Abstract: Synthetic lubricant compositions having several unique performance advantages over known lubricants are provided. The presently claimed compositions are either clear or translucent to white and non-staining. In addition, they have absolutely no odor, are non-toxic, and all ingredients are USDA approved. Finally, they retain their high-performance characteristics through a temperature range of about −40° F. up to about 550° F.

Abstract: A lockable hub device having a base that accommodates about a central axis a ganged pair of lockable attachment rings, a corresponding pair of locking and release elements, and a top cap, the entire assembly being secured by means of an assembly element that engages both the base and the top cap. The articulating members to be adjusted, e.g., the legs of a table or other foldable device, are attached to one of the lockable attachment rings. For simplicity of use, it is intended that each of the locking and release elements be constructed to extend partly through lumens defined by the top cap such that they may lockably engage the cap while retaining their partial extension therethrough, and such that release of each element may be achieved in a similar fashion as the locking operation.

Abstract: A rotatable linkage for use in handling small objects at a distance, for example, in endoscopic surgery, by converting the longitudinal motion of a drive member to the opening and closing of jaws at the distal end of the drive member wherein the drive member is enclosed in an elongated housing on which the jaws are mounted which may be rotated relative to the drive member on a bearing by rotation of the housing.

Abstract: An object storage receptacle having two articulating arm members movably attached to opposite sides of a receptacle member at a point at or above the center of gravity of said receptacle member. The articulating arm members are attached to the receptacle member such that in a first position the arm members form a handle by which the storage receptacle may be carried, in a second position the arm members form a stand sufficiently stable to support the storage receptacle in a free-standing manner, and in a third position the arm members together may be disposed laterally relative to the storage receptacle. The arm members may be capable of free movement throughout a continuous circle about the receptacle and/or capable of telescoping into a first position where the arm members are fully extended for use and in a second position where the arm members are fully retracted for storage.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser system, and method of use thereof primarily in industrial applications requiring the dispensing of fluids with varying viscosities, such as water, epoxies, silicones, adhesives, single component, two component, filled, premixed, frozen, etc., allowing for very precise control of the volume of fluid extruded. The system comprises an ergonomic, handheld applicator accommodating a conventional medical syringe, wherein the ergonomic, handheld applicator is attached by a power cord to an electronic control unit. The applicator is provided with a linear actuator that drives a piston or screw a specific distance in response to an electronic signal generated by the control unit. Displacement of the piston or screw creates a positive pressure on a fluid contained in the syringe, thereby causing fluid extrusion from the syringe.

Abstract: A medical instrument with a steerable distal end, having a handle for actuating the instrument, a distal operating section for performing a medical procedure, a middle section connecting the handle with the operating section, at least a portion of the middle section being bendable, and steerable means within the bendable portion for permitting the operating section to be controlled in direction at an angle with respect to the axis of the middle section. There are means for rotating the distal operating section into any desired angular position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the middle section. A control member control the direction of movement of the bendable section in three dimensions whereby the distal end may be positioned in any place on or off of the longitudinal axis of the middle section. A protective sheath may be disposed over the bendable section.

Abstract: An immunoscintillating composition and method of radioimmunoassay is disclosed whereby polymer coated paramagnetic particles and binding agent such as an antibody are associated by chemical or physical means to provide solid scintillating immunoadsorbent particles which are paramagnetic. These particles are capable of selectively binding or retaining radioactive or labeled antigens or ligands and transmitting radioactive energy to a phosphor or photon emitting substance that is bound by chemical or physical means to the particles. Upon binding of the antigens or ligands to the surface of the particles the particles are separated from the unbound components in solution by application of a magnetic field. The luminescence emitted by the phosphor which is attached to the magnetically separated particles is measured by a scintillator counter and is directly proportional to the radioactive energy released by the labeled antigen bound to the antibody.

Abstract: A signaling system comprises a portable signaling unit, a remote alarm switch device, a central dispatch station, and a wireless communication system such as a cellular or telephone system, etc., and a GPS or alike system. The portable signaling unit and the remote alarm switch may be adapted to be worn at different locations on the person's body. The remote alarm switch may be concealed in the form of a wristband or in the form of any other object such as a broach, pendant, or keychain. When the person in distress activates the remote alarm switch or when the remote alarm switch is removed from the individual by a forceful or unauthorized action or when the signaling unit is removed from the proximity of the remote alarm switch, the portable signaling unit sends a data transmission which includes its location to the central dispatch station. The portable signaling unit also has manual alarm trigger capabilities so it can be used without the remote alarm switch unit.

Abstract: A handle and drive mechanism for providing a reciprocating rotary action of a driveshaft, first in one rotational direction and then reversing the rotational direction, suitable for suturing and other endoscopic operations.

Abstract: A process for drawing wire employing a lubricant comprising perfluorocarbon compounds (PFCs), including aliphatic perfluorocarbon compounds (.alpha.-PFCs) having the general formula C.sub.n F.sub.2n+2, perfluoromorpholines having the general formula C.sub.n F.sub.2n+1 ON, perfluoroamines (PFAs) and highly fluorinated amines (HFAs), and perfluoroethers (PFEs). Such fully and highly fluorinated carbon compounds exhibit a very high degree of thermal and chemical stability due to the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond. Further, because the compounds are fully fluorinated, and therefore do not contain chlorine and bromine, they have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). Further, because the compounds are photochemically non-reactive in the atmosphere, they are not precursors to photochemical smog and are exempt from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) volatile organic compound (VOC) definition.

Abstract: A method of accessing a distributed virtual world such that the only data requested of the network data sources and transmitted to the requesting computer is the data that codes for objects that the viewer can perceive, and to prioritize the data to be sent in order of its perceivability so that only relevant data is sent to the user.

Abstract: Self-centering valvulotome (V) having a flexible cable (1) partly and slidably disposed within a protective sheath (2), a cutting unit (4), having at least three radially mounted, retractable cutting blades, attached to the cable at its distal end, and a dual-purpose control mechanism attached to the cable at its proximal end. Each retractable cutting blade comprises a free-floating cutting head and a flat spring section, which biases the cutting head against the venous wall. The control mechanism comprises a T-valve segment disposed partly within the proximal end of the protective sheath. A pull handle affixed to the proximal end of the cable can engage the T-valve such that a fluid-tight seal is created, thereby allowing the introduction of a diagnostic or therapeutic fluid to the protective sheath via an access port in the valve.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser system, and method of use thereof primarily in industrial applications requiring the dispensing of fluids such as epoxies, silicones, adhesives, etc., allowing for very precise control of the volume of fluid extruded. The system comprises an ergonomic, handheld applicator accommodating a conventional medical syringe, wherein the ergonomic, handheld applicator is attached by a power cord to an electronic control unit. The applicator is provided with a stepping motor that drives a piston or screw a specific distance in response to an electronic signal generated by the control unit. Displacement of the piston or screw creates a positive pressure on a fluid contained in the syringe, thereby causing fluid extrusion from the syringe.

Abstract: A method of accessing a distributed virtual world such that the only data requested of the network data sources and transmitted to the requesting computer is the data that codes for objects that the viewer can perceive, and to prioritize the data to be sent in order of its perceivability so that only relevant data is sent to the user.