Abstract: A protective sheath apparatus and method for protecting surgical conduits from contamination by liquids resulting from a surgical procedure. The protective sheath also provides a restraint system for securing the various surgical conduits on the surgical field. The protective sheath is configured as a tubular element fabricated from a liquid-resistant, fabric-like material. An annular shield is affixed to one end of the tubular element and serves as the entry for inserting the surgical conduits through the tubular element. A pair of guide members are mounted to the shield and serve as a basal element over which the tubular element is longitudinally folded and as a guide for assisting in the passage of the surgical conduits through the folded tubular element. Retainer strings releasably hold the tubular element in its telescopically folded configuration.

Abstract: A multiple function centrifuge for use in the centrifugation of sets of centrifugation containers within preselected size ranges and centrifugation speeds. The centrifuge rotor is configured with a plurality of receptacle sets therein, each set having a preselected size to receive the corresponding size of centrifugation container. An index plate has a single set of access ports therethrough. The orientation of the access ports is coordinated with the placement of the receptacle sets to limit placement of centrifugation containers to a single receptacle set. Once a particular size of centrifugation container has been selected and inserted into the appropriate receptacle in the rotor, the index plate automatically blocks placement of centrifugation containers into any other receptacle. The motor is a multispeed motor to allow the operator to select the appropriate centrifugation speed and duration as a function of the liquid undergoing centrifugation.

Abstract: A behavior modification apparatus and method for use in combination with the restraint system in an automobile to encourage a person to use the restraint system wherever the person is riding in the automobile. The apparatus includes a housing and an attachment means for releasably attaching the housing to the restraint system. The housing contains an electronic circuit and a pressure sensitive switch. The switch senses when the restraint system has been properly engaged about the person and activates the electronic circuitry. An incentive device includes a battery and is releasably mounted to the housing in electrical contact with the electronic circuitry so that closure of the switch causes the incentive device to be electrically operated by the battery.

Abstract: A liquid proportioning apparatus for proportioning two or more liquids into a bottle. The liquids are accurately proportioned in the bottle by sensing the respective pressure increases in the bottle as each liquid is introduced into the bottle. The bottle is initially pressurized to a first pressure setting to establish a base-line so that subsequent pressure change caused by an incoming liquid will be proportional to the volume of that liquid to the total volume of the bottle. This invention is primarily directed to the selective production of a beverage from a syrup and water or carbonated water.

Abstract: A belt-mountable tape dispenser operable with one hand for the retrieval and cutting of a predetermined length of tape from a spool of tape mounted to the dispenser. The tape dispenser includes a frame fabricated from a malleable material to accommodate conforming the frame to the waist of the wearer. Belt clips on each end of the frame releasably mount the frame to the belt. A strut extends downwardly from the frame and rotatably supports a reel upon which the spool of tape can be mounted. A cutter assembly and a cutter shield are removably attached to the strut. The cutter assembly and the cutter shield are adaptable to being mounted to the strut for either a left-hand operation or a right-hand operation. The placement of the reel below the frame prevents the pulling and tearing forces imposed on the tape from dislodging the tape dispenser from the belt.

Abstract: A shield apparatus and method for guarding the gap between door sections of a sectional door to inhibit the insertion of fingers into the gap as the sectional door traverses between the elevated open position to the lowered, closed position. The shield apparatus is configured as an outer shield and an inner shield, both of which are fabricated from a resilient sheet material. The outer shield is formed into an L-shaped cross section along its length with the foot portion of the L shape being mounted to the upper edge of the lower door section so that the leg portion of the L shape extends upwardly across the gap between the lower door section and the upper door section. A water diversion channel is formed into the foot to divert water to the ends of the sectional door to preclude the water from dripping from the sectional door as it is raised to the open, overhead position. A pair of double-face tapes are used to secure the shield apparatus to the top edge of the lower door section.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation apparatus and method for applying an electrical stimulation to a lesion. The apparatus includes a housing having a battery and an electrical circuit mounted inside the housing. A pair of electrodes are removably mounted to the housing and extend therefrom so as to accommodate being touched to the skin on opposite sides of the lesion. A switch on the housing allows the user to selectively supply electrical energy to the electrodes. A first light on the housing is illuminated when the switch is depressed thereby providing a visual indication that electrical energy is being supplied to the electrodes. A second light on the housing provides a visual indication of a low battery condition. A closure is mountable to the housing and encloses the electrodes, switch, and light within the closure.

Abstract: A water diversion channel for the joint between door sections of a sectional door. The water diversion channel is formed in the leading face of the tongue portion of the tongue and groove of the joint. The leading face of the tongue is formed with a slight undercut so as to provide the water diversion channel with a triangular cross section.

Abstract: A sucker rod coupling tool and method for either breaking or tightening the threaded joint between a sucker rod and the coupling that joins the sucker rod to the next sucker rod. A base plate has a backup wrench mounted to one end and a friction wrench actuated by a hydraulic piston pivotally affixed to the base plate at the other end. An inversion loop is affixed to the base plate and rotatably suspended below a control platform to accommodate inversion of the base plate along with the backup wrench and the friction wrench. The control platform also supports the control levers and can be raised and lowered to allow the backup wrench to engage the sucker rod.

