Abstract: A medical device support assembly is provided including a base pole, an adjustment pole, and a coupling configured to couple the adjustment pole to the base pole.

Abstract: A protective-sleeve-cartridge/stethoscope assembly includes a stethoscope and a cartridge mounted to the stethoscope, with the cartridge including a sleeve. In a cartridge-and-sleeve assembly, the assembly includes a cartridge having a first elongated circumferential sidewall, with the first elongated circumferential sidewall defining an interior space. The assembly further includes a sleeve, at least a part of which is stored in the interior space. In this assembly, the cartridge and sleeve are constructed and arranged whereby the cartridge may be mounted to a stethoscope, and at least a part of the sleeve may be dispensed from the cartridge interior space and over a head of the stethoscope. A cartridge for mounting to a stethoscope includes a first elongated circumferential sidewall and a second elongated circumferential sidewall inwardly spaced from the first sidewall.

Abstract: A protective-sleeve-cartridge/stethoscope assembly includes a stethoscope and a cartridge mounted to the stethoscope, with the cartridge including a sleeve. In a cartridge-and-sleeve assembly, the assembly includes a cartridge having a first elongated circumferential sidewall, with the first elongated circumferential sidewall defining an interior space. The assembly further includes a sleeve, at least a part of which is stored in the interior space. In this assembly, the cartridge and sleeve are constructed and arranged whereby the cartridge may be mounted to a stethoscope, and at least a part of the sleeve may be dispensed from the cartridge interior space and over a head of the stethoscope. A cartridge for mounting to a stethoscope includes a first elongated circumferential sidewall and a second elongated circumferential sidewall inwardly spaced from the first sidewall.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided which is insertable through an endoscopic tube to enable a surgeon to staple a hernia patch to tissue inside a body cavity. The endoscopic surgical stapler includes a staple cartridge pivotally mounted on the distal end of a support tube extending from a handle provided with an actuator mechanism for actuating a staple forming mechanism inside the staple cartridge to fasten staples to the tissue. The staple cartridge is adjustable to different angular orientations relative to the support tube. The staple actuator mechanism is operable to actuate the staple cartridge in any of the angular orientations. The support shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle to adjust the rotational orientation of the support shaft and the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the support shaft to adjust the rotational position of the staple cartridge relative to the support shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided which is insertable through an endoscopic tube to enable a surgeon to perform a surgical technique inside a body cavity. The surgical instrument includes a shaft with a pivotally mounted tip attached thereto, the shaft extending from a handle for gripping the instrument for insertion to the body cavity. The tip of the shaft is adjustable to different angular orientations relative to the support shaft and is rotatable at any angular orientation of the tip. The support shaft may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle, or it may be fixed with respect to the handle, in which case the handle may be rotated to rotate the shaft inside the body cavity. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument comprises an endoscopic stapling device and the tip of the instrument comprises a staple cartridge which is rotatable 360.degree. about its axes after the cartridge has been articulated with respect to the support shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided which is insertable through an endoscopic tube to enable a surgeon to perform a surgical technique inside a body cavity. The surgical instrument includes a shaft with a pivotally mounted tip attached thereto, the shaft extending from a handle for gripping the instrument for insertion to the body cavity. The tip of the shaft is adjustable to different angular orientations relative to the support shaft and is rotatable at any angular orientation of the tip. The support shaft may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle, or it may be fixed with respect to the handle, in which case the handle may be rotated to rotate the shaft inside the body cavity. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument comprises an endoscopic stapling device and the tip of the instrument comprises a staple cartridge which is rotatable 360.degree. about its axes after the cartridge has been articulated with respect to the support shaft.

