Abstract: A hog farrowing crate and pen has side finger bars which are adjustable to vary the farrowing area. Adjustability is achieved by pivoting each of the side finger bars at one end of the crate with the opposite ends secured in a selected fixed position at the opposite end of the crate. Preferably, at least one of the side finger bars is straight while the other bar has a long straight portion and a shorter straight portion at an angle to the long portion. The swingable adjustment of the side finger bars provides for varying the size of the farrowing, pre-stall and creep areas during the stages of farrowing, post-farrowing and weaning.

Abstract: A cluster of bird feeders on a wild bird feeding station and in particular, the use of baffles to prevent squirrels from reaching the bird feeders whether from above (trees or tree limbs) or from below (ground) and the use of a circular disk attached to the vertical pole as a circular bird feeder.

Abstract: A trigger-type drinker for poultry and small animals including a water retaining disc at the free end of the trigger pin is disclosed. The disc is generally flat with an upturned lip around the perimeter thereof. A residual water drop or water leaking from the drinker runs down the trigger pin and collects on the disc, contained by the lip. The disc allows several drops of water to collect at the bottom of the pin. The increased amount of water on the pin assists in attracting birds to the drinker. When the bird actuates the drinker, the disc tilts toward the bird, thereby causing the water to run across the surface of the disc and into the bird's mouth. Thus, the disc assists in directing more water to the bird.

Abstract: A generally rectangular upwardly opening receptacle is constructed of plastic and includes side and end walls incorporating transversely thickened zones thereof in horizontal registry with each other and defining a reinforcing belt extending peripherally about said receptacle along lower portions of the side and end walls thereof. The side and end wall portions disposed beneath the reinforcing belt are inwardly offset relative to the remaining upper portions of the side and end walls and define a horizontal inwardly projecting shelf extending about the interior of the receptacle upon which a grid assembly is supported, the grid assembly incorporating a first weight supporting lower first grid and a second finer grid overlying and supported from the coarse grid.

Abstract: A method for incubating eggs or larvae of fish, crustaceans, or related organisms. The eggs or larvae are located in depressions in the surface of a plate formed of an aqueous polymeric gel, and the surface is sealingly covered with a porous membrane capable of gas transport therethrough. The plate sealed with the membrane is placed in at least intermittent contact with water during the incubation period, and the eggs or larvae are separated from the plate and membrane after incubation is complete.

Abstract: A fish cultivation tank including a suction unit rotatable about the bottom of the tank in response to a falling of the water level within the tank. A combined weight and float assembly moves in response to movement of the water level and is operationally joined to the suction unit to rotatably drive the suction unit in response to a lowering of the water level. The lowering of the water level is effected by a siphoning of water and debris from the tank whereby the siphoning of the debris occurs simultaneously with rotation of the suction unit.

Abstract: An animal restraining jacket having openings in the abdominal, neck and arm areas along with a longitudinally extending slit to facilitate placement of the jacket upon a laboratory animal and securement thereon by attaching of a main fastening device which extends along the slit such as a zipper. A flap is positioned on the exterior of the jacket to define a pocket between the jacket and the flap and an access slot is defined in the jacket within the pocket to facilitate communication of a medical device such as a blood catheter from the pocket through the jacket to the interior area for direct access to the laboratory animal. The pocket includes a fastening device such as a zipper which is adapted to close the pocket to prevent infection or tissue damage resulting from an animal scratching or otherwise mishandling of the medical device such as the blood catheter. A cover flap is adapted to extend over the longitudinally extending fastening zipper to prevent tampering thereof by the laboratory animal.

Abstract: An arrangement for utilizing the heat contained in the exhaust gas from a coal-fired boiler for preheating feed water for the boiler and for preheating primary air. The arrangement includes a rotating heat transfer unit and lines for conducting exhaust gas and preheated combustion air to the heat transfer unit. A heat shifting unit is connected in parallel to the heat transfer unit. A line conducts primary air to the heat shifting unit and another line conducts cooled exhaust gas from the heat transfer unit to the heat shifting unit. The exhaust gas line and the cooled exhaust gas line connecting the heat transfer unit and the heat shifting unit are connected through a bypass which bridges the heat transfer unit. The bypass includes a heat exchanger and/or steam generator, wherein the boiler feed water flows through the heat exchanger and/or steam generator.

