Abstract: A stopper rod positioning and control apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of a molten metal out of a bottom nozzle in a metal reservoir. The stopper rod can be aligned with the nozzle's opening by selectively rotating a pair of roller (ring) bearings that are centerline offset from each other along a first axis around which one end of an extended structural arm can pivot where the opposing end of the arm retains the stopper rod along a second axis parallel to the first axis. When the appropriate relative positions of the pair of roller bearings are located for a nozzle-centered stopper rod, the second axial position of the stopper rod is fixed by retaining the appropriate relative positions with a brake mechanism.

Abstract: A virtual library of photographs stored in electronic pages, volumes (“album”), and bookshelves (“collections”) for easy retrieval. An extended multimedia database is created to provide a method of distinguishing and sorting consumer photographs in a meaningful manner conducive to network sharing by interested groups. By providing a graphic representation of the photograph, motion picture, audio file (way, mp3, etc.), document, or other multimedia file stored, new and useful means of recalling and sorting the media files (hereinafter referred to exemplarily as “photographs”) are obtained. In an initial method, a virtual library of photographs is provided having a bookshelf holding individual volumes of photographs containing multiple pages of photographs. This virtual library allows the photographs to be stored on pages, volumes, and bookshelves sorted according to user criteria.

Abstract: A stopper rod positioning and control apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of a molten metal out of a bottom nozzle in a metal reservoir. The stopper rod can be aligned with the nozzle's opening by selectively rotating a pair of roller (ring) bearings that are centerline offset from each other along a first axis around which one end of an extended structural arm can pivot where the opposing end of the arm retains the stopper rod along a second axis parallel to the first axis. When the appropriate relative positions of the pair of roller bearings are located for a nozzle-centered stopper rod, the second axial position of the stopper rod is fixed by retaining the appropriate relative positions with a brake mechanism.

Abstract: A virtual library of photographs stored in electronic pages, volumes (“album”), and bookshelves (“collections”) for easy retrieval. An extended multimedia database is created to provide a method of distinguishing and sorting consumer photographs in a meaningful manner conducive to network sharing by interested groups. By providing a graphic representation of the photograph, motion picture, audio file (wav, mp3, etc.), document, or other multimedia file stored, new and useful means of recalling and sorting the media files (hereinafter referred to exemplarily as “photographs”) are obtained. In an initial method, a virtual library of photographs is provided having a bookshelf holding individual volumes of photographs containing multiple pages of photographs. This virtual library allows the photographs to be stored on pages, volumes, and bookshelves sorted according to user criteria.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of effecting a medical procedure, e.g., laparoscopic, endoscopic, etc. procedures, through a small percutaneous incision or puncture in the body of a patient. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises an elongated outer tube, an elongated inner tube located within the outer tube and moveable relative thereto. An electrosurge electrode is mounted on the distal end of the inner tube so that it can be moved to a retracted position when it is not need or to an extended position when it is to be use. A vacuum system and an irrigation system are provided. The vacuum system is arranged to apply suction through an annular space between the tubes to effect the removal of tissue or other debris from the operative site within the patients body. The irrigation system is arranged to supply an irrigation liquid through the inner tube to the operative site. Each of the tubes is formed of an electrically insulating material so that the apparatus can be safely inserted within the patient's body.