Abstract: A training aid and method for basketball and other sports having a large hoop or “halo” supported on a vertical post for adjustment. The vertical post is mounted on a T-shaped base which supports the large hoop in such a way that a player can take shots through the hoop without contacting the base. Training a player to properly shoot a basketball begins with teaching the proper method of holding the ball over the player's head and using the legs for a small, quick jump. Using the shot training aid, the player jumps and takes a shot with a high arc at the goal. With other sports, the angle and height of the device can be adjusted as desired, but the dominant feature in the invention is that proficiency in all sports requiring projectiles to be accurately impelled toward a target can be improved.

Abstract: A breakaway net attachment system for detachably mounting a basketball net to the rim of a basketball goal with resilient net clips. The net clips include a body member with a net release portion attachable to the rim and a retainer portion for retaining the net in association with the rim. The rim preferably includes a plurality of rams extending therefrom to which the clips are removably coupled. The clips are provided with flexible fingers for coupling to the ram wherein the fingers will release from the ram in response to a predetermined force being applied to the net.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner includes a piston that is pivotally mounted to a tensioner arm. The piston is slidably received within a hollow body that is pivotally mounted to a mounting block or engine. In different embodiments, the body is mounted to the tensioner arm while the piston is biased against the mounting block or pivotally connected to the mounting block or engine.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly is provided for a synchronous belt drive on a mower deck. A plurality of idlers are mounted for rotation on bracket. One end of the a bracket engages an abutment surface mounted on the deck which restricts its movement, whereas a second end of the bracket is acted upon by a tensioning member which acts in substantially the same direction as the abutment surface. The bracket includes an elongated slot disposed between one of the idlers and the abutment surface, and a member fixed to the deck is engageable with the slot for confining movement of the bracket.

Abstract: A chain guide for guiding a chain includes an elongated chain guide body pivotally connected at one end to a fixed support member and having an aperture formed in an opposite end of the chain guide body, and a collar loosely fitted in the aperture in such a manner that a clearance is defined between the chain guide body and the collar at least on that side of the collar which is aligned with a direction of pivotal movement of the chain guide body. The collar is firmly secured to the fixed support member so that the chain guide body is allowed to pivot within the range of the clearance. With the clearance thus provided, the chain is protected against excessive tightening or loosening which may otherwise occur when the chain guide is mounted on the fixed support member.

Abstract: A transaxle apparatus is constructed so that left and right axles, two hydrostatic transmissions (HSTs), one for driving a vehicle and the other for steering it, and a differential unit for differentially connecting said axles with each other are together contained in a housing. The driving HST is disposed so that its hydraulic pump and motor are aligned along either a left or right side of the housing. The steering HST is disposed so that its hydraulic pump and motor are aligned along either a front or rear side of the housing. The differential unit is laterally opposite to the driving HST. Either the left or right axle crosses the driving HST between its hydraulic pump and motor. The two HSTs are provided with one or two flat center sections disposed in the housing. The cylinder blocks of the hydraulic pumps and motors of the two HSTs are mounted on either a top or bottom surface of the center section or sections.

Abstract: A bicycle shifting device includes a driver, a slave, a power transmission mechanism coupled between the driver and the slave for communicating rotational power from the driver to the slave through a plurality of power transmission paths, and a clutch for selecting one of the plurality of power transmission paths in the power transmission mechanism. A clutch actuating mechanism causes the clutch to select the one of the plurality of power transmission paths when the driver is at a predetermined rotational position.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an infinitely-variable-transmission in which a relatively flexible member 32 connects one or other of the discs 14 to the shaft 10, thereby to accommodate a degree of shaft flexing without distortion of the toroidal cavity.

Abstract: A creep torque is controlled in a non-finite speed ratio transmission device, wherein a planetary gear unit (5) varies a rotation direction of a final output shaft (6) according to a relative rotation of a toroidal continuously variable transmission (2) and fixed speed ratio transmission (3). The controller comprises a hydraulic cylinder (39) which varies the speed ratio of the toroidal continuously variable transmission (2) by driving a trunnion (23), a shift control valve (46) which supplies a hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic cylinder (30) according to a displacement position, a step motor (36) which displaces the shift control valve (46) according to a command signal, and a mechanical feedback member (35, 37, 38) which feeds back the speed ratio of the toroidal continuously variable transmission (2) to the shift control valve (46).

