Abstract: Applicant's invention includes an apparatus and associated method for treating or managing spinal deformities, including scoliosis, abnormal kyphosis, vertebral fractures and tumors, through attachment of spinal rods to ribs adjacent to the spine, rather than to the spine itself. The attachment member are designed whereby the ribs are completely encircled once the rods and attachment member are fully implanted, thereby virtually eliminating the chance of inadvertent dislodging of the rods.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes an apparatus and associated method for treating or managing spinal deformities, including scoliosis, abnormal kyphosis, vertebral fractures and tumors, through attachment of spinal rods to ribs adjacent to the spine, rather than to the spine itself. The attachment members are designed whereby the ribs are completely encircled once the rods and attachment members are fully implanted, thereby virtually eliminating the chance of inadvertent dislodging of the rods.

Abstract: Applicant's invention is of apparatuses and associated methods in the use of high pressure, sterile water jets in effecting surgical incisions, including those of hard tissues such as bone. The combination of high pressure and sterility is achieved by enclosing a collapsible bag of sterile water within an implosion chamber itself filled with fluid. The collapsible bag is sealingly ported through an orifice in the implosion chamber. As pressure is applied to the fluid within the implosion chamber, by way of a hydraulic ram, the sterile water exits the collapsible bag under extremely high pressure through its port and is directed through a hand-held cutting nozzle to an incision site. Unintended, collateral tissue trauma is minimized in one embodiment though use of a water shroud projected about the high pressure water jet during cutting operations.

Abstract: An on-line supercritical fluid extraction multidimensional chromatographic system and method is described which provides a cell for extracting a target compound in a supercritical fluid, and a restrictor interface for trapping the extracted target compound while decompressing and venting the supercritical fluid. A pump and valve arrangement is provided to convey the trapped target compound through a micro LC column for separating (and detecting) constituents of interest from interfering species, and ultimately introducing constituent of interest into a gas chromatograph for analysis. The system is characterized as being "on-line" in that fluid communication is provided between all of the system components and the process is continuous. Similarly, the system is characterized as being "multidimensional" in that both liquid and gas chromatographic techniques can be employed in tandem to provide analysis, selectivity and sensitivity in the parts per billion range.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes a prosthetic rib (10) which is adjustable in length through relatively minor surgical procedures subsequent to initial implantation along with methods for using same in the treatment of chest wall deformities and scoliosis and in immobilizing fractured ribs. The prosthetic rib (10) is designed for secure attachment to existing natural ribs (12) in a manner which minimizes constricture thereof, provides substantial torsional stability, and permits the prosthesis to accommodate traumatic impact thereto while resisting fracture of the associated natural ribs (12).

Abstract: The specification discloses a starter drive for starting engines. In one embodiment, a drive gear having a recess on a side thereof transfers motion from a starting motor to a sprag and a rim located in the recess. The rim is integrally formed with an idler gear which in turn transfers its motion to the crankshaft of the engine. After startup, the sprag permits the idler gear and rim to turn independently of the drive gear.

Abstract: An on-line multidimensional chromatographic system and method which couples a liquid chromatograph to a supercritical fluid chromatograph. The system includes an inlet column for depositing a fraction of interest eluting from the liquid chromatograph, an interface interposed between the inlet column and the supercritical fluid chromatograph for receiving and trapping an analyte from the deposited fraction on an impactor surface, and a valve arrangement for controlling fluid flow throughout the system. After the fraction of interest has been deposited in the inlet column, the liquid chromatograph solvent is removed from the inlet column, and then the deposited fraction is extracted from the inlet column in a supercritical fluid stream. The supercritical fluid stream is directed into the interface, where the analyte is trapped while the supercritical fluid is decompressed and vented.

Abstract: An on-line multidimensional chromatographic system and method which couples a liquid chromatograph to a supercritical fluid chromatograph. The system includes an inlet column for depositing a fraction of interest eluting from the liquid chromatograph, an interface interposed between the inlet column and the supercritical fluid chromatograph for receiving and trapping an analyte from the deposited fraction on an impactor surface, and a valve arrangement for controlling fluid flow throughout the system. After the fraction of interest has been deposited in the inlet column, the liquid chromatograph solvent is removed from the inlet column, and then the deposited fraction is extracted from the inlet column in a supercritical fluid stream. The supercritical fluid stream is directed into the interface, where the analyte is trapped while the supercritical fluid is decompressed and vented.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes a prosthetic rib which is adjustable in length through relatively minor surgical procedures subsequent to initial implantation along with methods for using same in the treatment of chest wall deformities and scoliosis and in immobilizing fractured ribs. The prosthesis is designed for secure attachment to existing natural ribs in a manner which minimizes constricture thereof, provides substantial torsional stability, and permits the prothesis to accommodate traumatic impact thereto while resisting fracture of the associated natural ribs.

Abstract: Applicant's invention is a prosthetic rib for attachment between a patient's scapula and clavicle. The prosthetic rib serves to provide a generally anterior/posteriorly oriented platform to which other prostheses otherwise attachable a natural rib near the same position would be attached. The prosthetic rib includes a clavicle carriage for attachment to the clavicle, a scapula carriage for attachment to the scapula and a rib sleeve which intervenes the clavicle and scapula carriages and is the platform to which other prostheses may be attached.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for transferring marine creatures from one pressure environment to another. The apparatus includes a rigid container having at least one access opening, and a fluid-tight closure for the access opening. Structure is provided for gradually permitting the escape of fluid from within the container, and thereby the release of pressure. Pressure-indicating structure is also provided to facilitate the release of pressure within the container at a controlled rate. At least a portion of the container preferably is transparent to permit viewing of the marine animal within the container. A method for transferring marine animals from one pressure environment to another is also disclosed.