Abstract: A method for operating a system for steam generation includes generating steam from water by indirect heat exchange with hot flue gas, by first preheating condensed water and then evaporating the preheated water at high pressure. The method further includes cooling the preheated water which is already at high pressure, by heat exchange with at least one partial flow of the condensed water, at least in a partial-load range. A system for steam generation, such as in a gas and steam turbine plant, includes a steam generator through which hot flue gas flows. The steam generator has heating surfaces. One of the heating surfaces is a condensate preheater having primary and secondary sides. A heat exchanger is connected downstream of the condensate preheater on the primary side and is connected upstream of the condensate preheater on the secondary side.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustor or gasifier has a combustion chamber(s) with a non-symmetrical horizontal cross section. The chamber may be trapezoidal, hemispherical, or may have five or more side walls of at least two different lengths. The walls of the combustion chamber may be water tube panels. An external pressure vessel surrounds the combustion chamber(s) and associated particle separator(s), and may be spherical or cylindrical.

Abstract: A water heater comprising a tank for holding water, a jacket surrounding the tank, foam insulation between the tank and the jacket, a heating element for heating water in the tank, and a thermostat mounted on the tank for controlling the heating element in response to the temperature of water in the tank. The thermostat includes electrically active terminals, leadwires connected to the terminals, an electric circuit reset, and a temperature adjustment dial. The water heater also comprises a protective shield for covering the terminal and preventing foam contact with the terminal. The shield includes a face portion covering the thermostat in spaced relation to the tank. The face portion comprises a first access port for providing operator access to the circuit reset cutoff, and a second access port spaced from the first access port for providing operator access to the temperature adjustment dial. The shield also includes sidewall portions extending between the face portion and the tank.

Abstract: A control mechanism for shifting the rotational phase transmitted from an engine, and for controlling the timing of the intake and exhaust valves. A first gear mechanism integrally rotates with respect to a timing pulley, and has a set of inner peripheral gear teeth. A second gear mechanism integrally rotates with respect to a camshaft, and has a set of outer peripheral gear teeth. The number of gear teeth of the first gear mechanism is greater than that of the second gear mechanism. This gear ratio generates a rotational phase shift of the timing pulley with respect to the camshaft, in order to vary the opening and closing timing of the intake and exhaust valves. A drive means drives the first gear mechanism in order to vary the phase shift and to control the opening and closing timing of the intake and exhaust valves in accordance with the operating state of the engine.

Abstract: An outboard motor including a supercharged internal combustion engine. The supercharger is positioned on a side of the crankcase opposite from the cylinders of the engine and is driven by the crankshaft through any of a plurality of different forms of drive arrangements that permit axially adjustment to maintain alignment.

Abstract: A camshaft assembly comprising a shaft, a lobe, a gear, and a boss portion is disclosed. The lobe includes a first powdered metal and has a first density, while the gear includes a second powdered metal and has a second density. The boss portion is formed on one of the lobe or gear, and has an aperture sized to cooperate with the shaft and a periphery cooperating with the other of the lobe or gear to fix the lobe against rotation relative to the gear. The boss portion has a third density less than the density of the lobe or gear on which the boss portion is formed. A method of making a camshaft component is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spring retainer (10) for a poppet valve (18) which is biased by a valve spring (16) and a method of assembling the spring retainer (10) the poppet valve (18) and a valve spring (16). The spring retainer (10) has first and second body portions (30, 32). Each body portion (30, 32) has a spring flange segment (50), for engaging a valve spring (16), and a finger segment (54), for extending into a groove (26) on a valve stem (20) of the poppet valve (18). The spring retainer (10) has a slot (44) which permits relative movement between the first and second body portions (30, 32) such that the spring retainer (10) may be installed on the poppet valve (18). The spring retainer (10) has frangible web segments (36) for retaining the first and second body portions (30, 32) together prior to installment of the spring retainer (10) on the poppet valve (18). The web segments (36) break during installation of the spring retainer (10) to permit outward movement of the first and second body portions (30, 32).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a unitary housing, having a first cylindrical housing medially and orthogonally intersecting a second cylindrical housing, with the first cylindrical housing including a first gear ring rotatably mounted therewithin, with the second cylindrical housing having a second gear ring mounted therewith, wherein the first gear ring is arranged for simultaneous rotation in communication relative to one another, with the first gear ring having a plurality of spaced piston plates, with the second gear ring including a plurality of spaced chamber plates, wherein the piston plate and the chamber plate are arranged for simultaneous positioning within an associated combustion chamber to effect projection of the piston plate upon combustion within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a scroll compressor unit having a pair of scrolls interfitted to each other to define a compression chamber therebetween and a scroll expansion unit having a pair of scrolls interfitted to each other to define an expansion chamber therebetween. The compressor chamber is communicated to the compression chamber through a check valve, and a burning unit for detonating a fuel together with a working fluid in the expansion chamber to expand it thereby driving the scroll expansion unit. The scroll compressor unit and the scroll expansion unit are interconnected by an interconnecting unit.

