Abstract: A method of reducing the nitrogen oxide level in the flue gases issuing from combustion units by introduction of reducing agents into contact with gases containing nitrogen oxides in first and second reducing stages, is provided. The first reducing stage is a non-catalytic stage (e.g. at temperatures over 800.degree. C.), while the second stage is a catalytic stage (e.g. at temperatures of about 300.degree.-400.degree. C.). A steam generation boiler with improved nitrogen reduction facilities is also provided. The amount of nitrogen oxides in the hot gases is reduced in the combination of the first and second reducing stages while producing steam in a steam generation boiler system, thus resulting in gases essentially free from nitrogen oxides while eliminating the possibility of NH.sub.3 (or other reducing agent) slip in the exhausted flue gases. Heat transfers in a convection section as used to establish stabilized temperature conditions for catalytic reduction.

Abstract: A valve guide (14) for guiding a stem (13) of a headed poppet valve (11) for slidable movement in an internal combustion engine has an inner bearing surface (17) of generally cylindrical shape but a groove (18) which is cut spirally into that surface extends radially outwardly therefrom and provides a lubricant passage which extends for at least part o the length of the bearing surface (17). The cross-sectional shape of the spiral groove (18) is characterized by a lower groove portion (21) which is substantially at right angles to the stem (13) and functions to scrape lubricant off the stem (13) and as he stem (13) moves downwardly in the valve opening direction, but the upper surface portion (22) of the groove (18) back into clearance space between the valve stem (13) and guide (14).

Abstract: An oil pan for an internal combustion engine includes an outer shell made of metal plate an includes on at least a bottom surface of the outer shell and inner pan separate from the outer shell. The bottom of the oil pan includes a deep portion and a shallow portion and a baffle plate is disposed over the inner pan. The inner pan settles on the inner surface of the outer shell amidst the oil contained in the oil pan, thereby forming a layer of oil between the outer shell and the inner pan. Thus, oil flow is not impeded and vibration of the oil pan is significantly reduced. In addition, wall portions of the inner pan are made to be deformable so as not to cause strong impact to other portions of the oil pan structure or to engine components.

Abstract: Air-cooled reciprocating engines usually have a lubrication and cooling oil system providing positive oil delivery to a valve operating mechanism above the cylinder heads and a gravity flow return to the crankcase. In many such engines, the flow return channels are bored or cast conduits within the cylinder jacket structure which surrounds the piston guiding cylinder sleeve. These cylinder jackets are assembled to the engine crankcase by several long drawbolts which clamp each jacket between the respective head and the crankcase. Cylinder jacket bases have turned cylindrical surfaces which socket into a corresponding bore in the crankcase against an annular face. The socket relationship between the jacket base and crankcase positionally confines the jacket base literally relative to the crankcase. Locator pins bridging the interface between the jacket and crankcase secure the jacket from rotation within the crankcase socket.

Abstract: An improved lubrication circuit for a V-block, cam in block, General Motors type internal combustion engine. The improvement is provided by forming additional oil passages in the V-block between the left side oil passage and some of the cam bearings. The cam bearings corresponding to the new oil passages are rotated to match their oil lubrication ports to the new oil passages to allow lubrication of those bearings by oil supplied by the left side oil passage. The improvement reduces the load requirements of the right side oil passage and increases the oil flow in the left side oil passage. The improvement results in: engine operation at a more balanced temperature; reduced frictional losses; improved high speed lubrication; improved idle speed oil pressure; improved engine life; and improved fuel efficiency.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine has a plurality of peripheral ignition gaps arranged at appropriate separations along the periphery of a combustion chamber and a center ignition gap disposed at a center of the combustion chamber. The ignition gaps are selectively used according to engine operating conditions so that only the peripheral ignition gaps produce sparks when the engine operates under low engine loads and the center ignition gap and the peripheral ignition gaps all produce sparks at once when the engine operates under high engine loads.

Abstract: A throttle appliances in which induction ducts are configured off-set with respect to the pivoting region of throttle elements, such that metering walls that are provided influence the air throughput at small opening angles of the throttle element in an optimum manner. The throttle appliance is characterized by its extremely accurately matched metering walls in a range of small opening angles of the throttle butterfly in the induction duct. The metering walls are achieved by a method of displacing a rotating chip-cutting element with its center (M) on a previously calculated path (B) in the induction duct in the axial direction with a radial offset. This method permits the manufacture of varied contours of metering walls in order to achieve desired air throughput/opening angle characteristics. The throttle appliance is usually employed in internal combustion engines which are preferably used in motor vehicles.

