Abstract: The invention describes transdermal vaccines which contain ultrasound responsive particles comprising a polypeptide shell. The surface of the particle has one or more indentations which are generally able to entrap a gas bubble. The particles are capable of generating inertial cavitation on exposure to ultrasound. The particles can be delivered transdermally, and can comprise antigen protein and/or adjuvant within the particle structure. The particles are therefore useful in methods of vaccination using transdermal delivery routes.

Abstract: A mask system for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a nares portion and a mouth portion and an inlet conduit connected to at least one of the nares portion and the mouth portion to deliver the pressurized, breathable gas. The mask system is adapted to selectively utilize the nares portion and/or the mouth portion in a first mode utilizing both the nares portion and the mouth portion, and in a second mode utilizing the nares portion and not utilizing the mouth portion.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a starter system including a starter, capable of being in communication with an electronic control unit. The starter can include a motor coupled to a circuit and a pinion including a plunger, and a plurality of solenoid assemblies that includes a plurality of biasing members. The plurality of solenoid assemblies can include at least one solenoid winding capable of moving the plunger to move the pinion, and at least one solenoid assembly capable of controlling current flow to the motor. Some embodiments include a first switch coupled to the circuit. In some embodiments, the first switch is capable of being activated by the plunger to cause current to flow, or to prevent current flowing to at least a portion of the circuit.

Abstract: A starter assembly adapted for use with an engine having a flywheel and electronic control unit. The starter includes a motor, magnetic field source and a pinion gear engageable with the flywheel. An internal power train transmits torque from the armature to the pinion gear and includes a gear set dividing the internal power train into a first segment with the armature and a second segment with the pinion gear. During operation the first segment has a faster rotational speed than the second segment. A speed sensor senses the speed of the first segment and communicates it to the electronic control unit. The starter assembly can be used in a vehicle with an automatic start-stop function and facilitates the synchronizing of the pinion gear and flywheel speeds when restarting the engine. The speed sensor can take various forms and is advantageously supported on the field frame assembly proximate the commutator.

Abstract: A cane tip is provided for use with a cane or other walking assistive device. The cane tip includes a core for receiving a portion of the walking device. A plurality of helix shaped ribs extend from the core and form a pentagonal shaped perimeter. A softer material may be bonded to the ribs to provide a tread for gripping surfaces of the cane tip. The upper and lower members include a generally inner concave portion that is above the tread or bottom of the ribs. The concave portion and ribs provide cushioning while a user provides a down force to the cane tip during a standard use thereof. The cane tip also provides for self-supporting of the cane tip on generally level surfaces, as well as maintaining continual contact with the surface of the ground throughout the user's gait, unlike existing cane tips.

Abstract: A reaching apparatus is provided for allowing a user to utilize gross motor skills to actuate the reaching apparatus. The reaching apparatus includes a fixed and a sliding handle on a shaft. An internal pulley system is connected between the first and second handles such that sliding of the second handle activates the pulley system to move the claw of the reaching apparatus between an open and closed configuration. The claw may be locked in an open and/or closed configuration by rotation of the handle on the shaft. The pulley system can be set to specific resistance to activate the claw upon different gross motor levels.

Abstract: A starter assembly adapted for use with an engine having a flywheel and electronic control unit. The starter includes a motor, magnetic field source and a pinion gear engageable with the flywheel. An internal power train transmits torque from the armature to the pinion gear and includes a gear set dividing the internal power train into a first segment with the armature and a second segment with the pinion gear. During operation the first segment has a faster rotational speed than the second segment. A speed sensor senses the speed of the first segment and communicates it to the electronic control unit. The starter assembly can be used in a vehicle with an automatic start-stop function and facilitates the synchronizing of the pinion gear and flywheel speeds when restarting the engine. The speed sensor can take various forms and is advantageously supported on the field frame assembly proximate the commutator.

Abstract: A reaching apparatus is provided for allowing a user to utilize gross motor skills to actuate the reaching apparatus. The reaching apparatus includes a fixed and a sliding handle on a shaft. An internal pulley system is connected between the first and second handles such that sliding of the second handle activates the pulley system to move the claw of the reaching apparatus between an open and closed configuration. The claw may be locked in an open and/or closed configuration by rotation of the handle on the shaft. The pulley system can be set to specific resistance to activate the claw upon different gross motor levels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a starter machine that includes a motor operatively coupled to a first shaft and a pinion coupled to a second shaft. In some embodiments, a planetary gear drive system can be coupled to the first and the second shafts. The planetary gear drive system can include a planetary gear system and a first clutch being substantially adjacent to a second clutch. The planetary gear drive system can be configured and arranged so that when the first clutch is engaged, the motor can move the pinion at a first rotational speed. The planetary gear drive system is further configured so that when the second clutch is engaged, the motor can move the pinion at a second rotational speed. In some embodiments, the first rotational speed is a greater rotational speed than the second rotational speed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a starter comprising a motor comprising a drive shaft, a pinion, and a clutch. In some embodiments, the starter includes a planetary gear coupled with the clutch. Some embodiments include a pinion speed sensor assembly configured and arranged to provide a signal related to the rotational speed of the pinion based upon a speed of a component of the starter that is coupled to the pinion. Some embodiments of the starter include a pinion rotational speed sensor located within the drive-end region of the starter, and configured and arranged for direct or indirect monitoring of the pinion. Some embodiments include a sensor that is configured and arranged to monitor one or more components of the clutch assembly, the drive-shaft, the pinion, the output shaft, or a planetary gear. The speed sensor can be a magnetic-field flux sensor assembly or an optical sensor assembly.

Abstract: A reaching apparatus is provided for allowing a user to utilize gross motor skills to actuate the reaching apparatus. The reaching apparatus includes a fixed and a sliding handle on a shaft. An internal pulley system is connected between the first and second handles such that sliding of the second handle activates the pulley system to move the claw of the reaching apparatus between an open and closed configuration. The claw may be locked in an open and/or closed configuration by rotation of the handle on the shaft. The pulley system can be set to specific resistance to activate the claw upon different gross motor levels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a starter machine that includes a motor operatively coupled to a first shaft and a pinion coupled to a second shaft. In some embodiments, a planetary gear drive system can be coupled to the first and the second shafts. The planetary gear drive system can include a planetary gear system and a first clutch being substantially adjacent to a second clutch. The planetary gear drive system can be configured and arranged so that when the first clutch is engaged, the motor can move the pinion at a first rotational speed. The planetary gear drive system is further configured so that when the second clutch is engaged, the motor can move the pinion at a second rotational speed. In some embodiments, the first rotational speed is a greater rotational speed than the second rotational speed.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve overlaps the threaded connection between a pair of adjacent tubular members that are to receive an expansion device for radial expansion and plastic deformation of the threaded tubular connection.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve overlaps the threaded connection between a pair of adjacent tubular members that are to receive an expansion device for radial expansion and plastic deformation of the threaded tubular connection.

Abstract: The end of an expandable liner hanger (120) provides a receptacle for another tubular liner (135).