Abstract: A clip for a self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly has a lifting element between the labial surface of the bracket and the labial portion of the clip that can be rotated to provide a range of adjustability in lifting the labial portion of the clip with respect to the bracket. The lifting element thereby controls the range of motion of the tongue of the clip in its closed position. This limits the forces applied by the clip to an archwire held in the archwire slot of the bracket, and also allows an archwire to slide freely in the slot. A threaded shaft or camming mechanism can be employed as the lifting element.

Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder modulator has an optical splitting element splitting an input optical signal into two optical signals that are conveyed by two optical waveguide arms, and an optical combining element combining the two optical signals into an output optical signal. Two traveling wave electrodes (TWEs) carry an electrical modulation signal to induce a change in phase of these two optical signals, and include a number of pairs of modulation electrodes positioned adjacent to the waveguide arms. At least some of the electrodes in one waveguide arm have a different shape (e.g., length or width) than the electrodes in the other waveguide arm to alter the effectiveness of the electrodes in inducing a phase change in the two optical signals.

Abstract: A mobile television antenna having an antenna element outwardly extending from opposing ends of a housing. An UHF digital booster extends perpendicularly from one side of the housing between the opposing ends carrying the antenna element. At least one UHF parasitic antenna element is connected on a boom which is integrally connected to the mobile television antenna housing. The ultra high frequency parasitic antenna element is held in a plane near the plane in which the antenna element is held by the housing.

Abstract: A portable keepsake storage device has a housing with an interior chamber for storing a keepsake, and a USB data storage device held by a pivoting sleeve attached to the housing. The sleeve and USB data storage device can be pivoted between a closed position in which the USB data storage device is concealed in an opening in the housing, and an open position in which the USB connector of the USB data storage device can be plugged into a host system. The USB data storage device can also be held in sliding engagement by the sleeve, so that it can slide between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism for collimating x-rays has two parallel drive shafts and two parallel guide shafts orthogonal to the drive shafts to define a rectangular aperture. Two flexible bands moving around a generally rectangular path about the aperture independently control the positions of each set of shutters. Two cams on the drive shafts control the positions of the flexible bands and shutters. A pair of transverse shutters made of an x-ray opaque material are held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts. One end of each transverse shutter is attached to the first flexible band adjacent to the drive shafts. Similarly, a pair of longitudinal shutters are held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts. One end of each longitudinal shutter is attached to the second flexible band adjacent to the guide shafts.

Abstract: A system produces orthodontic aligners by CNC machining. A digital model of the patient's dental anatomy is manipulated using CAD software to create a solid CAD model of an aligner. A CNC milling machine is then used to machine the inside and outside surfaces of the aligner from a block of suitable material. A progressive series of aligners can also be designed.

Abstract: A light shelf for daylighting an interior space with reflected sunlight has a reflective upper surface having a cyma-reversa profile along a vertical cross-section perpendicular to the window, with a convex region adjacent to the window and a concave region distal from the window.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: A building system uses modular precast concrete components that include a series of columns with wide, integral capitals. Wide beam slabs are suspended between adjacent column capitals by hangers. Joist slabs (e.g., rib slabs or other substantially planar components) can then be suspended between the beam slabs and column capitals to provide a floor surface.

Abstract: A pliers for forming orthodontic wires has opposing beaks with complementary wire-forming surfaces that include interfering portions. A hinge mechanism enables the beaks to open and close by rotating about an axis, and also allows a range of axial motion between the beaks sufficient to prevent interference between the wire-forming surfaces as the beaks are closed. By preventing such interference, novel over-bending capabilities can be achieved to form useful bending of low spring rate wire. A spring, such as a Belleville washer, exerts a biasing force parallel to the hinge axis to maintain alignment of the beaks, but allows the required range of axial motion between the beaks to prevent interference.

Abstract: A clip for a self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly has a lifting element between the labial surface of the bracket and the labial portion of the clip that can be rotated to provide a range of adjustability in lifting the labial portion of the clip with respect to the bracket. The lifting element thereby controls the range of motion of the tongue of the clip in its closed position. This limits the forces applied by the clip to an archwire held in the archwire slot of the bracket, and also allows an archwire to slide freely in the slot. A threaded shaft or camming mechanism can be employed as the lifting element.

Abstract: A robotic system for forming features in orthodontic aligners includes a control system, a platen for three-dimensional positioning of the aligner, a heating station for selectively heating a small region of the aligner, and a thermoforming station for manipulating the heated region to form a desired feature in the aligner. Optionally, a laser cutting and trimming station can also be included to trim excess material from the aligner or to cut features into the aligner. The control system can include a processor with CAD software to enable a user to design features for aligners.

Abstract: A switch proxy comprising a controller, a translations database and a switching fabric are connected to a trunk group between a remote terminal and its controlling local switching system. The switch proxy monitors control and alarm signals to and from the switching system on the trunk. In the event of loss of control signals from the host switching system, the switch proxy intercepts requests for service, etc. from a calling telephone connected to the remote terminal and performs a look up in the translation database. If the call can be completed without the controlling switching system the call is looped back to the remote terminal. The translation database is maintained by a switch proxy management system that receives change orders from the local exchange carrier. The switch proxy management system forwards relevant changes to the switch proxy's translation database in the field.