Abstract: A luminaire of the direct lighting type includes a fluorescent lamp for emitting a torodial light pattern to a reflector assembly having a plurality of flat and contiguous facets spaced laterally from the lamp. The reflector functions to reflect the torodial light pattern within parallel light distribution zones. The reflector may be of the cross-beam type (FIGS. 1-4) or down-beam type (FIG. 5). The facets are precisely positioned relative to the light source to provide the above functions whereby the luminaire will function efficiently and will closely control direct and reflected glare. A louver-lens assembly can be utilized to enclose the open bottom of the luminaire and to aid in these functions, a method is also taught for plotting the precise positions of the facets.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter includes a flexible guide wire mounted for relative rotational and reciprocal movements within a reciprocal and flexible first tube. A rotary and flexible second tube is mounted on the first tube to define an annular passage therebetween and has a rotary inner cutting head secured on a distal end thereof. The inner cutting head is closely fitted within an outer cutting head that is secured on the first tube. The cutting heads are adapted to cut a blockage in a blood vessel into fragments in response to rotation of the second tube and inner cutting head. The fragments are flushed-out from the inner cutting head and are conveyed away from the cutting heads and through the annular passage by facing spiral threads defined on the first and second tubes.

Abstract: An inflation valve, adapted for sealed attachment within a stem of a balloon, includes a valve body defining a longitudinal passage for receiving a fill tube therein, such as a straw. Insertion of an open distal end of the fill tube to a first position within the passage will facilitate communication of a pressurized fluid, such as air or helium, through a fill port defined in the valve body and into the inflation chamber of the balloon. After filling, the fill tube is moved axially forwardly to a second position for sealing-off communication of the open distal end of the fill tube with the fill port.

Abstract: Microelectrodes of the art are limited to the charge density which can pass through them. The present invention discloses a method for electroplating iridium metal onto the surface of a metallic microelectrode for use in a biomedical prosthetic device, which method comprises:(a) placing the metallic microelectrode into an aqueous solution of iridium ion of between about 1 and 10 percent by weight; and(b) electroplating the microelectrode of step (a) using a current of between about 0.5 and 15 milliamps wherein said current is controlled by a current controller. In another aspect the method discloses in step (b) the current is also biased and simultaneously applied in a mode wherein the current is equivalent to an impressed voltage of between about 1.5 and 6.0 volts positive.In other aspects, the method also includes the following :A-after step (b): (c) conditioning the microelectrode after step (b) by heating at a temperature of between about ambient and 350.degree. C.

Abstract: To increase the number of different signals which may be transmitted from a ground station provided with a coder (17) to a rail vehicle (1) provided with a decoder (18) and being on a rail section connected to the station, the transmission is carried out by inductance by means of electric alternating current with both pulse-frequency modulation and pulse-width modulation.

Abstract: A pacifier bib is formed from a flat panel of fabric having a wishbone shape. The bib includes a U-shaped collar adapted to have distal ends thereof attached together for encirclement around the neck of a child. An integral flap extends downwardly from the collar and is adapted to have its distal end folded over into a closed loop for attaching the handle of a pacifier to the bib.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the permanent bonding of a metal to a rough cut and unmodified semiconductor material, which comprises (a) contacting the surface of (i) the semiconductor material in an inert atmosphere at elevated temperature where the semiconductor surface is rough cut usually with a diamond saw and is not subsequently treated further, with (ii) a metal electrode wherein the surface of the metal electrode comprises (iii) a solder itself comprising between about 10-90% by weight of palladium and about 10-90% by weight of silver, and (b) the soldered semiconductor metal joint is cooled in an inert atmosphere to ambient temperature. Preferably, a silicon surface and tungsten electrode are joined at between about 800.degree. and 1300.degree. C. using a solder comprising about 24.8 to 37.2 mg of palladium and 43.2 to 64.8 mg of silver per square centimeter to be covered of the silicon surface.

Abstract: A group of alloys exhibiting good corrosion resistance and with properties suitable for fabricating dental prostheses consist essentially of copper, nickel and tantalum. Copper and nickel comprise the major components, while tantalum is present in lesser quantities. Lithium and/or Ce, Si metal may be added in small amounts as a deoxidant. Minor amounts of elements such as aluminum, gallium, indium, silicon, titanium and cerium can be added to modify the physical properties of the alloys.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for forming a catalyst for the hydrodenitrogenation of an organic feedstock, which includes (a) obtaining a precatalyst comprising cobalt and molybdenum or nickel and molybdenum; (b) adding in a non-oxidizing an atmosphere selected from hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, neon, argon, carbon monoxide or mixtures thereof to the precatalyst of step (a), a transition metORIGIN OF THE INVENTIONThis invention was made in the course of research partially sponsored by the Department of Energy through grants DE-FG22-83P C60781 and DE-FG-85-PC80906, and partially supported by grant CHE82-19541 of the National Science Foundation. The invention is subject to Public Law 96-517 (and amendments), and the United States Government has rights in the present invention.

