Abstract: A catheter is provided with an inflatable-deflatable balloon element to radially enlarge a partially occluded artery lumen and the catheter is provided with a calibrator oval to internally gauge the enlarged lumen.

Abstract: A retaining structure for an earthen formation wherein spaced anchor members in the form of rock anchors or gridwork mats are embedded in the formation and wire retainers are secured between the anchor members. The retainers comprise primary retention rods secured to the anchors and secondary retention members secured to the rods to span the space between adjacent anchor members. In certain embodiments the anchors are provided with extensions to support form panels in spaced relationship to the secondary retention members and a concrete wall is formed in place between said panels and the secondary retention members.

Abstract: A remotely releasable hoisting coupling for engagement with an anchor cast in place within a concrete slab. The anchor provides a passage opening through the surface of the slab and an annular abutment shoulder spaced beneath said surface. The coupling comprises a body insertable into the anchor, a pair of lugs supported in the body at diametrically opposed positions for rocking movement about a diametric axis extending normal to the body, and means to selectively move the lugs between a protruding condition engaged with the abutment shoulder and a retracted condition disengaged from the shoulder. The means to selectively move the lugs comprises a rod axially moveable within the body and having cam surfaces directly engagable with the lugs to force the lugs to the protruding condition and holding surfaces to maintain the lugs in the protruding condition, without loading the cam surfaces.

Abstract: An earthen formation is reinforced against slippage by embedding welded wire grid work mats within the formation and securing the mats to precast elongate panels disposed at the face of the formation. The mats serve as anchors for the panels, as well as reinforcing means for the formation. Plural connections secure the mats along the length of at least certain of the panels.

Abstract: Cables attached to a rotating Kelly nut of a drill rig serve to maintain the vertical level of pivot points of bell-cutting blades while the blades are swung outwardly about these stationary pivot points to cut a bell for a drilled hole. The bell cuttings gravitate to the bottom of the drilled hole which is disposed a predetermined distance below the location of the bell.

Abstract: A pendulum-like, impact-responsive switch is provided to disconnect the battery from the electrical system of a car in the event of a collision to thereby prevent the ignition by sparking wires of fuel and other flammable material.Means are provided to control the force-level responsiveness of the pendulum-like member and to hold the member in de-activated position.

Abstract: A two piece bale tie is provided to enable the tie, when the pieces are connected together, to be used on a large bale and to enable one of the pieces to be used as a tie on a smaller bale when the pieces have been disconnected.

Abstract: A dilatation catheter is provided with a balloon element which is invertable, evertable, and inflatable in its everted condition. The catheter is provided with relatively movable members akin to cylinder and piston elements including a port which may be selectively closed off to prevent contrast injection material from being introduced into the blood vessel being treated and opened up for the introduction of contrast injection material into the blood vessel.

Abstract: A cutting annulus which is radially expansible is employed to achieve complete removal of arteriosclerotic material from occluded arteries.

Abstract: An elastomeric balloon is secured to one end of a catheter and stretched in order to reduce the balloon cross-section and facilitate its placement within an occluded section of a blood vessel. Stretching of the balloon is achieved by attaching the mouth of the balloon to the distal end of the catheter and extending the body of the balloon with a piston carried by the catheter for extension relative thereto. Once in place, the balloon is expanded through the injection of a volume of fluid into the catheter, thereby pressing the occlusion against the wall of the blood vessel to increase the patency of the vessel.

Abstract: An aircraft loader having bridge and main elevators is provided with pivotally mounted trays at the rearward end of the bridge elevator. The trays serve as transit means for the passage of load units between the two elevators both when the two elevators are level and when they are out of level to a degree. The trays function also as part of a level control system whereby the levels of the main elevator and trays tend to be adjusted to match the level of the bridge elevator.

Abstract: A method for forming a domed space frame, comprising assembling and pivotally interconnecting plural longitudinally extensible elongate elements into a planar grid frame array; pivotally anchoring ends of the elongate elements at the grid frame periphery; securing a gas-tight flexible extensible membrane to the grid frame; anchoring the membrane around the periphery of the grid frame in a gas-tight manner; and introducing pressurized gas under the membrane to inflate it and thereby raise the grid frame into a domed configuration, with a consequential extension of the elongate elements. When each elongate element has extended to a predetermined ultimate length, an arresting means associated therewith becomes operative and prevents any further change in the length of that elongate element. When all the elongate elements are so arrested, the gas pressure is released from beneath the membrane, and a self-supporting domed space frame is then available for use.

Abstract: A dilatation catheter is provided with an inflatable section which in its non-inflated condition may have a diameter several times that of the balance of the catheter. Means are provided to axially twist the inflatable part of the catheter to reduce its diameter in its non-inflated condition to a size comparable to that of the non-inflatable balance of the catheter so that the catheter may be threaded through and positionally emplaced within a blood vessel.

Abstract: A center-pull cutting annulus which is radially expansible is employed to achieve complete removal of arteriosclerotic material from occluded arteries.

Abstract: Arteriosclerotic material is stripped free from an artery by clamping the artery between a pair of opposed roller elements and moving the roller elements along the length of plaque segment to be removed. A tapered edge is first formed at the leading end of the plaque segment to provide a working edge for the roller instrument.

Abstract: A water supply hose has one or more jets operable to maintain that part of the supply hose which is upstream from the jet in tension, the supply hose having its free end supported by a surface float. Another length of hose smaller in diameter extends from the float in line with the larger-diameter water supply hose, the other hose terminating also in a surface float and having a jet disposed adjacent the latter float to maintain the smaller-diameter hose normally under tension. Alternatively, a length of the water supply hose upstream from the first mentioned float may be made of smaller diameter than the balance of the water supply hose and this smaller-diameter portion is then provided with a drive jet adjacent the float adapted to keep the smaller-diameter portion of the hose under tension. The cleaner may be or may not be provided with one or more cleaning hoses.

Abstract: An energy absorbing load carrying strut is provided by laterally restraining a malleable column against eccentric loading bending moments. Lateral restraint is provided by a sleeve extending around the column and, in some embodiments, a rod extending through the column. The sleeve and rod extend over the full length of the column and are so secured as to laterally restrain the column against buckling and not be subject to substantial axial loading as the result of axial loading of the column. The restraint thus provided enables the column to maintain its load carrying capacity while being loaded beyond its yield point.