Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor formulation for use in reinforced concrete structures, the inhibitor reducing the rate of corrosion in metallic reinforcing rods placed within the structures. The formulation comprises a mixture of benzoic acid, aldonic acid, and a triazole such as benzotriazole or tolyltriazole.

Abstract: An exhaust system, including a hand-held exhaust wand is employed to remove laser smoke plumes generated at a surgical site. The wand includes a transparent cylindrical shroud containing a conical filter that diverges in the proximal direction. An adapter, removably coupled to the shroud at its proximal end, enables coupling of the wand to standard vacuum tubing, connectors and other components for exhausting air that flows through the wand. The wand is positioned with its distal end confronting the surgical site, whereby plumes and odor generated at the site are immediately drawn into the wand through its distal opening. As air passes through the filter toward a proximal opening of the wand, the conical filter traps the airborne contaminants to protect against contamination of downstream components. The removable coupling of the shroud enables convenient exchange of the filter.

Abstract: A laterally mobile modular storage cabinet system having improved anti-tip bracket secured to the wheeled carriage frame, and engaging the rail support pad. The anti-tip bracket is in the configuration of an inverted "T". The bracket includes an elongated leg portion with a cross-member forming a pair of transversely extending legs at the base thereof, and is formed of an acetal polymer with the repeating unit being oxymethylene, and with a melting point of between about 175.degree. C. and 181.degree. C. The rail support pad has a groove formed along the upper surface thereof to engage the anti-tip bracket, and the two transversely extending legs provide support to restrain arcuate tipping of the wheeled frame and cabinet enclosure from the rail support pad.

Abstract: A bicycle seat having a single piece of fabric slung across a frame member and resembling a hammock. The fabric is drawn taut and resides generally in a single plane. In contrast to a saddle seat which requires one to straddle one's buttocks across a small padded seat with weight unevenly distributed thereon, the present invention forms a sling to evenly support the weight of the rider across a large surface area. The fabric has an elongated sleeve at one end which is threaded over the frame, and can be easily removed therefrom for washing or replacement. The frame is comprised of a single rod formed into an upwardly extending triangular frame. An adjusting mechanism at the proximal end of the seat can be adjusted to effect the tautness of the fabric. A conventional coupling clamp is implemented to couple the seat frame to a conventional bicycle.

Abstract: Steerable tag axle assemblies include an axle mounting lever carrying a wheel on a stub axle and either a kingpin pivot or a spherical bearing pivot for laterally turning the wheel. The lever pivots between a stowed position and a deployed position where lateral forces from the ground urge the wheel to follow the vehicle. In one embodiment, a kingpin pivot connects the stub axle to the lever and a tie rod maintains alignment of the pair of stub axles. In another embodiment, a kingpin pivot connects the lever to a pivoting shaft attached to the vehicle. The shaft turns as the lever moves between the deployed and stowed positions, and the lever pivots laterally at the kingpin pivot to turn the wheels. In another embodiment, a spherical bearing is carried by a spherical bearing mount securely attached to the vehicle. The bearing engages the lever in a bearing cavity, such that the lever pivots laterally and between the stowed and deployed positions on the bearing.

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 percutaneous stent-graft is disclosed for restoring blood flow between vessels. The stent-graft has a body implantable device and first and second peel-away retaining elements. Also disclosed are methods for deploying a stent-graft.

Abstract: A low profile membrane switch adapted for use over an automobile steering wheel airbag assembly for actuating a horn. The low profile membrane switch is comprised of an opposing pair of flexible electrodes separated by a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a unique pattern defining opposing electrode contact portions. A plurality of integral outwardly-extending protrusions are screen printed on the exterior surface of each flexible electrode, one over each of the opposing contact portions. These protrusions help concentrate an applied force to bring the respective electrode contact portions together to make electrical contact with the other. The opposing contact portions are defined by the dielectric pattern, and have a high density to insure redundancy and closure of the switch when one depresses the membrane switch with one's hand, and to insure the switch does not inadvertently close when flexed.

Abstract: A liquid recycling and filtering system is well suited for use in continuous flow recycling surface cleaning devices. The system employs a canister containing a liquid cleaning solution, and a cylindrical filter submerged in the liquid and defining a chamber containing a portion of the liquid. A liquid supply conduit withdraws liquid from the chamber and supplies the liquid to a cleaning tool head, where the liquid is sprayed upon a floor or other surface being cleaned. A counterflow conduit is coupled to the liquid supply conduit and to the chamber, for transporting liquid under pressure to a spraying assembly within the chamber. The spraying assembly includes a rotatable manifold and nozzles at opposite ends of the manifold. The nozzles spray the liquid in planar, fan-shaped patterns that impinge upon the filter over limited surface areas.

Abstract: A non-coextrusion process for making multi-layer angioplasty balloons involves pre-forming separate parisons and then concentrically disposing the plural parisons to form a composite parison which is then subjected to a blow-molding process. The resulting balloon can have its properties tailored by appropriate selection of the particular plastics to be used for the multiple parisons.

Abstract: A process for reducing solid waste includes the steps of (1) preparing the waste for shredding; (2) shredding the waste; (3) preparing the waste for anaerobic decomposition; (4) decomposing the waste anaerobically; (5) preparing the waste for aerobic decomposition; (6) decomposing the waste aerobically; (7) separating the inorganic waste from the organic waste; (8) reducing the plastic with solvents; and (9) reducing the metal with acids. The apparatus used in carrying out the above steps comprise a cylindrical container having front and rear end caps, seal bearings and support plates with central openings for waste to flow through is driven by a motor and directional vanes inside the container provide mixing and steer the waste. Fluid and gas are made to flow through a front support plate and seal bearing as the container rotates. Directional vanes rotationally journaled in the wall of the cylindrical container regulate the flow of waste through the chamber.

Abstract: A maxillofacial prosthetic material is disclosed with a composition based on the methacrylic siloxane resin methacryloxypropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (MPDS) in combination with an amount of filler material, an amount of thermally activated initiator and an amount of crosslinking agent together with an amount of coloring pigment and UV stabilizer added to and dispersed in the polymer prior to cure.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management device and method includes a dual-chamber pacemaker especially designed for treating congestive heart failure and a defibrillator as a back-up measure. The device incorporates a programmed microcontroller which is operative to adjust the AV delay of the pacemaker to a minimum or maximum length consistent with optimal cardiac function. The cardiac stimulator includes apparatus for sensing cardiac function from cycle-to-cycle and determining whether incremental changes made to the AV delay interval enhances or worsens the measured cardiac function. On each iterative cycle, the AV delay interval is changed, either incremented or decremented, until a cross-over point is reached in which it is noted that the cardiac function ceases to improve and this is followed with a further incremental adjustment in an opposite direction to compensate for any overshoot.