Abstract: The present invention is an occlusion device having a support hoop. The support hoop increases the ability of the occlusion device to form a seal around the defect and adds additional structural strength to the device by allowing distribution of pressure along a 360° continuum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a vision-screening or test are provided. The method includes displaying a vision-screening or test on a display device that is initiated by a controller such as a handheld keypad controller, which is operatively associated with the computer-processing unit. The method also includes interactively completing the vision screening or test without the intervention of a health care professional.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a visual acuity test are provided. The method includes displaying a visual acuity test on a display device (20) that is initiated by a controller (16) such as a handheld keypad controller (16), which is operatively associated with the computer-processing, unit (12). The patient's eye is fixated using an eye fixation assessment on a display device during portions of the visual acuity test and is initiated by a controller such as a foot pedal controller (14), which is operatively associated with the CPU. Contrast sensitivity can also he evaluated on the display device by selectively altering the contrast of an image and background on the display device (20).

Abstract: A method of forming a PVA foam structure for use in an occlusion device such that the PVA foam structure comprises non-thrombogenic properties. The method comprises forming a PVA gel and incorporating heparin into the PVA gel. The PVA foam structure is then treated with the PVA gel and heparin mixture, such as by soaking the PVA foam structure in the gel.

Abstract: A free standing sprinkler device having an inflatable hoop-shaped manifold for children to utilize as a recreational fun toy. The inflatable manifold is mechanically removably connected by fluid transmitting coupling components to a base manifold and accordingly expands into a hoop-shape component, responsive to the fluid pressure within, of sufficient size so as to permit persons to step or jump through the hoop-shape component which appropriately sprinkles water therefrom on such persons.

Abstract: A method of forming a PVA foam structure for use in an occlusion device such that the PVA foam structure comprises non-thrombogenic properties. The method comprises forming a PVA gel and incorporating heparin into the PVA gel. The PVA foam structure is then treated with the PVA gel and heparin mixture, such as by soaking the PVA foam structure in the gel.

Abstract: An occlusion device for the closure of atrial or ventricular septal defects, for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus, patent foramen ovale, or other vascular defects. The occlusion device comprises a center section extending in an axial direction, with upper and lower stranded wire fixation devices emanating from the center section. The stranded wire fixation devices have been heat treated and formed with a shape memory. The stranded wire fixation devices are formed of multiple wire strands and have atraumatic tips. Attached to the fixation devices are heparin treated sheets, which serve to occlude the opening and significantly reduce the occurrence of thrombosis at the device.

Abstract: An occlusion device with stranded wire support arms for the closure of atrial or ventricular septal defects, for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus, patent foramen ovale, or other vascular defects. The occlusion device comprises a center section extending in an axial direction, with upper and lower stranded wire fixation devices emanating from the center section. The stranded wire fixation devices have been heat treated and formed with a shape memory. The stranded wire fixation devices are formed of multiple wire strands and have atraumatic tips. Attached to the fixation devices are sheets, which serve to occlude the opening.

Abstract: A suction/irrigator surgical instrument comprises a replaceable cartridge containing the entirety of the fluid flow path for the instrument and a reusable flow-control member having trigger-actuated levers for selectively opening and occluding a portion of the fluid flow path when the two members are affixed to one another, in piggy-back fashion, to form a pistol-grip for the instrument.

Abstract: An RPM variation test for use in an engine analyzer system is used to test internal combustion engines. The engine analyzer individually disables cylinders and monitors instantaneous engine RPM, to generate an engine map. The engine analyzer performs an engine performance test upon the internal combustion engine. The engine map is used to map the results of the engine performance test. Using the present invention, an engine map is produced just prior to performing an engine performance test.

Abstract: An automated test system makes voltage and resistance measurements. The breakout cable is connected between the vehicle electronic control module and the vehicle sensors and controls. Resistance measurements are made between a selected pair of connector pins of the breakout cable by connecting a current loop (which includes a power supply and a known resistance) through a first multiplexing circuit to the selected pair of pins. A voltage measuring circuit measures voltage across the known resistance and between the pair of pins. The voltage measuring circuit includes a second multiplexing circuit and a voltmeter. The second multiplexing circuit receives inputs from the various pins, as well as from opposite sides of the known resistance in the current loop. The second multiplexing circuit provides its output to the voltmeter for measurement. By measuring the voltage across the known resistance, and the voltage between the selected pair of pins, the resistance between the two pins can be derived.

Abstract: A signal representing the RPM of an internal combustion engine is produced by a signal processor connected to the battery of the vehicle. The signal processor derives an electrical signal from the battery which contains signal components produced by operation of the vehicle ignition system, as well as components from a multitude of other sources such as the voltage regulator, fans, air conditioning and other electrical systems of the vehicle. The signal processor filters and signal processes the signal derived from the vehicle battery to produce a signal having a frequency which is related to the RPM of the engine.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a dental articulator including a stationary base, a rigid support member extending from the base and an upper clamp for releasably receiving and supporting the articulator upper member. An adjustable support piece is retained on the rigid support member and is adapted to contact the articulator lower member to limit the lowermost position thereof while permitting at least lateral movement of the articulator lower member relative to the articulator upper member to thus stimulate human jaw movements.