Abstract: A mitral hook instrument for use particularly in heart valve operations. The mitral hook is used in particular for grasping or hooking secondary chords for lysis procedures. The interior surface of the hook has a groove or channel to facilitate use of a scalpel to cut a chord or other member which has been grasped and exposed by the hook. Also, markings are preferably provided on the distal end of the mitral hook instrument in order to assist the surgeon.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive in which the output drive to the fan is controlled by the movement of viscous fluid from a fluid reservoir and into the operating and working chamber of the coupling during normal operation. The input-coupling assembly and cover member are formed with a unique combination of continuous and non-continuous radially extending lands and grooves designed to distribute the viscous fluid in a continuous film throughout the shear zone so as to maximize output fan speed at a given input speed. An armature-venting feature is designed to simplify the opening and closing of the valve disk in an electronic version of the viscous fan drive depending upon the desired operating condition.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled fan drive system (12) having a method of engagement includes a housing assembly (20) containing a hydraulic fluid (48) and an engaging circuit (36). The engaging circuit (36) includes a pitot tube (152) coupled within the housing assembly (20) that receives at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid (48). An engaging circuit (36) engages the housing assembly (20) to a fan shaft (44) in response to supply of the hydraulic fluid (48) from the pitot tube (152).

Abstract: An engine mounted fan clutch is disclosed that utilizes an actuator including two shape memory alloy actuation wires to engage and disengage a valve arm and ultimately the fan. The actuator also includes a controller and a position sensor to accurately determine the position of a valve arm. The fan clutch is part of a control system that continuously monitors the engine parameters and makes adjustments to keep the engine temperature within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fan coupling (10) having a fan-drive subassembly (12), an electromagnet subassembly (14), and a magnetic medium (16). The fan-drive subassembly (12) includes an output member (22) and an input member (20) rotatably mounted around the output member (22) with the magnetic medium (16) therebetween. The magnetic medium (16) has a shear stress that can be adjusted by a magnetic flux (24) for transferring torque between the input member (20) and the output member (22). The electromagnet subassembly (14) includes a stationary electromagnet coil (62) for adjusting the shear stress of the magnetic medium (16) and regulating a torque transferred between the input member (20) and the output member (22).

Abstract: A single-piece air cylinder (“air cylinder”) for a pneumatic fan drive system. The air cylinder is comprised of a single-piece stamping having a stepped tab portion for attaching to a piston rod of the pneumatic fan drive system. The air cylinder has a cylinder portion and a washer portion extending concentrically inward from the cylinder portion. The washer portion defines an aperture and has the stepped tab portion extending into the aperture. This air cylinder has a sufficiently robust construction for resisting fatigue over a significant number of operation cycles. Additionally, the air cylinder has a substantially robust construction for resisting damage associated with dropping or otherwise mishandling the air cylinder.

Abstract: A method of controlling a fluid actuated fan drive system (12) for an engine (14) includes determining an engine speed. The speed of a fluid actuated engine-cooling fan (16) is limited when the engine speed is greater than or equal to an engine over-speed level. The fluid controlled fan drive system (12) includes a sensor (31) that generates an engine speed signal. The system (12) also includes the fluid actuated engine-cooling fan (16) and an engagement circuit (36) that is coupled thereto. A controller (28) is coupled to the sensor (31) and the engagement circuit (36) and limits operating speed of the engine-cooling fan (16) to less than a predetermined level when the engine speed signal is indicative of an engine over-speed condition.

Abstract: A shutoff valve mechanism for a plastic injection molding system and process. The shutoff valve mechanism is positioned between the nozzle of the injection molding machine and the hot runner manifold. Force applied by the machine nozzle moves an inner body member in the shutoff valve mechanism and opens a valve allowing molten plastic material to flow through the valve and into the hot runner, sprue bushings, and mold cavities. A biasing mechanism, such as a plurality of spring washer members, returns the inner body member to its rest position, thereby closing the valve mechanism when the machine nozzle is retracted.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled viscous fan drive in which the output drive to the fan is electronically controlled by the movement of viscous fluid from a fluid reservoir and into the operating and working chamber of the coupling during normal operation. A radially balanced valve disk coupled to a spring controls the relative movement of viscous fluid from a fluid reservoir to the working chamber by sealingly engaging and disengaging a fill hole fluidically coupling the fluid reservoir to the working chamber. The clutch plate and cover and body, along with the features defined between the clutch plate and cover and body are cast to the desired size and shape, therein allowing easier and more precise manufacturing and more cost effective manufacturing as compared with traditional designs that are stamped and having machined-in features.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) image quality phantom for use in calibrating explosive detection systems (EDS) at airports. A foam core block containing up to five right cylinder rod members is positioned in a housing member which is adapted to be passed through an airport luggage scanning machine. The rod members are of different lengths in order to create different data slices for analysis. The housing has a lead-in member at least at one end in order to allow passage through an EDS more easily and provide accurate CT calibrating.

