Abstract: Techniques are described for making one-piece tubes for surgical instruments in which an inner tube that carries a cutting implement is disposed for movement within an outer tube having a cutting window that exposes the cutting implement to tissue. Swaging is performed to close an end of a tubular member that is to serve as either the inner tube or the outer tube. Other processing steps are also performed. For example, a selected amount of a protrusion formed by the swaging is cut away, the tube material is fused together at a seam formed by the swaging, and the closed distal end of the tubular member is formed into a selected shape. For example, the selected shape is rounded so that the distal end defines convex (e.g., substantially hemispherical) interior and exterior distal surfaces. This renders the tube suitable for use in full-radius surgical instruments. Alternatively, the selected shape is flattened so that the distal end defines flattened interior and exterior distal surfaces.

Abstract: Techniques are described for making one-piece tubes for surgical instruments in which an inner tube that carries a cutting implement is disposed for movement within an outer tube having a cutting window that exposes the cutting implement to tissue. Swaging is performed to close an end of a tubular member that is to serve as either the inner tube or the outer tube. Other processing steps are also performed. For example, a selected amount of a protrusion formed by the swaging is cut away, the tube material is fused together at a seam formed by the swaging, and the closed distal end of the tubular member is formed into a selected shape. For example, the selected shape is rounded so that the distal end defines convex (e.g., substantially hemispherical) interior and exterior distal surfaces. This renders the tube suitable for use in full-radius surgical instruments. Alternatively, the selected shape is flattened so that the distal end defines flattened interior and exterior distal surfaces.

Abstract: A muscle stretching and spine decompressing apparatus including a base frame (20), a flexible sheet (12) attached to the top of the base frame (20) for supporting the body of a user, and a motorized actuation means (16) for bending the flexible sheet (12) from a substantially flat position to a substantial arc. The motor (18) includes a main shaft (30) connected at each end (30e) to counter grooved helix pulleys (46). As the motor (18) turns the main shaft (30), the counter grooved helix pulleys (46) wind up cable (48) attached to the ends (12a, 12b) of the flexible sheet (12), thereby drawing the flexible sheet ends (12a, 12b) inward to cause the flexible sheet (12) to bend. The motor control system (92) provides for automatic or manual control of the arc of flexible sheet (12).

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carrousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carrousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: A system for and method of storing and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of one or more food products from closed containers is described. The system preferably includes multi-compartment containers carried by a carrousel assembly and moved by a dispensing mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate container and compartment for which food is dispensed. By using a control with memory for keeping inventory, the system can dispense any one of several food products on demand.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for forming a fly structure in garments or the like and more particularly to a machine which folds a fly flap portion which is integral with the garment forming panel, then places a predetermined length of one half of a slide fastener stringer in position on the fly flap portion within the folds thus formed and secures the stringer to the folded flap portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a garment placket and the method of forming it in which two pieces of material are folded and attached to the garment in such a manner as to present finished edges for the slit in the garment and which pieces also overlie the placket opening to present a closed appearance thereto. The two pieces of material are attached to the garment in such a manner that both lie completely on one face of the garment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stitch formation and method of making it which consists of alternate chain and lock stitches formed from a single continuous thread. On the first penetration of the needle, the thread is divided into two portions, one on each side of the work piece and then subsequent penetration of the needle forms the alternate chain and lock stitches with the drawn off thread portion passing through the alternate loops to form the lock stitch.