Abstract: Device for supporting a safety line, in particular for preventing the accidental falling of personnel working in places presenting this risk, having at least one elongated tubular element for guiding the passage of the cable of the safety line, wherein this tubular element is retained by at least two supports, spaced apart and designed to be fixed to a fixed surface, characterized in that the elongated tubular element is of a flexible plastic material so that it is able to conform to the shape of a curve to be produced.

Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline includes a common, central brake hub having teeth on opposing sides and a lifeline assembly on each side of the brake hub. The lifeline assemblies include centrifugal clutch assemblies with pawls. The pawls are configured and arranged to engage the teeth of the brake hub to stop the lifeline assemblies when there is a sudden acceleration or a high rate of speed at which the lifeline assemblies turn to pay-out lifeline which causes the pawls to pivot and engage the teeth. The self-retracting lifeline may be operatively connected to a safety harness with a connector interconnecting the bottom of the self-retracting lifeline and the straps of the safety harness proximate a dorsal pad assembly and straps interconnecting the housing of the self-retracting lifeline and the straps of the safety harness above the dorsal pad assembly. The lifelines of the self-retracting lifeline exit the housing proximate the top.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the liquid content of a particulate/liquid dispersion, such as a sewage sludge or mine tailings, are described. The apparatus comprises containment means to contain the material, and means to apply pressure to the contained material therein, the containment means being partly defined by a first filtration membrane permeable to the liquid but impermeable to at least some and more preferably substantially all of the solids contained within the material, in particular configured as a continuous belt press. The filtration membrane comprises a textile or other synthetic material in intimate association with a conducting element so as to constitute where so associated a first electrode. A second sheet material, preferably also a filtration membrane, is similarly associated with a conducting element so as to constitute a second electrode to allow application of a potential difference across the material and drive the dewatering process electrokinetically.

Abstract: A rechargeable implantable medical device with a magnetic shield placed on the distal side of a secondary recharging coil to improve charging efficiency is disclosed. The rechargeable implantable medical device can be a wide variety of medical devices such as neuro stimulators, drug delivery pumps, pacemakers, defibrillators, diagnostic recorders, cochlear implants. The implantable medical device has a secondary recharging coil carried over a magnetic shield and coupled to electronics and a rechargable power source carried inside the housing. The electronics are configured to perform a medical therapy. Additionally a method for enhancing electromagnetic coupling during recharging of an implantable medical device is disclosed, and a method for reducing temperature rise during recharging of an implantable medical device is disclosed.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention includes an automated method of removing a stockinette from meat having an end, sides, and a length. The stockinette enveloped meat is conveyed in a first direction as the stockinette is cut proximate the end of the meat with a first knife. The stockinette enveloped meat is then conveyed in a second direction as the stockinette is cut proximate the sides of the meat with a second knife and a third knife. The cuts made by the second knife and the third knife intersect with the cut made by the first knife. The cuts in the stockinette create a flap in the stockinette between the cuts. The flap is engaged and peeled away from the meat, and the meat is removed from the stockinette.

Abstract: A miniature drug delivery pump utilizes a shape memory Ni—Ti alloy. A flow restrictor is provided and the pump is refillable.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pumped alkali metal vapor cell system is provided. The system comprises a vapor cell and windings. The vapor cell contains alkali metal and a buffer. The windings are positioned around the vapor cell and are configured to create an electromagnet field in the vapor cell when an AC signal is applied to the windings. The electromagnetic field pumps unexcited alkali vapor into unionized D1 and D2 states.

Abstract: A variable speed winch in one embodiment includes a drive shaft, a power source, a single gear operation lever, a variable gearing system and a drum. The power source is configured to rotate the drive shaft. The variable gearing system is in rotational connection with the drive shaft and is configured to change the gearing of the winch based on the rotation of the single gear operation lever. The drum is in rotational connection with the variable gearing system.

Abstract: An energy absorption device for a safety fixing system includes two sections capable of being set in relative motion with friction so that the device is able to absorb energy. The device has elements for adjusting the frictional force between the two sections. A safety fixing system incorporating the energy absorption device is also disclosed. The device maybe used in the safety systems that make use, in particular, of a life-line.

