Abstract: In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a nylon body, wherein the nylon is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strength over a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The nylon body may be described as a single structure with integral features, such as a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion, and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by the one-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may include a latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to an aircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair of levers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the nylon body. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another to impart movement of the latches in the same direction, e.g., an axial direction. Also, some embodiments of the latching mechanism include a cam between the levers and the latches, respectively.

Abstract: A concrete lid for an in-ground utilities box includes a plastic reinforcement structure filled with concrete. The plastic reinforcement structure includes one or more plastic sidewalls that protect the edges of the lid from damage. The upper and lower surfaces of the lid are exposed concrete (with the exception of the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls). The one or more plastic sidewalls laterally surround a plastic reinforcement grid, which is centrally located between the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls. The one or more plastic sidewalls can be integrally formed with the plastic reinforcement grid. The plastic reinforcement grid reinforces the concrete lid, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement material. Support struts can be used to support the plastic reinforcement grid while wet concrete is being poured into the plastic reinforcing structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a redundant automation system, and a method for operating one such automation system. The inventive automation system comprises two automation appliances with which a common memory unit is associated, on which status data of the automation appliances can be stored. In this way, the automation appliances have direct access to a common database and a memory compensation is dispensed with in the event of an error during the switchover to the standby automation appliance.

Abstract: A hand and digit exercise device having a core section of elastic material surrounding and defining an open space, a plurality of elastic finger loops separate from and disposed about said core section and sized to receive digits of a hand and an elastic connection arm extending between each of said finger loops and said core section whereby said finger loops are attached to said core section at various location around the open space in the core section.

Abstract: A power delivery system for parked aircraft includes protective rings on the power cords. These protective rings protect the power cord jackets from wear and facilitate movement of the power cords across the ground. The rings may be configured for securement to the cable so as to compress the insulative jacket of the cable somewhat, thereby firmly maintaining the rings in place on the cable. The rings may be formed of two identical elements that are joined to envelope the cable. The rings may accommodate both round insulated cable, as well as bundled cable.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a body having four side walls, a base and an opening in a top of the body. The base has end walls extending substantially parallel to the side walls so that the dispenser is substantially double walled. A lid is hingedly connected near the top of the body and covers the opening. The lid has a slot therein for sheet material to be dispensed therethrough. The dispenser also includes a platform that supports the sheet material. The platform is movable against forces of a compression element from a first position adjacent the lid to a second position spaced apart from the lid. The end walls have a plurality of ribs extending therefrom. The ribs engage a plurality of corresponding grooves in the platform so that the platform is slidably guided within the body along the ribs.

Abstract: A concrete lid for an in-ground utilities box includes a plastic reinforcement structure filled with concrete. The plastic reinforcement structure includes one or more plastic sidewalls that protect the edges of the lid from damage. The upper and lower surfaces of the lid are exposed concrete (with the exception of the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls). The one or more plastic sidewalls laterally surround a plastic reinforcement grid, which is centrally located between the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls. The one or more plastic sidewalls can be integrally formed with the plastic reinforcement grid. The plastic reinforcement grid reinforces the concrete lid, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement material. Support struts can be used to support the plastic reinforcement grid while wet concrete is being poured into the plastic reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a preconditioned air source to an aircraft is provided. The connector comprises actuating members rotatably secured to a body. In one embodiment, the actuating members are supported, at least partially, by an integrated bearing assembly. The connector also comprises securing members that are positionably coupled to the actuating members. Accordingly, rotation of the actuating members displaces the securing members. Moreover, the actuating members comprise respective camming surfaces, wherein the camming surfaces define the axial position of the corresponding securing members.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a body having four side walls, a base and an opening in a top of the body. The base has end walls extending substantially parallel to the side walls so that the dispenser is substantially double walled. A lid is hingedly connected near the top of the body and covers the opening. The lid has a slot therein for sheet material to be dispensed therethrough. The dispenser also includes a platform that supports the sheet material. The platform is movable against forces of a compression element from a first position adjacent the lid to a second position spaced apart from the lid. The end walls have a plurality of ribs extending therefrom. The ribs engage a plurality of corresponding grooves in the platform so that the platform is slidably guided within the body along the ribs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an automated system for determining the processing sequence of function blocks of a technological function. According to said method, a first function block, whose outputs are respectively disconnected or form exclusively one or more output signals of the technological function, is determined. Starting from said first function block, a second function block is sought in the opposite direction to the signal flow direction, whereby the block inputs of said second block are respectively disconnected or receive one or more input signals of the technological function only.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for compensation of three-dimensional movements of a target volume (1) during ion beam irradiation. For the purpose, the apparatus comprises a position location and tracking system (4) for detecting the movements and a depth modulator (6) for modifying the depth of penetration of the ion beam. For the purpose of compensation, the movements are divided vectorially into a transverse component and a longitudinal component.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for adapting the size of an ion beam spot in tumor irradiation. For that purpose, the apparatus has a raster scanning device composed of raster scanning magnets (20) for raster scanning the ion beam (19). In addition, the apparatus comprises quadrupole magnets (10) determining the size of the ion beam spot, which quadrupole magnets (10) are arranged directly in front of the raster scanning magnets (20), and finally two magnet power supply units (18) for the quadrupole doublet of the quadrupole magnets (10) determining the size of the ion beam spot, the apparatus having a control loop for obtaining current correction values, by comparing desired and actual values of the prevailing dimension of the beam, for two magnet power supply units (18) of the quadrupole doublet arranged directly in front of the raster scanning magnets (20), for defined homogenization and/or for defined variation of the size of the ion beam spot.