Abstract: A constant speed drive apparatus for an aircraft generator comprises an input shaft for receiving drive torque from an aircraft engine, a traction speed change mechanism of continuously-variable speed change ratio which is coupled to the input shaft, an output shaft for supplying the aircraft generator with drive torque which is changed in speed by the traction speed change mechanism, and a control computer for controlling the speed change ratio of the traction speed change mechanism to maintain the output shaft at a predetermined rotational frequency. With such constitution it is possible to achieve a small and lightweight constant speed drive apparatus having a high transmission efficiency.

Abstract: A grip exercise apparatus includes a bar having first and second opposed end portions and an intermediate center portion. A weight is attachable by a flexible weight support or line to the center portion of the bar and is wound and unwound about the center portion of the bar as the first and second end portions are rotated by a user's hands gripping the first and second end portions The weight may comprise a single weight element attached to the weight support or a weight carrier in the form of a closeable container adapted to receive individual weight elements.

Abstract: A resilient ball is supported in place on a chair, exercising equipment or other support by a strap or metal clip for periodic exercising of hand and arm muscles. The strap may be one piece or segmented and provided with fabric closure pieces. The ball is secured to the strap or clip by a threaded fastener or a tensionable cord. Non-metallic elements isolate the threaded fasteners from damaging contact with supporting structures.

Abstract: An athletic training shoe that is designed to simulate beach training (exercising in sand) so as to provide the user with all of the positive effects of beach training which result in improved running speed, vertical jump, pedal agility and quickness. Such benefits are easily understood where greater demands are placed on an athlete's muscles when walking, running, or jumping on a beach as opposed to other common surfaces. The muscles of the lower leg are strengthened and elongated simultaneously as they are put through a broader range of motion. The athletic training shoe is comprised of a highly pliable, foot-receiving member which places the user's foot in an ample depth of sand simulating material contained by a material holding element, positioned specifically under the front portion of the user's foot. This causes the user's weight and momentum to be supported by the muscles of the lower leg and foot that control flexion of the foot and toes.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame; left and right cranks rotatably mounted on the frame; left and right floating cranks rotatably mounted on the cranks; left and right foot supporting links movably interconnected between the floating cranks and the frame; left and right foot platforms pivotally mounted on the foot supporting links; and left and right drawbar links movably interconnected between the cranks and the foot supporting members, and movably connected to the foot platforms. The resulting assembly links rotation of the cranks to generally elliptical movement of the foot platforms, as well as pivoting of the foot platforms relative to the foot supporting links.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing exercise devices with motivational programming. The present invention is particularly well suited to exercise devices that utilize one or more motors and/or other electrically driven actuators to control one or more operating parameters of the exercise device. The present invention contemplates the use of programming that includes motivational content and one or more control signals, synchronized with the motivational content, for controlling operation of the exercise device. The motivational content preferably includes audio and/or video designed to simulate a group exercise setting. In addition, the motivational content can include instructional and educational content for the benefit of the user. The programming can be live or prerecorded and can be broadcast over available broadcast channels, cable, satellite, the internet or anything suitable for transmitting audio and/or video signals.

Abstract: A blow-moldable container, having a centrally located, generally tubular handle spanning a central recess has improved balance and ergonomics over existing blow-molded containers. Such a balanced container has great utility as a handheld freeweight, or as a container for pourable substances. An integrally molded base allows our container to be stood upright on end like a regular bottle. Products may be marketed in such containers under the premise that the consumer automatically acquires a freeweight by purchasing the product. The inclusion of fitably engageable contours on its top and bottom surfaces makes such a container stackable with others of its kind, for ease of packaging, shipping, and storage. A graduated set of handheld fillable freeweights may thus be compactly stored without a special rack. Since blow-molding offers great economy of production for sufficiently large numbers of containers, the average person will now be able to afford an entire graduated set of freeweights.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for the calf muscles of the legs includes a foot platform which may rock forward and rearward on the base of the apparatus. A lateral arm is supported above the base and has spaced shoulder engagement arms which overlie the foot platform. The lateral arm is raised and lowered by the action of a user rocking back and forth on the foot platform. The lateral arm is linked to a weight arm which is raised and lowered with the movement of the lateral arm. Free circular weight plates can be suspended on the weight arms.

