Abstract: Some embodiments comprise a mechanical thickness regulator for a compression mold, or related systems and/or methods. A regulator can include a thickness regulator pin received by a recess in an extendable and retractable relation. The regulator pin can include a tip, or can be contacted with a tip, defining a predetermined distance from the pin to the end of the tip, the distance defining a gap of well known dimensions for receiving and molding polymer melt.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving the strength and longevity of secondary roadways through environmentally sound practices are disclosed herein. A composition for road sealing includes an aqueous emulsion of acrylic and vinyl acetate polymer, water, and a resin-modified emulsion, wherein the resin-modified emulsion includes a mixture of pitch and rosin, an emulsifying agent, and water.

Abstract: Briefly described, the invention provides a photovoltaic assembly power output utilizing device which partially charges a capacitor assembly. This capacitor assembly is then partially discharged by a DC/DC power converter in different ranges of voltages in which the power output from the photovoltaic assembly peaks for different light intensities.

Abstract: A cap composition that can mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece, the cap composition having a cap; a cap element having a design that includes a shape and characteristic dimensions that enable the cap to mechanically attach to a stethoscope headpiece; and a speaker attached to and positioned on or at least partially within the cap, such that when the cap is attached to the stethoscope headpiece, the speaker is either touching or proximate to the stethoscope diaphragm such that a sound or signal emitted by the speaker can cause the stethoscope diaphragm to vibrate.

Abstract: A beam clamp releasably securable to a flange of a beam. The beam clamp comprises a clamping member connected to a base. The clamping member includes a latch. The latch has an engaged and a disengaged position. When in its engaged position the latch securing the clamping member to the flange and thereby securing the base to the beam. When it is in its disengaged position the latch permitting the base to be removed or withdrawn from the beam.

Abstract: An implant has a first contact surface to contact a first vertebral body endplate and a second contact surface to contact a second vertebral body endplate adjacent the first vertebral body. The implant is deployable, when positioned within an intradiscal space between the first and second vertebral bodies, from a first non-expanded condition where the first contact surface has a first effective footprint area A1 to a second expanded condition where the first contact surface has a second effective footprint area A2. The ratio A2/A1 is at least 1.05.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a round window driving transducer for easy implantation and an implantable hearing device having the same. The round window driving transducer is implantable in the round window of the cochlea in the middle ear cavity, and has excellent high frequency characteristics, which can assist patients with sensorineural hearing loss to hear sound better. The round window driving transducer can be placed inside the middle ear cavity, radiate sound with high efficiency, and be implanted by surgery using a fixing part formed with shape memory alloy, shape memory resin, or a bendable spring structure. Further, the round window driving transducer can overcome problems of the prior art, such as a difficult surgery and low vibration efficiency, which would inevitably occur when floating mass transducers are implanted in a drilled groove in the bone or when various types of piezoelectric transducers are implanted in the round window.

Abstract: A new and improved method for marketing to customers based upon incoming telephone calls is herein disclosed. A marketing method for use with a broadcast featuring multiple performers for whom at least one audience member may vote, the vote being based upon a performer's performance, the vote being communicated by an electronic device includes receiving the vote from at least one audience member, the vote being cast for at least one of the performers, capturing contact information for the audience member who cast the vote, identifying the contact information with the performer, and communicating a marketing offer to the audience member, the marketing offer related to the performer.

Abstract: A heat staking method and apparatus is provided for use in deforming a heat-stake so that it becomes mechanically coupled to an encapsulate. The deformed portion of the heat-stake contacts a retention component that provides additional composition strength and fastening surface to the encapsulate.

Abstract: A fluid pump assembly is disclosed for performing in a damp environment. A pump member is provided that drives a quantity of fluid. A pump housing encloses the pump member and includes a breather hole for circulating cooling air around the pump member during operation. A cover is provided that substantially covers the breather hole and defines a tortuous path that enables air to circulate through the breather hole while preventing entry of water thereto.

Abstract: A conduit hanger may include a retaining portion with two walls and a connecting member that is adjustable between: (1) a first condition where an object is enclosed between the two walls; and, (2) a second condition where the object is not enclosed.

Abstract: An implantable middle ear hearing device having a tubular vibration transducer to drive a round window is designed to input sound to a round window opposite an oval window in an inner ear. The tubular vibration transducer has a unique structure that does not attenuate the magnitude of a signal, particularly, in a high frequency band. Sound delivery effect is much higher than those of conventional schemes. It is also possible to minimize difficulties associated with and problems resulting from the operation, which the conventional methods would have. Further, the transducer can have a relatively less compact than ossicle contact type transducers, and thus be easily fabricated. The hearing device can be applied to a sensorineural hearing loss patient with the ossicle damaged. Moreover, since sound is directly transmitted without through the ear drum and the ossicle, high efficiency sound delivery is achievable and hearing loss compensation are easy.

Abstract: A rotary valve assembly for use in a process provides fluid communication and enables variable conduit interconnection and flow passage. Process cycle time is variable by means of rotational speed of through one or more apertures of a third valve member and respective alignment with one or more apertures of a first valve member and one or more apertures of a second valve member. Process step time is variable by means of adjustable position and variable alignment of aperture(s) of the first valve member and the second valve member. The rotary valve assembly provides for gradual transition and flow passage between process steps, flow metering, mixing, reversal, or any combination thereof. Process systems including the rotary valve include an adsorption process, humidity control process, heat pump process and/or water purification process among others.

Abstract: A composition for chemical improvement of soil and road base materials including an aqueous solution of a water repellant and an aqueous emulsion of a soil stabilizer and dust retardant is herein disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic engine mount assembly includes a support bracket defining a passageway that communicates between a pair of fluid chambers formed in an elastomeric body. According to one embodiment, the mount includes first and second connection devices for respectively connecting the engine mount to first and second connection surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring compression apparatus for compressing a coil spring and a related method of making this apparatus. A top plate is provided that engages and supports a first end of a coil spring. A middle plate engages and supports a second end of the coil spring, so that the coil spring is supported between these two plates. A base plate is disposed on an opposite side of the middle plate from the top plate. A frame is formed that fixedly supports the top plate and the base plate. The frame also slidably supports the middle plate. A jack, which is positioned between the base plate and the middle plate. The jack urges the middle plate toward the top plate, so as to compress the coil spring.

Abstract: A ground clamp kit may include a first clamp having a wire reception member suitable to receive and electrically connect to an associated electrical wire to be grounded and a second clamp. Each clamp may be suitable to be clamped to an associated grounding component. The ground clamp kit may also include an electric conductor that electrically connects the first clamp to the second clamp.

Abstract: A composition for chemical soil improvement includes a synthetic fluid or base oil, a pour point depressant, polyisobutylene, and synthetic fibers, and various combinations thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle wiper assembly may include an arm and a wiper blade attached to the arm. The wiper assembly may be placed into a parked condition by supporting the wiper blade to a wiper lifter. To prevent unintentional removal of the wiper blade, as may occur for example in a car wash, the wiper blade remains irremovable from the arm due to physical interference between the wiper assembly and the wiper lifter. When removal of the wiper blade is desired, the wiper assembly may be manually moved to a position where the wiper blade can be removed from the arm without physical interference between the wiper assembly and the wiper lifter.