Abstract: An overlay dual balloon catheter. Two balloons composed of differing materials are employed, the balloons being disposed so as to overlap one another but not being bonded to one another, so that adjacent surfaces of the two balloons are permitted to move relative to one another, to provide improved surface and structural characteristics in a balloon unit. Preferably, an outer balloon, disposed on the exterior of the catheter is composed of latex, silicone, or a thermoplastic elastomer while an inner balloon, disposed underneath the first balloon is composed of a material employed in existing angioplasty balloons such as polyester or polyurethane. The overlay dual balloon catheter may be used in angioplasty, embolectomy and thrombectomy.

Abstract: A device for detecting and counting occurrences of specific human motions. The device includes structure for mounting the device to an object or a part of the human body which takes part in the motion. The device further comprises at least one acceleration-sensitive switch, a computer connected to an output from the acceleration-sensitive switch, a reset switch connected to the computer, and a display which is controlled by the computer. The acceleration-sensitive switch is preferably uniaxial, and therefore closes to complete a circuit and generates a pulse only when subjected to acceleration forces in a predetermined direction. The computer is programmed to detect the duration of the pulses received from the acceleration-sensitive switch, and is further programmed with parameters indicative of the minimum duration of such a pulse which will be deemed to have resulted from the occurrence of the specific human motion.

Abstract: A high speed cable hoist system for conventional dockside container handling cranes of the type comprising a frame and a movable boom extending laterally therefrom. The high speed cable hoist includes a hoist cable speed enhancing system which comprises a frame having a stationary sheave set positioned at the bottom thereof and a vertically movable sheave head positioned above the stationary sheave set and adapted for vertical movement within the frame. Each of a plurality of hoist cables from the conventional hoist drums extend between and wrap around two or more sheaves in each of the sheave set and sheave head, respectively, and terminate. The sheave head may be selectively actuated by suitable actuating means in order that the speed of extension or retraction of the plurality of cables by the hoist drum may be increased by motivating the sheave head either toward or away, respectively, from the stationary sheave set.

Abstract: A guidewire straightener that is adapted to fit on the end of a protective tube containing a guidewire used for introducing a catheter into a patient's bloodvessel. The guidewire straightener has a flexible end that flexes inwardly to grasp the guidewire when the guidewire is inserted into the end of the protective tube. The guidewire is thus prevented from migrating with respect to the protective tube during packaging, shipping and handling.