Abstract: A method of, and a fount for, representing Arabic characters, C in number, of an alphabet numbering L letters (where C>L) by way of display characters generated from display components in which M (where M<L) of the display characters are represented per se; and the remaining N characters (where N=C-M) are unrepresented; the M display characters being a part of a display fount which is adapted for transformation to generate the N remaining display characters.

Abstract: A bi-directional endoscope comprising a catheter body having a tubular spring frame attached to and extending axially from the distal end thereof. The spring frame comprises a spring body which includes a tip member positioned on the distal end thereof, and a plurality of relief slots disposed therein for allowing the deflection of the spring frame within a first deflection plane. The relief slots are formed in the spring body in a manner defining first and second longitudinally extending stiffening portions which are oriented substantially diametrically opposite each other therewithin. Extending longitudinally through the catheter body and spring frame is a pair of activation wires which are encased by a pair of support sleeves. The spring frame is deflected by stressing the activation wires by subjecting either of the wires to a tensile force.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is provided including a handle portion, a tubular portion extending from the handle portion, and a collapsible retractor assembly connected to a distal end of the tubular portion. The handle portion includes an actuating structure for manipulating the collapsible retractor assembly through the tubular portion. The retractor assembly includes a plurality of retractor blades, a camming assembly connected to the retractor blades and structure for connecting the retractor blades to the actuating structure.

Abstract: A method for using an endoscopic apparatus for measuring the size of a hernia defect comprising a handle which is pivotally attached to a measuring rod. The hernia defect is measured by a plurality of calibrations positioned along the measuring rod. The measuring rod includes a blunt tip at its distal end and further is adaptable for 180' positioning relative to the handle.

Abstract: A video laparoscope has a miniature video camera disposed at the distal end of its insertion tube. A removably installed tubular lens cell contains one or more focussing lenses. The lens cell has a male-threaded first end and a second end on which is formed a radial flange of a predetermined diameter. A tubular lens retainer canister is fixedly mounted in the distal end of the insertion tube, and has an outer distal portion with a diameter to match the diameter of the flange. A sealing portion adjacent to this has a smaller diameter, and biases against an O-ring or similar sealing member. A female-threaded proximal portion is screwed into the male-threaded first portion of the lens cell.

Abstract: A stabilizer member includes a layer of malleable, shape-retaining material to be disposed on an external surface of tissue forming the wall of an anatomical cavity to allow one or more medical instruments to be inserted through the layer and into the anatomical cavity with the layer stabilizing the instruments longitudinally and angularly relative to the cavity wall. The malleable, shape-retaining properties of the layer allow it to be shaped by a surgeon to a desired configuration to, in turn, provide the cavity wall with a desired configuration creating or increasing the size of a space within the anatomical cavity.

Abstract: A pilot training apparatus for selectively occluding pilot vision along a forward line of sight. The apparatus including a lens having a vision occluded region and a vision permissive region. The lens is coupled to a detent means which allows the lens to be moved from a training position where the lens is positioned in the forward line of sight of the pilot and an non-training position where the lens is positioned out of the forward line of sight of the pilot. When in the training position, the lens occludes the vision of the pilot exterior of the aircraft cockpit, while permitting the vision interior of the aircraft cockpit toward the instrument panel.

Abstract: A combination shoelace and joining device is provided for use by young children or the handicapped, to aid in tying a bow in a shoelace that is mounted on a shoe. The joining device (16, FIG. 2 ) has a pair of permanently connected shoelace holding portions (40, 46), with a first portion (46) substantially permanently mounted on a shoelace part (32) and a second portion (40) which is child-mountable on a second shoelace part (34) to hold a shoelace end portion in a loop configuration which aids in tying a bow. Each shoelace holding portion forms a passage part (70, 72, FIG. 4 ) through which one of the shoelace parts extends. One joining device includes a pair of clamp parts (42, 44) that can be clamped around the second shoelace part, and that forms the second joining portion. The device includes a flexible strip (46) that holds the clamp parts together and that forms the first holding portion. A teaching kit (100, FIG.

Abstract: A system for merchandising and selecting pre-fabricated cabinets for installation in a living space. Comprising the system are informational display and selection charts on which a unique code indicia, particularly color coded, is assigned to each cabinet unit. Following a scaled plan layout of the cabinet area in an intended living space for which installation is contemplated, the selected units can be readily retrieved from a merchandising display on which the various units are clearly identified by their codes.

Abstract: A luminescent writing or display device and method of manufacturing the same which includes a transparent vinyl sheet containing a fluorescent or neon dye and an opaque sheet made from coated paperboard stock. An acrylic resin varnish is provided on a portion of the paperboard stock for forming a contact surface with the vinyl on which an image may be created by applying pressure thereto. The image is readily erased by separating the sheets. Another portion of the paperboard stock receives printing inks for providing a permanent ink display on a header portion of the device. The device may be manufactured in a continuous process at a reduced cost.

