Abstract: A system for mounting a solar screen to an awning window of an enclosure is provided that allows the awning window to be opened and closed with the solar screen mounted on the exterior of the awning window.

Abstract: A motorcycle license plate frame having an illuminated message bar is provided. The message bar has transparent optical apertures in the shape of symbols and/or alphanumeric characters that form a message. The message is illuminated by a light source located behind the message bar and connected to the motorcycle's electrical system. The color of all or portions of the message can be altered with tinted filters placed between the light source and the optical apertures. The message bar is made from a structural material and can be easily removed allowing replacement of the message without the expense and trouble of replacing the entire unit.

Abstract: A method and system for sealing or covering exposed fuses on a semiconductor device are disclosed. A semiconductor device prober incorporating a spray device for applying a sealing compound to individual fuses on a semiconductor device subsequent to testing the semiconductor device is disclosed. A method and system for sealing exposed fuses on a semiconductor device is disclosed which allows the sealing step to be performed either prior to or following singulation of the semiconductor device into individual dice.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning fluid. In one embodiment of the present invention, there is an apparatus which comprises two filters and an electrically actuatable switching valve. Fluid provided to the apparatus may be routed to either filter by the switching valve. A controller positions the valve to provide fluid to a particular filter based on a measurement of pressure downstream of the filter, provided that the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined level. Further, the invention includes proximity switches by which the controller can determine the coupling or uncoupling of a filter from the body. Various fuel heaters are provided for heating the fuel.

Abstract: A cold steel cambering apparatus and method of use, the apparatus comprising, a cambering assembly having a forward-most end and a rearward-most end and therebetween a plurality of adjustable beam guides, each having means to restrain lateral movement of at least one cold steel beam placed on the cambering assembly, with a plurality of guides also having second means to restrain upward movement of at least one cold steel beam placed on the cambering assembly; and at least one hydraulic lift cylinder positioned directly under at least one cold steel beam placed on the cambering assembly with means to impart a concave or upward camber to at least one cold steel beam placed on the cambering assembly over the forward hydraulic cylinder and restrained by the means to restrain lateral and upward movement.

Abstract: A spinal implant for an osteosynthesis device having a bone anchorage portion, a connector portion adapted for connection to an elongate rod, an extension portion extending from the connector portion, and a threaded fastener operable to secure the implant to the elongate rod. The connector portion includes a pair of flanges extending axially from the anchorage portion and spaced apart to define a channel for receiving the elongate rod therein. The extension portion includes a first segment extending axially from one of the flanges and a second segment extending transversely from the first segment toward the other of the flanges so as to define a transverse opening capable of receiving the elongate rod therethrough. The fastener is advanced along a continuous thread extending between the extension portion and the opposing flanges to secure the elongate rod within the channel. In one embodiment, the extension portion is selectively separable from the connector portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing hydrocarbons from the exhaust stream of a diesel engine prior to cooling the exhaust for recycling through the intake manifold. A filter is used to remove hydrocarbon combustion products, including particulate matter, from the exhaust at a point after the exhaust gasses leave the exhaust manifold and before the exhaust gasses enter an exhaust gas cooler. Reduction of the hydrocarbon levels in the exhaust gasses slows or prevents buildup of hydrocarbon residue downstream of the filter, such as in the exhaust gas cooler, reducing the frequency of the requirement for cleaning or replacing the filter and effectively extending the life of the exhaust system.

Abstract: A storage chest for vehicles comprises a box defining an opening and being sized for mounting to a motor vehicle; a door openably closing off the opening; a plurality of containers sized and shaped to receive and hold one or more items; a motorized drive assembly mounted to the box and connected to the plurality of containers to move the containers in a circuitous path for selective presentation thereof proximal to the opening; and, a subjacent secondary support assembly for supporting the containers.

