Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing viscous liquids which dispenses from the bottom of the container and which has a self-closing, non-drip dispensing spout. The dispensing spout may be provided on the bottom of an upright container having a cap at the other extremity or as a part of a removable cap for the container having a flat upper surface for storing the container in an inverted position. A self-operating closure allows one-handed operation of the container. The self-operating closure has a pivotable dispensing tube and valve with an open position and a closed position which is operated by the pivoting action of the dispensing tube. The pivotable dispensing tube and the valve are biased into a closed position to make the closure self-operating. A detent may be provided for holding the pivotable dispensing tube in an open position against the bias.

Abstract: A multi-zone, multifinctional graft with two or more zones that have different chemical and biological characteristics is provided. The vascular conduit that has of an inner zone that is permanently non-thrombogenic and anti-proliferative, and one or more outer zones that allow for beneficial tissue in-growth and sealing of the graft to prevent leakage. The small diameter vascular conduits of the present invention containing these different zones may be fabricated from woven or knitted Dacron, extruded porous PTFE, from polyurethane polymer, or other similar materials, and the structure of these conduits so modified as to provide these different zones. One embodiment contains an inner non-thrombogenic layer and an outer thrombogenic layer, optionally containing a growth agent. A second embodiment contains a third intermediate layer having a growth agent impregnated therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treating cardiovascular diseases with an embolization coil placement system utilizing an embolization coil and a pusher device. The embolization coil includes a releasable attachment assembly with a deformable ring-shaped member for connecting the embolization coil to a hydraulic pressure actuated coil release assembly on the pusher device. The coil release assembly includes a coil mounting wire with a bulbous distal portion that extends distally from a proximal tubular portion of the pusher device. A small inflatable balloon is mounted on the pusher device surrounding the coil mounting wire and fluidly connected to the proximal tubular portion. The embolization coil delivery system is prepared for use by crimping the deformable ring-shaped member around the deflated balloon member and the mounting wire. The bulbous distal portion of the mounting wire retains the crimped ring-shaped member on the pusher device.

Abstract: A garment that can be donned while the wearer is seated, such as in a child car seat, has an upper portion that wraps around the wearer's torso from the front. There are fasteners along the edges that can be fastened behind the wearer. A pair of sleeves are attached to the front of the upper portion. Cuffs that fold over to form mitten-like hand coverings are attached to the ends of the sleeves. There is a neck opening having fasteners to secure behind the wearer's neck. A detachable bib panel attaches to the front of the upper portion. A lower portion extends downward and encloses the wearer's feet and legs. The lower portion is configured as a single pouch for enclosing both of the wearer's legs. Alternately, the lower portion is configured with two separate leg coverings. The leg coverings may be open, closed or have cuffs that fold over to form foot coverings.

Abstract: Remote Alarm Tester with A graphic display panel having an attached electronic sound sensing device, the sound sensing device capable of activating an LED light when a sound of seventy five Db or greater has occurred within a ten foot distance of the device, and the graphic display card also displaying pictorial and language elements that communicate to passers by that an inspection is taking place and to not tamper with the sensing device. A preferred embodiment includes wherein said electronic sound sensing device is comprised of a housing, battery, indicating LED's, Microphone, on/off switch, microprocessor chip and associated electronic components.

Abstract: An arrestor for any hydraulic ram or other cylinder but primarily for an emergency brake for lifting elevators. The present invention is a jack arrestor utilizing two lever acting brake arms lined with an accretable metal as the friction material. When actuated, the brake arms contact the ram circumferentially to slow and stop the falling ram. The lining material is machined inside the brake arms to a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the ram and when actuated, the accretable material on the brake arms contacts the ram with sufficient frictional force to stop the downward motion of the ram. The safety brake may be actuated by loss of hydraulic pressure, by an electronic signal from a hydraulic pressure detector, by down overspeed or by an uncontrolled down motion detector. In the case of the hydraulic pressure detector, reapplication of normal pressure in the hydraulic cylinder will automatically reset the brake.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved form of computer mouse. In particular, the physical form of this mouse is designed such that the hand position required to manipulate the mouse is a natural “resting” or neutral position. This position will allow the mouse to be used for long periods of time while minimizing pain and disability in the hand and wrist. The hand is inclined to the horizontal plane typically at an angle of at least 50 degrees. The fingers are flexed, the thumb and index finger are opposed and in close proximity. The wrist is not pulled backwards nor drooped, nor is it angled to one side or the other. There is no deviated wrist movement. Wrist movement is in the natural plane of the wrist.