Abstract: An exercise device for use in exercising and strengthening abdominal and lower back muscles. The device is easily utilized, may be readily disassembled, and is easily portable. The device utilizes individual upright resilient bars of varying degrees of resistance which may be interchangeably affixed to a seat portion of the device. The upper portion of the resilient bar feature, which may be bowed in one direction, has an attached padded upper body support on one side and a harness element on the other. The user may sit on the seat element and exert back-ward pressure against the upper back support to exercise lumber (extensor) paraspinal muscles of the lower back, or the user may sit on the seat element gripping a handlebar assembly affixed to the upper end of the resilient bar and bend forwardly exerting pressure away from the bar to exercise the abdominal muscles. A padded lower back support is provided to assist in properly positioning the user on the device.

Abstract: Anilox rollers of doctor units are provided with cells, arranged over the sleeve surface along spiral lines, in order to guarantee that the wear of the doctor blades, employed at said anilox rollers, is as uniform as possible. To prevent the ink from issuing between end-sided seals and the anilox rollers, one end section is provided with narrow sections that exhibit no cells or one end section is provided with end-sided sections, on which the cells are arranged on spiral lines with shallower pitch, or one end section is provided with end sections, on which the cells are arranged on spiral lines with opposite pitch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a carton from a PET coated material having an initially separate base and side wall sections which are adhered together by melting the PET coating when the respective sections are suitably disposed with respect to one another and in contact. Subsequent application of pressure to different areas of one or other of the base and/or side wall sections ensures a secure bond therebetween. The invention lies in the application of heat to the material and/or coating such that only sections of board which are to be bonded together receive sufficient heat to cause melting of the PET coating, the remaining surfaces not being subjected to heat or only to an amount of heat which can be withstood by the PET coating without compromise of the fluid resistant properties of the PET coating. A hot air blast acutely angled to the coating ensures the correct application of heat in the desired areas. Heat-splash and other problems caused by over heating are thus avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new machine for forming strong, durable and recyclable containers of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,939 without the use of glue or nails which are ready to be loaded, closed, stacked and shipped. The machine utilizes a mandrel movably mounted on a path between retracted and extended positions. As the mandrel cycles forward, it first receives two synthetic sidewalls of the container to be formed, which are firmly compressed against the sides of the mandrel as it moves forward. The mandrel next encounters the body panel or wrap of the container to be formed, said wrap including a plurality of tabs along the edges of its two longer sides which correspond to locking slots on the sidewalls. As the mandrel moves forward, it pushes into the middle of the wrap whereupon a set of plows and shoes bend the upper and lower portions of the wrap into a more horizontal orientation, leaving the middle of the wrap in a vertical position.

Abstract: A machine for container formation by folding a die-scored paperboard structure to close flaps shaped by the scoring that serve as the top and bottom of the container. A scored paperboard sheet is loaded onto a male pedestal inner pattern such that the foldable top and bottom container portions extend beyond the pattern, whereupon armature driven semicircular outer patterns, having upper and lower fingers adapted to be driven by corresponding fluid driven pin stabilizers, close upon the sheet. While closed over the sheet, the pins are activated to move the fingers inward on the inner pattern and force fold the container along the score lines, followed by automatic retraction of the pins and outer patterns. The container is thus pre-folded in preparation for shipping as a flat paper form that is ready for folding on the crease lines thus formed. One or both flaps of the container can be folded along the crease lines to form a closure at one or both ends.

