Abstract: An elongated strap has a plurality of openings sized to hold plumbing pipes extending through the openings. The openings have a periphery that undulates so the periphery extends on opposing sides of the strap to increase the periphery in contact with the pipe along the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The undulations are preferably formed by flutes having an enlarged end opening onto the periphery.

Abstract: A cylinder head for a four-cycle internal combustion engine with improved intake port and combustion chamber configuration. The physical shape of the intake port and combustion chamber directs the flow of the incoming air/fuel mixture in a swirl path, which is directed toward the spark plug. In particular, the intake port has a fin at its terminal opening into the combustion chamber. The fin creates a swirling motion in the incoming gasses and also directs the flow of the gasses toward the spark plug. As a result, a greater percentage of the intake charge is in close proximity to the center of the combustion chamber and the spark plug, and hence combustion occurs faster and more completely. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the portion of the cylinder head that forms the upper surface of the combustion chamber, includes a shear ledge that further acts to direct the flow of the incoming gasses toward the sparkplug.

Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter for insertion into an anatomical passage through the use of an introducer. The catheter comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body defining proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Partially inserted into and protruding from the distal end of the catheter body is a rigid, tubular sleeve which defines an abutment shoulder within the lumen of the catheter body. Disposed on and encapsulating the exposed portion of the sleeve is a distal tip member defining a central opening which communicates with the lumen via the sleeve. The abutment shoulder is adapted to abut a portion of the introducer in a manner which inhibits proximal movement of the tip member relative to the introducer to prevent the tip member from being pushed proximally over the introducer and collapsing the catheter body during the insertion of the catheter into the anatomical passage.