Abstract: An automobile sound processor containing prerecorded or synthesized sound signatures of vintage automobiles and motorcycles or other sounds, along with other audio processing components, is integrated with an automobile's on-board stereo sound system. A mode selector allows the user to select the desired classic car sound signature to be replicated. Sensors or transducers located in the engine compartment measure engine RPM and manifold vacuum. The sensors communicate instantaneous measurements of engine RPM and manifold vacuum to the sound processor and other audio processing components. The output of the sound processor is a composite audio replication of a selected sound signature. The sound signature is reproduced through the vehicle's on-board stereo sound system and modulated by the driving dynamics of the driver's car, as if the car were producing these sounds by responding to acceleration and deceleration dynamics.

Abstract: Medication Reminder Key chain with a key chain sized housing enclosing a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board supporting an integrated circuit providing timing functions and control for a piezo electric sound emitting device and a plurality of LED's, the printed circuit board also supporting a momentary switch, the printed circuit board also supporting a battery holder and associated battery. A preferred embodiment includes in said timing functions the actuation of said sound emitting device at regular intervals.

Abstract: A hole plug and method of installing the hole plug to seal and repair a hole in a wall of a pipeline, tank or other physical structure is provided. The hole plug has a bolt with a bolt head and a threaded shank, where two or more adjacent notched washers, one or more sealing washers and an exterior washer are secured about the threaded shank and between the bolt head and a threaded nut. The present invention includes an internal sealing washer and/or an external sealing washer. The sealing washers and the exterior washer are selected to provide a surface area larger than the hole. The hole is prepared by establishing a solid, clean edge. The bolt head, a length of the threaded shank, the notched washers and an optional internal sealing washer, are passed from the exterior side of the wall and through the hole. Insertion of the notched washers is accomplished by tipping the washers at an angle to the wall and rotating the washer through the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: A golf ball teeing device having a hopper containing a plurality of golf balls. A ball placing arm extends from one side of the hopper and rotates between a generally upright, rest position and a generally horizontal, ball-dispensing position. The ball dispensing arm rotates about a rod, which forms a pivot point. The rod extends through the hopper. Attached to the rod and within the hopper is a plate. As the ball dispensing arm rotates, the rod and plate are rotated, thereby agitating the balls within the hopper. A spring is used to bias the ball dispensing arm towards the upright position. A ball stopping arm is biased towards a position which blocks the outlet opening of the hopper, thereby inhibiting the loss of balls escaping the hopper. A locking arm may be used to hold the ball stopping arm in front of the outlet opening of the hopper, thereby stopping operation of the golf ball teeing device to allow transport, etc. without the loss of the balls contained within the hopper.

Abstract: A tubular member useful as an inner liner for the working channel of a flexible endoscope has a distal portion which is specially treated to make it highly flexible and resistant to kinking or collapsing when it bends with the flexible section of the endoscope. The tubular member is also useful as a catheter device or as a component of a catheter device or catheter system. A multiplicity of external ridges on the distal portion of the tubular member reinforce the tubing wall and prevent kinking or buckling of the wall or collapsing of the inner lumen. The external ridges may be formed by convolutions of the tubing wall or by external threads which are formed on the exterior of the tubing wall within the flexible distal portion. An outer helical reinforcing coil may be added between the external ridges to further reinforce the flexible distal portion of the tubular member from kinking or collapsing.

Abstract: A sailboat and crew performance optimization system includes a modular system of sensors, data acquisition, computational analysis, graphical display and optional feedback control for optimizing sailboat and crew performance. The system acquires data relating to external factors (e.g. wind speed, wind direction, variations in wind speed, variations in wind direction, sea state, and wave conditions), performance parameters (e.g. boat speed, time to reach a specified destination and velocity made good, safety parameters and sailboat comfort parameters), dependent variable setpoints (e.g. sail shape, sail pressure distribution, etc.), and control variables (e.g. line tensions, rudder angle, sail plan, etc.) and correlates or analyzes the data to determine or predict the optimum setpoint targets and control variables. The system displays information and relationships to the sailboat crew in order to optimize sailboat performance and crew performance.

Abstract: An electrochemical etching step in a semiconductor device fabrication process increases the radius of curvature of edges of metal lines deposited on the semiconductor device. The metal lines are fabricated by forming a mask, electrodepositing the metal, and removing the mask, and the electro-chemical etching step in performed subsequently. The increased radius of curvature of the metal lines simplifies subsequent planarization and decreases line-to-line capacitance, thereby enhancing device performance. In an apparatus for performing the fabrication process, wires sown into a gasket which secures the semiconductor wafer and prevents electrolyte leakage, allows the gasket to function also as a component of the cathode. A more uniform metal deposition is created by a virtual anode, i.e., a metal plate having an aperture and being located between the anode and the cathode.