Abstract: A take up device for the control of kites by multiple lines includes two control handles removably fixable to an axle such that the control lines, individually affixed to either of the handles may be simultaneously retrieved with the handles affixed to the axle.

Abstract: A recoil damper (10) for a reciprocating member (12) mounted in a housing (24) includes a annular ring (38,138) mounted adjacent a shoulder (28) formed on the reciprocation member, the annular ring (38,138) mounted in a viscous fluid interior of the housing. The annular ring (38,138) cooperates with the shoulder (28) of the reciprocating member (12) to allow a relatively free flow of the viscous fluid around the shoulder (28) upon motion of the reciprocating member (12) in one direction and to restrict flow of the viscous fluid around the shoulder (28) upon motion of the reciprocating member (12) in the other opposite direction.

Abstract: A system for controlling bladder evacuation includes first and second implanted stimulation systems having electrodes respectively positioned on nerves controlling external sphincter and bladder functions, and an electronic control system which operates to generate and transmit electrical sphincter stimulation pulses to the first stimulation system. When it is desired to evacuate the bladder, a switch is closed causing the electronic control system to discontinue the external sphincter stimulation and, after a predetermined delay, to generate and transmit electrical bladder stimulation pulses to the second stimulation system. After a predetermined time, the bladder stimulation is automatically stopped. After another predetermined delay, the electronic control system resumes the generation and transmission of sphincter stimulation pulses to the first stimulation system.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter includes a flexible guide wire mounted for relative rotational and reciprocal movements within a reciprocal and flexible first tube or sheath. A rotary and flexible second tube is mounted for relative reciprocal movement on the first tube and has a rotary inner cutting head secured on an end thereof. The inner cutting head is closely fitted within an outer cutting head that is slidably mounted on the first tube. In carrying out the method of this invention, a blockage in a blood vessel, such as a coronary artery, is located and the outer cutting head engages the blockage to cut the blockage into fragments in response to rotation of the inner cutting head. The fragments are flushed-out from the inner cutting head and are drained through an evacuated annular passage defined between the first and second tubes.

Abstract: A surgical instrument in the form of a template comprises at least one slit formed therethrough to guide either pivotal or dragging cutting movement of a surgical blade of a scalpel therein. The instrument is preferably fixedly held, by suction, over a body area to be incised. In one embodiment, the scalpel is pivotally mounted adjacent to the slit for arcuate movement about a fixed pivot to ensure accurate and reproducible incisions. In a second embodiment, grooves are formed alongside the slit to guide dragging movement of the blade. The instrument is particularly adapted for radial keratotomy wherein a plurality of radially extending and circumferentially spaced slits are formed through the instrument. The surgical blade can be adapted for adjustment, on an angularly offset handle secured thereto, to selectively vary the depth of the incision.

Abstract: A golf ball retriever is adapted for attachment to the butt end of a golf club to form an extension thereof. The retriever includes a scoop adapted to retrieve and retain a golf ball therein and a bent wire-like attachment secured to the scoop and insertable through a standard hole formed axially through the golf club grip for frictionally attaching the retriever to the golf club.

Abstract: Molecular structures of .beta.-adrenergic antagonists are modified to produce biologically active compounds. The .beta.-antagonists are modified to form molecules of the general structure: ##STR1## wherein R is most generally R"--OCH.sub.2 --, and in some instances is R"--, and R"=an aryl or substituted aryl moiety; R'=--H, --CH.sub.3, or a short chain alkyl moiety; and Y=--OH, or more usually, --OAX or --NHAX, where A=an alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl moiety, and X=a terminal grouping, such as --CH.sub.3, --CF.sub.3 or --(CH.sub.2).sub.n COOH; or AX may be a carrier moiety consisting of a defined peptide or protein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an intracochlear multielectrode array having a spiral configuration, at least generally conforming to the scala tympani of a cochlea. The array is formed in a two-part mold and comprises an elastomeric carrier supporting a plurality of metallic electrodes in fixed positions thereon. Each electrode has an associated lead to provide a plurality of leads and composite rib structure extending from a basal portion of the array to an apical portion thereof. Each electrode and associated lead is formed from a flattened metallic wire. The wire leads are stacked in the mold to permit the wires to flex in the direction of their spiral curvatures, facilitating insertion of the array into a cochlear, but to prevent transverse flexing thereof.

Abstract: A home/travel exerciser comprises an elastomeric cord having a grip adjustably attached to each end thereof. An anchor strap is adjustably mounted on the cord, between the grips, for insertion between a door jamb and a door to hold the exerciser in a fixed position when the door is closed. Foot straps may be attached to the grips and a belt can be releasably attached to the grips to adapt the exerciser for various exercises.

Abstract: A fluid proportioner is disclosed that will divert a volume of fluid to two or more containers in relatively equal amounts without the necessity of measuring or weighing the fluid to accomplish division. The proportioner consists of tubular member ending in a closure. Two additional smaller tubular members extend into the larger tubular member. These two smaller members have ends interior of the first tubular member that are cut on an angle.