Abstract: An electrical connector is provided with an adjustable strain relief including a pair of movable barriers captively mounted by the connector housing for selective rotational positioning such as to cooperate with fixed barriers formed on the two parts of the connector housing in providing strain relieving labyrinth grips on the terminal portions of at least two sizes of electric cord.

Abstract: A connector is constructed such that the front half portions of a pair of connector housings each accommodating a terminal are coupled with each other, and are locked and connected together by means of a pair of locking members. This connector comprises a detecting spacer locked and connected to one of the pair of connector housings by means of another pair of locking members and a lock-releasing portion provided on the other connector housing for releasing locking between the detecting spacer and the one of the pair of connector housings when the other connector housing is properly coupled with the one of the pair of connector housings.

Abstract: A coaxial connector assembly (10) includes a plug (40) and jack (140) having respective inner and outer conductors matable at a mating interface. The mating interface (MI) includes a plurality of regions A,B,C of mismatched impedance having varying axial lengths defined by diameter changes of said inner and outer conductors of the plug (40) and jack (140) between respective dielectric bodies (50,162) thereof upon mating. A reduced diameter portion of the plug's outer conductor (52) inwardly from its leading end corresponds with an increased diameter of the plug's inner conductor (46) and is engaged by leading ends (176) of spring arms (170) of a reduced diameter leading end of the jack's outer conductor (160). The leading ends (176) of the spring arms (170) engage the inward surface of the reduced diameter portion of the plug's outer conductor (52) within a range of axial locations accommodating variations in the locations of the plug (40) and jack (140) upon full mating.

Abstract: A splice connector (10) includes first and second outer shells (20,50) which are press fit together and secure therewithin an inner dielectric sleeve (80) defining a subassembly (12). Inner contacts (100,110) are terminated onto inner conductors of coaxial cables (160,170) and insertable into a bore (82) of the inner sleeve (80) and mate therewithin during assembly. Inner ferrules (120,140) are placed over the outer jackets of the cables, lengths of the Outer jacket (162,172) are removed and the shielding braid (164,174) folded back over forward portions (128,148) of ferrules (120,140), and the ends of the cables are inserted into large recesses (28,58) of the subassembly (12). The annular flanges (30,60) of the outer shells (20,50) defining the large recesses are then crimped onto the ferrule forward portions (128,148) carefully but firmly compressing the shielding braids (164,174) between the flange and ferrule surfaces to define an electrical grounding connection and also forming a splice joint (14).

Abstract: A crimp type F-Connector wherein the crimp required for easy installation reduced while affording reliable cable retention. A wide range of cable sizes are accommodated by one connector which is configured to provide adequate sealing and mechanical strength in the connector while facilitating optimized radial deformation for providing reliable retention and a reliable mechanical and electrical interface with the coaxial cable upon which it is crimped. The connector includes a crimping portion including a sleeve that has a plurality of ribs or external annular protrusions which are dimensioned to enhance rigidity and mechanical strength. The ribs are of equal diameters when uncrimped and are "flat" crimped to maximize the cable area against which crimp forces are applied. An innermost rib is proximate to a support wall and separated by an exaggerated spacing to reduce crimp forces experienced when installing the connector onto the cable.

Abstract: A converter-type circuit connector for linking electronic devices. Preferably, the converter-type connector comprises a D-type 50-point contact connector, a converter circuit board having an upper and lower circuit boards, two D-type 25-point contact connectors, upper and lower covers, and an iron panel, the D-type 50-point contact connector having a male configuration and both lateral sides thereof being indented with grooves for fastening the connector to an electronic device. Inside the converter-type connector, two rows of electrical conductors exit the back of the D-type 50-point contact connector. Each electrical conductor is angled at 90 degrees and connects with the converter circuit board. The 50-point contact connector defines the front of the converter-type circuit connector, the housing of which is defined by the upper and lower covers.