Abstract: A lightning direction device is provided. The lightning direction device includes a drag member, a pendant mass and a conductor. The drag member is configured to have a select amount of wind resistance. The pendant mass has a select weight and shape. Moreover, the conductor is coupled between the pendant mass and the drag member.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a vacuum anchor assembly for anchoring a fall protection system to a surface of an anchorage structure comprises an anchor member having an air input connector, a venturi, and a seal member incorporated into the anchor member. The air input connector is configured and arranged to receive air from a pressurized air source. The venturi is in fluid communication with the air input connector and is configured and arranged to receive air and create a vacuum therefrom. The seal member is in fluid communication with the venturi and is configured and arranged to receive the vacuum and resulting suction and create a seal between the anchor member and the surface of the anchorage structure sufficient to operatively connect the anchor member to the surface of the anchorage structure with the vacuum and resulting suction created within the anchor member.

Abstract: A method of laminating a sheet or sheets to a substrate and a method of laminating a plurality of articles. The substrate is inserted into a press. The sheet is inserted into the press over the substrate. Liquid thermoset polymer is injected into the press. Heat and pressure are applied forcing the liquid thermoset polymer against the sheet and forcing the sheet against the substrate. The liquid thermoset polymer is allowed to cure under heat and pressure forming a cured silicone rubber sheet. The cured silicone rubber sheet is removed from the press. A plurality of articles may be laminated by laminating the second of the articles while the first article is cooling.

Abstract: An irrigation hose (10) includes a continuous strip member (27). The continuous strip member (27) is formed by extruding a substrate (20) and allowing the substrate (20) to cool. Then a flow path (25) is extruded on the substrate (20). The continuous strip member (27) is then operatively connected to the inner wall 10a of the irrigation hose (10).

Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having an implantable power source such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The implantable medical device includes a recharge module that regulates the recharging process of the implantable power source using closed-loop feedback control. The recharge module includes a recharge regulator, a recharge measurement device monitoring at least one recharge parameter, and a recharge regulation control unit for regulating the recharge energy delivered to the power source in response to the recharge measurement device. The recharge module adjusts the energy provided to the power source to ensure that the power source is being recharged under safe levels.

Abstract: System for transcutaneous energy transfer to an implantable medical device adapted to be implanted under a cutaneous boundary having a housing having a first surface adapted to face the cutaneous boundary, the first surface of the housing of the implantable medical device having a first mating element, therapeutic componentry and a secondary coil operatively coupled to the therapeutic componentry. An external power source has housing having a first surface adapted to be placed closest to the cutaneous boundary, the first surface of the housing of the external power source having a second mating element and a primary coil capable of inductively energizing the secondary coil when externally placed in proximity of the secondary coil. The first mating element and the second mating element are configured to tactilely align the external power source with the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification connector is configured and arranged to retrofittably connect a radio frequency identification device to an elongate member such as a safety cable.

Abstract: This invention relates to coating compositions that include water; a latex polymer and a silane coupling agent. The latex polymer preferably comprises acetoacetoxy functionality, or is a multistage latex, or is an acetoacetoxy functional multistage latex. The silane coupling agent is preferably a functionalized silane coupling agent (more preferably an epoxy-functional silane coupling agent). The compositions may be used to coat a variety of substrates, including wood, cement and fiber cement. Articles having the coating applied thereto are also provided.

Abstract: A mobile mount for attachment of a fall arrest system is provided for example for aircraft and includes a base carried on ground wheels and a support which is adjustable in height upstanding from the base and an arm cantilevered over the base. At least one receptacle is mounted on the arm of the support at a position located over the base for attachment to a personal fall arrest system including a harness for one or more persons, with the receptacle, base and support being designed and arranged to receive a loading from the personal fall arrest system sufficient to accommodate a fall of the person from the elevated structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crosslinkable waterborne coating composition useful for providing protective coating to wood and other substrates. The coating composition includes a vinyl addition latex polymer having a first crosslinkable functional group and a polyurethane dispersion having a second crosslinkable functional end group. The coating composition is preferably essentially formaldehyde free.