Abstract: With respect to a play equipment for staging an entertainment show, for example inside a television studio, it is suggested that specific areas of the monitor wall (2) be assigned to the individual players to permit a more dynamic dramatic scene layout of the entertainment show. A control device (10) which is electrically connected to the mechanically operated switches (3) is designed such that upon activation of a mechanically operated switch (3) by the player reacting first, an optical signal (e.g. signaling color) is displayed in an area of the monitor wall (2) that is assigned to the respective player.

Abstract: A video game machine, which comprises a CPU for executing a program and a memory in which, based on the control provided by the CPU consonant with the execution of the program, are stored data that are read from the program and concern a plurality of characters to be displayed on a display device, provides a pseudo-sense of reality, as though a character projected on a display were a living entity. In such a video game machine, inheritance probabilities are defined for individual portions, of the data concerning a plurality of characters, that constitute the characters, and under a predesignated condition available during the execution of the program, a portion constituting one character, of portions constituting two characters, is maintained at a predetermined inheritance probability that has been defined, and data for new characters are prepared.

Abstract: A video game system with a light gun video game peripheral device having a photosensitive transducer operating in conjunction with a personal computer platform. The gun-shaped light-sensitive device is connected to a peripheral adapter coupled between the computer and a video monitor. The peripheral adapter captures the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals from the video adapter card in the computer and sends them to the light gun so that processing circuitry therein can generate a peripheral position signal indicative of the position of the field of view of the photosensitive transducer relative to the screen. The video game peripheral device also has means for transmitting the peripheral position signal to the computer means for further processing. This allows a light gun to be used with a conventional personal computer without having to modify the computer with additional circuit boards and operating system changes.

Abstract: A system having a machine having the function of reproducing an information recording medium, in which the system executes a program recorded on the recording medium by sending a machine actuating command signal to the machine by user actuation and by receiving signals from the machine. The system includes a main body portion of a machine, and a control unit for controlling the machine connected to the main body portion of the machine. The control unit has a housing, a plurality of control sections mounted on the housing actuated by the user with fingers, and a vibration motor mounted via a vibration motor mounting portion provided in the housing. The vibration motor includes a motor casing, a shaft rotatably supported by the motor casing, and an eccentric member mounted on the shaft. The eccentric member has a rotor and a plurality of coils mounted on the rotor which is mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: A viscous damper mechanism 5 includes first and second input plates 18 and 19, a driven member 30, a spring chamber 17 and a undulated plate spring 23. The spring chamber is formed between the first and second input plates 18 and 19 and the driven member 30. The undulated plate spring 23 is disposed in the spring chamber, and is operable to connect elastically the first and second input plates 18 and 19 to the driven member 30 in the rotation direction and damp a torsional vibration. The spring chamber 17 is filled and sealed with powder solid lubricant.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper includes two structural units rotatable relative to one another and linked to each other by a spring arrangement which includes at least one thrust piston. At certain angles of rotation between both structural units, the flow of force between the thrust piston of the spring arrangement and at least the secondary structural unit is realized via an outer surface area that engages the thrust piston, wherein the outer surface area is formed on a separate third structural unit which is resiliently mounted relative to the secondary structural unit.

Abstract: To substantially increase a slide torque of a fitting type damper formed by press-fitting an elastic body of a rubber-like elastic material between a hub and a massive body from either direction of a shaft. Polymethylene-polyphenyl-polyisocyanate is interposed as a non-slide agent between a hub including a metallic part and an inner boundary of an elastic body or between a massive body including a metallic part and an outer boundary of the elastic body.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely aligning bolt holes in first and second adjacent drive shaft couplings, including a cam pin for being positioned in the generally aligned bolt holes in the shaft couplings and rotated to bring the bolt holes in to more precise alignment. The cam pin includes a first, relatively large diameter segment having a cylindrical wall defining a first longitudinal axis for being positioned in a precisely fitting condition in the bolt hole of the first coupling, and a second, relatively small diameter segment having a cylindrical wall defining a second longitudinal axis offset from and eccentric to the longitudinal axis of the first segment for being relatively loosely positioned in the generally aligned bolt hole of the second coupling. A cam sleeve is provided for being positioned in axial and rotational sliding relation over the small diameter segment of the cam pin and within the bolt hole of the second coupling.

