Abstract: A vastly improved folder/gluer is disclosed. This folder/gluer: is much more reliable, produces better folds, runs faster, and can be modified much easier, than prior art folder/gluers. These features are achieved by using a vacuum conveyor with overhead folding elements. Furthermore, the top of the article to be folded is never touched by another conveyor.

Abstract: A system and method for removing light non-aqueous liquids via a wellbore from at least a water-saturated subterranean zone using an oleophilic absorbent wick by positioning the wick in a wellbore extending from the surface through at least a portion of the subterranean water-saturated zone; reducing the pressure in the wellbore and removing vaporized light non-aqueous liquids from the wellbore.

Abstract: This invention provides prosthesis delivery systems with atraumatic tips that can be dislodged from the catheter so that the catheter can be easily removed from the body after expanding the prosthesis, by pulling the catheter proximally. With the tip dislodged, the catheter, which is of smaller diameter than the tip can be removed even in instances where the prosthesis does not expand the lumen to a large diameter. This invention also provides prosthesis delivery systems with a contoured protective outer sheath having smaller diameters in proximal portions that normally are acutely bent when the system is in the body, than in distal portions corresponding to the position of the prostheses. These systems are more flexible and the sheaths less likely to kink, especially when configured as part of a large delivery system.

Abstract: An infrared sensor includes a linear array of plural photoconductive sensor elements, and a similarly linear multiplexing circuit arranged in side-by-side relation with the linear array of sensor elements. The multiplexing circuit includes a matching plurality of signal input ports, and a wirebond of plural conductors substantially in parallel conducts signals from the plural sensor elements of the array to the respective signal input ports of the multiplexer circuit. The multiplexer circuit includes a matching plurality of adaptation circuits or cells interposed between the respective sensor elements of the array and the input ports of the multiplexing circuit. Each adaptation cell includes a multi-position switch which by its position varies the transfer function of a feed back circuit of the adaptation cell. Plural modes of signal processing for each individual sensor element of the array are provided according to the positions of the multi-position switches of the plural adaptation cells.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery system having a balloon catheter with an inflatable balloon on its exterior. The balloon is inflatable by injection of fluid through a lumen in the catheter and the balloon is initially partially constrained against inflation by a constraint. A tubular prosthesis is disposed on the catheter over at least a portion of the balloon and a portion of the constraint. The tubular prosthesis has a contracted condition and an expanded condition. The tubular prosthesis is initially disposed on the catheter in the contracted condition. Further, a balloon catheter includes a constraint so that the balloon may be sequentially inflated for dilatation purposes such as in a valvuloplasty operation.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an array of plural imaging elements each of which is responsive to incident light flux to provide an output signal. Each of the imaging elements includes provision for conducting a variable time integration of incident light flux, and alternatively, also for selecting a time interval during which each of the imaging elements simultaneously conducts such a time integration of incident light flux (i.e., takes a snap shot of an image scene). The imaging device includes provision for random access of each image element or group of image elements in the array so that output signals indicative of all or of only selected parts of an imaged scene can be processed for their image information, if desired.

Abstract: This invention provides smooth delivery and accurate positioning of prostheses in the body. In embodiments, systems are provided that include elongate members extending generally along the axis of a supporting catheter to a free ends. The elongate members extend through openings in the prosthesis to maintain the position of the prosthesis on the catheter. The prosthesis can be released from the catheter by relative axial motion of the catheter and the elongate members such that the free ends are removed from the openings in the prosthesis. In embodiments, the elongate members hold the distal end of a self-expanding stent at a desired axial location and in radial compaction as a restraining sheath is withdrawn. The friction between the sheath and stent puts the stent under tension, which reduces the radial force on the sheath wall, allowing smoother retraction. Proximal portions of the stent radially expand and axially shorten.

