Abstract: A universal joint assembly (12) includes a coupling hub member (26) and a female coupling member (24). The female coupling member (24) includes a receptacle (28) at one end for receiving a pivot end (30) of the coupling hub member (26). The joint (12) includes a central bearing structure (34) interposed between the coupling hub member (26) and female coupling member (24) for enabling the coupling members to pivot up to a maximum pivot angle with respect to each other about a coupling axis. The universal joint (12) also includes a plurality of torque transmitting rollers (50), each received in a different roller slot and spaced apart about the periphery of the coupling hub member (26) near its pivot end (30). The roller slots are formed on both the coupling hub member (26) and female coupling member (24) and enable the torque transmitting rollers (50) to transmit torque between the coupling members while rolling with respect to the roller surfaces as the coupling members pivot about the coupling axis.

Abstract: A staple and stapler for injecting the staple in a manner so that the staple maintains a near constant width upon penetration of material to be joined and during staple closure/forming such that material perturbation and staple to staple spacing may be minimized. The staple has a rectilinear bridge part from which depend oppositely positioned side parts and from the side parts a pair of straight legs. In a preferred embodiment, the oppositely positioned side parts consist of a proximal arcuate section attached to the bridge part and an oppositely directed distal arcuate section attached to the legs. The legs may have sharpened points. Also disclosed is a stapler adapted to force the oppositely directed distal arcuate sections outward, in one embodiment, thereby forcing a reaction of the legs of the staple to face each other in linear alignment and form a closed staple.

Abstract: A temperature sensor sheath (12) includes at least one stress concentrating structure (30) and preferably a plurality of such structures spaced apart along the length of the sheath (12). Each stress concentrating structure (30) produces a severe stress riser when the sheath (12) is subjected to a bending moment and allows the sheath (12) to be broken easily by applying a bending force back and forth. The stress concentrating structures (30) each preferably comprise a groove (32) formed or cut into the sheath material around the perimeter of the sheath (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making welded mesh forms (10) having a stationary center beam (12) and an adjustable center beam (14). Two adjustable side beams (36 and 38) and one adjustable bottom beam and clamp (20) are provided so that any number of circular, arched, and/or elliptical wire mesh forms may be created. Once the desired shape has been properly formed by adjustment, a wire mesh (44) is inserted in between the adjustable clamps contained on the beams. A centering/positioning device (62) then grips the mesh along one free longitudinal edge and holds the wire mesh (44) in place as the clamps are clamped to the wire mesh (44) in clockwise sequence. This clockwise sequence adjusts the prerolled wire mesh (44) and creates a perfectly formed wire mesh (44) in the shape and diameter desired.

Abstract: A reconfigurable computer network interface device (10) includes a reconfigurable controller (12), reconfigurable bus interface (22), and reconfigurable transceiver (14). The device (10) also includes a configuration control arrangement (20) and on-board memory (16) for storing configuration instructions. The preferred form of the invention also includes an arrangement for receiving configuration instructions from an external source. The reconfigurable bus interface (22) may be configured by hardware set-up and operational software instructions to emulate a bus interface for any of a number of different computer bus architectures. A bus adapter (26) connects between a bus port (39) associated with the reconfigurable bus interface (22) and the computer bus to provide the physical connection between the device (10) and the host computer.

Abstract: A personal watercraft carrier (10) is adapted to be mounted on a trailerable boat (B) to facilitate transporting a personal watercraft (P) along with the trailerable boat. The carrier (10) includes two parallel support rails (12), two parallel loading rails (14) connected to the support rails, and support structures (24, 26) for both the support rails and the loading rails. The carrier (10) may be connected to the boat (B) by the rail support structures (24, 26) with the loading rails (14) leading down to a position beyond the stern of the boat and slightly above the boat water line (W). A winch (72) associated with the boat (B) or the carrier (10) may be used to pull the personal watercraft (P) forward first onto the loading rails (14) and, ultimately, onto the support rails (12) where the personal watercraft may be secured for transport with the boat.

Abstract: A portable self-cleaning mirror having a disposable housing within which is located the rotatable reflective surface. A removably attachable reusable motor is combined to provide power to rotate the reflective surface/mirror. The reflective surface is rotated beneath a wiper blade attachment bar with a wiper blade that bisects the reflective surface along a diameter. In one embodiment, the wiper blade is formed in an inverted "Y" shape so that the two branches of the "Y" contact the reflective surface and clean the surface with a leading and trailing contact motion. Additionally, the attachment bar is formed in a sinuous non-linear shape so that a more effective cleansing of the reflective surface is accomplished.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device (30) includes a temperature sensor (36) in a sensor position within a sensor receiving opening (42) in an elongated sheath (32). An elongated sensor positioning member (38) and a sensor securing arrangement (50) work in unison to releasably fix the temperature sensor (36) in the sensor position at a closed end of the elongated sheath (32). An attachment structure attaches the elongated sheath (32) to a structure (29) such that a closed end (46) of the sheath extends into a medium to be sensed. Preferably, the securing arrangement (50) includes a lug (54) extending from the elongated sheath (32) at an open end (44) of the sheath.

Abstract: A tibial resection guide alignment apparatus (10) includes an elongated base member (12) and structure connected to the base member for connecting the base member about a patient's tibia in an operating position adjacent to the anterior side of the surgically exposed tibial plateau. When connected in the operating position, a depth adjustment axis (D) associated with the base member (12) extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the patient's tibia. A carriage member (16) is slideably mounted on the elongated base member (12) so that its position may be adjusted along the depth adjustment axis. A depth adjustment mechanism (22) associated with the base member (12) and carriage member (16) provides fine adjustment to position the carriage member along the depth adjustment axis and then fix the carriage member in a desired position along the depth adjustment axis.

Abstract: An anterior chamber intraocular lens implant which is donut-shaped and lacks refractive power in the portion covering the pupil of the eye. The lens includes a circular joint, or hinge, and locking latch for pivoting the two members forming the implant from a first, open position to a second, closed position. Additionally, minute, soft circular haptics are provided for keeping the lens flexible and in position and which allow only those spots to touch the angle structures of the eye. This lens is made of several basic colors that will give the appearance of a different color to an individuals iris.