Abstract: A gas turbine engine is disclosed that has with two or more compressors. A first one of the compressors include a compressor variable geometry mechanism that may be in the form of adjustable vanes, bleed valves, or the like. A first one of the compressors is turned at a first speed and the second one of the compressors is turned at a second speed. The first speed is maintained approximately constant while the second speed varies and position of the compressor variable geometry mechanism is modulated in accordance with the second speed of the second one of the compressors to regulate surge margin for the first one of the compressors.

Abstract: Mouth guards of varying designs. The mouth guard is generally moldable and has non-planar biting surfaces. In other embodiments, the mouth guard has base members or flanges that have means for retaining medicaments and the like. Other versions have thermochromic elements selected to allow color changes at desired temperatures.

Abstract: A paint brush has a handle and a paint brush head. The paint brush head is detachable from the paint brush handle. The paint brush head may be rotatable to a number of positions relative to the paint brush handle.

Abstract: A catheter for providing blood flow includes first and second lumen parts having a distal portion with at least one port for delivering and receiving flow from a patient and a non-linear profile along the distal portion.

Abstract: One aspect relates to an apparatus having a combustion chamber and a duct in fluid flow communication with the combustion chamber. The apparatus includes at least one opening adapted for delivering a liquid fuel into the duct. The apparatus further includes at least one passage adapted for delivery of a gas upstream of the at least one opening for minimizing the entrance of a fluid other than the gas into the fuel delivery opening.

Abstract: Detection of cylinder misfires in engines. In one aspect of the invention, a method for detecting a cylinder misfire in an engine includes monitoring a temperature in the exhaust of the engine. Vibration of the engine is analyzed to identify a misfiring cylinder in the engine if the monitored temperature indicates a misfire may have occurred.

Abstract: An electric power generation system is disclosed that provides an AC electric power output with the target waveform period. A sequence of values is established that each represent electric current of the output for a corresponding one of a number of sequential time segments. A processor executes operating logic to process the values for each respective one of the time segments that includes: determining a difference between a first one of the values and the second one of the values for the respective one of the time segments, selecting the second one of the values from the subset of values corresponding to a subset of the time segments, and performing a comparison of the difference to a threshold. Based on this comparison, a transient condition can be identified and/or control of the system can otherwise be facilitated.

Abstract: A method for evaluating and measuring accommodation amplitude in one or both eyes of a person by subjecting the person to a near-vision visual acuity test comprising a target having optotypes displayed thereon, different targets having different sized optotypes, determining the nearest point at which the person accurately identifies a majority of the optotypes on the target, and introducing either a sufficiently powered plus lens or sufficiently powered minus lens to locate the nearest point within an identified range of distances from the eye. An apparatus is also disclosed for employing the versions of the method, comprising a holder connected to a slide rule, a track for movably positioning the holder, and a lens positioner for introducing plus or minus lenses as needed. A reference point marker may be positioned along the track for identifying the range of distances at which the nearest point is desired to be located.

Abstract: A drill bit apparatus having a central shaft and an annular collar mounted thereon. The central shaft is coaxially positioned within the annular collar. The central shaft has a bit end and a cutting tool end. The annular collar is spaced between the bit and cutting tool end. The bit is configured for releasable securement in a chuck of a drill or drill press. The cutting tool end is configured to securably receive a cutting tool therein. The cutting tool lower portion has a central bore cutter essentially coaxial with the shaft. The upper portion of the tool comprises a counter bore cutter having a width greater than the central bore cutter. The counter bore cutter extends below a lower surface of the annular collar a distance less than the distance the central bore cutter extends below the lower surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a staiblizing device (150) designed to link two vertebrae, comprising at least two chambers (156, 158, 186, 188) arranged proximate to said vertebrae, said chambers containing a shock absorbing fluid. Means (192, 194) are provided for providing fluid communication with controlled flow between said two chambers, thereby adequately damping the patient's movements.