Abstract: A suture system includes a plurality of double-stranded needles connected in sequence with a single-stranded needle at each end. The double-stranded suture needles incorporates two suture strands into a single needle. The suture system of the present invention facilitates the implantation of valve prostheses.

Abstract: A motor vehicle gear shift assembly includes a dampening device and a detent structure. The dampening device includes a body structure made of a resilient material, a mounting structure for securing it to structure of the gear shift assembly, and a flexible dampening surface. The flexible dampening surface of the dampening device flexes to decelerate and stop the movement of the detent structure.

Abstract: In an adjustable foot pedal assembly for a vehicle, a brake pedal is supported on a carrier, which is adjustable fore and aft. A brake valve has a valve body fixed relative to the path of carrier movement, and a plunger movable in a direction transverse to the path of carrier movement. A transfer arm, pivoted on the carrier, is operatively connected to the foot pedal and the plunger, for effecting movement of the plunger in response to depression of the foot pedal so that the relationship between the movement of the foot pedal and the responsive movement of the plunger is independent of the position of the carrier. The brake valve does not need to be moved as the pedal position is adjusted, and the brake pedal characteristics are therefore unaffected by adjustment of the position of the pedal.

Abstract: A push-pull cable is provided. The cable includes a central wire, a first set of wires wrapped around the central wire, and a second set of wires wrapped around the first set of wires. A coating is then formed around the second set of wires. Also provided is a method for manufacturing such a wire.

Abstract: A surgical clip applying apparatus comprises an actuator device, a pair of opposing jaws, and an elongate assembly interposed therebetween. A clip driving device disposed in the elongate assembly is actuated by the actuator device to sequentially drive clips through the elongate assembly into engagement with the jaws. A clip control element is disposed in the elongate assembly at a distal end thereof. The clip control element comprises first, second, and third clip control surfaces. The first clip control surface contacts a first end of a clip to cause the clip to rotate about the first end. The second and third clip control surfaces receive a second end of the clip therebetween prior to the clip being driven into engagement with the jaws. A chicane is provided near the distal end of the elongate assembly to provide a diverting path for clips so that as one clip is being rotated, the next clip can be further advanced without contacting the rotating clip.

Abstract: A control system for a marine vessel having one or more engines and a transmission associated with each engine is disclosed. The control system includes one or more control stations, each having a control arm and arm position means coupled to the control arm for providing an electrical signal that represents a position of the control arm within its operating range. The system includes one or more electronic control units, each of which is electro-mechanically coupled to an engine and a transmission. A first electronic control unit (ECU) includes input means for receiving the electrical signal, control means for controlling a throttle of a first engine and shift position of a first transmission based on the electrical signal, and output means for providing a control signal that represents a current position of the control arm to a second ECU.

Abstract: A modular power control apparatus for use with a plurality of peripheral devices. A plurality of modules, which connect to the peripheral devices, are supported by a housing. An interface module is supported by the housing to selectively interface with the plurality of modules for routing data to an appropriate module and peripheral device. A data communication cable is connected to the interface module for transferring data between the interface module and anyone of a variety of devices. A power source is also connected to the housing. The vehicle assembly is characterized by a modular connector supported by the housing and electrically connected to the power source.

Abstract: A pedal assembly (12) for electronically controlling an engine throttle (38). The pedal assembly (12) includes a pedal housing (14), a pedal arm (18) pivotally engaging the pedal housing (14), and an electrical generator (30) supported by the pedal housing (14). The pedal arm (18) is operable between an idle position (24) and a plurality of operable positions. When the pedal arm (18) is pivoted to a predetermined operable position (50), a kickdown member (46) provides a kickdown feel to a user. The kickdown member (46) slides within a kickdown housing (54) to provide the kickdown feel. In particular, a plurality of detent members (53a-53d) springably move into and out from a plurality of detent pockets (55a-55d) to provide the kickdown feel.

Abstract: A control system for a marine vessel having one or more engines and a transmission associated with each engine is disclosed. The control system includes one or more control stations, each having a control arm and arm position means coupled to the control arm for providing an electrical signal that represents a position of the control arm within its operating range. The system includes one or more electronic control units, each of which is electro-mechanically coupled to an engine and a transmission. A first electronic control unit (ECU) includes input means for receiving the electrical signal, control means for controlling a throttle of a first engine and shift position of a first transmission based on the electrical signal, and output means for providing a control signal that represents a current position of the control arm to a second ECU.

Abstract: A shifter assembly (20) having a base (22) and a transmission control member (30). A shift lever (36) is pivotally connected to the base (22) for movement within a first path (38) and a second path (40). The shift lever (36) is coupled to the control member (30) when the shift lever (36) moves within the first path (38) and is uncoupled from the control member (30) when the shift lever (36) moves within the second path (40). The shifter assembly (20) is characterized by a locking device (80) mounted to the base (22) for selectively engaging the control member (30). The locking device 80 remains stationary during the concurrent movement of the control member (30) and the shift lever (36) and moves into engagement with the control member (30) to couple the control member (30) to the base (22) when the shift lever (36) is in the second path (40).

Abstract: An adjustment assembly in a motion transmitting remote control wherein the overall length of the conduit is adjusted to accommodate the installed post. Male (18) and female (20) telescoping members are biased into one another to shorten the overall length of the conduit. A spring (22) is retained in position on the male member (18) by a collar (26) until fully 11 inserted into the female member (20) where-upon the locking member (19) which interlocks the telescoping members presents an abutment to engage the collar (26) as the telescoping members (18 and 20) are telescoped into one another.