Abstract: This biological replacement material for soft tissues utilizes hair clipped in advance of the surgery and properly treated to insure that no biological micro-organisms or other contaminants are on the hair. The harvested hair is cut to an appropriate length, whereupon it may be woven, encapsulated or otherwise combined with a physiologically degradable material to form the hair into an anatomically useful structure.

Abstract: A method for placing a thixotropic low-cement castable refractory material without the necessity for forms. A low-cement castable material is mixed with a measured amount of water, then is pumped hydraulically through a hose to a nozzle assembly. Compressed air and a cement setting agent are added to the mixture at the nozzle. The addition of the setting agent at the nozzle overcomes the thixotropic nature of the low-cement castable, so that it will immediately "set" in position when sprayed onto a surface, including vertical and overhead surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a controlled pressure application system to insure that the proper pressure is applied in a lamination of permeable and semi-permeable roll mounted sheets into a cellular sheet structure. The present invention uses a pressure roller mounted on a carriage which is movable horizontally radially of a heated roll by a controllable linear actuator such that variable and closely controlled pressure may be applied to a web passing between the heated roll and the carriage mounted pressure roller. Additionally, the present invention uses a precisely controllable fluid heated pressure roller and a precisely controllable fluid cooled cooling roller acting as a heat sink for the pressure roller to maintain a precise temperature gradient across the web at the nip.

Abstract: An improved robotic power grapple having the capability to both manipulate and impact objects. The grapple has a head assembly containing pivotal jaws and an impact hammer disposed within a rotation device to allow the head assembly and jaws to rotate about a central axis. An impact rod extends through the rotation device and through an opening in the tips of the jaws to permit impaction of objects proximate the opening. In combination with an articulated boom and orientation device, the improved grapple may be utilized in severe-duty foundry operations to remove gates and risers from foundry castings.

Abstract: A multi-layer flexible article includes a first layer of natural rubber, a second layer of natural rubber, polyurethane, poly(acrylamide-acrylic acid, sodium salt) and polyethylene oxide and a third layer of acrylic copolymer and fluorocarbon telomer resin. The article is preferably a glove formed by the method of dipping a hand shaped mold into baths containing aqueous emulsions of the components used to form the layers. Gloves manufactured according to the method are substantially wet-hand and dry-hand donnable as compared to powdered latex gloves of similar size. The finished gloved is water washed and wet autoclaved to substantially reduce the protein content from the natural rubber and substantially remove other water extractable allergenic moieties. The washing and autoclaving renders the glove substantially hypoallergenic as compared to gloves not so treated.

Abstract: A threaded connection for medical implants utilizes root and crest interfnce profile, such that the major and minor diameters of the thread profile on the male and female members of the connection are selected such that the minor diameter of one member is larger than the major diameter of the other, such that an interference condition is created along the helical path of the thread. This interference condition increases the radial stability of the connection and increases the torque required to loosen the connection when made up.

Abstract: An improved thread profile for use in medical implants utilizes a negative o slightly positive load flank inclination to minimize radial separation of the threaded connection by increasing the radial force required to overcome the surface and interference resistance to relative motion between the made-up abutting load faces of the connector threads.

Abstract: A threaded connection for use in medical implant surgery which utilizes a read profile which includes a load flank, a stab flank, a root intermediate the stab flank and load flank, and a crest intermediate the load flank and stab flank. The distance, measured paraxially, which the screw moves one complete revolution of the connection, is the lead of the thread. In the invention, the lead varies for either the male or female member of the connector such that the load flank, effectively, is moved away from axial interference with the cooperative member as the thread is "made up" or engaged. Accordingly, the load flank interface along the length of the connection is stressed, rather than having the load flank interface stressed predominately at the end turns of the thread, as often occurs under loading of the thread. In this manner, the stress loading of the thread is spread over the multiple turns of the thread, and pre-load is not lost by the yielding of the end turn.

Abstract: An amphibious aircraft, capable of high speed maneuverability on the surface of the water, utilizes a aerodynamic platform to generate lift and to define a tunnel with a pair of central sponsons extending inwardly of the wings of the aircraft longitudinally of the platform which supports the cockpit and propulsion system.

Abstract: A bale dewiring device uses a bale splitter to sever the strapping of the bale atop the bale and a movable hook to engage the strapping beneath the bale for retraction thereof to one side of the bale where the strapping is removed from the hook.

Abstract: An improved angiographic control syringe for use in high-pressure medical procedures. An oblong locking ring disposed on a plunger stem. The oblong locking ring has two circular end segments at the far opposing ends of the ring, and comprises two flat segments at the narrow diameter opposing sides of the ring. A plurality of grooves are vertically spaced on the upper part of the plunger stem. Notches extend inwardly from the flat segments of the locking ring. The exertion of a pinching force on the circular end segments of the locking ring causes convex radial expansion of the flat segments, thereby permitting detachable engagement of the notches with any groove. The plunger head has a highly angular frustoconical head. The syringe barrel has a less angular frustoconical seat that receives the plunger head when the plunger head is fully depressed within the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A doorstop including an elongated shaft slidably and rotatably received within a receptacle seated in a floor proximal a door. The shaft extends vertically from the receptacle and has a cross-member integrally connected thereto and extending therefrom in opposing lateral directions such that the door, when opened toward the shaft, will contact the cross-member and rotate the cross-member into planar contact with the door. Thus, the movement of the door will be limited by the shaft and laterally extending cross-member. In a separate embodiment, end portions are integrally connected to the cross-member which project generally horizontally therefrom. When the end portions are facing or protruding toward the door, movement of the door from its closed position is completely obstructed. This embodiment functions as the original embodiment described above when the end portions are facing away from the door.

Abstract: A motorized swing for disabled persons and children which provides pendulous reciprocal movement as well as rotational movement. Electric motors drive mechanisms for inducing reciprocal and rotational movement either separately or in combination. Sensory activated switches are electrically connected to said motors to allow handicapped persons and children to control the movement of said swing.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a mobile medical apparatus such as a wheeled support stand for intravenous infusion devices to a wheelchair. The coupling device attaches to the framework at the rear of said wheelchair and is adjustable between an inward storage position and an outward operational position. A variable clamping means secures support stands, of various dimensions, to the rear of the wheelchair for tandem movement with said wheelchair.

Abstract: An improved valve plug actuator is provided which is substantially impervious to environmental contamination and which provides greater axial transfer of seating force to an associated valve plug. The actuator uses an indexing race formed in an indexing sleeve to support a thrust bearing on one side of an operating screw collar and an enhanced retaining ring to capture an opposing thrust bearing. Lubrication containment and environmental isolation of the interactive surfaces of the actuator is maintained by o-ring seals carried by the retaining ring and by a lowermost movable component of the actuator which also is rigidly affixed to the associated valve plug.

Abstract: A device for drawing current from an electric fence to attract and electrocute insects. The device includes a grounded hollow tubular member with apertures in liquid communication with a source of insect lure. A single or double strand of wire is supported by insulators mounted in parallel along said tube. The wires engage said electric fencing such that insects attract to said tube by the aroma of the lure and are electrocuted by contacting the wires and grounded base.