Abstract: A continuous coating process 30 for chewing gum and bubble gum materials. Small cores or pieces of gum material 20 are introduced into inclined rotating drums 34, 34? in which heated air 52 is circulated and a coating solution 50 is applied (liquid or powder). The coating material is dried on the pieces of material, and a plurality of thin layers are formed on each of the cores or small pieces of material. A series of rotating drums can be provided to provide the requisite number or thickness of coating layers. In an alternate embodiment, initial coatings of material can be provided on the cores by a batch-type process before the materials are introduced into the continuous coating drums. The formulas for the coating solution can also be adjusted at different stages of the coating process in order to provide a more consistent and uniform coating.

Abstract: Method and system for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material. An extruded rope of liquid-filed gum is sized and separated into individual pieces of gum. A rotating drum mechanism having a die ring and cutter ring with mating die members separate the rope of gum material into individual pieces. Pairs of cam-operated plunger members compress and form the pieces of gum material in the die cavities. Angled grooves in the die members prevent portions of the gum pieces from being chipped-off during formation. Guide pin members are positioned between rider members on the plunger members. A feed chute with air assist transfers the gum rope from a sizing table to the rotating drum mechanism. A stripper member insures that the formed pieces of gum material are removed from the drum mechanism. Portions of the drum mechanism can be selective heated and cooled, or not cooled at all. The invention provides a more efficient system for continuous, high production operation.

Abstract: A multiple head shower system particularly designed for retrofit installation on an existing shower system, and having a head member with a primary outlet and at least one secondary outlet, a primary shower head, at least one elongated water conduit, and at least one secondary on/off water valve member. The secondary valve members are secured to the shower enclosure with a bracket member and an adhesive. The header member is secured to the existing shower system with a threaded connection or a slip-fit connection. Preferably, a pair of secondary on/off water valve members and conduits are provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tool for removing fastening members, such as nuts and studs. The tool comprises an elongate body member (30) with first and second ends, the first end having means (31′) for deforming an end face of the fastening member to provide an area of purchase thereon; and means (44) to cause rotation of the fastening member to unscrew the fastening member from the structure. Also within the scope of the present invention is a locating means (38′) for locating the first end of the body member (30′) with respect to the end face of the fastening member as well as a method for enabling removal of fastening members by action upon an end face of a fastening member.

Abstract: A therapeutical vaccine complex having activity specific for Helicobacter bacteria as well as non-specific immunomodulation activity for regulating the natural defenses of the body. The drug is also useful for preventing relapses, particularly in cases of resistance to conventional treatment. The drug essentially consists of RNA, selective membrane fractions of microbial germs, particular amino acid sequences, sodium chloride and a steroidal anti-inflammatory in predetermined proportions enabling simultaneous delivery of antibiotics and frenosecretories. Said drug is particularly suitable for treating digestive tract diseases caused by Helicobacter (antral gastritis, duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, oesophagitis, hepatitis) and preventing stomach cancer and degenerative infectious MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma, as well as coronary diseases directly or indirectly dependent on Helicobacter infections.

Abstract: An injection mold apparatus having two halves, a core portion and a cavity portion. One or more gas injection devices, such as porous metal devices, are located in either of the two portions of the mold. Once a charge of hot melted plastic is injected into the mold cavity, gas is injected through gas injection devices forcing the hot plastic against the opposite mold half and into any recesses and grooves. Gas seals are formed by the plastic to prevent gas in the mold cavity from reaching the exterior surface of the molded part during shrinkage of the plastic. The centers of mass of the plastic at rib intersections are optimally positioned to eliminate sink marks on the external finished surfaces of the molded parts.

Abstract: A heating element or heater for use with an automotive windshield is adapted to prevent the accumulation of ice and slush on windshield wipers. The heater is defined by a laminate having an electrical resistance member sandwiched between the first and second films forming the laminate. Contacts extend out of the laminate for connection to a source of power. The electrical resistance member, preferably, comprises a resistance wire which reaches a temperature sufficient to melt snow and ice accumulating on the windshield wipers, but which is insufficient to melt the laminate or to create a fire hazard. Optimally, the heater is powered through an automotive lighter outlet or accessory power outlet disposed within the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: Protective seat cover members for vehicles, particularly for rear seat members of automobiles. Sleeve members affixed to the seat cover members fit over and protect the seat belt members. The seat cover members are impervious to liquids and adapted to be easily attached and removed from the seat members and disposed of when necessary.