Patents Issued in February 5, 1991
  • Patent number: 4990104
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an electrical connector 20 has a dielectric housing for receiving at least one coaxial contact 60. The housing has at least one coaxial contact receiving passage 48 and a pair of tines 50 extending angularly toward the profile of each other into the profile of the passage 48. A coaxial contact 60 is received and secured in the passage 48. The coaxial contact 60 has an electrically conductive shell 72 with an electrically isolated concentric center contact 66 therein. The shell 72 has a surface 88 facing rearwardly of the contact 60. The surface 88 is adapted to engage ends 56 of the tines 50 to releasably secure the coaxial contact 60 in the passage 48. Alternate embodiment plug and receptacle contacts are disclosed for power applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen B. Schieferly
  • Patent number: 4990105
    Abstract: There is disclosed a coaxial contact for termination to a coaxial cable. The coaxial contact has an electrically conductive shell defining an open forward end (116). A center contact (56) for termination to a center conductor (208) of the cable has a mating portion defining cantilever beam means (60) extending to respective distal ends (54). The center contact (56) is disposed concentrically within and isolated from shell (104) by a first dielectric insert (26). A second dielectric insert (192) having a forward portion (232) and a rearward portion (234) is secured in the shell proximate the forward end (116). The second insert (192) has an axial bore (220) therein for receiving a center pin contact of a mating connector. The rearward portion receives within bore (220) the distal ends (54) and a limited length of the cantilever beam means (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert J. Karlovich
  • Patent number: 4990106
    Abstract: An end connector is disclosed for cables, particularly coaxial cables of the type employed in the cable television industry. The crimping sleeve of the connector has external ribs and internal serrations designed to accommodate a wide range of cable sizes in a manner which insures a reliable electrical connection, a secure mechanical coupling, and a weather tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: John Mezzalingua Assoc. Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Szegda
  • Patent number: 4990107
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for providing interconnections between a plurality of contact pads (22) on a daughter board (20) and contact areas (24) on a mother board (26). The assembly includes an elongated housing (28) with a daughter board receiving cavity (38) along its longitudinal axis (30) and a plurality of contact receiving cavities (36) which are substantially planar and parallel to each other arranged at a slight angle with respect to a normal to the axis (30). The contact receiving cavities (36) intersect the board receiving cavity (38) and within each of them there is disposed a contact member (40) having a contact portion (42) and a contact leg (44) on opposite sides of the board receiving cavity (38). The contact leg (44) extends through the bottom surface (34) of the housing (28) into contact with a contact area (24) on the mother board (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Jon A. Fortuna
  • Patent number: 4990108
    Abstract: A connector device for electrically connecting an electronic component having a plurality of connection pins, each of the connection pins having a structure for distinguishing the polarity assigned to the pins, comprises a body provided with an insertion part adapted to accept the plurality of pins, an electrical contact member adapted to engage with the plurality of pins when the pins inserted into the connector have reached respective predetermined positions, and insertion prohibiting structure provided in correspondence to at least one of the connection pins so as to prevent the insertion of the pins to the predetermined positions when the pins are inserted the insertion part with a wrong polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Teac Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 4990109
    Abstract: A terminal for connecting the central pin of a coaxial cable has lower and upper clamping plates on a circuit board. The lower plate moves between extended position where it will clamp the connector and retracted position where the circuit board may be lifted away from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: J. E. Thomas Specialties Limited
    Inventors: Robert L. Romerein, Mark C. Adamson, Zdenek J. Nepovim
  • Patent number: 4990110
    Abstract: An electrical contact unit (100) is disclosed, having a series of four electrical receptacles (102, 104, 106, 108). Each of the receptacles includes an upper cantilever member (110) and a lower cantilever member (112). Upper lateral arms (114) are conductively interconnected by an upper bridge portion (116). Correspondingly, lower lateral arms (118) are conductively interconnected by a lower bridge portion (120). The upper lateral arms (114) and upper bridge portion (116) provide a pair of contact surfaces or edges (122). Correspondingly, the lower lateral (118) and lower bridge portion (120) form a pair of lower contact surfaces or edges (124). In addition, an upper cantilever member (128) positioned inwardly of the upper lateral arms (114) is also provided. A lower and inner cantilever member (130) is disposed directly below the upper and inner cantilever member (128) and is located in a spatial area formed by the lower lateral arms (118) and lower bridge portion (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Norman R. Byrne
