Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a hand-held apparatus for treatment of conditions requiring ultra-sonic or vibratory treatment. The apparatus includes a transducer, an electronic tuning circuit and a power source for powering the apparatus. The transducer has a first section axially aligned with the second section. The second section has an outer wall of predetermined thickness surrounding an annular cavity that contains a piezoelectric stack. The electronic tuning circuit is in communication with the piezoelectric stack. The circuit is configured to tune the transducer to a target output frequency. The transducer, electronic tuning circuit and power source are at least partially contained within a common housing that is configured to be grasped by a human hand to administer treatment.

Abstract: A modular heat exchange system having a refrigerant system for cycling a refrigerant through a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, a heat source circulation system which circulates a heat exchange fluid between a heat source and the evaporator, a heat sink circulation system which circulates a heat absorption fluid between a heat sink and the condenser, a fluid management system having temperature gauges for respectively reading core temperatures of the heat source and the heat sink, and a thermal energy source from which thermal energy is transferred to the heat exchange fluid when the core temperature of the heat source falls below a threshold temperature while the core temperature of the heat sink is maintained at a constant temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for trimming perfect bound books is disclosed including a clamping assembly and a shearing assembly, preferably powered by electric motors. The clamping assembly includes a fixed anvil and a clamp member movable along a clamp track toward and away from the anvil. The shear assembly includes a shear blade movable along a shear track toward and away from the anvil. Load members are mounted on the clamp track and on the shear track. The clamp assembly and the shear assembly each has an electric motor driving a linear actuator (e.g., a drive screw) which is operatively coupled to its respective load member. A spring or a pair of springs is interposed between the clamp load member and the clamp member and another spring or a pair of springs is interposed between the shear blade and the shear load member. Thus, as the clamp member engages the book and as the shear blade shears through the book and engages the anvil, further movement of the clamp member and the shear blade is prevented.

Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly is disclosed comprising a connector body defining a bore extending axially forward from an entrance opening, a tubular male member with an upset, a seal member, and a retainer. The retainer is received within the bore and includes locking members to releaseably retain the tube. The retainer includes a forward extension to support the seal against fluid pressure. The retainer and seal are configured to be applied to the male member before insertion of the male member into the bore of the connector body. Two of the locking members include ramps extending radially outwardly to contact the body portion defining the entrance opening sequentially prior to contact by the locking arms of the other locking members. A removable protective cap attaches the retainer and seal onto a tube end and covers these components prior to assembly. The retainer, seal member and protective cap cannot be assembled onto the tube end unless the seal is present within the protective cap.

Abstract: A system for securing a facing comprising a wire grid that is positionally fixed relative to an earthen formation in a substantially vertical position, a formation anchor that is positionally fixed between the wire grid and the earthen formation, a facing that is laterally offset a distance from the wire grid and having a facing anchor, and a turnbuckle that is rotatably coupled between a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector is coupled to the facing anchor and the second connector is coupled to the formation anchor, such that rotation of the turnbuckle relative to the first and second connectors adjusts the distance between the wire grid and the facing.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of canting firearms such as rifles relative to fore grip having extendable and expanded legs. One version allows for a rocking and canting of the firearm by pivotally attaching an upper portion of the expanded legs. Another version allows for a separate canting member to be clamped to both the upper portion of a vertical fore grip and to the lower mounting rail of the firearm. The canting member has portions that cant (move to the left or to the right) relative to one another. An operator can cant the firearm in a free-state or to fixed positions as desired.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, including storing or processing information regarding a benefit provided to an employee pursuant to an employee benefit relationship between the employee and a benefit provider established prior to, pursuant to, or during, a first employment relationship between the employee and a first employer, storing or processing information for providing or maintaining the benefit pursuant to or during a second employment relationship between the employee and a second employer, receiving a request for information regarding the benefit, processing the request for information regarding the benefit with a processing device, generating a message in response to the processing of the request for information regarding the benefit, and transmitting the message to a communication device associated with the employee, a benefit beneficiary, a second employer, or a benefit administrator, via, on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.

Abstract: The invention provides for an apparatus and method for attaching a Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint (PSIR) chute. In one embodiment an automotive interior component comprises an automotive instrument panel having an outer surface and an inner surface. The automotive interior component further comprises an automotive PSIR hidden chute assembly contained behind the automotive instrument panel, wherein the PSIR hidden chute assembly has a chute and at least one PSIR door. The chute is connected to the inner surface of the automotive instrument panel. The automotive interior component further comprises a tuning clip connected to the chute and configured to engage the PSIR door. Engagement of the tuning clip to the PSIR door reduces deflection of the automotive instrument panel visible on the outer surface by biasing the PSIR door upward.

Abstract: A system permits diagnosis of a patient for a physiological abnormality while protecting their airway. An esophageal airway protection device comprises an elongate device body having a distal end for insertion into the stomach through the esophagus and a proximal end. The device includes a main lumen extending the length of the device and an inflatable esophageal cuff carried by the device body mid-esophagus. Emesis and/or reflux is blocked from passing out of the stomach past the esophageal cuff positioned mid-esophagus when it is inflated to protect a patient's airway during an involuntary cough event. At least one electromyogram (EMG) pad is configured to obtain an EMG from an involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles. A processing device is configured to receive the EMG and process the EMG to determine a physiological abnormality.

Abstract: A system and method diagnoses esophageal reflux in a patient. A catheter includes a first pressure sensor configured to measure intra-abdominal pressure when the catheter is inserted into the stomach of a patient. A second pressure sensor is located proximal to the distal tip and configured to measure intra-thoracic pressure. A pH indicator is carried by the catheter body and configured to indicate that reflux has occurred in response to an involuntary reflex cough test. A processing device is configured to receive data regarding the first and second pressure sensors and regarding the pH indicator and process that data and assess if reflux is present during the involuntary epoch.

