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: Interlocking stackable block structures for use in erecting a shock-resistant wall array and including block structures in both fence block and post block configurations. The top surface of each of the blocks has a pair of parallelly disposed upwardly protruding laterally extending ridge projections which mate and interlock with projections formed on the bottom surface of the block. The block configuration is further provided with cores for drainage and load reduction purposes, but the upper and lower mating faces of the block have a load-bearing web which supports a superimposed stacked block thereon. The cores of the post block contain a reinforcing rod held in grout so as to provide strength and stability. Also, the post block structures are provided with recesses for lockingly receiving fence block therein, thereby providing an arrangement where the fence block array floats within the recesses and is thereby provided with a greater degree of stability.

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 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 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 device for providing a gripping aid for the tandem passenger of a vehicle is described. The device includes a harness worn by the operator of the vehicle. The harness is secured around the upper region of the operator's torso, and the gripping handles are attached to the harness such that the passenger can be positioned closer to the operator while comfortably gripping the handles. An adjustable, quick release clasp allows the operator to quickly put on, remove, and adjust the harness.

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 solvent debubbling/priming device for use in high pressure liquid chromatographic applications includes a valve adapted for releasable and sealed attachment to a bubble collecting/solvent reservoir. The valving portion of the device comprises a valve body with bores formed therein for controlled access and communication between the bubble collecting/solvent reservoir and the exterior of the valve, or atmosphere. The solvent debubbling/priming means includes a length of flexible tubing which has a flattened portion at its distal end and with the tubing being in communication with the bubble collecting/solvent reservoir. The flexible tubing along with its flattened portion provides a flow control and check valve which is chemically inert and free of potentially contaminating lubricants for effective utilization.

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.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac rhythm management device (pacemaker or defibrillator) having circuitry for determining the interval between two successive natural ventricular depolarization signals, includes the capability of computing and storing histogram arrays of heart rate variability data over a prolonged period, such as 24 hours. By utilizing an algorithm for generating a histographic log and a time domain log wherein a logarithmic data compression technique is implemented, the volume of HRV data collected for later telemetered readout to an external device does not exceed the memory and power capabilities of the implanted device.

Abstract: Implantable electrodes for defibrillation are formed of pluralities of electrode segments. Each of the segments is relatively long and narrow. The electrode segments can be parallel and spaced apart from one another a distance at least ten times the nominal width, with one end of each segment mounted to a transverse distal portion of an electrically conductive lead coupling the electrode to a defibrillation pulse generator. Alternatively, segments can branch or radiate outwardly from a common junction. In yet another arrangement, electrode segments are portions of a single conductive path at the distal end of a lead from a pulse generator, arranged in either a spiral configuration or a serpentine configuration which can align electrode segments side by side, parallel and spaced apart.

Abstract: A rudderless sailboat having a hydrodynamic symmetry fore and aft which can be sailed equally well in either direction. The craft is steered by tilting the mast and keel. In an alternative embodiment the sailboat also has no keel. The hulls are rigid and have a v-shaped bottom. While sailing forward, the sail can be rotated past the angle of zero angle-of-attack to that angle-of-attack where the wind is aback on the sail. This stops the boat and causes it to sail back in the general direction from which it came. This sailboat maneuver is called a tack aback.

Abstract: A security package having a locking mechanism capable of securely encompassing an audio cassette, a video cassette, compact disc, or the like within the security package, wherein the security package has an internally disposed pocket for receiving an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag therewithin. The EAS cavity or pocket is completely sealed and tamper-proof while in the audio-video article is locked within the security package and the locking mechanism does not interfere or intrude within the EAS cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sensorless determination of commutation position in a brushless motor. The electric current flowing within the active, or energized, stator coil during energization is differentiated to produce a current rate of change waveform. The current rate of change waveform is compared to a predetermined voltage threshold which is set to approximate the point at which the rotor is in direct positional alignment with the active stator. From this comparison, it is determined when the current rate of change waveform fails to intersect the predetermined voltage threshold. This information may be used to commutate the application of a driving signal to the next stator coil in succession to maintain continuous torque on the rotor. This information may also be indicative of a stalled condition, in which case a stall indicator is triggered to alert the user of the stalled condition.