Abstract: A tension compensation assembly for a mechanical control cable. The tension compensation device has a housing with opposing ends. First and second sections of the control cable pass through but are attached at each end of the housing such that the sheaths of each section are coupled to the housing and reciprocable cable coaxially disposed in each control cable section extend into the housing. The cables are attached to opposing ends of a reciprocably disposed capsule or spring caps generally enclosing a spring. In operation, the capsule moves slidably within the housing over a predetermined travel and tension for the cables. However, if an over-tension condition is experienced, the capsule may bottom out at an end of the housing and the spring will either compress or extend, depending upon its design, thus allowing the effective length of the control cable assembly to increase, thus preventing the stretching or breaking of the cables or damage to cable end fittings.

Abstract: A flexible package comprises first and second flexible layers having substrates with groups of longitudinal spaced-apart adhesive strips disposed thereupon. The groups of adhesive strips are generally aligned with each other and joined together to form a plurality of generally monolithic longitudinal spaced-apart seal strips. A first transverse heat seal is formed along a first edge defined by the first and second flexible layers. A second transverse heat seal is formed along a second, opposing edge defined by the first and second flexible layers. At least one series of longitudinal perforations bisect at least one seal strip, and at least one series of transverse perforations are oriented generally parallel to and proximate one of the first and second heat seal. One or more objects are detachably and releasably contained by the package, the objects being disposed between the first and second flexible layers and located between the seal strips.

Abstract: A walk aiding apparatus. An electric gear motor is attachable to a frame of a wheeled walker device and includes a first sprocket rotatably coupled to the gear motor. A rotatable cam shaft is stabilized by a pair of bearings, the cam shaft having a second sprocket coupled thereto. A set of cams are adjustably mounted to the cam shaft. A belt extends between the first and second sprockets. A battery is selectably coupled to the electric gear motor through an electrical switch, the electric gear motor being energized when the electrical switch is actuated. The electric gear motor, when energized, rotates the cam shaft and, in turn, the cams, such that the cams periodically contact a surface to effect movement of the wheels of the walker device with respect to the surface.

Abstract: A shield assembly for a vehicle suspension. The shield assembly comprises a first shield portion attached to a lower arm of the suspension and a second shield portion attached to a lower spring seat of the suspension and at least partially surrounding the first shield portion. The first and second shield cooperate to deflect foreign objects proximate the suspension. A method employs the shield assembly.

Abstract: A system for cooling an environmentally sealed enclosure. The system includes an air channel extending generally vertically from a top surface of the enclosure to a bottom surface of the enclosure, at least one interior heat sink forming a barrier between the air channel and an interior portion of the enclosure, a fan disposed in the air channel and adapted to force air to flow through the air channel, and a plenum proximate the air channel to duct exhaust air away from the enclosure, wherein air flowing through the air channel cools the enclosure. A method employs the system.

Abstract: A container for storing, securing and transporting articles. The container comprises a plurality of members having predetermined lengths. A plurality of connectors interconnect the members to space apart and arrange the members generally vertically and horizontally to form a boxlike shape. A selectably securable closure is hingedly coupled to a first sidewall of the container. A pair of wheels are attached to a first edge of a bottom of the container, and a pair of legs attached to a second, opposing edge of the bottom of the container. The container may be stored in either a generally vertical orientation or a generally horizontal orientation. The container may also be pivoted about the wheels to transport the container. In addition, the container may be stacked with other containers when in the horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A door grip for a vehicle. The door grip comprises a base member having a central opening. A bracket is positioned proximate an interior portion of the base member. A cover having a shape generally corresponding to the base member at least partially encloses the interior portion of the base member. A mounting portion of the bracket is attachable to a vehicle door interior panel such that a handle portion of the door grip is cantilevered away from a vehicle door interior panel.

Abstract: A high-frequency DC-DC converter. The high-frequency DC-DC converter comprises a resonant power stage and a controller to operate the resonant power stage. The resonant power stage is controlled by the controller with at least one of a variable frequency mode and a pulse width modulation mode to convert an input DC voltage to one of a higher output DC voltage and a lower output DC voltage.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring and controlling devices. A software-based protocol converter converts asynchronous serial control and data signals from a host application computer program to Internet Protocol (“IP”) packet-switched signals. The converted signals are transmitted to a remote device, such as a meter or a valve, by means of a packet-switching network. The received IP packet-switching signals are converted by a hardware-based protocol converter into asynchronous serial control and data signals compatible with the remote device. The hardware-based protocol converter is also capable of converting asynchronous serial data feedback signals from the remote device to IP packet-switching signals and transmitting them to the host application computer program via the packet-switching network. The feedback signals are converted to asynchronous serial data signals compatible with the host application computer program by the software-based protocol converter.

Abstract: An electrical system control for a vehicle having a charging source, a first battery connected in series with a second battery to form a primary power supply that is connected to the charging source, and a third battery forming a secondary power supply. The system comprises a first bidirectional battery equalizer connected to the charging source and further connected to the second battery, a second bidirectional battery equalizer connected to the charging source and further connected to the third battery, and a controller adapted to monitor the state of at least one of the charging source and the first, second and third batteries. The controller also controls the operation of at least one of the first and second bidirectional battery equalizers in a predetermined manner, effective to control the charge and discharge of at least one of the first, second and third batteries.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp. The headlamp comprises a light source and a reflector to direct light received from the light source out of the headlamp. A movable shade is positionable to control the light received by the reflector. A shade driver is coupled to the movable shade to position the shade. A first shade position configures the headlamp for high beam lighting. A second shade position configures the headlamp for low beam lighting. A third shade position configures the headlamp for daytime running lights.

Abstract: An iris assembly for a prosthetic eye comprising a button having a frontside surface. An iris member is joined to the button frontside surface and has an iris image disposed thereon. The iris image is provided using digital image capture, storage, enhancement, and printing techniques, and is provided onto a suitable substrate. A cornea piece is made from a clear material, and is joined to the iris member frontside surface. Prior to joining, the iris member is encapsulated with a clear protective film thereover that operates to protect the iris image from unwanted smudging or other type of distortion during the step of joining the cornea piece. The iris assembly yields an accurate reproduction of the iris portion of a patient's natural eye in a manner that is both time efficient and cost effective.

Abstract: A fixture for sensing temperature. The fixture comprises a base, a generally horizontal member having a first distal end and a second distal end, the first end being connected to the base, a generally vertical member having a first distal end and a second distal end, the first end being connected to the second end of the horizontal member, a foot-shaped structure having an upper portion, a lower portion and a side portion, the upper portion being connected to the second end of the vertical member, and at least one temperature sensor affixed to the foot-shaped structure. The base is placed onto a seat and the foot-shaped structure is positioned proximate a floor, effective to position the sensor for sensing the temperature of the floor.