Abstract: Embodiments presented herein provide apparatus and methods for forming and coupling an attachment device onto one or more teeth. A system comprises a template including a shell having a cavity defining a shape that is operable to receive one or more teeth. The template comprises an aperture at one or more predetermined locations. The aperture defines an aperture perimeter. The system further comprises one or more attachment molds. Each attachment mold comprises a mold bore therethrough. The attachment mold further includes a mold perimeter surface that defines a predetermined shape, wherein each of the aperture perimeters being operable to receive and cooperate with the mold perimeter surface of one of the attachment molds. Each mold bore being operable for providing a mold for forming an attachment device coupled to a tooth of a desired shape and orientation from curable material that may be disposed within the mold bore.

Abstract: The present invention is related to hemodialysis, and more particularly, to a dialyser with improved efficiency of mass transfer across a dialysis membrane utilizing microchannel separation provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with an embodiment, a dialyzer is provided comprising a plurality of semipermeable membrane sheets and a plurality of flow separators. The membrane sheets and flow are arranged in alternating configuration and coupled into a laminae stack defining a plurality of parallel microchannel layers. Each microchannel layer comprises a plurality of first microchannels and a plurality of second microchannels. The first and second microchannels of each microchannel layer are in fluid communication with each other via one of the plurality of membrane sheets therebetween. The MECS dialyzer is characterized as having a high surface to volume ratio and a high mass transfer coefficient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an intelligent human-machine interface comprising an interface shell, system agents, function agents, a dynamic documentation system, and a layering architecture. The system agents include dynamic, knowledge-based software object sub-agents that model and track the state of a work area. The function agents model, track, and facilitate work area functions. The interface shell provides a hardware and software interface between the system agents and the function agents. The layering architecture comprises a tracking layer, an equipment and supply management layer, a coordination layer, and a situational awareness layer, and an oversight layer. The oversight layer combines information from the situational awareness layer with process rule sets contained in the function agents to determine if processes are being performed correctly.

Abstract: A dual-lever compression system comprising a shock absorber, a first lever, and a second lever. The shock absorber first end is pivotally coupled to a frame. The shock absorber second end is pivotally coupled to a first lever first end and the first lever second end is coupled to the frame. The second lever first end is pivotally coupled to the shock absorber second end and the second lever second end is coupled to a swing- arm. The compression performance control provided by embodiments of the dual-lever compression system is directly related to the incorporation of dual levers coupled to the shock absorber; that is, the first lever and the second lever. Angles, position, and pivotal rotations of the dual levers provide for controlled shock absorption.

Abstract: An electromechanical machine having a stator and a rotor, the stator including at least one stator module of N toroid shaped electromagnets, the electromagnets arranged along an arc a predetermined distance apart defining a stator arc length. Each of the electromagnets has at least one gap. The rotor includes a disc adapted to pass through the at least one gap. The disc includes a plurality of permanent magnets spaced side by side about a periphery thereof and arranged so as to have alternating north-south polarities. The permanent magnets are sized and spaced such that within the stator arc length the ratio of permanent magnets to electromagnets is N+1 to N, where N is the number of electrical excitation phases applied to the electromagnets.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation, lateral motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal plane, as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-axis vehicle door hinges are provided that are adapted to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially vertical axis of rotation for swing-out rotation as well as to facilitate pivotal motion of a vehicle door about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation for vertical-lift rotation and providing means for adjusting the opening angle of the hinge in both the horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for positioning medical material in living tissue using hollow elements that are formed unitarily from a synthetic bioabsorbable material. The hollow elements are optionally filled with a core material and a heat shrink process is performed so that the hollow elements are tightened around the core material.

Abstract: A modular column mount comprising a base fixture, a clamp float in engagement with the base fixture, and a first ring in engagement with the clamp float, the ring defining an aperture adapted to accept a steering column therethrough. The modular column mount further comprising at least one of a plurality of second rings of different predetermined inner and outer diameters used singularly or mixed and matched between the aperture of the first ring so as to provide various combinations providing a column mount of predetermined aperture size. The cost of manufacturing and inventory control of various first and second rings is substantially less than the cost of manufacturing and inventory control of column mounts of fixed aperture size in all the various aperture sizes that are possible and provided by the modular column mount.

