Abstract: A septal defect occluder is provided having first and second occluder panels. Each occluder panel includes a fabric support structure and fabric suspended therefrom. The occluder panels are conjoined at a plurality of discrete points which are located within an area bounded by each perimeter of the fabric support structures, as well as on the fabric, to thereby form a defect conforming region for the occluder. In an alternate embodiment, each occluder panel includes a cambered fabric support structure and fabric suspended from a perimeter thereof, the occluder panels being arranged in cooperative cambered opposition such that the perimeters of the cambered fabric support structures impart a clamping force upon tissue adjacent a tissue defect interposed there between when the occluder is deployed for tissue defect occlusion.

Abstract: A susceptor composition that can bond two or more layers or substrates to one another and that can be used to coat or cut a substrate. The susceptor composition is activated in the presence of radio frequency (RF) energy. In one embodiment, the susceptor composition of the present invention comprises a susceptor and a carrier. The carrier and susceptor are blended with one another and form a mixture, preferably a uniform mixture. The susceptor is present in an amount effective to allow the susceptor composition to be heated by RF energy. In a preferred embodiment, the susceptor also functions as an adhesive. The susceptor is an ionic or polar compound and acts as either a charge-carrying or an oscillating/vibrating component of the susceptor composition. The susceptor generates thermal energy in the presence of an RF electromagnetic or electrical field (hereafter RF field).

Abstract: A programmable logic controller with enhanced and extended the capabilities. A digital input filter implement filters with considerable less logic by simulating the action of a capacitor being driven by a constant current source whose output voltage is sensed by a comparator with a large amount of hysteresis. A pulse catch circuit captures the input pulse even though the update occurs between scan cycles. A pulse output controller includes a hardware pipeline mechanism to allow for smooth, hardware-controlled transitions from wave-form to wave-form. A free port link allows the user to control the port either manually or by operation of a user program. In order to provide higher performance for communication using PPI protocol, the PLC includes a built-in protocol. An n-bit modem protocol ensures data integrity without use of a parity type data integrity system.

Abstract: A system is described for allowing medical data obtained at a local site to be transferred to a data processing system located at a remote site. This medical data may include video data and/or data obtained from one or more medical devices such as a fluoroscopy device or an electrocardiograph (ECG) signal monitoring device. The data may be viewed on one or more display windows of the remote data processing system to allow a remotely-located expert to participate in an examination or medical procedure being conducted at the local site. In one embodiment, the remote data processing system also receives screen data from an implantable medical device programmer that is located at the local site. This screen data may include data associated with the configuration of the programmer, the configuration of an implantable medical device, and other information obtained from a patient such as physiological waveforms. Routing of all data may be performed by a communication hub operating as a stand alone device.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for the transfer of fluid or fuel, including, in one embodiment a container where a flexible tube is associated with a first opening in the container and where a vacuum pump is associated with a second opening in the container. The vacuum pump, a manually operated device, is suitable for creating a vacuum within the container so as to initiate the flow of liquid through a siphoning tube. Furthermore, the vacuum pump is an inexpensive design and is not directly exposed to the liquid being siphoned or stored within the container. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the method of using a diverter and an end-weighted siphon tube, operatively connected to a vacuum source, in order to more easily transfer liquid from an enclosed reservoir.

Abstract: A disc drive storage system and device is provided in which uncharacteristic behavior of a signal source caused by having to drive a very low impedance due a common mode component of the drive signal is eliminated. A write head that has a first and second end writes on a disc surface. A signal source provides a drive signal to the write head. The drive signal has a differential signal component and a common mode signal component. An electrical interconnect path couples the write head and the signal source. The electrical interconnect path provides a return path for the differential signal component and an open circuit for the common mode signal component. A common mode termination network with a first node, second node and a center tap is included. The first node is connected to the first end of the write head, the second node connected to the second end of the write head and the center tap connected to ground to provide a return path for the common mode signal component.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for purifying a virus from impurities in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member which has a first edge and a second edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is adapted to contact a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly for contacting the support surface. One of the wheel assemblies is retractable from a lowered position to a raised position such that when in the raised position, the bottom surface of the base member substantially contacts the support surface. In the lowered position, both wheel assemblies contact the support surface thereby separating or elevating the base member from the support surface. In another embodiment, the invention consists of a similar rollable sports base for supporting a sports apparatus support member wherein one wheel assembly is retractable and comprises a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector.