Abstract: The cylindrical plug of a low-voltage, high current capacity connector assembly has an axially positioned sleeve wiping contact and a transversely positioned U-shaped channel member to provide two pairs of planar wiping contact surfaces parallel to the plug axis and substantially perpendicular to the plug housing surface. The socket component, which will accept standard low-voltage, low current car appliance plugs, includes an internally mounted, closed face pin contact and a barrel contact having depending ears positioned to engage the protruding sides of the plug U-shaped channel member. The socket also has an internal boss and housing lip to prevent electrical activation of a standard automotive cigarette lighter plug, and the plug component of the connector assembly has the sleeve contact recessed to prevent contact following insertion into a conventional cigarette lighter socket.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a housing (20) having a mating face (22) and an opposed rear face (24), the housing being formed with a plurality of contact receiving passageways (26) extending between the mating face and the rear face. Each of the passageways contains a contact (40) which includes a generally linear central body portion (42), a terminal portion (46) at a first end of the central body portion which includes a slotted insulation displacing plate (48) adapted to mechanically and electrically engage an individual cable wire, a generally linear pin receiving beam portion (50) at the second end of the central body portion (42) which is offset from the line (52) defined by the linear central body portion, and retention means (44) on the central body portion for engaging the housing (20) to retain the contact in its passageway (26).

Abstract: A connection construction of a high-voltage resistance wire, in which an insulating coating layer is stripped from a distal end portion of the high-voltage resistance wire so as to expose a portion of a winding conductor constituted by an insulating core and a resistance wire wound around the insulating core; wherein a contact piece is mounted on the portion of the winding conductor so as to enclose the portion of the winding conductor in a state where the contact piece is pressed against the portion of the winding conductor; wherein the portion of the winding conductor is folded back onto the insulating coating layer such that the contact piece is brought into facial pressing contact with a terminal.

Abstract: A pedal operated catamaran includes a pair of side-by-side buoyant hulls, and a rigid frame releasably mounted to the hulls in one of two alternative positions, to maintain the hulls parallel to one another. The catamaran includes a propeller mounted for rotation with an elongated, longitudinal propeller drive shaft. A gear train drivably associates the propeller drive shaft and a crankshaft, for propeller rotation responsive to rotation of the crankshaft. The propeller drive shaft further is pivotally mounted to allow selective alternative latching of the propeller in a retracted position and in one of several operating positions, as controlled by a hand-operated lever. The latching mechanism allows on-the-fly adjustment of the propeller position. In the retracted position, the propeller is automatically angularly locked above the hulls, to facilitate car top carrying of the craft without disassembly.

Abstract: Marine apparatus comprising a member adapted to be mounted on a boat for pivotal movement relative thereto about an axis, and control structure for causing pivotal movement of the member about the axis, the structure including a hydraulic assembly having one end adapted to engage the boat and an opposite end engaging the member, the hydraulic assembly including a cylinder, a piston dividing the cylinder into first and second chambers, and a piston rod which is fixed to the piston and which extends through the second chamber, and structure utilizing water pressure created by relative movement between the boat and the body of water in which the boat is operating for pressurizing the hydraulic assembly, the pressurizing structure including a conduit having one end which opens forwardly and which is adapted to communicate with the body of water, and having an opposite end communicating with the first chamber, and the pressurizing structure permitting the pressure in the first chamber to decrease in response to de

Abstract: A flotation device (10) for sportsmen which includes a U-shaped flotation tube assembly (11) having a pair of opposing parallel legs (12 & 14) which are encased by a fabric outer covering (20) and has attached thereto a flexible seating platform (18). Flexible seating platform (18) is attached to outer covering (20) so that it is suspended between opposing parallel legs (12 & 14) of U-shaped flotation tube assembly (11). Tensioning strap 22 spans the outer perimeter of the U-shaped flotation tube assembly and attaches to the ends of the opposing legs for preventing the legs from collapsing toward each other when weight is applied to the flexible seating platform. Flexible outer covering (20) has a zippered access hole (32) whereby the U-shaped flotation tube assembly (11) may be introduced and inflated so that U-shaped flotation tube assembly (11) fills out outer covering (20) and provides buoyancy for sportsman on water.

Abstract: A field-emission type switching device includes a substrate formed with a recess having a straight edge and serrated edge opposite to the straight edge. A gate electrode is formed at the bottom of the recess. An emitter electrode is provided over the substrate and formed with a serrated edge which is slightly off alignment with the serrate edge of the recess so as to provide an emitter overhanging portion overhanging the recess. Similarly, a collector electrode is provided over the substrate means and formed with a straight edge which is slightly off alignment with the straight edge of the recess so as to provide a collector overhanging portion overhanging the recess. The emitter and collector electrodes are disposed in one plate and the gate electrode is disposed in another plane below the one plane.

Abstract: A sound producing workbench toy includes a molded plastic base supporting a molded plastic work surface. A work station formed of a molded plastic material defines a plurality of receptacles within which various tools and accessories such as simulated nails, screws or bolts may be received. Switch mechanisms within the receptacles are coupled to conventional sound producing circuits and are operative in response to the manipulation of inserted tools, screws, bolts or the like to energize the sound circuits at the appropriate time.

