Abstract: An aerial lift balloon and signalling components attached thereto are stored within a closure member held assembled with a breakaway housing to form a package storing an inflating device for the balloon. Removal of the closure member initiates inflation of the balloon and operation of the signalling components, while removal of an end cover of the package permits separation of the breakaway housing enabling the positioning of the inflating device by a flotation collar portion of the package for aerial launching of the balloon with the signalling components suspended therefrom.

Abstract: The applicator is annular in configuration, having top and bottom walls formed of elastic material. The central openings through these walls are undersized, so that the walls seal around the string of pipe passing through the openings. The applicator is mounted on the string and is free to move laterally with it. Thus there is provided a free-floating, sealed, annular spray chamber mounted on the string and free to move laterally with it. A ring of nozzles is mounted within the chamber for spraying the string. A pump and conduit supply pressurized chemical to the nozzles. A vacuum pump and conduit suck excess chemical from the chamber for recovery.

Abstract: A rotary sprayer has a rotor centrally of a conveyor and spaced therefrom with its axis normal thereto. The rotor supports a series of spray heads so spaced from its axis as to establish arcuate paths for them across the conveyor as the rotor is rotated. The spray is discharged to coat the work carried by the conveyor as the spray heads cross the conveyor and during such crossing their travel relative to the arcuate paths is so varied that the thickness of the deposited layer is substantially uniform wherever applied. The rotor has a chamber through which the spray material passes and which provides an air cushion absorbing momentary pressure increases occurring as the valves of the spray heads close and minimizing pressure drops as valves open.

Abstract: A device for feeding baby pigs and other livestock comprising a feed pan (20), a support post assembly (30) and a hopper assembly (40), hopper assembly (40) being capable of having its vertical height above pan (20) varied by the insertion of a pin (38) through a hole (36) in a support post (34), support post (34) running through a plurality of vertically spaced and aligned washers (46) which fixedly support a cylinder element (41) of hopper (40), the selection of the washer (46) which will rest on pin (36) determining the height of hopper (40). Also provided are dividing bars (23) for separating feeding animals which do not extend to the bottom of pan (20) thus allowing easy cleaning and a handle (47) for assisting in adjusting the hopper height and for carrying the device (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements to water distribution devices used in intensive poultry raising facilities.The new drinking trough has a cover (2) in the shape of a truncated cone, open at its upper end to allow a hollow rod (3) to pass, which rod attached a base or plate (1) whose ends are shaped as troughs (5) which can communicate by orifices (8) with a cavity (7) provided on said base. The supply of water is controlled by valve (16) and float (18) inside the drinking trough. The trough (5) can be put in communication with adjacent reservoirs for young poultry supplied at a constant level. Further, the trough (5) can receive small gutters or be replaced by reservoirs suited for various types of poultry, especially very young poultry.

Abstract: A compact collapsible support for animals formed by a set of hinged members which can be arranged to form a cradle that is maintained by the weight of the animal and is thereafter collapsed when the animal has been removed and the support is to be stored.

Abstract: Two types of boilers for generating high pressure steam from gaseous effluents containing abrasive and corrosive solids are provided. Both types of boilers are vertical boilers of the fire-tube type with the gas flowing within the boiler tubes and with the water and steam surrounding the boiler tubes.In one type of boiler according to this invention, the solids-containing gas is downfed through the boiler tubes with the gas emerging from the tubes and impinging on a concave, conical deflector and a convex nose cone located below the deflector. The deflector and nose cone serve to disengage solids from the gas.In the other type of boiler according to the invention, the solids-containing gas first impinges on a baffle plate which serves to disengage solids from the gas. The solids flow down for removal, while the gas flows up the boiler tubes to generate steam.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes elongated inner and outer tubular members defining an elongated generally annular passage therebetween. A burner mounted adjacent one end of the tubular members discharges hot gases into the inner tubular member for axial flow therealong and entry into the annular passage adjacent the ends of the tubular members remote from the burner. The gases then flow back through the annular passage for discharge through a lateral exhaust outlet in the outer tubular member adjacent the one end thereof. The annular passage has a varying cross-sectional shape along its length such that a major portion of the gases enter the annular passage at a location diagonally opposite from the exhaust outlet and then flow both longitudinally and circumferentially along the annular passage toward the exhaust outlet. The heat exchanger is particularly useful in heating diesel engine coolant to facilitate more rapid engine starting.