Abstract: The tool apparatus for holding a lawn mower blade for installation and removal of the blade has an elongated lever arm having a handle on the end thereof. A gripping portion is formed on the other end of the elongated lever arm blade engaging yoke formed thereon with a pair of spaced arms having a space therebetween. Each yoke arm has a blade engaging member extending perpendicular therefrom and each blade engaging member has a lip on the end thereof for engaging one side of the lawn mower blade over the lawn mower blade attaching nut. Each gripping portion has a third blade engaging member extending perpendicular therefrom and spaced from the pair of blade engaging members for engaging the other side of the lawn mower blade so that a lawn mower blade can be held by the tool over the lawn mower blade attaching nut for removing the attaching nut with a wrench.

Abstract: A dispensing container includes container walls formed from a stiff deformable material to define a shell enclosing a chamber. A small dispensing opening provides access to the chamber. Optionally, the container has a separate fill opening. A protective cap covers the dispensing opening. Optionally, the cap forms an air pocket over the dispensing opening. In use, the cap is ruptured by tearing the cap or by applying pressure to the cap to burst the air pocket. The container may additionally include a thin film between the cap and the dispensing opening to prevent leakage when the cap is ruptured. The thin film is ruptured by applying pressure to the container contents by squeezing the container. Alternatively, a tooth is disposed between the cap and the film such that displacement of the cap causes the tooth to rupture the film.

Abstract: A modular acetabular bearing assembly which minimizes or eliminates the production of wear debris resulting from relative motion at the interface between the acetabular shell and bearing insert portions of the modular acetabular bearing assembly. The modular acetabular bearing assembly includes an acetabular shell and composite bearing insert. The composite bearing insert includes an endoskeleton and a polymer layer which is preferably molded into and locked within the endoskeleton. The endoskeleton is configured to be locked within the acetabular shell. As such, the modular acetabular bearing assembly, and its method of manufacture, eliminate all contact between any polymer surface on the composite bearing insert and any metal surface on the acetabular shell. The modularity of the assembly facilitates the interchangeability of various composite bearing inserts within an acetabular shell which is fixed to the acetabulum of a patient.

Abstract: Coating compositions based on nonlinear, low molecular weight, polyester-based polyols having low viscosity and high solids content made by reacting a branched, polyhydric alcohol having at least three hydroxyl groups, such as trimethylolpropane; a glycol or diol; and a compound selected from the group consisting of a aliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid, C1-C6 alkyl ester, anhydride, diacid halide, or mixtures thereof. The nonlinear, polyester-based polyols are quite effective in maintaining a high solids content while lowering viscosity when blended with other coating resins, such as acrylic resins, making the coating resins more effective in cured coatings by improving flexibility, impact resistance and hardness without adversely affecting appearance, solvent resistance, and/or accelerated weathering. This invention also relates to the process of coating a substrate with these coating compositions.

