Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating in-stent restenosis are described for removing stenotic material from within previously stented regions of a patient's vasculature. The apparatus includes a catheter system having a stenotic material removal mechanism mounted on a distal portion of an elongated inner catheter. A sensing means, such as one or more sensing electrodes, are positioned on an outer surface of the apparatus. In addition, the apparatus optionally includes control means for diametrically expanding the stenotic material removal mechanism for effective recanalization of the stent. A coaxial outer catheter is provided for aspirating stenotic material which is removed from within the stent. In addition, embolic filter apparatus are described for collecting the stenotic material removed from within the stent.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for recanalizing stented regions within the vasculature which have become restenosed. A shearing body is displaced within the stented region in order to dislodge the stenotic material from an interface envelope defined by the inner surface of the stent. Usually, the shearing body will be compliant and sized slightly larger than the stent in order to remove stenotic material substantially uniformly around the entire interface envelope. The shearing body may be in the form of a brush, helical row, spaced-apart disks, solid compressible body, or a variety of other specific configurations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for recanalizing stented regions within the vasculature which have become restenosed. A shearing body is displaced within the stented region in order to dislodge the stenotic material from an interface envelope defined by the inner surface of the stent. Usually, the shearing body will be compliant and sized slightly larger than the stent in order to remove stenotic material substantially uniformly around the entire interface envelope. The shearing body may be in the form of a brush, helical row, spaced-apart disks, solid compressible body, or a variety of other specific configurations.

Abstract: A compact x-y position system employing a cantilevered frame for carrying an elevator, a gripper with z-axis motion capability mounted to the elevator and cartridge handling and storage including multiple removable magazines and a mailbox for cartridge insertion and disgorgement provide a complete cartridge manipulation apparatus for tape libraries. The x-y position system includes a y-axis rail with unlimited vertical expansion capability and a cantilevered x-axis frame mountable within a standard 19" electronics rack. The gripper mounted to an elevator carried by the x-axis frame is bidirectionally translatable in a z axis and includes a traction assembly having a belt drive train and reaction rollers for cartridge handling. The mailbox incorporates an aperture in an exposed face of the library with a movable door for blocking access to an interior bay of the tape library. An ejection mechanism is incorporated for cartridges inserted into the mailbox by the gripper.

Abstract: Apparatus mountable to a support vehicle for splitting and loading firewood the apparatus which includes:a. a rigid connecting member, the connecting member having a proximal component and a distal component, the proximal component mountable to the support vehicle, the distal component traversably mounted to the proximal component, the distal component including traversing means for traversing the distal component relative to the proximal component; andb. a wood splitter supported in a downward orientation by the connecting member and rigidly mounted to the distal component, the wood splitter traversable via the traversing means into a selectable position which is in alignment with the ends of a wood piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing and measuring an amount of liquid agrichemical and dispensing the measured amount of agrichemical for mixture with water and eventual application onto a field. The agrichemical is drawn into a measuring vessel by suction pressure, created in one embodiment by an air compressor and valving system, and in another embodiment by a valve-pump in conjunction with a 3-way valve. The agrichemical is then dispensed from the measuring vessel either by positive pressure created by the same air compressor/valving system, or by suction pressure created by valve-pump/3-way valve. The valve-pump provides both a mixing chamber for the agrichemical and water prior to tank storage for eventual application, and controllable suction pressure for drawing the agrichemical out of the measuring vessel for mixing. The valve-pump is also self-cleaning thereby reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.

Abstract: A cartridge manipulation gripper with bidirectional z-axis translation is mountable on an x-y positioning system for cartridge handling in a tape Library. The gripper incorporates a traction assembly for frictionally engaging a cartridge and drawing the cartridge through the gripper. The traction assembly includes a belt drive train mounted to a first side of the gripper frame and a reaction roller assembly mounted to a second side of the gripper frame opposite the belt drive train. Bidirectional translation of the gripper allows engagement by the traction and reaction roller assemblies with cartridges stored in a plurality of magazines and tape drive assemblies mounted in an opposing orientation with the x-y positioning system and gripper mounted intermediate the tape drives and magazines.

Abstract: A cartridge handling and storage apparatus for use with a multiple axis cartridge handling system includes a mailbox for receiving and disgorging cartridges from a tape library. The mailbox incorporates an aperture in an exposed face of the library, and a door for blocking access to an interior bay of the tape library which is movable by the cartridge handling system for passing cartridges through the mailbox. An ejecting mechanism is provided for cartridges inserted into the mailbox by the cartridge handling system and is actuated by the cartridge handling system. Sensors for a tape library closure door and multi-cartridge magazines held in the library provide the ability for configuration control on cartridges inserted to or removed from the library directly bypassing the mailbox.

Abstract: An open base adjustable pallet for supporting work pieces comprising: at least one carriage rod; a first support member mounted for travel along the carriage rod, the first support member including (a) a torsion spring having a helical portion which encircles the carriage rod and engages the carriage rod when the spring is relaxed and disengages from the second carriage rod when the second spring is compressed; and a second support member mounted on the of carriage rod, wherein the first support member is capable of being adjusted along of carriage rod relative to the second support member, thereby enabling the pallet to receive work pieces of differing sizes.

Abstract: A system for providing custom tailored garments for a customer. The system includes a measuring unit for gathering size data corresponding to said customer, a data collection device for collecting input data relating to the size data, customer data corresponding to said wearer, and product data corresponding to a made-to-order garment. The system includes a data storage memory for storing the input data. The system also includes a text output file containing a plurality of data records. Each of said data records corresponds to an order for a made-to-order garment. The system further includes a data processing unit comprising a data processor. The data processor periodically transfers data from said pending database to said main database. The data processor also updates the text output file to include additional data records corresponding to additional customer orders, and supplies the text output file to an automated curing table for cutting made-to-order garments.

