Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby's caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.
Abstract: A broad band loudspeaker (101) includes a diaphragm (103) driven by coil assembly (125) centered on a pole (131) of a magnet assembly (133) by a low-friction guide (127) depending from a lower end the coil assembly, and a low-friction guide mounted on an upper end of the pole (131). A suspension (107) for the diaphragm (103) includes two or more parallel, resilient suspension members (115a, 115b), extending between the diaphragm (103) and frame (105) and mounted through a pair of resilient mounting pads (119a, 119b, 125a, 125b). The lower guide (127) includes a flexible portion (151a) which acts like a flapper valve of a pump to create a current of cooling air past down the inside of the coil assembly (125), up the outside of the coil assembly and then out of flux gap (130).
Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for coordinating two fluoroscope images, which permits accurate computer-based planning of the insertion point and angle of approach of a needle, drill, screw, nail, wire or other surgical instrumentation into the body of a patient, and subsequently guides the surgeon in performing the insertion in accordance with the plan.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 9, 1998
Date of Patent:
May 30, 2000
Assignee:
Northwestern University
Inventors:
Michael A. Peshkin, Julio J. Santos-Munne
Abstract: A coiled tubing injector has a transmission with reduction gear trains having two rotary power outputs for driving each of the injector's two chains, and one or more rotary power inputs located on the same side of the transmission as the rotary drive outputs.
Abstract: A barrier vehicle system for an amusement race track is formed from a chain of pivotally coupled barrier modules. Each barrier module has a top and a bottom link separated by a spacer structurally joined with the top and bottom links to create a rigid structure when assembled. A pin extends through the top and bottom links, to one side of the spacer. An resilient, deformable barrel is journalled on the pin. To assist in attenuating high energy impacts, an extendable, energy-absorbing mechanism is attached to one end of the barrier, and the other end of the barrier is anchored to the ground.
Abstract: A disposable toothbrush, comprising a first section (12) having a first proximate end (16) and a first distal end (18), a second section (22) having a second proximate end (28) and a first distal end (25), a plurality of bristles (20) coupled to the first distal end (18), a plug (30) sealingly disposed within the second section (22) and thereby forming a compartment (26) within the second section (22) between the plug (30) and the second proximate end (28), a quantity of powdered dentifrice disposed within the compartment (26) and a sealing means (32) sealingly disposed on the second proximate end (28) in order to seal the compartment (26) wherein the first proximate end (16) has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the second distal end (25) so that the first section (12) may be placed in frictional, sliding engagement with the second section (22) when the first proximate end (16) is inserted into the second distal end (25).
Abstract: A "bump-feed" type line head (108) and replaceable spool (116) for a flexible line trimmer are specially adapted for removing and mounting the spool in a single manual movement to the line head to facilitate spool and line replacement. A U-shaped retention spring (118) is snap-fitted without separate fasteners within a hub in the line head on which the spool is journalled. The spring includes knob-shaped sections (122) protruding through the hub, beneath the spool, for retaining the spool on the hub without interfering with a bump-feed indexing mechanism. Pulling the spool from or pushing the spool onto the hub tends to deflect the knobs inwardly, allowing removal of the spool from the hub. The spool includes an integrally formed reel (116) and an integrally formed button (130) connected in a single movement to the bottom of the reel using undercut surfaces (136)(138), forming a cavity having a radius sufficient to accommodate extension of the knobs beneath the spool.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 6, 1997
Date of Patent:
March 16, 1999
Assignee:
WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
Inventors:
Ron Brant, Michael S. Houge, Lloyd H. Tuggle
Abstract: A "bump-feed" type line head (108) and replaceable spool (116) for a flexible line trimmer are specially adapted for removing and mounting the spool in a single manual movement to the line head to facilitate spool and line replacement. The line head includes a "U" shaped retention spring (118) mounted within a hub in the line head on with the spool is journalled. The spring includes knob-shaped sections (122) protruding through the hub, beneath the spool, for retaining the spool on the hub without interfering with a bump-feed indexing means. Pulling the spool from or pushing the spool onto the hub tends to deflect the knobs inwardly, allowing axially movement of the spool on the hub. The compression force of the spring is set to be sufficient to retain the spool on the hub during normal operation but not to withstand force manually applied in an axial direction to the reel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 27, 1996
Date of Patent:
March 16, 1999
Assignee:
WCI Outdoor Products, Inc.
Inventors:
Imack Collins, Robert T. Cline, Lloyd H. Tuggle