Abstract: A multi-functional endoscopic probe apparatus to selectively apply either a low or high frequency voltage to cut and cauterize. The apparatus has an elongated multi-lumen tube that is attached to a pistol grip having a multiplicity of functions contained thereon. The multi-lumen tube has a first lumen for the passage of either a high or a low pressure irrigation stream therethrough, a second lumen for suction to remove excess fluid and debris, and a third lumen for the passage of a slidably extendable and retractable electro-surgical cutting tip. The pistol grip handle has a wheel which enables the surgeon to rotate the multi-lumen tube containing the surgical cutting tip relative to the pistol grip. A plurality of push-button valves enable the selective application a negative pressure for withdrawing excess fluids and removing incident tissue debris from the surgical site and to operatively apply a flood irrigation stream or a precise irrigation stream to the surgical site to wash and cleanse the tissue.

Abstract: A hollow tube attachable at one end to a container of fluid is provided at the other end with an end cap in which is formed a fluid discharge opening through which to transfer fluid. The end cap includes a first portion inserted into the tube, while a second portion remains exterior thereto. A slide valve on the exterior of the tube is biased into a closed position, precluding fluid transfer until the discharge opening is inside a receiving vessel. An air vent passageway in the form of an air vent recess in the outer surface of the first portion of the end cap communicates between the interior of the container and the exterior of the fluid conduit. When the receiving vessel is filled, fluid in the receiving vessel closes entry to the air vent passageway, terminating air flow into the container and stopping fluid flow through the conduit. Capillary sections of reduced cross-sectional area relative that of the air vent passageway are located at either end of the air vent recess.

Abstract: An outer catheter so sized and configured so as to extend from a point below the first bifurcation of the trachea through the upper respiratory system of the patient is disposed about an inner catheter having a tip secured in the opening at the distal end thereof with an outer lateral periphery larger in diameter than the outer surface of the inner catheter. A passageway is formed between said outer catheter and said inner catheter. A connector hub assembly, connected to the proximal end of the outer catheter and couplable to a supply of oxygen, allows for oxygen insufflation to take place during the bronchoalveolar lavage procedure. The proximal surface of the tip between the outer lateral periphery and the outer surface of the inner catheter is capable of sealingly engaging the distal end of the outer catheter. In this condition the pair of catheters can be advanced through the upper respiratory system of the patient without contaminating the outer surface of the inner catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivery of highly filled, thixotropic resin sealant to tooth surfaces. The apparatus includes a dispenser for holding a quantity of the sealant material and a delivery tip having adjustable bristles at one end. The bristles are slidably secured in a spiral passageway formed by a helical ridge inside the delivery tip, thereby allowing the sealant material to be continuously applied without the need to stop the procedure and rewet the applicator. The applicator permits accurate control of the amount of sealant material applied to the surface. In this way, the surface receives neither an excessive nor an insufficient amount of the sealant material. Moreover, the bristles may be pushed in to permit the sealant material to be applied to a small, irregular surface, such as pits and fissures, or pulled out to permit the bristles to fan out for application to broad surface areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a fluidized bed to effect the separation of a mixture of articles having at least a first density and a second density that is greater than the first density into separate groups. The apparatus includes an inclined trough which is supplied at an input end with either a fluidization medium, such as sand, or a mixture of articles from which a fluidized bed is formed by forcing gas upwardly through the bottom of the trough and through the fluidization medium or the mixture. In the case where a fluidization medium such as sand is used, the mixture of articles is introduced into the fluidized bed medium so as to be entrained therewith to effect separation as the articles travel in the direction of flow of the fluidized bed medium. Vertical oscillatory movement is imparted to the inclined trough to improve the separation and layering where the mixture of articles is fluidized, or to improve the density uniformity where a fluidization medium such as sand is fluidized as the bed.

Abstract: A fiber coating which allows ceramic or metal fibers to be wetted by molten metals is disclosed. The coating inhibits degradation of the physical properties caused by chemical reaction between the fiber and the coating itself or between the fiber and the metal matrix. The fiber coating preferably includes at least a wetting layer, and in some applications, a wetting layer and a barrier layer between the fiber and the wetting layer. The wetting layer promotes fiber wetting by the metal matrix. The barrier layer inhibits fiber degradation. The fiber coating permits the fibers to be infiltrated with the metal matrix resulting in composites having unique properties not obtainable in pure materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating parenteral fluids for intravenous delivery to a patient. The apparatus includes a disposable cassette which in one presently preferred embodiment is made up of a unitary member which is divided to form a serpentine flow path by a plurality of path separators. Thin, flexible metallic foil membranes are sealingly joined to the unitary member on the upper and bottom surfaces thereof to form an enclosed, fluid-tight serpentine flow path between the plurality of path separators. The entire periphery of the unitary member and the thin, flexible heat conductive foil membranes are sealingly held by a framework. The disposable cassette slides between first and second heating blocks which contact the thin, flexible heat conductive foil membranes so as to provide heat transfer to fluid flowing in the serpentine flow path.

Abstract: An emulsion composition with a polymerizing and/or crosslinking agent and method for its use in improving the manufacturing, packaging, transporting, storage placement and blasting characteristics of explosives containing an emulsion. More specifically, compositions and methods directed to controlling the rheology of an emulsion or explosive containing an emulsion by polymerizing and/or crosslinking the continuous phase of the emulsion by employing hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene and polymerizing agents and/or maleic anhydride adducted polybutadiene and crosslinking agents, but without compromising the integrity of the explosive reaction.Explosive materials comprised of a water-in-oil emulsion containing a continuous carbonaceous fuel phase at least partially polymerized and/or crosslinked.

