Abstract: A system for providing real-time measurements of constriction pressure applied by the inner surface of a body lumen, such as a sphincter, includes a probe comprising an elongated core member having a matrix of pressure transducer regions distributed over the surface of the elongated core member. The preferred matrix of pressure transducer regions is addressed by a first inner array of substantially parallel electrically conductive strips substantially conformed circumferentially to at least a portion of the elongated core member, the first array being disposed in overlapping relationship with a second outer array of substantially parallel electrically conductive strips, and substantially conformed axially to at least the same portion of the elongated core member, so as to provide a matrix of intersection regions.

Abstract: A dental surface tracer includes a probe with a tip that can be moved to trace a given dental surface, including a mounting device for mounting the tracer to a stable reference location and defining a base plane; a first plurality of links which are substantially coplanar and define a plane of movement; the links being pivotably attached to the mounting device so that the plane of movement makes a variable angle with the base plane; a distal one of the first plurality of links being movable in two dimensions within the plane of movement; circuitry for generating electrical signals representative of movements of the probe tip, as a function exclusively of movements of the first plurality of links; a dental handpiece supporting the probe; and a second plurality of links which hold the handpiece and are attached to the first plurality of links; the second plurality of links holding the probe tip at all times at a fixed location in the plane of movement with respect to the distal link of the first plurality of li

Abstract: A mechanical pencil is disclosed that includes a barrel with a non-circular internal bore, a helical coil member that is fitted within the bore and attached to an externally positioned driving member, and a lead positioning means or pusher member that is positioned about and threadably engaged with the coil and constrained by the non-circular bore of the barrel for sliding longitudinal movement therein. The lead positioning means or pusher member includes fins that extend through the coil turns and act as a positioning stop for the writing lead and a lead gripping means for propelling and repelling the centrally disposed writing lead upon the manual rotation of the external driving member that is attached to the coil disposed within the barrel.

Abstract: An improved mining apparatus for excavating material, such as coal, for example, from an earth formation, such as a coal seam, for example, wherein a miner, having a forward and a rearward cutter, is guided through the coal seam and excavates a borehole therein, the borehole being filled with a working fluid during the operation of the miner, the working fluid facilitating the operation of the miner and providing a vehicle for removing the mined material. Substantially all of the operations of the miner are controlled from the earth's surface thereby eliminating the necessity and accompanying hazards and costs involved in utilizing personnel underground during the mining operations.

Abstract: An improved mining apparatus for excavating material, such as coal, for example, from an earth formation, such as a coal seam, for example, wherein a miner, having a forward and a rearward cutter, is guided through the coal seam and excavates a borehole therein, the borehole being filled with a working fluid during the operation of the miner, the working fluid facilitating the operation of the miner and providing a vehicle for removing the mined material. Substantially all of the operations of the miner are controlled from the earth's surface thereby eliminating the necessity and accompanying hazards and costs involved in utilizing personnel underground during the mining operations.