Abstract: The present disclosure relates to guidewire devices with an outer tube and a core. The distal section of the core extends into and is surrounded by the outer tube. One or more centering mechanisms are also disposed within the outer tube and are arranged to fill a portion of the annular space between the core and the inner surface of the tube. The one or more centering mechanisms thereby assist in keeping the distal section of the core axially aligned within the tube, which enables effective control of the device and minimizes undesirable whip movements of the guidewire.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for accessing a targeted vessel, such as a coronary artery, near the aortic root. A catheter device includes a proximal section, an intermediate section, and a distal section. The intermediate section includes a more proximal section (a proximal-intermediate section) and a more distal section (a distal-intermediate section). The proximal-intermediate section is microfabricated to enable preferred bending along a single plane. The distal-intermediate section is more rigid than the proximal-intermediate section and the distal section. In use, the proximal-intermediate section abuts against the aortic wall and bends to allow the distal-intermediate section to extend across the aortic root toward a targeted vessel on the opposite side of the aorta.

Abstract: A planar, T-shaped template member has a linear leg section with a first end thereof intersecting a cross bar section at a center thereof. The cross bar section has opposed ends, each end having a feature at a selected location therein. The cross bar section also has a circular aperture there through positioned opposite the leg section, with the circular aperture connected to an access channel extending to an edge of the cross bar section opposite the linear leg section. The linear leg section has a protrusion at a second end thereof opposite the cross bar section. The protrusion is sized to pivotally fit into the circular aperture and access channel of an identical T-shaped planar template member, thereby allowing pivotal movement between connected planar T-shaped template members. A large number of such templates can be connected together in a line.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pneumatic carrier having a leak resistant cargo area where first and second mating shells form the carrier. To provide a leak resistant cargo area, the one embodiment of the carrier employs a flap-type sealing member. In one embodiment, a first engagement surface about a peripheral edge of a first of the shells includes a groove into which a base portion of a sealing member is disposed. A second portion of the sealing member forms a flap that extends upward and inward from the base portion. A second engagement surface of the second shell contacts this flap and compresses the flap toward the first engagement surface when the shells are in a closed position.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pneumatic carrier having a leak resistant cargo area where first and second mating shells form the carrier. To provide a leak resistant cargo area, the one embodiment of the carrier employs a flap-type sealing member. In one embodiment, a first engagement surface about a peripheral edge of a first of the shells includes a groove into which a base portion of a sealing member is disposed. A second portion of the sealing member forms a flap that extends upward and inward from the base portion. A second engagement surface of the second shell contacts this flap and compresses the flap toward the first engagement surface when the shells are in a closed position.

Abstract: A visual indicator assembly displays the state of an isolated stem control valve contained in a housing of an air tank. The visual indicator assembly comprises a rotatable handle member adapted for operative connection to the isolated stem control valve contained in the housing of the air tank. The rotatable handle member opens and closes the control valve without axial movement of the rotatable handle member. An “OFF” indicator is visible with the control valve in a closed condition, and an “ON” indicator is non-visible with the control valve in a closed condition. The “ON” indicator is movable to become visible and obscure the “OFF” indicator upon rotation of the handle member to adjust the control valve to an open condition.

Abstract: A visual indicator assembly displays the state of an isolated stem control valve contained in a housing of an air tank. The visual indicator assembly comprises a rotatable handle member adapted for operative connection to the isolated stem control valve contained in the housing of the air tank. The rotatable handle member opens and closes the control valve without axial movement of the rotatable handle member. An “OFF” indicator is visible with the control valve in a closed condition, and an “ON” indicator is non-visible with the control valve in a closed condition. The “ON” indicator is movable to become visible and obscure the “OFF” indicator upon rotation of the handle member to adjust the control valve to an open condition.

Abstract: A fishing pole and line assembly for underwater use includes a linear, tubular fishing rod member having first and second open ends. A linear, tubular handle member has an open first end and a closed second end and is axially aligned with the rod member. The handle member's open first end slidably fits over the second end of the fishing rod member. The handle member includes a one-way valve member adapted for passing fluid only into the tubular handle member. A fishing line is secured at a first end interior the tubular handle member, with the fishing line passing interior both the handle member, the fishing rod member and extending through the rod member's open first end. The fishing line has a second end adapted for attachment to a fishing bait.

Abstract: Crimping apparatus includes a pair of coaxial rings, at least one of which is axially moveable toward and away from the other ring. Each ring is provided with a single pair of force reactive adjoining steep and shallow concave frustoconical surfaces which face each other. A plurality of circumjacent, radially arranged crimping members are positioned intermediate the rings. Each crimping member has two pairs of steep and shallow force reactive convex frustoconical surfaces that slidably engage with the concave force reactive surfaces of the rings to radially move the crimping members to and from the ring axis between an open position and a crimping position. The radial movement of the crimping members is in response to axial movement of at least one of the rings. The crimping apparatus also includes means for maintaining the crimping members in alignment while they are moved between the open and crimping positions.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for slidably loading a plurality of circumjacent, radially arranged crimping members into the crimping member holders provided in the head of a crimping apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable and moveable depth stop for locating an item to be crimped in a crimping apparatus of the type with first and second crimping rings that are arranged coaxial with and axially spaced apart from each other along a ring axis, the rings having facing frustoconical surfaces that engage oppositely facing frustoconical surfaces of a plurality of crimping members interpositioned between the rings and substantially circumjacently arranged around the ring axis. One of the rings is moveable toward the other a predetermined distance and the crimping members and depth stop move in the direction of the ring axis and in relation to the moveable ring an amount that is one-half that of the moveable ring.

Abstract: A fuel supply system is provided for engines which are adapted to operate on gaseous hydrogen fuel and which utilize a fuel tank containing a metal hydride for the storage of hydrogen. The system provides for high pressure operation when the hydride in the fuel tank is fully charged with hydrogen, as well as for operation at low pressures to allow maximum utilization of the hydrogen stored in the hydride. A supply conduit, which can supply the hydrogen needed during normal operation of the engine with minimal pressure drop, connects the storage tank to the fuel intake of the engine. A bypass conduit is provided having one end thereof connected to the supply conduit and its other end reconnected to the supply conduit downstream of the first connection. Valve means are adapted to direct the flow of hydrogen either directly through the supply conduit or to divert the flow of hydrogen from the supply conduit through the bypass conduit and back to the supply conduit downstream from the valve means.

Abstract: A device for storing in a column chips or buttons or the like, and dispensing the same through the bottom of the device, by a selection of either of two different means one of which is a depressible finger piece and the other a depressible plunger actuated by placing the device against a table top or other flat object.