Abstract: An article configuration system comprising a first conveyor (90) for transferring articles (B) from an input and a second conveyor (88), disposed at a non-linear angle relative to the first conveyor, for transferring articles to an output. The article processing system comprises a mechanism (30) for transferring articles from the first conveyor (90) to the second conveyor (88). The mechanism (30) is structured and arranged to facilitate the reorganisation of articles conveyed by the first conveyor such that when transferred to the second conveyor the articles are disposed in adjacent metered lanes (124a-124f) and wherein the number of adjacent metered lanes of articles conveyed by the second conveyor (88) is greater than the number of adjacent lanes of articles (100, 102) conveyed by the first conveyor.

Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter is formed using a fiber laser as the lasing medium. Within the velocimeter, all optical signals, transmitted and received, are conveyed by optical fibers. An amplifier amplifies a source laser, which is then transmitted to one or more transceivers. The one or more transceivers, each projecting along a different axis, and each with a single optical fiber input/output interface act as both the transmission device to focus the radiation at a target region, and as the receiving system for collecting reflected radiation. The transceivers each include an amplifier to further amplify the radiation received from the laser source. The one or more transceivers transmit radiation simultaneously to the target region, and may be located remotely from the laser source. The portion of the reflected radiation collected by the receiving system is analyzed to determine the Doppler shift caused by targets at the focal point of the one or more transceivers.

Abstract: A metrology device, computer program product and computer-implemented method generating survey data without having the device touch subsea objects being surveyed. The metrology device may be used with an underwater vehicle or diving personnel, and may comprise an inertial navigation system having gyroscopes to detect angular velocity and accelerometers for the detection of linear velocity and transported by an underwater robotic apparatus or diver, the inertial navigation system outputting position and orientation data of the device for storage; an aiding device for collecting image data of the subsea objects, the aiding device being positioned so that the distance and orientation between the optical scanner and the inertial navigation system is known; and a computer for using the position information and image data between a successively visited known point to determine the drift of the metrology device and to use the drift of the metrology device to correct measurements of same.

Abstract: The present invention is a changeable apparatus for different total tracks and a corresponding method. The apparatus reflects a light from a light source at least twice toward predetermined directions. The apparatus comprises plural reflection elements, at least one of the plural reflection elements is a rotational reflection element, which has plural reflection surface sets, and each reflection surface set has at least one reflection surface. The rotational reflective element further comprises a pivot axis is for each rotational reflection element for circulating and changing of reflection surface sets and a fixing apparatus, which connects to a rotational reflection element for adjusting and fixing positions of the rotational reflection element.

Abstract: Adapter modules, housing assemblies that house the adapter modules, and frame assemblies that contain the housing assemblies are disclosed that are all relatively compact and support a relatively high density of components. The modules, assemblies and frames have configurations that take advantage of bend-insensitive cable fibers and jumper fibers. The adapter module is a cassette-like case that allows for a length of cable fiber to be wound tightly therein in a substantially circular loop configuration when closed. The housing assembly houses a plurality of adapter modules and is configured so that the cable and jumper fibers have relatively tight bends within the housing interior. The frame assembly is configured to support a plurality of stacked housing assemblies and to route the jumper fibers through routing conduits and/or routing troughs so that the jumper fibers are enclosed within the frame assembly rather than dangling outside of the frame.

Abstract: A method of producing an image of an object residing inside a transparent container of a first color includes: illuminating the container and the object with light of a second color, the second color being substantially the inverse of the first color; and producing an image of the object through the container. An image produced by this method can exhibit substantially the same color as the object itself, even when the image is taken through a colored transparent wall.

Abstract: A surgical device suitable for use in spinal fusion of the cervical vertebrae is provided. The surgical device includes an inner tubular body and an outer tubular body. The inner and outer tubular body each has a lengthwise region and a distal portion with a discontinuous wall forming a fenestration. The fenestrations are alignable to provide a passage through the wall of the surgical device. The surgical device may provide any of several benefits, including unobstructed access to a surgical site, greater stability, and improved tactile control.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a blast-resistant panel may include a layer of a pre-cured elastomeric material having a predetermined thickness, a body portion, and a plurality of flanges, each of the plurality of flanges having a substantially equal width and depending away from a same side and at approximately equivalent right angles to the body portion. The blast-resistant panel may also include a plurality of fastener elements for securing the pre-cured elastomeric material layer to a surface of a structure through the plurality of flanges of pre-cured elastomeric material layer.

Abstract: A non-stick coating, which inhibits frozen moisture accumulation, is applied to exterior exposed portions of heating and cooling systems where ice or other frozen moisture can accumulate and impair system design operational efficiencies; where heat exchange tubing and fins are downwardly sloped or angled; where an optional capillary tube/plate means/design, which plate has an exterior surface that is comprised of at least one of raised dots, ridges, trenches, and a flat surface is utilized; with an optional protective shell encasement which can be shaped to provide a vena contracta effect; with an optional electric fan to enhance airflow for heat exchange; with an optional electric vibrator to enhance inhibition of frozen moisture accumulation; with a downwardly sloped base to direct falling frozen moisture away from the heat exchange equipment; for use in conjunction with an air source heat pump system, an evaporative cooling system or a chiller, or as a supplement to a water-source heat pump system or to a

Abstract: A modular-unit floodwall system is disclosed. The system includes modular floodwall units configured for holding water and connecting and sealing devices for connecting the units together to form a barrier against floodwater. A method of constructing such a floodwall is also disclosed.