Abstract: A boiler water trip system comprises a flow transmitter for sensing a flow of water into a boiler, a pressure transmitter for sensing a pressure of steam entering a first stage of a turbine powered by the boiler, a unit power transmitter for sensing the power generated by the turbine, a feeder water temperature transmitter and a drum level transmitter for sensing the level of water in a steam drum connected to the boiler. Function generators are connected to the pressure and unit load transmitters for obtaining a measure of flow out of the boiler. The higher of the two flow values are compared with the feed water flow to the boiler to generate an error signal which is integrated. The integrated error signal corresponds to a calculated boiler water level amount. If the boiler water level rises above or falls below set limits and, simultaneously, a drum level rises above or falls below said amounts as determined by the drum level transmitter, a tripper is activated to trip the boiler.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention an internal combustion engine comprising at least a combustion chamber, a piston, a turbulence chamber provided inside the overhead cylinder above the piston, and an ignition device leading to the turbulence chamber is provided. The invention is characterized in that at least one channel provided at the base of the overhead cylinder, opens tangentially along the walls of the turbulence chamber. The channel has, at its origin, a width substantially equal to the diameter of the seat of the intake valve and narrows as it goes deeper in the direction of the turbulence chamber. This engine embodies an improvement of the Otto type engines.

Abstract: In a vehicle having an engine and a cooling system for the engine including means for circulating a coolant through the engine, a fluid motor driven fan disposed in operative relation with the radiator and an engine driven pump operatively connected to the fluid motor, a means for controlling the operation of the cooling system generally consisting of a first means operatively connected to the pump and responsive to an output pressure of the pump above a first predetermined pressure for setting the output pressure of the pump at the first predetermined pressure, and second means operatively connected to the pump and responsive to an output pressure of the pump above a second predetermined pressure and a predetermined temperature of the coolant for setting the output pressure of the pump at the second predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a piston rack depending from each piston. This rack is connected to a power output shaft through a mechanical rectifier so that the power output shaft rotates in only one direction. A connecting rod is pivotally connected at one end to the rack and at the other end to the crank of a reduced function crankshaft so that the crankshaft rotates at the same angular velocity as the power output shaft and at the same frequency as the pistons. The crankshaft has a size, weight and shape sufficient to return the pistons back into the cylinders in position for the next power stroke.

Abstract: A control system employs a microcomputer, which controls the starting operation of a spark ignition type engine provided with a fuel injection system. The control system is loaded with, at least, contact information of an ignition switch for connecting an ignition device to a power supply and a starter switch for connecting a starter motor to the power supply, and an output signal of a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of cooling water of the engine. Where the cooling water temperature is not higher than a predetermined temperature, a fuel pump which supplies pressurized fuel to an injector of the fuel injection system is started simultaneously with the closure of the ignition switch, and this fuel pump is stopped during the operation of the starter motor.

Abstract: Suction unit for an engine of horizontal single-cylinder direct injection type intended for producing a swirl in a suction air stream by means of a helical intake port, wherein, firstly, the intake port is formed to be "S"-shaped with its mid-section linear and prolonged for increasing the inertia force imparted to the suction air stream without increasing the width of the cylinder head and, secondly, the linear mid-section of the "S"-shaped intake port is formed to continue smoothly into an helical section so that the suction air stream enters unattenuated and guided by the helical passage to swirl up to approx. 180.degree. under acceleration before it enters a combustion chamber and the powerful swirl thus produced is further developed as it advances toward the center of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A lightweight composite valve is provided to decrease fuel consumption, attenuate noise, and permit increased speed of operation.

Abstract: A light metal cylinder head, for a valve controlled internal combustion engine, which has at least one metal insert in that bottom region located between the valves, and has a bore in the combustion chamber bottom region for an injection nozzle or a shot or filling passage and/or an ignition aid. A crack or fissure hindering or precluding oxide layer is coated, covered, or applied at least to the bottom region located between the valves, including the bore region, and the metal insert is made of a material resistant with respect to the method of producing the oxide layer. The oxide layer comprises aluminum oxide and is applied by anodic oxidation. The metal insert may comprise titanium. The oxide layer may have a thickness of at least 50 .mu.m.

