Abstract: A composition and method form an article having improved physical properties, while also maintaining high heat deflection temperatures. The composition includes (A) a base resin and (B) a plasticizer. The base resin (A) is substantially free of polyphenylene sulfides and includes at least one of a polyether sulfone (PES) and a polysulfone (PSU). The base resin has terminal groups selected from at least one of hydroxyl groups, alkoxy groups, alkylene halide groups, and halogens and has a weight-average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 50,000. The plasticizer (B) is substantially free of styrenic compounds and includes a copolymer of (i) an alkylene and (ii) an epoxy-containing compound present in an amount of from 1 to 20 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the plasticizer.

Abstract: A disc implant is provided which maintains intervertebral spacing and stability within the spine. In an embodiment, a disc implant may include three or more components. Components of the implant may imitate certain physiological movements associated with a healthy spine. In certain embodiments, the components of the implant may limit physiological movements to within certain ranges, imitating normal spinal movements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus to regulate and control the temperature of a differential axle assembly. A heat pipe is inserted though the axle housing with a portion submersed in a reservoir portion of the axle lubricant. Cooling fins are preferably disposed on the heat pipe both in the submersed region of the heat pipe and a portion external the housing. A temperatures sensitive valve provided to inhibit flow of the axle lubricant between a reservoir and the remaining portion of the axle housing.

Abstract: A multi-channel communications system for communications between a mobile units and dispatch agencies through tower sites under control of a multi-channel communication controller. The method of communications used is time division multiple access with provisions for alternate methods. The mobile units and dispatch agencies have forms of identifications to route messages between the mobile units and dispatch agencies according to the forms of identification. The forms of identification are resolved from one form to another to operate with the alternate methods of communications. The mobile units are handed off from one communications channel to another by the multi-channel controller as channel loading conditions exceed a predetermined limit. Mobile units change tower sites as the geographic coverage of a tower site changes.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus and related kit are disclosed for treating an airway condition of a patient. A cartridge apparatus is disclosed for use in treating an airway condition of a patient and for use in combination with a handle sized to be hand-grasped by an operator and having an actuator mechanism to be selectively actuated by said operator. The cartridge includes a implant of biocompatible material sized to be embedded within a tissue of the airway. A needle has a distal tip for penetrating into the tissue. The needle has an axially extending bore. The implant is disposed within the bore at the distal tip. The cartridge has a proximal end adapted to be coupled to the handle for the implant to be ejected from the distal tip upon actuation of the actuator. The kit of the invention includes a container including a plurality of such cartridges.

Abstract: The present invention may be utilized as a single station integrated with a standard form, fill and seal machine wherein at least two containers are conveyed along the machine simultaneously. The present invention is able to retrieve fitments from a source, apply the fitments to the containers, and seal the fitments to the container at a single station. The design of the present invention requires only minimal space on a form, fill and seal machine. In practicing the present invention, at least two anvils retrieve fitments from a source and then undergo offset rotation into the interior of two containers. The anvils, with the fitments attached, are then moved translationally to insert the fitments through incisions in the respective containers. Once the fitments are positioned therethrough the incision, sealers permanently attach the fitments to the containers.

Abstract: The alignment guide of this invention includes a cam rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the alignment guide as defined by an intramedullary rod. A base plate is pivotally connected to the intramedullary rod and includes a pair of cam followers positioned on opposite sides of the intramedullary rod. In use, as the cam is rotated relative to the rod, the cam followers ride against the cam causing the plate to pivot or angulate relative to the rod. A plurality of indicia are formed on the cam to indicate to the surgeon the relative angle between the plate and the rod. The base plate includes a quick connect mechanism to permit the surgeon to quickly attach a device such as a cutting guide or pinning guide to the base plate. The cutting guide is fixed relative to the base plate such that the cutting guide will be at the same angular orientation as the plate relative to the intramedullary rod.

Abstract: An electrical fuse features a pyrotechnic smoke-generating mixture supported proximate to or adheringly supported on a meltable fuse wire element. A portion of the fuse housing is transparent. Upon either low current or high current blowout the local temperatures attendant thereto cause ignition of the pyrotechnic mixture and evolution of a cloud of colored smoke which deposits on the interior of the transparent portion of the housing to yield a readily visible indication that the fuse has blown. Additionally, when the fuse is operated at temperatures close to blowout conditions, a different colored smoke is produced to indicate incipient fuse deterioration.

Abstract: A valve includes a molded plastic body portion having an internal chamber with upper and lower portions. Fittings connect the valve to conduits of a piping system. A valve seat surrounds inlet and outlet openings in the chamber lower portion. A plastic plug member is rotatably positioned in the valve seat. The plug member is a molded unitary element. The valve body portion and plug member have a substantially uniform wall thickness throughout. The plug member includes an integral plug portion and an actuator portion which facilitates ease of disassembly of the valve for repair. The plug portion has a flow passage which communicates with the inlet and outlet openings in the valve seat and is rotatable between open and closed valve positions. Seals retained on the plug portion engage the valve seat in the closed position. The actuator portion includes shearable stops which permit 360.degree. rotational operation of the plug member upon failure of the stops under excessive torque.