Abstract: A system and method for determining an open or closed position of a magnetically actuated vacuum interrupter. The method includes applying a voltage signal of a known voltage to the actuator over a predetermined period and determining a change in current over time during the period when the voltage signal is applied to the actuator using an output of a Rogowski coil. The method also includes calculating the inductance using the voltage and the change in current over time at a predetermined time during the period and using the calculated inductance to determine whether the actuator and thus the vacuum interrupter are in the open or closed position.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps device is provided for obtaining tissue samples at a site within the body, while maintaining access to the site through an access lumen of the biopsy forceps. The device includes an elongate tubular body for introduction into the body and navigation to an area of interest. An inner tubular member having a lumen, or a plurality of lumens, extends through or adjacent the outer tubular member, from the proximal end to the distal end, where cutting jaws are provided. The cutting jaws are rotatably mounted at the distal end of the device and are controlled by movement of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member is coupled with a handle portion allowing control of the cutting jaws at the proximal end. Access to the lumen of the inner tubular member is gained at the proximal end, where a luer fitting is provided.

Abstract: A video processing system includes but structure, signal flow, and components to process and combine audio and video signals with improved power, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. The system includes one or more input modules to convert input video signals to a predetermined format. A router routes converted video signals to selected ones of upstream processing cards, which perform video processing such as digital video effects, frame synchronization, non-linear editing, cascading, filtering, and the like. Signals from the upstream processing cards are directed to a switcher, which selectively mixes the upstream-processed signals. A switcher preview module may be provided to intermediately view signals provided by the switcher. The switcher is also attached to a series of downstream video processing cards, which may insert logos, add overlaying, and other suitable post-mixing functions.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument comprising an elongated flexible hollow-body tube having a lumen extending therethrough, and having a proximal end and distal end. A cutting, grasping or manipulating mechanism is coupled to the distal end of the body portion. Control wire means having proximal and distal ends, extend through the lumen in the body portion, and are coupled to the cutting grasping or manipulating mechanism. The control wire means contains on its surface a polymeric film resin to reduce friction between the control wire and inner surface of the flexible hollow body tube, and/or to seal the control wire within the flexible hollow body tube.

Abstract: A powered ground care implement (2) includes a rotatable cutting head (14) having a filament line (16) for severing ground growing vegetation. An upwardly extending handle assembly (4) includes an engine (10) mounted at the top thereof. Engine (10) is fixedly secured to a backing plate (30) which is mounted by rubber mounting blocks (60) in an engine housing (12) secured to handle assembly (4). This vibrationally isolates engine (10) from handle assembly (4). Starter (80) having an active element (91) and a passive element (93) is contained in engine housing (12) with the active element (91) being secured to engine (10). In addition, a flexible drive cable (100) has an output end (101) non-rotatably received in recess (102) in the end of the crankshaft (23) of the engine (10).

Abstract: An electrically calibrated air gauging apparatus for measuring or comparing dimensions is disclosed. The apparatus is calibrated with only electrical adjustments and does not require the difficult pneumatic adjustments associated with prior devices. A monolithic, semiconductor pressure transducer is employed to sense the air pressure in the probe line. The apparatus includes a linear mode which provides an extended range of display readings proportional to the deviation of an unknown dimension from a known dimension.