Abstract: The device for affixing a flexible load-bearing element within a bone tunnel includes a securing element that attaches to the flexible element. A bone tunnel fixation element has an outer surface that is adapted to movably engage the bone tunnel. A deformable biasing element is positionable within the fixation element bore adjacent the proximal end. A locking member is dimensioned for movement within the fixation element bore and is positionable adjacent the distal end thereof. The locking member is lockable to the securing element, and the biasing means is for biasing the locking member toward the bore's distal end. Thus as a tension is applied to the securing means, a deformation of the biasing element is caused that is indicative of a magnitude of the applied tension. Therefore, a common element serves to perform pretensioning, and the need for a separate tensioning system is obviated.

Abstract: An apparatus for deicing aircraft includes a vehicle frame, such as part of a truck, and a boom having one end mounted on the vehicle frame and a free end. A compressor unit is supported by the boom and includes a motor having an output and a centrifugal compressor operatively connected to the motor output. A deicer air jet nozzle is located at the boom and operatively coupled to the air outlet of the centrifugal compressor for receiving air and discharging the air for a deicer application.

Abstract: A quartz single crystal substrate (12), includes a prescribed range of Euler angles for substrate and crystal orientation which improves signal processing for surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices (10). When a voltage is applied to an input inter digital transducer (IDT) (16) of the SAW device (10), a surface acoustic wave is generated in the quartz substrate (12). The surface acoustic wave propagates in a direction generally perpendicular to electrodes (20) of the IDT (16). The quartz crystal cut and wave propagation directions are defined to reduce the adverse effects of diffraction on SAW devices (10). As a result, frequency response distortions and insertion loss increases due to diffraction are reduced while maintaining good temperature stability and a low power flow angle.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a vehicle security sensor and associated sensor bus interface, an alarm indicator and associated alarm indicator bus interface, and an alarm controller and associated alarm controller bus interface for interfacing the alarm controller. The vehicle security system is for a vehicle of a type including a data communications bus connecting a plurality of vehicle devices. The security system preferably further includes a desired signal enabling circuit for enabling the alarm controller to operate using a set of desired signals for a desired vehicle from among a plurality of possible sets of signals for different vehicles. Accordingly, the desired signal enabling circuit permits the alarm controller to communicate with the vehicle security sensor and the alarm indicator via the data communications bus so that the alarm controller is capable of operating the alarm indicator responsive to the vehicle security sensor.

Abstract: A method of epidural surgery is provided that improves visibility in the epidural space of a patient for more effectively conducting therapeutic surgery therein. The method includes the steps of distending a portion of the epidural space of a patient by filling the portion of the epidural space with a fluid supplied from a catheter and positioning a portion of an optical scope in the distended portion of the epidural space by inserting the optical scope through the same catheter that supplies the distending fluid to thereby provide a visual image of the epidural space.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor includes an array of electric field sensing electrodes, a dielectric layer on the sensing electrodes with the dielectric layer for receiving a finger adjacent thereto, and a driver for applying an electric field drive signal to the sensing electrodes and adjacent portions of the finger so that the sensing electrodes produce a fingerprint image output signal. In one embodiment of the invention, the driver provides a coherent drive signal for the array. A respective shield electrode may be associated with each of the electric field sensing electrodes for shielding each electric field sensing electrode from adjacent sensing electrodes. Each shield electrode may be actively driven for further shielding. The fingerprint sensor preferably further includes a synchronous demodulator and contrast enhancer for more accurate output image signals. The fingerprint sensor may be effectively used to control access to a computer workstation. Method aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: The device includes, for each column of the memory, a precharge circuit and an amplifier. The amplifier includes two inverters each formed by two complementary transistors and controlled by two successive signals, read and rewrite. The amplifier includes a decoupling structure connected between the two P-channel transistors and the two N-channel transistors of the inverters and is formed by two pairs of complementary decoupling transistors connected in parallel. The decoupling structure is able on command to take at least a first state in which all the decoupling transistors are on, and a second state in which the two decoupling transistors having a channel with the same type of conductivity are on, while the other two decoupling transistors are off.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer dicing saw is controlled by monitoring blade exposure from a flange holding the blade during the wafer dicing process. As the wafer is cut and separated into discrete electronic chips, the dicing blade wears. As the blade is brought closer and closer toward the wafer during cutting, the blade exposure is continuously being reduced. The small dimensions, coolant flow, and close tolerances typical in the wafer dicing process, do not permit visual inspection. Excess blade wear and thus reduced exposure or flange clearance between the blade cutting edge and flange edge will cause damage to the wafer and blade by restricting coolant flow or by contact of the flange with the wafer.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing device includes a fingerprint sensor, a processor for determining an actual fingerprint position on the fingerprint sensor relative to a desired fingerprint position, and a finger position indicator for generating a finger position indication to assist the user in positioning the finger to the desired fingerprint position based upon the actual fingerprint position on the fingerprint sensor. The processor preferably calculates a fingerprint center point defining the actual fingerprint position. The fingerprint sensor may be provided by an electric field sensor in integrated circuit form. The finger position indicator may be provided by a visual indicator, such as a desired position image indicia generator for generating image indicia on a display screen relating to the desired fingerprint position on the fingerprint sensor, and wherein an actual fingerprint position image is also generated relative to the desired position image indicia on the display screen.