Abstract: In a trunk release system for a motor vehicle, which allows a user to release the trunk from within the trunk, the system includes a timer to control the release of the trunk or the activation of emergency alarm signals.

Abstract: A medical retrieval device is used to retrieve and/or fragment stones (and/or other objects) from the body of a patient. The device has a retrieval basket with a releasable tip. The tip release is designed to release in a controlled pre-determined manner and under a predetermined force before any other component of the device fails due to a force exerted on the basket.

Abstract: The present invention regards system, method, and apparatus for selectively and accurately deploying one or more sequentially positioned medical appliances from a portable medical device. An apparatus, in accord with one embodiment of the present invention, includes a ligation tip having an internal passage and an outside surface wherein the outside surface has a plurality of sequentially ordered deployable medical appliances in contact with it. The apparatus also includes a body having a channel in communication with the internal passage of the ligation tip, a string passing through the internal passage and the channel, and a means, coupled to the string, for affirmatively verifying that a specific medical appliance, from the plurality of sequentially ordered medical appliances, has been deployed from the ligation tip.

Abstract: A safety barrier (20) for a vehicle (22) includes a safety barrier portion (38, 100) for deflecting objects from the path of the wheels (24) of the vehicle (22). The safety barrier (20) further includes a wheel well molding (32, 66, 101) to prevent the placement of hands or limbs between the wheel well (26) and wheel (24) of the vehicle (22).

Abstract: A medicated dental floss and a method of preparation is presented for controlling the bacterial activity associated with gingivitis. The floss incorporates an antimicrobial agent which, as a result of the flossing action, is deposited to the interdental area of the teeth. The slow dissolution of the antimicrobial agent ensures that effective levels of medication are attained for sustained periods, thereby reducing bacterial activity.

Abstract: A safety barrier for a vehicle includes a safety barrier portion for deflecting objects from the path of the wheels of the vehicle. The safety barrier further includes a wheel well molding to prevent the placement of hands or limbs between the wheel well and wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A form reader especially for lottery forms with handwritten marks or bar codes includes a drum transport engaging the form, and a stepping motor advances the form circularly along a path around the drum, passing through a linear reading station elongated perpendicularly to the path. A light source illuminates the form at the read station and reflected light is incident on an elongated array of charge coupled device (CCD) light sensors via a focusing lens arrangement. An analog comparator coupled to a serial output of the CCD sensors digitizes encode and encodes each pixel in the elongated array repetitively during transport, sampling the reflectance of the form and defining an X-Y array of pixels. A digital processor coupled to an image memory analyzes the data for predetermined patterns such as handwritten marks, printed reference marks and/or printed bar code or OCR characters on the form.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved peritoneal access system for providing repeated, long term access through the peritoneum, as for patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The system includes a catheter tube extending through an implantable percutaneous access device (PAD) formed of a cylindrical neck and a buttonlike annular skirt. A portion of the catheter tube external to the PAD has a bellows integrally formed therein permitting the tube to be bent and moved without restricting fluid flow or stressing the PAD. The internal portion of the catheter tube has a sharp right angle below the PAD to tunnel the tube in a subcutaneous plane to the peritoneal penetration site and a position-adjustable collar for anchoring/sealing the cathether tube near the upper surface of the peritoneum.

Abstract: A cap structure for application to the head of a patient to create a cold environment around the scalp portion of the patient during cytotoxic treatment, thereby to reduce alopecia which might arise as a result of the treatment. The cap structure is comprised of a plurality of individual cap structure forming sections or panels with each panel having at least one internal chamber. A substance in each of these internal chambers is capable of being subjected to and achieving a reduced temperature, and of retaining a reduced temperature for a substantial period of time. The cap sections are connected together by flexible members in order to facilitate conforming the cap structure to the patient. The cap structure may include an upper section, two side sections and a rear section, which sections may be fastened together for use, and unfastened for cleaning and/or storage. The cap structure could also be comprised of a unitary member which may be provided with a plurality of panels separated by flexible members.