Abstract: An air/fuel control system (8) generates a fuel command (100) for fuel delivery to the engine (28) based upon at least an amount of air inducted into the engine. This fuel command is trimmed by a feedback variable derived (240-282) from an exhaust gas oxygen sensor (44) when feedback control is initiated. Feedback control is commenced when the peak-to-peak output of the sensor is less than a threshold value (122-128) while pumping current applied to a sensor electrode is modulated (122-128). Modulation is then removed but the pumping current is maintained to shift the sensor output to a preselected lean air/fuel ratio (128). Lean air/fuel feedback control continues until the converter is warmed (130-140).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a membrane carburetor for changing the air/fuel ratio. The membrane carburetor achieves the same result as previous carburetors but at a greater insensitivity to wear and disturbances as well as an improved controllability in a constructively simpler and more compact manner. The carburetor includes a coil arranged about a valve needle so that the coil and the valve needle conjointly define a solenoid actuator. The valve needle is the armature of the solenoid actuator. When a limit rpm is reached, the coil is activated by a current and the armature is raised and thereby a greater flow of fuel is made possible. The enrichment of the air/fuel mixture achieved in this manner limits the engine rpm. The membrane carburetor wherein the air/fuel ratio can be changed is for an internal combustion engine of a portable handheld apparatus such as a motor-driven chain saw, hedge clippers and the like.

Abstract: An intake pipe arrangement for an internal combustion engine having a cylinder head includes individual arc-shaped cylinder intake pipes which surround corresponding fuel-injection valves. A fuel-distributor line for the injection valves is integrated as a bore in a wall region of the intake tubes and the wall region has recesses in which the injection valves are received. The end regions of the injection valves which have spray bores project into recesses in an intermediate flange which is designed so that the flange, after insertion of the opposite ends of the injection valves into the recesses in the wall regions of the intake pipes, can be connected with the cylinder head ends of the intake pipes to provide a subassembly unit.

Abstract: When it is judged that an engine is in an acceleration state of a degree higher than a predetermined level, a fuel injection amount is increased at a rate in accordance with the detected degree of acceleration. After the end of the acceleration, the fuel injection amount is decreased with a decreasing gradient that is set in accordance with the detected degree of acceleration so as to be larger when the detected degree of acceleration is higher.

Abstract: A fuel control system is provided for an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber, an intake air passageway, a multipoint fuel injector associated with each engine combustion chamber and a cold start fuel injector having a fuel outlet open to the intake air passageway. An air valve has an air inlet fluidly connected to the intake air passage and an air outlet fluidly connected to the cold start fuel injector. This air valve movable between an open position and a closed position where in the open position, air flow through the air valve is directed to the cold start fuel injector. During a cold start engine operating condition, air flow through the air valve and cold start fuel injector enhances fuel atomization of the fuel from the cold start fuel injector thereby reducing the desirable engine emissions, and particularly, hydrocarbon engine emissions.

Abstract: An improved, reciprocating internal combustion engine is disclosed herein. This engine consists of multiple cylinders, each closed by a cylinder head and containing a piston which is connected to a power output shaft. Each cylinder has means for the intake and exhaust of working fluid. It also contains a movable, thermal regenerator, an alternating flow heat exchanger, and means to move this regenerator. Finally, means are provided for the introduction of fuel into the cylinder. The regenerated, internal combustion, reciprocating engine and several variations on it disclosed herein are substantially different from prior art and provide critical improvements over that prior art. These improvements include different and superior heating and cooling strokes.

Abstract: A method for controlling canister purge of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Based on a change rate of an air-fuel ratio correction coefficient per unit duty, a canister loading ratio is assumed by looking up a map. Further based on the canister loading ratio, a correction amount to the purge control duty for controlling the purge amount from the canister is determine. It is therefore possible to control a canister purge in accordance with the canister loading amount, whereby an over-loading of the canister can be prevented even under a high evaporation condition such as at extremely high temperatures or high altitudes. A deviation of the air-fuel ratio caused by the canister purge can be calculated, whereby an improvement in startability, driveability and emissions can be achieved by updating air-fuel ratio learning values with new learning values excluding a deviation of the air-fuel ratio caused by the canister purge.