Abstract: A vertical planter for supporting a plurality of plants vertically. The planter includes a hollow column mounted vertically on a water reservoir. The hollow column is fabricated from one or more column modules which are filled with a planting medium. A plurality of planting ports are formed in the wall of the hollow column to provide access for plants to be planted in the planting medium. Planter inserts can also be attached to the planting ports, the planter inserts supporting a body of the planting medium on the external surface of the hollow column. A water distribution system is provided for delivering water to the planting medium and includes a secondary reservoir with a distribution line distributing the water into the planting medium. Moisture sensors and an optional timer drive a pump to deliver the water from the water reservoir into the water distribution system.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for controlling a remote actuator, the control apparatus having a kinesthetic feedback system for providing a kinesthetic sensation to the operator as a physical sensation representative of the resistive forces encountered by the remote actuator. The control apparatus is configured to be releasably mounted to the hand of the operator with control modules supported at preselected joints of the hand. The control modules sense changes in the angular orientation in the respective joints and generate a control signal as a function of the change. This control signal is used to drive the corresponding actuator. Each actuator includes a sensor to sense resistive forces encountered by the actuator and generate a response signal as a function of the resistive forces.

Abstract: A decorative overlay and window system for an opening in a garage door, the decorative overlay including a peripheral framework formed as an integral part of the decorative overlay. Bolt strips having a plurality of bolts extending outwardly therefrom are secured to the inner face of the peripheral framework. The bolts provide an alignment mechanism for aligning the decorative overlay with the opening in the garage door. A windowpane having a plurality of holes in its border is mounted to the peripheral framework by passing the bolts through the holes and then threadedly fastening nuts to the bolts. An insulation liner is provided to cover open edges of adjacent insulation in the event the decorative window system is used on an insulated garage door.

Abstract: An implantable spine fixation apparatus and method, the apparatus including a pair of longitudinal rods placed on each side of the spinous process. Several side arm clamps are attached to the longitudinal rods with their lateral arms extending outwardly from the longitudinal rods. Clamps are mounted to the lateral arms and both affixed to the bone of the spine and clamped to the lateral arms by bone screws inserted into the bone of the spine. Cross link plates are mounted to paired side arm clamps to secure the relative positions of the longitudinal rods. The method includes providing the bone screw with the optimal angular orientation for fixation of the bone screw to the bone. The method also includes adjustably affixing the implantable fixation apparatus relative to the spine for improving bone grafting.

Abstract: A novel process for bonding a fluoropolymer to a metal surface, the process including flowing the fluoropolymer on the metal surface at a temperature at or above the transition temperature of the fluoropolymer and then holding the fluoropolymer at a temperature incrementally above the melting temperature of the fluoropolymer. The holding period allows the chlorine or fluorine in the chloro-fluoro-polymer subunits of the fluoropolymer to react with the metal and thereby securely bond the fluoropolymer to the metal surface.

Abstract: An elongated, hollow spinal needle that is less prone to causing postdural puncture headache by having a modified, pencil-like point with a rounded shoulder at the juncture between the modified, pencil-like point and the body of the spinal needle. A side port is formed in the hollow needle at a position adjacent the rounded shoulder. The leading edge of the side port is located not more than 1.5 times the external diameter of the hollow needle from the tip of the pencil-like point to reduce the bending moment between the tip and the side port. The cross sectional area of the side port is configured to be equal to or incrementally larger than the cross sectional area of the lumen of the hollow needle.

Abstract: A unidirectional shutoff tool for closing a gas valve, having a valve stem with a rectangular profile extending from the gas valve. The tool has a head and a handle extending from the head to accommodate the application of leverage to the head. A rectangular receptacle is formed in one face of the head and has two diametrically opposed corners for engaging corresponding corners of the valve stem in order for the tool to be used to rotate the gas valve to the closed position. The receptacle is characterized by the absence of corners that could otherwise be used to engage corresponding corners of the valve stem thereby preventing the tool from being used to open the gas valve. The head is angularly offset from the handle to provide an ergonomically acceptable configuration for the tool.

Abstract: A clamp for adjustably mounting an airspeed indicator to a webbing. The clamp is configured as a pair of planar jaws designed to clamp the webbing when tightened by a bolt passing through the jaws. Each jaw includes a socket half so that a socket is created when the jaws are brought together. A resilient hoop is used to encircle the barrel of the airspeed indicator in a resiliently constrictive manner. A ball is mounted to the external periphery of the resilient hoop and is configured to be received in the socket and clamped therein when the jaws are clamped to the webbing.

Abstract: A planning and journal apparatus and method wherein a loose-leaf binder has mounted therein a plurality of indices, each index addressing a particular topic, one topic being a journal designed for regular journal entries. A week manager sheet is readily insertable between the pages of the journal without the necessity of opening and closing the rings of the loose-leaf binder. The week manager sheet selectively includes a subtask column to enable the user to readily identify various subtasks on a weekly basis. The week manager sheet is configured as a two-sided sheet and having ring-receiving holes along opposing margins. The holes are slit to the edge of the week manager sheet to allow each hole to be slipped over and removed from the respective ring without opening the rings.

Abstract: A sucker rod coupling tool and method for either breaking or tightening the threaded joint between a sucker rod and the coupling that joins the sucker rod to the next sucker rod. A base plate has a backup wrench mounted to one end and a friction wrench actuated by a hydraulic piston pivotally affixed to the base plate at the other end. An inversion loop is affixed to the base plate and rotatably suspended below a control platform to accommodate inversion of the base plate along with the backup wrench and the friction wrench. The control platform also supports the control levers and can be raised and lowered to allow the backup wrench to engage the sucker rod.