Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber in the shape of a 360 degree torus having a circular cross-section which retains a gravity responsive member such as a ball of liquid mercury, the chamber having a three-dimensional sensing pathway defined on at least one of its walls, where the gravity responsive member and pathway are conductive, either electrically or optically, such that a circuit is completed when the gravity responsive member contacts the pathway, where the switch can be rotated, inverted and translated in three dimensions such that the pathway defines an acceptable three dimensional course of rotation for the switch.

Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber with an inner wall in the shape of a convex hemisphere and an outer wall in the shape of a concave hemisphere which retains a gravity responsive member such as a ball of liquid mercury, the chamber having a three-dimensional sensing pathway defined on at least one of its walls, where the gravity responsive member and pathway are conductive, either electrically or optically, such that a circuit is completed when the gravity responsive member contacts the pathway, where the switch can be rotated, inverted and translated in three dimensions such that the pathway defines an acceptable three dimensional course of rotation for the switch.

Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber with an inner wall in the shape of a convex hemisphere, an electrically conductive outer wall in the shape of a concave hemisphere, a magnet disposed within the inner wall which retains a gravity responsive metal ball abutting the inner wall, an electrically conductive liquid connecting the metal ball to the outer wall, and the chamber having a conductive pathway defined on its inner wall, such that a circuit is completed when the gravity responsive member contacts the pathway, where the switch can be rotated, inverted and translated in three dimensions such that the pathway defines an acceptable three dimensional course of rotation for the switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a large block of frozen liquid having vertically-disposed heat transfer tubes positioned within an open-bottom, walled mold, and elevator means to raise and lower a platform or a tray to seal with the mold as a bottom to receive and retain the liquid. Once frozen, the block is removed by lowering the platform or tray in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for breaching and venting sealed inner containers disposed within a drum, where the drum is evacuated to created a pressure differential resulting in expansion and rupture of the inner containers. The temperature may also be reduced to below freezing in the drum to reduce the elasticity of the inner containers, and the drum may also be pressurized to implode and rupture the inner containers.

Abstract: An interactive video display and computer system which provides changing video images in response to a combination of signals received from repetitive body movements and voice commands. The system comprises a pace sensing apparatus which is worn on the user's body which senses the repetitive body motion, translates that motion into a signal and transmits the pace signal to a signal receiver, which translates the signal into a signal readily recognized by a computer and then delivers the signal to the computer system. The system further comprises a voice receiving mechanism for receiving voice commands and transmitting a voice signal to the computer system. The user controls the perceived rate of motion and perceived direction of travel, as well as other aspects of the video image, by pace and voice.

Abstract: An anastomosis punch device, and method of using same, for creating a circular hole in the aortic wall, where the device also segregates the hole from the blood flow path such that no blood is lost through the hole during attachment of the vein graft. The invention is a hand-held punch having an elongated housing to be gripped by the surgeon, the housing retaining in a coaxially aligned manner a distally extended punch head, a cutting sleeve having a distal cutting rim which cuts a circular plug in cooperation with the punch head, an umbrella-like flexible dam formed of an elastic material and adjoined to the cutting sleeve in a manner which allows it to be deployed radially outward with the enlarged open rim facing the proximal direction, and a deployment ram movable axially relative to the dam to spread open the dam.

Abstract: A surface design method for designing refractive optical devices, and the optical devices themselves, using a wave transform analysis technique to control aberrations and produce a device with more precise refractive properties in response to topographical data derived from the corneal surface. The method can be used to produce other output surfaces.

Abstract: A mount for a ball pitching machine, where the mount automatically and randomly varies the trajectory and direction of the pitched ball, the mount having a pair of motors which rotate crank wheels to which are connected tie rods, the tie rods being connected to amounting post which tilts about a horizontal pivot axis and which rotates about a vertical pivot axis. The amount of tilt and rotation is adjustable within set parameters.

Abstract: A container for growing plants comprising a main body with an open top and perimeter rim, and a funnel-like water collection means having an inner mating perimeter adapted to adjoin the perimeter rim, an outer mating perimeter of greater size than the inner mating perimeter and a sloping surface connecting the outer mating perimeter to the inner mating perimeter, such that overhead water is captured and directed into the open top. The water collection means may be detachable. The water collection means has mating edges adapted to continuously and contiguously abut mating edges of like containers to form a solid water capture surface in all directions when multiple containers are properly positioned.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading condoms onto mandrels is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a plural number of expansion rods adapted to receive and stretch a condom and a plural number of detaining rods to abut and retain the condom ring, the rods being mounted on a reciprocating carriage assembly which moves the rods past the mandrel, the mandrel itself stripping the condom from the rods.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for treating spinal conditions by moving or spatially fixing at least one vertebra relative to another vertebra. The invention includes a link member the ends of which are configured to be secured to adjacent vertebrae and which are offset from a central portion of the link member. The link members can be in the form of a C-shaped or V-shaped rod or plate to form the offset. The offset provides increased bone volume that can be used for grafts or fusion. Attachment structure in the form of bone screws, bolts, or hook members are provided to secure the link members to respective vertebrae or other bones. A plurality of link members can be connected in chain-like fashion to connect multiple points on a plurality of vertebrae or other bones even though those points are nonlinear. In another aspect of the invention, a multi-directional attachment member is provided and may be used with the link members to form a spinal implant or external bone fixation system.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a metal pallet having a deck member formed as a grate or grid by the perpendicular intersection of plural rod members with flat bar members positioned on edge, where the rod members are embedded within the flat bar members by pressure resistance welding such that the upper surface defined by the rod members is even with the upper surface defined by the flat bar members.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for flow injection analysis using a reaction chamber having a continuously variable volume, where the volume of the reaction chamber may be varied before, during or after introduction of an analyte solution and reagent solution into the reaction chamber. A microprocessor may be incorporated to control the volume of the reaction chamber and other components, either in a preprogrammed manner or in response to particular data measured by a detection device.

Abstract: A roof-mounted dish antenna housing comprising a dome which encloses a dish antenna, where the dish antenna is connected to the housing by pivoting bracket members mounted onto an annular mounting rim inside the dome, where the dish antenna can be rotated relative to the fixed dome in the azimuthal direction and angularly positioned relative to the fixed dome between the horizon and zenith by pivoting the attachment member connected to the dish antenna relative to the attachment member connected to the mounting rim. Part of the dome may be removable to allow for access from the external side of the roof, and vents may be provided to allow for air circulation.

Abstract: A shock absorber which is responsive to changes in inertia from turning, accelerating or stopping, the change in inertia blocking flow of damping fluid in the normal reactive direction and allowing flow in the opposite direction, the flow in the opposite or corrective direction being propelled by road surface features, such that the shock absorber will level the vehicle and over-correct against the effects of the inertia. Piston travel in the corrective direction is limited as the piston approaches either end of the cylinder by providing a flow path around the piston to prevent the piston contacting the end of the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for treating spinal conditions by moving or spatially fixing at least one vertebra relative to another vertebra. The invention includes a link member the ends of which are configured to be secured to adjacent vertebrae and which are offset from a central portion of the link member. The link members can be in the form of a C-shaped or V-shaped rod or plate to form the offset. The offset provides increased bone volume that can be used for grafts or fusion. Attachment structure in the form of bone screws, bolts, or hook members are provided to secure the link members to respective vertebrae or other bones. A plurality of link members can be connected in chain-like fashion to connect multiple points on a plurality of vertebrae or other bones even though those points are nonlinear. In another aspect of the invention, a multi-directional attachment member is provided and may be used with the link members to form a spinal implant or external bone fixation system.