Abstract: An endoscopic stitching device is provided including an end effector configured and adapted to perform at least a pair of functions; and a single actuation cable operatively connected to the end effector, wherein the actuation cable is capable of effecting operation of at least the pair of functions. The actuation cable is capable of effecting a first operation of the pair of functions upon an axial translation thereof, and a second operation of the pair of functions upon a rotation thereof.

Abstract: A quick-release mechanism for disconnecting the footwear and footplate of an orthoses from a rotation bar, 90-degree bar, or other component of an orthosis is disclosed. The mechanism allows the footwear to be fitted to a patient with the bar or other component disengaged, while also allowing the angle between the bar or other component and the footplate to be locked when the orthosis is in place in order to treat conditions such as clubfoot.

Abstract: A suture deployment system is disclosed including a surgical needle having a flexible suture fixedly attached thereto and a target suture releasably secured to the flexible suture. A collar is positioned between the flexible suture and the target suture and is fixedly secured to the flexible suture. The target suture is releasably secured to the collar is such that the target suture may detach from the collar once a surgical procedure has been completed. The surgical needle is a double pointed surgical needle specifically configured to be manipulated by a surgical suturing apparatus.

Abstract: A duel lumen catheter is provided for use in minimally invasive surgery. The catheter generally includes a first tube defining an operative lumen and a second tube terminating proximally of the first tube and defining an inflation lumen. In one embodiment, the first and second tubes are concentric. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second tubes are separate and extend parallel to each other. The first and second tubes are provided with inflation ports adjacent their respective distal ends. There is also provided a method for performing minimally invasive surgery by inserting the catheter through the esophagus of a patient, insufflating the stomach and performing a surgical operation through the catheter and external to the stomach.

Abstract: A metal roof assembly comprising at least two interlocking elongated sheet metal roofing panels, each roofing panel having a top lock portion, a bottom lock portion, a middle portion between the top lock portion and the bottom lock portion, and having a left side and a right side; a cleat having a flat portion and an inverted substantially-V-shaped portion, the inverted substantially-V-shaped portion being in communication with the flat portion, the cleat in the roof assembly interposed between the top lock portion of a first interlocking elongated sheet metal roofing panels and the bottom lock portion of a second interlocking elongated sheet metal roofing panel; wherein a portion of the bottom lock portion of the second elongated sheet metal roofing panel accepts a portion of the top lock portion of the first elongated sheet metal roofing panel.

Abstract: A roof diffuser adapted to be mounted to a roof portion, the apparatus comprising: a top edge portion; a side edge portion having a substantially straight portion being substantially perpendicular to the top edge portion and a curved portion in communication with the substantially straight portion; a protrusion, wherein the protrusion meets the curved portion of the side edge portion; at least two steps, wherein each of the at least two steps is substantially parallel to the top edge portion and located above the protrusion.

Abstract: A compressor assembly that includes a driveshaft and at least one eccentric press-fit to the shaft. In one embodiment, the driveshaft includes an opening at a first end and the eccentric includes a linking rod press-fit into the opening. During assembly, the first end of the shaft is inserted through an opening in a rotor and the eccentric is then press-fit to the first end. This arrangement allows the opening in the rotor to closely receive the driveshaft and allows the eccentric to be assembled to the compressor without passing the eccentric through the rotor opening. In use, the eccentric is operably engaged with a compressor mechanism such as, for example, a rotary compression mechanism, a reciprocating piston mechanism, or an orbiting scroll mechanism. In one embodiment, a second eccentric is press-fit to a second end of the driveshaft and is operably engaged with a second compressor mechanism.

Abstract: An off-ridge roof vent includes a hood open along the sides and front and a rear flange for mounting the hood to a roof. A pair of side walls each includes lower flanges to mount to a flat roof and upper bent tabs that fit under the hood to provide a tight fit between the walls and hood. A front baffle wall extends upwardly from a flange and opening and extends under the hood and terminates in a channel to mount one edge of a screen and another channel is formed in a subtending wall from the hood to mount the other edge of the screen to prevent the entry of debris into the vented roof space. All of the flanges are connected and are in the same plane so that the vent may be attached to a flat roof.

Abstract: A compressor assembly having a first compression mechanism operatively coupled to a first motor and a second compression mechanism operatively coupled to a second motor. The first compression mechanism compresses the vapor from a low pressure to an intermediate pressure and the second compression mechanism compresses the vapor from the intermediate pressure to a discharge pressure. An electrical circuit supplies electrical current to the first and second motors during operation of the compressor assembly. The electrical circuit includes means for, during start-up of the compressor assembly, initiating the supply of electrical current to the first motor at a first time and initiating the supply of electrical current to the second motor at a second time wherein the first time precedes the second time by a time lapse.

