Abstract: Drainage device for arrangement on a floor tile, the drainage device, when at least partially assembled in the floor, has at least two pipe lengths moveable relative to one another in such a way that a movement of the pipe lengths relative to one another allows an aperture in the floor tile and the upper inlet aperture of the drainage device to be made to coincide at least partially with one another. At the same time the pipe lengths have flanges extending radially outwards, which are sealed against one another by seals.

Abstract: A gastric coil manipulator includes a longitudinally extending shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and a flexible element with a portion thereof extending beyond the distal end of the shaft for the creation of a resilient arc, wherein an actuator cable is secured to the flexible element for manipulation of the portion of the flexible element extending beyond the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a system, and method, for auctioning articles, or products of various types, via a public data transmission network, such as the Internet. The bidders participate by submitting a bid via their bidder terminal, to the auction platform, which is integrated into the data transmission system, and permits bi-directional transmission between the terminals and the auction platform. The system functions as a virtual auction house.

Abstract: A dispensing container includes a selectively removable cap to which a variety of articles may be securely and selectively attached. The dispensing container includes a dispensing body in which material for dispensing is stored. The dispensing body includes a closed end, at least one side wall and an open end through which the material is dispensed. The dispensing container also includes a cap shaped and dimensioned for selectively covering the open end of the dispensing body. The cap includes a first end shaped and dimensioned for frictionally engaging the open end of the dispensing body for secure and selective attachment thereto and a closed second end including a clasp extending therefrom. The clasp includes a first arm and a second arm.

Abstract: A marking apparatus includes a selectively inflatable balloon. The balloon includes an external lumen adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The external lumen includes ports for creating a vacuum at the ports sufficient to draw walls of the gastric cavity into contact with the external lumen. The balloon is further provided with RF energy delivery devices. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, a marking apparatus includes an elongated, hollow body, the hollow body including a proximal end and a distal end. The hollow body includes at least one suction trough in which a plurality of holes is disposed to draw suction on tissue. The at least one suction trough extends along a substantial portion of the hollow body as it extends from its distal end to its proximal end.

Abstract: A dryer uses conduits to carry a heating medium, such as steam, to heat the outer surface of the dryer. The volume of steam is successfully reduced to non-explosive levels and the shell need not be designed to prevent an explosion. Conduits may be formed through the shell itself or grooves may be formed on the inner surface of the shell, with the conduits retained within the grooves. Also, the conduits can be placed against the inside surface of the dryer and a material, such as zinc, can be filled in about the conduits. The material serves to both retain the conduits in place and thermally couple the conduits to the dryer to assure efficient heat transfer between the conduits and dryer. These modifications relieve the dryer from the Unfired Pressure Vessel classification to the classification of a piping assembly under ASA code regulations. This results in savings in operation safety, installation cost and operating costs due to the absence of costly inspections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diode laser array with at least one laser bar and having at least one emitter and a heat sink array for cooling the at least one laser bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer material in which at least two components are jointed to each other via an adhesive bond. The adhesive bond is formed by an adhesive or bonding layer containing nanofiber material in a matrix that is suitable as an adhesive.

Abstract: A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures includes a seal cap having a seal positioned within a housing. The housing includes a lower seal ring having a track which supports an upper seal ring for relative rotational motion, wherein the seal is supported between the upper seal ring and the lower seal ring for rotation between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The upper seal ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member oriented for movement relative thereto, wherein a latching mechanism is positioned between the first ring member and the second ring member for selectively controlling movement of the first ring member relative to the second ring member. The seal assembly also includes a rotational control mechanism controlling motion of the upper seal ring relative to the lower seal ring.

Abstract: A method and system for examining subsurface targets utilizing an elevated or airborne platform. A broad spectrum of frequencies is transmitted from the platform and is directed at the various subsurface targets. A plurality of chirp signals would be utilized to transmit the entire frequency range. These signals are reflected from the various subsurface targets and are received by the platform. The received chirp signals are combined in a manner to allow the visualization of the subsurface target.

Abstract: A non-wood baseball or softball bat wherein the barrel portion of the bat is filled with an inner foam layer which has a relatively low compressibility surrounded by an outer foam layer having high compressibility. This configuration would not hinder the hitting performance of less skilled players in an effort to control the maximum rebound speed generated by the best players.

