Abstract: An inertial positioner comprising a base plate and a carriage plate (2) slidably connected to one another via a bearing assembly (3) so as to allow relative movement of the plates in a positioning direction. The bearing assembly (3) comprises two sets of caged ball bearings seated in respective pairs of V-grooves (25 and 26) formed in the facing surfaces of the base and carriage plates, the V-groove pairs extending spaced apart in the positioning direction. An actuator comprising a piezoelectric element (4) and a rod (5) extends between the plates (1 and 2), the piezoelectric element (4) being secured to the carriage plate (2) and the rod (5) forming a frictional engagement characterized by a force F with the base plate via a collar (20) fastened to the base plate via biasing means (not shown). In operation, a periodic saw-tooth voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element (4) to produce motion.

Abstract: A reversing valve for a vapor compression refrigeration system comprising a housing defining a chamber with a high pressure port, a low pressure port and first and second system ports opening into said chamber through a chamber wall; a valve member disposed in the housing for shifting movement generally parallel to the wall between a first position wherein the valve member communicates the low pressure port with the first system port while communicating the high pressure port with the second system port and a second position wherein the valve member communicates the low pressure port with the second system port while communicating the high pressure port with the first system port, the valve member blocking communication between the high and low pressure ports when in the first and second positions; the valve member subjected to a net differential pressure force acting to firmly seat the valve member in the first or second position for preventing leakage between the high pressure port and the low pressure port

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device for severing tissue within a subject and for retrieving severed tissue from within the subject is disclosed. The device has a support unit, a tissue severing snare system, and a tissue retrieving net system. The snare and net systems are carried by the support unit and may be inserted into the subject through an orifice or small incision and individually operated to sever and retrieve tissue. The snare system includes a snare, a snare actuator, and a snare deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the actuator and the snare. The net system includes a net, a net actuator, a net deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the net and its actuator and a net controller for assuring the net is fully opened when deployed.

Abstract: A component for a window frame includes a first elongate member having an open side and a second elongate member. The second elongate member is attachable to the first elongate member at the open side. This defines with said first elongate member a closed space within said component. The component also includes ventilating apertures.

Abstract: An air conditioning installation designed with regard to achieving a comfort temperature as well as meeting heat load requirements for a conditional space. The comfort temperature being dependent upon the velocity of the air flow in the space and the design being established by an iterative process until the comfort temperature differs from the exit temperature of the space within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A BOF process in which iron oxide units are added to the melt during the blow characterized in that the oxygen flow is reduced during pellet feeding and is replenished with inert gas so that the total gas flow remains the same as that designed to achieve optimum BOF performance.

Abstract: A gear arrangement for a high reduction of the input rotational velocities is achieved in a single reduction gear train, utilises a long narrow driving pinion (12) located between two idler pinions (13) to mesh with the teeth of both, and the teeth of both idler pinions (13) mesh with teeth (14) of a year wheel, thereby sharing the load of the idler pinions (13), which can be of nylon for providing a quiet gear train.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for facilitating balloon catheter exchange in angioplasty procedures. A guide catheter allows the balloon catheter to be inserted into the subject to a region near a treatment region within the vascular system. A fluid source is provided for selectively inflating the balloon. A passageway in the catheter body that extends through the catheter balloon opens into the blood vessel via a sideport. A guidewire passageway extends through a distal most part of the catheter body to allow a guidewire to be inserted into the sideport and routed out the catheter body through a distal opening.

Abstract: A compact disc (CD) dispenser mounted on a bagging machine is disclosed. The dispenser includes turret and transfer assemblies. The turret assembly includes an indexing system to sequentially and one at a time position mandrels carrying CD disc sets at a dispensing location. The transfer assembly includes a pair of pickup heads driven by the rotary actuator. The pickup heads are adapted sequentially and one at a time to remove discs from a set positioned at the dispensing location and after 180.degree. rotation of the fluid actuator, drop a picked up disc into a waiting bag in the bagging machine.