Abstract: A VL constant velocity universal joint for accommodating axial displacements in a propeller shaft of a motor vehicle and for connecting a drive unit to a rear axle gearbox has at least two articulatably connected shaft portions, with a standard plunge which is usable in a damage-free way. An outer joint part has outer ball tracks and an inner joint part has inner ball tracks. A plurality of torque transmitting balls are guided in the outer and inner ball tracks associated with one another. Associated outer ball tracks and inner ball tracks form angles of intersection with respect to a central axis A of the joint. The angles are of identical size but set in opposite directions. A ball cage is provided with a plurality of cage windows each accommodating one of the balls and which hold the balls in one plane when the joint is axially displaced or articulated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for coupling the torque transmission between a primary shaft and a receiving shaft to enable an angular and/or radial misalignment and/or an axial displacement between the two shafts, comprising two hubs (2) each provided with an external toothing (3) normally symmetrically convex with respect to a symmetrical plane (4) and a sleeve tube (7) having an internal toothing (8) co-operating with each external toothing (3) and capable of sliding longitudinally on them, limit stop means (9) being arranged in a ring-shaped space (10) between a wall (11) bearing the external toothing (3) and part (12) of at least of one of the hubs (2) and comprising a ring-shaped stop (15) fixed to the hub (2) in the symmetrical plane (4) and, at least on one side of the stop (15), a stop pin (16, 17) associated with the stop (15), arranged in the shape of a ring of the same diameter as that of the stop (15), perpendicular to the axis (18) of the sleeve tube (7), and fixed to it.

Abstract: A merry-go-round with a frame supported for rotation by a plurality of driven wheels, the merry-go-round having a space for a wheel chair and a space for a non-wheel chair bound person. Each separate space on the merry-go-round is associated with a respective crank assembly such that a person in that space can drive one of the driven wheels through a crank. A plurality of smaller wheels secured to the underside of the frame provide additional support for the merry-go-round. The person in the non-wheel chair bound space can stand on the frame, or in an alternate embodiment can sit on a chair. Because the merry-go-round has spaces for both wheel chairs and non-wheel chair bound people, both can use the merry-go-round at the same time.

Abstract: A method and system for use to either or both provide information on golf courses to players and for course design and routine modification. The information provided is on golf courses as to course difficulty, hole length and slope, pin and tee location, etc. for the current day or any given day in the future, and for course design and routine modification of pin and tee location to maintain course difficulty during pin and tee movement by maintaining overall course slope while altering the slope on each hole. The method and system involves using global positioning satellites to plot golf courses including the slope, topography and other parameters thereof, and then microprocessors and programs to define future tee area and pin locations which are defined by a time sensitive formula such that access is available to the actual future locations on a set date in the future.

Abstract: A retractable amusement ball device includes a retract assembly. The retract assembly includes a recoil mechanism. A rope or cord is attached to the recoil assembly at one end. The other end of the cord may include a handgrip assembly such as a knob, a ring, or a handle. When the retractable amusement ball device is at rest, the cord is wound about the recoil assembly. The handgrip assembly comes to rest against an exterior of the retractable amusement ball device. When a participant plans to launch the retractable amusement ball device, the participant grips or grabs the handgrip assembly and pulls the cord into an extended position. A force is applied to the ball through the extended cord and handgrip mechanism. When the participant releases the handgrip assembly, the recoil mechanism rewinds the cord back into the retract assembly as the retractable amusement ball device is propelled through the air.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporary use with a golf driving range mat or ground practice area in teaching the proper stance for a golfer when swinging a golf club to hit a golf ball placed upon a tee inserted into the mat or the ground. The apparatus comprises first and second strips of flat elastic material. Each strip has a length selected so that the strip will be under moderate tension when it is stretched across the mat from one edge of the mat to the opposite edge of the mat and held against the mat by a discrete anchor at each end of the strip.

Abstract: A golf ball retrieval apparatus having a shaft, a first plug located in the hollow portion of a shaft capable of moving longitudinally within a hollow portion of a shaft and having holes on a side facing the opening in the handle. A plurality of wires with a first end anchored to the plug, a second end having beads and being in a conical array. A first position exposing the wires outside the handle less than fifty percent of their length. A second plug being fixedly located in the hollow portion of the handle to prevent the first plug and wires from penetrating into the hollow section more than that which will place the wires in the first position within the handle.

Abstract: This invention provides a new structure of golf putter head by integral molding a striking board and a neck portion with a light material. After the striking board and the neck portion are inserted in a concave coupling portion of a putter head, the two-in-one composition will not move the center of gravity A upwards but keeps it in the same horizontal level with that of a golf ball (B) to facilitate easy grasp of the sweet spot in a strike.