Abstract: A maternity support undergarment integrating a support panel with a pantie for supporting the abdominal area of a pregnant women. The support panel is adjustable for allowing proper support to be imparted to a women's abdominal area throughout the duration of her pregnancy.

Abstract: This process involves continuously measuring the size of a portion of intestine by means (3) and commanding by means of a computer (8) the selection of a packaging container or support (7) corresponding to this size. This process also involves measuring by means (4) the length of portions of each size which are packaged in the various containers or supports and stopping the run of the portion being measured when a predetermined packaged length is reached.

Abstract: A heater unit of an air mixing apparatus for an automotive vehicle includes a core case for housing a heater core and a distribution case communicating with the core case. The distribution case includes a vent duct connecting port connectable to a vent duct previously fixed to an instrument panel; at least one defroster duct connecting port connectable to at least one defroster duct also previously fixed to the instrument panel; and in particular, a guide duct connectable to a side vent duct extending to a driver seat side and fixed to a vehicle body. Since the guide duct is additionally included with the distribution case, it is possible to previously fix the vent duct extending to the front passenger seat side and defroster ducts to the instrument panel, so that the duct assembly workability is improved markedly and the ducts can be reliably fixed to the instrument panel.

Abstract: Mine ventilation tubing system for use in a mine tunnel including a plurality of tubing sections having, in transverse cross section, three sides connected together by three radiused corners, one of the corners having a substantially larger radius than the other two corners. A mounting assembly mounts the tubing sections in the tunnel with the one corner having the larger radius located closely adjacent the intersection of one of the side walls with the ceiling of the tunnel. In its mounted position, a first of the tubing section sides is located closely adjacent the ceiling, and a second of the tubing section sides is located closely adjacent the side wall such that the tubing sections are positioned out of the way of equipment travelling or operating in the tunnel.

Abstract: A fire damper comprising a plurality of interconnected blades is provided with a pair of primary negator type springs which are attached to the leading blade and a pair of auxiliary negator type springs which are attached to an intermediate blade. The blades are normally maintained in a folded condition with the springs exerting a biasing force urging movement of the blades to an extended closed position. Upon release of the blades in response to detection of fire or smoke conditions, the springs cooperate to move the blade assembly to the completely closed position. The auxiliary springs increase the rate of closing of the assembly and facilitate unfolding of a portion of the blade assembly to enhance the closing of the assembly even under high air flow conditions.

Abstract: A personal portable evaporative cooling device comprising a cowling fitted to a person's back and spaced from said back to form a plenum into which ambient air is forced by an electric motor powered fan located in an opening in the cowling said opening located near the center of the cowling. The air exhausts through a gap between the periphery of the cowling and a person's back. The cowling is supported on said back by a harness. Electric power to the electric motor is provided by batteries carried on a waist band. Moisture is provided by perspiration.

Abstract: A torsion damper comprises two coaxial parts, one of which comprises a damper plate and a hub, coaxial with each other and having respective complementary sets of teeth. A resilient member in the form of a shock absorbing ring is provided in the same coaxial part of the damper and is coupled in rotation to the damper plate. The shock absorbing ring comprises at least one substantially rigid first member, on which the set of complementary teeth is formed, together with at least one resiliently deformable second member for coupling in rotation with the damper plate.

Abstract: A rotary ball joint, especially for angularly movable driveshafts for motor vehicles, has an outer joint member (11) with ball tracks (18) uniformly distributed on its inner circumference and an inner joint member (12) non-rotatingly connected to the outer joint member (11). The inner joint member (12) includes ball sockets (13) which correspond to the ball tracks of the outer joint members (11). The ball sockets comprise spherical inner faces and, via the balls (14) supported therein, establish a form-fitting connection between the inner joint member (12) and the outer joint member (11). A plurality of bearing balls (15) are positioned in the sockets to provide a bearing surface for the force-transmitting balls (14). In the inner joint member, the force-transmitting balls (14) are guided in the ball sockets (13) and in the outer joint member they are guided in the ball tracks (18).

Abstract: A musical seesaw is provided and consists of a music box carried within hollow cylindrical post mounted on a base which is placed on a flat surface. When an elongated plank which is centrally carried between upper ends of a pair of spaced standards extending upwardly from the cylindrical post goes up and down, with a person riding on each end, the music box will operate.

Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission wherein an input member is driven by an engine through a torque sensor and the input member drives an output member at a selected RPM through a pair of adjustable sheaves and an endless belt or chain which is trained over the sheaves. Each sheave has a fixed flange and an axially movable flange. The movable flanges can be shifted by hydraulic motors, and the pressure of fluid in such motors is determined by torque which is detected by the sensor as well as by the selected ratio of the transmission. The device which controls the pressure of fluid in the motors in dependency on the magnitude of torque and in dependency on the selected transmission ratio employs a pressure regulating valve which is connected with the torque sensor and with the motors and which is adjustable in automatic response to variations of transmission ratio.

Abstract: A gear crank apparatus for a bicycle for supporting a plurality of chainwheels. This apparatus includes a boss secured to an end of a crank axle, a chainwheel supporting member extending radially outwardly from the boss for supporting the chainwheels axially spaced apart from one another, and a crank.The crank includes a first crank portion extending radially outwardly from the boss and inclined axially outwardly away from a side face of an adjacent chainwheel supported by the chainwheel supporting member to a position adjacent an outer periphery of the adjacent chainwheel, and a second crank portion extending from the first crank portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis.The chainwheel supporting member extends from the boss as inclined axially inwardly away from the crank and includes chainwheel mounting surfaces formed in peripheral regions thereof and extending perpendicular to the axis for attaching the chainwheels.

Abstract: Linear velocity corrective device for chains (11) driven by toothed wheels (14), advantageously toothed wheels (14) with few teeth, for closed looped chains (11) extending in a plane or subvertical, operating near the joining zone of said chain (11) with said toothed wheel (14) and comprising levelling means (16-26-28) for the levelling of the links (12) according to the tangent to the circumference created by the pitch diameter (DP) of said toothed wheel (14) and operating upstream of the vertical of the rotation axis (15) of said toothed wheel (14).

Abstract: A papermakers fabric, and particularly a corrugator fabric, has a flat-woven, multilayer structure and is brought into endless form by a joint or seam arranged obliquely relative to the running direction of the fabric and at the roller side thereof. The angular disposition of the seam reduces noise levels, sheet marking and web breakage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a differential gear assembly including a rotatable case having an annular gear formed therein with first and second axle shafts journalled in the case for rotation relative thereto. A sun gear is connected to the first axle shaft for rotation therewith, and a planetary carrier is connected to the second axle shaft for rotation therewith. A plurality of pairs of planetary gears is supported on the carrier, with a first gear of each of the pairs meshing with the annular gear and a second of each of the pairs meshing with the sun gear. Clutch means are provided for limiting relative rotation between the first axle shaft and the second axle shaft by clutching the sun gear to the planetary carrier, the clutch means including a clutch pack formed of a plurality of annular clutch disks.

Abstract: A device for variable control of the sweeping angle of a fan which includes a worm gear cooperating with a planet gear and a sun gear to provide variable sweep angle with a clutch mechanism to allow for the disengagement of the drive mechanism while varying sweep angle.

Abstract: A driveline for a wheeled vehicle in which two laterally-displaced driving wheels (37, 38) are driven by the output (33, 36) of a transmission of continuously-variable ratio. The transmission is capable of a "geared neutral" condition, and is driven by way of a slipless connection (5, 6, 7; 70-73) from the engine (2). The engine output axis (3), the engine/transmission connection and the variator output axis (15) are arranged in a "U"-shaped formation. Such an arrangement promotes a compact and well-balanced installation in which the vehicle centerline (1) may roughly bisect the engine, and the wheel half-shafts (43, 44) can be nearly equal in length. Alternative embodiments are described in which the output axis of the variator coincides with the final drive axis (FIG. 3), or is parallel to but displaced from it (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An invalid walker is disclosed which includes two vertical members with a horizontal support near the top of the walker. The vertical members are relatively coplanar near the bottom of the walker.

Abstract: In exercise apparatus for underwater use including an apparatus frame, and movable members mounted on the frame to be moved by a user of the apparatus, flap members, e.g., flat plates, are mounted on the movable members for movement therewith within the surrounding water. The water resists movement of the flap means, hence provides resistance to movement of the members moved by the user. Disclosed are apparatus which, in use, simulate the movements of a cross-country skier, an ice-skating speed racer, and a rower of a row boat. Arrangements are also disclosed for selectively varying the resistance to movement provided by the flap members in response to the direction of movement of the movable members.

Abstract: A portable safety device is adapted for releasable mounting on a weight training bench and includes a base frame which fits over the bench, spaced upright side frame members extending upwardly from opposite sides of the base frame with forward horizontal extensions on the side frame members so that when the weight lifter is in a prone position with his/her head between the side frame members, the weight lifter is protected from injury in the event that the weight lifter should lose control of the barbell during bench press exercises.