Abstract: A combustion system for gas, non-dual-fuel engines utilizes a torch cell having a glow plug and a fuel injector. Pilot fuel is directed to the surface of the glow plug and main fuel is supplied to the torch cell. Reduced compression ratios are permitted, enabling use of low octane gaseous fuels and starting without assist from main chamber diesel operation.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for open-loop control and/or closed-loop control of an operating variable of an internal combustion engine is suggested with a transfer element fixing the relationship between input and output variables in the form of a characteristic curve or characteristic field such as an electrically actuable actuator, which directly or indirectly influences the operating variable of the engine of a motor vehicle and which fixes the relationship between the driving and operating variable or a variable influencing this operating variable in the form of a characteristic curve or a characteristic field. The transfer element or the characteristic curve or the characteristic field is subjected to changes. By adapting the characteristic curve or the computation instruction representing the characteristic curve or the characteristic field, these are adapted to these changes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling an internal combustion engine (100), in particular a self-igniting internal combustion engine. A signal (U) for triggering a performance-determining final controlling element (105) is stored in a characteristics map (110) for each of a corresponding fuel quantity (QK) to be injected into the engine. The signal values stored in the characteristics map (110) are then corrected in dependence upon a predetermined relationship of a signal corresponding to the value for the fuel quantity (QK) to be injected and a signal corresponding to the value for the actually injected fuel quantity (QKI).

Abstract: The present invention provides a very simple structure to delay high fuel delivery to a turbocharged engine until a sufficient turbocharger boost pressure is available for adequate combustion, by providing a simple dashpot to limit movement of the throttle shaft. A brea-away throttle lever is used so that the operator can position the control lever at any position, even though the position of the throttle shaft itself is being limited by the dashpot. Preferably, the damping structure is entirely housed within the fuel injector pump, where it will be safe from debris, and constantly flushed with clean fuel.

Abstract: An electronic throttle valve drive unit comprises a return mechanism for returning two clutch plates of a first electromagnetic clutch interposed between an accelerator pedal and a throttle valve to a predetermined relative rotation angle position when the first electromagnetic clutch is returned to engagement from disengagement by cutoff of power supply.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel injection system has a fuel metering body having a tubular injector chamber with an expansion chamber at one closed end thereof; the expansion chamber having openings for the passage of fuel from the chamber to the exterior of the fuel metering body. Additionally, a spool type silencer is positioned between the expansion chamber and a fuel injector located at the end of the silencer opposite that of the expansion chamber. The silencer has a hollow cylindrical core with an inlet to receive fuel from the injector and a multiplicity of outlets for the passage of the fuel to an outer annular region. The outer annular region has an upper wall for support of the injector within the tubular injector chamber and a lower wall having openings for passage of the fuel from the annular region to the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A gas fuel for an internal combustion engine comprising a mixture of gases having a proportion of hydrogen to oxygen of approximately 2:1 and a regulated density of the hydrogen component of the mixture such that the burn rate of the mixture approximates that of a fossil fuel and a system for maintaining the foregoing gas fuel mixture and characteristics in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for simultaneously cone cutting of crown portions and pavilions of gemstones are provided by the present invention. Each of the gemstones to be simultaneously cut are individually mounted in a motor rotating collet which is mounted on a base plate. One of the base plates is provided with additional motor-driven apparatus to move the plate at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the axial center line of the gemstone. The second gemstone is rotated by a motor attached to the collet by a support plate. The support plate moves in a direction toward the first gemstone at an angle approximately 45.degree. to the axial center line of the second gemstone and, such that, it is perpendicular to the back and forth motion provided by the motor apparatus of the first gemstone. In this manner, each of the gemstones are simultaneously coned shaped at first its crown portion and then at its pavilion portion or visa versa.