Abstract: A rigid, hand-held disc launcher for launching small cardboard discs, having a handle (1) attached to a head (2) which is curved in a substantially semi-circular arc of approximately 180.degree.. An open-ended slot runs through the entire arc of the curved head with one slot opening (4) in the head being located near the handle and the other slot opening (5) being located at the other end of the head. A disc inserted in the slot opening near the handle is launched from the other slot opening when accelerated by centrifugal forces caused by the disc launcher being swung forward by the handle.

Abstract: A pre-cocking assembly for an archery bow includes an elongated rod pivotally attached at one end to the riser of a bow, a spring-biased head member rotatably mounted on the other end of the rod, and a spring-biased bowstring retaining member attached to the head member. The retaining member may be positioned to intercept the bowstring when the bowstring is partially drawn, and hold it in that position. When the bowstring is further drawn to fire the arrow, the head member rotates to reposition the bowstring retaining member to a retracted position.

Abstract: A saw comprises a saw blade having an outer edge, and a diamond-containing coating carried on the outer edge of the saw blade, the saw blade being composed of a synthetic plastic reinforced with a fiber material composed of a plurality of fibers with a volume fraction of 30-70%.

Abstract: A self heating individual meal package includes a quantity of foodstuff to be heated. The package consists of a thermal insulated outer pouch. Within the package is an electrolytic-solvent activated exothermic-chemical pad or powder enclosed in an absorbent envelope, a bag containing electrolytic solvent and a pouch for foodstuff. The solvent bag is affixed to a board material which provides a rigid structure for the functioning of a tear filament pull-tab mechanism or the rupturing of the solvent bag. The pull-tab is affixed to the solvent bag so that when pulled the bag will open and the electrolytic solvent within can flow out to trigger the exothermic reaction.

Abstract: A trough-shaped collector for solar radiation for steam generation. A trough-shaped mirror extending in a longitudinal direction receives and reflects radiation onto an absorber line enclosing within its interior a steam generator tube. Heat is transferred transversely from the absorber line to the steam generator tube by a heat pipe structure.

Abstract: A single use, disposable, vaginal speculum uses a chemically florescent light tube to provide built-in illumination for the body cavity being examined with the speculum. An integrally molded light tube holder has two opposing walls between which the light tube is inserted. Ridges on the inner surfaces of the opposing walls serve to guide the light tube into position in the speculum and to firmly grasp the light tube so as to prevent dislodgement during the examination. An integral stop member is molded into the light tube holder to terminate the insertion of the light tube into the holder in precisely the position required to properly position the light tube.

Abstract: An endoscope suitable for inspecting a water service pipe, etc. is disclosed. The endoscope comprises an operating body and a flexible insert tube structure extending from the operating body. The insert tube structure has a flexible insert body as in a regular endoscope. The insert tube structure further has a jacket disposed on an outer periphery of the insert body and adapted to enhance a smooth reciprocal movement of the insert tube structure. The jacket is formed in a cylindrical braid by braiding a plurality of flat straps in cross-section. These straps are formed of a resin having a small friction coefficient.

Abstract: Retraction of an organ or tissue plane to be retracted is performed to gain access for a surgical instrument to treat an organ or tissue plane to be treated. An inflatable retractor, including a main envelope enclosing a main chamber, is provided with the main envelope in a collapsed state. The main envelope of the retractor is placed adjacent the organ or tissue plane to be retracted. The main chamber is inflated to an expanded state to retract the organ or tissue plane to be retracted. An aperture is pierced in the main envelope to provide access for the surgical instrument passed into the main chamber to contact an organ or tissue plane to be treated while the main chamber is maintained in the expanded state, notwithstanding the aperture pierced in the main envelope. The organ or tissue plane to be retracted and the organ or tissue plane to be treated may be different parts of the same organ or tissue plane.