Abstract: An articulable assembly is provided for an endoscopic instrument along with a surgical fastener track therefor. The assembly includes a distal end portion for supporting an end effector to effect tissue manipulation while carrying out a surgical procedure within a body cavity. The assembly includes an articulable joint connecting an elongate support housing with the distal end portion. The joint includes a hollow socket and a convex member that is received in the socket. The convex member defines a passageway for accommodating an actuator extending from the housing through the joint to actuate the end effector. An operator is provided on the housing and extends to the socket or convex member for moving the distal end portion into and out of alignment with the housing. A flexible track is provided for guiding fasteners through the joint.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided which is insertable through an endoscopic tube to enable a surgeon to staple a hernia patch to tissue inside a body cavity. The endoscopic surgical stapler includes a staple cartridge pivotally mounted on the distal end of a support tube extending from a handle provided with an actuator mechanism for actuating a staple forming mechanism inside the staple cartridge to fasten staples to the tissue. The staple cartridge is adjustable to different angular orientations relative to the support tube. The staple actuator mechanism is operable to actuate the staple cartridge in any of the angular orientations. The support shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle to adjust the rotational orientation of the support shaft and the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the support shaft to adjust the rotational position of the staple cartridge relative to the support shaft.

Abstract: An assembly and a method for quickly mounting a damper to a support structure in a vehicle includes an upper mount assembly mounted on a piston rod of a damper prior to assembly of the damper to a mounting tower. As the piston rod is guided through an opening in the mounting tower, a resilient ring is compressed until it passes through the opening. When the ring clears the opening, it expands radially outwardly to a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening, thereby quickly mounting the piston rod and damper to the vehicle.

Abstract: A crankshaft eccentrically mounted to the engine block bearings of an internal combustion engine for providing improved volumetric efficiency. A modified crankshaft journal and engine block bearing structure is provided at each crankshaft support location so that the connecting rod bearings rotate about an eccentric centerline (EC.sub.L). Eccentricity is achieved by off-setting the crankshaft journals a predetermined distance above the original true centerline (TC.sub.L) of the crankshaft, preferably on the order of about one-quarter to one-half inch. The top dead center (TDC) of each piston remains the same relative to its cylinder, but the bottom dead center (BDC) of each piston relative to its cylinder is lowered by the amount of the off-set because the engine block bearings are lowered with respect to the true centerline of the crankshaft by the amount of the off-set on the crankshaft journals.

Abstract: A tube received about a twisted rope torsion bar prevents buckling of the latter and also acts to increase the spring rate.

Abstract: A deflatable sealing member forms a weatherstrip to seal a closure opening. The sealing member includes an operative tubular section designed to provide tight interference engagement between the closure and vehicle body when vented to atmosphere and expanded by built-in resilient memory. A bellows pump is connected to the sealing member through a flow control circuit. The bellows pump serves to deflate the sealing member during closing of the closure. The bellows pump is adapted for convenient mounting in a cavity in the closure or vehicle body spaced from the closure hinge area. A flexible cable connects the bellows pump to the closure or vehicle body to provide the necessary actuation for operation of the bellows pump in response to the swinging movement of the closure. As the closure closes, a bleed port of fixed or variable size located at the pump vents the sealing member to ambient pressure, and the sealing member expands by resilient memory to its full cross section so as to provide a tight seal.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for a vehicle closure, such as a door, includes a vacuum system for deflating the vehicle weatherstrips or sealing members. A plurality of deflatable sealing members may be connected to a single vacuum source. The system includes a sensor/actuator for detecting motion of the individual vehicle closures and a flow control circuit including valve arrangements for selectively connecting a particular sealing member to the vacuum source. In response to detected closing motion of a particular closure, the sealing member associated with that closure is deflated to allow the closure to close and latch with relatively low effort. Once closed, the sealing member is vented to atmosphere and reexpands by resilient memory to full cross-section thereby providing a relatively tight interference seal. The closure motion sensor/actuator includes a flexible strip having a series of aligned, closely spaced apertures and a cooperating pawl and actuator lever for operating the valves.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle seat construction and method of utilization of the same. The inventive vehicle seat construction alternately supports the vehicle seat occupant upon different portions of the vehicle occupant's body. The above massaging effect relieves the vehicle seat occupant of possible discomfort realized after extended driving periods. Additionally, the inventive seat structure provides the alternating support feature while allowing the vehicle seat to function normally in the absence of the power to the pneumatic system which energizes the alternating suport feature.