Abstract: A golf club head for increasing the distance a golf ball travels after being struck with the golf club head. The golf club head includes a body with a striking face and a back face. The body has a cavity therein that has a forwards face adjacent the striking face of the body and a rearwards face adjacent the back face of the body. A block is disposed in the cavity of the body. The block has opposite first and second faces. The first face of the block faces the forwards face of the cavity and the second face of the block faces the rearwards face of the cavity. The block is biased towards the rearwards face of the cavity so that the block is biased to a position where the first face of the block is spaced apart from the forwards face of the cavity.

Abstract: A volleyball player training device especially useful for teaching volleyball players to block and tip a volleyball at the volleyball net is disclosed. The device includes a frame which may be removably fastened to the volleyball net, a volleyball, and a pedestal or support extending upwardly from the frame for holding a volleyball above the volleyball net. During use, a player may block or tip the volleyball causing it to be pivoted from its supported position above the net. A return mechanism returns the volleyball to its supported position placing it in position to be blocked or tipped again.

Abstract: Blade-opening arrowheads having pivotal blades, wherein each blade is hingedly connected at one blade end to an arrowhead body by a hinge pin. Each blade may be disposed at an angle relative to the central axis of the arrowhead body. Each blade freely rotates in a plane from a retracted in-flight position to an open position when penetrating an object where the other opposing blade end rotates away from the arrowhead body such that the sharp cutting edges of the blades are exposed at a full cutting diameter when the blades are in the open position. When in the retracted position a blade is securely held selectively adjacent to the arrowhead body by frictional engagement from methods independent of, or not dependent upon, the use of an element or elements in addition to that individual cutting blade, its hinge pin and its blade slot.

Abstract: In a transmission having shaft-mounted components operated by a pressurized medium or fluid, the fluid is supplied to the components using an at least partially hollow shaft. A hollow tube within the bore of the shaft carries the fluid. The tube may be divided into separate passageways so as to control flow of fluid to selected components and isolate components from each other. The fluid pressure in the components may be torque-dependently modulated by a torque sensor.

Abstract: A device for tensioning flexible elements wound onto pulley has a pulley (4) onto which the flexible element (2) is (partially) wound is able to perform translatory movements relative and perpendicular to the shaft (8) on which it is rotatably mounted, respectively between an advanced position, where minimum tensioning of the flexible element (2) associated with the pulley (4) occurs, and a retracted position, where maximum tensioning of the flexible element (2) occurs, tensioning means being provided in order to cause said translatory movements of the pulley (4) with respect to the shaft (8).

Abstract: A guide link for a back-drive silent chain includes a pair of flat outside surfaces and window holes. The flat outside surfaces are formed on the opposite sides of the center line of the apertures for contacting a chain guide or tensioner arm. The edge portions of the window holes in the vicinity of the apertures are formed of arcuate surfaces equally spaced apart from the edge portions of the apertures.

Abstract: A toroidal type continuous variable transmission system to be used as a transmission of an automobile comprises: an input shaft rotatably actuated by means of a drive source; an output shaft for acquiring power stemming from rotation of the input shaft; a variator which is interposed between the input and output shafts and includes a pair of input disks which rotate on the basis of rotation of the input shaft, a pair of output disks which are provided in a coaxial relationship with the input disks and rotate in synchronous with each other, and power rollers which are provided between the input and output disks while remaining in contact with the disks and which rotate at an angle; a planetary gear mechanism which is interposed between the input and output shafts and includes a sun gear, a ring gear provided around the sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears which are provided between the sun gear and the ring gear so as to be rotatable, and carriers supporting the planet gears; a pressing mechanism which pre

Abstract: An electronically controlled automatic transmission hydraulic valve system for an automotive vehicle transmission having multiple forward-drive ratios and a reverse ratio. Clutch and brake means controls motion of gearing elements for establishing forward torque flow paths and a reverse torque flow path, the clutch and brake means including a reverse drive clutch and a forward drive clutch. Each clutch, when engaged, completes a torque flow path from a vehicle engine to torque input elements of the gearing. The forward clutch and reverse clutch each includes friction elements that are frictionally engaged by a pressure-actuated piston. Regulated pressure strokes each piston. An engagement valve system triggers normal forward clutch and reverse clutch operation during torque delivery and for establishing a neutral idle capability in both forward and reverse.