Abstract: Energy control system for a window comprises fenestration blinds, horizontal or vertical, disposed at the window and adjustable in angle to control solar radiation entering the window. First and second photovoltaic sensors are disposed proximate respective exterior and interior sides of the fenestration blinds for providing a signal representative of incident solar radiation at the respective exterior and interior sides. An electrical motor is can be disposed proximate the window and is operably connected to the fenestration blinds in a manner to controll the angle thereof. A microprocessor control device is provided for providing control signals to the motor to adjust the angle of the fenestration blinds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing and measuring an amount of liquid agrichemical and dispensing the measured amount of agrichemical for mixture with water and eventual application onto a field. The agrichemical is drawn into a measuring vessel by suction pressure, created in one embodiment by an air compressor and valving system, and in another embodiment by a valve-pump in conjunction with a 3-way valve. The agrichemical is then dispensed from the measuring vessel either by positive pressure created by the same air compressor/valving system, or by suction pressure created by valve-pump/3-way valve. The valve-pump provides both a mixing chamber for the agrichemical and water prior to tank storage for eventual application, and controllable suction pressure for drawing the agrichemical out of the measuring vessel for mixing. The valve-pump is also self-cleaning thereby reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat stiffening suspension, comprising: a polymer liquid; and solid particles, wherein said suspension is reversibly activated by temperature to change from a liquid-like state to a solid-like state. Also provided is a method of producing a heat stiffening suspension, wherein said suspension is reversibly activated by temperature to change from a liquid-like state to a solid-like state, comprising the step of contacting a polymer liquid with solid particles at an activating temperature. Further provided is a method of reversibly controlling the physical properties of particle-filled polymers from a fluid-like, viscous state to a solid-like, slightly elastic state in a reversible manner comprising the step of increasing the temperature of a mixture comprising a polymer liquid and solid particles to an activating temperature.

Abstract: A highly sensitive homogeneous assay allows for quantitative detection of amplified nucleic acids. This detection is achieved during or after amplification with a high affinity fluorescent dye which is from the class of unsymmetrical cyanine dyes having at least two positive charges and a binding constant (K.sub.b) within the range of from about 1.times.10.sup.4 to about 5.times.10.sup.5 (molar.sup.-1). The reagents used for the assay can be contained in a kit designed for amplification such as by polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling a collimated sputtering source that is controllable by a computer to compensate for the build-up of sputtered material on the collimator. The method involves providing software for the computer including a formula to calculate a multiplier as a function of the age of the collimator, sequentially depositing film on a series of substrates using the sputtering source, monitoring the age of the collimator, and using the software to periodically adjust the value of a controllable sputtering parameter as a function of the multiplier. The sputtering parameter is automatically adjusted by the software such that a property of the film deposited by the source on the series of substrates does not substantially vary among the substrates as sputtered material builds up on the collimator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing and measuring an amount of liquid agrichemical and dispensing the measured amount of agrichemical for mixture with water and eventual application onto a field. The agrichemical is drawn into a measuring vessel by suction pressure, created in one embodiment by an air compressor and valving system, and in another embodiment by a valve-pump in conjunction with a 3-way valve. The agrichemical is then dispensed from the measuring vessel either by positive pressure created by the same air compressor/valving system, or by suction pressure created by valve-pump/3-way valve. The valve-pump provides both a mixing chamber for the agrichemical and water prior to tank storage for eventual application, and controllable suction pressure for drawing the agrichemical out of the measuring vessel for mixing. The valve-pump is also self-cleaning thereby reducing the possibility of cross-contamination.

Abstract: A vibratory screen separator having a base, resilient mountings and a separator frame. Screens are fixed in the separator frame. Rotary eccentric vibrators are positioned on each side of the frame at the center of mass and inclined both in the direction of motion of the material and tilted normal to the direction of motion of the material in opposite directions to define uni-directional elliptical vibratory motion in the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of selectively sorting commingled recyclable waste materials wherein the waste materials are continuously fed to a primary conveyor unit having a primary sorting conveyor and a primary return conveyor. A plurality of sorting stations having a plurality of sorting chutes are positioned along the primary sorting conveyor so that designated waste materials are selectively removed and deposited into the respective designated chutes, whereby the selective waste materials are transferred to a secondary conveyor unit, as well as to designated containers, hoppers or bins that are operably connected to a respective sorting station. The secondary conveyor unit includes a secondary sorting conveyor and a secondary return conveyor and at least one secondary sorting station, whereby designated waste materials from the secondary sorting conveyor are removed and transported to more specific designated containers, hoppers or bins.

Abstract: An impact tool for removing a constant velocity joint from a splined drive shaft is disclosed. The tool is a cast metal member comprising a lower shank, a central shaft, and a cup-shaped head. In use, the shank is inserted into an air hammer, and the cup-shaped head is placed over the drive shaft and in contact with a trunnion located within the open end of the constant velocity joint. The air hammer, when operated, delivers a significant impact force, through the tool, to the trunnion and separates the constant velocity joint from the drive shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to 1-aryl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-5-carboxypyridazine derivatives which are not only useful as plant growth regulators and hybridizing agents for cereal crops but possess the additional utility of having an improved margin of safety as concerns plant injury and seed quality.