Abstract: A magnetic heater is provided having a conductive member and a first magnet assembly comprising a frame and at least one magnet disposed a distance adjacent the conductive member, wherein the first magnet assembly and the first frame are adapted to rotate relative to each other about an axis so as to induce eddy currents in the conductive member when relative motion is produced between the conductive member and the first magnet assembly, the at least one magnet adapted to move relative to the frame in dependence on the change in the rate of rotation of the frame. The magnetic heater is provided with a passive relative-positioning actuator adapted to move one or more magnets in an axial direction and a radial direction relative to the frame. Such movement is exploited to control the magnetic field strength at the conductive member by controlling, among other things, the conductor/magnet spacing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide users with apparatus and methods for managing user data and for making and accepting payments. A system for enabling secure payment transactions comprises user hardware, recipient hardware, and a data system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The data system comprises a database and a database manager. The database includes storage means adapted to store user data. The database manager is adapted for controlling and managing access to the data in the database. The database manager is adapted for communication with the user hardware, recipient hardware, and the payment processing space, including financial institutions and other suppliers of data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for a magnetic component. The magnetic component includes a substrate having a feature and a first conductive pattern disposed on the feature. The magnetic component also includes a permeability material disposed within the feature. A substrate material is disposed on the substrate to facilitate substantial enclosure of the permeability material between the substrate and the substrate material, where the substrate material has a second conductive pattern. The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern cooperate to be capable of facilitating magnetic properties of the permeability material.

Abstract: An electromechanical machine having a stator and a rotor, the stator including at least one stator module of N toroid shaped electromagnets, the electromagnets arranged along an arc a predetermined distance apart defining a stator arc length. Each of the electromagnets has at least one gap. The rotor includes a disc adapted to pass through the at least one gap. The disc includes a plurality of permanent magnets spaced side by side about a periphery thereof and arranged so as to have alternating north-south polarities. The permanent magnets are sized and spaced such that within the stator arc length the ratio of permanent magnets to electromagnets is N+1 to N, where N is the number of electrical excitation phases applied to the electromagnets.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide solenoid plungers, solenoid actuators, and solenoid-actuated mechanisms, that provide for an adjustable stroke, adjustable rated force, and adjustable plunger extension that overcome the problems and issues associated with non-adjustable solenoid actuators. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable solenoid plunger is provided that comprises a stem and an armature including an axial armature bore. The stem engages the armature bore and is adapted for advancement of the armature along at least a portion of the stem.

Abstract: A multi-axis automobile door hinge, comprising a first leaf, a second leaf, and a third leaf. The first leaf and the second leaf are pivotally coupled defining a swing-out hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The second leaf and the third leaf are pivotally coupled about a lift bearing defining a vertical-lift hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially vertical plane about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. The multi-axis automobile door hinge provides a combination of swing-out and vertical-lift motion suitable for retrofitting a conventional swing-out automobile door for swing-out and vertical-lift operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of interruption-sound devices for producing an interruption sound signal in a telecommunications transmission signal comprising a signal generator circuit and a processor circuit, in accordance with the present invention. The interruption sound signals are input into the appropriate location of the telecommunications device such that the interruptee perceives characteristic sounds such as those encountered when a mobile phone is about to drop a call. As a result, the interruptee will place blame for call disconnection on the mobile-phone technology and not on the interruptor. The interruption-sound device is suitable for incorporated into an external interruption module, a landline phone, and a mobile phone.

Abstract: A trunk lid hinge in accordance with embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to operate a trunk of an automobile in a conventional manner as well as in an unconventional manner about two pivot axes. The trunk lid hinge comprises a hinge mount, a hinge bracket, and a locking element. The hinge mount is an elongated member having a mount first end and a mount second end opposite the mount first end. The hinge bracket is pivotally coupled to the mount second end and is adapted to be positioned at and between a first pivot position and a second pivot position about a pivot axis in addition to the stock pivot axis. Embodiment of the present invention permit the automobile enthusiast to retrofit the conventional trunk lid to operate as in an unconventional manner and allow the automobile manufacturers to incorporating trunk lids in automobiles with unconventional opening characteristics without requiring major redesign of the current trunk lids.