Abstract: A device for extracting energy from underwater fluid flows, comprising at least one fluid formation directing device (10) defining a constricted channel (20) arranged to cause fluid entering it to accelerate. A conduit (30) in fluid communication with a constricted portion of the channel (20) such that fluid is caused to flow in the conduit (30) in response to fluid flow through the channel (20). The conduit (30) can be connected to a fluid drivable engine (40) which can be positioned remotely from the channel (20), the fluid flow through the conduit (30) acting to drive the fluid drivable engine (40).

Abstract: A pest control apparatus is provided including a vacuum adapted to suction air from an inlet upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a mechanical housing with attractor means for luring pests to a position where the pests may be suctioned. A trigger means is provided for actuating the vacuum either based on a sensor detecting a pest or intermittently based on expiration of a timer. A one way valve prevents the pests from escaping.

Abstract: The invention concerns a electroluminescent device with a multilayer structure comprising: i) a first electrode including a layer, consisting of a transparent or translucent conductive material selected among metal oxides and metal nitrides, said layer being deposited on a transparent support, consisting of a glass, silicon, alumina plate, or a polymer sheet; ii) a second electrode; iii) a layer, arranged between the two electrodes, comprising a semiconductor and electroluminescent solid organic substance, said layer being optionally bordered with one or several intermediate layers, consisting of electrocatalysts; and iv) a layer with monomolecular structure, arranged between the layer consisting of the conductive material and the layer consisting of the electroluminescent substance. Said device is furher characterised in that said layer consists of a dipolar organic compound whereof the structure has an electronic system &pgr;, a functional group, vicinal or not of the electronic system &pgr;.

Abstract: A preferred surgical anchor includes an elongated body with a proximal end and a distal end, a passage extending at least partially through the body from the proximal end, and at least one hole extending at least partially through the body that communicates with the passage. The passage and the at least one hole are configured so that a material is receivable in the passage, preferably, at the proximal end of the elongated body. So configured, the material may be delivered through the passage, through the at least one hole, and into the skeletal member. Additionally, a cutting member preferably is arranged at the distal end of the elongated body, with the cutting member being configured to enable penetration of the at least a portion of the elongated body into the skeletal member. Systems and methods also are provided.

Abstract: An activating mechanism for activating an endoscopic ligator is disclosed. The activating mechanism includes a mounting member, a spool, and a line. The mounting member has a passage and is adapted to be inserted into an endoscope channel. The spool is coupled to the mounting member and the line is coupled to the spool and extends through the passage of the mounting member and into the endoscope. Also disclosed is an activating mechanism with a mounting member coupled to a spool. The mounting member has a longitudinal axis for insertion into an endoscope channel, and the spool has an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the mounting member. Each device can be operated by rotating the spool to pull a line that is in turn operable coupled to an endoscopic ligator.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar for supporting the head, forearms and elbows of the bicyclist. Pairs of handlebars are mounted to the steering stem. The lowest pair of handlebars extends horizontally for gripping when the bicyclist is in an erect position. The upper set of bars are mounted to the stem and extend curvingly outward and then upward to receive the forearms when the bicyclist bends forward. An intermediate set of bars may be located between the upper bars and lower bars receive the elbows of the bicyclist when the bicyclist leans forward.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cot assembly that includes a frame, supporting corner pieces and bedding material. The frame is preferably of a one or two piece construction and is shaped into a perimeter defining an interior area. Corner pieces support the frame above an external support surface. The bedding material extends across the interior of the frame and into the corner pieces without any gaps between the material, the frame and corner pieces, thereby protecting against injury which could otherwise result from the presence of such gaps. The continuous frame maintains the cot's rigidity while the corner pieces lower the cot's profile for stacking. The cot includes at least a number of corner pieces corresponding to the corners of the polygonal shape. A pedestal extends downwardly from each corner piece to engage the floor or other supporting surface.