Abstract: A knock control device having a knock detecting means and an ignition timing control means is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. If the knock detecting means detects occurrence of knock when the temperature of the exhaust system is lower than a predetermined value, the ignition timing control means retards the ignition timing by a first angle which is most desirable for suppressing the knock, while if the knocking detecting means detects occurrence of knock when the temperature of the exhaust system is not lower than the predetermined value, then the ignition timing control means retards the ignition timing by a second angle which is smaller than the first angle.

Abstract: A pump supplies pressurized lubricant to an internal combustion engine from an external reservoir through a closed loop system. Delivery channels extending through the crankshaft, connecting rod and other components, supply the pressurized lubricant to the several areas of relative movement. Return channels, extending through the components, conduct lubricant from the several areas to the reservoir. Fuel-air mixture from a carburetor enters the crankcase through the open end of the crankshaft and moves through ports within the several cylinders to the respective combustion chambers. Selected ports are sequentially closed by a valve plate carried by the crankshaft. Incomplete products of combustion are exhausted into an auxiliary exhaust outlet for recycling with the fuel-air mixture. Retainer members engaging the spark plugs assist in dissipating heat therefrom.

Abstract: A port proximate to an automotive oil filter, and a closure therefor, used to precharge a newly installed oil filter with oil. The port may be located either in an adaptor mounting plate, which is located between the filter and the engine block, or in the engine block itself. The port is in fluid communication with the filter, allowing a newly installed filter to be precharged with oil to minimize engine wear.

Abstract: A method of reducing the number of operative cylinders in an internal combustion engine, and an engine produced according to the method. The cylinder head is removed. A hole is formed in at least one initially operative piston associated with at least one cylinder. The head is replaced. The intake manifold is removed. The valve push rods and valve lifters associated with the cylinder are removed. The exit ports of oil opening into the bores for the valve lifters associated with the cylinder are sealed. The intake manifold is replaced.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is disclosed having valve means, ignition means, timing means and fuel distribution means configured for operation on a combustible mixture of fuel and air or other energy source. A rotor, consisting of loosely coupled rectangular segments, traverses a `figure 8` path within a rotor housing consisting of two overlapping hollow annuluses. The rotor, when contained in one of the annuluses, fully circumscribes that annulus. Traversal of one of the annuluses by the rotor results in intake of a fuel/air mixture, compression, ignition, power and exhaust cycles in successive revolutions. Traversal of the second annulus by the rotor transfers the orbital rotation of the rotor to a concentrically disposed power transfer shaft.

Abstract: A precombustion chamber for a compression-ignition internal combustion engine is formed in a cylindrical metal insert seated in the cylinder head. The internal cavity of the insert has a central cylindrical part which at its end adjacent the combustion chamber is connected through a frusto-conical part to a cylindrical second part of reduced diameter, the axis of which is displaced relative to the axis of the central cylindrical part in the opposite direction to an end part which communicates with the combustion chamber. A fuel injector is inserted into an upper end part of the insert, coaxial with the central cylindrical part of the cavity. The configuration leads to a reduction in exhaust smoke.

Abstract: A device for supplying flash evaporated fuels directly to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a housing that is secured to the engine adjacent the combustion chamber and a liquid fuel holding chamber within the housing that is in direct heat exchange relationship with the combustion chamber so that the liquid fuel in the chamber is superheated while the engine is operating. Liquid fuel supplied to the device is drawn into the holding chamber during each intake event of the combustion chamber and is also withdrawn from the holding chamber during the intake event. The holding chamber retains a larger volume than is normally admitted during each intake event and the fuel is further heated by passing same through a restricted passageway that is also in direct heat exchange relationship with the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A device for the speed-dependent closing limitation of a selectively adjustable carburettor main throttle, which is prestressed in the closing direction, includes a variably positionable throttle stop for effecting a substantially complete closure of the main throttle above a rotational speed switching threshold higher than the idling speed. Such a closure interrupts the supply of fuel and air. The throttle stop causes an idling minimum opening position of the main throttle below the switching threshold. The device includes an electromagnetic valve which operates when the speed drops below the switching threshold. The electromagnetic valve has a valve outlet and a pair of valve inlets. A diaphragm box divided into separate chambers is mechanically connected with the throttle stop and one chamber is continuously vented. When the speed is above the switching threshold and also when the ignition is turned off the valve outlet is in flow communication with one of the valve inlets.

