in vitro bacterial growth by administration of neurochemicals is disclosed. This method involves the recognition of a novel receptor for these compounds and includes the steps of: assessing need to apply a neurotransmitter chemical based upon the nature of the living organism, determining an amount of neurotransmitter chemical required to produce an effect upon the rate of proliferation, applying the neurotransmitter chemical to the living organism, assessing efficacy of this application in reducing or enhancing the rate, and repeating these steps intermittently to monitor the actual rate of proliferation, whether accelerated or depressed. A method is further disclosed wherein the subject neurotransmitter chemical, such as a catecholamine, is added to a basal culture medium for the purpose of augmenting (or suppressing) growth. This step is useful for the commercial production of organisms such as bacteria.

Abstract: A RF valvulotome and method of use is described. The valvulotome comprises an elongated, flexible polymeric tube or rod supporting a pair of paddle members at its distal end, the paddle members defining opposed facing surfaces having a gap therebetween. A pattern of metallization, comprising electrodes, are formed on the opposed facing surfaces and means are provided for applying RF energy between the electrodes after the instrument has been introduced into a vein and advanced to the point where the cusp of a vein valve is disposed in the gap. In a preferred embodiment, the paddles are movable toward and away from the center of the instrument and may incorporate a flushing lumen through which saline may be injected for effecting valve closure and facilitating placement of the paddle members within the pockets defining the valve. An optical-fiber bundle may also be passed through the lumen of the instrument to facilitate viewing of the internal vein structure as the catheter is being advanced.

Abstract: An improved storage system for use in refrigerators is disclosed. The system includes a rack which can be supported from a wire or glass shelf in the refrigerator against the refrigerator's wall. The rack includes means for supporting a plurality of containers which could include trays, bottle holders or the like.

Abstract: A receptacle for controlling and containing irrigation fluids administered to clean and irrigate a wound on a patient's body. The receptacle comprises a thin flexible film selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, and having an adhesive portion for sealing to the patient. The receptacle is in the form of a bag member and is utilized for retaining fluids along with a spraying or irrigation member, thereby enabling the wound irrigation procedure to be carried out in a closed system, and wherein upon completion of the procedure, the receptacle may be completely sealed and disposed of in an appropriate manner so as to avoid cross-contamination from a patient being treated to another person such as a health care professional or another patient.

Abstract: A modular valve position indicator which interfaces with a valve, actuator and other auxiliary equipment meeting NAMUR standards is described. The position of the valve within the flow circuit is indicated by at least one of an LED display and color coded indicia. A drum having the color coded indicia thereon, rotates through a window defined by members of the indicator in response to the rotation of the valve.

Abstract: A two layer prophylactic device taking the form of a male or female condom, or female diaphragm. The invention includes two latex layers bonded to one another along a spiral path which defines a corresponding spiral chamber between the latex layers. This spiral chamber extends between two compliant chambers at opposed ends of the device and is filled with a pharmacological fluid to help kill disease-bearing microbes and sperm cells which may permeate through the device during coitus. Due to the unique spiral chamber design leading between the complaint chambers, this pharmacological fluid remains uniformly dispersed during coitus and the device is less subject to rupture. Should one layer rupture during use, the pharmacological fluid will flow through the rupture and coat the adjacent sex organ. The present invention is especially effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating a blood vessel wall following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) includes an optical system for transmitting radiant energy, preferably UV light energy, from a laser source to the distal end portion a PTCA catheter and causing the radiant energy to exit the catheter in a relatively narrow radial band. A microprocessor-controlled stepping motor is used to longitudinally reposition the band along the length of the balloon of the PTCA catheter to thereby expose endothelial tissue spanned by the balloon to radiation for the purpose of inhibiting smooth muscle proliferation reducing incidences of restenosis.

Abstract: A dental hygiene apparatus, comprised of a toothbrush with a detachable, disposable head and an enlarged handle providing a comfortable, secure grip for people with limited rise of the hand, such as persons with arthritis or other crippling diseases of the hands. The apparatus also comprises a rack with projections adapted to securely hold a plurality of brushes along with a toothpaste tube and a mouthwash bottle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for use in applying UV light to a blood vessel wall following the performance of a balloon angioplasty procedure. It comprises an elongated optical fiber whose outside diameter permits it to be inserted into the lumen of a guidewire that is used to position the angioplasty balloon at the site of the lesion to be treated. The guidewire is provided with a light port and a suitable reflector is provided for causing UV light transmitted through the optical fiber to be radiated in a radial direction through the light port in the guidewire to thereby irradiate the vessel wall with UV energy that has been found effective in retarding growth of smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: A bipolar biopsy device comprising two biopsy tissue collecting receptacles wherein at least one biopsy tissue collecting receptacle is pivotable in relation to the other and wherein each biopsy tissue collecting receptacle supports an electrode portion thereon to which current can flow and a cutting edge that is electrically insulated from the electrode portion. The electrode portion coagulates the tissue surrounding the cutting portion. The cut tissue sample is retained within the receptacles so that it maybe removed for biopsy purposes. Preferably, each biopsy receptacle is individually pivotable in relation to the other and the device is dimensioned to have utility in endoscopic or similar procedures.