  • Patent number: 4990111
    Abstract: A hydraulically operated tilt and trim system having an arrangement for permitting retraction of the trim cylinders when the outboard drive is in its tilted up out of the water condition. An arrangement for bleeding air from the system and for adding make up fluid to the system through the trim retraction circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Saitoh, Akihiro Onoue
  • Patent number: 4990112
    Abstract: Several embodiments of arrangements for transmitting driving thrusts from the bearing carrier of a lower unit to the lower unit housing at the rear end of the bearing carrier so as to permit a compact and streamlined relationship while affording high thrust transfer areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirofumi Imaeda
  • Patent number: 4990113
    Abstract: This invention is a hand grip provided with two spaced apart mounting pads for adhesive mounting to the surface of a surfboard. A strap extends between the mounts, and the mounts normally space the strap from the board surface. The strap is flexible and has limited elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Sexwax Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard Q. Morrison
  • Patent number: 4990114
    Abstract: The invention provides an inflatable rescue ramp having a pair of spaced inflatable tubes which join at one end to define a bow. A flexible web is mounted between and connects to the tubes at outside seams. That is, the web passes under each tube and is attached thereto on outside longitudinal seams, such that downward pressure on the web or ramp floor will cause adjacent portions of the tubes to axially rotate outwardly from each other to provide and enhance passageway on the web between the tubes. The rescue ramp is carried to the scene in a folded and compact state, with the above tubes being connected to a compressed air source. The rescue ramp is positioned on or near a firm surface and pointed toward a victim on an unfirm surface e.g. in an icy pond and the tubes inflated causing the ramp to pop or snake out of its packed condition and extend toward the victim with anchor lines from the tubes trailing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: George W. LeBlanc, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4990115
    Abstract: A buoyancy compensator is provided with an expandable cummerbund and an auxiliary harness which is attached to the cummerbund. The buoyancy compensator comrpises a vest having a back portion, right and left shoulder flaps, and right and left front portions. A cummerbund includes an elastic central portion which is attached to the back portion and a pair of non-elastic end portions. The cummerbund is adapted to be secured about the waist of the wearer and can expand and contract as the wearer changes his elevation in the water. An auxiliary harness is provided by a pair of straps which are attached to the end portions of the cummerbund and which can be releasably connected to the shoulder portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Soniform, Inc.
    Inventors: Marjorie Vorhauer, Neil Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 4990116
    Abstract: A combining structure for toy blocks, forming a cross-shaped tenon on the top surface of a single unit block and mortises in the bottom surface of the single unit block, the unit blocks able to be combined together one by one inserting the tenon of a block in the mortises of another block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Tsan L. Chen
  • Patent number: 4990117
    Abstract: A toy vehicle travels on the surface of a travel board, following a path of magnetically attractive material. The toy vehicle has a single drive wheel located centrally on the bottom of the vehicle's body. The center of gravity of the vehicle resides substantially over the single drive wheel so that the vehicle is balanced. A magnet located in the front of the vehicle is attracted to the magnetic path on the travel board. The magnetic attraction directly steers the vehicle about the central drive wheel along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Yonezawa Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 4990118
    Abstract: A toy utilizing bubbles in liquid comprises a vessel to be charged with a liquid keeping an air layer at the top and to be sealed, a bubble generating member, and in-liquid movable members moved by bubbles rising in the liquid in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Sente Creations Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akio Shiina
  • Patent number: 4990119
    Abstract: A simulated baby nursing bottle has spaced inner and outer cylindrical shells providing a narrow annular cavity therebetween in which is disposed a colored liquid. The cap provides a concealed chamber into which the liquid may drain when the bottle is tipped downwardly. The simulated nipple includes an axially reciprocatable portion which acts upon a compressible member communicating with a clear liquid within the inner shell to produce air bubbles and agitation of the liquid within the container when the reciprocatable portion is depressed. In one embodiment, a second compressible member is provided in the bottom of the inner shell which is vented to the atmosphere and which is compressed to expel air therefrom when the first compressible member is compressed by the nipple portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis R. Amici, Brian Fontaine, Craig Dubois
  • Patent number: 4990120
    Abstract: A peanut person is provided in which the head and body are made from peanuts, the arms and legs are made of insulated wire, the hands from electric connectors and the feet from plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventors: Arthur Famiglietti, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4990121