Abstract: A variable angle connection between a spinal rod and a vertebral anchor with a clevis to attach to the vertebral anchor, permitting the vertebral anchor to be longitudinally offset from the connecting point on the rod. The connection assembly has a bolt with a stop disposed near one end of the bolt and an aperture for receiving a portion of the spinal implant rod at the other end. The assembly also has a clevis. The clevis defines a bore to hold a portion of the vertebral anchor and the ears of the clevis have holes through which the bolt is located with the ears positioned between the stop and aperture of the bolt. The assembly also has a rod interface washer positioned over a portion of the bolt, between the aperture of the bolt and the inside ear of the clevis. The rod interface washer is partly movable between the aperture of the bolt and the clevis, but the washer is fixed against rotating in relation to the bolt.

Abstract: A method for ultrasound imaging in the presence of contrast agents, particularly in the field of cardiology, including detecting physiological, especially electrocardiographic signals; transforming the signals or a part thereof into pulses for controlling an ultrasonic probe pointed to the heart region, to synchronize it with the heart cycle; performing image acquisitions at predetermined heart cycle phases for predetermined limited times, with a predetermined ultrasonic beam intensity; processing the received signals and displaying them on a display. Image acquisition takes place in the systolic phase of each heart cycle from the end of diastole to the end of systole, a certain fixed number of acquisitions per unit time and an intensity of the ultrasonic beams being determined with the help of an intermediate Mechanical Index for controlled destruction of a certain percentage of contrast agent microbubbles.

Abstract: Implantable devices useful for creating bony fusion particularly in intervetebral spinal fusion. The device is formed of bone and has a body portion with an upper flange member and an opposite lower flange member extending from the body portion. The upper and lower flange members are at least partially demineralized to create a flexible ligament extending from the body portion. In one application, the body portion is inserted into a disc space and the flexible ligament is secured to vertebrae on either side of the disc space. Techniques are also disclosed for making the implantable devices and for inserting the implantable device into an intervertebral disc space to promote interbody fusion.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for analyzing a fluid used in a machine or in an industrial process line. The apparatus has at least one meter placed proximate the machine or process line and in contact with the machine or process fluid for measuring at least one parameter related to the fluid. The at least one parameter is a standard laboratory analysis parameter. The at least one meter includes but is not limited to viscometer, element meter, optical meter, particulate meter, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nosebox having an interchangeable connector assembly contained in a housing, for making electrical connection between a tractor and a trailer. The nosebox housing is sized to receive electrical conduits in excess of the size and/or number (seven) proscribed by the SAE J-560 standards and is adapted to securely attach to either the tractor or the trailer. The nosebox housing includes a cover member hingedly attached to a tray member. When closed, the cover member seals against the tray member, thus preventing water from entering the interior of the box. Additionally, the interior of the nosebox is contoured for directing electrical conduits without pinching them. The interchangeable connector assembly is detachably mounted inside the nosebox housing and is easily removable for repair or replacement. The interchangeable connector assembly also meets SAE-J560b standard.

Abstract: A fluid pumping system includes a number of stages. Each stage has a fluid chamber having a top end with an air aperture and a bottom end with a fluid apertures. An air line is connected to the air aperture, and a fluid input conduit, with an input check valve, is connected to the fluid aperture. A float valve is disposed in the chamber directly between the fluid aperture and the air aperture. A fluid output conduit is connected to the fluid aperture above the input check valve. The float has a bottom end adapted to seal with the fluid aperture when the chamber is empty. A first set of pumping stages are supplied by a first compressed air line and a second set of pumping stages are supplied by a second compressed air line. Periodically, compressed air is supplied to a first set of pump stages to drive fluid from each of the first set of pump stages to a second set of stages, and vice versa.

Abstract: In one form of the invention, a computer database storage system is disclosed, comprising a data storage medium adapted to store a plurality of pieces of information, at least one piece of data stored in the data storage medium, and at least one rule stored in the data storage medium, each said at least one rule comprising a premise, an action, wherein the action is performed if the premise is determined to be true, an alternate action, wherein the alternate action is performed if the premise is determined to be false, and a trigger, wherein the trigger causes evaluation of the premise upon the occurrence of a predetermined event.

Abstract: An integral ceramic casting core includes a base portion with a plurality of rods extending therefrom and a plurality of apertures formed therein. The base portion defines a passageway for the passage of a cooling media within a cast component. The plurality of rods forming cooling media inlet passages to the passageway and the plurality of apertures are adapted to receive molten metal therein and form heat transfer pedestals within the passageway.