Abstract: A blade pitch control system includes a plurality of serially stacked swashplate assemblies, each having concentric, ring-shaped inner and outer sections, an associated output pitch link coupled to its outer section and an associated input pitch link coupled to its inner section. The inner and outer sections of each swashplate assembly includes pass through holes to accommodate input pitch links and output pitch links of adjacent ones of the stacked swashplate assemblies. The system also includes a plurality of actuators, each coupled to a respective input pitch link of a respective one of the stacked swashplate assemblies. A central static mast accommodates a rotor drive shaft and the stacked swashplate assemblies are configured to slide axially, parallel to a long axis of the static mast.

Abstract: A blade pitch control system includes a plurality of serially stacked swashplate assemblies, each having concentric, ring-shaped inner and outer sections, an associated output pitch link coupled to its outer section and an associated input pitch link coupled to its inner section. The inner and outer sections of each swashplate assembly includes pass through holes to accommodate input pitch links and output pitch links of adjacent ones of the stacked swashplate assemblies. The system also includes a plurality of actuators, each coupled to a respective input pitch link of a respective one of the stacked swashplate assemblies. A central static mast accommodates a rotor drive shaft and the stacked swashplate assemblies are configured to slide axially, parallel to a long axis of the static mast.

Abstract: A method of creating an AV fistula between adjacent first and second blood vessels, includes steps of cutting a hole through the adjacent walls of the first and second blood vessels and inserting a welding catheter into the first vessel, and through the hole into the second vessel, so that a distal end of the welding catheter is disposed within the second vessel. A portion of wall defining the welding catheter is then expanded radially outwardly, and the expanded wall portion is pulled proximally to engage the wall of the second blood vessel and to pull it toward the wall of the first blood vessel. Then, a portion of wall proximal to the first expanded wall portion and disposed in the first blood vessel is expanded radially outwardly, thereby capturing the walls of each of the second and first blood vessels between the two expanded wall portions. Cutting elements on the expanded wall portions are then energized to create a tissue welded elongate aperture between the first and second blood vessels.

Abstract: A method of creating an AV fistula between adjacent first and second blood vessels, includes steps of cutting a hole through the adjacent walls of the first and second blood vessels and inserting a welding catheter into the first vessel, and through the hole into the second vessel, so that a distal end of the welding catheter is disposed within the second vessel. A portion of wall defining the welding catheter is then expanded radially outwardly, and the expanded wall portion is pulled proximally to engage the wall of the second blood vessel and to pull it toward the wall of the first blood vessel. Then, a portion of wall proximal to the first expanded wall portion and disposed in the first blood vessel is expanded radially outwardly, thereby capturing the walls of each of the second and first blood vessels between the two expanded wall portions. Cutting elements on the expanded wall portions are then energized to create a tissue welded elongate aperture between the first and second blood vessels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming a dry lamination for a composite fiber material structure, for example a wind turbine blade, includes cutting at least two plies of composite fiber material according to a predetermined pattern, arranging the at least two cut plies of composite fiber material in a predetermined arrangement relative to each other, stitching the at least two cut plies together using a thread to secure the at least two cut plies in the predetermined arrangement to form the dry lamination, and spooling the dry lamination into a single roll. The dry lamination can then be transported without misaligning the plies and placed into a resin infusion tool without requiring manual placement of individual plies of composite fiber material.

Abstract: A target peripheral nerve is treated by providing a real-time fluorescent image of a tissue region where the target peripheral nerve has an enhanced appearance in the fluorescent image. A treatment element is advanced from an adjacent body lumen or cavity through the tissue region or externally aimed toward the peripheral nerve while viewing the fluorescent image, and the peripheral nerve is treated using the treatment element.