    Abstract: A rolling mill drive with axially slidable spindles arranged between drive shafts and drive rolls, particularly between driven necks of pinions and drive necks of rolls. The spindle heads of each spindle are each provided with a wobbler with a curved toothing and coupling sleeve having an internal toothing surrounding the wobbler. The coupling sleeve is connected to the pinion neck or to the roll neck. The spindle is guided between the coupling sleeves by means of at least one support element arranged in the region of the spindle axis and an axially adjustable pressure plunger. The internal toothing of the coupling sleeve extends beyond the curved toothing of the wobbler and has at least a supporting length which corresponds to the length of the possible axial displacement of the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Vosbeck, Gerhard Artel, Jurgen Stelbrink
  • Patent number: 4990122
    Abstract: A system for damping relative rotation between two axially driven shafts (30) rotating in the same direction and for indicating failure of one of the shafts is disclosed. The system includes a coupling mechanism (34), coupling the driven shafts together to transmit torque from one of the shafts to the other of the shafts upon a predetermined relative angular rotation between the two shafts and providing a free zone of relative rotation between the shafts without transmitting torque between the shafts when the shafts have moved less than a predetermined angular rotation with respect to each other within the free zone of rotation. A mechanism (32) is provided which is coupled to the shafts for producing movement of a movable member (40) which is directly proportional to the degree of relative rotation between the shafts (30) during relative rotation between the shafts less than the predetermined relative angular rotation within the free zone of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Duane H. Grimm
  • Patent number: 4990123
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission system having a fixed variable diameter pulley connected by a drive belt to at least one other pulley. A tensioner pulley maintains the tension on the drive belt within predetermined limits as the effective diameter of the variable diameter pulley changes. The effective diameter of the variable diameter pulley is determined by a balance between a resilient force biasing a plurality of belt engaging members in a predetermined direction and a radial force acting on the plurality of belt engaging members in the opposite direction. In a first embodiment, the resilient force biases the plurality of belt engaging members outwardly and the radial forces are generated by displacing the tensioner pulley to increase the tension on the drive belt. In an alternate embodiment, the plurality of belt engaging members are biased inwardly by a resilient force and are displaced outwardly by centrifugal forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Werner Krude
  • Patent number: 4990124
    Abstract: Drag chain link typically employed for conveying cement clinker characterized by transversely ribbed underside adapted to trap a layer of clinker material for transferring a substantial portion of the normal chain wear to the clinker layer. Optionally, a grid of rectangular pocket forming ridges or other pocket forms may be employed over all or limited portions of the link face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventors: A. J. Bartoletto, Ronald W. T. Birchard
  • Patent number: 4990125
    Abstract: A flat type power transmission belt with an embedded tensile member of first and second plies of yarns where a first layer of yarns is disposed at a first helical angle and a second layer of yarns is disposed at an opposite helical angle. A method for making flat belts by making a sleeve and embedding a tensile member therein by winding a first plurality of yarns at a first helical angle and then winding a second plurality of yarns in a second layer at an opposite helical angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: The Gates Rubber Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Stuemky, Jon A. Johnston
  • Patent number: 4990126
    Abstract: A chamber having therein a V-belt type continuously variable transmission is separated from another chamber having therein a differential mechanism. These chambers, however, are in fluid communication with an oil pan via generally vertical holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasufumi Ideta, Hiromi Taguchi
  • Patent number: 4990127
    Abstract: A dual range infinitely variable transmission utilizes a continuously variable speed mechanism in conjunction with a fixed ratio speed mechanism to provide two power paths from the input to the rotatable output. A jaw clutch is utilized to switch between the high range and low range of the transmission. A reaction type clutch is utilized to provide a positive neutral for the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Roberts, deceased, Richard L. Smirl, Herbert N. Underwood
  • Patent number: 4990128
    Abstract: A carton leading and trailing end panel folding mechanism for use with a tubular carton blank mounted on a mandrel, with the end closure panels extended beyond the face of the mandrel. The main folding mechanism is a single freely rotatable roller which serves to first fold the leading panel rearwardly as the latter rotates therepast, and then to engage and fold the trailing panel forwardly as it rotates therepast. The roller may be stationary until contacted by the leading panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Elopak Systems A.G.