Abstract: A power boat hull has an inner running surface with a central running surface and an outer running surface that flanks the inner running surface. The outer running surface forms a channel with concave curvature which extends from the bow to the stern. An improved channel is shaped so that pressure builds in the channel during turning of the boat to lock the hull to water throughout the turn. A transom is provided with a deflector plate having a curved surface that is lifted out of the water during high speed running of the boat and operatively deflects water downward to force the bow of the boat into the water during low speed running of the boat. The transom dimensions are altered to accommodate varying length boats.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an array of plural imaging elements each of which is responsive to incident light flux to provide an output signal. Each of the imaging elements includes provision for conducting a variable time integration of incident light flux, and alternatively, also for selecting a time interval during which each of the imaging elements simultaneously conducts such a time integration of incident light flux (i.e., takes a snap shot of an image scene). The imaging device includes provision for random access of each image element or group of image elements in the array so that output signals indicative of all or of only selected parts of an imaged scene can be processed for their image information, if desired.

Abstract: A rotatable handle for a container is provided by sonic welding an inner disk to an outer strip of a handle, the disk permitting the rotation of the handle and providing a seal for the container openings through which the handle is connected.

Abstract: A continuous motion apparatus for installing handles onto cartons includes a handle dispenser and a handle conveyor. The handle conveyor comprises a track associated with an overhead belt in a pronged pick-up arm. The pick-up arm inserts through a handle and carries a handle to a surface of the carton, where a pair of rollers in a curved plow engage the handle and force it from the pick-up arm. The arm rotates in time sequence with the belt.

Abstract: The device and method of the invention enables a single workman to drive a tongue and groove subflooring panel into mating connection with a prelaid subfloor panel without the use of a sledgehammer. The device fits over and receives and is secured to the usual driving plank as an operative part thereof. An elongate handle extends upwardly and backwardly at an acute angle to and from its lower end portion, which is fastened to the upper face of the plank centrally and transversely thereof so the workman standing on the panel facing forwardly with his legs spread apart longitudinally therealong uses his weight to flatten the panel while he forcefully pulls the device backwardly, so the driving plank, whose rearward longitudinal edge face abuts the grooved forward edge face of the subfloor panel to be driven, drives such subfloor panel into mated connection with a rearwardly positioned, prelaid, subfloor panel.

Abstract: A kink resistant balloon catheter for insertion into a bodily conduit. The catheter (10) includes a shaft (20), a radiopaque distal tip (35), a dilatation balloon (33) between the shaft and the distal tip, and a removable core wire (40). The shaft includes a kink resistant, cross-wound multifilar (CWMF) coil (21) enclosed by a polymeric sleeve (22) and defining a central lumen (28) for delivery of a fluid inflation medium for inflating the balloon. A fixed core wire (36) interconnects the CWMF coil and the distal tip. In a method for widening constricted bodily passages using the novel balloon catheter, the removable core wire is inserted to assist positioning of the catheter, and is removed to permit rapid inflation and deflation of the balloon.

Abstract: Compositions useful as oil additives are prepared in a solvent or a solvent free system by reacting (B) an unsaturated carboxylic acid reagent with (A) a hydrogenated block copolymer in the presence of (C) free radical initiators. The formed reaction product (D) can be further reacted with a (E) primary amine-containing compound in a solvent or a solvent free system.

Abstract: A laryngoscope for use in endotracheal intubation wherein the blade is adjustable between a straight surface and a curved surface.

Abstract: A low profile shielded jack is provided for mounting to a circuit board and for receiving a mating plug. The jack includes a substantially rectangular dielectric housing and a one-piece, substantially rectangular shield substantially surrounding the housing. Recesses are provided in a bottom board mounting wall of the housing at the juncture of the bottom wall with front or side walls of the housing. Supporting tabs at bottom edges of the shield extend into the recesses. The depths of the recesses are at least equal to the thicknesses of the supporting tabs so that the tabs do not project downwardly beyond the bottom board mounting wall of the housing.