Abstract: A cleat formed with an improved rope-engaging surface adapted to facilitate the engagement of a rope and its subsequent release from the cleat. The rope-engaging surface is formed with a first stage raked and slanted teeth structure that tends to be self-feeding for engagement of the rope by the cleat. A second stage raked and slanted teeth structure tends to hold the rope secure within the cleat and also facilitates release of the rope from the cleat. The first and second stage teeth structures are joined by a transitional, curved teeth structure that permits continuous feeding into or release of the rope from the cleat. The teeth structure defined is useful in all types of cleats such as cam cleats, fixed jaw jam cleats, and sliding jaw jam cleats.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying radiation by producing X-rays of a selected spectrum and intensity and directing them to a desired location. Radiant energy is directed from a laser onto a target to produce such X-rays at the target, which is so positioned adjacent to the desired location as to emit the X-rays toward the desired location; or such X-rays are produced in a region away from the desired location, and are channeled to the desired location.The radiant energy directing means may be shaped (as with bends; adjustable, if desired) to circumvent any obstruction between the laser and the target. Similarly, the X-ray channeling means may be shaped (as with fixed or adjustable bends) to circumvent any obstruction between the region where the X-rays are produced and the desired location.For producing a radiograph in a living organism the X-rays are provided in a short pulse to avoid any blurring of the radiograph from movement of or in the organism.

Abstract: Furling gear unit comprising a stay slide and a cooperating stay bushing for attachment to the upper end of a forestay extending between the bow and the mast head of a sailing vessel, said unit being attached to the forestay, sail luff wire and sail halyard in such a manner as to prevent fouling by the twisting of the halyard and sail around a stay. The stay slide may be female or male type with the cooperating stay bushing of the opposite type. Predetermined limited rotation around the forestay is achieved by cooperatingly engageable members of the stay slide and bushing. Other embodiments include a single or multiple rotary bearing clamp or housing for retaining or holding one or more rotary bearing assemblies.

Abstract: Colostomy-type catheter devices having multiple sealing balloons dispersed adjacent each end of a single tube, and having a side arm communicating with the lumen of the tube through which fluids may be introduced or withdrawn. Each balloon may have its own inflation lumen or a common lumen. The catheter may be preformed in the shape of a loop, U, .OMEGA., or other form, or contain means embedded in the catheter wall, such as soft wire, that permits the catheter upon a use to be so formed. An external form may also be used to hold the catheter in such shape during use. Clamps may be used to permit sequential or simultaneous infusion of each branch of the catheter, or operate as a bypass from one branch to the other without drainage.