Abstract: A network communication and messaging protocol for use in a medical perfusion system, provides the rules which govern how, among other things, information and data is conveyed between the various devices which are connect to the network. The rules define the different types of messages that are used in conveying information and data, as well as the formatting for each of those message types. The various messages provide the ability to configure the perfusion system devices, establish links between the perfusion system devices, and convey various types of information and data, even when the main network controller is unavailable.

Abstract: A dual-channel fluid temperature control apparatus controls temperature of cardiac fluids during surgery using power from an electrical convenience outlet having a power limit. A first pump receives a first heat exchange fluid to selectively pump the first heat exchange fluid within a first circulation channel. A second pump receives a second heat exchange fluid to selectively pump the second heat exchange fluid within a second circulation channel. A first heater unit comprises a first plurality of independently actuatable heating elements each having a respective power consumption. A second heater unit comprises a second plurality of independently actuatable heating elements each having a respective power consumption. A controller selectably actuates the first and second pumps and the first and second pluralities of heating elements to selectably heat or cool the first and second heat exchange fluids such that power draw of all activated pumps and heating elements is maintained within the power limit.

Abstract: A system for monitoring tissue pH calculates and displays integrated pH values over one or more user-selectable integration time periods. The values can be displayed in a numerical and/or graphical format. In the graphical format, measured values of pH are displayed as curves. A cursor can be positioned along the curves to display an instantaneous measured value at any point. The integration periods are highlighted relative to the curves. If the cursor is positioned within a region corresponding to an integration period, the display indicates the integrated value of pH from the start of that integration period to the time corresponding to the position of the cursor.

Abstract: A stabilizer bar for an automotive vehicle includes a stabilizer bar, and a generally ring shaped first mechanical stop mounted onto and extending about an outer diameter of the stabilizer bar. The first mechanical stop is crimped in place onto the stabilizer bar such that the first mechanical stop is positioned within a groove formed within the outer diameter of the stabilizer bar as the first mechanical stop is crimped onto the stabilizer bar, whereby the first mechanical stop is retained within the groove to prevent movement of the mechanical stop along the stabilizer bar.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting the broadcasting of a RF message from a remote transmitter to an in-vehicle receiver. The RF message includes an initial preamble having a plurality of pulses. Power is provided to the receiver for a first predetermined period of time. The preamble pulses received are counted. A determination is made whether the number of preamble pulses received is between a first and second predetermined number of preamble pulses. If the number of preamble pulses is greater than the first predetermined number of preamble pulses, then power is provided to the receiver for processing the RF message. If the number of preamble pulses is less than the second predetermined number of preamble pulses, then power is terminated to the receiver. If the number of preamble pulses are between the first and second predetermined number of preamble pulses, then power is extended to the receiver for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A wheel chuck assembly includes a support plate having at least one aperture formed therethrough. The support plate is adapted to be mounted upon a lathe spindle. An air conveying device is mounted adjacent to the support plate and is operable to induce an air flow through the support plate aperture such that metal chips are drawn through the support plate aperture.

Abstract: A network communication and messaging protocol for use in a medical perfusion system, provides the rules which govern how, among other things, information and data is conveyed between the various devices which are connect to the network. The rules define the different types of messages that are used in conveying information and data, as well as the formatting for each of those message types. The various messages provide the ability to configure the perfusion system devices, establish links between the perfusion system devices, and convey various types of information and data, even when the main network controller is unavailable.

Abstract: A switch measurement system is disclosed for measuring characteristics of a switch while the switch is mounted to a product adjacent a product surface. The switch types may include linear, pivot and rotary types. The switch measurement system preferably has a control unit for driving a motor and receiving and storing input from a force or torque sensor. A fixturing setup preferably includes a mounting base, and three legs extending from the mounting base. Each of the legs is selectively adjustable in length and includes an end adapted for mounting against the product surface where the legs can vary the location and orientation of the mounting base relative to the product. Also, a measurement unit includes a motor fixed relative to the mounting base and includes a motor shaft extending therefrom, and a force sensor or a torque sensor, depending upon the switch measurement arrangement, interposed between the motor shaft and the switch.

Abstract: A power transmission for a motor vehicle In realizing these advantages, a power transmission according to this invention includes an input shaft, an output, and a layshaft disposed parallel to the input shaft. A pair of drive elements includes a first element secured to the input shaft, and a second element journalled on the layshaft and driveably connected to the first element. A first coupler is secured to the layshaft for releasably coupling the second element and the layshaft. A planetary gear unit driveably connecting the layshaft and the output, includies a sun gear secured to the layshaft, a ring gear surrounding the sun gear and fixed against rotation, a carrier driveably connected to the output, and a set of planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and ring gear and rotatably supported on the carrier.

Abstract: A magnetic core assembly for an ignition coil assembly allows unique exterior shapes to be formed by an outer insulation layer, while speeding up the manufacturing process. Generally, the magnetic core assembly comprises a core of ferromagnetic material and an overmold over the exterior of the core. The overmold generally comprises an insulating layer injection molded over the core. Various structures may be incorporated into the core assembly for injection molding, while a second insulative layer provides additional thermal and electrical insulation.

