Abstract: A cutting coagulating bipolar electrosurgical forceps having a pair of jaws that can be moved from an opened to a closed disposition on tissue when grasping and coagulating. The jaws include a plurality of notched or opposed side edges thereof which define a plurality of tabs. The tabs on the first jaw member are offset relative to those of the second jaw member so that when the jaws are made to close, the tabs on the first jaw fall into the notches on the second jaw with the free ends of the tabs on corresponding side edges of each jaw member disposed collinearly relative to one another, but without making electrical contact between the pair of jaws.

Abstract: A method of making a balloon expandable braided stent with a restraint to initially prevent self-expansion and the resulting product. Multiple strands of a resilient metal or plastic are braided to form a tubular configuration of a predetermined outside diameter which assumes a lesser diameter when the tubular stent is longitudinally stretched. When in its stretched condition, it is coated with a polymeric material which is then cross-linked to effectively "freeze" the intersections of the braided structure holding it in its reduced diameter configuration. The tubular stent is designed to be placed within a body vessel using a balloon stent delivery catheter. When the balloon surrounded by the braided wire stent is inflated, the stent expands initially to an extent to break the bonds of plastic material between the intersections of the strands, thereby permitting self-expansion to take place.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to methods of mounting circuit components on flexible substrates and, in particular, surface mounting components to the conductors of printed circuits on flexible substrates having relatively low temperature heat resistance using soldering techniques. A carrier assembly and the assembled circuits are also part of the invention.

Abstract: A system for flushing carbon dioxide from ventilation equipment so that the carbon dioxide is not rebreathed by the patient. Flushing is achieved by providing tracheal gas insufflation only during the end of the patient's expiratory phase.

Abstract: A device for managing urinary incontinence in a human female comprises a soft, non-porous dome-shaped suction cup like device having a flat annular zone about its periphery and adapted to cooperate with the vestibule floor of female genitalia for blocking the flow of urine without being in physical contact with the urethral meatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reclaiming component plastics from a mixture of plastics wherein differentials in specific gravity serves as the segregation mechanism. The method includes the steps of: (1) fragmenting the plastic articles such that the resulting plastic fragments are generally of a preferred dimension and contain primarily one such component plastic; (2) sizing the fragmented plastic so as to remove plastic fragments which do not comport to the preferred dimensions; (3) adding a fluid medium to the plastic fragments to produce a slurry; (4) loosening contamination from the plastic fragments; (5) segregating the heavy and light components within the slurry based on specific gravity; (6) isolating the segregated plastic fragments; and (7) cleaning the heavy and light components to produce high purity plastic.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tubular tissue structures, especially tubular ones, includes a pair of spaced-apart electrodes that are stationarily mounted at the distal end of an elongated tubular barrel. A hook-shaped cutting member has an incline segment thereon for cooperating with a ramp formed at the distal end of the instrument. A tubular body structure to be severed is first brought into contact with electrodes and subjected to a RF current sufficient to coagulate and seal the same. Actuation of a lever on the instrument's handle causes the hook-shaped cutting member to deflect into a space containing the tissue structure and with continued actuation in a proximal direction causing a cutting edge on the hook of the cutting member to pass through and sever the tissue structure.

Abstract: A portable end prep facer for refurbishing piping components in the field comprises a chuck to which a cylindrical mandrel is affixed where the chuck can be centrally mounted relative to a longitudinal axis of the piping component by affixing the chuck either to the I.D. or the O.D. of the piping component. A non-rotatable torque housing surrounds the mandrel and is longitudinally positionable there along. A cutting head assembly is journaled for rotation about the mandrel by means of bearings mounted in the torque housing and coapting with an annular race formed in a face plate of the cutting head assembly. Mounted on the face plate is a variable speed reversing drive mechanism that couples to a lead screw that forms a part of a tool support guide member. A sliding head is affixed to the lead screw and it, in turn, supports a tool bit holder that can be manually adjusted to set the depth of cut when machining the flange portion of a piping component being repaired.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for an ice-making machine is provided with an inlet filter system having a replaceable filter element to trap dirt, dust and other airborne contaminants which would otherwise accumulate on heat transfer surfaces. The system is further provided with a device to indicate that the filter element should be changed.

Abstract: An ejection assisting device is provided in a material handling apparatus for handling refuse or recyclables relative to a collection vehicle to dislodge material not discharged by gravity in a gravity induced material unloading system.

Abstract: A kit for use in disposing of spent medical supplies, contraceptive supplies, or feminine hygiene supplies includes an outer pouch, a plurality of inner pouches, a storage pouch, and a plurality of cleaning wipes. The outer pouch retains the remaining components of the kit. The inner pouches are used to individually contain spent supplies. The storage pouch is designed to segregate the used inner pouches and their contents from the remaining components of the kit. The wipes are used for general clean up. The kit allows for the discrete storage and disposal of the spent supplies.

Abstract: A shield slide mechanism for moving the cutting tool of a clamshell lathe is provided. By shielding the mechanism, metal chips created during the cutting process are precluded from jamming the mechanism and preventing the controlled movement of the cutting tool. The tool block slide assembly incorporates a cam lever actuated feed screw operating through a unidirectional roller clutch rather than a conventional star wheel to provide a more controlled movement of the tool block slide.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that is powered by a simulated rowing motion is described. The exercise apparatus includes a frame, slide rail, lever arm, steering mechanism and drive mechanism which together require the use of both the rider's upper and lower body muscles. A portion of the steering cables and drive mechanism are contained within a hollow portion of the lever arm. This containment provides added safety to the rider and reduces the likelihood of the cables or chain catching in either the clothing of the rider or objects the rider passes while riding the exercise apparatus. A stand is demountably engaged to the rear axle, providing the option of using the exercise apparatus as a stationary exercise machine.