    Inventor: Howard E. Murrah
  • Patent number: 4990129
    Abstract: An adapter preferably of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene is provided for use with a conical centrifuge tube in an ultracentrifuge swinging bucket rotor hole and is designed to allow the easy removal of the adapter and tube after centrifugation. At the top of the adapter is an integral annular rim with an outside diameter equal to that of a cylindrical upper portion of the centrifuge tube and with a minimal clearance to the diameter of the rotor hole. Immediately below the annular rim and adapter diameter reduces to a lesser diameter and continues until intersection with a hemispherical bottom region. The internal configuration of the adapter has a tapered conical section ending in a reduced diameter hemisphere, the internal taper and hemisphere of the adapter exactly matching the exterior of supported conical portion and hemispherical termination end of the sample tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Steven T. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 4990130
    Abstract: A centrifuge device is provided which may impart selectively controlled centrifugal force to samples under consideration, or a shaking or agitation movement to the samples, as required. A feature of the invention is the use of two roller clutches on the single drive shaft of the device so that a selective movement may be imparted to the samples through the same drive by utilizing a locking mechanism to provide rotation from the shaft in opposite directions. Rotation in one direction causes the imposition of centrifugal force through one clutch, while rotation in the opposite direction causes rotation through the second clutch and the imposition of agitation. In that direction, the sample support mechanism is moved vertically, controlled by a cylinder cam. A further feature of the invention is selective agitation movement and selective degree of agitation through selection of a particular cam profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: A. Wesley Prais
  • Patent number: 4990131
    Abstract: Arteries and veins of umbilical cords are treated by processes described, fitted with a biodegradable mesh support and used as tubular prosthesis for vascular reconstructive surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventors: Herbert Dardik, Irving I. Dardik
  • Patent number: 4990132
    Abstract: A method for plasmapheresis includes withdrawal of a quantity of blood from a blood donor to an annular primary container forming part of a closed flexible processing assembly positioned in a processing space provided in a centrifuge rotor and conformed to the processing assembly. During the withdrawal, the rotor is caused to perform an oscillating movement for agitating the blood whereupon the blood is centrifuged in the primary container to be separated into blood cells and plasma. While the centrifugation is going on, the primary container is compressed to expel the plasma fraction to a secondary container. Liquid diluent is then fed to the primary container to resuspend the blood cell fraction while agitation is again accomplished by oscillating the rotor, whereupon the blood cell fraction is returned to the blood donor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Omega Medicinteknik AB
    Inventors: Peter Unger, Eric Westberg
  • Patent number: 4990133
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ureteral catheter stent which includes an elongated, relatively flexible, hollow tubular member having a plurality of drainage openings extending through a wall thereof and having two end portions each end portion being in the form of a hook and having at least one male and/or female interlocking unit formed into the end of at least one hook. The ureteral catheter stent of the present invention is used in conjunction with a follower which is interlocked therewith during insertion so that rotation or movement of the follower will create exact rotation of the stent on the guide wire during insertion so as to accurately and easily enable the user to place the hook of the stent in the direction desired. Additionally, the ureteral catheter stent of the present invention may have other sources for inserting other devices, rods, tubes of the like into the stent at a future date, without having to locate the lower end of a hook and without having to straighten the hook itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Tenax-Glynn Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Solazzo
  • Patent number: 4990134
    Abstract: An abrasive tipped rotating cutting tool for use in removing abnormal deposits within a patient's vessels is described. The tip is preferably covered with a material such as diamond grit, and rotated at high speed to pulverize any abnormal deposits contained within the vessel.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tip is ellipsoidal in shape, and the coarseness of the abrasive material on the tip is varied from most coarse adjacent the distal end of the tip to finest adjacent the portion of the tip which has the widest diameter. Preferably, there is no abrasive on the widest part of the tip in order to prevent the tip from injuring a patient's vessel in the event that the tip is allowed to remain in one place for an extended period of time. In addition, there may be radial openings formed in the tip which permit water to be pumped therethrough in order to act as a lubricant for assisting in the cutting action of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Heart Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Auth
