Abstract: A base for a manhole or catch basin structure having an embedded plastic canal-bed liner and a corresponding hood. The plastic liner has an annular, outwardly extending flange which becomes embedded in a sidewall of the base to form a unitary structure when the concrete is poured. The liner is not subject to delamination from the canal-bed and includes bosses for additional anchoring to the base. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a seal and seal adapter are provided. The adapter, in combination with an integral socket of the canal-bed liner, restrains the seal within a canal-bed sidewall opening. This combination also serves to conveniently position the seal at time of casting. The canal-bed liner and hood serve to protect the concrete base and cone of the manhole from corrosive fluids, thus extending the useful life of the manhole structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing reinforced surgical fastener suture lines to prevent tissue tearing and fluid leakage following the creation of an anastomosis, the closing of margins following the removal of diseased tissue, and/or the ligating and dividing of individual blood vessels. A retainer assembly is provided having an alignment frame and a pressure equalization member. The alignment frame includes an internally disposed receiving area for housing the pressure equalization member and a pair of guide channels disposed in fluid communication with the receiving area for guiding the jaw members of a surgical fastener applying device into contact with pledget material disposed within the receiving area.

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 alkali metal glucoheptonates and alkali metal molybdates.

Abstract: An improved mounting bracket arrangement for rotatable pinwheel devices activated by a moving air stream. The bracket has substantially universal application to a variety of conveniently available mounting surfaces such as chains, ropes and cables used for swing suspension, as well as on the handlebars of bicycles and tricycles. The mounting bracket includes a base mounting member together with a resilient strap to complete the closure. The mounting bracket arrangement is essentially free of sharp or pointed surfaces.

Abstract: An implantable tissue stimulator includes a polymer film capacitor adhered to an inside wall surface of the stimulator's case or housing in a way that minimizes the size and weight of the stimulator device. The energy storage capacitor for the tissue stimulator comprises a monolithic, multi-layer device and where the polymer is a suitable acrylate of a known formulation, over 1500 parallel plate capacitor electrodes can be built it with the height dimension of the resulting capacitor being less than about 3 mms. Instead of forming the capacitor on the inner surface of the stimulator's case in situ, such a capacitor can be formed on a mold member corresponding in shape to the inner surface of the stimulator's case and inserted into the stimulator's case following removal from the mold.

Abstract: A ridged, transparent, thermoplastic package for transporting disk products such as substrate wafers, semi-conductor wafers or computer memory disks is disclosed. Elastomeric or flexible thermoplastic cushions hold the disk products in a manner which precludes them from becoming damaged during normal shipping and handling. The cushions have a plurality of disk engaging members which individually engage a disk. The disk engaging member conforms to the edge profile of the substrate wafer to securely hold the wafer. Wafer rotation is eliminated, particle generation is reduced and the cushions securely hold the disk products.

Abstract: An improved scenting system having a frangible vial containing scented liquid disposed within a flexible, moisture-proof sheath member and a wick member having a first end disposed adjacent to the frangible vial and a second end extending from the sheath member, wherein the frangible vial may be broken and the scented liquid released for evaporation by the wick member without the hunter coming into contact with the scented liquid and wherein the scented liquid does not experience unwanted evaporation prior to use.

Abstract: A versatile, selective and sensitive non-aqueous electrochemical amperometric gas sensing devices of great sensitivity are disclosed which operate in a redox voltage range from about -3 to about +2.5 V and exhibit long term stability over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: A system for detecting leaks in a hydraulic system. The system shuts down the hydraulic system if a leak is detected and notifies individuals in the area that a leak has occurred. The leak detection system has sensors for measuring hydraulic system parameters and a computer for detecting abnormalities in the system based on values returned by the sensors. Sensors used in the example leak detection system include an RPM pickup, a pressure transducer, a flow meter and an hydraulic fluid level and temperature switch. Outputs of the sensors are analyzed by the computer to determine if the hydraulic system has a leak. If a leak is detected, the computer sends response signals to a device for engaging or disengaging the prime mover from the hydraulic pump and to another device for actuating a valve to stop hydraulic fluid flow from the reservoir. The computer may also send indicator signals to a display console for activating a warning light, a buzzer or a display.

