Abstract: A trainer for cardiac surgery and other similar procedures includes an organ model such as a cardiac model, an animation network adapted to impart to the model a motion similar to the corresponding natural organ and a control device used to control the operation of the animation network. The cardiac model is made of two sections, an inner cast simulating the myocardium and an external shell simulating the pericardium. The model is made by forming an inner cast, dressing the cast and then forming the shell around the cast. The model is preferably made of silicon rubber.

Abstract: A back-up power supply for supplying operational power to a barrier movement apparatus when a mains supply of power is not present, including an enabling circuitry responsive to transmitted security codes for connecting operational power from the back-up power supply to the barrier movement apparatus. The back-up power supply includes a mains power input; a storage apparatus for storing power from the mains supply; converting apparatus for converting power stored by the storage apparatus into substitute mains power; and a control apparatus responsive to user generated request signals for enabling the converting apparatus to convert stored power into substitute mains power for use by the equipment. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, when a controller of a barrier movement apparatus identifies that a power reduction by a substitute power supply was caused by the barrier striking an obstruction, the controller directs the opening of the barrier, away from the obstruction when power is returned.

Abstract: A battery and component monitoring and notification device for a garage door operator is shown that provides telephone or internet notification when back-up batteries or other components require replacement. The device uses a programmable information processor to monitor the condition of back-up batteries or other components, actuates a telephone line interface to dial out a stored telephone number, and then actuates a voice control chip to play a stored telephone message. The telephone number and message are inputted by the user. The device may also provide notification over the internet by telephone line or other internet connection system. In addition, the device uses one or more battery chargers that each operate in one of two charging modes depending on the level of charging current to each battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a barrier movement operator comprising a controller that dynamically controls barrier operator braking to electronically slow, stop or reverse the motor in the barrier operator controller. The apparatus includes a source of electrical power for providing the necessary power to operate the apparatus, a converter for supplying power to a DC motor, and a controller for enabling dynamic braking of the movable barrier operator using electronic braking of the electric motor. The dynamic braking of the motor gradually slows movement of the barrier operator, thereby reducing forces acting on the motor and on the barrier.

Abstract: A direct current motor assembly for connection to an alternating current power supply to drive an appliance. The assembly includes a tubular housing with an armature having windings positioned inside the housing. End closures are provided for both ends of the housing, with one of the closures having an aperture in which the body portion of a rectifier assembly is mounted. The rectifier assembly includes a pair of input terminals extending outside of the housing and a pair of output terminals positioned inside the housing so that direct current may be provided to the armature without any discrete electrical conductors extending through either the end closures or the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in applying wax to an object and/or polishing the object. The apparatus includes a housing, an electric motor positioned within the housing and an operating shaft driven by the motor. A generally disk-shaped pad holder has a hub connected to the operating shaft with a holder having a first surface facing the housing and a second surface facing away from the housing. The apparatus further includes a pad of sponge-like material carried by the holder and positioned against the second surface of the holder. The apparatus also includes a bonnet of cloth material positioned about the pad and having an elastic band adjacent its periphery for holding the pad to retain the bonnet in its installed position. The pad holder includes an annular lip adjacent the periphery of the holder with the lip extending towards the housing and radially outwardly so that the bonnet can in its installed condition engages the lip to locate the bonnet and limit its inward movement.