Abstract: An on-the-fly cut sheet folder has a pinch feeding conveyor for pinch feeding a medial panel of a cut sheet in order to feed the sheet in a downstream direction. A fold up plough extends along one side of the pinch feeding conveyor and a fold down plough extends along the other side of the conveyor. A folded sheet conveyor extends below and downstream of the pinch feeding conveyor. The ploughs extend beyond the downstream end of the pinch feeding conveyor and toward the folded sheet conveyor in order to guide sheets folded by the ploughs onto the downstream conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the separation of contaminants from a pressurized liquid. Specifically, the apparatus is a centrifugal rotor adapted to be reaction driven by the pressurized liquid arranged within a housing. The housing has an outlet that is oriented in a direction substantially opposite the direction of rotation of the rotor to make it easier for the liquid to leave the housing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a projection optical system (37) for projecting a pattern from a reticle to a photosensitive substrate, comprising a surface-shape-measuring step wherein the shape of an optical test surface (38) of an optical element (36) which is a component in the projection optical system is measured by causing interference between light from the optical surface (38) and light from an aspheric reference surface (70) while the optical test surface (38) and said reference surface (70) are held in integral fashion in close mutual proximity. A wavefront-aberration-measuring step is included, wherein the optical element is assembled in the projection optical system and the wavefront aberration of the projection optical system is measured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closed lumen catheter for facilitating placement of a radiation source within a vessel. A distal portion of at least a first lumen and a second lumen are separated by a moveable wall, allowing a reduced catheter shaft profile. Centering structures, such as one or more inflatable balloons, with perfusion, may be added. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in optimizing radiation dose distributions to a rectum and a bladder of a patient during the treatment of malignancies of female genitalia is provided in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus includes a colpostat intracavitary implant including a housing portion adapted to receive a radiation source therein and a jacket. The jacket defines a cavity sized to receive the housing portion. The jacket is configured to selectively expand in volumetric size to move the rectum and the bladder away from the radiation source.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electromagnetic waveforms to stimulate a subject includes an electromagnetic waveform signal generator to generate analog signals representing desired electromagnetic waveforms. A selector responsive to channel select input applies the analog signals to selected output channels of the selector. Electromagnetic devices are coupled to the output channels of the selector to convert analog signals into electromagnetic waveforms. The electromagnetic devices coupled to the selected output channels are driven by the analog signals to expose a subject wearing the electromagnetic devices to the desired electromagnetic waveforms.

Abstract: A tissue compression shield can help minimize trauma to tissue during surgical retraction. One such shield has a shell having a rigid outer surface adapted to abut a surgical retractor and a concave inner surface defining an elongate tissue-receiving channel. The concave inner surface is adapted to deform under localized pressure to increase surface area in contact with tissue within the channel, thereby more widely distributing pressure across the tissue. If so desired, the shield can include a compressible inner pad that contacts the tissue. In an alternative design, a shield employs a shell including a central body and a pair of opposed legs defining therebetween an elongate tissue-receiving channel. An upper one of the legs has a notch along an outer edge thereof which defines a bone-seating recess which is smaller than the tissue-receiving channel.

Abstract: A system and method for automated collection and analysis of patient information retrieved from a medical device adapted to be implanted in a patient for remote patient care is described. A set of collected measures is periodically received from the medical device adapted to be implanted over a communications link which is interfaced to a network server. The collected measures set includes individual measures which each relate to patient information recorded by the medical device adapted to be implanted for an individual patient. The collected measures set is stored into a patient care record for the individual patient within a database server organized to store one or more patient care records. Each patient care record includes a plurality of the collected measures sets. One or more of the collected measures sets in the patient care record for the individual patient is analyzed relative to one or more other collected measures sets stored in the database server to determine a patient status indicator.

Abstract: Improvements to a method for imaging a target, which method including the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency, (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency and (c) generating an image responsive to reflected energy at the harmonic, are provided. The transmitting step includes transmitting a waveform with a positive pulse spatially defined by first and second zero values. A positive peak amplitude of the positive pulse is a first distance from the first zero value that is less than half a second distance between said first and second zero values. Thus, the waveform includes a fundamental spectral component and a harmonic spectral component at the transducer. An attenuation normalized peak of the harmonic spectral component is reduced at a region spaced from the transducer as compared to the peak at a region adjacent to the transducer. A negative peak is also shifted or pre-distorted.

Abstract: The sensor guide wire assembly having a sensor element is inserted into the patient's body. Acoustic or electromagnetic waves are then emitted from an external source toward the senor element. The sensor element receives the incident waves and enters into a resonating state. The characteristics of the resonance correspond to the variable or variables to be measured. A transducer is located externally from the patient's body and receives the scattered wave and transmits a resultant signal to an electronic drive and detection unit for signal analysis.

Abstract: A diagnostic ultrasound system and method for providing temporally accurate EKG data with imaging is provided. The EKG data is linked to imaging data. The frame of data of imaging data contains EKG data in a line of information. Additional EKG data may be provided separately from the imaging data. A scan converter processes both the EKG data and imaging data at substantially the same time, maintaining temporal accuracy. The EKG data provided comprises an entire trace so that the trace on the display appears to be smoothly updated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for processing acoustic information obtained with an ultrasound device to generate cardiac information, such as, for example, a patient's heart rate. In accordance with the present invention, an ultrasound system is utilized to image a patient's heart to obtain acoustic information relating to the patient's heart. The acoustic information is converted into electrical information, which is then processed to extract a particular feature of interest therefrom, such as, for example, the patient's heart rate. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, processing of the electrical signals comprises the steps of generating a time-series from a series of image frames and then performing a spectral analysis on the time-series. The features of interest are then easily extracted from the results of the spectral analysis.