Abstract: A method of treating metal-contaminated spent foundry sand, or other industrial waste, by combining the sand with a sulfite to produce insoluble metal sulfur oxide complexes that do not leach from the sand. The treated waste may also be processed to reduce “clumping,” thereby rendering the treated waste appropriate for use in another industrial process.

Abstract: A transverse fixator assembly for spanning between a number of longitudinal members situated adjacent a patient's vertebrae and methods for fixation of the spine which allow variation of the distance between two or more vertebrae. The assembly includes a number of connectors configured to span the distance between and engage the longitudinal members. The connectors define a thru-hole for engaging a bone bolt which is engaged to a vertebra plus a number of spikes projecting from the connector. A locking mechanism is configured to prevent the bolt from rotating relative to the connector when the nut is being tightened. One or more of the connectors may be a dynamic connector which is slidably engaged to the longitudinal members to vary the distance between the vertebrae for compression or distraction.

Abstract: A spinal implant assembly comprises a connection assembly, an elongated spinal implant, and a bone fastener, such as a bone screw, engaged within a vertebra. The connection assembly includes a body defining a first opening for receiving the elongated spinal implant, a second opening for receiving a bone fastener and a plug. The first opening is perpendicular to and overlapping the second opening to allow direct contact between the spinal implant and the bone fastener. The second opening includes a plug slot having a wall at an end opposite the first opening that defines an engagement surface. The plug includes a mating surface that forms an interlocking engagement with the engagement surface of the wall. An opposite second surface of the plug defines a groove for receiving the elongated stem of the bone fastener adjustable to a desired angular orientation and height.

Abstract: A magnetic rotational position sensor for sensing each rotational position of a control shaft about a first axis over a definable range of rotation. The position sensor generally includes a magnetic circuit and a pair of magnetic flux sensors. The magnetic circuit is comprised of a ring pole piece defining an air gap area and a magnet disposed within the air gap area. The ring pole piece and the magnet cooperate to produce a magnetic field within the air gap area. The magnetic circuit is adjoined to the control shaft to synchronously rotate the magnetic field about a second axis. The pair of magnetic flux sensors are disposed within the magnetic field to sense each rotational position of the control shaft as the control shaft is rotated about the first axis over the definable range of rotation.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a novel fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. A distraction plug is provided for centering the outer sleeve and for providing midline distraction of the disc space. In one embodiment, a fusion device includes diverging bone screws passing through an end wall and upper and lower walls of the device to engage the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a connector plate is engaged to bilaterally position fusion devices to prevent rotation and resist expulsion of the devices from the disc space.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device for engagement between vertebrae includes a pair of lateral spacers for spacing the vertebrae, and a connecting member adapted to couple together the lateral spacers when inserted between the vertebrae. The connecting member, individual lateral spacers, or the entire spinal spacer can be made of bone in order to promote fusion of the vertebrae. The modular construction permits use of bone segments otherwise unsuitable due to size or strength in stable fusion devices.

Abstract: A fish diversion apparatus for a water intake of a dam includes a frame extending between a top end oriented towards the water surface and a bottom end oriented below the water surface. The frame supports a number of bar screen panels below the water surface. The bar screen panels allow water flow therethrough from an upstream side to a downstream side. A flow scoop extends from the bottom end of the frame to direct the fish along the upstream face of the bar screen panels. A fish diverter device is provided adjacent the top end of the frame in communication with the upstream side of the bar screen panels.

Abstract: A process for making homogeneous granules of slow-release fertilizer to deliver high doses of slow-release nitrogen in pellets that disperse or fall apart when contacted by moisture. The method includes mixing particles of slow-release nitrogen with particles of a potassium source and particles of a phosphorus source, to make a homogeneous blend of the particles. Then, the blended particles are moistened with water or an aqueous solution of urea to moisten the homogeneous blend. After moistening, the blended particles are contacted with an aqueous suspension of urea-formaldehyde resin to bind the particles into homogeneous granules. The aqueous suspension of urea formaldehyde resin preferably has a urea:formaldehyde ratio of about 1:1.