Abstract: A probe for use with an endoscopic suction-irrigation instrument is disclosed which permits a second probe to be inserted therethrough. The suction-irrigation instrument has a cannula, a fluid chamber having at least one port for irrigation and suction and a proximal opening, and a first seal in the proximal end of the fluid chamber. The fluid chamber has a distal end communicating with the cannula. The probe has a proximal handle portion, a middle portion, and a hollow distal portion. The handle portion has an axial passageway and a second seal therein. The middle portion extends from the handle portion through the first seal at the end of the fluid chamber and through the fluid chamber. The middle portion has an outer diameter shaped to contact the first seal such that the proximal end of the fluid chamber is sealed. The middle portion is also shaped to be smaller than the inner diameter of the fluid chamber, and the middle portion is provided with a second axial internal passageway extending therethrough.

Abstract: A method for use in laparascopic surgery comprises the steps of (a) piercing an abdominal skin surface of a patient to form a hole in the skin surface, (b) inserting through the hole a tensile member, (c) lifting the abdominal wall of the patient away from a backside of the patient by exerting tension on the tensile member, and (d) drawing air into the abdominal cavity of the patient during the step of lifting.

Abstract: An endoscopic method utilizes a substantially thin-walled elongate tubular sheath including an annular inflatable balloon, the sheath having a use configuration with an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of an insertion member of an endoscope, whereby the sheath may be removably disposed about such insertion member and retained on the insertion member by inflating the annular balloon to substantially surround same prior to insertion of the insertion member into a patient. The device further comprises a transparent cap member and an element or elements for attaching the cap member in a fluid tight seal to a distal end of the sheath so that the cap member covers a distal end of the insertion member of the endoscope. Biopsy channels, some of which are expandable from collapsed configurations to receive endoscopic surgical instruments during an operation, are provided on or in the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel surgical retractor used singularly or in pairs to provide optimum viewing exposure of the surgical field during open gallbladder and biliary tract surgery and to assist in the closing. This stainless steel device comprises a broad rectangular head portion, a narrow angular neck portion, a flat body portion and a flat tail portion disposed angularly relative to the central longitudinal axis of the body portion. The angular relationship between the tail portion and the central longitudinal axis of the body portion will be from about 20.degree. to about 30.degree. in one embodiment of the retractor and from about 75.degree. to about 95.degree. in a second embodiment of the retractor. The device is useful in a small incision thus reducing operation time and cost while improving patient safety and recovery time.

Abstract: A rectal speculum for use in conjunction with a colon lavage apparatus has a pair of opposed lateral inlets disposed at the distal end for receiving fecal matter. An inlet tube includes a first annular barb at the terminal end for engagement by the end of a first length of tubing and a second annular barb for engagement by the end of a second length of tubing after severance of the first annular barb.

Abstract: A scope assembly for an endoscope adapted for use with a portal cannula to provide a generally hemispherically shaped field of view within the body. The scope assembly includes a guiding cannula adapted for rotation within the portal cannula. A distal end of the guiding cannula is bent or offset from a longitudinal axis of the scope assembly. A bendable scope is mounted within the guiding cannula and is adapted for rotation within the guiding cannula. A GRIN lens located at a distal or viewing end of the bendable scope is also offset from the longitudinal axis of the bendable scope such that upon rotation of the guiding cannula or bendable scope a generally hemispherically shaped field of view is scanned.

Abstract: Decorative beads are applied to a selected substrate, such as an article of clothing, in a pre-determined arrangement, utilizing a rod-like skewer and a folding chart or guide having a mirror image of the predetermined pattern printed thereon. The process for applying the decorative beads involves the steps of first placing the clothing article over a flat rigid surface such as a painting board and flattening the clothing fabric without unduly stretching it. The chart is placed over the clothing article so that the mirror image pattern is placed directly over the location where the beads are to be applied. The chart is folded back to expose a row of the pattern indicia, and beads corresponding to the pattern indicia are placed onto the skewer. Glue is applied to the clothing article adjacent to the row of pattern indicia, and then the row of beads on the skewer are brought into contact with the glue and aligned with the chart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preheating an optical instrument prior to use thereof in a medical procedure, wherein the optical instrument includes an elongated optical shaft portion. The apparatus includes a casing for receiving the optical shaft portion therein and a heater mechanism in the casing for heating the shaft portion. The method includes the steps of assembling the shaft portion in the casing and leaving it therein until the shaft portion has been heated to at least the normal body temperature of a patient.

Abstract: The distal end of an endoscope is provided with at least an objective optical system and a torque transmission member for supporting a rotating treatment member. The distal end of the torque transmission member comprises a hollow to which a support axis formed in the rotating treatment member is fitted, a slit for guiding a protrusion formed on the external circumference of the support axis, and a locking member for locking the protrusion in the slit. Torque is transmitted from the torque transmission member to the rotating treatment member by means of the protrusion formed on the external circumference of the support axis of the rotating treatment member and the slit formed on the torque transmission member for guiding the protrusion.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a handle body having first and second ends and having a channel region therein with the channel being exposed on at least one side of the handle body. A cover is disposed on the handle body with a portion of the cover disposed in over exposed region of the channel. An end piece is disposed over the first end of the handle body and a first tube having a channel provided therein is coupled to the second end of the handle body. The endoscope further includes a sheath disposed over the first tube and removably coupled to a first one of the tube and the second end of the handle body.