Abstract: a fuel system for mixture-compressing internal combustion engines controls the pressure differential of the extraction air required for proportioning the fuel. The system includes a fuel proportioning device and a vane pump for generating a carrier air stream for transporting the fuel into the suction tube of the internal combustion engine. A control valve constructed as a differential pressure valve influences the air pressure at the fuel outlet area and consequently the differential pressure for fuel proportioning. The throttle point is located in the carrier air channel upstream from the fuel proportioning area. A change in differential pressure adapts the mixture composition for various operating conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronically controlled fuel injection device for an internal combustion engine, in which the Strouhal number is established at a prescribed value to achieve stable idling of the engine. This has not been possible in the prior art because at idling speeds, the injection of fuel into the engine synchronously with the Karman vortex frequency produced an extremely low injection frequency, at which it was not possible to maintain a stable idle.

Abstract: A fuel system of the gaseous type utilizing the gas such as propane, methane or the like, wherein gas, preferably in liquefied form, in a tank carried in the trunk compartment of a car, for example, is taken from the tank in gaseous form and conveyed to the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine of the car at very low pressure, through a feeder gasket installed between the carburetor and the intake manifold. Thus it does not require modification of the existing carburetor or replacement thereof, and when installed for alternate use with an existing conventional type gasoline fuel system, means are employed for selectively switching from one system to the other.

Abstract: The degree of opening of the choke valve in a carburetor for an internal combustion engine is controlled in accordance with the temperature of at least one predetermined position of temperature adjustment devices in the air intake manifold portion of the engine, whereby emission of harmful exhaust gas is reduced and the rated fuel consumption of the engine is maintained.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation control system calculates a target EGR ratio value based upon engine operating parameters and maintains the EGR ratio at the target EGR ratio value. Each time the vehicle travels a predetermined distance, the control system calculates an actual EGR ratio value and corrects the target EGR ratio value to reduce a deviation between the target and actual EGR ratio values to zero.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the exhaust gas recycling rate in an internal combustion engine having self-ignition is proposed, in which a set-point or nominal ignition delay value is ascertained, and the actual ignition delay value is regulated to this nominal value. The nominal ignition delay value is efficaciously derived from a multi-dimensional memory, the coordinate values of which are dependent on at least load and rpm. The ignition delay time is ascertained from a comparison of the signal for the injection onset of an injection nozzle, for instance, and the signal of a pressure sensor communicating with the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides charging control circuitry (20) for a capacitor discharge ignition system (10) having power capacitors (21) connected to be discharged by main electronic switches such as SCR's (23) into ignition transformers (24) to sequentially fire the engine's spark plugs (16). The charging control circuits (20) each include a charging SCR (26) to limit charging current flow to the main capacitor (21), unless a discharge pulse into the ignition transformer (24) has occurred in the recent past. Thus if a short circuit in either the main capacitor (21) or main SCR (23) in one of the ignition circuits (19) prevents that ignition circuit from properly functioning, the charging SCR (26) will limit the flow of charging current to the defective circuit and allow the other ignition circuit (19) to receive charging current. The gate of the charging SCR (26) is controlled by an amplified signal from a memory capacitor (28) which is charged by the discharge pulse from the corresponding ignition circuit (19).

Abstract: A plasma ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a plasma ignition plug within each of the engine cylinders, which comprises: (a) a low DC voltage supply such as a vehicle battery; (b) a high surge voltage generator which generates and distributes a high surge voltage having a negative peak value of about minus 15 kilovolts into one of the plasma ignition plugs according to a predetermined ignition order so as to generate a spark discharge at the plasma ignition plug; (c) a DC-DC converter which boosts the low DC voltage sent from the low DC voltage supply to a high DC voltage; (d) a plurality of plasma ignition energy charging means each of which charges the high DC voltage supplied from the DC-DC converter; (e) a plurality of thyristors each for connecting the plasma ignition energy charging means to the corresponding plasma ignition energy charging means to the corresponding plasma ignition plug in response to a first trigger signal applied thereat; (f) a trigger signal generator which gen

Abstract: The period of conduction of an electronic interrupter of an ignition circuit is made shorter increasingly with falling engine speed in comparison to the duration of the period for which the switching path of the engine driven timing generator maintains its condition immediately before the ignition moment. During the time in which that condition is maintained immediately before changing at the ignition moment a capacitor (26) is provided with a first change (b) of its charge in a first direction and thereafter a second change (c) thereof is produced in the other direction. The switching of the electronic interrupter (7) into the conducting condition occurs when the charge of the capacitor reaches a threshold value during the second change of the charge. That threshold value is modifiable by a regulating value that depends at least in part on the engine speed.