Abstract: The present invention provides media for inactivating pathogens found within protein-containing biological fluids. The media of the present invention preserve the structural integrity and biological activity of labile proteins while simultaneously exhibiting potent disinfectant activity. The media of the present invention comprise iodinated chromatographic media, particularly ion exchange media. The invention further provides methods for disinfecting biological fluids.

Abstract: A metal wall stud in the shape of an elongated open channel having pre-punched nail or screw holes and pre-punched passageways for electrical or plumbing facilities. Integral tabs extending beyond the ends of stud walls are foldable to provide connections to wooden plates or metal wall stud purlins in the construction framing. Split tabs integral with the bottom wall of the channel provide lateral stabilization, greater uplift loads, and the capability of being load bearing. A pair of studs have nesting capability to provide telescopic adjustability for walls in a vaulted ceiling room.

Abstract: A device for joining two beams at a right angle with one beam, preferably vertical, abutting to other beam, preferably horizontal. The cap is a single sheet which is cut, punched, and folded to form a saddle for each adjoining beam, a plurality of nail guide holes to attach the device firmly to each beam and a pair of slotted holes to guide a toenail for piercing both beams at their plane of juncture.

Abstract: A continuous narrow, elongated metal member bent to form a strap for holding down a truss, the strap having a saddle portion to fit over the truss and two arms diverging therefrom to lie flat against the plates upon which the truss is supported and adapted to be nailed or otherwise fastened to the plates.

Abstract: A 911 emergency response system that includes a location identification module, preferably in solid state circuit form, associated with each residence or each extension of a PBX is disclosed. Preferably, the location identification modules are powered by telephone line voltage. A location identification module is enabled when its associated telephone goes off-hook and an emergency code, e.g., 911 is dialed. Thereafter, in response to an inquiry from the emergency response center that receives the emergency call, the location identification module sends the location of the associated telephone to the emergency response center operator where the location is displayed on a dispatcher's console.

Abstract: A polling controller (21) for a polling system in which a central station (11) sequentially contacts a series of remote stations (13) in order to transmit data to or receive data from the remote stations is disclosed. The polling controller (21) is connected between the telco terminals of a central station modem (23) and a telco line (18). When the central station modem (23) goes off-hook, a DTMF transceiver and answer tone detector (45) is connected to the telco line (18). When a dial code that follows the telephone number of the remote station being called by the central station modem is detected, the central station modem is placed on hold. Thereafter, a transfer code, which may be the same as the dial code, is sent to the called remote station (13). In response, a switch (31) at the remote station (13) connects its telco line (18) to a port, determined by the nature of the dial code, and transmits an answer tone to the polling controller (31).

Abstract: Weighing scales for use as a teaching aid in educational establishments. The scales include a platform adapted to receive an article to be weighed, a compressible, fluid-containing reservoir, in the form of bellows or diaphragm provided with a fixed wall. The scales are provided with display means which are in fluid communication with the reservoir. The display means is a transparent flexible tube adapted to display the volume of fluid displaced in response to the article being placed upon the platform.

Abstract: A guidewire for use in the placement of a catheter includes an elongate flexible core wire and a helical coil wrapped about the core wire. The pitch of the turns of the coil is relatively wide over most of the length of the guidewire with a distal segment having coil turns that are closely adjacent each other. The coil is formed from a radiopaque material. The wide pitch of the coil presented reduced contact area between the guidewire and the catheter, thereby reducing frictional drag between the two. The distal dip defines a relatively dark radiopaque image while the more proximal portions of the guidewire present a less radiopaque relatively gray image. The black/gray fluoroscopic images enable clear determination of the precise position and contour of the guidewire but without obstructing fluoroscopic visualization of radiopaque contrast liquid injected into the body lumen containing the guidewire and catheter.

Abstract: A voice/data switch (13) for selectively connecting an audio communication terminal device (15), such as a telephone, or a piece of electronic data communication equipment (17), such as a telephone facsimile device or a computer, to a Telco line (19) is disclosed. The voice/data switch (13) includes an announcement device and return signal detector (21) that is enabled to send a message to a calling station upon receipt of a ring signal. The message requests a return signal, which may be generated by the depression of a key of a DTMF key pad, for example, if connection to the audio communication terminal device is desired. If the requested return signal is not received, the Telco line (19) is connected by the voice/data switch (13) to the piece of electronic data communication equipment (17). If the requested return signal is received, the Telco line (19) is connected by the voice/data switch (13) to the audio communication terminal device (15).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the hardness properties of metallic st materials, wherein electromagnets are employed to replace clamping means. Said apparatus comprises two electromagnets, and a test head which comprises a ball indenter means, a conventional hydraulic hand pump, a pop-off release valve and numerous gauges. A method of testing metallic sheet materials, and specifically armors, is set forth.