Abstract: A variable tool (1) for use in veterinary procedures is provided. The tool (1) includes a handle (5) having first and second ends (7, 8), the first end (7) engageable with a drive means. A shaft (10) having first and second ends (12, 13), the first end (12) of the shaft (10) being mounted within the handle (5) and, in use, rotatable by the drive means. A housing (15) is secured to the second end (8) of the handle (5) and having a free end (27) extending towards the second end (13) of the shaft (10). A burr portion (20) is relaesably engageable with and extending away from the second end (13) of the shaft (10). A connection means (35) is adapted to releasably connect the burr portion (20) to the second end (13) of the shaft (10) such that the burr portion (20) is removable from the shaft (10) without removal of the housing (15) from the handle (5).

Abstract: An automatic portion control system, comprising: a dispensing mechanism adapted for dispensing a first substance into a container; a scale adapted for weighing said container; and control circuitry adapted for reading a container weight from said scale and controlling said dispensing mechanism accordingly. The invention further comprises a method for dispensing a product into a container, comprising the steps of: weighing a container; and dispensing the product into the container until reaching the estimated filled weight of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding a catheter balloon comprises a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a pleating head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The pleating head includes at least three segments, each having a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length. Each segment has a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, and the proximal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the stationary base member and the distal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the rotatable hub member. The segments are arranged so that the segment distal ends are disposed adjacent to and a predetermined distance away from a central point and defining a central aperture with a spiral-pleat dimension having at least three channels in communication with a central aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping a stent by segmental radial compression, comprising a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a crimping head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The crimping head includes at least ten segments. The segments each have a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length, each segment having a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, the distal point being disposed on the centerline and the proximal point being disposed off the centerline, and the proximal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the stationary base member and the distal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the rotatable hub member.

Abstract: A swager for swaging marker bands to a medical catheter, comprises an article input mechanism, the article input mechanism having a first input roller assembly for receiving and conveying an article, a first sensor for detecting a predetermined aspect of the article, a second input roller assembly for receiving and conveying the article, a positioning roller assembly for precisely aligning the article with respect to the swaging head, and a second sensor all constructed and arranged in a streamwise orientation. The swager also has a radial compression swaging head with a central swaging aperture, the swaging head being aligned and communicatively coupled with the input mechanism to receive an input article from the article input mechanism and to swage the article, the swaging head being rotatable and including (i.) a unitary die plate including a plurality of die segments movably coupled to each other to provide a radial compressive force to the article disposed in the central swaging aperture; and (ii.

Abstract: A hand actuatable apparatus and method for crimping a stent or processing other articles by segmental radial compression. The apparatus includes a stationary base housing; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the base housing; a crimping head communicatively coupled to the base housing and to the drive hub; and an actuator handle connected to the base housing and to the drive hub. The crimping head includes a plurality of segments oriented about a center aperture which receives a stent or article to be compressed. The segments each have a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length and defining the center aperture. Actuation of the handle rotates the drive hub, which causes the segments to move and pivot, resulting in closure of the center aperture and compression of the stent or other article.

Abstract: A machine, such as an engine, which includes a cylinder (1), an essentially cylindrical piston (5) set on bearings and equipped with an eccentrically-set shaft (11), an inlet port or valve (8), an outlet port or valve (9), and a lever device (7), which is attached by bearings to a shaft (6) and which is intended to be in essentially tight contact with the piston (5). The cylinder (1) forms an essentially cylindrical chamber for the rotary piston (5) and a partially cylindrical chamber for the lever device (7) that moves backwards and forwards. The piston (5) is equipped, in the interior of the working chamber, with sliding-ring-type bearings (13, 14).

Abstract: A stacked articles accumulating apparatus functions by down-stacking. The apparatus includes a surface supported on an air cylinder member with a solenoid valve controlled by a photo eye sensor to release air from the cylinder member to maintain the top article of an accumulating articles stack on the support surface substantially at a predetermined elevation. Additional components include a limit switch for setting a minimum elevation of the support surface, a compressed air source supplying the air cylinder member, and an article supply mechanism. A method of article accumulation at substantially a predetermined level is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method specifically intended for the construction of fuel distribution forecourts, in which the forecourt contains at least one distribution pump (17), possibly an attached automatic dispenser (9), a pillar (4), which is specifically installed onto a concrete footing, to support the roof and necessary electrical and pipework systems for the drawing of fuel from the fuel storage tank and dispensing to motor vehicles and equivalents. The pumps (17), automatic dispenser (9) and other necessary ground-based equipment are installed on the island (6, 7), which is in turn supported (11, 12) on the roof's concrete footing.

Abstract: An umbrella mechanism (10) comprises a central post (12), eight ribs (14) that are pivotally connected to the post, a sliding hub (16) that is slideably retained on the post, eight struts (18) that each extend between a particular rib (14) and the sliding hub (16), eight tensioning cords (20) and a gas spring (22) that is disposed at an upper end of the central post for exerting a pulling force on the tensioning cords. The ribs are pivotally displaceable between a collapsed condition wherein the ribs (14) are disposed adjacent the post (12) and an open condition wherein the ribs extend radially from the central post. Each tensioning cord is connected at one end to an upper end of the gas spring and at the other end, to a distal end of a particular rib. The gas spring exerts a pulling force on the tensioning cords for assisting in lifting the ribs.

Abstract: A method for creating a patterned concrete surface with the aid of a concrete surface retarding agent. According to the invention, printing technique or an output technique is used to transfer the surface retarding agent forming the desired pattern to the surface coming into direct contact with the concrete to be cast. The printing or output technique can also be used to transfer a release agent or other substance affecting the surface of the concrete to the surface coming into contact with the concrete to be cast, in the same or in a separate transfer stage.

Abstract: A cable continuity test system, comprising a terminator unit electrically connected to a first side of a cable to be tested, and a test set unit electrically connected to a first side of the cable. The test set unit includes a display and further includes a microprocessor adapted for performing standard continuity tests. The test unit stores records for each site tested with a time and date stamp. The terminator unit is a programmable unit, and preferably is capable of being programmed with a unique terminator ID between the numbers of 00 and 99.

Abstract: A portable disc holder comprises a frame member 1 adapted to circumferentially surround a disc at the disc's edges and being at least partially in contact therewith to restrain planar movement of the disc when held in the frame member, the frame member 1 including flange means 7, 8 for preventing or inhibiting planar movement of the disc, and remote from the flange means 7, 8 on a generally opposite portion of the frame member 1 a resiliently moveable means 7, 8 adapted to restrain planar movement of an adjacent edge portion of the disc when the disc is mounted in the frame member 1, the resiliently moveable flange means 7, 8 permitting entry of the disc into the frame member 1 following resilient deformation of the flange.

Abstract: A blower head, comprising a frame, a brush rotatably supported by the frame, a sweeper drive adapted for rotating said brush to sweep a surface, and a blower unit adapted for removing swept-up particles away from the surface. The frame includes a mouth portion and a throat portion. The brush is rotatably supported by the frame within the mouth portion. The sweeper drive rotates the brush to sweep particles such as snow or ice on a surface toward the frame. The mouth portion and the throat portion are constructed and arranged to funnel swept-up particles from the mouth portion and into the throat portion and the blower unit positioned therein. The blower head further includes an exit chute. The blower unit creates a pressure differential between the mouth portion and the exit chute sufficient to draw the swept-up particles from the mouth portion and into the throat portion, and to blow the swept-up particles out through the exit chute.