Abstract: A surgical staple for discectomy by an anterior approach that comprises a plate with sharp-pointed projections positioned at each of four corners of the plate and extending perpendicularly there from for frictional insertion into pilot holes formed in the vertebrae, and a pair of circular apertures in the plate spaced along a centerline for insertion of bone screws. The plurality of projections may further comprise four barbed and pointed projections that a surgeon may quickly tap into the bone, thereafter securing the staple with two smaller bone screws. An Annular C shaped retention locking clip retains the bone screws and prevents counter-rotation and back out.

Abstract: An embedded-type reflective road marker (1) which includes a base (2) and a reflector (3) for reflecting light cast onto the marker. The reflector (1) is detachably connected or secured, in use, to the base (2) by a connector (4) having release means (40) for facilitating removal of the reflector (3) from the base (2).

Abstract: A protective eyewear apparatus including a base substantially oval in shape, an upper bar connected to the base, a lower bar connected to the base, and a main support bar connected to the upper bar and the lower bar. Another embodiment includes two eyepieces attached by a flexible bridge member, in which an eyepiece comprises a base generally oval in shape and defining an opening, and an upper and lower bar spanning the opening and connected to the base.

Abstract: A method and system for automated control of the operating temperature setpoint of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) scrubber within a pre-determined range of approach temperatures to the adiabatic saturation temperature of the CFB scrubber exhaust stream to maintain an optimal operating temperature, thereby reducing low temperature sulfuric acid corrosion and deposition of wet materials, and high temperature excess reagent use. A Dewcon® Moisture Analyzer (or equivalent) is connected in the exhaust stream of the CFB scrubber. The Dewcon® Moisture Analyzer transmits adiabatic saturation temperature data of the exhaust stream to the CFB scrubber system controller. Based on pre-programmed parameters, the system controller adjusts the CFB scrubber temperature setpoint.

Abstract: A breath collection apparatus is provided that includes a facemask to cover the nose and mouth of a patient to direct the breath into a collection bag or collection vial. A valve assembly containing a flexible valve member is provided between the facemask and the collection container to direct a breath sample to the collection container while permitting fresh air to enter the facemask upon inhalation. Between the valve assembly and the collection container is a collection container attachment fitting for engaging the valve assembly with the collection container. The collection container attachment fitting can be a two-piece fitting designed to accommodate a flexible bladder used to accumulate multiple breath samples for subsequent delivery to the collection container.

Abstract: An appliqué emblem having a three dimensional embroidered appearance for decoration and identification when applied to uniforms, fashion, “basic” and performance apparel, swimwear, and intimate apparel, as well as other textile products. The appliqué emblem being an alternative to direct embroidery, embroidered emblems, thermo-transfer films, silk screen or sublimated printing.

Abstract: A Constant Force Control methodology and system utilizing integrated sensors and unique control algorithms to determine required applied force to mitigate shock events in an adaptive energy absorption system, typically comprising of a spring and an adjustable energy absorber or damper element. By utilizing an expected acceleration profile and event duration for an anticipated shock event an acceleration amplitude can be determined from a measure impact velocity. From this and a measured payload mass a system controller can determine the force necessary to be applied by the energy absorber in order to stop the payload over the full desired length of the available energy absorber stroke in order to minimize the forces experienced by the payload.

Abstract: A fluidic artificial muscle actuator consisting of an inner elastic bladder surrounded by a braided filament sleeve and sealed off on either end with end fittings. Pressurization of the actuator produces force and/or motion through radial movement of the bladder and sleeve which forces the sleeve to move axially. Both contractile and extensile motions are possible depending on the geometry of the braided sleeve. The fluidic artificial muscle actuator is manufactured using a swaging process which plastically deforms swage tubes around the end fittings, braided sleeve, and pressure bladder, creating a strong mechanical clamping action that may be augmented with adhesive bonding of the components. The swaging system includes the swaging die and associated components which are used to plastically deform the swage tube during assembly of the actuator.

Abstract: A system for in-situ near-real-time detection and monitoring of corrosion in structures with the ability to directly track the presence and growth of corrosion on a structure by measurement of material loss in the structure attained by analysis of high frequency wave propagation dynamics. The Corrosion Inspection and Monitoring (CIM) system utilizes low-weight in-situ transducers and unique data reduction software for detection and monitoring of corrosion in structural systems in near real-time for corrosion related damage. The CIM system provides a corrosion monitoring and tracking tool that can be deployed in the field with the structural system, and no maintenance personnel are needed for corrosion analysis.

Abstract: A suspension system for mounting a touch surface of a pressure sensitive touch display or panel. The suspension system comprises a frame and a flexible suspension membrane connected to the touch surface and the frame, the membrane allowing frictionless movement of the touch surface along the z-axis and resisting movement of the touch surface within the x-y plane. At least one force sensor is connected beneath the touch surface, whereby the touch surface is pre-loaded against the at least one force sensor.