  • Patent number: 4990135
    Abstract: A serum inoculator for inoculating birds is disclosed. The inoculator includes a reservoir and a reciprocable needle having a portion movable into and out of the reservoir for insertion in and removal from the bird to be inoculated. The needle includes in that portion which enters and exits from the reservoir, an elongate diametric slot defining a side opening in each side of the needle. The slot includes flared sides and a projection extending into the slot at each end thereof and being adapted to positively attract and hold a predetermined measured serum dose for a single inoculation. A wiper fixed in position at the dispensing end of the reservoir for removing from the needle the serum other than that contained in the elongate diametric slot. A plunger is provided for imparting reciprocating strokes to the needle for drawing the elongate diametric slot into the reservoir and for charging it with serum and to project it therefrom to an exposed position for inoculating use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: R. Grant Truesdale, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4990136
    Abstract: A suppository applicator for inserting suppositories into body cavities comprises a tubular body having an open end and a closed end. A plunger is slidably disposed in the tubular body for reciprocal movement between a withdrawn position and an extended position and a combined spring is situated between the plunger and the closed end of the applicator to urge the plunger toward its extended position. The tubular body is formed with a longitudinal slot along its side which has a notch that extends from the slot to engage a latch on the plunger and hold the plunger in its withdrawn position. The open end of the tubular body is shaped to stationarily hold a suppository against the withdrawn plunger until the suppository is to be inserted into the body cavity. When the latch is released, the spring pushes the plunger against the suppository to insert the suppository into its desired placement in the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventor: Navin M. Geria
  • Patent number: 4990137
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed wound drainage system with a clearing port connected to the system, having a permeable membrane for sealable passage of a needle therethrough for injection of fluid into the system in order to flush the system without opening the system. The clearing port may also be used to withdraw fluid samples from the system for laboratory analysis without contaminating the system or the sample during the withdrawal procedure. The present invention also relates to a method for sterile clearing of obstructions in a closed wound drainage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases
    Inventor: Dennis Graham
  • Patent number: 4990138
    Abstract: An everting balloon catheter having a distal end opening defined by a beveled rim is disclosed. The distal end portion of a catheter, e.g., an everting balloon catheter, can be made radioopaque by bonding a distal end portion comprising a polymeric material doped with a major amount of radioopaque metals onto a catheter body. Alternately, a composition comprising polymeric adhesives, and/or precursors of polymeric adhesives, and a major amount of radioopaque metal components can be placed, e.g., painted on the distal end portion of a catheter body to provide the desired degree of radioopacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Bacich, Ronald J. Jabba, Manouchehr Miraki, Robert Skribiski, Louis Seiler, Jr., Robert L. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 4990139
    Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter for performing balloon angioplasty having multiple independently inflatable/deflatable balloons thereon, each balloon having a different diameter. The balloons are capable of withstanding pressures in excess of 100 psi and are non-elastomeric and imperforate. Also disclosed is a method for performing balloon angioplasty by advancing a balloon catheter of the type disclosed into a stenosis inside a blood vessel, inflating a first balloon to partially dilate the stenosis, advancing a second balloon into the partially dilated stenosis, wherein the diameter of the second balloon is greater than the diameter of the first balloon, and inflating the second balloon to further dilate the stenosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: G. David Jang
  • Patent number: 4990140
    Abstract: A flexible spray tip device is provided so that the user may bend and rigidly hold a spray tip at the end of a syringe. Alternately, the spray tip may be rotated around 360.degree., to provide orientation and angulation of the device while simultaneously attached to the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Black
