Abstract: An alignment fixture includes a rotor fixture, a stator fixture and a sensor system which measures a rotational displacement therebetween. The fixture precisely measures rotation of a generator stator assembly away from a NULL position referenced by a unique reference spline on the rotor shaft. By providing an adjustable location of the stator assembly within the housing, the magnetic axes within each generator shall be aligned to a predetermined and controlled tolerance between the generator interface mounting pin and the reference spline on the rotor shaft. Once magnetically aligned, each generator is essentially a line replaceable unit which may be readily mounted to any input of a multi-generator gearbox assembly with the assurance that the magnetic alignment will be within a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and a device for increasing vasodilatation and/or controlling the temperature of a mammal by applying a desired vacuum pressure to the skin of the extremity of a mammal. In some cases it is also desirable to provide heat to regions of the extremity of the mammal to further dilate the veins or arteries in the patient. In some cases it is also desirable to apply a contact pressure to regions of the extremity of the mammal to improve perfusion of these regions. In one embodiment, the device includes a device that is adapted to rigidly enclose a portion of an extremity of the mammal therein so that a sub-atmospheric pressure can be applied to the mammal's extremity, which is further discussed below.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing blood flow by applying positive pressure to extremities of a mammal and/or controlling the temperature of the mammal. The device includes one or more collapsible and pliant body elements capable of expanding and flexibly applying pressurized compression forces to the extremity of the mammal by attaching one or more pressure-applying gas plenums as close to the extremity as possibly. The flexible extremity device can be used independently or can be used in conjunction with thermal pads disposed to the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements. Alternatively, the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements can be manufactured into thermal pads.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and a device for increasing blood flow and controlling the temperature of a mammal by applying a desired pressure to extremities of a mammal. The device generally includes one or more collapsible and pliant body elements, capable of expanding from a first volume into an expanded second volume so the device can receive a portion of an extremity of the mammal therein and then be reduced from the expanded second volume into a pressurized third volume to conformably enclose the portion of the extremity. One or more thermal exchange units can be positioned in the one or more collapsible and pliant body elements. Accordingly, the temperature of the extremity of a mammal can be regulated by providing a heated or cooled fluid medium or electric thermal energy to the one or more thermal exchange units.

Abstract: An improved testing assessment tool and methodology maps the Testing Maturity Model (TMM) structure to individual test areas, thereby enabling comprehensive and targeted improvement. In this way, the present invention uses the five TMM maturity levels to assess individual areas, rather than merely assigning a single maturity level to the entire organization. Embodiments of the present invention include a quick assessment that includes a relatively small number of questions to be subjectively answered using the TMM hierarchy. Embodiments of the present invention further include a full assessment that includes a relatively large number of questions to be discretely answered, with these results being use to evaluate various testing areas using the TMM hierarchy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), lower extremity edema, and other associated medical conditions by adjusting the temperature of the muscles of a foot or a leg, and/or applying vacuum or negative pressure to increase blood flow. A human extremity such as a leg is exposed to a negative pressure environment and/or a thermally controlled environment within a medical device. In one aspect, the device is portable. A thermal exchange unit and, optionally, a vacuum or negative pressure unit, are provided to increase blood flow and vasodilation. The device can be programmed by a controller in a manner to stimulate the muscles of the extremity to reduce pooling of blood therein.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser and method includes a weighted ring or plate or other single or multi-piece member which sits on top of a stack of interleaved tissues. The ring or plate or other member has an aperture, through which the tissues are dispensed. The weight of the ring or plate or other member applies constant pressure to the stack of tissues, causing enough friction between the tissues to pull the next one partially through the aperture into the ready position.

Abstract: A system for transmitting the spatial profile of laser beams with particular applicability to coherently combine laser beams into one beam. The system includes a tapered waveguide with an inlet and outlet at ends of two waveguide elements each having a reflective surface facing into the waveguide. The reflective surfaces are non-parallel such that the inlet height is different than the outlet height, e.g., inlet height greater than outlet height. The system includes a beam input assembly controlling phases of laser beams input at the waveguide inlet, and the phases of the beams are locked to a substantially single phase. The waveguide length is selected to produce at the waveguide outlet a coherently combined laser beam from the input beams. The beam input assembly includes a laser beam source, a beam splitter generating lower power beams from source beams, and phase adjusters for controlling the phase of each input beam.

Abstract: An alignment fixture includes a rotor fixture, a stator fixture and a sensor system which measures a rotational displacement therebetween. The fixture precisely measures rotation of a generator stator assembly away from a NULL position referenced by a unique reference spline on the rotor shaft. By providing an adjustable location of the stator assembly within the housing, the magnetic axes within each generator shall be aligned to a predetermined and controlled tolerance between the generator interface mounting pin and the reference spline on the rotor shaft. Once magnetically aligned, each generator is essentially a line replaceable unit which may be readily mounted to any input of a multi-generator gearbox assembly with the assurance that the magnetic alignment will be within a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention is a food cutting and serving device which includes an elongated handle with a cutting wheel attached to one end of the handle and a serving device or spatula attached to the second end of the handle. The cutting wheel is attached to the handle with a pin or axle to facilitate the rotation of the wheel cutter. The serving device is generally triangular and is secured to the handle with a hinge to facilitate the folding of the serving device proximate the handle between and open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A system is provided for integrating a passive sensor or sensor array into a patient's mattress to support continuous passive monitoring of a patients' physiological conditions in a hospital setting. The sensor or sensor array may be incorporated into the mattress by fixing it to a coverlet that surrounds the mattress, or by embedding it within the mattress core. Alternatively, the sensor or sensor array may be fixed to an underlayer positioned between the mattress core and the coverlet.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser and method includes a weighted ring or plate or other single or multi-piece member which sits on top of a stack of interleaved tissues. The ring or plate or other member has an aperture, through which the tissues are dispensed. The weight of the ring or plate or other member applies constant pressure to the stack of tissues, causing enough friction between the tissues to pull the next one partially through the aperture into the ready position.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods provide passive patient monitoring of such parameters as body motion, body position, respiratory rate and/or heart rate. Passive monitoring generally involves a sensor device having at least two piezoelectric sensors, provided on a surface, such as a bed, chair, operating table or the like, so that a patient may be coupled with the device by simply allowing the patient to lie, sit, lean, stand on or wear the surface. In one embodiment, multiple patients in a general care area of a hospital may be continuously monitored via multiple passive monitoring devices. If a patient fails to meet one or more predefined threshold criteria or has a negative physiological trend, the system may activate an alarm.