Abstract: A veneer composer is provided including a skew correcting station adapted to square at least one edge of a veneer piece to a reference side, a clipping station adapted to move in the same direction and at the same material being clipped, and a gap closing station adapted to close the gap between adjacent veneer pieces without causing excessive force between the adjacent edges.

Abstract: A lead having an extendable and retractable fixation mechanism has a rotating terminal pin at the terminal end which rotates the fixation mechanism at the distal end. As the terminal pin is rotated, the fixation mechanism is extended or retracted from the distal end of the lead. A threaded collar allows for the fixation mechanism to smoothly extend and retract from the lead, and allows for a 1:1 turn ratio between the terminal pin and the fixation mechanism. A fluoroscopic ring disposed at the distal end of the lead provides information during the implantation process.

Abstract: A veneer composer is provided including a skew correcting station adapted to square at least one edge of a veneer piece to a reference side, a clipping station adapted to move in the same direction and at the same material being clipped, and a gap closing station adapted to close the gap between adjacent veneer pieces without causing excessive force between the adjacent edges.

Abstract: A lead having an extendable and retractable fixation mechanism has a rotating terminal pin at the terminal end which rotates the fixation mechanism at the distal end. As the terminal pin is rotated, the fixation mechanism is extended or retracted from the distal end of the lead. A threaded collar allows for the fixation mechanism to smoothly extend and retract from the lead, and allows for a 1:1 turn ratio between the terminal pin and the fixation mechanism. A fluoroscopic ring disposed at the distal end of the lead provides information during the implantation process.

Abstract: A lead including a lead body configured into a pre-formed J-shape, and a shocking electrode coupled proximate the distal end of the lead body and located distally from a bottom of the pre-formed J-shape, wherein the lead is adapted to be placed within a heart in a J-shaped configuration with the lead extending through the right ventricle and the electrode positioned within a pulmonary artery. The lead can include a distal end adapted for being passively fixated within a pulmonary artery.

Abstract: A lead having an extendable and retractable fixation mechanism has a rotating terminal pin at the terminal end which rotates the fixation mechanism at the distal end. As the terminal pin is rotated, the fixation mechanism is extended or retracted from the distal end of the lead. A threaded collar allows for the fixation mechanism to smoothly extend and retract from the lead, and allows for a 1:1 turn ratio between the terminal pin and the fixation mechanism. A fluoroscopic ring disposed at the distal end of the lead provides information during the implantation process.

Abstract: A lead having an extendable and retractable fixation mechanism has a rotating terminal pin at the terminal end which rotates the fixation mechanism at the distal end. As the terminal pin is rotated, the fixation mechanism is extended or retracted from the distal end of the lead. A threaded collar allows for the fixation mechanism to smoothly extend and retract from the lead, and allows for a 1:1 turn ratio between the terminal pin and the fixation mechanism. A fluoroscopic ring disposed at the distal end of the lead provides information during the implantation process. The lead includes a terminal assembly having an outer terminal ring, a terminal pin, and an insulative sleeve disposed between the outer terminal ring and the terminal pin. The insulative sleeve is coupled with the outer terminal ring with a snap-fit connection.

Abstract: A lead having an extendable and retractable fixation mechanism has a rotating terminal pin at the terminal end which rotates the fixation mechanism at the distal end. As the terminal pin is rotated, the fixation mechanism is extended or retracted from the distal end of the lead. A threaded collar allows for the fixation mechanism to smoothly extend and retract from the lead, and allows for a 1:1 turn ratio between the terminal pin and the fixation mechanism. A fluoroscopic ring disposed at the distal end of the lead provides information during the implantation process.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is described comprising a porous biocompatible solid having at least one therapeutic drug within its pores, the therapeutic drug being removable from the pores by immersion in an aqueous solution. This may also be described as a drug delivery device comprising a porous annulus comprising a biocompatible solid having at least one therapeutic drug within its pores, the therapeutic drug being removable from the pores by immersion in an aqueous solution, the annulus having a top outer surface with an outside diameter, an inner surface with an inside diameter, and a side surface, at least one of the side surface and the top outer surface having openings of the pores exposed on that surface. The device may comprise pores having an average size of the greatest dimensions within the pores of between about 10−6 and 10−1 mm. The device may have a medical device or component of a medical device pass through an opening in the annulus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for bleeding brakes includes a brake valve with an integral ball check which secures directly to a brake wheel cylinder. Method for bleeding the brakes includes securing a brake bleeder valve with integral check valve in each wheel cylinder, securing a predetermined length of tubing to the brake bleeder valve, providing a reservoir for brake fluid at the end of the tubing remote from the brake bleeder valve, and pressurizing the brake system.

Abstract: Valve apparatus for draining oil from a vehicle crankcase includes a valve body having a pair of intersecting bores. One of the bores communicates with the vehicle crankcase and receives oil therefrom. A tubular insert extends into the intersecting bore, with part of the insert extending outwardly from the valve body. The end of the insert which is disposed within the valve body comprises a valve seat, and a spring-loaded ball check is disposed within the tubular insert. The spring biases the ball against the seat until low pressure is applied to the insert to withdraw the ball from the seat. When the ball is withdrawn from the seat, oil is drained from the crankcase. A hose or tube is secured to the end of the insert outside of the valve body and is appropriately connected to a source of low pressure for draining the oil.

Abstract: Apparatus for viewing a transparency includes a rechargeable battery and a telescoping lens housing which moves inwardly and outwardly with respect to a housing in which is disposed the rechargeable battery, a light source, and a solid diffuser/reflector block for diffusing and reflecting light from the light source over substantially the entire area of the transparency.

Abstract: A photographic easel includes a plurality of panels movable separately and independently of each other for exposing sequential portions of photographic material disposed on the easel.

Abstract: Camera foot apparatus is disclosed which attaches on to the bottom of a camera to stabilize the camera by providing an area beneath the lens of the camera on which the camera is disposed.