Abstract: A lightweight, foldable, portable cooking implement having adjustable cooking and fire box work frames. A vertical frame is provided with a lower ground engaging end and a plurality of vertically spaced apart, forwardly opening, receptacles for removably engaging cooking and fire box frames. Lateral stabilizers, having lower ground engaging ends, are rotatably attached to each side of the vertical frame for adjustable disposition forwardly thereof.

Abstract: A solar energy module characterized by a receiver 14 having a solar energy acceptance opening 22 and supported by a mounting ring 18 along the optic axis A of a parabolic mirror 12 in coaxial alignment therewith for receiving solar energy from the mirror, and a solar flux modulator plate 42 for varying the quantity of solar energy flux received by the acceptance opening of the module. The modulator plate 42 is characterized by an annular, plate-like body, the internal diameter of which is equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the solar energy acceptance opening 22 of the receiver, and a plurality of slave cylinders 44 are connected to the modulator plate for supporting the plate for axial displacement along the axis A of the mirror for thereby variably shading the opening 22 with respect to solar energy flux reflected from the surface of the mirror to the solar energy acceptance opening.

Abstract: Solar energy is collected in any suitable manner with part of the energy being used immediately to produce mechanical or electrical energy. Another part of the solar energy is used to heat a liquid metal which is stored until the sun is not out. At that time the heat from the liquid metal vaporizes another liquid which is then used to produce mechanical or electrical energy. A further part of the solar energy is used to produce hydrogen which is stored until the mechanical or electrical energy produced by the first two parts of the solar energy during a twenty-four hour period is not sufficient to produce the required energy for the twenty-four hour period. At that time the hydrogen is used to produce the remainder of the required mechanical or electrical energy.

Abstract: A solar collector assembly is provided comprising an absorber means adapted to transfer heat to a fluid, a solar energy transmitting cover member, a housing adapted to receive said cover member and to contain said absorber means, said housing having a bottom wall and a plurality of foot sections adapted to receive an after-defined elastomeric body, and an elastomeric body fastened to said foot sections, said elastomeric body having an articulated slot adapted to slideably receive an insert adapted to engage fastener means associated with a mounting bracket to movably secure said housing to said bracket.

Abstract: A light supply apparatus for endoscope, which comprises a lamp provided inside a housing for emitting light, a socket mounted on the housing, a connector of the endoscope being detachably connected to the socket, a detecting section including a LED and a photo-transistor which is provided within the socket so as to face each other and which optically detects the state of coupling between the connector and socket, and a light transmission restricting section for cutting off current supplied to the lamp when the connector is disconnected from the socket.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medical device, namely a novel clip to be used in conjunction with a Harrington rod for the treatment of spinal disorders. The hook has a body portion with a housing at one end thereof, with a hooked portion at the opposite end. A sleeve is inserted through and is retained in a channel which extends through the housing by a retaining means. Using this clip, it is possible to spread the load over more than one lamina as more than one hook may be used in the procedure. This thus allows a patient to be mobile without external support immediately following surgery which has been impossible with the prior art devices.

Abstract: A spinal distraction splint has two like anchor screws extending along respective longitudinal screw axes and adapted to be anchored in the pelvis with the axes crossing. Each of the screws has a head formed with a transversely open recess centered on a respective transverse axis and with an annular array of teeth centered on and angularly equispaced about the respective transverse axis. A bolt extends through one of the recesses and is threaded in the other recess. Thus the bolt secures the heads together with the transverse axes coaxial and the teeth interengaged. Respective distraction rods each have one end braced on the respective screw and another end braced oppositely against a vertebra. Once the two anchor screws are properly inserted and then their heads are locked together the interfitting teeth on the heads absolutely locks them against angular rotation relative to each other about the axis of the fastener bolt and all other relative motion is eliminated by the clamping action of this bolt.

Abstract: An abduction pillow is illustrated wherein a wedge shaped body is constructed of synthetic foam material for positioning the legs of a patient in cushioned but fixed divergent position in which various parts of the abduction pillow are made to be disposable and wherein the wedge shaped body may be truncated to provide a space adjacent the patient's pelvic area which facilitates the placement and removal of catheter and drainage tubing and other related items which need be inserted in the body of the patient during and after surgery.

