Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed along with methods of using the same. The surgical device may include an outer sheath and a collar assembly. The collar assembly may be coupled to the outer sheath and may include a first arm coupled to the outer sheath at a first hinge; a second arm coupled to the first arm at a second hinge; and a collar coupled to the second arm. The collar assembly may be movable from an un-deployed position where the first arm and the second arm extend the collar distally from the outer sheath to a deployed position where the collar is aligned with the first channel of the outer sheath. Also, the first arm, the second arm, and the collar may be positioned substantially within a cross-sectional area of a distal end of the outer sheath when the collar assembly is in the un-deployed position.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed along with methods of using the same. The surgical device may comprise an outer sheath and a collar assembly. The collar assembly may be coupled to the outer sheath and may comprise a first arm coupled to the outer sheath at a first hinge; a second arm coupled to the first arm at a second hinge; and a collar coupled to the second arm. The collar assembly may be movable from an un-deployed position where the first arm and the second arm extend the collar distally from the outer sheath to a deployed position where the collar is aligned with the first channel of the outer sheath. Also, the first arm, the second arm, and the collar may be positioned substantially within a cross-sectional area of a distal end of the outer sheath when the collar assembly is in the un-deployed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading carton blanks into a packing machine comprises a magazine containing a stack of flattened, tubular blanks, a dog chain driving the blanks out of the magazine into the nip of rollers and then into the nip of overdriven rollers which accelerate the blanks into respective pockets defined in transport holders carried on a wheel conveyor. The blanks are driven at a speed sufficient to carry them into their respective pockets which are moving away from the magazine on the wheel conveyor. A slipping clutch in the drive to roller allows the blanks to decelerate without damage when fully home in their pockets. Arms bearing suction heads travelling with the wheel conveyor open the carton blanks in the pockets and the opened blanks are transferred in their transport holders for bottom closing, filling and top closing operations on respective wheel conveyors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling ventilation of a laboratory fume hood. The face velocity of air entering the fume hood is sensed by a velocity sensor, and a stepping motor controls damper blades in the exhaust duct to normally maintain the face velocity at a nearly constant level. A potentiometer senses the position of a sash that controls the fume hood face opening. When the sash is 40% open or less, the damper blades are adjusted to keep the volume rate of flow through the fume hood nearly constant. An alarm signal is generated if the flow is unduly low. The damper blades are fully opened either if a switch is operated or if the sash is abruptly opened. An unoccupied mode permits reduced air flow when the sash is nearly closed and the laboratory is unoccupied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying water to two different laboratory quality levels of purity, both of which are made available for dispensing. Ordinary tap water is prefiltered and treated by reverse osmosis to produce virtually salt free product water which is made available to a cabinet mounted faucet. The product water is delivered to a system of polishing cartridges which produce polished water and supply it to a special hand held dispensing gun. A recirculation pump operates to recirculate the water in the polishing system to prevent it from standing and eliminate the need for water storage. The product water is also recycled through the reverse osmosis cartridge. Some of the reject water from the RO cartridge is directed to a drain, but most of the reject water is recycled to conserve water. A microprocessor based control system monitors and displays the water quality and other conditions and generates an alarm if an abnormal condition arises.

Abstract: An improved laboratory fume hood is the subject of the present invention. A cabinet structure presents an enclosed work area defined by sidewalls, a back wall, and an access opening. Each of the sidewalls presents first and second planar surfaces disposed in spaced parallel planes and interconnected by a third surface disposed at an acute angle relative to the plane of one of the first two surfaces. This third surface provides a mounting area for hose connectors which increases the effective work area and reduces the danger of clothing catching on the hose connectors. A vertically mounted sash covers the access opening and is movable between a lowered closed position and a raised open position. A fixture mounted in front of the sash provides means for mounting a light source. A removable cover on the side of the sash opposite the work area cooperates with the sash to define an air duct for directing add air into the access opening.

Abstract: This invention discloses a magnetic stripe card reader/writer apparatus comprising a card reader/writer device and a basic interface circuit. The recording head of the card reader/writer device is mounted on the end of a sensor arm and is driven over the magnetic stripe in an arcuate path by a head drive motor. The card reader/writer device includes a unique card locking mechanism which allows insertion of the card in only one manner and locks the card in place before initiating the reading or writing operation of the device. The interface circuit controls the forward and reverse motion of the head drive motor, converts magnetic data previously recorded on the card into digital information and records digital information onto the magnetic stripe card in the form of magnetic data.

Abstract: An improved article restraining and releasing mechanism is provided for product dispensing machines in which rollable products are supported in a row upon an inclined shelf and individually released from the lower end of the shelf. The mechanism employs a pair of spaced rotatable restraining and releasing structures mounted on a rotatable shaft offset from but extending in the same general direction as the path of movement of the products along the shelf. The mechanism is particularly adapted for improving the versatility of drawer type product venders to include a capacity for efficiently handling generally cylindrical products such as canned foods.