Abstract: A system is provided for receiving R, G and B data in digital form, such as produced by an artist using a "paint" program on a monitor screen, and converting such data to CMYB data for printing. The system independently determines tone correction values for grey balance control and color values and combines such values to produce a highly accurate reproduction of what is viewed on a screen. Calibration procedures are provided which rapidly converge and which allow quick and accurate adjustment, such as may be required to match a particular monitor and printing inks.

Abstract: An end attachment assembly for a twisted rope torsion bar includes an anchor nut and a plurality of strap wrenches. A plurality of tie rods and a washer secure the assembly and transmit the torque. The torison bar is preferably fabricated of a lightweight glass fiber/epoxy composite material formed in a rope. In operation, the application of torque to the anchor nut results in a rotating/pivoting action by the strap wrenches. The strap associated with each strap wrench loops around the torsion bar and overlaps itself in the area of engagement with a cross bar that forms a cam. As the cross bar rotates/pivots and presses against the engaging portion of the strap, the strap firmly grips the torsion rod. The strap resists by frictional engagement any sliding motion over the torsion bar and against itself in the overlapping region. This compressive action adjusts for the diametral change of the torsion bar upon the application of torque and results in a tighter and tighter grip to the torsion bar.

Abstract: An end attachment assembly for a twisted rope torsion bar includes an anchor nut having a spiral bore cooperatively receiving and positively engaging the outer contour of the torsion bar. The grooves of the spiral hole promote holding contact between the anchor nut and the torsion bar but allow relative movement to minimize stress build-up; a lightweight glass fiber/epoxy composite material is preferred for fabrication of the torsion bar. A thrust stop is provided to prevent the nut from being forced off the end of the torsion bar in response to axial forces created by the sliding movement of the torsion bar within the spiral bore. The thrust stop is made of elastomeric material and is integrally molded onto the end of the torsion bar. The thrust stop has a tapered body to cooperatively engage with a tapered opening in the anchor nut.

Abstract: A deflatable sealing member forms a weatherstip to seal a closure opening. The sealing member includes an operative tubular section designed to provide tight interference engagement between the closure and vehicle body when vented to atmosphere and expanded by built-in resilient memory. A bellows pump is connected to the sealing member through a flow control circuit. The bellows pump serves to deflate the sealing member during closing of the closure. The bellows pump is adpated for convenient mounting in a cavity in the closure or vehicle body spaced from the closure hinge area. A flexible cable connects the bellows pump to the closure or vehicle body to provide the necessary actuation for operation of the bellows pump in response to the swinging movement of the closure. As the closure closes, a bleed port at the pump vents the sealing member to ambient pressure, and the sealing member expands by resilient memory to its full cross section so as to provide a tight seal.

Abstract: A deflatable sealing member forms a weatherstrip to seal a closure opening. The sealing member includes an operative tubular section designed to provide tight interference engagement between the closure and vehicle body when vented to atmosphere and expanded by built-in resilient memory. A bellows pump is connected to the sealing member through a flow control circuit. The bellows pump serves to deflate the sealing member during closing of the closure. The bellows pump is adapted for convenient mounting in a cavity in the closure or vehicle body spaced from the closure hinge area. A flexible cable connects the bellows pump to the closure or vehicle body to provide the necessary actuation for operation of the bellows pump in response to the swinging movement of the closure. As the closure closes, a bleed port of fixed or variable size located at the pump vents the sealing member to ambient pressure, and the sealing member expands by resilient memory to its full cross section so as to provide a tight seal.

Abstract: An end attachment assembly for a twisted rope torsion bar includes an anchor nut and an internal elastomeric bushing cooperatively mating with the nut. The elastomeric bushing is molded onto the end of the twisted rope torsion bar. The torsion bar is fabricated of a lightweight glass fiber/epoxy composite material. The elastomeric bushing has external splines cooperating and mating with splines on the inner bore of the anchor nut. The end attachment assembly compresses the end of the twisted rope torsion bar to reduce stress concentration and prevent separation, i.e. the application of torque to the anchor nut transmits a like amount of torque to the elastomeric bushing to compress and more firmly grip the twisted rope torsion bar. The elastomeric bushing is compressed radially inwardly by the cam shape of the mating splines. Advantageously, the elastomeric bushing proportionally increases the grip on the end of the torsion bar so that the joint is made tighter and tighter under increased torque.