Abstract: A slip joint, such as for use in a vehicular driveshaft assembly, includes a first member having a plurality of male splines provided thereon and a second member having a plurality of female splines provided thereon. The male splines cooperate with the female splines so as to connect the first and second members together for concurrent rotational movement and for relative axial movement. A wedge member is disposed between portions of the first and second members to take up looseness therebetween and to adjustably control the amount of force that is required to be exerted in order to effect relative axial movement. The wedge member includes a body portion having a plurality of leg portions extending therefrom. The wedge member is positioned such that the leg portions are received within an annular space between the first and second members.

Abstract: A gearset assembly includes a pinion carrier containing first, second and third long pinions pinion mutually spaced angularly about an axis, and supported for rotation on the carrier, and three pairs of short pinions, each supported for rotation on the carrier, the pinions of the first pair meshing with the first long pinion, the pinions of the second pair meshing with the second long pinion, and the pinions of the third pair meshing with the third long pinion.

Abstract: A roller pump including a stator and a rotor assembly disposed within the stator. The rotor assembly includes a rotor hub, a first roller slide and a second roller slide slidingly disposed within the rotor hub. Each of the roller slides rotatably supports a roller. An occlusion adjustment knob for adjusting a radial position of the first and second roller slides and a magnetic detent assembly for providing an audible indicator as the occlusion adjustment knob is rotated.

Abstract: A method for operating a switched reluctance electrical generator in a manner that is highly efficient involves initially performing a mapping technique to obtain data relating to all of the possible operating conditions of the generator system that generate the desired output power. This mapping technique can be performed empirically or by computer simulation. Then, the effective phase currents supplied to the windings on the stator are measured or calculated. Next, the optimum conduction angles can be selected as those turn-on angles and turn-off angles that occur using the smallest effective phase currents supplied to the windings on the stator. Lastly, the generator system is operated using the selected optimum turn-on and turn-off angles. If desired, a feedback loop can be provided for comparing the actual output power that is generated by the generator system with a desired reference output power level to insure that such actual output power is maintained at or near the desired output power.

Abstract: A slope stabilizer in which both a ground anchorage and a soil nail are located in a single borehole. The ground anchorage includes a plurality of ground anchorages, each including a tensile member bonded to the bore grout along substantially its whole length. The slope stabilizer has the advantage of allowing the ground to be pre-stressed using the ground anchorages. However, an active zone of the ground is also stabilized by the soil nail, which allows a lighter facing structure to be used than is normal with ground anchorages. Economy of operations is obtained, as a number of items are included in a single borehole.

Abstract: A method of operating a wheelchair during an un-recline process involves a wheelchair having tilt and recline functions, the wheelchair including a seat frame, a tilt actuator for tilting the seat frame, a back frame, a recline actuator for reclining the back frame. A sensor for determining the angle of recline is provided. A controller for controlling the tilt actuator and recline actuator is also provided. The controller is provided with a plurality of preprogrammed sequences for moving the seat frame and the back frame during an unrecline procedure. The sequences include tilting the seat frame as an initial part of the unrecline sequence, wherein the sequences are a function of the initial angle of recline at the initiation of the recline sequence. An initial angle of recline at the initiation of a recline sequence is determined, and the back frame is unreclined according to one of the preprogrammed sequences in response to the determined initial angle of recline.

Abstract: A multimedia player has a fast seek function for navigating between track selections contained within a large playlist. By holding down a seek-up or a seek-down button, a selection identifying display scrolls through the selections in a playlist in single steps until a multiple of 10 is reached. If a minimum number of single steps (e.g., 4) have been taken, then the display begins to jump by 10's. Otherwise, single steps are taken until the next multiple of 10. Single stepping is again used when the display nears the beginning or end of the playlist.

Abstract: A device for producing information related to a position of an elevator car in an elevator shaft includes a toothed belt having a plurality of teeth spaced along a length of the belt and mounted in an elevator shaft, an encoder mounted on the elevator car and having a toothed wheel for engaging the teeth, and guide rollers mounted on the elevator car and engaging the toothed belt to urge the plurality of teeth into engagement with the toothed wheel.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic braking system of the type which operates normally in a brake-by-wire mode wherein hydraulic pressure is applied to braking devices at the vehicle wheels in proportion to the driver's braking demand as sensed electronically at a brake pedal (10), and which, if the brake-by-wire mode should fail, operates in a push-through mode wherein hydraulic pressure is applied to the braking devices at the vehicle wheels by way of a master cylinder (34) coupled mechanically to the brake pedal (10), the system including also an electric parking braking device for enabling the braking devices to be actuated for parking braking purposes but which is also arranged to be activated to supplement push-through braking in the event of failure of the brake-by-wire mode. Electro-hydraulic braking at the rear axle of the vehicle is allowed only when a control unit (13) of the electro-hydraulic braking system has confirmation that the electric parking device is in a satisfactory operational state.