Abstract: A rotatable chip-on-tip endoscope is configured to be operated with a single hand, with the palm holding the body of the device and one or two fingers operating a distal rotatable end of the handle that carries the needle. The needle is small in diameter, preferably less than 2.5 mm at its largest end. As the tip is rotated to view more widely in a patient's joint, for example, video processing electronics correct rotational orientation in real time to present a consistent moving image on a monitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for cancer detection and diagnosis. The present invention provides a method of selectively amplifying hypomethylated tumor DNA sequences derived from a subject for detection of cancer. This method utilizes differential methylation to allow for the selective amplification of tumor specific sequences from DNA mixtures that contain a high proportion of normal host DNA. The invention also provides methods of using the amplified tumor DNA sequences for evaluation of methylation.

Abstract: A yield valve comprises a valve body, a first inlet port, an outlet port, a valve seat, and a valve member movable between a first position in which it cooperates with the valve seat to prevent fluid communication between the inlet port and the outlet port and a second position in which the outlet port is brought into fluid communication with the inlet port. One side of the valve member is subjected to the pressure of fluid at the inlet port to urge the valve member towards its second position. Spring means acts on the other side of the valve member to urge the valve member towards its first position. The valve also has a valve chamber isolated from the inlet port and from the outlet port and a second inlet port for supplying a fluid under pressure to the chamber.

Abstract: A mine roof support includes a ground engaging base section, a roof engageable canopy, and hydraulic props for raising and lowering the canopy relative to the base section. An advancing mechanism is provided for advancing the roof support towards the mine face, and a base lifting mechanism is provided for raising one end of the roof support prior to advancing the support towards the mine face. The base lifting mechanism includes a lifting ram mounted with respect to the base section for slidable movement between an upper operative position in which the ram can be extended to lift the one end of the roof support clear of the ground and a lower position in which the canopy can assume a position relative to the base section lower than would be possible with the lifting ram in its upper operative position.

Abstract: A plurality of frequency selective limiting units are prepared on a common substrate. A plurality of generally linear signal carrying conductors are formed in spaced relation on a first ferrite member, the opposite side of which contains a lower ground plane. A second ferrite member is bonded to the first ferrite member with a nonconductive adhesive to form a layered structure. Grooves are formed in a free surface of the structure to a depth sufficient to cut through the first and second ferrite members and to expose the lower ground plane. The structure is metallized in a conformal manner so that the metallization is in contact with the lower ground plane. The units are separated by dicing to thereby provide a plurality of individual FSL's.

Abstract: A mine roof support assembly comprises a mine roof support having a first end adjacent to the mine face and a second end remote from the mine face, an advancing mechanism for advancing the roof support towards the mine face, and a base lifting mechanism. The base lifting mechanism includes two substantially parallel arm members pivotally connected to a base section of the mine roof support, and two lifting rams each of which acts between a respective arm member and the roof support. The lifting rams act on the roof support at a position which is nearer than the center of gravity of the roof support assembly to the second end of the roof support to pivot the roof support relative to a respective arm member and thereby lift the first end of the roof support clear of the ground. Also, an advancing ram of the advancing mechanism is connected to the arm members by an arrangement which provides some movement of the ram relative to the arm members in two mutually transverse directions.

Abstract: A shield support, suitable for use in mines, comprising a floor-engaging structure which includes two sledge or like elements disposed side-by-side and spaced apart one from the other, a roof-engageable canopy, a shield mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the canopy and extendable and contractible prop means, carried by said elements, which are operable to adjust the height of the canopy. A pivotal guide linkage for supporting the shield from said elements includes links which are so connected to those elements and to the shield that the elements are rigidly coupled together only through the intermediary of those links and the shield.