Abstract: An award construction that includes a decorative member, a supporting base for supporting the decorative member and an alternate means for interconnecting the decorative member with the supporting base. More particularly, in one form of the invention, the base portion of the decorative member includes a peripheral portion having a locking rim than can be lockably interconnected with a yieldably deformable locking assembly that is affixed to and extends upwardly from the upper surface of the supporting base. In another form of the invention, the identical base portion of the decorative member can be interconnected with the support base by means of a threaded rod which is threadably received within a threaded bore formed in the base portion of the decorative member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a stent into a region of a major blood vessel within the human body in a manner which substantially reduces the risk of embolic material escaping to the vessel and causing a blockage at a downstream location. A uniquely designed stent delivery catheter includes a central lumen through which a guide wire travels. The central lumen is provided with a valve means that is operable by the guide wire and when moved into a closed position by withdrawal of the guide wire, functions to prevent the flow of loose debris toward the proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: An attractive wake tower assembly of a unique, generally U-Shaped configuration that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. Each of the side members of the assembly has an upper portion and a lower portion, each of which is generally oval in cross section. The lower portion of each of the side members have a first width and the upper portion of each of the side members have a first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section.

Abstract: A universal snow boot and binding for use in connection with either snow skiing or snow boarding which is easy to use and provides quick, easy and positive interconnection of the snow boot with the upper surface of the ski or snow-board. A unique feature of the invention is to use magnetic forces in cooperation with a novel mechanical locking mechanism to removably affix the snow boot to the ski or snowboard.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a stent into a region of a major blood vessel within the human body in a manner which substantially reduces the risk of embolic material escaping to the vessel and causing a blockage at a downstream location. A uniquely designed stent delivery catheter includes a central lumen through which a guide wire travels. The central lumen is provided with a valve means that is operable by the guide wire and when moved into a closed position by withdrawal of the guide wire, functions to prevent the flow of loose debris toward the proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A detachment tool for use in detaching a detachable part from a two-part article having a fixed part and a detachable part. The detachment tool uniquely enables persons having impaired motor skills, persons having hand muscular difficulties and persons suffering from certain disabling conditions such as arthritis, to readily remove detachable parts from various types of two-part articles such as articles adapted for dispensing certain types of medicaments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the physical characteristics of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs. The apparatus of the invention includes a plurality of strategically positioned cameras that are used to obtain data concerning volumetric, curvilinear (surface) and linear measurements of livestock animals such as cattle and hogs and the full carcasses thereof. In accordance with the method of the invention, the data is analyzed to provide information that substantially assists the commercial producer of livestock animals in producing a high-quality end product for the consumer while adding profitability to the enterprise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a stent into a region of a major blood vessel within the human body in a manner which substantially reduces the risk of embolic material escaping to the vessel and causing a blockage at a downstream location. Additionally, the apparatus includes a uniquely designed stent delivery catheter having a central lumen through which a guide wire travels, the central lumen being provided with a valve means that is operable by the guide wire and when moved into a closed position by withdrawal of the guide wire, functions to prevent the flow of loose debris toward the proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring to chemical stability motion picture film having an acetate base which is suffering, or which may begin to suffer, from the deterioration generally referred to as “vinegar syndrome.” The method allows films to be treated and stabilized without applying a liquid to their surfaces and without immersing them in any liquid. Instead, vapors emitted from a specially prepared, heated chemical solution permeate the film base and begin chemical reactions which ultimately restore the film. The process can be used on film that has begun to deteriorate, or it can be used, as a preventative measure, on apparently healthy film.

Abstract: An apparatus for quickly, easily and adjustably connecting elevator car and counterweight guide rail support brackets to the walls of an elevator hoistway and also to either vertically or horizontally extend structural beams that are disposed within the elevator hoistway. Installation of the apparatus requires no welding operations to be performed in order to connect the brackets to the walls or to the beams. The apparatus uniquely includes cooperating support and connector brackets each of which has a plurality of strategically arranged, indexable connector holes that permit the necessary degree of adjustment of the brackets to properly position the guide rails within the hoistway.

Abstract: A hand-held stamping device and the method of making same that includes a substantially transparent acrylic mounting block to which a substantially transparent printing element is removably affixed without the use of adhesives. When the device of the invention is used, the indicia formed on the printing element can be clearly viewed through the mounting block, and the printing surface can be clearly viewed through the printing element. This enables precise positioning of the indicia on the surface to be printed. The device includes both a convex surface and a planar surface to which the printing element can be removably affixed. When the printing element is affixed to the planar surface, the indicia on the printing element, when viewed through the convex surface, is magnified.

Abstract: Articles of apparel and the method of making the same which include a sealable cuff portion and a shaped body portion that will allow water vapor due to perspiration to transpire through the article but will prevent water from external sources from reaching the wearer's extremities. The articles of apparel include a body portion that is of three-ply construction with the inside and outside plies being knit and the intermediate ply being made from an elastomeric polyurethane film. The three plies uniquely bonded together using a pliant, waterproof adhesive. The sealable cuff portion is of a two-ply construction with the outside ply being an elastic knit and the inside ply being a continuation of the elastomeric polyurethane film of the body portion. The adhesive on the continuation of the film is melted to form a smooth surface that sealably engages the user's extremity to prevent entry of water between the user's skin and the film.

Abstract: An attractive wake tower assembly of a unique, generally U-Shaped configuration that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. Each of the side members of the assembly has an upper portion and a lower portion, each of which is generally oval in cross section. The lower portion of each of the side members have a first width and the upper portion of each of the sides having a second width less than the first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section.

Abstract: Protective garments, such as gloves, socks and vests and the method of making the same that are comfortable to wear and at the same time provide a high degree of protection to the user against exposure to various chemical vapors, and hazardous agents including noxious gases.