Abstract: A shaving device with one or more shaving blades. Sensors are attached to (or near) the blades which produce a shaving signal. A processor or intelligent analysis unit then receives the shaving signal and determines what shaving changes should be made. An audible indicator is coupled to the processor to inform the user of the shaving changes needed. The audible indicator is a speech playback unit, or it produces an audible sound or tone. In the alternative, a visual indicator can be used, such as a liquid crystal (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display, which informs the user of the shaving changes needed.

Abstract: A resonant electrical generation system includes a resonator, an energy source, and an electrical generator. The resonator provides resonating movement in a resonating element. The resonator can include a mass and spring element. The energy source is operatively coupled to the resonator to maintain resonating movement of the resonating element. The energy source can be a pulsatile linear combustor. The electrical generator is operatively coupled to and driven by the resonator to generate electrical power from the resonating movement.

Abstract: A molecular drag vacuum pump configured for pumping a gas stream from an inlet to an outlet, the pump including a high-speed spinning disk having a channel formed in its edge, disposed within a housing. A passageway is formed on the inside of the housing adjacent the disk, and gas comes in contact with surfaces of the spinning disk in successive stages, conformable wipers being disposed adjacent the spinning disk to direct the gas stream to the successive stages. The disk can be powered by an integral motor, comprising permanent magnets associated with the disk and cooperating coils associated with the housing.

Abstract: A method and system for recording acceleration and body position data from elderly or disabled persons. The fall monitoring system includes signal feature extraction and interpretive methods for characterizing accelerations and body positions during fall events. The system can detect health and life threatening fall events in elderly persons, and can autonomously notify nursing personnel or family members that the person is in need of immediate assistance.

Abstract: A method of forming cuts in elongate objects such as a catheters and guide wires, using a cutting device which includes a movable cutting means, a clamping means for holding the elongate object while the cutting means makes an incision therein, and a manipulating means including a pinch roller assembly including a first roller and a second roller, and configured for advancing the elongated object to the clamping means and rotating the elongate object, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a length of the elongate object to the manipulating means; b) advancing the elongate object toward the clamping means by rotation of a roller of the pinch roller assembly; c) rotating the pinch roller assembly so as to rotate the elongate object about a lengthwise axis of the elongate object; d) engaging the clamping means around the elongate object; e) cutting the elongate object; f) advancing the cutting means toward the elongate object until a desired cutting depth has been reached; and, g) retracting the cutti

Abstract: A resonator pump system includes a resonating structure configured for resonating, and a fluid pump coupled to and driven by the resonating structure. An energy source is operatively coupled to the resonating structure for maintaining resonance.

Abstract: A combustion device for providing a stream of combustion products. In particular, there is a combustion device, utilizing micro-sized combustion tubes, that can 1) control firing profiles of an array of combustion tubes, 2) control acoustics generated thereby, and 3) provide an exhaust gas for actuating an attached device, like a piston. The array of combustion tubes is individually controlled. Wherein the array of tubes comprises either uniformly dimensioned tubes or is formed of a variety of dimensions, like length and diameter, which are arranged in selected patterns. There can be either a single ignition point at an end of the combustion tubes, or a multiple of ignition points positioned along the interior length of the tubes. There is also a combustion sequence that self extinguishing after burning all of the fuel in the combustion tube at the end of each cycle.

Abstract: A fluid flow distributor, to be used with a steam trap, has a single valve body which includes a steam inlet operatively connected to a steam feeding pipe, a steam outlet operatively connected to the steam trap inlet and in selective fluid communication with the steam inlet through a first valve element provided in this fluid communication, and which selectively allows and blocks said fluid communication, a condensate inlet operatively connected to the steam trap outlet, and a condensate outlet which is open to the outside of the single valve body and provided with fluid communication with the condensate inlet thereof.

Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).

Abstract: A system and method for making at least one cut in a catheter, guide wire or other elongate cylindrical object having a lengthwise axis, comprising a securing means for repeatedly releasing and then holding the elongate object in a position suitable for cutting it at an angle or transversely relative to its lengthwise axis, a manipulating means for moving the elongate object so that it can be disposed in the position suitable for cutting when it is released by the securing means, and a cutting means for forming the at least one precision cut in the elongate object to any desired depth. The securing means preferably comprises a rotatable collet clamp, and the manipulating means preferably comprises a pinch roller assembly for advancing and holding the elongate object.

Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for delivering fluid from a fluid reservoir to a patient. The device includes an inlet channel in communication with a fluid reservoir and a dosing chamber, and an outlet channel disposed in communication with the dosing chamber. A reciprocating dosing actuator is moveable in a reciprocating motion between first and second positions for alternately (i) transporting a dose of fluid conveyed by the inlet channel into the intermediate dosing chamber, and (ii) ejecting the dose from the dosing chamber through the outlet channel to the patient, respectively.

Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).

Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).

Abstract: An improved piston-type vacuum pump comprises a reciprocating piston disposed within a cylinder having a proximal end and a distal end, an inlet port formed in the side of the cylinder near the proximal end, and a spring-biased outlet valve, such as a poppet valve or a rocker valve, disposed at the distal end of the cylinder. The piston stroke is configured to provide zero or negative clearance between the piston head and the face of the outlet valve at the end of the compression stroke. The piston reciprocates within the cylinder from a first position wherein the surface of the piston head is proximal of the inlet port, to a second position wherein the surface of the piston head is beyond the distal end of the cylinder, so as to contact the face of the outlet valve in its open position.

Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).

Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).