Abstract: A grill, which may be portable, includes an open support lattice surrounded by upright walls. The support lattice forms a plurality of adjoining bays each dimensioned to receive and support a fuel module in the form of a disposable non-flammable tray and charcoal briquettes within the tray. Various food supporting devices may be used to support items of food to be cooked on the upper edges of the walls or at selected lower levels by use of terraced steps cut out in the walls. By placing fuel modules in less than all the bays, both the size and the shape of the cooking area can be selected. When no fuel modules are used a flat plate can be placed on top of the support lattice on which conventional briquettes can be placed.

Abstract: An induced draft, fuel-fired furnace having a heat exchanger with an inlet and an outlet includes a vent having an inlet, a burner, and a vented vestibule in fluid communication with the vent. A blower has an inlet in fluid communication with the heat exchanger outlet, and an outlet disposed at the inlet of the vent. The blower outlet has a cross-sectional area smaller than the vent inlet. The vent inlet and blower outlet define a vent inlet opening. A drafthood formed with an inlet is disposed in the vestibule and forms a plenum in fluid communication with the vent inlet opening. A source of combustion products is disposed in the furnace such that combustion products produced thereby are in fluid communication with the drafthood inlet and vent inlet opening. The source of combustion products includes either a standing pilot or electronic ignitor for igniting fuel operably discharged from the burner.

Abstract: A direct contact water heater having a hybrid heat source, and its method of operation is described. The water heater is comprised of an elongated vertical tubular housing having a water spray nozzle in an upper end thereof for spraying water substantially uniformly over a top packing of heat exchange bodies. An intermediate space is provided below the packing where external hot recovery gases are admitted into the housing. A burner chamber is provided at the bottom of the housing above a reservoir to provide a primary heat source. Heat from the primary heat source mixes with the hot recovery gases below the packing, and is in counter-current flow with the water percolating through the housing from the packing located at the top of the housing. Two packings of heat exchange bodies may be provided in the tubular housing spaced from one another with the hot recovery gases fed between the two packings and the primary hot gas from the heat source being generated below a lower one of the packings.

Abstract: A sanitary protective cover or sheath for the ear canal probe of a tympanic thermometer. The speculum has a generally tubular body portion and an infrared transparent membrane attached to and sealing the forward end of the body portion. While the tubular body portion is being injection molded of plastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene, a film of a similar plastic material is mated to the forward end of membrane and is thus severed from the film and one side thereof thermally bonded to the tubular body portion. At the same time a bonding ring of roughly the same diameter as the forward end of the tubular body portion is injection molded. The ring is thermally bonded to the opposite side of the film in alignment with the forward end of the tubular body portion.

Abstract: A retractor is provided for use during endoscopic surgery. Bladed instruments located inside the patient's body at an insertion end of the retractor are manipulated by controls located outside the body at a control end. In three embodiments, the retractor comprises a tubular body having an insertion and control end. Two blades are movably connected in the insertion end of the body. The blades may be moved in various combinations, being extended away from the longitudinal axis of the retractor body and/or spread apart. The blades may be actuated with controls which extend from the control end of the body. In another embodiment, the retractor comprises a tubular body also having an insertion and control end. Three blades are movably attached to the insertion end of the body. The blades may be independently extended radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the retractor body. Each blade is actuable from a separate control located at the control end of the body.

