Abstract: An improved accuracy position and direction updating system for use with an automatic guided vehicle that navigates by dead reckoning. Permanent magnets providing detectable position indicators are mounted in the floor and may be at widely spaced locations such as fifty feet apart along the route of the vehicle. A row of Hall sensors is transversely mounted on the vehicle. The sensors detect the lateral location of each floor magnet relative to the vehicle as the vehicle passes over the magnet. Sensors are precalibrated, correcting for errors in sensor null voltage readings due to changes in sensor characteristics due to causes comprising aging and temperature. Data from five sensors that are closest to the magnet are correlated with a stored pattern of magnetic field and their position data are averaged to determine a first estimate of the lateral or first dimensional position of the vehicle. A running average is calculated from sequentially acquired estimates to improve the results.

Abstract: A reliable, contamination-resistant, single-use, disposable, medical, non-ventilating, aspirating device and method. The device releasibly connects to and aligns with an indwelling endotracheal tube to accommodate advancing of an aspirating catheter tube of the device by manual manipulation through a sterile, flexible envelope and selective evacuation of lung secretions through a closed and sterile two-position, normally-closed, manually-operable valve at the proximal end of the device, while simultaneously accommodating voluntarily respiration by the patient.

Abstract: A permanently fixed metal trim tab for attachment in pair combinations to the aft end of a boat. Each trim tab comprising a downwardly extending aft edge. A top surface of each trim tab comprises an aft area which comprises striations which provide an anti-slip surface. The strength, position of attachment to the boat, and anti-slip surface permit use of the trim tab as a step for entry and exit to and from the boat. Each trim tab comprises a flange for attachment to a transom of the boat from connecting points above and below an aftwardly extending substantially flat plate of the trim tab which is an integral part of the flange. The trim tab comprises a uniform cross section which is compatible with fabrication by an extrusion process.

Abstract: A novel device and related methods which provide manually adjustable standards and controls for quality inspection systems for filling and sealing equipment. The device provides an adjustable product height simulator which is used to calibrate and quality assurance test the performance of quality inspection systems on a filling and sealing line. The height simulation level is detectable without changing sensitivity of the quality inspection system's product level sensor. The device is readjustable for a plurality of uses, rugged for repeated multiple use, and does not degrade over time. Base and top (capping) characteristics provide further adjustable simulation comprising entrapped gas phase between the product and container cap, missing caps, and simulated container forms.

Abstract: A catheter atherotome (10) and method for its use for performing partial atherectomy in an artery and thereby enlarging the lumen effectively available for blood flow through the artery. Several blades (34) are mounted at a distal end of a catheter (30), in a helical basket configuration and spaced angularly apart from one another about the associated ends of two concentric sheaths (12, 14) in such a way that longitudinal and rotary relative movement of the sheaths selectively bows the blades arcuately outwardly into a cutting position or draws the blades flat into alignment with the sheaths. The blades (34) have sharpened cutting edges (44) extending helically and directed toward the catheter's proximal end when the blades are bowed. Partial removal of an atheroma is effected by manually pulling the basket knife past an atheroma with the blades (34) in their outwardly bowed cutting positions, with the speed, force, and amount of expansion of the blades determined by the operator.

Abstract: A multi-lumen-catheter flow valve system (10) comprises a catheter (14) having three separated lumens (70, 72, 74), each lumen having a separate outlet opening (122a-c) at a distal end portion of the catheter, and a selective-in/all-out valve apparatus (12). The valve apparatus has red, grey and blue input ports (46, 48, 50) and center, first offset and second offset output ports (64, 66, 68), each of the input ports being selectively coupled to a fluid source (16, 18 or 20) and each of the output ports being coupled to a lumen of the blood vessel catheter. The valve apparatus can be adjusted to selectively transmit fluid(s) entering the three input ports to the three output ports without mixing the fluids and to transmit fluids entering a lesser number of input ports than output ports to the three output ports, also without mixing the fluids.

Abstract: A cardiovascular outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive slit valve liquid flow control and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein is flexed distally by hydrostatic pressure and proximally by negative pressure at different points in time to selectively open the slit and accommodate the flow of IV solution to a medical patient through a cannula and blood sampling from the cardiovascular system of the patient through the cannula in such a way as to prevent bleed-back and clotting of blood within the cannula.

Abstract: A novel cardiovascular outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive slit valve liquid flow control and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein is flexed distally by hydrostatic pressure and proximally by negative pressure at different points in time to selectively open the slit and accommodate the flow of IV solution to a medical patient through a cannula and blood sampling from the cardiovascular system of the patient through the cannula in such a way as to prevent bleed-back and clotting of blood within the cannula.

Abstract: A lightweight portable prop for skis and ski accessories. The ski prop is light in weight and small in size and facilely transported in a skiing environment on the person of the skier. In one embodiment, the ski prop comprises a magnetic backing, permitting the skis to be safely propped against metal bearing supports. In another embodiment, the ski prop is foldable to provide a more compact and easily carried package. Hooks are provided on the side of the ski prop for support of ski poles and other strapped, proppable accessories. In yet another embodiment, the ski prop comprises connections for other modes of releasable wall attachment permitting use of the ski prop on non-metal surfaces.

