Abstract: The construction and arrangement of projectile bearing surface interfaces rearward and forward of a recessed surface chamber of the projectile interface conjointly with the interfaces of bore wall areas segmented by recessed bore chambers which in conjunction effect the deployment/transport/dispersement/development/modulation and transformation of explosive propellant charges sequentially primed and activated rearward and forwardly of the projectile along the bore and in bore wall chambers captively converting high static gas pressure to expansively relieved dynamic propellant gas pressure directly at the projectile reducing firearm barrel recoil while energizing projectile movement along the bore in a closed-system of thermodynamic propellant energy for free flight purposes.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulating apparatus and method which optimizes cardiac performance by determining, from a filtered waveform transmitted from an accelerometer contained within the cardiac pacer, an optimum timing interval between at least one of intrinsic and paced stimulations of pre-selected chambers of the heart. Digitized data of the accelerometer signal, corresponding with identified R--R intervals, are stored for a plurality of preselected timing intervals for analysis and comparison. The accelerometer signal is filtered to isolate features of the waveform associated with specific cardiac events including for example, the first heart sound, the second heart sound or an amplitude in the frequency domain thereof. Characteristic values of these features of the accelerometer signal are calculated over a plurality of complete R--R intervals for each of the preselected timing intervals. The characteristic values are analyzed and compared to determine which timing interval optimizes cardiac performance.

Abstract: The present invention is a decorative hair retainer for persons having mid-to long hair styles. It consists of an annular decorative fabric tube containing an elastic band in the interior thereof. Two combs are located on the exterior periphery of the annular fabric tube. The combs are positioned 180.degree. apart from each other. In use, the accessory is secured on top of the gathered hair or alternatively the hair is gathered into a bunch and inserted through the center opening of the annular fabric tube member. The combs are then used to further secure the hair retainer to the head by being inserted into the hair between the hair retainer and the scalp of the individual wearing the hair retainer.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for producing a salt solution suitable for use as a liquid ice and snow remover. The apparatus consists of an internal dual-tank arrangement. The exterior walls of the apparatus form an outer containment tank which holds preferably up to 110% of the volume of the internal dual-tank arrangement. The dual-tank arrangement consists of a hopper tank for holding a soluble salt and a holding tank for holding the produced salt solution. A fluid passageway leads from the hopper tank to the holding tank. Water is fed into the lower portion of the hopper tank. It rises through salt or calcium magnesium acetate pellets located in the hopper tank forming a salt solution. The solution flows through two screened outlets into pipes which lead it to the holding tank. Fresh water is introduced into the salt solution as it exits the hopper tank and enters the holding tank.

Abstract: The holder has a mounting plate with mounting holes for mounting onto the down tube of a bicycle. The holder includes two bottle receiving members extending transverse from the mounting plate. The first bottle receiving member has a larger arcuate member extending from a first side of the mounting plate and a smaller arcuate member extending from a second side of the mounting plate. The first and second arcuate members define a first opening therebetween. The second bottle receiving member also has a larger arcuate member extending from the first side of the mounting plate. A smaller arcuate member extends from the second side of the mounting plate. These arcuate members define a second opening that is on the same side of the water bottle holder as the first opening. The first bottle receiving member is smaller than said second bottle receiving member. A first alternative embodiment has two sets of mounting holes on its mounting plate.

Abstract: A container (10) for shipping items, such as silicon wafers, rigid memory disks, photo masks, liquid crystal displays and flat panel displays, is disclosed. The container has a bottom (20) and a removable top (30). Mounted to the inside of the container are three cushions (50, 51, 52). When the cover (30) is in place, the cushions are centered on support lines (60) which are 120.degree. from each other. When so arranged, the cushions securely hold a plurality of items in a parallel, spaced-apart registration.

Abstract: A bandage encapsulated in a protective sterile covering is disclosed, whereby the bandage may be removed from its sterile covering and applied with one hand without contaminating any portion of the bandage. The apparatus and method to manufacture the unique bandage is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for filtering fluids which is cleanable and re-usable is described. The device includes a cylindrical canister, a cylindrical lid and a filter cartridge. The device is adapted to be disposed in a fluid flow circuit, filtering particulate from the fluid circulating therein. The filter cartridge is quickly removed, cleaned and reused. The fluid enters and exits the device from the top end through fluid inlets and an outlet extending through the lid perpendicular to the lids upper planar surface, thereby reducing the amount of space required to mount the device. The fluid inlets include sloping fins that direct fluids in the filtering chamber in a spiraling action, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the filter.

Abstract: A valve disabler for use in high pressure pipe cleaning systems. The valve disabler of the present invention serves to disable a single cylinder in a multi-cylinder plunger pump so as to generate pulsatile pressure surges within a hose member. The pulsatile pressure surges cause the distal end of the hose member to move in a serpentine manner, thus allowing the hose member to negotiate down a tortuous path within the pipe without stalling or becoming otherwise impeded.

Abstract: A rotary blade including a disc and a ring secured to the disc, wherein the ring has cutting filaments that extend radially outward past the outer edge of the disc. As the disc is rotated the filaments are adapted for cutting grass and the like. Projections extending from the disc create an air turbulence that both lifts the vegetation to be cut and swirls the clippings to further mulch the clippings.

Abstract: An enclosed semiconductor wafer holder, and a cover providing isolation control of semiconductor wafers that is simple, lower cost, and non-obtrusive is described. The cover includes a sealing perimeter that creates a hermetic seal when engaged with the semiconductor wafer holder. The holder also includes a purging arrangement attached to the holder that allows an active gentle purging of inert gas into the sealed semiconductor wafer holder.

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: 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: 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 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: 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: An annular ring and cap that are positionable within a manhole or catch basin structure above the base of the manhole or catch basin to reduce the amount of debris entering into the manhole or catch basin. The annular ring may be positioned within the manhole or catch basin such that a flange of the annular ring is sandwiched between the base and support frame. When a final grade surrounding the manhole or catch basin is complete and the cover or grating is positioned above the support frame, the cap then serves as a secondary restriction thereby deterring access to underground conduits that are linked to the manhole or catch basin. A plurality of corrosion resistant locking members secure the cap against a ledge of the annular ring. The annular ring further has an inner edge of the ledge that includes first and second shoulder clearance indentations aligned opposite each other.