Abstract: Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a resuscitation mask for administering artificial respiration to a patient. The respiration mask has a container for defining an interior region between the container and the face of the patient. Two conduits are provided through the container wall in order to define two air flow passageways which are in fluid communication with the internal region. A valve is disposed in one air flow passageway for permitting air flow into the internal region and preventing air flow from the internal region. A vent is provided to reduce pressure within the internal region in response to an increase in pressure within the internal region. The container is generally cup-shaped and, in the preferred embodiment, it is formed with a cylindrical member coupled to the one-way air flow conduit. The other airflow passageway is adapted to be detachably coupled to an oxygen source.

Abstract: A dermal patch including a means for generating heat on the surface of the skin of a subject wearing the patch. The temperature of the surface of the skin under the patch is raised to about 115.degree. F., and perspiration is collected in the patch over the course of about an hour. The patch is then analyzed to determine the presence of an analyte in the patch.

Abstract: An electro-optical sensor for spectrophotometric clinical examination devices includes a thin, flexible, lightweight, elongated support frame having at least a pair of integral mounting bases. Each base is shaped and located to separately receive and position structurally independent and relatively free-standing electro-optical components including a light source and a detector. Each mounting base includes cup-like walls defining sockets of predetermined configuration of varying diameter to receive a correspondingly configured electro-optical component. An attachment device secures each component in a nested position at its respective mounting base. A plurality of discrete flexible electrical conductors extends along the support frame, each conductor being connected to a component. A shield shields at least some of the conductors from ambient sources of electrical and/or magnetic noise. A softly compliant outer cover is disposed over the support frame, components, conductors and shield.

Abstract: A biomedical monitoring or stimulating electrode that adheres to a person's skin is disclosed. The electrode is made of a thin, flat flexible material and includes a die-cut patch having one or more adhesive coatings applied on one side of the patch, a foundation component formed into four integral functional areas, a conductive component made up of an electrically conductive material with three contiguous portions, and a conductive media. A connector interfaces with a tab portion of the electrode. The connector includes an electrically conductive element having an inclined surface upon which the tab of the electrode rests. A slider is movable between two positions such that when in its closed position, the electrode neck and head is trapped in the connector and the slider exerts a force on the inclined surface of a cavity of the connector, providing electrical connection to electrode. Thus, the cavity and firm compression act to prevent the electrode from becoming disengaged from the connector.

Abstract: A catheter control handle for precise spatial placement of a working catheter tip in an organ or vessel of interest is presented that is readily operable with one hand and uses a single operating knob in conjunction with a single control wire connected in the distal working catheter tip area in a manner such that longitudinal translation of the knob produces distal catheter tip deflection and rotation of the knob produces rotation of the deflected tip. The longitudinal translation of the control knob deflects the catheter tip by displacing the proximal portion of the catheter relative to the control wire and the rotation of the control knob applies rotational torque to the control wire.

Abstract: Apparatus for mapping a wall of a heart forming a chamber in the heart comprising a guiding catheter having a lumen extending therethrough and a mapping catheter having a shaft that is slidably mounted in the lumen of the guiding catheter. A basket assembly is provided and is comprised of a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart longitudinally extending arms having proximal and distal extremities. The proximal extremities of the arms are secured to the distal extremity of the shaft of the mapping catheter. Each of the arms includes a member formed of a material having a recoverable strain in excess of 1% and has an outwardly bowed shape memory. At least one electrode is provided on each of the arms. Conductors connected to the electrodes are carried by the arms.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for imaging tumor tissue adjacent to nerve tissue to aid in selective resection of tumor tissue without destroying nerve tissue, comprising the steps of illuminating an area of interest with a source of electromagnetic radiation (emr) containing wavelengths absorbed by a dye, obtaining a video signal of the area of interest as a series of frames and processing the series of frames into an averaged control image, stimulating the nerve with an appropriate paradigm to activate the nerve, obtaining a nerve subsequent series of frames at the time of stimulation and processing the nerve subsequent series of frames into a nerve subsequent averaged image, obtaining a nerve difference image by subtracting the averaged control image from the nerve subsequent averaged image to image the active nerve, administering the dye into vasculature perfusing the area of interest, obtaining a subsequent series of frames and processing the tumor subsequent series of frames into a tumor subsequent average

Abstract: A bobbin for holding a gradient magnetic field coil, having a changeable size and sectional shape (a separable bobbin) is constituted by assembling coil supporters (a bobbin divided into a plurality of segments). The separable bobbin has coil supporters of an upper part a bottom part and a set of side surface parts and at least two supporting rods made of a nonmagnetic substance are fitted to the side surface parts of the coil supporters. Holes permitting the insertion of the supporting rods are bored in the upper and bottom parts of the coil supporters. The length d1 between both side surface parts can be made variable by adjusting the insertion length of the supporting rod into the upper and bottom parts. Accordingly, the distance between a patient and a gradient magnetic field can be reduced, and an intended gradient magnetic field intensity can be generated by a smaller current producing the gradient magnetic field than in the prior art.