Abstract: A compact exercise apparatus for use in performing a plurality of exercises having a resistive load is disclosed. A frame structure is provided for supporting the load and a mechanism is employed for moving the load from a first to a second position. A linkage arrangement is disposed between the moving mechanism and the load and includes a plurality of interconnected pivotably operably lever arms. The linkage arrangement is in multiple mounting communication with the moving mechanism at one of the interconnected lever arms. This combination of structure enables the proper biomechanical and kinesiological movement of each of the exercises and permits moving the load from the first position to the second position. In a preferred embodiment, a frame structure supports a movable weight stack and an exercise bar is utilized to move the load from a first to a second position.

Abstract: A table, which is used for holding upper and lower tools of a blank separating station which separates blanks formed in a sheet into separate units includes a frame having an assembly on one side for holding one pair of upper and lower tools and an assembly on the opposite side for holding a second pair of tools, said frame being mounted for rotation around the horizontal axis so as to present one set of tools in a position for being inserted into a machine and to allow operating and positioning a punch on the other set of tools by passing the punch through openings in the lower tool of said pair to be placed on a surface of the upper tool facing the lower tool.

Abstract: A method for automatically exchanging flaking knives in a knife ring of wood flaking machines in which the knives are attached to respective knife holders in a force-looking connection comprises the following steps: Loosening the force-locking connection between the flaking knife and the respective knife holder; automatically removing the flaking knife from its holder; automatically exchanging the removed flaking knife for a sharpened flaking knife; automatically inserting the sharpened flaking knife into the knife holder; and, depending on the wear of the wall portion, automatically positioning the sharpened flaking knife in the knife holder such that a cutting edge of the flaking knife protrudes relative to the adjacent inner wall surface of the knife ring to an extent that corresponds to the desired cutting depth.

Abstract: An apparatus for squaring folded corrugated paperboard boxes and the like includes a frame, an upper drive assembly and a lower roll assembly. The upper drive assembly and lower roll assembly define a split-nip. The upper drive assembly includes a pair of independent wheels which may be controlled to adjust or change the orientation of a folded corrugated box passing through the nip. The upper drive assembly is pivoted to the frame for adjustment of the nip. The apparatus is positioned to deliver folded corrugated boxes to a counter/ejector from a folder/gluer.

Abstract: A blood component separating device comprises a centrifuge bowl adapted for rotation about its axis in a centrifuge. The bowl defines an outer arcuate wall plus an inner circumferential wall, spaced from the outer wall, to define a arcuate slot adapted for receiving blood components. Access tubing is adapted for communication with the slot. Preferably, an elongated, flexible, collapsible inner liner is provided in the slot. Individual access tubing also may communicate with an elongated container interior between the ends of the elongated, collapsible container. Furthermore, a portion of the slot may define the shape of an outwardly extending spiral, to provide an increasing gravitational field upon fluids therein as the fluid moves along the slot.

Abstract: A blood component separating device comprises a centrifuge bowl adapted for rotation about its axis in a centrifuge. The bowl defines an outer arcuate wall plus an inner circumferential wall, spaced from the outer wall, to define a arcuate slot adapted for receiving blood components. Access tubing is adapted for communication with the slot. Preferably, an elongated, flexible, collapsible inner liner is provided in the slot. Individual access tubing also may communicate with an elongated container interior between the ends of the elongated, collapsible container. Furthermore, a portion of the slot may define the shape of an outwardly extending spiral, to provide an increasing gravitational field upon fluids therein as the fluid moves along the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the level of liquid in a centrifugal separator drum by regulating the flow of liquid out of the drum. The drum includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings in a radial end wall of the drum. The openings have movable weir plates in one form controlling the openings with the weir plates movable and positionable in a radial direction by axially movable linkage. In another form, a conduit passage leads from an end opening. By controlling the flow through the openings in the end wall, the liquid level is functionally controlled within the drum. The control mechanisms are situated externally of the drum for ease of repair and to provide control which can be continually monitored.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of automatically exchanging helium gas filling a balloon pump inserted in the aorta of a patient. The apparatus comprises a pressure generator producing positive pressure and negative pressure, an electronic control unit, an electrocardiograph, and a helium supply and discharge device. The positive and negative pressures produced by the pressure generator are alternately supplied to the balloon pump. The timer measures the time for which the pressure generator operates. The electronic control unit operates in response to the output signal from the timer and exchanges the helium gas with new helium gas whenever the the pressure generator operates the balloon pump for about 2 hours.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving a medical appliance has a single compressor for generating both the positive and the negative pressures. Positive and negative pressure valves for controlling communication with the atmosphere are connected to the outlet and inlet terminals of the compressor and the outlet and inlet terminals of the compressor are also connected to a positive pressure accumulator and a negative pressure accumulator, respectively. The apparatus has pressure sensors to sense when the pressures in the accumulators reach a set pressure. The apparatus further has a one-way valve in the positive pressure line between the compressor and the valve or in the negative pressure line between the compressor and the valve. The apparatus prohibits the positive and negative pressure valves from being open at the same time.