Abstract: A dual-frequency band ultrasonic apparatus provides a first ultrasound signal to a region at a first frequency band and a second ultrasound signal at a second frequency band for monitoring the region. A processor controls the first and second ultrasound signals such that a predetermined phase relationship is achieved between the first frequency band signal and the second frequency band signal. The apparatus can employ a single transducer operable at both frequency bands or separate transducers for the first and second frequency bands.

Abstract: Flow imaging of a living body using Golay codes and wall filtering is performed using Golay-encoded transmit sequences that are transmitted successively to a given focal position, with matched filtering being performed on the received echoes. The matched filtering may employ a constant scalar multiplier f (close to unity) that changes from one Golay pair to the next, but remains constant for each Golay pair. The output signals of the matched receive signal filtering for all of the firings are vector-summed to form a compressed and high-pass-filtered signal which is detected, log-compressed, and displayed in the conventional B-mode (i.e., as a gray-scale image). The high-pass filtering suppresses the strong tissue signal, thereby enabling visualization of the weaker blood signal with or without the tissue background.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically detecting and sizing cystic objects in ultrasound imaging. The cystic objects can be automatically detected by the steps of reading an image frame from memory; defining a search region within the image frame or a decimated version of the image frame; binarizing the pixel values within the search region based on a pixel value threshold that is adaptive to local pixel value statistics; morphological filtering the binarized pixel values to eliminate structures smaller than the speckle size; counting the number of continuous objects and keeping track of their area; and rejecting objects that are outside a predetermined size range. Each detected cystic object is automatically sized and graphical information representing the results of the automatic sizing process may be displayed.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound diagnostic imaging system includes a delay system that applies a composite delay profile to signals to or from respective transducer elements. One composite delay profile includes a first, substantially point-focus delay profile for a first set of the transducer elements and a second, substantially point-focus delay profile for a second set of the transducer elements. The first and second delay profiles cause ultrasonic energy from the respective first and second sets of the transducer elements to constructively add at first and second respective spaced focal zones in either transmit or receive. Another composite delay profile includes first and second portions that substantially correspond to respective parts of a point-focus delay profile, and third and fourth portions that are intermediate the point-focus delay profile and respective tangents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for identifying a heartbeat. In the method, an arterial pressure signal is measured in the form of multichannel measurement, and the required signal-processing operations, such as filtration, are carried out if necessary. The method also comprises carrying out signal detection and decision-making concerning the acceptance as a heartbeat signal. According to the invention, the signal detection includes multichannel channel-specific detection for the purpose of identifying signal components of different channels, and the obtained channel-specific detected channel signals are used as input data during the decision-making stage.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying the integrity of normal sinus rhythm (NSR) templates and updating the NSR template after selected time intervals. At selected time intervals after establishing a NSR template, cardiac complexes are sensed and values for one or more cardiac parameters are measured. The values of the cardiac parameters are compared to predetermined value ranges for NSR cardiac complexes. When the values of the cardiac parameters fall within the predetermined value ranges, values for the differences between the values of the cardiac parameters for the cardiac complexes and the values for the cardiac parameters of the NSR cardiac complexes are calculated. When the values of the differences are greater than one or more threshold values, the NSR template is updated as a function of the sensed cardiac complexes.

Abstract: An intergrated airway adapter capable of monitoring CO2 concentration in real time, breath by breath, using infrared absorption techniques and monitoring respiratory flow with differential pressure flowmeters under diverse inlet conditions through improved sensor configurations which minimize phase tag and dead space within the airway adapter.

Abstract: Carcinogenesis is accompanied by increased production of oxygen free radicals (OFRs) which degrade membranes by lipid peroxidation. The process evolves volatile organic compounds (VOCs), principally alkanes, which are excreted in the breath. VOCs in alveolar breath provided sensitive and specific markers of lung cancer. Breath VOC analysis is a non-invasive test which may potentially detect lung cancer at an early stage and reduce the high mortality of the disease.