Abstract: An automated qualitative image quality method is used for an ultrasound imaging system. Initially, an impulse response of the system is determined. The impulse response is used with a cystic filling determination to achieve automated qualitative image quality for the ultrasound imaging system. The impulse response of the system is determined using a wire-in-water test. That is, a wire target is put in a water tank. Next, a transducer is set to be perpendicular to the axis of the wire, to get a cross-section of the wire. Sound waves are transmitted and reflected echoes are received at different gain settings. Curve fitting techniques are then used to form a system beam profile. Finally, acoustic peak to noise and detail resolution qualitative image quality measurements are made using the system beam profile. The cystic filling of the system is determined by defining a first region of interest in a darkened region of an image and a second region of interest in a surrounding region of the image.

Abstract: A two-dimensional echogram or a tomogram (B-mode image) and a volume of an organ are displayed in real time while radiating an ultrasonic wave to the organ. The volume of the organ is obtained by first designating a plurality of line segments traversing the image of the organ on the two-dimensional echogram, by obtaining a pair of intersections between each line segment and the wall of the organ by using a signal intensity profile (A-mode image) of each line segment, by obtaining a length between the pair of intersections, and by calculating the volume by the Simpson method by using the obtained length. In order to improve the precision of volume calculation, the signal intensity profile is smoothed and the intensity is normalized. The intersections are displayed superposed upon the two-dimensional echogram to allow an operator to visually check easily whether the intersections are correctly aligned with the wall of the organ.

Abstract: An acoustical imaging system for producing high resolution medical images provides a method and apparatus for obtaining accurate velocity characterizations of samples within the human body, and for obtaining high resolution images of the samples by utilizing the velocity characterizations of the samples within the human body. The acoustical imaging system also provides a method and apparatus for efficient use of switching channels whereby for a transducer array having a plurality of transducer elements, a set of receiver channels which number less than the number of transducer elements in the array are assigned to a selected portion of the plurality of transducers in the array, wherein for any predetermined set of transducers symmetrically located about a selected transducer, the predetermined set equal in number to the number of receiver channels in the system, each receiver channel in the set of receiver channels is only assigned to one transducer in said predetermined sampling set.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging of an object is effected by directing a first and a second ultrasound pulse emitted by a transducer along a beam propagation direction against an object to be imaged. The second pulse has a transducer-to-object propagation time greater than the first pulse, the propagation time difference being achieved by selectively varying the effective or acoustic distance between the transducer and the object. A second scanline signal returned from the object as an echo of the second pulse is time-shifted as a function of the propagation time difference and is subtracted from the first scanline signal returned from the object as an echo of the first pulse, thereby significantly reducing from the resulting signal reverberation echoes between the transducer and the object. Transducer arrangements for providing the relative propagation time difference of the first and second pulses operatively vary the acoustic distance between the transducer and the object.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an ultrasonic probe for use with a remote ultrasonic imaging system is provided, having a multielement transducer with an upper surface and a lower surface. An ultrasonically attenuative backing material adjoins the lower surface of the multielement transducer. The attenuative backing material is disposed within a container. A circular track is mounted to the container, and a flexible assembly and a carrier band are attached to the container. The carrier band may be operable to rotate the multielement transducer about an axis defined by the circular track. Alternatively, the circular track may be operable to rotate the multielement transducer. Additionally, a method of forming near real-time images of an object in a plane that is oblique to the axis of rotation of the multielement transducer is provided.

Abstract: A tunable ultrasonic probe of the that provides efficient electrical coupling of probe control lines to imaging system components and further provides for variable control over size of an effective acoustic aperture of the probe. The ultrasonic probe includes a body of a piezoelectric material that has a first surface and an opposing surface. A first set of electrodes is coupled with the first surface of the body. A second set of electrodes is also coupled with the first surface of the body and arranged so that each electrode of the second set substantially overlaps at least a respective one electrode of the first set. A third set of electrodes is coupled with the opposing surface of the body. At least one bias voltage source is coupled with the electrodes for substantially polarizing ceramic material within selected regions of the body. Switches are coupled with the first and second set of electrodes for changing an acoustic aperture of the probe by varying size of the selected polarized regions.

