Abstract: A simplified total laparoscopic hysterectomy method employing colpotomy incisions which employs a colpotomy assembly 10 having a vaginal extender 20 and uterine manipulator 16 for use in performing various female pelvic surgeries, including laparoscopic hysterectomies, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies, and other female pelvic laparoscopic procedures where removal of tissue specimens through a colpotomy incision is indicated.

Abstract: An antifriction force transmission, especially useful in torque wrenches comprises a freely rotatable cylindrical roller, opposed interface reaction surfaces in cooperative relation with the roller, and the roller and the reaction surfaces cooperating for effecting relative separating movement of the reaction surfaces when at least one of the reaction surfaces is caused to move transversely relative to the other of the reaction surfaces.

Abstract: A device for delivering precisely measured, minute quantities of liquid has no metal parts which contact the liquid. The device employs a barrel defining member with a bore which receives a polymer coated glass or ceramic fiber which functions as a piston. Fluid is drawn into and discharged from the bore via a needle in the form of a polymer coated glass or ceramic capillary tube.

Abstract: The chemical properties of a flowing liquid analyte, the analyte comprising a solvent having an index of refraction which is the same as or closely approaches that of water, are determined by liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoreses wherein the analyte is caused to flow through an optical waveguide. The waveguide is a rigid capillary having a refrctive index of less than 1.33. Measurement light is launched axially into the analyte by inserting an optical fiber, coupled to a light source, into one end of the waveguide.

Abstract: Water or some other aqueous fluid is employed as the light transmitting medium of a liquid-core fiber-optic wave guide employed as a spectrophotometer cell by employing, to define the core region, a polymer having a refractive index of less than 1.33. The light conducting channel defined by the aqueous fluid filled core may be a capillary or other suitably shaped vessel. The analysis of samples is accomplished by drawing a sample into the wave guide core region throughout the use of a fiber optic piston and thereafter delivering measurement light to the sample via the piston.

Abstract: Small quantities of liquid are conveyed, either for the purpose of filling micropipettes or to function as an electrolyte in an ion selective electrode, in a flexible non-metallic capillary tube which is mounted, at a first end, in an adapter fitting. The fitting defines a socket for coupling to a source of liquid, a hypodermic syringe for example, or for receiving an electrochemical half-cell which will contact an electrolyte in the tube. A filter may be interposed between the fitting and hypodermic syringe so as to frictionally engage both when the device is employed for filling micropipettes.

Abstract: An oblique viewing system is attachable to a microscope to selectively obtain a perpendicular view (along the optical axis of the microscope) and oblique views of surfaces of objects under inspection. The attachment is connected to the microscope's objective end by a coupling on a housing containing the viewing system. The system includes a folding mirror and an oblique viewing mirror, spaced from the folding mirror and having its reflecting surface facing the object under inspection. A latching or a toggle mechanism, connected to a rotatable support for the folding mirror, enables that mirror to be set in either of two positions, one out of the way of the perpendicular path to provide a perpendicular view and the other to orient the reflecting surface thereof to face the reflecting surface of the oblique viewing mirror along an optical axis there between.

Abstract: A plunger has a perimeter for spaced cooperation with a guide bore along a reciprocation axis. For alleviating lateral thrust friction between the plunger perimeter and guide bore, antifriction roller structure has an axle with journals engaged in radius bearings on axis transverse to the reciprocation axis of the plunger. Mounting of the antifriction roller structure is such that annular wheel surfaces on the roller effect rolling engagement with the guide bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering multiple biological samples using a filter membrane is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base plate, a well plate, a gasket, and a first vacuum member for vacuum-clamping the base plate, well plate, gasket and filter membrane together. The apparatus may further comprise a second vacuum member for drawing the biological samples from the well plate into contact with the filter membrane.

Abstract: A kinetofrictional force testing apparatus has a spindle rotated by a variable speed motor. A load cell is disposed in opposition to a disk coupled to the spindle and includes a test head for the disk, a rotational frequency controlling synthesizer, and a personal computer for general control. The rotational speed of the motor is varied on the basis of clock pulses from the rotational frequency controlling synthesizer associated with the personal computer. The rotational frequency and rotational acceleration/deceleration of the disk coupled to the spindle are digitally controlled by a predetermined program set in the personal computer. The test head is supported by a leaf spring having strain gauges mounted on its lateral surfaces. Frictional forces are measured by the output of the strain gauges.

Abstract: A torque control mechanism for wrenches and the like in which a pivot block has one end rockably engaging a force tranmsission member, an axially movable plunger has one end rockably opposing a second end of the pivot block, a ball screw carried by the plunger has a control ball element engaging the second end of the pivot block, a balance cam carried by the plunger provides seat for a coiled compression spring having its opposite end engaged by an antifriction device permitting the spring to turn for adjustment purposes, a rotatably adjustable transfer screw engages the antifriction device and is threaded through a stop adjusting nut mounted in the distal end portion of tubular housing for the mechanism.

Abstract: A binocular opthalmometer has rotatable imaging optics which provide an image of a referencing element (mire) to a binocular viewing assembly. The viewing assembly is held stable (horizontal) by referencing it to a fixed support or stand in which the rotatable optics are journaled. The referencing mechanism is provided by a shaft mounted for rotation about an axis radially spaced from the axis of rotation of the imaging optics and which is rotatably coupled at one end to the stationary support and at the other end to the viewing assembly.

Abstract: An archery bow system includes a bow, a bow string attached to the bow, a center nock attached to the bow string having a half loop with two ends attached to the bow string, and a hand held bow string drawing device which includes a releasable draw pin that engages with the half loop, and a trigger connected with the draw pin to release the bow string upon operation of the trigger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrical testing of membrane tissue employs a pair of rack sections which have cavities for receiving opposing end portions of the culture cup. The culture cup and rack sections are clamped together to form test chambers at opposing sides of the cup substrate on which the experimental tissue is grown. Electrode cartridges are inserted into axial bores of the receiving cavities to provide a test current through the membrane tissue. Integral connectors connect with conduits for passing irrigation streams through the test chambers.

Abstract: An ajustable torque controlling mechanism has a drive shaft for driving connection with a member to be driven and a torque releasable clutch connected with the shaft and including a wear resistant torque sensitive ball detent release device and a compression spring rate adjusting arangement including radial arms on the clutch co-acting with generally ellipsoidal control edges carried by the housing surrounding the shaft.

Abstract: A pedometer for indicating distance traveled by a user in walking or running. A mechanical digital counter is provided and driven by a gear train from a ratchet wheel. A pivoted pendulum is maintained in an at-rest position by a first biasing spring which is suitable for use during walking. During running when more kinetic energy is developed in the pendulum, a second biasing spring may be selectively engaged with the first biasing spring to increase the tension thereof for absorbing the additional energy without damage to the apparatus. A movable stop for the pendulum is provided having an external adjustment knob to set the pendulum travel in accordance with the length of stride of the user. The user may change the length of stride and the walk/run mode without resetting of the digital distance indicator.

Abstract: Multiple range calibrating apparatus for checking the accuracy of torque wrenches and other force measuring instruments comprising a mechanism for applying torque to a torque receiving element connected between the instrument being checked and a force measuring device or instrumentality. The torque receiving element is connected to the measuring device by a novel linkage that is adjustable to vary the ratio of input torque to the force applied to the measuring device so that instruments of varying capacity or calibrated in different multiple measuring scales may be tested therewith. The multiple scales on the measuring device are related to the linkage ratios so that different units of torque may be indicated. This greatly enlarges the utilization range of such testers.