Abstract: A non-invasive method of determining a temperature distribution in a targeted tissue volume treated with thermal therapy involves determining a baseline perfusion characteristic of the targeted tissue volume. A temperature distribution is calculated in the targeted tissue volume based on the baseline perfusion characteristic of the tissue, a microwave power input and a coolant temperature input. A perfusion characteristic of the targeted tissue volume is iteratively adjusted based on the calculated temperature distribution, and the temperature distribution is iteratively recalculated based on the adjusted perfusion characteristic, the microwave power input and the coolant temperature input throughout the thermal therapy.

Abstract: A hand-held disposable combination surgical nerve evaluator and locator is provided. The device includes a housing that serves as a handpiece and that accommodates a printed circuit board, a DC voltage source and a compressed gas source. Two pre-programmed settings are provided by way of a nerve evaluation switch and a nerve location switch. By choosing a nerve evaluation switch, a pulsed current is sent down one electrical lead that extends outward from the housing. A return electrical lead is provided that also extends outward from the housing in a parallel, but spaced-apart relationship from the other electrical lead. Compressed gas is delivered to the distal ends of the first and second electrical leads by a cannula that is connected to the compressed gas source. It will also be noted that the return or the second electrical lead can also serve as a cannula for the delivery of compressed gas.

Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the front part of the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals preferably being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the front part of the eye (conjunctiva) and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system preferably utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bone marrow biopsy device including an outer cannula, an outer cannula handle having a locking member, an inner rod, an inner rod handle having a locking member, and an independent locking element. The outer cannula handle locking member further comprises a flange element, and the inner rod handle locking member further comprises at least one prong. In one embodiment, the locking element comprises a cylindrical sleeve surrounding the at least one prong and the flange element. The cylindrical sleeve comprises at least one slot which aligns with the at least one prong when the locking element is in its unlocked orientation. The locking element is placed into its locked orientation by rotation of the locking element about the at least one prong and the flange element such that the at least one prong no longer aligns with the at least one slot and is therefore prevented from passing over the flange element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for the collection and transportation of cell specimens comprising a polypropylene shaft, a dental foam swab formed in the shape of a multi-apexed polygon affixed to one end of the shaft, and a polypropylene cap affixed to the other end of the shaft. The cap is matingly engageable with a polypropylene tube proportioned to house the shaft and swab. Preferably, approximately 75% of the surface area of the cap is vented. Preferably, a tamper-evident seal is adhered about the engagement of the cap and tube and coordinated bar-coded labels are affixed to the cap and tube.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus (1) comprising a housing (5) having a bottom wall (11) and a suction chamber (12) bounded by chamber walls (13, 14, 15, 16) and a pump (19) for the generation of a partial vacuum inside the suction chamber (12) and thus forming a skin fold (20) which is drawn into the suction space inside the suction chamber (12), as well as at least one roller (21, 22) to be placed onto a body area (3), comprises at least in an area of at least one wall (14), preferably a chamber wall (14), an apparatus part, preferably two cylinders (32, 33), which is movable with respect to this chamber wall (14), and these cylinders (32, 33) are movable, i.e. rotatable, with respect to the chamber wall (14) by the skin of the skin fold (20) drawn into the suction chamber (12), which results in only a comparatively low friction between the chamber wall (14) and the skin of the skin fold (20).

Abstract: The present invention is a facial iron comprising a heating element and separate charging base. The facial iron heating element has a spoon shaped heating surface for applying heat to a users skin. The heating surface is attached to a handle having LED's for indicating the charge state of the heating element. The facial iron is constantly being recharged when it is in the charging base. A thermostatically controlled circuit activates the heating element when the temperature of the heating surface falls below a certain temperature. It activates the heating element when the temperature of the heating element reaches a preset temperature. The invention also comprises a three position switch allowing the invention to be shut off and stored in a charged condition for later use. The preferred embodiment herein is a direct plug in version using AC wall power to power the heat. Another embodiment uses a wall unit to rectify the AC signal to a low voltage DC signal for powering the heater.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power assisted actuator assembly for flexing restraints in response to movement of an underlying member or a controller. The actuator assembly generally includes a flexible member, such as a cord or fabric panel, having a first end coupled to the restraint and a second end coupled to a drive member, such as a drive roller or winch. The drive member, which may be located remotely or locally, pulls on the flexible member to flex the restraint. The actuator assemblies are useful in many applications, including space suit gloves and compliant robot arms.