Abstract: A coil former allows transposition between layers of turns in a coil to be accomplished without damage. The transpositions can be made in a short side of the coil. The former has finned portions which guide the wire into the correct locations during winding. When the coil is wound, the former is disassembled and the end portions are pulled towards the center of the former and turned through 90° to be removed. A method of using the former is described.

Abstract: The system of the present invention reports a signal related to a physical condition of an object, such as an electronic component, with the most basic realization of the system including a vacuum quill for releasably holding the object and a motion control system for rotating the quill. The invention includes control electronics coupled to the detector for providing a trigger signal where the detector is oriented to view a stripe in a viewing plane perpendicular to the central axis of the quill, and to provide an image of the stripe. The control electronics sends a plurality of trigger signals to the detector while the motion control system rotates the quill, with each trigger signal triggering the acquisition of another image of a stripe.

Abstract: A packaged prosthetic disc nucleus including a prosthetic disc nucleus and a retainer. The prosthetic disc nucleus includes a hydrogel core formed to hydrate from a dehydrated state. Further, the prosthetic disc nucleus is configured to such that following implantation into a nucleus cavity, the hydrogel core hydrates to a final hydrated state. The retainer selectively contains the prosthetic disc nucleus. Further, upon contact with a hydration liquid, the retainer is configured to allow the hydrogel core to hydrate from the dehydrated state while preventing the hydrogel core from hydrating to the final hydrated state. Thus, the prosthetic disc nucleus is constrained by the retainer in a partially hydrated state. In one preferred embodiment, the combination prosthetic disc nucleus/retainer is sealed within an outer enclosure, such as a pouch, that also contains a hydration liquid for hydrating the hydrogel core.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a permanent implanted support for e.g. the urethral neck of the bladder, generally preventing urinary leakage caused by transmission of intra-abdominal pressure pulse waves. The support is implanted in a straightforward manner without the significant complexity and invasiveness associated with known surgical techniques. Pelvic trauma is dramatically reduced. Embodiments of the invention can be used in treatment of stress incontinence, and other types of incontinence, in both males and females.

Abstract: A thermal management device includes an isotropic carbon encapsulated in an encapsulating material that improves the strength of the carbon. The encapsulating material may be e.g. polyimide, epoxy resin, acrylic, polyurethane, polyester, or any other suitable polymer.

Abstract: An underwater acoustic sensor system for detecting and efficiently displaying data from small, shallow-draft targets at high speeds in shallow or very shallow water. Sonar buoys transmit electrical signals representing sound pressure waves, which are processed to ascertain bearing and signature information for a detected object. A single display having a bearing history area, a frequency history area, and a bearing/frequency area, provide a system operator with efficient correlation between bearing and frequency data.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained apparatus for cooling automotive engine fluid, e.g. engine coolant, includes quick couplers for connection to an automotive engine. The apparatus receives hot engine fluid from the engine, cools the engine fluid, and returns the cooled engine fluid to the engine. A fluid reservoir and one or more heat exchangers aid in the cooling process. Corresponding methods provide similar advantages.

Abstract: A controller for an electronically commutated electrical machine receives a feedback signal indicative of a parameter which it is desired to minimize, e.g. torque ripple, current, voltage, vibration or acoustic noise. The controller computes the amplitude and phase of a set of harmonics in the parameter and sequentially injects harmonics of the correct amplitude and phase to minimize the parameter. An optimizing routine iterates through the set of harmonics to further reduce the parameter.

Abstract: A switched reluctance machine is supplied from two voltage sources during a cycle of excitation. The higher voltage is a conventional bus voltage obtained, e.g., from a low-voltage storage battery and an up-converter. The lower voltage is supplied directly from the battery. The higher voltage supplies the machine during only part of an excitation cycle, the lower voltage supply supplying the energy directly to the machine during the remainder of the excitation cycle. This reduces the duty of the up-converter and increases the efficiency of the overall drive. One method of operation of the circuit allows the elimination of the up-converter.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge including a housing, at least one tape reel, and a storage tape. The housing defines a top face, a bottom face, a front, a back, and opposing sides. Further, the housing forms a tape identification notch, a write-select notch, a first misinsertion notch, and a second misinsertion notch. The tape identification notch extends from the front of the housing along one of the opposing sides. The write-select notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured to maintain an insert piece. The first misinsertion notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured for clearance about a tape drive switch. Similarly, the second misinsertion notch is formed in the front of the housing and is configured for clearance about a tape drive switch. The first and second misinsertion notches are substantially aligned. The at least one tape reel is rotatably disposed within the housing. Finally, the storage tape is maintained by the at least one tape reel.