Abstract: An EBA system is provided which includes a primary source of pressurized air, a secondary source of pressurized air, hoses leading the primary and secondary sources of pressurized air to an EBA valve, and two hoses for directing pressurized air to the interior of a protective suit for over-pressurization and to a mouthpiece of a user. The valve is constructed and arranged to operate under two modes of operation, in one of which air from the primary air source is directed to an over-pressurization hose and an inhalation hose while air from the secondary air source hose is blocked, and a second mode in which air from the secondary or auxiliary supply is directed to the inhalation hose but not to the pressurization hose.

Abstract: An anesthetics monitoring device includes an anesthetic vaporizer, from which the anesthetic can be supplied to a setting device supplying dosed amounts of anesthetic to an anesthetics device for dispensing the anesthesia to a patient. The device has a coding for the unmistakable assignment of the setting device to the type of anesthetic used. An automatic recognition of the anesthetic used and a setting to a metering and control unit for dispersing the anesthetic is guaranteed. Any incorrect metering and incorrect setting is prevented. For this purpose, the coding is brought into an operative connection with a receiver provided between the setting device and the anesthetics dispersing device. The receiver is equipped with a scanning apparatus which is connected to the metering and control dispensing unit by means of signal transfer lines.

Abstract: An indicator device which can be attached to a standard oxygen flow meter is disclosed. The indicator device has a rod along which a pointer can be moved and locked into position. The pointer can be set at the oxygen flow level prescribed by the physician as indicated by the scale on the oxygen flow meter. If the oxygen flow level is changed or if oxygen is discontinued for any period of time, the attendant can then set the oxygen flow to the prescribed level by controlling the valve on the oxygen flow meter so that the float, which indicates oxygen flowing liters per minute is positioned opposite the position of the pointer. This prevents erroneous or improper setting of oxygen flow levels to patients after interruption or change of oxygen flow level, which can be dangerous and life threatening.

Abstract: A templet cap that comprises a plurality of elastic straps connected to form a lattice containing all the electrode-positioning locations required to perform an encephalogram according to the International 10/20 System. Each precise electrode-location point along each strap of the cap features a grommet with an eyelet available for marking the scalp of a patient. The cap is positioned with reference to the nasion and inion of the patient in preparation for an EEG. After all points have been identified and marked, the cap is removed and EEG electrodes are attached to the scalp according to normal procedure.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation catheter includes a distal, energy delivering electrode and at least one sensing electrode proximal to the energy delivering electrode. The catheter communicates with an electrosurgical generator which provides electrical energy, such as a radio frequency energy, to the distal electrode. The sensing electrodes communicate with a monitor for recording electrical signals within the heart. One or more resistors is positioned adjacent each sensing electrode, and in series with a conductor associated with the sensing electrode, to reduce or eliminate any current tending to be emitted through the sensing electrodes as a result of delivery of electrical current through the distal electrode.

Abstract: A cardiac probe employs a dynamic mounting element that supports one or more electrodes at its distal end in relatively constant surface contact against the expanding and contact endocardial surface.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic pulse-echo method and apparatus that has particular application in making precision measurements of compressibility in any backscattering material, in particular organic tissue, is disclosed. The method employs a standard transducer or transducer containing device which is translated transaxially, thereby compressing or displacing a proximal region of a target body in small known increments. At each increment, a pulse is emitted and an echo sequence (A-line) is detected from regions within the target along the sonic travel path or beam of the transducer. Resulting time shifts in echo segments corresponding to features in the target, corrected for regions of varying sonic speed along the sonic path, provide relative and quantitative information concerning the strain caused by the compressions. The stress imparted by the transducer and containing device is also determined, corrected for depth along the sonic path.

