Abstract: A method and system of supplementing a main illuminating light with a supplementary illuminating light using a plurality of solid-state light emitters to illuminate a space according to a target illumination spectrum are provided. The method can include determining or receiving a reference illumination spectrum associated with the main illuminating light. The method can also include determining a spectral deviation between the reference illumination spectrum and the target illumination spectrum. The method can further include controlling the solid-state light emitters to emit respective emitter beams forming the supplementary illuminating light and illuminating the space along with the main illuminating light, the emitter beams having respective emitter spectra together defining a supplementary illumination spectrum of the supplementary illuminating light.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of using medical devices are disclosed. An example tissue retraction device includes a first engagement member having a first end and a second end, a second engagement member having a first end and a second end, a first elastic member attached to the second end of the first engagement member, and a first alignment member having a first end, a second end and a lumen extending therethrough. Further, the tissue retraction device has a first length, the first alignment member has a second length, the first elastic member extends within the lumen of the first alignment member and the second length of the first alignment member is less than or equal to the first length of the tissue retraction device.

Abstract: There is described a collar for a recessed fixture, in particular a recessed fixture for recessing in a hole. The collar comprises a wall to extend into the hole, such wall comprising an indented catch, and such catch is arranged to catch a sprung arm of the fixture to retain the collar and fixture together with the sprung arms trapped therebetween. By providing a collar which is able to secure the fixture in a safe intermediate (not fully installed) position, it is possible to improve the efficiency and safety of installation and removal of the fixture.

Abstract: Patient handling equipment, such as a hospital bed, is provided with a propulsion system and a status indicator light system incorporated in the propulsion system and operable to generate at least two light beams beyond a perimeter of the bed. The light indicator, which may have different colors, shapes or intensities, can indicate the state of propulsion of the system and generates light beams which are visible all around the equipment so as to be visible to a carer from any angle. The apparatus may include an ambient light sensor disposed to detect floor level lighting conditions rather than general ambient light.

Abstract: A brake assist system for patient handling equipment such as a patient bed includes a drive wheel. The wheel includes a brake assist system operated by control of a controlled unit which is operable to sense tilt of the handling equipment and to apply partial breaking to the wheel when it is detected that the equipment is on a slope. The control unit controls a maximum speed of the equipment down the slope, in order to protect the patient and to assist a care worker. The control unit disengages the brake assist mechanism when it is detected that the equipment is on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: Patient handling equipment, such as a hospital bed, is provided with a propulsion system and a status indicator light system incorporated in the propulsion system and operable to generate at least two light beams beyond a perimeter of the bed. The light indicator, which may have different colors, shapes or intensities, can indicate the state of propulsion of the system and generates light beams which are visible all around the equipment so as to be visible to a carer from any angle. The apparatus may include an ambient light sensor disposed to detect floor level lighting conditions rather than general ambient light.

Abstract: A brake assist system for patient handling equipment such as a patient bed includes a drive wheel. The wheel includes a brake assist system operated by control of a controlled unit which is operable to sense tilt of the handling equipment and to apply partial breaking to the wheel when it is detected that the equipment is on a slope. The control unit controls a maximum speed of the equipment down the slope, in order to protect the patient and to assist a care worker. The control unit disengages the brake assist mechanism when it is detected that the equipment is on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A composite label is described comprising a first portion and a second portion. The second portion may be removeably attached to the first portion. The first portion may have a first attachment portion. The second portion may comprise an identification device comprising an inlay mounted on a carrier material. The carrier material may extend beyond the inlay to form a second attachment portion.

Abstract: A solid waste treatment apparatus and/or comprises a tank comprising an interior volume and an outlet and a liner comprising a floor and a plurality of upstanding exterior walls and at least one upstanding interior wall forming a first chamber and a second chamber in the liner. Each one of the exterior walls comprises a permeable surface. The at least one interior wall comprises an impermeable surface. The apparatus includes a multi-panel sieve disposed in the second chamber. A tank includes a removable lid comprising a window in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. A separator housing may be disposed on the lid and coextensive to the window, the housing comprising a planar sieve disposed at an angle in the housing and an inlet in fluid communication with the planar sieve.

Abstract: A system operable by a single workman safely launches and recovers an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) using a motor-driven carriage to transport the UUV to the water. The UUV is fitted to a reconfigurable sabot. An elevating ramp on the carriage supports the sabot and UUV on an elongate conveyer assembly having inclined rollers aligned with motor-driven belts to selectively outwardly and inwardly displace the UUV between the carriage and the water. Hinge members are used to rotatably connect the elevating ramp to the carriage, and a lifting mechanism connected to the carriage and ramp rotatably displaces the ramp about the hinge members. The rollers and belts displace the UUV on the conveyer assembly. A winch on the elevating ramp has a line connected to the UUV to lower and raise the UUV during launch and recovery operations.

Abstract: A solid waste treatment apparatus and/or comprises a tank comprising an interior volume and an outlet and a liner comprising a floor and a plurality of upstanding exterior walls and at least one upstanding interior wall forming a first chamber and a second chamber in the liner. Each one of the exterior walls comprises a permeable surface. The at least one interior wall comprises an impermeable surface. The apparatus includes a multi-panel sieve disposed in the second chamber. A tank includes a removable lid comprising a window in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. A separator housing may be disposed on the lid and coextensive to the window, the housing comprising a planar sieve disposed at an angle in the housing and an inlet in fluid communication with the planar sieve.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a writing instrument with a tape flag dispenser, a writing instrument has a body portion, a writing tip, and a flag dispenser that can be attached to and detached from the body portion. The flag dispenser holds a supply of tape flags, such as a folded stack of tape flags, which can be removed through an opening in the dispenser. The flag dispenser can be, for example, a cap that covers the writing tip or an attachment that affixes to an end of the body portion. In another embodiment, a writing instrument has a body portion, a writing tip, a flag dispenser integrally incorporated into the body portion, a containing section housed in the flag dispenser, and an opening in the containing section through which tape flags can be issued.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are writing instruments with tape flag dispensers. In one of various embodiments, a writing instrument has a barrel, a flag dispenser partially inserted into the barrel, and a rotating cover that engages with and covers the flag dispenser. In another embodiment, a writing instrument includes a barrel, a flag dispenser partially inserted into the barrel, and a sliding cover that engages with and covers the flag dispenser. In different positions, the rotating or sliding cover enables various functions of the flag dispenser. For example, the cover may be moved into a position to enable withdrawal of tape flags by a user. The cover may also be configured to move into a position that covers and protects the tape flags. In refillable embodiments of the writing instrument, the cover may also be configured to move into a position that allows a user to replace or replenish the tape flags.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for securing a cable sheath of a cable release system. The assembly includes a mounting bracket, preferably of one-piece construction, which is secured to a sheath of a sheathed cable by a retaining ring rather than by sonic welding or by gluing. Securing the bracket to the sheath by the retaining ring permits free rotation of the cable sheath. The retaining ring will not slide up or down accidentally on the sheath. The retaining ring secures the bracket in place, and also permits adjustment up and down to allow for variations in user assembly requirements.