Abstract: An AV fistula between first and second blood vessels is created by forming a hole through adjacent walls of the vessels and inserting a welding catheter into the first vessel, and through the hole into the second vessel, so that a distal end of the catheter is disposed within the second vessel. A portion of wall defining the welding catheter is then expanded radially outwardly, and the expanded wall portion is pulled proximally to engage the wall of the second blood vessel and to pull it toward the wall of the first blood vessel. A portion of wall proximal to the first expanded wall portion and disposed in the first blood vessel is expanded radially outwardly, thereby capturing the walls of each of the second and first blood vessels between the two expanded wall portions. Cutting elements are energized to create a tissue welded elongate aperture between the blood vessels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming a dry lamination for a composite fiber material structure, for example a wind turbine blade, includes cutting at least two plies of composite fiber material according to a predetermined pattern, arranging the at least two cut plies of composite fiber material in a predetermined arrangement relative to each other, stitching the at least two cut plies together using a thread to secure the at least two cut plies in the predetermined arrangement to form the dry lamination, and spooling the dry lamination into a single roll. The dry lamination can then be transported without misaligning the plies and placed into a resin infusion tool without requiring manual placement of individual plies of composite fiber material.

Abstract: A gearbox comprising a gearset is able to transmit high output torques at high numerical reduction ratios at a power-to-weight ratio higher than previously attainable with existing designs. A distributor gear is disposed relative to a spur gear in order to produce automatic torque balancing. The distributor gear can be advantageously configured as an input floatring gear, for which support in all directions is provided by gear tooth mesh forces rather than bearings. Automatic torque balancing is achieved by configuring the distributor gear with first and second rows of helical teeth on the external circumference, and with a set of double helical teeth disposed on the internal circumference of the distributor gear. This allows for the placement of up to 50 or more planet gears in a countershaft arrangement with one end having helical teeth and the other end having spur teeth.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission may have a first set of rollers and a second set of rollers that act upon skewed driving and driven surfaces of discs. The input to output ratio of the continuously variable transmission may be changed by pushing either one of the first and second sets of rollers closer to a rotating shaft. To maintain symmetrical loading within the continuously variable transmission, an idler disc assembly may have a strain compensator that deflects to compensate for deflection of outer discs due to elasticity of the main shaft.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission may have a first set of rollers and a second set of rollers that act upon skewed driving and driven surfaces of discs. The input to output ratio of the continuously variable transmission may be changed by pushing either one of the first and second sets of rollers closer to a rotating shaft. To maintain symmetrical loading within the continuously variable transmission, an idler disc assembly may have a strain compensator that deflects to compensate for deflection of outer discs due to elasticity of the main shaft.

Abstract: A gearbox comprising a gearset is able to transmit high output torques at high numerical reduction ratios at a power-to-weight ratio higher than previously attainable with existing designs. A distributor gear is disposed relative to a spur gear in order to produce automatic torque balancing. The distributor gear can be advantageously configured as an input floatring gear, for which support in all directions is provided by gear tooth mesh forces rather than bearings. Automatic torque balancing is achieved by configuring the distributor gear with first and second rows of helical teeth on the external circumference, and with a set of double helical teeth disposed on the internal circumference of the distributor gear. This allows for the placement of up to 50 or more planet gears in a countershaft arrangement with one end having helical teeth and the other end having spur teeth.

Abstract: A valve control mechanism is provided for an overhead valve, internal combustion engine having a camshaft moving a pushrod to move a rocker arm that in turn moves the valve. Three aligned rollers are fastened to the end of the pushrod adjacent the rocker arm. The outer two rollers roll along parallel profiled surfaces that control at least the valve lift and ramp. The middle roller rolls along an engaging surface on the rocker to move the rocker arm in a motion determined by the configuration and location of the profiled surfaces and the engaging first and second rollers. The outer rollers rotate in a direction opposite the middle roller.

Abstract: A valve control mechanism is provided for an overhead valve, internal combustion engine having a camshaft moving a pushrod to move a rocker arm that in turn moves the valve. Three aligned rollers are fastened to the end of the pushrod adjacent the rocker arm. The outer two rollers roll along parallel profiled surfaces that control at least the valve lift and ramp. The middle roller rolls along an engaging surface on the rocker to move the rocker arm in a motion determined by the configuration and location of the profiled surfaces and the engaging first and second rollers. The outer rollers rotate in a direction opposite the middle roller.