Abstract: A knee brace (400) includes a first hinge portion (408) having a face (426) comprising a plurality of circumferentially equally spaced teeth (428). An adjusting disc (440) has a first circular face (442) comprising teeth (448) which mesh with the teeth (428) of the first hinge portion (408) to lock the component parts of the knee brace (400) in any desired angular relationship. A second hinge portion (418) has a face (436) comprising a plurality of slots (438a, 438b, 438c and 438d). The adjusting disc (440) has a second circular face (444) comprising a tooth (450) which is selectively engageable with one of the slots (438a, 438b, 438c or 438d) of the second hinge portion (418) to regulate angular movement between the component parts of the knee brace (400). A torsion spring (462) has projections (468, 470) which are selectively positionable in apertures (422, 432) of the first and second hinge portions (408, 418) to apply a predetermined torque to the component parts of the knee brace (400).

Abstract: An improved polyurethane orthopaedic cast bandage is disclosed. The bandage is a polyurethane prepolymer coated on an open-weave, fibrous substrate. The prepolymer contains dimorpholinodiethylether as a catalyst which gives the cast bandage increased shelf stability and excellent set time.

Abstract: Bones are cut in parallel curvilinear cuts and are elongated or shortened or angularly adjusted with the curvilinear curse wedged together for strength. Excised parts are used to build up the cut parts. A blade or guide has a ribbon shape with opposite flanges, neck, pre-neck and loop regions. One blade or guide has additional slide blade or guides to perform double cuts.

Abstract: An ankle protector is provided utilizing a planar slab of high density, flexible, soft foam material shaped to wrap around the rear of the ankle, and calf there being a heel cutaway for positioning purposes, and a pair of relatively thin, wide straps extending from the rear surface of the panel at one side, wrapping around the front of the ankle, and releasibly connecting to the rear surface of the panel at the other side, to securely position the pad behind the ankle.

Abstract: A hand-held, easily maniputable exercise-massage device which enables the user to not only engage in arm and upper body exercise, but also allows for use of the device as a rolling or massaging implement for reducing tension and relieving body aches and pains. The device essentially comprises opposed spring-biased handle portions having mounted therebetween a plurality of roller members so that the user may distend the handles to obtain arm and hand exercising and may use the device for rolling action on the back of the neck or the like, to relieve tension, knotted muscles and, generally, impart a relaxing sensation to the user.

Abstract: An assembly for enabling a respiratory medicament to be administered to a gas mask wearer without breaking the seal between the face blank of the gas mask and the wearer's face. The assembly comprises a container, a respiratory medicament dosage releasably disposed within the container, and a shroud covering the container for (1) interiorly communicating with the exterior of a normally closed passage extending through the face blank of the gas mask to the sealed interior thereof, (2) exteriorly isolating the container and (3) enabling the respiratory medicament dosage to be released from the container while the interior communicating and exterior isolating relationships are maintained.

Abstract: A pressure demand breathing apparatus having a facemask connected through a pressure demand regulator with a shut-off device that operates automatically to interrupt the supply of air to the mask when the facemask is removed. The device operates with a time delay to permit momentary user-induced high flow rates without interrupting the supply.

Abstract: To facilitate the trimming of flange 100 (FIG. 6) of a prosthesis 101 (FIG. 6) to fit closely into reamed out acetabulum 200 in hip bone 201, the aid comprises a body component 11 which corresponds in overall shape to socket member 102 (FIG. 6) of the prosthesis and a separate flange 13 having a protrusion 14 engageable alternatively into socket 12 in the body component 11 and socket 104 of the prothesis. The entire aid is alternately offered into the acetabulum 200 and removed for trimming its flange 13, this being repeated until a good fit of the flange 13 into the acetabulum 200 is achieved. Then, the flange 13, removed from the body component 11, is fitted to the prosthesis 101 (as in FIG. 6) and the flange 100 of the prosthesis can then be trimmed straight away accurately for fitting into the acetabulum 200.

Abstract: A microsurgical scissors uses a rotary cutting action and biased blades that intersect in a travelling point of contact. One blade is situated on the end of a tubular shaft and a second blade is on a rod that is rotatable within the shaft. The blades are angled so their cutting edges intersect each other. To assure a precise shearing relationship, the rod is biased rearward in order to bear the cutting edge of the rod blade against the cutting edge of the shaft blade. An actuating mechanism in the handle translates linear finger motion into rotary motion of the rod. The blades cut cleanly and surely without imparting undue tissue trauma.