Abstract: The extent of engagement of an automatically adjustable friction clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle, wherein the clutch receives torque from a rotary output element of an engine and transmits torque to the rotary input element of a transmission, is determined by an electronic control unit in conjunction with an actuator which is responsive to signals from the control unit. Under normal circumstances, the adjustment of the clutch is selected on the basis of control signals which depend upon the actual RPM of the output element and the RPM of the input element. When the actual RPM of the output element departs from a desired RPM, the control signal is altered to reduce the rate of torque transmission by the clutch upon a determination that the actual RPM is below the desired RPM, and to increase the rate of torque transmission by the clutch when the actual RPM exceeds the desired RPM.

Abstract: An automatically controllable clutch is arranged between the engine and the driving wheels in the transmission line of a motor vehicle. A transmission can be shifted arbitrarily or manually between idling and at least one driving position. An accelerator pedal or the like control the power of the engine, and a control device controls the clutch as a function of defined parameters detected by assigned sensors. When the driving position is engaged and the accelerator pedal is not operated, the clutch operates at its gripping point and transmits a low torque which is sufficient for a creeping of the vehicle on a level road or at a very low tractive resistance. When an approximated synchronism of the clutch input and the clutch output has been reached during the phase with an engaged driving position and while the accelerator pedal is not operated, the clutch is closed when the accelerator pedal is operated while maintaining the synchronism.

Abstract: The chin exercise device in a first embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated handle having a top end, a bottom end, a front side, and a rear side; a pair of curved members extending outwardly from the top end of the handle; and an arm which is pivotally attached to the curved members. The arm has a foam pad for receiving a person's chin. Attached to the rear side of the elongated handle is a foam pad which is placed against a person's clavicle or chest when the device is used by a person to exercise. In order to use the device a person holds the handle and places the foam pad of the handle against his or her chest. The person then places his or her chin into or on the foam pad on the arm. The person moves his or her chin downwardly, toward his or her chest. The springs create resistance as the person brings his or her chin down, thereby exercising the muscles of the chin.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus links rotation of a crank to generally elliptical motion of a foot supporting member. A foot supporting linkage is movably connected between a rocker and a crank in such a manner that the foot supporting member moves through a range of motion greater in length than the distance between the points of connection to the crank.

Abstract: An angle-adjusting device for a treadmill having a front supporting lever, a handgrip frame, a frame and a running belt. A locating plate is disposed on a bottom of a rear portion of the frame. A polygonal ground-contacting member is pivotally attached to the locating plates. Distances between the pivot attachment and the ground-contacting sides of the ground-contacting member are different. The sloping angle of the frame is dependent on the distance between the attachment pivot and a ground-contacting side and may be varied by pivoting the ground-contacting member.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a base having a brace upstanding therefrom. A support member including a rail having a seat mounted thereon is rotatably connected to the brace. Mounted to the front end of the base are a pair tracks. Positioned on opposing sides of the support stand are a pair of linear foot rails. The front end of each foot rail has a wheel rotatably mounted thereon and disposed on a corresponding track. The second end of each foot rail is rotatably mounted to the base by a crank assembly. Positioned at the front end of each foot rail is a first foot pad. Positioned at the second end of each foot rail is a second foot pad. By either standing on the first foot pads or sitting on the seat and pushing against the second foot pads, each of the foot rails can be moved in an elliptical path for exercising the leg muscles of a user.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes an exercise device, a memory including a first memory portion, and a receiver for receiving exercise programs transmitted over a first communication link. A control unit supplies received exercise programs to the first memory portion for storage in the first memory portion as first exercise programs and selectively controls the exercise device in accordance with the first exercise programs.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a base structure having a resistance assembly and a user support member is disclosed. The apparatus further includes a first user interface pivotally mounted to the base structure for rotation about a first axis at a position allowing an exerciser to comfortably sit upon the user support member, extend a leg and engage the first user interface. The first user interface includes a distal end to which a foot plate is secured and a central pivot which rotates about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The apparatus also includes a cable linking the first user interface to the resistance assembly for the application of resistance as the user rotates the first user interface by extending a foot to exercise the user's calf muscle.

Abstract: An apparatus for arranging a free-weight for exercise. A first band of pliable material is constructed into a loop and has a width that permits threading the loop through an opening in the free-weight thereby forming a first loop portion adjacent to the first side of the free-weight and a second loop portion adjacent to the second side of the free-weight. A second band of pliable material has a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the first band of material and arranged to be attached to the first loop portion of the first band of material. A receiving member is attached to the second loop portion of the first band of material and arranged for attachment to the second end of the second band of material.

