Abstract: A method for operating a medical device includes activating a processor that receives electrical power from a battery in the medical device, measuring a temperature within a housing of the medical device, identifying a low battery voltage threshold based on the temperature, measuring a first voltage level of the battery, commencing an operation sequence after measuring the first voltage level of the battery, generating a plurality of voltage comparisons between a reference voltage level and a voltage level delivered from the battery during the operation sequence, and generating, an output indicating a low battery condition if at least one of the first voltage level of the battery is less than the low battery voltage threshold and above a predetermined minimum operating voltage threshold, or at least one voltage comparison indicating the voltage level of the battery is less than the reference voltage level during the operation sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of making a non-corrosive base solution for use as an alkalinity increasing agent and/or antioxidant. The compositions and methods described herein are useful for optimizing health and performance; preventing illness; decreasing recovery times from exertion, illness, and injury; increasing energy levels; improving exercise performance; improving hydration; preventing muscle damage after exercise; and increasing stamina during exercise. The present invention further provides novel compositions and methods which can be used to provide relief from disorders related to or complicated by acidosis or excessive free radical or other reactive oxygen species production.

Abstract: An improved trigger assembly for a firearm includes twin disconnectors that are each independently selectable and adjustable to provide different trigger pull weights. The trigger assembly may be operably controlled by the safety selector which defines several different shaped engaging surfaces that allow the operator to selectively choose which of the disconnectors to operate with the firearm.

Abstract: An improved trigger assembly for a firearm includes twin disconnectors that are each independently selectable and adjustable to provide different trigger pull weights. The trigger assembly may be operably controlled by the safety selector which defines several different shaped engaging surfaces that allow the operator to selectively choose which of the disconnectors to operate with the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm is disclosed that includes an improved trigger system with twin disconnectors that are each independently selectable and adjustable to provide different trigger pull weights. The trigger assembly may be operably controlled by the safety selector which defines several different shaped engaging surfaces that allow the operator to selectively choose which of the disconnectors to operate with the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm is disclosed that includes an improved trigger system with twin disconnectors that are each independently selectable and adjustable to provide different trigger pull weights. The trigger assembly may be operably controlled by the safety selector which defines several different shaped engaging surfaces that allow the operator to selectively choose which of the disconnectors to operate with the firearm.

Abstract: A curtain holder or claw that gathers and securely holds a curtain or drapery in place. The holder comprises two sides biased to a closed or clamped position. The sides of the holder may comprise extensions to assist in gathering and holding fabric. The holder is independent and free-standing, and can be used at different heights and locations, with no connection or installation to walls or window frames and with no damage to the curtain or drapery fabric. One of more decorative elements may be permanently or removably attached to the holder. Decorative elements can be easily interchanged by a user to provide a plurality of decorative fixtures, elements, figures, logo, or indicia, or combinations thereof. These elements can match the room décor, or relate to a holiday, kid's themes, movies, animals, sports teams, or other topics or themes.

Abstract: A firearm includes an integrated rail and sight system that slidably mounts to the top of the firearm and is also retractable and detachable from the firearm. The rail may slide on and off the top of the firearm and may include integrated front and rear flip down sights. Both sights are pinned to the rail and can fold down to the rail such that they are flush with or seat below the top portion of the rail. This permits accessories to be mounted to the rail without the sights interfering with the mounting of the accessories or without the sights interfering with the operation of the accessories. The firearm further includes an ambidextrous charging handle mounted through the integrated rail and sight system.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of making a non-corrosive base solution for use as an alkalinity increasing agent and/or antioxidant. The present invention further provides novel compositions and methods which can be used to provide relief from acidosis, acidemia, and disorders related to or complicated by acidosis or excessive free radical or other reactive oxygen species production in mammalian subjects.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of making a non-corrosive base solution for use as an alkalinity increasing agent and/or antioxidant. The compositions and methods described herein are useful for optimizing health and performance; preventing illness; decreasing recovery times from exertion, illness, and injury; increasing energy levels; improving exercise performance; improving hydration; preventing muscle damage after exercise; and increasing stamina during exercise. The present invention further provides novel compositions and methods which can be used to provide relief from disorders related to or complicated by acidosis or excessive free radical or other reactive oxygen species production.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of making a non-corrosive base solution for use as an alkalinity increasing agent and/or antioxidant. The compositions and methods described herein are useful for optimizing health and performance; preventing illness; decreasing recovery times from exertion, illness, and injury; increasing energy levels; improving exercise performance; improving hydration; preventing muscle damage after exercise; and increasing stamina during exercise. The present invention further provides novel compositions and methods which can be used to provide relief from disorders related to or complicated by acidosis or excessive free radical or other reactive oxygen species production.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of making a non-corrosive base solution for use as an alkalinity increasing agent and/or antioxidant. The present invention further provides novel compositions and methods which can be used to provide relief from acidosis, acidemia, and disorders related to or complicated by acidosis or excessive free radical or other reactive oxygen species production in mammalian subjects.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrical connector comprises steps of providing a series of generic lead frames each having an array of contacts arranged in a common generic pattern, removing from one of the generic lead frames a first subset of the contacts to form a first pattern of contacts having a first spaced-apart relationship, removing from another of the generic lead frames a second subset of the contacts to form a second pattern of contacts having a different second spaced-apart relationship, wherein the first and second patterns are selectively obtained from the generic pattern, and loading the first and second patterns of contacts into a housing.