Abstract: A catheter having an ultrasonic transducer array at its distal end is constructed to overcome the "ringdown" problem by having a conically shaped reflecting interface space from an ultrasonic transducer array in such a way that the "dead space" is contained wholly within the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining electrical heart activity of an individual in a form capable of producing a twelve-lead electrocardiogram of an individual, said apparatus including: a right arm electrode; a left arm electrode; at least one leg electrode; a portable electrode support having a plurality of at least seven precordial electrodes fixed thereon. The at least seven precordial electrodes extend laterally across the support so as to assume different lateral positions across the human chest when the support is positioned over the chest. Circuitry is carried by the support in electrically connected relation to the electrodes and is capable of selectively operating a selected six of the plurality of precordial electrodes at positions which correspond to the six Wilson precordial leads for the individual. The circuitry is constructed and arranged to convert the electrical heart activity of the individual obtained by the electrodes into a form capable of producing a twelve-lead electrocardiogram.

Abstract: Apparatus which is highly portable and even hand-held is used to collect mammalian breath for chemical analysis and as a diagnostic tool for the physician. The apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir container having first and second ends and a body extending between these ends so as to define an interior chamber; a breath entry portal; a breath exit portal; a sampling portal; a jacket to maintain the temperature of the chamber; a sample container for holding samples of exhaled breath; and pump means for moving selected samples of breath from the reservoir container into the sample container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mediating a biofeedback session with a human subject in which measurements of electrophysiological quantities are used to control the presentation to the subject of a series of prestored audio-visual sequences of varying levels of clarity resident on a direct-access video storage device. The sequences are real scenes designed to induce a desired psychological state when viewed. As the subject succeeds in altering his physiological parameters, the clarity of the presented image and sound improve as an indication of success. By using the invention, the subject develops a conditioned response to the scenes and is able to control his physiological parameters even when away from the apparatus by remembering the audio-visual sequences used during treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, and apparatus for practicing the method, of producing an electrical impedance tomographic image of an object, comprising the steps of: positioning a plurality of electrodes peripherally of the object in electrical contact therewith, repeatedly applying an electrical signal between at least two selected ones of the electrodes to which the electrical signal is applied being different for different applications of the signal, registering the measured electrical potentials as measured data obtained during a plurality of different applications of the applied electrical signa, and processing the measured data to provide data defining the electrical impedance tomographic image of the object.

Abstract: A specimen removal pouch and applicator includes a pouch fabricated from a flexible membrane, a drawstring thread forming a running noose disposed circumferentially round the end of the pouch, an endoscopic tubular portion, and a pusher rod having an aperture for permitting the passage therethrough of a single thread. When the drawstring thread is pulled, the knot is stopped at the aperture and the noose is closed, thereby closing the mouth of the pouch. The pouch is detached from the apparatus.

Abstract: A calibrated guidewire for use in determining the magnitude of arterial occlusions in the body and a method of using the guidewire. The guidewire includes a flexible sleeve having a distal end and a hemispherical tip having a flat inner surface. A multifilar flexible coil is disposed between the distal end of the sleeve and the tip. The coil has a uniform outer diameter and is formed by two sets of different wires, one of which is radiotransparent and the other of which is radiopaque. The spacings between each of the sets is identical and is defined by the widths of each of the sets to provide regularly spaced radiotransparent areas of indicia that are observable as a fluoroscopic image to enable the user measure of the magnitude of an occlusion in a tubular structure in the body. The multifilar construction extends the entire length of the coil between the sleeve and the tip.