Abstract: A basketball training aid designed to teach a user how to correctly grip, set up, and release a basketball. The device includes a material that wraps around the top (prone side) of the hand and bottom half of the underside (supine side) of the hand, without limiting wrist extension and flexion during a basketball shot. The glove includes a splint support material on top of the index, middle, and ring fingers, running from the middle of the digits to the bottom half of the top (prone side) of hand. The splint support material prevents premature finger flexion at the base of the fingers during the release of the shot, ensuring an open hand at follow through. Additionally, the design encourages proper finger separation and proper extension of wrist joint on set up, keeps the ball off the palm of the hand, and promotes proper position for dribbling a basketball effectively.

Abstract: A universal blister package for the distribution of medical instruments includes a tray having a resilient film and a retainer having a resilient film. The tray and the retainer are shaped and dimensioned for selective engagement in a manner creating a storage space between the film of the tray and the film of the retainer for accommodating a medical instrument between the tray and the retainer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel design of hydraulic processing pincers for processing workpieces, with a tool which, in a first tool part, has an axially displaceable tool plunger which, with a first end or with a tool provided there and an opposite work rest, forms a working region or a working gap and can be moved with the first end towards and away from the work rest, and made up of a hydraulic actuating device for applying a force to the tool plunger via a movable pressure-transmitting element, said force moving said tool plunger in the direction of the work rest. The piston and/or the piston rod are/is designed with a cavity in which the tool plunger is accommodated in its initial position at least over part of its length.

Abstract: A method for performing a hybrid laparoscopic-endoscopic procedure is achieved by inserting a medical instrument laparoscopically through an abdominal wall and into a gastric cavity, inserting an overtube and endoscope transorally into the gastric cavity to provide an access path to the gastric cavity, passing an end effector transorally to the surgical site translumenally within the endoscope, and attaching the end effector to a distal end of the medical instrument while the instrument is positioned within the gastric cavity.

Abstract: A golf club including a club head with a ball striking face lying in a plane and a shaft connected to the club head. The golf club is formed with an elongated handle, having a cross-sectional configuration with a first length in a direction perpendicular to the plane of said ball striking face and a second length in a direction parallel to the plane of said ball striking face. Alignment indicia in the form of intersecting lines is provided on a top surface of the handle to assist the golfer to properly align the golf club in order to execute a proper golf stroke toward an intended target.

Abstract: A tooth implant which has an implant body, which is, preferably embodied as a single piece with a support which is anchored in the bone tissue, in addition to a journal which is secured to one end of the implant body which is used to secure a constructional component. The journal has several groove-like recesses which are oriented, respectively, in the longitudinal direction thereof and, are distributed on the periphery of the journal and projections are arranged therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic arrangement for metering one or more first metered amounts of liquid (A) and for separating the latter from a second amount of liquid (B), having the following features: the arrangement has a first channel and one or more second channels; the first channel has one inlet and one outlet; in the area of the outlet the arrangement has a capillarity, which is greater than or equal to the capillarity in the area of the inlet; the one or more second channels branch off from the first channel at one or more branch points; the one or more second channels have a greater capillarity than the first channel at the branch points; and the one or more second channels have a predetermined volume. In the arrangement as depicted in the invention a liquid is transported in the first channel from the inlet to the outlet. At the branch points one portion of the liquid at a time enters the one or more second channels and fills them completely with the first metered amounts of liquid (A).

Abstract: A fluid control device is attached to tubes carrying irrigation solution to form the system. The control device splits the flow through a fiber optic scope and a fluid control unit. The fluid control unit controls rate of flow and direction. The operator utilizing a fluid rate and flow direction control device easily controls the flow of fluid into the joint, out of the joint, or no flow. The increased flow prevents collapse of a joint space and maintains clear visualization. The fluid flow solely relies on a gravity feed by having a fluid reservoir positioned at a high point in the system. It contains no fluid pump, vacuum or electronic controller while safely and reliably performing the functions of more complex devices.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal-ceramic substrate with at least one metallization, patterned by etching, on at least one surface side of a laminar ceramic material. The metal-ceramic substrate includes a base substrate made of an aluminum-nitride or silicon-nitride ceramic. The metallization is applied by active soldering before patterning. An intermediate layer made of an oxidic ceramic is provided between the at least one metallization and the base substrate.