Abstract: A mobile satellite communication trailer comprising a frame, an antenna assembly coupled to the frame comprising a feed boom, a reflector dish coupled to the feed boom, and at least one bumper coupled to the feed boom intermediate the feed boom and the reflector dish. A shock isolator is positioned intermediate the frame and the feed boom. The mobile satellite system further comprises at least three adjustable stabilizing legs providing rigid support for said antenna assembly when said antenna assembly is in a transmission position, said stabilizing legs being convertible between said transmission position and said transport position, wherein one of said at least three adjustable stabilizing legs is moveably connected to said trailer front portion and at least two of said at least three adjustable stabilizing legs are moveably connected to at least one of said satellite antenna assembly and said trailer frame proximate said satellite antenna assembly.

Abstract: An improved gauntlet wet cell battery provides a plurality of elongated hollow spines filled with active material in a cathode array. Bottom ends of the cathode array are closed with an electrically conductive bottom end cap that electrically and mechanically interconnects the free ends of each spine so as to close and substantially rigidly locate the free ends of said spines with respect to one another. In this manner, electrical continuity between the spines is maintained even if one of the spines fractures, cracks, or otherwise becomes mechanically disassociated from an upper portion of the same spine.

Abstract: An improved lead-acid battery is disclosed including a sulfurless electrolyte believed to have the chemical formula H9O4.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of integrating optics into an IC package is for detecting light from at least one light source is disclosed. The apparatus has a housing, which has a predetermined spectral transmittance. A sensor is positioned within the housing. An opaque mask is applied to the housing, where the opaque mask has a hole aligned with the sensor such that the light's centroid is detected by the sensor. In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a substrate for positioning and stabilizing the sensor in the housing, an analog filter and amplification module (“AFA”) for filtering and amplifying signals from the sensor and generating a second signal, and a digital signal processor (“DSP”) for generating a coordinate system by extracting frequency components from the AFA output signal.

Abstract: A mobile satellite communication trailer comprising a frame, an antenna assembly coupled to the frame comprising a feed boom, a reflector dish coupled to the feed boom, and at least one bumper coupled to the feed boom intermediate the feed boom and the reflector dish. A shock isolator is positioned intermediate the frame and the feed boom. The mobile satellite system further comprises at least three adjustable stabilizing legs providing rigid support for said antenna assembly when said antenna assembly is in a transmission position, said stabilizing legs being convertible between said transmission position and said transport position, wherein one of said at least three adjustable stabilizing legs is moveably connected to said trailer front portion and at least two of said at least three adjustable stabilizing legs are moveably connected to at least one of said satellite antenna assembly and said trailer frame proximate said satellite antenna assembly.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided having a housing and multiple contact modules loaded in the housing. Each contact module includes an array of contacts held in a dielectric carrier. Each array of contacts includes multiple contacts formed as part of a generic lead frame. The contacts in each array are spaced-apart from each other in a respective contact pattern. At least two contact modules hold different first and second patterns of the contacts, wherein the contacts in the first pattern have a first spaced-apart relationship and the contacts in the second pattern have a different second spaced-apart relationship. The generic lead frame includes both the first and second patterns of contacts such that either one of the first and second patterns may be selectively obtained from the generic lead frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy, and in particular laser energy, to a tissue is adapted to minimize or eliminate burn back caused by contact between the energy delivery apparatus and bodily fluids by (i) preventing the energy delivery apparatus from contacting bodily fluids or tissues that might burn or cause the apparatus to burn; and/or (ii) monitoring the apparatus to detect overheating in order to withdraw the apparatus or control the energy supply in case overheating is detected. The apparatus is applicable, by way of example, to treatment of blood vessels using endovascular techniques.