Abstract: A pair of extension bars join together in forming a tubular clamp having a raised wall surface, with the extension bars having angularly adjustable stirrups through which the arms of the user pass in grasping onto a pair of handle members, with one extension bar having a spring actuated finger pull to latch onto the raised wall in closing the tubular clamp in coupling to a weight bar, or in separating the tubular clamp when proceeding to couple to a different weight bar. The distance from the handle member to the clamp affords a lever action to increase resistance range without increasing any weight being exercised with, as well as working muscle at lower ranges of motion.

Abstract: Rolls for metal shaping have at least a peripheral surface of an iron-based Fe—B or Fe—B—C cast alloy having from 1 to 20 wt % chromium; from 0.5 to 3 wt % boron; up to 1.0 wt % carbon; or higher carbon if substantial amounts of strong carbide forming elements such as Mo, V, Ti, W and Nb are present; optional alloying additions including the Mo, V, Ti, W and Nb and also including Si, Al, Mn, Ni and Cu; and, apart from incidental impurities, a balance of Fe.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a calendar roll in which a continuous band of filler material is wound onto an axle until a desired diameter for the roll is obtained, and then an elastic coating is applied to an outermost surface of the band, i.e., the outermost layer of windings. An adhesive agent may be applied onto the band such that adjacent windings of the band adhere to one another during winding of the band onto the axle. Adjacent windings of the band in an uppermost layer of windings may be welded together to provide a foundation for the elastic coating. The calender roll includes an axle, a uniform and continuous band of filler material wound onto the axle to provide the roll with a desired diameter, and an elastic polymer coating arranged on an outermost layer of windings of the band on the axle.

Abstract: A tungsten carbide surface is finished to an RMS surface roughness of about 25 nm (1.0 microinch) or less by abrasion using diamond grit particles. The tungsten carbide surface is abraded by a sequence of grit particle-containing abrasive members, such as abrasive films, pastes, or slurries, at least one of the members having an average grit particle diameter of about 2 &mgr;m or less. The finish is enhanced by oscillating the abrasive member back and forth over the tungsten carbide surface. A different speed is used for at least two consecutive films in the series, thereby generating scratches at different angles which can be distinguished. A superfinish, corresponding to a lack of visible scratches at 100× magnification, can be obtained by abrading the tungsten carbide surface with a diamond slurry or paste having grit particles with an average diameter of about 1 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A finisher including a tray to enable the stacking of sheets; a leading end stopper, which projects from an upper surface of the tray, to contact and align an end face of a sheaf of sheets stacked in the tray; and a sheaf-conveying device, having a pair of rollers, to selectively nip (or engage) and convey a sheaf of sheets from the tray. Following an engagement by the sheaf-conveying device, the rollers are severally rotated to evenly convey an engaged sheaf of sheets while better protecting the alignment and appearance of such sheaf.

Abstract: A process of serially dispensing and opening a bag from a bundle of bags includes providing a bundle of bags having at least a leading bag and a plurality of trailing bags. Tabs at the top of the bags fasten to a support and sever under a first force. A fastening adjacent the top of the rear bag wall of a leading bag joins to the top of the front bag wall of a trailing bag, this fastening severing under a second force. Pulling on the front bag wall of the leading bag to sever the front support tab of the leading bag from the support; continued pulling on the front bag wall of the leading bag severs the rear support tab of the leading bag. The front support tab of the trailing bag from the support is also severed. The rear support tab of the leading bag pulls on the front support tab of the trailing bag to sever both the rear support tab of the leading bag and the front support tab of the trailing bag from the support.

Abstract: An embossing unit having a frame supporting a pair of embossing rollers by means of respective supports, a first of which is integral with the frame, and a second of which is connected to the frame by a spherical connection and is pushed towards the other support by a force generated by a pair of electromagnets.

Abstract: A method and device for folding an airbag having a inner main fold and an outer main fold in a folded state. The airbag is fixed to a working surface, extended along a longitudinal axis away from the working surface, and fixed in the area of the inner or outer main fold. The airbag is then expanded, or contracted, to form the outer or inner main fold, respectively, and then compressed toward the working surface. A shaping body is preferably inserted into the airbag through an inflation opening to extend the airbag so that a folding element may activated to retain the airbag against the shaping body to form the inner or outer main fold.