Abstract: An improved accuracy position and direction updating system for use with an automatic guided vehicle that navigates by dead reckoning. Permanent magnets providing detectable position indicators are mounted in the floor and may be at widely spaced locations such as fifty feet apart along the route of the vehicle. A row of Hall sensors is transversely mounted on the vehicle. The sensors detect the lateral location of each floor magnet relative to the vehicle as the vehicle passes over the magnet. Sensors are precalibrated, correcting for errors in sensor null voltage readings due to changes in sensor characteristics due to causes comprising aging and temperature. Data from five sensors that are closest to the magnet are correlated with a stored pattern of magnetic field and their position data are averaged to determined a first estimate of the lateral or first dimensional position of the vehicle. A running average is calculated from sequentially acquired estimates to improve the results.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and controlling the position of an automatic guided vehicle to enable precise positioning of the vehicle at a predetermined place such as a load pickup/delivery terminal. In one embodiment a mat having a passive short-circuited loop of wire embedded in it is positioned on the floor at the terminal. On the vehicle an oscillator and a transmitting antenna provide a primary magnetic field that excited the loop in the mat whenever the vehicle is in the terminal, inducing current in the loop. The current in the loop produces a secondary magnetic field having a predetermined spatial pattern. Receiving antennas on the vehicle detect the secondary magnetic field. Prior knowledge of the spatial pattern enables onboard electronic apparatus to ascertain the position of the vehicle relative to the mat. Both transverse and longitudinal position can be detected and controlled. The same on-board apparatus enables the vehicle to follow an energized guidewire in the floor between terminals.

Abstract: Carpet stretching apparatus which is particularly effective in stretching long lengths of carpet taut and does not transfer the stretching force away from the stretching head to a remote location. Rather, the stretching force is transferred by a frame to a location near the stretch site, independent of the length of carpet being stretched.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed by which squeaking floors are facilely, reliably and economically repaired by internal injection of glue or the like without the disassembly of floor components or substantial removal of a floor covering.

Abstract: Traction apparatus for driving a vehicle and accurately sensing the distance traveled, in which a drive mechanism is encircled by a separate ring-shaped encoder wheel. The encoder wheel, which is part of a travel-sensing mechanism, nests annularly with the drive mechanism so that the width of the combination is minimized. The travel-sensing mechanism can be assembled to the vehicle without disturbing the drive mechanism. There is enough radial clearance in the toroidal encoder wheel to permit the drive mechanism to move up and down within the encoder wheel. The encoder wheel has approximately the same outside diameter as the drive wheel, so certain common-mode measurement errors cancel. The encoder wheel and the drive wheel are approximately concentric and closely spaced laterally to minimize measurement errors that would otherwise occur upon turning of the vehicle.

Abstract: An arcuate wooden cummerbund with or without associated accessories. Two methods for making the wooden cummerbund are disclosed. When accessories are included, they may comprise coordinating wooden ties, matching cuff links. A storing and carrying case is disclosed for the wooden cummerbund and accessories.

Abstract: A cardiovascular outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive bi-directional slit valve liquid flow control and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein is flexed distally by hydrostatic pressure and proximally by negative pressure at different points in time to selectively open the slit and accomodate the flow of IV solution to a medical patient through a cannula and blood sampling from the cardiovascular system of the patient through the cannula in such a way as to prevent bleed-back and clotting of blood within the cannula.

Abstract: A filter useful in tubular organs of the human body, intended primarily for endovascular use during surgical procedures for removal of plaque and other treatment of stenoses in arteries, in order to entrap particles of plaque or other materials freed from the interior wall of an artery while permitting continued flow of blood through the artery during the procedure of treating the stenosis. Several filter elements are fastened in apart-spaced relationship with one another along a flexible elongate member and are large enough to require the entire flow of blood through the artery to pass through the filter elements. An open-mouthed tubular stocking of porous filter material encloses the filter elements and supports the periphery of each filter element. Successive filter elements, progressing in the direction of blood flow, pass only progressively smaller particles.

Abstract: A catheter atherotome and method for its use for performing partial atherectomy in an artery and thereby enlarging the lumen effectively available for blood flow through the artery. Several blades are mounted at a distal end of a catheter, in a helical basket configuration and spaced angularly apart from one another about the associated ends of two concentric sheaths in such a way that longitudinal and rotary relative movement of the sheaths selectively bows the blades arcuately outwardly into a cutting position or draws the blades flat into alignment with the sheaths. The blades have sharpened cutting edges extending helically and directed toward the catheter's proximal end when the blades are bowed. Partial removal of an atheroma is effected by manually pulling the basket knife past an atheroma with the basket blades in their outwardly bowed cutting positions, with the speed, force, and amount of expansion of the blades determined by the operator.

Abstract: A novel trailer towing apparatus for an AGV whereby downwardly applied, vertically oriented towing loads are substantially, directly imposed upon the drive wheels of the AGV, thereby increasing wheel to ground frictional forces and resulting towed load capacity. The towing apparatus is attached to the top of the AGV thereby allowing the AGV to turn through a 360.degree. radius without moving the trailer.

Abstract: A novel dual mast storage and retrieval vehicle comprising structure which maintains each mast essentially vertical as variably weighted heavy loads are placed on a carriage disposed between the masts. Each mast is disposed near the center of a separately supported base such that bending of the base under such loads induces little off-vertical deflection to the mast. The separately supported bases are coupled by a connector which comprises cross-aisle and vertical degrees of freedom but is strictly constrained in the down-aisle direction. In the currently preferred embodiment, two down-aisle drive motors, in master/slave relationship, provide a synchronous drive for the vehicle. Further, interconnecting joints a strut at the top of the masts and of the carriage comprise hinges which resist propagation of mast induced moments caused by beam deflection or vehicle dynamics.