Abstract: The present invention is an epicycle dual drive apparatus comprising a frame supporting an input shaft, an output shaft and an epicycle drive coupling the input shaft and the output shaft. The apparatus has dual clutches means coupled individually to the input shaft and output shaft. The epicycle drive means includes an epicycle rack pivotally secured to said output shaft at one end and a crankshaft journaled for rotation at a second end. The output shaft may have a varying rate of rotation depending on the position of the center of the crank shaft on the epicycle rack with respect to the center of the input shaft. A Cam arrangement is used for coupling the input shaft and the crankshaft. The first clutch coupled to the output shaft allows for selective engagement of the output shaft and the second clutch is coupled to the crankshaft for selective engagement of the crankshaft. Only one clutch can be engaged at a time.

Abstract: A method for producing stable pre-charged Li.sub.x CoO.sub.2 as the cathode active metal in primary or secondary active metal non-aqueous cells and cells using such material are disclosed.

Abstract: An atherectomy device includes a catheter with a window at its distal tip for admitting tissue into a catheter compartment. A cylindrical cartridge in the compartment has a cutting edge that supports an electrically conductive cutting element, e.g. a band or wire. The cutting element and adjacent tissue can be heated to a selected temperature by generating an electrical current through the cutting element. The catheter is maneuverable to position its distal end near a lesion in an artery. The catheter incorporates a dilatation balloon or other feature to urge the catheter against the lesion, so that at least part of the lesion enters the compartment through the window. Then, the cartridge is manipulated from the catheter's proximal end to move the cutting edge across the window, severing the acquired tissue. According to alternative embodiments, the cartridge is either rotated or moved axially relative to the catheter, in either event closing the catheter window when the cut is complete.

Abstract: An adjustable trowel to facilitate formation of a coved corner between two structural panels comprises a blade having two laterally spaced trapezoidal-shaped, rigid wing segments integrally joined along parallel inside edges by an intermediate segment which is of rectangular shape and of reduced thickness compared to the rigid wing segments to allow flexure in the zone occupied by the intermediate segment. Affixed to each of the rigid wing segments are handle mounting brackets that overlap one another and include an arcuate slot therein for receiving a handle mounting bolt therethrough. By tightening the bolt, the wings are held at a selected angle to one another and with the intermediate segment assuming a desired curvature.

Abstract: A device for deploying radially self-expanded stents and other radially expandable stents includes an inner catheter, an outer catheter surrounding the inner catheter, and a tubular stent retaining sheath formed of a rolling membrane. The sheath is doubled over upon itself to provide an inner sheath layer attached to the inner catheter, and an outer sheath layer attached to the outer catheter. The sheath layers extend along and surround a radially self-expanding stent, to maintain the stent distally of the inner catheter and in a radially compressed, axially elongated state. Distally of the stent, the inner and outer sheath layers converge and are narrowed in the distal direction to define a tapered distal tip. To release the stent, the outer catheter is moved proximally to roll the membrane away from its surrounding relation to the stent, whereupon the stent radially self-expands progressively, beginning at its distal end.

Abstract: A journal turning lathe comprises a pair of split clam shell assemblies that are held in parallel, spaced relationship by a plurality of spacer rods, two of which support a tool carrier assembly for axial movement relative to a shaft to be turned by the lathe. The tool carrier assembly includes at least one, but preferably two, cutting tool advancing mechanisms for controlling the radial position of the cutting tool(s) and, hence, the dept-of-cut. The tool carrier assembly is arranged to be reciprocally driven in the axial direction by a threaded lead screw driven by a star wheel which rotates through a predetermined angle upon each full rotation of the clam shell's movable ring member. The lead screw cooperates with a quick-release nut in the tool carrier assembly.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an inflatable expander member for deploying a large diameter stent includes a plurality of balloon segments affixed to the distal end of a multi-lumen catheter body, the segments being selectively expansible in groups whereby the stent can be spread to conform to the blood vessel in which it is deployed while still permitting blood to perfuse through the spaces occupied by the uninflated ones of the segments. By using plural segments of smaller effective diameter, the composite expander can be made large enough to spread a collapsed stent without exceeding the burst strength of the individual balloon segments.

Abstract: A golf game apparatus is used with a whiffle ball for a golf game enjoyable by both golfers and non-golfers. The golf game apparatus includes a movable tee with a generally rectangular structure. A target area is located several feet from the movable tee and has a plurality of targets representing golf holes. These targets include containers having varying diameters. The targets are positioned on different levels. A fairway structure extends from the target area towards the tee area. The player or players stroke the ball towards selected targets. The targets are assigned varying points, depending upon difficulty.