Abstract: An ultrasound system that enables determination of layer thicknesses and contours of a multi-layer organic body includes a transmitter/receiver for obtaining a radio frequency signal from echoes over a plurality of points on the organic surface. Each radio frequency signal is then deconvolved to remove apparatus generated noise and filtered to create an analytic signal that exhibits a magnitude related to an instantaneous rate of arrival of total echo energy received by the transmitter/receiver. Analytic signals from adjacent parallel scans are then cross-correlated and magnitude detected to determine energy peaks to enable accurate determination of echo producing surfaces of each layer of the multi-layer organic body across the plurality of interrogation points. In the application of the invention to Corneal Epithelium Mapping, a pupil monitoring system is included that disables the measurement system if the pupil's gaze wanders so as to cause a diversion of the optical axis.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing between calcified atherosclerotic tissue and either fibrous atherosclerotic tissue or normal cardiovascular tissue. The present method is based on the discovery that, when irradiated with a beam of monochromatic infrared light, calcified atherosclerotic human aortic tissue produces a Fourier Transform Raman spectrum which is distinguishable from analagous spectra obtained from fibrous atherosclerotic human aortic tissue and normal human aortic tissue. Some salient differences in the respective Raman spectra are the presence of five Raman bands at Raman shifts of 957, 1071, 1262-1300, 1445, and 1659 cm.sup.-1 (.+-.4 cm.sup.-1 for all shifts) for the calcified tissue as compared to three Raman bands at Raman shifts of 1247-1270, 1453 and 1659 cm.sup.-1 (.+-.4 cm.sup.-1 for all shifts) for the fibrous tissue and three Raman bands at Raman shifts of 1247-1270, 1449 and 1651 cm.sup.-1 (.+-.4 cm.sup.-1 for all shifts) for the normal tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically analyzing tissue in a subject directs coherent light and ultrasound at the subject along parallel propagation paths. The ultrasound causes a Doppler shift in the light emerging from the subject, this shift being related to certain tissue characteristics. The light emerging from the subject is detected and a corresponding signal is supplied to an evaluation stage which absolutely or relatively calculates the intensity of those parts of the detected light which proceeded through tissue not charged by ultrasound and those parts of the detected light which proceeded through tissue charged by ultrasound.

Abstract: A device for measuring a transmission velocity of a pulse wave includes sensors for sensing heart sounds, and pulse wave signals at upstream and downstream sides of a blood flow. Analog to digital conversion circuitry, coupled to the sensors, converts signals from the sensors from analog to digital form. A data processor, coupled to the analog to digital conversion circuitry processes data received from the analog to digital conversion circuitry. A display device, coupled to the data processor, displays waveforms and numerical data received from the data processor. The data processor includes seven processing units. A first processing unit, coupled to the analog to digital conversion circuitry, detects a first heart sound and generates a marker signal. Second and third processing units, coupled to the analog to digital conversion circuitry, transform digital signals received from the analog to digital conversion circuitry into data for display.

Abstract: A noninvasive device and methods for measuring the end-tidal carbon monoxide concentration in a patient's breath, particularly newborn and premature infants. The patient's breath is monitored. An average carbon monoxide concentration is determined based on an average of discrete samples in a given time period. The ratio of the end-tidal portion of the breath flow sample is separately determined, preferably based on monitoring the level of carbon dioxide in the gas sample and identifying the carbon dioxide concentration levels corresponding to the end-tidal portion of the breath sample. The sensed carbon monoxide level is converted to the end-tidal carbon monoxide level by subtracting the ambient carbon monoxide level and dividing the remainder by the ratio of end-tidal breath to breath in the breath sample.

Abstract: A method and/or an apparatus for the determination of whether a subject has nerve damage (polyneuropathy) and/or the degree of the nerve damage is characterized in that an increase of the skin temperature is provoked at an extremity of the subject, that at the same time perfusion value or a value correlated with this perfusion value is measured at this extremity, and the time from the start of the increase in temperature of the skin up to the start of an increase in perfusion as a result of the elevated skin temperature is evaluated as a measure for the presence and/or the degree of the nerve damage.

Abstract: A body temperature thermometer has a probe head assembly (8) which includes a first sensor (10), such as a thermopile, for generating a first output signal representative of an amount of infrared radiation impinging thereon The probe head assembly further includes a waveguide (16) and a surrounding hollow probe (14) for receiving infrared radiation emitted by a biological surface tissue, such as the external ear canal and tympanic membrane of a patient, and directing the radiation to the first sensor. A second sensor (12) is mounted in the probe head assembly for generating a second output signal representative of a temperature of the first sensor. A third sensor (26) is thermally coupled to the waveguide for providing a third output signal representative to the temperature thereof.

