Abstract: Devices and methods are described for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA). The device excludes the LAA from blood flow to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. The implantable device is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA and secured within the LAA. The implant comprises an expandable and compliant frame and an expandable and conformable tubular foam body carried by the frame. The device may have a thromboresistant cover at a proximal end and a thromboresistant coating on the foam body. The frame may have recapture struts inclining radially outwardly in the distal direction from a central hub. The frame may have axially extending side wall struts, with adjacent pairs of side wall struts joined at one or more apexes. Anchors extend from the frame to engage tissue. The anchors can also be reversible to allow retraction of the anchors and repositioning or retrieval of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus 22 is provided for preventing shifting of a vehicle automatic transmission 10 between forward and reverse gears, except when the vehicle (e.g., an airport tractor) has stopped moving. The apparatus 22 preferably includes an assembly 24 operably coupled with the external shifting linkage 12 of transmission 10 for releasably locking the linkage 12 when the transmission 10 is in either a forward or reverse gear. Additionally, a sensing assembly 26 is provided for sensing braking system pressure, together with structure 28 interconnecting the sensing assembly 26 and locking assembly 24, in order to release the locking assembly 24 and permit transmission shifting via linkage 12. The apparatus 22 is advantageously completely mechanical, and includes an elongated rod 30 coupled with linkage 12 and engageable with a pivotal plate member 52, the latter being movable between a shift-locking position and a release position.

Abstract: The towing hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle is disclosed having a hitch member which is selectively shiftable throughout an area of movement thereby requiring only that the coupling element of a trailer be placed within the movement area in order to couple the trailer with the vehicle. The preferred hitch includes a framework for coupling with the towing vehicle, an elongated hitch member, and a coupling assembly coupling the member with the framework for selective axial and pivotal shifting of the hitch member throughout the movement area.

Abstract: Apparatus for advancing or reversing motor vehicles, such as tractors to be coupled with trailers, through use of a hand crank, transmits power from a belt and pulley assembly to the vehicle propeller shaft, and therefore, to the drive wheels through the differential and wheel axle. Axially aligned, housing-supported input and output spindles are interposed between such assembly and the crank, the spring-loaded input spindle being shiftable by operation of the crank to a position where it operably connects with the output spindle.