Abstract: An implantable hearing aid transducer is easily mounted within a middle ear region by the force of attraction between two permanent magnets. The transducer is preferably coupled to one of the magnets prior to implantation. The transducer is coupled to the magnet by an adhesive, by a transducer case containing both the magnet and the transducer, or by being encompassed by the magnet.

Abstract: A female incontinence device made of a soft semi-collapsed hollow tube that can be easily inserted into the bladder by a patient or a healthcare professional. The proximal end can open diagonally within the bladder to retain the catheter in the proper position, and can be easily removed without the use of special tools. A valve system which is pressure-sensitive is provided at the distal end such that it can be manually activated to empty the bladder.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device includes an occluding member, such as a tampon or plug that is retained by magnetic forces acting between a support and magnetic inserts located adjacent the urethra. The insets may be implanted or injected and hold the occluding member in place.

Abstract: The preparation and use of medical devices are described. A thiol group agent is loaded onto a medical device such as a stent or a catheter. Preferably, the loading is accomplished onto a polymeric surface that had been activated by water vapor RF plasma treatment. The thiol group agent is structured to exhibit sulfhydryl groups. These sulfhydryl groups are available for interaction with NO carriers such as nitrovasodilators. This interaction can take place in situ at an in vivo location within a vascular system, for example, in which event the sulfhydryl groups would be delivered by the medical device while the NO carrier will be delivered by suitable pharmaceutical administration means. Alternatively, the NO carrier can be loaded onto the treated medical device surface at a suitable time prior to insertion of the medical device into the body, such as immediately before the initiation of a medical procedure such as stent delivery and implantation.

Abstract: A lockout valve for an inflatable penile prosthesis which responds to internal fluid pressure. The lockout valve comprises a housing having inlet and outlet ports, an interior chamber, an apertured valve seat, and a poppet biased toward the closed position. The inlet communicates with the prosthesis reservoir, and the outlet communicates with the interior chamber and the prosthesis pump. The housing includes a flexible diaphragm which moves toward the poppet when flexed inwardly. Fluid pressure through the inlet port urges the poppet into sealing engagement against the valve seat, therefore closing the lockout valve. Negative fluid pressure applied to the interior chamber from the outlet port (when the pump is actuated) causes the diaphragm to flex inwardly and contact the poppet to open the valve. The lockout valve operates like a check valve when subject to reverse flow.

Abstract: A tool for coaxially loading a flexible member into a lumen of a catheter. Typically, the flexible member is a flexible imaging core or similar device. The tool includes a body which has a connector, which connects the body to a hub located on the catheter. A pair of opposed rollers, disposed proximate to the connector, are used to advance the flexible member, through the connector, and into the catheter, which is connected to the connector. The flexible member is advanced by counter rotating the rollers.

Abstract: A deflection cover for a medical endoscope comprises a tubular covering that protects the articulation system of an endoscope during sterilization procedures where pressure differentials are generated. The deflection cover is of a single layer of a selected material whose properties provide the deflection cover with adequate flexibility, thinness, and strength for use on a medical endoscope. The deflection cover may include a reinforcement structure, such as a helically oriented thread, to increase the tube's pressure resistance without impeding the tube's longitudinal flexibility, which is needed to allow the articulation system in the endoscope to deflect through its intended range of motion.

Abstract: A fluid operated retractor for use in surgery. The retractor has a portion that is expandable upon the introduction of fluid under pressure. The expandable portion is made of a material strong enough, and is inflated to enough pressure, to spread adjoining tissues within the body. The retractor is especially useful in fiber optic surgery because it can be inserted percutaneously through a small opening then expanded to a much larger dimension when in the desired location, to retract tissue from within. The retractor may be used to spread a joint such as a knee joint or a shoulder joint, or may be used to separate tissue planes generally, to improve visualization and create a working space for the surgeon.

Abstract: A computer control system operates with an instruction set to provide automated administration of health care to a patient. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a central monitoring station receives data from a plurality of remote testing units. Each of the testing units is custom configured for a particular patient and is made to provide optimal care for that individual alone. Similarly one monitoring unit may serve multiple patients and transmit the data to a central monitoring computer via the telephone lines. Medical procedures are then administered to the patient and results taken as data. The data is made available to the central monitor so that proper medical interpretation is enabled. A number of novel steps in the programming of the system are taken to assure that the right patient is being monitored, that the patient is being tested properly and that the system is being monitored appropriately.