Abstract: A touch screen assembly for an electronic device such as a cell phone or PDA. The touch screen assembly generally comprises a floating lens suspended over the display and, optionally, the keypad to allow a degree of freedom. An underlying thin connecting layer such as a flex film is attached beneath the floating lens, and a plurality (for example, four) differentially-mounted pressure sensors are mounted beneath the floating lens and are electrically connected to the electronic device via the flex film. The pressure sensors are differentially positioned along an x- and y-axis for registering a pressure z from a touch to the lens at each of the four positions, to provide four data sets (x1-4, y1-4, z1-4). Control software then interprets the exact touch-coordinate from the four data sets and generates a control signal. An optional haptic response generator and/or motion sensor are also contemplated.

Abstract: A faucet spout having an adjustable height relative to a stationary base or surface to which it may be mounted. A spout tube is slideably engaged within a spout body in which a support member is housed. The support member is received within the spout tube and provides a positive stop at a lowest position. A ratchet assembly within the support member engages the end of the spout tube at any one of a series of ratchet teeth providing a variety of additional stops/heights at which the spout tube may be retained for operation. A release button withdraws the ratchet arm and permits the spout tube to return to the first stop at its lowest point.

Abstract: An interbody fusion cage having a generally symmetric, annular cage body surrounding a central void extending from a lower surface to an upper surface in which to retain graft material in contact with adjacent vertebra. A lateral channel extending into each half from the cage perimeter contains a worm drive screw. One or more longitudinal channels extending from the upper surface to the lower surface intersect each lateral channel and house a pin which is provided with a series of helically cut worm gear teeth on its external surface for engaging the worm drive screw. The pins are simultaneously externally threaded and engaged to the cooperatively threaded internal surface of the longitudinal channel such that rotation of the drive screw by the surgeon after implantation causes the pins to rotate with the longitudinal channel and advance into the adjacent bone.

Abstract: A tamper evident product distribution pouch especially well-suited for pharmaceuticals is provided, which is made from a single sheet of folded and sealed flexible plastic in a simplified folding and heat-sealing operation that reduces manufacturing steps. The tamper evident pharmaceutical pouch includes a header containing an arrangement of mounting holes and a slot for use as a handle. A pouch is formed by folding over the sheet of material and heat sealing the edges along the length of the pouch. The opening of the pouch adjacent the header. This opening is covered by a flap that extends down from the header over the opening. The flap is not sealed along the edges and can be completely pivoted away from the opening. Adhesive is placed on the flap that contacts the front of the pouch to close and seal the pouch opening.

Abstract: A pyramid receptacle for coupling a prosthetic limb to a socket, comprising a unitary machined component formed with an externally-threaded neck section flanged by a larger-diameter disk. The disk is formed with a concave face, and a central cavity. A plurality of threaded set screws are journalled into the hollow threaded neck section through the threads thereof and into communication with the central cavity. Machining the threaded holes for the plurality of set screws directly through the hollow threaded neck section, and ensuring that the set screws stay flush or recessed when fully tightened effectively halves the length of the pyramid receptacle and facilitates angular adjustment of the prosthetic limb before affixing it in place, but does not significantly increase the profile length of the interconnection between socket and knee joint.

Abstract: A novel combination of a biocide (Glutaraldehyde or OPA), a surfactant, alcohol, and functional excipients for the oil and gas recovery industry. The surfactant is preferably a dual chain quaternary ammonium compound consisting of a mixture of alkyl dimethy-benzylammonium chlorides and alkyl dimethylethylbenzylammonium, that absorbs onto a surface and alters the free energy of that surface. The alcohol is preferably isopropyl alcohol. The functional excipients for the oil and gas recovery industry are a cellulose type proppant, a poloxamer wetting agent, a friction-reducing pluronic block copolymer, a drag reducing agent such as polethylene oxide, and a flocculating agent. The biocide may be OPA of the dialdehyde C6H4(CHO)2 form, or Glutaraldehyde of formula C5H8O2. Both will produce an inherent bacteriostatic effect and lower surface tension and thus aids in the spread of the dual quat on the biofilm covered surface where it is readily absorbed by the negative surfaces of proteins and bacteria.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for abrading the surface of objects are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber, an abrasive surface defining a wall of said chamber and drive means for moving the abrasive surface relative to the chamber. In use, the aforementioned relative movement promotes circulation of the objects within the chamber, wherein the chamber is shaped such that regions of flow stagnation of the objects within the chamber are avoided or minimized. Additionally or alternatively, the chamber may be shaped to approximate the peripheral flow path of the objects within the chamber.

Abstract: A double slide arm spring mechanism for biasing a primary mechanism to home position after operation and retaining the primary mechanism in the home position pending further operation. The double slide arm spring mechanism includes a pair of slideably interlocking arms each having a longitudinal frame member and a spring engaging flange at each end. The frame members are a disposed to engage one another while permitting relative sliding of the arms. The slide arms are interlocked such that one flange of each arm is situated between the two flanges of the other arm. Two compression springs are retained between the flanges of the arms such that sliding of either arm toward the other necessarily compresses both springs. Potential energy stored in the springs returns the slide to its neutral position when the operator is released thereby also returning the operator to its neutral position.