Abstract: A rigid, sturdy, two-piece reusable container forming individual cups to contain fruit or other perishables. The device includes a brace that provides support, rigidity, separates the cups of different containers and forms a relatively flat surface. It also includes ribs that provide further support. The device further includes support members that provide a spacing means for ventilation. The device also includes locking members that hold the cover and the base together. The device also contains individual cups with corrugations that further prevent bruises and spoilage of the fruit.

Abstract: A rapid hardening, solvent-free water-based adhesive composition includes an amount of an aqueous latex dispersion of polyester-polyurethane synthetic resin, an amount of rosin acid ester hardener, an amount of a thickener together with an amount of inert filler and an amount of a plasticizer/extender in sufficient water to adjust the percent solids to the desired amount. Optionally, the adhesive composition also includes an amount of polyisocyanate cross-linker to provide additional environmental stability.

Abstract: The disclosure describes container handlers having a swivel mount pivotally attached to a handler base that pivots between a lowered and a raised position. A handle engaging flange secured to the swivel mount engages a container of interest as the swivel mount is raised. In one embodiment, a corresponding rim gripping flange attached to the base holds the container rim between the flanges in the raised position and active suction cups carried by the swivel mount also engage and hold the container during unloading operations. In another embodiment, a second handle engaging flange is pivotally attached to the swivel mount for pivoting between a retracted and a handle engaging position. The second flange engages a second spaced parallel handle before the container is tilted for unloading. The base of each embodiment may be connected to any lifting device, such as an articulated multiple-member support arm or boom connected to a refuse truck.

Abstract: Security systems which include an adjustable structure and a motion detector which detects changes in electromagnetic energy from within a zone of protection are described. The structure has a base for mounting the motion detector and wall members which extend away from the base and to form walls around the detector. The wall members are adjusted to positions between the plane of the base and planes perpendicular to the base to alter the shape of the zone of protection and conform it to the area or object of interest. The motion detector is electrically connected to a control unit and alarm module which includes a shock sensor and a current sensor. The motion detector and the control unit and alarm module are connected to a power supply and operated by remote control.

Abstract: A vascular catheter has a highly flexible distal section. A biplanar control system is provided for enabling and controlling the movement of the distal catheter section and tip in any direction in a manner such that the distal tip is capable of accessing any point on the wall of the chamber entered. Dual-wire biplanar control system embodiments include a vertical deflection control wire operable to deflect the distal tip of the catheter in a controlled manner in a vertical plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular catheter and a lateral deflection control wire operable to deflect the distal tip of the catheter in a controlled manner in a lateral plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular catheter. A one-wire system for both vertical and lateral control is also described.

Abstract: A platen adjust apparatus for the heating, compression and cooling platens in a bag sealer assembly of a high speed bagger. The bag sealer has a plurality of platen pairs in face to face orientation with each platen pair having an adjustable platen and a stationary platen. The stationary platens are mounted to a frame and the adjustable platens are mounted to a plate. This plate is slidably mounted to the frame for movement towards and away from the stationary platens. The plate is moved towards or away from the stationary platens by a moveable wedge member until the appropriate gap between the stationary platens and the adjustable platens is achieved. The gap is adjusted simultaneously along the length of the platen pairs because the plate is moved simultaneously along its length.

Abstract: Absorption depletion indicators for anesthetic gas administration systems which, in a closed or semi-closed system of anesthetic gas administration comprising a canister held absorbent for carbon dioxide, the improvement is characterized in that an indicator is provided for the canister for determining when the carbon dioxide absorbent is exhausted, the indicator is in the form of a wax temperature indicator calibrated permanently to change colour at a temperature of the absorbent indicative of exhaustion of the absorbent due to carbon dioxide absorption.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes an air suspension system for effectively isolating the occupant of the seat from shock, vibration and inertial forces directed along both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. A base plate is mounted to the floor of the vehicle and supports first and second pairs of sleeve bearings on opposed sides of a box-like housing. The housing itself is attached to a pair of guide rods which cooperate with the sleeve bearings to provide fore and aft movement of the housing. Springs operating in cooperation with a first horizontally disposed air bag serves to dampen out inertial forces on the vehicle seat. The seat itself it support atop a vertically oriented air spring and a plurality of hydraulic vibration dampeners that tend to cushion vertically directed force spectors acting upon the seat and its occupant.