  • Patent number: 4990141
    Abstract: A syringe which is suitable for discarding after a single use takes the form of a generally tubular syringe body which has a double-ended hollow needle extending generally axially through a first, closed end of the body and is open at its second end to permit insertion of a liquid container such as an ampoule containing a liquid material to be injected. A removable plunger rod is provided to enter such a container within the syringe body to inject liquid from it via the needle, and one or more resilient projections extend generally radially inwardly from the open end of the syringe body, to allow insertion of a liquid container but prevent its subsequent withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: National Research Development Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip O. Byrne, Penelope R. Sisson, Harry R. Ingham
  • Patent number: 4990142
    Abstract: An inner elongated tubular member having a plurality of arms which extend from one end thereof and a concentric outer sleeve slideable relative to the tubular member for urging each of the arms into engagement with the hub of a needle attached to one end of a medicament cartridge to lock the cartridge and its needle to the tubular member and form a hypodermic needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: J. Kenneth Hoffman, Joseph W. Blake, III
  • Patent number: 4990143
    Abstract: A reinforced medico-surgical tube comprising a tube of flexible material, a filament helix coaxial with the tube and disposed between inner and outer peripheries of the tube, and a distal end of the tube, the distal end including a straight-cut or angle-cut axial end face disposed at an angle equal to or other than 90.degree. with respect to a central axis of the tube. The filament helix is separated into pieces at the distal end if the tube is angle-cut such that coils of the filament helix are discontinuous with opposite ends of the the coils adjacent the end face of the distal end. The cut filament end in the case of a straight-cut tube or the cut filament ends in the case of an angle-cut tube confront the axial end face and are separated therefrom by a thin layer of flexible material formed by melting the end face, melting a plastic piece onto the end face or by any other suitable method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Sheridan Catheter Corporation
    Inventor: David S. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 4990144
    Abstract: A non-adherent wound dressing comprising a film which contains depressions over the wound contacting area of the dressing is described. The depressions contain a viscous pharmaceutical composition which is suitable for topical application to the skin and which preferably contains from 1 to 12.5% by weight of antibacterial agent. In a preferred form of the dressing each depression has an aperture at its apex whereby transmission of wound exudate through the dressing to an absorbent placed on the non-wound contacting surface of the dressing is permitted while at the same time the pharmaceutical composition may release its medicament to the environment of the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Smith and Nephew Associated Companies plc
    Inventor: Patrick L. Blott
  • Patent number: 4990145
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for vomit or urine. The container includes a flattened conical paperboard funnel to which is sealably attached a bag. The funnel has a "duck-bill" valve attached to its lower end, and the valve is disposed inside the bag. A shroud or cover is sealingly attached to the outer surface of the funnel. The cover is shaped to allow easy insertion of the user's hand while providing protection for the user from contact with material which may miss the funnel during initial positioning thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: GKR Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Fleury
  • Patent number: 4990146
    Abstract: The invention relates to amino group-containing polymers, which are produced by the polymerization of acrylates with aminoacrylates in the forms of esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid with amino alcohols. Polymers of this type are insoluble in the neutral to basic aqueous medium, but are soluble in the acid medium. They are particularly suitable for the production of colostomy bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Belland AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Deibig, Albrecht Dinkelaker
  • Patent number: 4990147
    Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, having a liquid impervious backsheet, a urine pervious liner, and absorbent core intermediate the backsheet and liner is disclosed. The liner has a passageway to allow communication of solid waste materials to the core, thereby isolating such waste from the skin of the wearer. The liner, is at least partially composed of elastic panels. The elastic panels register the passageway with the anal opening to minimize the size of the passageway and prevent unnecessary exposure of the skin to the solid waste materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: M. Elaine Freeland
