Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated tube having a size and shape adapted to be inserted into the cardiovascular system that is composed of a material having a modulus of elasticity providing stiffness to enhance catheter torque control, and a sheath coaxially disposed over and bonded to the tube that is composed of a biocompatible material having a modulus of elasticity providing softness to reduce catheter trauma to the cardiovascular system.

Abstract: A bumper step includes a rigid base, a pair of first and second elongated hook members adapted to be mounted on an upper portion of a bumper in spaced apart relationship, and a pair of first and second brackets with which to support the base from the hook members. The lower end portion of each one of the brackets is mounted on a respective one of the end portions of the base so that each one of the brackets can be pivoted approximately ninety degrees between a folded position in which the bracket lies generally flat against the upper base surface and an extended position in which the bracket extends generally perpendicular to the upper base surface.

Abstract: A power supply system for providing uninterrupted AC power includes a first input port to which to couple AC input power at a specified RMS voltage level from a primary power source, a second input port to which to couple DC input power at a specified voltage level from a backup power source, and an output port to which to connect a device to be powered. A fullwave rectifier generates a first direct current from the AC input power, and up-converter generates a second direct current from the DC input power at an RMS voltage level approximately equal to that of the AC input power, and a switching arrangement couples a selected one of the first and second direct currents to the output port according to whether the AC input power is stabilized or interrupted, so that the flow of current to the output port is periodically reversed thereby generate AC output power. Switching may by synchronized with each zero crossing of the AC input power.

Abstract: A tripod head includes a base member adapted to be mounted on a separate tripod for pivotal movement about a panning axis and a platform member on which to mount a separate camera. Components are provided for mounting the platform member on the base member to enable independent pivotal movement of the platform member about first and second mutually perpendicular tilting axes. A locking mechanism locks the platform member against pivotal movement about both of the tilting axes by operation of a single knob. Friction plates enhance locking, and the number and size of the friction plates may be adapted to cause locking about one tilting axis before the other. A quick release camera mount is included that enables convenient displacement ninety degrees.

Abstract: A lens implantation instrument includes first and second prongs connected together in a forceps-like configuration that is adapted to be grasped in the hand of a user for purposes of holding an intraocular lens to be implanted in an eye. The first prong has a distal end portion that defines a trough extending distally, the trough having a size and shape adapted to receive at least a portion of the optic of the lens with the optic in a folded configuration, and the second prong has a distal end portion that extends generally parallel to the trough, the distal end portion of the second prong having a size and shape adapted to fit at least partially into the trough.

Abstract: A sprinkler includes a housing with an inlet port through which to supply a flow of liquid to the housing interior and a stem disposed at least partially within the interior of the housing for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. A piston disposed within the interior of the housing responds to the flow of liquid to move the stem from the retracted position to the extended position. The stem defines a passageway extending from a lower portion of the stem to an upper portion of the stem, and the lower portion of the stem defines an opening through which the flow of liquid can pass from the interior of the housing into the passageway. A valve element moveably mounted on the stem at least partially blocks the opening, and a shaft rotatably mounted on the housing extends to a position outside of the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A reedmaking system is disclosed that includes a device for thickness sizing by sliding a cane segment along a guide surface past a cutting edge that is spaced apart from the guide surface a distance slightly greater than the thickness of a conventional finished reed. An adjacent length sizing tool on a common base member enables cutting to length with a blade spaced apart from a stop member a distance slightly greater than the length of a conventional finished reed. A separate hand held tapering tool includes a tapered bar on a handle for tapering by trimming to the taper of the bar as a rough reed blank is retained against the tapered bar with a single clamp member attached adjustably to the distal end of the tapered bar, while a duplicator mounted on a separate base member includes a cutting assembly with a follower that follows the shape of the pattern reed as a blade shaves the reed accordingly.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for mounting on an installed tennis net as a target. The device employs a target member defining a silhouette having a size generally on the order of a conventional tennis ball. A mounting member adapted to be removably secured to a conventional tennis net headband by engagement of just the headband serves as a mounting for the target member. The target member is connected to the mounting member so that the target member is supported slightly above a headband to which the mounting member is secured.

Abstract: A device for handling miniature electronic components is disclosed that employs a central member of unitary construction and compliant composition having a pair of generally parallel first and second surfaces. An apertured portion of the central member defines an array of receptor holes extending through the central member between the first and second surfaces, each one of the receptor holes having a cross sectional area that is shaped and dimensioned to receive in a force fit one of a batch of electronic components to be handled. Framing components for facilitating central member handling and enabling central member replacement without obstructing component access to the receptor holes define a generally rigid removable framework.

Abstract: A self-erecting wing structure for increased missile performance and maneuverability without significant sacrifice of payload space includes a wing pivotally attached to an air frame in a retracted position in which the wing is both rotated about its spanwise axis relative to an erected position and pivoted forward alongside the air frame. Rotational components enable passing air to swing the wing to the erected position when it is released from the retracted position during flight. A secondary wing surface is included that automatically deploys to increase wing area.

Abstract: A paint applicator is disclosed that employs a pair of elongated prongs, each prong having a roller end on which a paint roller is rotatably mounted, and a handle end that is movably connected to the handle end of the other prong. The prongs are spring biased in side-by-side relation with the rollers slightly spaced apart so that manually squeezing the prongs together enables one-handed flexing of the rollers against a section of railing to be painted. Sponge rubber rollers may be employed that conform to the shape of the railing.

Abstract: A coupler for electrically-isolating two conductive sections of fluid-passing line includes two nonconductively-interconnected pieces of tubing for insertion in the line. The pieces of tubing each have a divergently-flared end, and the flared ends are nonconductively-interconnected within two dielectric wafers. Each wafer has a tapered hole extending through it that matches the flared ends and enlarges to a face on the wafer. The flared ends are each bonded within a separate one of the tapered holes in a position recessed from the face with the flare of the end paralleling the taper of the hole, and the faces are bonded together with the larger ends of the tapered holes aligned and the flared ends sealed in fluid communication with an electrically-nonconductive gap between them.

Abstract: A separable electrical isolator for coupling two pieces of conductive tubing carrying high pressure cryogenic gas includes a gas-impervious dielectric spacer with a pair of opposing surfaces and a bore extending therebetween in which the pieces of tubing are sealed axially-aligned in fluid communication with an electrically-nonconductive gap between them. A pair of complementary coupling members are rigidly attached to the pieces of tubing to define outwardly-extending annular surfaces that are each sealed about the periphery of a corresponding piece in a position slightly set back from and facing an end of the piece. The coupling members are separably and nonconductively interconnected with the annular surfaces facing the spacer surfaces and O-ring seals in between to apply compressive force to the spacer and seals and thereby effect the seal.