Abstract: An internal combustion, reciprocating piston, motor has a rotating cylinder block. A journal bearing supports a roller that is fastened to a piston connecting rod or fastened to the piston so the roller pushes against an inclined surface on a stationary guide track fastened to a motor housing in order to cause the cylinder block and pistons to rotate. A lubricant is fed from a passageway on the rotational axis of the drive shaft radially outward, through passageways that align, and though a skirt on the piston, in order to lubricate the journal bearing. The rotating piston chambers are sealed against a stationary cylinder head by annular rings at the end of each chamber, and by curved linear seals extending between adjacent annular rings.

Abstract: An internal combustion, reciprocating piston, motor has a rotating cylinder block. A journal bearing supports a roller that is fastened to a piston connecting rod or fastened to the piston so the roller pushes against an inclined surface on a stationary guide track fastened to a motor housing in order to cause the cylinder block and pistons to rotate. A lubricant is fed from a passageway on the rotational axis of the drive shaft radially outward, through passageways that align, and though a skirt on the piston, in order to lubricate the journal bearing. The rotating piston chambers are sealed against a stationary cylinder head by annular rings at the end of each chamber, and by curved linear seals extending between adjacent annular rings.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has a main shaft rotating about a longitudinal axis. An input disk and output disk are fixed to the main shaft. An idler disk that rotates about and translates along the main shaft is mounted between the input and output disks. A plurality of conical input rollers engage mating surfaces on the input disk and the idler disk. A plurality of output rollers engage mating surfaces on the output disk and the idler disk. The input and output rollers move in planes orthogonal to the longitudinal axis to vary the drive ratio of the transmission. Input gears are connected to rotate coaxially with the input rollers, and output gears are connected to rotate coaxially with the output rollers. The rollers translate relative to the gears. Ring gears engage the input and output gears to input and output power. Alternatively, power can be input or output through one of the rollers.

Abstract: An improved device and method for suturing penetrations and incisions through tissue into a body cavity. The device should find particular use in laparoscopic and other types of minimally invasive surgical procedures. A device according to the invention includes a shaft and an inverted needle joined to the shaft. Two ends of a length of suture material are attached at or near a sharpened proximal tip on the needle. The device may include a movable shield that is slidable to alternately cover and expose the sharpened tip of the needle. This shield may include a blunt distal end and an inclined proximal surface to assist the surgeon in guiding the hook into and out of the body cavity. The device may be provided with a visual and tactile indicator on one side of the device to assist the user in threading and removing the suture material into and out of a selected side of the hook.

Abstract: A self-introducing infusion catheter comprises a substantially rigid, elongate shaft having a longitudinal passage therethrough and an infusion port at its distal end. An electrode is further mounted at the distal end. The electrode is electrically coupled to a connector at the proximal end of the shaft which may be connected to an electrosurgical power supply. The connector is further in communication with the passage in the shaft and provides fluid connection with an infusion fluid delivery device. In the method of the invention, the catheter is connected to an electrosurgical power supply and ablative energy is applied to abdominal tissue through the electrode. This facilitates penetration of the tissue to position the device in the abdominal cavity through the abdominal wall. The distal end of the catheter is positioned through an incision in a body structure, such as the cystic duct, and the proximal end is connected to an infusion fluid delivery device.

Abstract: A suture applying device comprises an elongate shaft having a length of suture therein. A pre-tied loop suture is held at the distal end of the shaft with a free end of the suture being attached within a handle secured to the proximal end of the shaft. In a first embodiment, a pulley and puller assembly is provided for closing the pre-tied suture loop, where the pulley permits a greater length of suture to be taken in than is traveled by the puller. In a second embodiment, a pair of opposed jaws are slidably mounted within the handle for selectively engaging and gripping the free end of the suture. In this way, an arbitrarily large length of suture may be taken in by pulling on the free end of the suture in successive strokes. The device further includes a sheath slidably disposed on the shaft for protecting the suture during introduction. The sheath automatically retracts when the device is introduced through a trocar sleeve or cannula, thereby exposing the suture loop.