Abstract: An apparatus for performing a laser myocardial revascularization of a human heart comprises a hand-held device with an elongated flexible lasing assembly including an axially movable fiber bundle which can be placed into the chest cavity of a patient. At the distal head end of the device laser energy from the distal end of the fiber bundle is initially reduced to form a relatively small opening in the epicardium of the heart. The fiber bundle is moved through the opening so that lasing with full laser power takes place beneath the epicardium to form a larger channel through the myocardium that extends into the left ventricular cavity. After the channel has been formed, the optical fiber bundle is retracted from the channel and back through the small epicardium opening so as to minimize operative bleeding and allow sealing of the epicardium after the apparatus is removed.

Abstract: The method for combined mechanical/laser myocardial revascularization of a human heart includes: inserting a mechanical piercing device and an elongated flexible lasing apparatus into the chest cavity of a patient; mechanically piercing, micro-tearing or spreading the epicardium of the heart; and then lasing from beneath the epicardium through the myocardium.

Abstract: A universal joint with outer and inner joint members connected for torque transmission, the inner joint member being received in a cavity in the outer joint member and having a bore in which a shaft is detachably received, has a flexible sealing member which is connected between the outer and inner joint members and has a sealing formation which engages the shaft when present to exclude dirt from the bore in the inner joint member.

Abstract: A splined joint between a shaft and a muff, for the purpose of preventing "dog legging", has a chamber provided at the end of the muff from which the shaft projects and a guide ring received in such chamber, the guide ring exerting constraint upon relative radial movement between the shaft and muff. The required clearance between shaft and guide ring may be obtained by providing projections within the chamber and shearing material from projections on the guide ring by rotating the guide ring relative to the muff.

Abstract: A flushing valve for installation in a drip irrigation system comprises a head portion at one end of a tubular body that fits within the end of one of a series of lateral conduits of the system and has a recess open to the conduit. A transverse passage extends diametrically through the head portion to accommodate a flexible conduit which serves as a pilot line. When filled with fluid under pressure, the pilot conduit covers and seals a port between the recess of the tubular body and the transverse passage. An open slot is provided in the outer side of the head to facilitate installation of the pilot conduit.