Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the preparation and use of biological tissue adhesives which rely on combining fibrinogen and thrombin. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of preparing a fibrin sealant whereby said sealant is formed by reconstituting the fibrinogen or the thrombin component in the presence of biological and/or non-biological agents such as drugs, chemicals, and proteins. Preferably, these agents are introduced in solution, such as for example, a corticosteroid-containing solution like a betamethasone solution containing betamethasone acetate or betamethasone sodium phosphate; a triamicinolone solution; or a methylprednisolone solution. These solutions may be substituted for, or provided as a complement to, other solutions that are typically used in the preparation of fibrin sealants such as, for example, calcium chloride.

Abstract: A line dispenser for a retractable fence which includes a housing for holding a spool of line, the housing having a hole for communicating the line outside the housing; a crank for rotating the spool to bring the line into the housing through the hole; and a tube located within the hole. The line extends through the tube so that the tube applies a tension on the line as the line is reeled in and pulled out of the housing. This device provides a fence which is substantially tangle-free as the line is reeled into and pulled out of the housing.

Abstract: Expandable stinger planting is described in which stinger probes on a boom end mounted frame are positioned for ground penetration on a boom type vehicle. Bottom ends of the probes are shifted between a closed plant receiving, ground penetrating positions; and open positions with bottom ends open to form a plant discharge opening. A receptacle within the probes is open to the plant discharge opening, and receives plants from a magazine. Plants move by a feeder device in the magazine to a release station, where successive plants may be discharged into the plant receiving receptacle. The plant magazine and plant release station are positioned above the plant receiving receptacle such that a plant moved to the release station may drop into the receiving receptacle, to be discharged through the discharge opening. Packers may be provided on the frame to press planting media about the plants.

Abstract: A compliant porous groin and method of use for restoring an eroding shoreline. The compliant porous groin has at least two supports placed in the eroding shoreline and a compliant porous barrier is attached to the supports such that the barrier is at least partially within a sediment-laden eroding water flow of the shoreline with the water flow passing through at least a portion of the barrier. The barrier is compliant such that the water flow impacting the barrier is slowed to at least a critical accretion velocity whereby sediment suspended in the water flow accretes to renourish the shoreline.

Abstract: A line dispenser for a retractable fence which includes a housing for holding a spool of line, the housing having a hole for communicating the line outside the housing; a crank for rotating the spool to bring the line into the housing through the hole; and a tube located within the hole. The line extends through the tube so that the tube applies a tension on the line as the line is reeled in and pulled out of the housing. This device provides a fence which is substantially tangle-free as the line is reeled into and pulled out of the housing.

Abstract: The symptoms of congenital heart failure are addressed in this surgical procedure for mounting a patch in the ventricle of the heart to reduce ventricular volume. Placement of the patch is facilitated by palpating a beating heart to identify akinetic, although normal appearing, tissue. An apical patch having an oval configuration facilitates return of the heart to a normal apical shape which enhances muscle fiber efficiency and a normal writhing pumping action. An inferior patch having a triangular configuration can also be used. The patches include a semi-rigid ring, and a circumferential rim to address bleeding. Patch placement is further enhanced by creating a Fontan-type neck and use of pledged sutures. Intraoperative vascularization and valve replacement is easily accommodated. Increased injection fraction, reduced muscle stress, improved myocardial protection, and ease of accurate patch placement are all achieved with this procedure.

Abstract: A fail-safe air handling and safety system is described. The system is for use by workers during removal of hazardous substances, such as asbestos, lead, and toxic chemicals, from within a structure. The structure has a containment area with air exhaust openings for maintaining the containment area at negative pressure with respect to ambient. A decontamination unit sealingly connects to a doorway in the containment area and provides for an air locked entryway for the workers. For convenience of on-site erection, the decontamination unit is modular with the modules sealingly connected in a series with each module connected the one to the other. Unique air inlet diffusers provide inflowing makeup air, and the devices are interlocked so that, upon loss of negative pressure in the containment area, a standby air filter becomes operational.

Abstract: A holding device comprises a top, an actuable body, and a base. The top has a depending portion which defines a holding aperture. The top is connected to the base at the depending portion, and the actuable body is disposed about the depending portion. Adjustable holding elements are disposed within the holding aperture. The adjustable holding elements are shiftable between an extended and a retracted position in response to actuation of the actuable body.