Abstract: An orthopedic ankle brace is provided having a pliant boot that surrounds the ankle joint, as well as the foot and lower leg in the region thereof. The boot may incorporate means of applying compression to the ankle joint. Attached to the boot are a pair of adjustable tension straps vertically disposed about the ankle joint for restricting the mobility thereof. Integral with the boot are pair of stiffening members positioned about the ankle joint to cooperate with the tension straps in the performance of their mobility restricting function Further provided integral with the boot are retention members that isolate the malleoli from the stiffening members for the comfort of the wearer. Finally, one or more retention straps are provided to maintain the stability of the brace.

Abstract: A drug infusion manifold that includes a housing defining a plurality of spaced apart fluid chambers that have a closed first end portion and an opposing second end portion. The second end portions of immediately adjacent chambers are in fluid communication through channels extending therebetween. A plurality of spaced apart fluid inlets are formed in the housing in fluid communication with a corresponding fluid chamber. A check valve means is provided in each fluid chamber for directing drugs and/or solutions from the inlets into the chamber and precluding fluid flow from the chamber. An outlet is formed in the housing in direct fluid communication with at least one of the chambers.

Abstract: A bottle is provided with a dislodgeable container to hold two components of a medicament free of contact with each other until mixing is desired. One component may be a solid and the other a liquid, or both may be liquids. Mixing is accomplished by removing a locking ring and depressing the holder means.

Abstract: An innerless dilatation balloon catheter uses a balloon which is longitudinally compliant so that it elongates as it is inflated. The catheter includes a valve which is responsive to elongation of the balloon for effectively blocking fluid flow through a lumen extension through which the guide wire passes. The valve allows the guide wire to move freely when the balloon is deflated.

Abstract: A device/apparatus that enhances the armamentarium of a physician in addressing coronary artery disease by providing the means by which a physician can have at his or her disposal two different and distinct PTCA balloon catheters in one. The device/apparatus is capable of converting a "movable wire balloon catheter" device into a "fixed wire balloon catheter" device, by merely attaching/connecting the (device/apparatus) wire converter system to the proximal center lumen of the wye connector housing of the "movable wire balloon catheter" device. The device/apparatus, wire converter system, could also be incorporated into the proximal wye connector housing of a "movable wire balloon catheter" device, thus enabling such a device to be convertible to a "fixed wire balloon catheter" device also. The device/apparatus, wire converter system, is also applicable as a standard wire torquing tool; to be used under routine application as are all other wire torque tools.

Abstract: A remote cannula removal cartridge syringe comprising a first barrel, a second barrel, an expandable needle hub, and a modified needle hub receiver. The second barrel is concentric with the first barrel and has a retaining pin which slides within a series of grooves of the first barrel. After use of the syringe the second barrel may be protracted causing the engagement and safe separation of the needle hub from the syringe without requiring the operator to recap the syringe or place fingers near the contaminated needle.

Abstract: A protective needle shield for use on a syringe type device wherein the shield is movable between a retracted position such that the needle is exposed and an extended or locked and extended position wherein the needle is protected and the shield is prevented from returning to the retracted position. A collar is operatively attached to the distal end of syringe device to selectively engage a key on the shield as the shield is moved between the retracted and extended positions. The shield slides longitudinally between the retracted and extended positions and may be rotated about the barrel of the syringe device to lock the shield in a locked and extended position. A locking mechanism is disclosed which preferably includes a series of ramps and slots adapted to engage portions of the keys on the shield to retain the shield in the locked and extended position.

Abstract: A needle stop for a biopsy needle or the like in the form of a spring having coils in firm engagement with the surface of the shaft of the needle. Ends of the spring may be pinched to enlarge the coils and permit movement of the stop along the shaft. A guard tube is associated with the stop for covering the point of the needle when not in use.