Abstract: The present invention discloses high viscosity sustained release dental compositions, such as tooth bleaching or fluoride compositions, for treating tooth surfaces. For maximum results, an improved dental tray having reservoirs for holding the dental composition adjacent the desired tooth surfaces is preferably used in combination with the sustained release dental composition. The sustained release dental compositions include a high carboxypolymethylene concentration which results in very high viscosity. The high level of carboxypolymethylene makes dilution of the dental compositions from saliva difficult and time consuming so that the compositions stay within the tray reservoirs, thereby providing sustained release. The concentrated carboxypolymethylene adds a unique tackiness to the dental composition which helps retain and seal the soft tray material against the patient's teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods used in trans-tracheal oxygen therapy to permit a micro-tracheal catheter to be inserted into the throat, so that breathing efficiency may be enhanced through the introduction of a continuous stream of oxygen directly into the patient's lungs. More particularly, this invention relates to an adapter for use on the outer end of the micro-tracheal catheter to connect the micro-tracheal catheter to an oxygen source through an oxygen supply hub while simultaneously and selectively permitting the introduction of a saline solution or other material into the patient's lungs through a second material supply hub. During the introduction of solution into the lungs, no oxygen is lost, and the stream of oxygen remains continuous.

Abstract: The process for producing a paste of improved quality. In one aspect, the process comprises allowing hydraulic cement and water to mix sufficiently to reach early age equilibrium, exposing the mixing water and cementitious material to a carbon source selected from the group consisting of CO.sub.2, CO, carbonate salts and mixtures thereof, and then allowing the resulting mixture to again reach early age equilibrium.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods used in trans-tracheal oxygen therapy to permit a micro-tracheal catheter to be inserted into the throat, so that breathing efficiency may be enhanced through the introduction of oxygen directly into the patient's lungs. More particularly, this invention relates to an adapter for use on the outer end of the micro-tracheal catheter to connect the micro-tracheal catheter to an oxygen source through an oxygen supply hub while simultaneously and selectively permitting the introduction of a saline solution or other material into the patient's lungs through a second material supply hub.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood oxygenation device having a sealed casing containing a bundle comprised of a plurality of gas permeable tubes for efficient gas transfer. The bundle is woven from tubes having at least two different sizes, at least the smaller diameter tubes being gas permeable. The tubes are relatively non-thrombogenic and are open at each end to an enclosed annular chamber having attached input and output fittings. Oxygen-rich gas flows into one annular chamber through an input fitting before flowing through the gas permeable tubes. Venous blood to be oxygenated is introduced into the sealed casing directly into the center of the bundle for dispersement radially outward through the bundle and across the gas permeable tubes wherein the blood comes in contact with the membrane surface of the gas permeable tubes and exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen across that surface before being collected from around the perimeter of the bundle for return to the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stylet for use with a retrograde cardioplegia catheter and its methods of use. The stylet includes a stylet rod, a handle on the proximal end of the stylet rod and a predetermined curve in the distal end of the stylet rod. The handle has a thumb rest on the proximal end and a one or two finger loops extending outward from the handle. An obturator is located on the distal end of the predetermined curve to impede blood flow through a tip of the cardioplegia catheter during insertion of the catheter. The invention also contemplates methods for using the stylet.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus, a method and a system for recovering and purifying a refrigerant contained in a refrigerator, an air conditioning system, a storage tank, or other source. The refrigerant is flowed sequentially through a purifying device, an expansion valve for controlling the flow of the refrigerant, one or two heat exchangers wherein heat is exchanged to convert the refrigerant into a gaseous phase, a second purifying device for separating oil from the refrigerant, a compressor-pump, a third purifying device for filtering moisture, acids, and particulates, and a moisture indicator monitors the amount of moisture present in the recovered refrigerant. The refrigerant then may be flowed into a receiving tank, and thence dispensed therefrom back into the refrigerant source, a storage tank, or recirculated again through the apparatus. The apparatus also comprises means for leak testing the refrigerant source, and for pressure-clearing obstacles from the refrigerant source.

Abstract: A protective case for fishing hooks and lures wherein the protective case is mounted to a fishing rod. The protective case has an outer housing and an inner housing capable of rotation therebetween to open and occlude access ports through which a fishing lure may be inserted. An opening formed in the end of both outer housing member 12 and inner housing member 32 provides for continuous engagement with a fishing line. An aperture cap provides a bottom for the enclosure, which may be removed to clean debris that has accumulated therein. The protective case may be attached to a fishing rod through any of a variety of methods including a V-shaped clamping member, hook and pile straps or a spring clamp.

Abstract: A gripping-knob rotation tool for attachment to a medical guidewire as used in angioplasty and other medical procedures. The tool is installed laterally over the guidewire at any desired position along the length of the wire, and is secured thereto by a simple rotational or twisting motion. The tool provides a convenient gripping surface during rotation or translational movement of the guidewire, and is adjustable for repositioning along the length of the wire after initial engagement.

Abstract: A multi-layered transtracheal catheter. The transtracheal catheter has a multi-layer or double wall construction formed of two materials. One material is resistant to kinking. The other material is resistant to mucous buildup. Together, they form a catheter that can remain within the trachea for an extended period of time without needing to be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: A syringe for injecting medicinal fluids into a patient or aspirating fluids or tissue from a patient, wherein the syringe incorporates a self-locking mechanism on the plunger thus preventing the plunger from being withdrawn back into the barrel by the action of a vacuum in the syringe barrel. The self-locking mechanism is independent of the relative rotational relationship of the plunger with respect to the barrel. Unlocking may be effected by simply squeezing the self-locking mechanism on the plunger, no rotational force being necessary.

Abstract: A utility bag which is generally rectangular in shape and size to fit into an athletic locker or under the seat of an airplane. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A preferred embodiment of the .Iaddend.