Abstract: An improved guide wire for use with cardiovascular catheters, particularly angioplasty or balloon dilatation catheters. The guide wire has a solid core wire which makes up the proximal end of the guide wire. The core wire is tapered toward the distal end to increase flexibility. The tapered distal end of the core wire is surrounded by a coil spring, which may be made completely or partially from a highly radiopaque material. A tapered transition device is attached to the coil spring at a selected distance from the distal end of the guide wire. The transition device is roughly bullet-shaped with a tapered distal edge which provides a smooth transition to aid the dilatation catheter in crossing a stenosis. The tapered transition device also serves to predilate very tight stenoses, making it easier to cross the lesion with an angioplasty balloon or other therapeutic device. The transition device can be made of metal or plastic with a radiopaque filler for easier visualization by x-ray or fluoroscopy.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for positioning a user's tongue to bring the tongue forward, to decrease obstructions in the user's airway and reduce snoring. The apparatus comprises a tongue sleeve which is configured to retain the forward extent of the user's tongue. In preferred embodiments, the tongue sleeve has narrowed inner dimensions at a point along the length of the sleeve. This narrowing acts strength the suction when the user's tongue is positioned within the sleeve. Preferably, the narrowing portions comprise an annular constricted portion. The tongue sleeve has one or more airways which may either comprise complete tubes or air channels formed in the tongue sleeve. A number of airways may be provided. In one embodiment, the airway comprises a tube configured to connect with a positive airway pressure supply means to maintain the patency of the user's upper respiratory tract.

Abstract: Disclosed are wound dressings comprising an absorbent pad for receiving and retaining wound fluids sandwiched between first and second outer sheet materials, the first sheet material for placement on the wound being a perforated non-adherent film for preventing the dressing from sticking to the wound, the second sheet material being characterized as being bacteria-impermeable, the absorbent pad being a multilayer structure comprising an inner layer of a low density absorbent material for receiving fluids diffusing to the dressing from the wound and an overlying layer of a high density absorbent material for receiving and retaining wound fluids diffusing through the inner layer in order to inhibit skin maceration due to the wetness of the surface area of the absorbent pad adjacent the wound.

Abstract: A method of preventing skin abrasions and the like in patients whose legs are substantially locked together in juxtaposition. The method comprises the taking of an elongated flexible planar pad with a length extending from above the patient's knees to the bottom of the patient's foot. The width of the pad is approximately one-half of the girth of one of the patient's legs. The pad is placed between the patient's legs so that the opposite sides of the pad cover the inner surface of at least one leg from a point above the knee to a point substantially to the bottom of the foot of one leg. The pad is affixed to one leg of the patient at points above the knee and above the ankle of one leg to hold the pad against any substantial movement with respect to the one leg. The apparatus of this invention comprises a pad for the foregoing method. The pad is a flexible planar pad having a top, bottom, side edges, and opposite leg engaging surfaces.

Abstract: Presbyopia and hyperopia are treated by a method which increases the amplitude of accommodation by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle in the presbyopic eye. The effective working distance of the ciliary muscle can be increased by expanding the sclera in the region of the ciliary body. This expansion is accomplished by suturing to the sclera a relatively rigid band having a diameter slightly greater than that of the sclera in the region of the ciliary body, by weakening the sclera overlying the ciliary body, by surgical procedures or treatment with enzymes, heat or radiation, whereby intraocular pressure expands the weakened sclera, or by surgical alloplasty. The effective working distance of the ciliary muscle can also be increased by shortening the zonules by application of heat or radiation, by repositioning one or both insertions of the ciliary muscle or by shortening the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: A smoking system for holding a smoking device, tobacco, filters and a cleaning rod, all in a convenient compact container. The smoking system includes a receptacle having bored within it a number of cavities to hold the smoking device, tobacco, filters and cleaning rod. The cavities containing the smoking device and tobacco are accessible from the top of the receptacle and may be opened or closed by an upper cover. The cavities containing the filters and cleaning rod are accessible from the bottom of the receptacle and may be opened or closed by a lower cover.

Abstract: A cigarette has a blend of tobacco materials and a filter element provided from a non-woven thermoplastic material. The non-woven material comprises polyester or polypropylene fibers. The non-woven material is in intimate contact with a high molecular weight material (e.g., an emulsifier or another polymeric material). As such the filter material is coated with another polymeric material. The coated non-woven material can be in intimate contact with an acidic material (e.g., lactic acid) or a basic material (e.g., sodium hydroxide). Certain cigarettes can have relatively high nicotine smokable blends and filter elements having the coated non-woven filter material in intimate contact with an acidic material. Certain other cigarettes can have relatively low nicotine smokable blends and filter elements having the coated non-woven filter material in intimate contact with a basic material.