Abstract: A tool apparatus for removing a lawn mower blade comprises an elongated arm having a handle on one end thereof and a socket wrench removably attached to the other end thereof. A blade holding yoke is removably attached to the other end of the elongated arm and has a pair of spaced yoke arms having a space therebetween. A blade holding yoke can be positioned under a blade holding nut for wedging between the blade and the blade holding nut while the wrench is engaged with the blade holding nut. The blade is held by the blade holding yoke while the wrench is rotated to remove the blade holding nut and blade from the lawn mower.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member which has a first edge and a second edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is adapted to contact a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly for contacting the support surface. One of the wheel assemblies is retractable from a lowered position to a raised position such that when in the raised position, the bottom surface of the base member substantially contacts the support surface. In the lowered position, both wheel assemblies contact the support surface thereby separating or elevating the base member from the support surface. In another embodiment, the invention consists of a similar rollable sports base for supporting a sports apparatus support member wherein one wheel assembly is retractable and comprises a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides foot print patterns of different colors and club numbers associated to each foot and club to be used. In order to be able to stand and address the golf ball properly the foot print patterns are positioned in the proper locations for that particular club based on the vertical and horizontal center line of the golf ball so as to hit the golf ball properly. There are height lines wheras the user can move forward or backward or outwards or inwards to adjust to the user height. These colored foot print patterns will be silk-screened, sewed or glued on to commercial matting made of man known materials of different textures and thickness. The approximate size of this mat is 4 feet by 6 feet. The mat also comes in different colors.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member which has a first edge and a second edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is adapted to contact a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly for contacting the support surface. One of the wheel assemblies is retractable from a lowered position to a raised position such that when in the raised position, the bottom surface of the base member substantially contacts the support surface. In the lowered position, both wheel assemblies contact the support surface thereby separating or elevating the base member from the support surface. In another embodiment, the invention consists of a similar rollable sports base for supporting a sports apparatus support member wherein one wheel assembly is retractable and comprises a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector.

Abstract: New or unused consumable product is distributed with a package capable of capturing the used or spent product for transmission to a recycling or disposal facility. The package is preaddressed for delivery to an appropriate reclamation center or disposal facility, with prepaid delivery charges for a commercial package service. At the reclamation center or disposal facility, the used or spent product is separated from the package for recycling and reusable portions of the package are again packaged with new or unused product, with any waste materials being properly handled. In the exemplary embodiment of motor oil, the package includes a drain pan jug for capturing the used motor oil and a shell for transmitting the drain pan jug and its contents to a reclamation facility. The shell may be reused until no longer serviceable, at which time it may be recycled. The drain pan jug, after use, may be shredded and utilized as fuel.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for carrying out multiple chemical reactions. A plurality of electrodes supported by a semiconductor substrate is brought into proximity with a reaction medium, which comprises reagents for carrying out the chemical reactions. An item of numerical data is sent to storage means in each of a plurality of cells within the semiconductor substrate by means of a data bus. The item of numerical data is representative of an electric signal. An address is sent to address decoders in communication with the storage means. As a result, the item of numerical data is stored in the storage means. Electric signals are selectively applied to each of the electrodes by means of a plurality of digital analog converters, each electrically coupled to a respective electrode. Each of the digital analog converters is associated with a respective cell.

Abstract: A novel rapid thermal process (RTP) reactor processes a multiplicity of wafers or a single large wafer, e.g., 200 mm (8 inches), 250 mm (10 inches), 300 mm (12 inches) diameter wafers, using either a single or dual heat source. The wafers or wafer are mounted on a rotatable susceptor supported by a susceptor support. A susceptor position control rotates the wafers during processing and raises and lowers the susceptor to various positions for loading and processing of wafers. A heat controller controls either a single heat source or a dual heat source that heats the wafers to a substantially uniform temperature during processing. A gas flow controller regulates flow of gases into the reaction chamber. Instead of the second heat source, a passive heat distribution is used, in one embodiment, to achieve a substantially uniform temperature throughout the wafers. Further, a novel susceptor is used that includes a silicon carbide cloth enclosed in quartz.

Abstract: This is an electro-optic modulator having an electro-optic substrate such as lithium niobate, an optical waveguide defined within the substrate, an electrode structure including a microwave transmission line elevated from the substrate by conductive legs. In one embodiment, a low-dielectric constant buffer layer is disposed between the substrate and the transmission line. The conductive legs extend from the transmission line to a surface of the substrate toward the waveguide, through the buffer layer. The microwave transmission line is elevated from the substrate at a distance such that the electrical propagation velocity is at a maximum. The high electrical velocity is offset by a loading capacitance introduced by the conductive legs which slows the electrical velocity down on the transmission line to match the optical velocity. Pairs of opposing conductive legs provide a strong electric field for modulating the optical signal.