Abstract: A switching mechanism in an optical device for switching an optical component between defined positions. A retainer plate, which captures the optical component in a housing, includes detents for maintaining the optical component in a defined position, as well as a mechanical interference portion between detents for resisting the movement of the optical component between defined positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprising a hopper provided with a sieve at a bottom portion thereof, the hopper in use containing powder to be dispensed therefrom through the sieve, a support for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container into which the dispensed powder is to be received, and at least one actuator for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, wherein the at least one actuator is arranged to deliver impact energy to the hopper from different directions and/or at different locations on the hopper.

Abstract: A portion of an image field (e.g., a map) to be displayed on a display at a client device (e.g., a thin client such as a mobile phone) is downloaded on request from a server as a plurality of image tiles representing respective portions of the image field. A first image tile represents a portion at the center of the image to be displayed on the display and further image tiles represent portions surrounding the first tile. The total area of the image tiles exceeds the area of the display. Each tile is displayed as it becomes available. Additional files image can be requested automatically from the server in response to a user navigating to the edge of the displayed image.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting two monocular devices to form a binocular device. A method of collimating the monocular devices, so that the binocular device is collimated.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting two monocular devices to form a binocular device. A method of collimating the monocular devices, so that the binocular device is collimated.

Abstract: A provisional bone plate formed of an implantable plastic and having a length corresponding to the longest bone plate in a particular family of bone plates. The provisional bone plate includes a head contoured to match the head of a particular bone as well as a shaft for placement adjacent the bone shaft. The provisional bone plate includes a plurality of circumferential notches surrounding the elongate body or shaft of the bone plate. The circumferential notches are substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bone plate and define frangible portions of the bone plate which can be removed from the distal end thereof to alter the length of the provisional periarticular bone plate to correspond to the length of the various bone plates in a family of bone plates. The provisional bone plate is constructed of a biologically suitable plastic, is radiographic, and melts at a temperature less than 200° Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting two monocular devices to form a binocular device. A method of collimating the monocular devices, so that the binocular device is collimated.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure which does not require incision of the quadriceps. A femoral implant in accordance with the present invention achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head to allow for the compression needed for a femoral fracture to heal. To position the femoral implant of the present invention, an incision is made along the greater trochanter. Because the greater trochanter is not circumferentially covered with muscles, the incision can be made and the wound developed through the skin and fascia to expose the greater trochanter, without incising muscle, including, e.g., the quadriceps. After exposing the greater trochanter, novel instruments of the present invention are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.

Abstract: A bone clamp having a ratchet mechanism including ratchet teeth having rounded peaks with curved valleys therebetween and a curved pawl having a curvature similar to the valleys spanning the peaks of the ratchet teeth. The ratchet mechanism of the current invention distributes the interaction forces between the ratchet teeth and the pawl and therefore is resistive to shear stresses which could otherwise compromise the structural integrity of the ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: The Snap Bat is a light weight, hitting training aid, for both baseball and fastpitch softball. It allows the hitter and the instructor or parent to clearly hear if full extension is developed at the proper point of ball contact in a fundamentally sound swing. Poor swings, such as “sweeping” or “casting” will not produce a snap or the snap will clearly too early or too late. In addition, the Snap Bat can also demonstrate advanced hitting techniques, e.g. “hitting to the opposite field” or “pulling the ball.” This means that full extension and ball contact takes place either slightly later in the swing (opposite field) or slightly earlier in the swing (pulling the ball). Both the hitter and the instructor or parent can clearly hear the snapping sound and thus accurately analyze each swing. The light weight allows for unlimited repetition, thus developing a muscle memory teaching point for hitters. The device is not designed to make contact with a pitched ball.