Abstract: A tube scrubber comprises an elongate body symmetrical about its longitudinal axis, having a central core with threaded stem for connection to a rotary driving device, and a plurality of flexible arms or webs extending outward from the central core and terminating in longitudinally extending cutting edges which scrub the inner surface of a boiler tube and the like.

Abstract: Methods of making electrical conductors by twisting a plurality of strands to form a bundle, winding the bundle to form a coil, fusing some of the strands together, optionally drawing the bundle prior to winding and fusing utilising materials and coatings disclosed.

Abstract: A repeating multi-clip applier for surgery with scissor-type or pistol grip operating handles, and a clip feeding and applying mechanism actuated by linear reciprocating movement generated by the handles. A unitary linear actuating rod and clip supply channel together with clip feed mechanisms reciprocate rearward-to-forward as the handles move for applying a clip in surgery and for advancing clips into the applying jaws.

Abstract: A surgical snare instrument includes an elongated tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends, a flexible torqueable shaft having proximal and distal ends extending through and axially movable relative to the sheath, a snare loop at the distal end of the shaft, and a handle coupled to the proximal ends of the sheath and shaft for moving the shaft relative to the sheath and for rotating the shaft relative to the sheath so that the snare loop, when extended beyond the distal end of the sheath, is rotatable relative to the distal end of the sheath. The shaft is preferably a multifilament twisted and drawn cable. The filaments of the multifilament twisted and drawn cable are preferably either stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloy, or a combination of the two. Such a shaft has been demonstrated to provide the high torqueability necessary for controlled rotation of the snare loop.

Abstract: A process for producing fur garments, trimmings, and other miscellaneous accessories involving one or more strips of fur to produce a spiraled, feathery textured effect. The invention includes garments, trimmings and accessories made by the inventive process.

Abstract: Microspheres of polymerized melamine formaldehyde resin in spherical form with the microspheres having particle size in a range of 5-15 microns, with the microshperes exhibiting a low coefficient of friction, and providing silky smoothness and opacity when added to other formulations such as cosmetics.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for straightening a tooth, has a base member adapted for attachment to the tooth to be straightened, and has a pair of spaced-apart upstanding walls each of which is provided with a slot for receiving a brace arch wire. The upstanding walls have retainer means which are engageable with a retainer band to hold in place the arch wire. In one embodiment, one of the slots in one wall has a ridge or narrowed portion on its bottom surface, which portion is so located with respect to the side faces of the wall that it facilitates any required bending of the arch wire. The elastic arch wire that is associated with the bracket can be easily bent over the ridge or narrowed portion due to the increased height provided by the same, for the purpose of applying a rotating force to the tooth to which the bracket is attached.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for the deployment of medical devices such as wires and snares wherein one hand manipulates a device including advancing, opening, rotating, closing and retracting.

Abstract: Scaffolding for supporting one or more rooftop workers engaged in installing roofing materials such as roof shingles on an inclined roof.

Abstract: A carrier for small animals includes a removable front wall which serves as a door, as well as a removable bottom wall which serves as a sliding floor. An animal is captured by removing the sliding floor, enclosing the animal from above, and replacing the sliding floor. The sliding floor and door are provided with an interlock to regulate removal and replacement of floor and door.

Abstract: A marine advertising vessel comprises a floating member with superimposed deck supporting a display frame for mounting an advertising message or display well above water level to be readily visible along a shoreline. One or more vessels may be employed for an advertising display.

Abstract: A hair twist as a flexible retainer for selecting a degree of tension for holding hair selecting a gentle and loose hold, or a tight hold. The hair twist comprises a composite of sheets of fabric, sponge towel, and carpet padding with a wire core all rolled into a cylinder. The cylinder is placed straight under a pony tail gathered at the back of the head, and the cylinder is twisted in place about the pony tail.

Abstract: A double-ended teething spoon with a water filled transparent handle formed of a firm, resilient material to provide gum relief for teething infants, as well as hand-eye coordination, training in use of the spoon, and amusement by viewing objects suspended in the handle.

Abstract: Compact and light weight deployable flotation devices with improved elasticity, tensile strength, shear strength, and puncture resistance using higher quality materials and sequencing of layers of polymer coating with greater mechanical strength in outer layers, and improved impermeability to gas leakage from within. The flotation devices are folded in containers with the containers having an integral gas supply cannister for use in a vehicle or vessel and for portability. The flotation devices are deployed by inflation by means of mechanical pull cord, automatically by float switches, hydrostatic release, electronic panic buttons, or switches used with a pyrotechnic release valve mechanism, or by pyrotechnic inflators. Restraining mechanisms form part of inflatable bag construction for permanent mounting in a vehicle or vessel. A protective cover enshrouds the inflatable bag and its integral restraining mechanism, the shroud being able to expand at the end of bag inflation.

Abstract: A blood coagulation test system for in vitro assessment of blood characteristics including hemostasis, thrombus formation, thrombolysis, and collagen platelet interaction comprises a test unit for collection, testing and disposal of the sample together with a test analyzer for executing a test protocol. Coagulation functions are evaluated by establishing controlled bleeding of the sample from a bleeding tube within the unit and monitoring these blood characteristics as a function of blood pressure variations occurring in the unit as the test proceeds. The blood sample remains within the unit for testing and after disposal.

Abstract: A lipstick tube for one-hand operation in which a sanitary case is opened at its top end, a lipstick extended for use and then retracted, and the case closed. The tube operating components include a support frame for receiving and guiding a lipstick carrier and lipstick, closure cap for opening and closing the open top of the assembled lipstick tube, a drive mechanism for engaging and axially moving the lipstick carrier and for opening and closing the closure cap, an upper and lower exterior case members.

Abstract: Replacable refiner plates used for papermaking and refining of lignocellulosic and other natural and synthetic fibrous materials in the manufacture of paper, paperboard, and fiberboard products. The refiner plates include blade patterns and use corrosion resistant materials, as well as ceramic and ceramic composite materials. The blades and spacers overlap to define intercontacting surfaces with the blades and spacers metallurgically bonded throughout the intercontacting surfaces.

Abstract: A self cleaning pet litter box for receiving animal waste including an upwardly open pan containing cat litter being mounted for rotation on a support frame, a collection container for receiving animal waste removed from the pan, a raking mechanism for gathering and removing animal waste from the rotating cat litter pan into the collection container. A supply chamber replenishes litter to the pan. The litter box includes an electronic control system including an electro-optical intrusion detector.

Abstract: A device for grooming game dart flights includes spaced cooperating cutting blades defining a recess for receiving dart flights and for grooming the flights by smoothing or trimming between the blades.

Abstract: Replacable refiner plates used for papermaking and refining of lignocellulosic and other natural and synthetic fibrous materials in the manufacture of paper, paperboard, and fiberboard products. The refiner plates include blade patterns and use corrosion resistant materials.