Abstract: A lid member for an original container of a liquid paint component. The lid member is usable with a system for dispensing the paint component from its original container into a paint receptacle according to a paint formula to form a liquid paint mixture. The lid member includes a base portion that is adapted to releasably engage an open top of the paint component container. The base portion has a pour spout through which the paint component can be dispensed, and a movable cover element. The cover element is movable between a closed state, wherein the cover element covers the pour spout, and an opened state, wherein the pour spout is uncovered and the paint component can be dispensed from its original container and into the paint receptacle. A resilient seal mechanism is positioned between the pour spout and the movable cover element for preventing leakage of the paint component, upon tilting of the original container, out of the pour spout past the cover element in the closed state of the cover element.

Abstract: A novel coil shape, particularly suitable for 1-phase switched reluctance machines, is disclosed. The coil may be wound on a bobbin which is then inserted into the stator or it may be free standing. The shape is such that it can be inserted into the stator without further deformation of its shape to allow subsequent components of the machine to be assembled.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices and methods according to embodiments of the invention encourage or cause clitoral engorgement to assist in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. A vacuum is created over the clitoris, or suction is applied to the clitoris, to create a negative pressure in the clitoris that is lower than the systolic blood pressure. This tends to promote engorgement of the clitoris with blood.

Abstract: A pneumatic inflation system for use with a freight carrier, such as a tractor-trailer, is provided. The inflation system is available to inflate reusable air bags to cushion freight during shipment from one location to another. In one preferred embodiment, the inflation system includes an air control unit and an air coupler device. The air control unit is fluidly connectable to a compressed air storage reservoir of a tractor-trailer and supplies air to the air coupler device. In one preferred embodiment, the air control unit includes a brake protection valve and a control valve. The brake protection valve substantially disconnects the inflation system from the air storage reservoir in the event that the air pressure of the reservoir drops below a predetermined value, thereby preventing possible failure of the trailer's braking system. The control valve is available for a user to conveniently shut the inflation system off.

Abstract: A data storage tape cartridge for use with a high speed tape drive as part of a tape drive system. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, at least one tape reel, a storage tape, a brake body, and a spring. The housing defines an enclosure and forms an opening for accessing the enclosure. The tape reel is rotatably disposed within the enclosure, and defines a central bore. The tape reel maintains the storage tape. The brake body is disposed within the central bore of the tape reel and includes a stem, a reel engagement section, and a button. The stem is slidably connected to the housing. The reel engagement section is configured to selectively engage a portion of the tape reel in a locked position. The button is positioned opposite the stem and terminates in a leading end. In a preferred embodiment, the leading end forms a concave surface configured to selectively receive a rounded surface associated with a tape drive. Finally, the spring biases the brake body to the locked position.

Abstract: A switched reluctance machine uses a Hall-effect device to detect the flux in the flux path for each machine phase. The flux signal from the Hall-effect device is fed back to a controller which compares the flux feedback with a demand signal to produce an error signal. The error signal is used to control the machine flux using a control law function actuating timed switches for each phase.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical dilator for dilating an opening formed in a bodily tissue structure, such as an anulus of a spinal disc. The dilator includes an outer tube and an inner rod. The outer tube includes a proximal section, a distal section and a central lumen extending from the proximal section to the distal section. The distal section terminates in a distal end and includes first and second arms each defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The arms combine to define a head tapering to the distal end. The head is configured to contact bodily tissue and has a variable cross-sectional outer dimension as defined by the outer surfaces of the arms. The inner rod is co-axially disposed within the central lumen and includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion extends from the proximal portion and forms a bearing surface for selectively engaging the inner surfaces of the first and second arms, respectively.

Abstract: A method of processing peat for use in treating a contaminated aqueous solution, especially storm water runoff entering a sewer system. The method includes mixing raw peat with heated sulfuric acid to produce a slurry. The slurry is dried and then mixed with a binder medium to produce an aggregate material. The aggregate material is extruded to form a plurality of pellets. The plurality of pellets are then baked in an oven preferably providing a low oxygen environment at a temperature in the range of approximately 900-1100 degree F. Peat processed in accordance with the present invention serves as both an ion exchange material as well as an organic retention material.

Abstract: A high speed high precision laser based alignment sensor system for use on surface mount component placement machines. A laser system is utilized to correctly align and position component parts which range between 0.02 inches and 2.0 inches in size. The laser sensor system consists of a laser light source which is passed through a collimating lens and then through an aperture to create a stripe of collimated laser light which is focused past the component being aligned to strike a multi-element CCD sensor array. The sensor system is mounted directly on the carrying mechanism for the surface mount component placement machine. During transit of the component between the bin of components is to be placed, the component is rotated and the shadow which falls on the detector array is monitored.