Abstract: Medical instruments are provided having end effectors and end effector actuator apparatus which are rotatable relative to the end effectors. The instruments generally include a tube which is typically coupled to the end effectors via a clevis around which the end effectors pivot, a push rod extending through the tube and coupled to the end effectors, and an actuator apparatus engaging the tube and the push rod with the actuator apparatus including a handle which surrounds and rotatably engages the proximal end of the tube, and a lever arm which pivotally engages the handle and is coupled to the push rod such that pivotal movement of the lever arm relative to the handle effects axial movement of the push rod relative to the tube and pivotal movement of the end effectors.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for accurate determination of various tremors and movements derived from Parkinson's Disease and other causes. Movement signals are generated by an accelerometer, the movement signals being analyzed to determine whether they are in a predetermined frequency range, and when there occurs an uninterrupted series of such movement signals that are within the frequency range. By determining when these two criteria are met, tremor signals are reliably discriminated from other activity signals. The system includes circuitry for collecting and storing data concerning the timing of tremor occurrences, the timing of other activity occurrences, and amplitude data concerning tremor occurrences.

Abstract: An athletic mouthguard adapted for use by athletes and other persons engaged in physical activities which might result in occlusal or craniofacial stress. In one embodiment, the athletic mouthguard is a unitary structure which comprises a mouthpiece and an elongated strap adapted for attachment to the face mask of a helmet or the like. The mouthpiece, which is designed for use over the upper set of teeth of the wearer, includes an inner peripheral wall, an outer peripheral wall, and a connecting wall, the inner surfaces of which define a channel. The occlusal surface of the channel is more narrow in the anterior region and becomes more broad as one moves posteriorly so as to accommodate the non-uniform widths of the various teeth. In addition, the occlusal surface of the channel becomes progressively more concavely-shaped as one moves posteriorly from the first bicuspid tooth to accommodate the increasing convexity of the posterior teeth.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable surgical fastener comprising a fastener member and an interlocking retainer member. The surgical fastener has a total mass of less than 4 mg/transverse mm, thereby reducing the amount of foreign matter present at the wound site and facilitating faster resorption, while effecting hemostasis. The retainer member preferably has longitudinally extending slots on the lateral sides of the retainer for allowing transverse expansion of the columnar members into which the prongs of the fastener member are locked. Fins on both the lateral and transverse sides of the prongs provide extra strength, and stability during implantation. Stopping surfaces prevent the fastener's barbed tip from exiting the opposite side of the retainer.

Abstract: A device for detacking leaf material (T), such as tobacco leaf, from bobbin (B), provided with a frame (1), a table (2) with co-acting detacking member connected to the frame, a winding-off reel (3) for the filled belt-shaped carrier, a winding-up reel (20) for the emptied belt-shaped carrier connected to the frame and guide rollers (17, 18, 19) such that the belt is guided stretched over the table, wherein a straight guide edge (8) is placed at a short distance to the front edge (26) of the table in order to form a gap-like space, the winding-off reel is held in or close to a plane which extends perpendicularly of the table and through the guide edge, and one of the guide rollers (17) is arranged on the side of the guide edge remote from the winding-off reel, so that the belt is bent sharply, the tobacco leaf is drawn loose of the belt part and still deposited on the same side of the belt part, whereby any adhesion that may occur is eliminated.

Abstract: The invention includes a non-pyrolytic cigarette, having an elongated tube of approximately the same, shape, dimensions, and weight of a traditional cigarette. The elongated tube contains two tobacco-filled chambers along its length and incorporates a filter at the end placed in the mouth of the user. The chambers contain pre-burned tobacco and unburned tobacco. A central air passageway communicates with the tobacco-containing chambers, and provides the taste, smell and sensation of a traditional cigarette as air is drawn through the tube and is delivered to the user. Additionally, a multiplicity of nicotine-containing ampules located within the mouth filter release liquid nicotine into the mouth of the user when pressure is applied to the filter.