Abstract: A wind energy conversion device includes a support frame that pivots on a vertical yaw axis, and a rotor/bushing assembly coupled to the support frame through a governing coupling that permits the rotor/bushing assembly to pivot on a governing axis relative to the support frame. The governing axis is inclined from the vertical preferably by about 30.degree. to provide a substantial gravitational bias of the rotor/bushing assembly toward a normal operating position when wind velocities are below a predetermined threshold. The governing axis also is laterally offset from a drive axis about which the wind rotates a propeller of the rotor/bushing assembly. This facilitates alignment of the rotor/bushing assembly so that the drive axis intersects the yaw axis. As a result, wind induced thrust does not generate a torque about the yaw axis.

Abstract: A vacuum degassing and solvent delivery apparatus for those solvents being utilized in high pressure liquid chromatographic operations and/or applications. The degassing and delivery apparatus of the present invention is designed for attachment directly to a solvent reservoir, such as a bottle having a threaded neck portion. The arrangement facilitates ease of installation and removal of the vacuum degassing, recycling and delivery apparatus so as to accommodate a variety of installation applications and requirements. The solvent degassing system of the present invention further includes the utilization of an atmospheric impermeable composite tubing structure which is effective for isolating fluids from atmospheric contamination during transport.

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: A system using microterminals attached to work pieces, containers and workers for tracking the location of work in a factory and for communication with workers to provide instructions for further processing. A central control system, to which infrared transceivers strategically located throughout the factory are wired, communicates with the microterminals via infrared transmissions between the microterminals and transceivers. The microterminals have four modes of operation to extend battery life.

Abstract: A method of pacing a congestive heart failure (CHF) patient's heart using a pacemaker typically capable of bradycardia dual chamber pacing. The method includes an algorithm for resetting the timing interval of the microprocessor based controller of the pacemaker for stimulating the ventricles after a predetermined AV delay, when a legitimate signal associated with atrial events is blocked by a preprogrammed Post Ventricular Atrial Refractory Period (PVARP).

Abstract: An urethral drain having deep external drainage channels, a low-profiled bladder retention segment, and a reversibly detachable collection segment, facilitates the draining of urine and fluids from the bladder. The low-profiled retention means minimizes bladder irritations and the deep external channels reduce the occurrence of infections. Incorporation of a reduced diameter smooth segment on the catheter, proximate the location of the external urethral sphincter allows the patient to void normally and at will. Modifying the size of this smooth segment aids the function of a defective sphincter in controlling urine leakage. The drain can be worn concealed within the urethra. Flushing action from normal voiding washes out particulate matters in the urethra and the concealed drain further minimizes contamination. Together, these features improve quality of life for patients needing catheterization.

Abstract: The present invention is a electrosurgical device having an elongated tubular member with a cutting and coagulating arrangement at its distal end and a handle at its proximal end. The coagulating and cutting instrument consists of two electrode jaw members with cutting blade extending therebetween. The cutting blade is connected to a movable rod extending through the lumen of the tubular member. A first and second conductor pair extend through the lumen of the tubular member in a spaced apart parallel arrangement with the cutting instrument and its movable rod extending therebetween. The first and second conductor pairs form the forceps jaws. The forceps jaws have a slot for receiving the cutting instrument therebetween. The handle member affixed to the proximal end of the tubular member includes a selector switch used for selecting a mode of movement of the jaws so that either unidirectional mode or a bidirectional mode can be selected.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for selecting and sending mail pieces via an interactive kiosk. The interactive kiosk contains a microprocessor system programmed to interact with the customer for selecting a mail piece of choice. The microprocessor then displays queries and options for the purchaser to add a personalized message to the post card. The customer may also input the address or utilize an address locator feature for retrieving the address from a data base located in the kiosk. The kiosk then prompts the customer for payment via an electronic bill or credit card accepter. After the customer has completed using the kiosk, the kiosk communicates with a central processing location. The central processing location includes a microprocessor based system which electronically downloads the necessary information from the kiosk including the post card orders and customer/sales information.

Abstract: A personnel lift for use in spray booth systems having a partially enclosed work platform capable of X, Y, and Z axis mobility within the spray booth system and a flexible air supply conduit connecting the partially enclosed work platform to an air inlet manifold for supplying fresh air to the work platform.