Abstract: A laser alignment device provides horizontal and vertical reference planes, lines, and points. The alignment device includes a pendulum assembly that supports a laser beam source assembly, two reflectors, and two motors. The laser beam source directs beams onto the reflectors—producing a horizontal reference beam and a vertical reference beam. Each reflector is rotated by one of the motors. Continuous rotation generates a reference plane; dithering generates a reference line, and no movement results in a reference point. The pendulum assembly includes a coarse pendulum that supports a fine pendulum, as well as the rotating motors and beam reflectors. The coarse pendulum roughly levels the alignment device. The fine pendulum supports the laser beam source assembly and brings the alignment device to a level position. The laser alignment device also includes a motor control system that enables users to accurately position the device's references.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a preconditioned air source to an aircraft is provided. The connector comprises actuating members rotatably secured to a body. In one embodiment, the actuating members are supported, at least partially, by an integrated bearing assembly. The connector also comprises securing members that are positionably coupled to the actuating members. Accordingly, rotation of the actuating members displaces the securing members. Moreover, the actuating members comprise respective camming surfaces, wherein the camming surfaces define the axial position of the corresponding securing members.

Abstract: A finger exercise device is comprised of an elastic elongated central loop and elastic side loops attached to opposite ends of the central loop. The loops are for being worn around a plurality of fingers, and the exercise is comprised of repeatedly spreading the fingers apart against the tension of the loops. The central loop has a varying width between its opposite edges, wherein the opposite ends of the loop are wider than the intermediate portion for improved grip and comfort on the fingers. The side loops have outer ends which are wider than the inner ends for improved grip and comfort. In an alternative embodiment, the finger exercise device is comprised of a plurality of loops, and radial arms extending from a solid junction are connected to respective loops. The loops have widened outer ends for improved grip and comfort.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for adapting the size of an ion beam spot in tumour irradiation. For that purpose, the apparatus has a raster scanning device composed of raster scanning magnets (20) for raster scanning the ion beam (19). In addition, the apparatus comprises quadrupole magnets (10) determining the size of the ion beam spot, which quadrupole magnets (10) are arranged directly in front of the raster scanning magnets (20), and finally two magnet power supply units (18) for the quadrupole doublet of the quadrupole magnets (10) determining the size of the ion beam spot, the apparatus having a control loop for obtaining current correction values, by comparing desired and actual values of the prevailing dimension of the beam, for two magnet power supply units (18) of the quadrupole doublet arranged directly in front of the raster scanning magnets (20), for defined homogenization and/or for defined variation of the size of the ion beam spot.

Abstract: An inoculation storage assembly and method of preserving sterility including an inoculation device (20), a storage rack or container (84, 184), and a handling tool (60, 160). The inoculation device (20) being an elongated ember (22) with a gripping section (24), an inoculation section (26), and a seal (25) carried by elongated member (22). The seal (25) preferably having an arcuate surface (19) for sealing engagement against a seal contact surface (162, 262) in a cavity (86, 186) in the storage rack (84, 184). The storage container (84, 184) including an open upper end or opening (88) and a seal contact surface (162, 262) dimensioned to sealingly receive the seal (25), with the inoculation device (20) being mounted in sealed relation to the cavity (86). A handling tool (60, 160) capable of releasable coupling to gripping section (24) of the inoculation device (20) is provided. A method of using the inoculation storage assembly and preserving sterility is also disclosed.

Abstract: A concrete lid for an in-ground utilities box includes a plastic reinforcement structure filled with concrete. The plastic reinforcement structure includes one or more plastic sidewalls that protect the edges of the lid from damage. The upper and lower surfaces of the lid are exposed concrete (with the exception of the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls). The one or more plastic sidewalls laterally surround a plastic reinforcement grid, which is centrally located between the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls. The one or more plastic sidewalls can be integrally formed with the plastic reinforcement grid. The plastic reinforcement grid reinforces the concrete lid, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement material. Support struts can be used to support the plastic reinforcement grid while wet concrete is being poured into the plastic reinforcing structure.