  • Patent number: 4990148
    Abstract: A rongeur with special features applied to the footplate area to prevent the intersection of stress fields to allow the rongeur to be reduced in size and mass without materially reducing the strength of the rongeur. A transverse groove is used at the intersection of the anvil surface of the base plate and the shank base plane. Also the base of the footplate recess is offset from the shank base plane and the inside wall of the recess meets the recess base in a gentle curve. These features can be used individually or together to prevent the intersection of stress fields in the footplate area and thus allow the size of the footplate to be reduced without materially reducing the strength of the rongeur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Worrick, III, John A. Santangelo
  • Patent number: 4990149
    Abstract: A modular broach handle for use with a broach having a tapered configuration beginning at a wider upper end tapering to a smaller lower end. An elongated handle body portion has a longitudinal axis, with one end portion of the handle body defining a connection end portion for attaching a broach thereto at the wide upper end portion of the broach. A slot extends a distance along the handle terminating at one end thereof adjacent a connection end poriton of the handle body. A socket communicating with the slot is formed at the connection end portion of the handle body, the socket having an open end portion receptive of an attachment post on the wide end portion of the broach. A spring loaded slider bar is disposed within the slot for sliding movement therein and with respect to the handle between engaged and disengaged positions, and includes an end portion that extends into the socket when in the engaged position to form a connection with the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Richards Medical Company
    Inventor: Thomas W. Fallin
  • Patent number: 4990150
    Abstract: The bandage for maintaining the anterior chamber of an eye according to the present invention is formed so as to cover an incision during operation and to tightly contact with the incision and its circumference, has a small hole for insertion of instruments for operation and is transparent. This bandage can prevent the outflow of aqueous humor through an incision during ocular operation without conducting the temporary suture of incision and thereby enables ocular operation in a state where the anterior chamber is maintained. Therefore, the bandage has solved various problems (e.g. complicated operation procedure, long operation time, high invasion associated with operation) encountered in the conventional ocular operation wherein the incision is temporarily sutured to prevent the outflow of aqueous humor therethrough and thereby to maintain the anterior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Tsubota, Hiroshi Sakai
  • Patent number: 4990151
    Abstract: A device for transluminal implantation or extraction of a substantially tubular, radially selfexpanding stent (27), comprising a central tube (3) surrounded by an exterior tube (5) axially displaceable relative to the central tube (3), and a plurality of axially extending spring members (21) attached to the outer surface of said central tube (3) at the distal end thereof, said members being substantially evenly distributed around the periphery of said tube and capable of outward springing action of their front ends when retracting said exterior tube (5) from the distal end of said central tube (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Medinvent S.A.
    Inventor: Hans I. Wallsten
  • Patent number: 4990152
    Abstract: An elastic ligature applicator device including a central member for storing a plurality of unexpanded elastic ligatures in series fashion, a conical expander and a ligature dilator for pushing a ligature over the expander and onto grasped anatomical tissue. An optional applicator manipulation facilitating assembly may be provided to ease use of the applicator device during a surgical procedure. Components are readily disassembled to load a series of unexpanded elastic ligatures onto the applicator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: InBae Yoon
  • Patent number: 4990153
    Abstract: A surgical suturing system having a probe assembly for positioning tissue to be sutured and a stapling system for suturing tissue. The stapling system includes a stapler having a housing with a staple ejection slot, a magazine of preformed staples received within the housing and a driver for driving the leading staple in the magazine through the ejection slot. The probe assembly includes a holding probe in close proximity to the staple ejection slot, the probe assembly being adapted to connect with a vacuum source. A working end of the holding probe is configured to selectively hold onto and position the edges of the tissue to be sutured in juxtapositional coplanar alignment while the tissue is being sutured by a staple ejected from the stapler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Ophthalmic Ventures Limited Partnership
    Inventor: William D. Richards