Abstract: A catheter apparatus for gaining access into the uterine cavity in order to perform minimally invasive surgery or diagnostic procedures related to a uterus and fallopian tubes, includes a single-lumen catheter; and an elongated balloon disposed distally on the single-lumen catheter for insertion into a cervical canal of the uterus. The balloon has opposing portions which occlude openings of the cervical canal when inflated. A fluid displacement sleeve is slidably disposed over the single-lumen catheter. The sleeve is moveable over the elongated balloon to inflate the portions of the balloon which are adjacent the opposite openings of the cervical canal when the balloon is inserted therein. Because there is no need for a balloon inflation lumen, the outer diameter of the catheter can be minimized and the cost of the apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for projecting a pre-selected flow rate of dry compressed air onto a vehicle to prevent accumulation of excess water. The present invention also relates to a method for utilizing a compressed air vehicle drying system.

Abstract: A method for funding the production of a movie by presenting a storyboard synopsis of the yet-to-be-produced movie on a production company's Internet Web site, and allowing interested potential viewers of the movie to purchase a share of the production company's stock prior to production of the movie. Accompanying the storyboard synopsis is an offer which includes an opportunity to participate in the making of the movie by ‘voting’ for certain options related to the movie's production, as well as the opportunity to view the production of the movie via video transmission over the Internet. The purchase of a share of production company stock provides the shareholder the right to obtain a free copy of the completed movie as a dividend. The stock purchase is effected preferably by an electronics fund transfer, such as by the entering of a credit card number via the Web site.

Abstract: Environmentally safe, e.g. biodegradable, paint stripper compositions comprising 10-99 parts dimethyl esters of C4-C6 aliphatic dibasic acids, 0.1-40 parts polyvinyl butyral and 1-90 parts water. The compositions can be mixed, e.g. in high shear to provide stable emulsions which strip paint, e.g. varnish from wood. Certain embodiments of the invention also comprise water soluble organic solvents, water-miscible organic solvents, surfactants, emulsifiers, thickeners and/or pigments.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf feedback system. A mat is used to determine player foot position, and a 3D golf tracking system tracks golf balls hit from the mat to determine (a) a ground ball track and (b) a player orientation axis, based on the foot position and relative to the mat. The system further determines information indicative of how well the ground ball track correlated to the orientation axis. Preferably, a golfer using the system is led through a plurality of pin target locations in a simulated golf game. The system evaluates and stores information such as slice and hook, accuracy, player orientation axis and ball carry distance such that the player can evaluate his/her game individually or against one or more other players.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a highly durable positive displacement pump capable of dry-priming and pumping of a liquid containing abrasive non-soluble material. The pump assembly comprises an internally pressurized diaphragm assembly secured to a pump bowl and a pump bowl tube. A suction inlet and discharge outlet are located at opposite ends of the pump bowl tube, the inlet and outlet are each configured to receive a valve that limits flow of the liquid to a single direction. The internally pressurized diaphragm assembly comprises an upper diaphragm positioned atop a lower diaphragm wherein a cavity is formed between the diaphragms that is pressurized thereby reducing fatigue failure inducing stresses. Reciprocating axial movement of the internally pressurized diaphragm assembly, produced by a drive means, suctions the liquid in through the suction inlet and then discharges the liquid through the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A golf instructional device is provided for designating proper setup positioning for swinging a golf club and for monitoring the location of a user's eyes while swinging the club, such a mat being customized for an individual golfer. The device comprises a mat for providing a playing surface upon which foot positioning markers and a club positioning marker are placed. A mirror is coupled to the mat and is preferably located adjacent to the mat surface. The markers are designed to be removably attached to the mat surface. The markers are adjustable to allow a golf instructor to indicate proper location and angle for the user to position themselves and the club which they are swinging. The mirror is of a chosen size such that when properly angled by the instructor, the user can essentially only observe his or her eyes while swinging the golf club.

Abstract: An esophageal catheter device including a catheter with a balloon pressure sensor affixed to an exterior surface of the catheter, and a stylet assembly including a stylet for providing appropriate rigidity to the catheter to aid insertion in the esophagus and a port for removably mounting a pressure transducer.

Abstract: An obstetrical vacuum extractor having a vacuum cup molded of a first, relatively rigid material, with a lip of a second, relatively soft material secured along the basal opening. An elongated hollow stem which may be coupled to a vacuum source communicates with the interior and, accordingly, the basal opening of the vacuum cup. The first, relatively rigid material of the cup is preferably substantially transparent so that the physician may readily monitor the condition of the fetal scalp throughout delivery.

Abstract: A cell network management system comprises a user interface with navigation components and screen components, a web server component, and a database component. A workstation connects to the web server component via a browser. The user interface transmits configuration data to the workstation in the form of hypertext markup language. The workstation uses the navigation components to navigate through screen components displaying different levels of configuration data.

Abstract: A process for conjugating organic compounds containing methylene interrupted carbon-carbon double bonds comprising (a) contacting ruthenium trichloride hydrate and an organic solvent or carboxylic acid to form a first mixture, the organic solvent or carboxylic acid being present in an amount sufficient to solubilize the ruthenium trichloride hydrate, and (b) contacting the first mixture with an organic compound containing methylene interrupted carbon-carbon double bonds at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to conjugate the organic compound containing methylene interrupted carbon-carbon double bonds; wherein the ruthenium in the ruthenium trichloride hydrate in (b) is present in an amount of about 5 ppm to about 100 ppm based on the weight of the organic compound containing methylene interrupted carbon-carbon double bonds.

Abstract: A staged method of forming vinyl (e.g.

Abstract: Environmentally safe, e.g. biodegradable, paint stripper compositions comprising 10-99 parts dimethyl esters of C4-C6 aliphatic dibasic acids, 0.1-40 parts polyvinyl butyral and 1-90 parts water. The compositions can be mixed, e.g. in high shear to provide stable emulsions which strip paint, e.g. varnish from wood. Certain embodiments of the invention also comprise water soluble organic solvents, water-miscible organic solvents, surfactants, emulsifiers, thickeners and/or pigments.

Abstract: A power sensing unit is incorporated into a boxing glove for use according to a method of quantifying impact forces in a boxing match in real time. Impact force data is transmitted from the boxing glove to a remote receiver. The force data is collated to assess the strike force generated by each boxer.

Abstract: Transport racks for shipment of a variety of objects are described. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, transport racks are configured with vertical and horizontal support members. Cross-braces positioned atop the horizontal support members support partitions of a variety of configurations creating a plurality of longitudinally extending cells forming compartments for secure storage of the cargo. A panel is positioned atop the framework creating a covered storage area with a first and second open end. Netting and lattice gates positioned at the first and second open end secure the cargo, provide high visibility of the rack contents, and maximize ease of loading and unloading of the racks.

Abstract: A sheeting apparatus and method are disclosed for cutting a web of material passing through a printing press into sheets. The apparatus comprises a rotating die roller including a knife mounted longitudinally thereon, the die roller being connected to the printing press transversely to the web and moveable between an engaging position wherein the knife rotates into cutting engagement with the web and a released position wherein the knife does not contact the web. A pair of springs bias the die roller into one of the engaging and released positions and a pair of linear actuators are provided to selectively move the die roller into the other of the engaging and released positions in opposition to the spring bias. The sheeting apparatus further includes a programmable controller for automatically operating the actuators. The method involves cyclically moving the die roller between the released position and the engaging position at intervals to cut the web into sheets of a predetermined length.