Abstract: Devices for lengthening bone, particularly the mandible and other small bones, by distraction osteogenesis are presented. The devices are implantable in an appropriate surgical procedure, and provide for an optional flexible drive shaft, used to transmit controlled torque for elongation of the devices thereby effecting distraction osteogenesis, which optional flexible drive shaft may conveniently terminate within the oral or buccal cavity. In one embodiment, the devices provide a telescoping screw assembly and drive means, which drive means may be an angled gear drive. In another embodiment, a threaded flexible drive shaft is provided which provides for elongation of the devices thereby effecting distraction osteogenesis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating zebra mussel colonizations from fresh water intake pipes for facilities, such as power plants and water treatment plants, are disclosed. One or more small diameter alternate intake pipes are disposed within a main intake pipe, and the pipes are connected by means of individually controllable valves to a pump for supplying water to the facility. Zebra mussel build up along the interior walls of any of the pipes is eliminated by shutting off flow in any mussel infested pipes with the valves, which causes starvation of the mussels due to suffocation. When water flow is resumed, the dead mussels are easily washed out of the pipes. The alternate intake pipes can be made of inexpensive flexible material, such as rubber, since they are not exposed to the environment external to the main intake pipe. In addition, a non-stick coating, such as silicone, can be disposed on the interior walls of the alternate pipes to further prevent mussel build up.

Abstract: An underwater robot is employed to clean and/or inspect the inner surfaces of high flow rate water inlet pipes for various facilities, such as power plants, water treatment plants, etc. The robot crawls along a cable positioned within a pipe to be inspected or cleaned, and in one embodiment, includes a plurality of guidance fins which rely upon the flow of water through the pipe to position the robot therein as desired. Retractable legs can also be provided to fix the robot at a location within the pipe when it is employed to clean the pipe using a water jet or similar system. The robot can also include a water driven turbine for generating electricity for the various motors, servos and other actuators contained on board the robot. Also, the robot preferably includes wheel or pulley arrangements which further help the robot to negotiate sharp corners or other obstructions within the pipe to be inspected or cleaned.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a manipulator for supporting and transmitting movement to a tool or the like comprising a base 10, a movable tripod tip 16 or plate 60 spaced from the base to which a tool may be attached, an elongated central spine 12, one end of which is attached to the tripod tip and the other pivotally mounted on the base, variable tension applying means comprising at least three cables 18 extending from the tripod tip to the base in a tripod configuration, and means 22, 24 at the base to continuously vary the length of each cable to vary its length.