Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes at least one electrical contact element, a battery, a radio frequency (RF) generation circuit coupled to and operated by the battery and operable to generate an RF drive signal and to provide the RF drive signal to the at least one electrical contact, and a battery discharge circuit coupled to the battery. A processor is coupled to the battery discharge circuit and a memory is coupled to the processor. The memory stores machine executable instructions that when executed cause the processor to monitor activation of the RF generation circuit and disable the RF generation circuit when the RF drive signal is fired a predetermined number of times. The medical instrument may include an activation switch and/or a disposal switch supported by the housing.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes at least one electrical contact element, a battery, a radio frequency (RF) generation circuit coupled to and operated by the battery and operable to generate an RF drive signal and to provide the RF drive signal to the at least one electrical contact, and a battery discharge circuit coupled to the battery. A processor is coupled to the battery discharge circuit and a memory is coupled to the processor. The memory stores machine executable instructions that when executed cause the processor to monitor activation of the RF generation circuit and disable the RF generation circuit when the RF drive signal is fired a predetermined number of times. The medical instrument may include an activation switch and/or a disposal switch supported by the housing.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes a housing and a handle for gripping by a user, an end effector coupled to the handle and having at least one electrical contact, a battery, and a radio frequency (RF) generation circuit coupled to and operated by the battery. The RF generation circuit is operable to generate an RF drive signal and to provide the RF drive signal to the at least one electrical contact, wherein the RF generation circuit is supported by the housing. The RF generation circuit includes a resonant circuit that includes at least one inductive element constructed of litz wire.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes a housing, at least one electrical contact, a radio frequency (RF) generation circuit coupled to and operated by the battery and operable to generate an RF drive signal and to provide the RF drive signal to the at least one electrical contact, and a user interface supported by the housing. The user interface includes visual and audible feedback elements, wherein the state of the instrument can be determined by the state of the visual and audible feedback elements.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes at least one electrical contact, a radio frequency (RF) generation circuit coupled to and operated by the battery and operable to generate an RF drive signal and to provide the RF drive signal to the at least one electrical contact, a battery discharge circuit coupled to the RF generation circuit, a processor coupled to the battery discharge circuit, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores computer instructions that when executed cause the processor to monitor battery capacity and send a signal to the battery discharge circuit to discharge a battery coupled to the battery discharge circuit when the battery capacity falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A signalling system includes first and second signalling devices. The first signalling device including a retro-reflector modulator, having a lens, a modulator and a reflector, and being operable to receive, modulate and reflect the modulated signal back to the second signalling device. The second signalling device including a signal generator, a receiver for receiving the modulated signal from the first signalling device and a processor for retrieving modulation data from the received modulated signal. The lens of the first signalling device includes a telecentric lens.

Abstract: There is described a manufacturing system comprising a production system operable to process starting materials to output a product. In an embodiment, the manufacturing system includes a sensor which is operable to generate a data signal representative of a parameter of the production system, the sensor having associated therewith a signalling device comprising a retro-reflecting modulator which receives an incoming light beam from a good signalling device associated with a system manager, modulates the incoming light beam in accordance with the data signal, and retro-reflects the modulated light beam conveying the data signal back to the second signalling device.

Abstract: There is described a computer network in which a free space light beam is modulated to convey data to and from a network device. The light beam is generated by a signalling device which includes an optical system which collects the light beam and directs the light beam in an exit direction, and also includes a detector which detects the presence of a network device and a beam alignment system which varies the exit direction to align the light beam with the network device. The computer network has particular application in business premises such as an office. The computer network also has applications in public transport stations, for example an airport, and a public transport vehicle, for example an aeroplane.

Abstract: A signalling system is provided which comprises first and second signalling devices. The first signalling device comprises (i) a plurality of light emitters each for emitting a respective light beam carrying information; and (ii) a lens system for collecting light emitted from the plurality of light emitters and for directing the light beams in respective directions within the field of view of the lens system. The second signalling device comprises (i) a lens system for collecting light emitted from a light emitter of the first signalling device; (ii) a light detector for receiving the collected light from the lens system and for converting the received light into corresponding electrical signals; and (iii) means for processing the electrical signals from the light detector to retrieve the information.

Abstract: A fork for a fork lift truck is attached to the typical mast mounted carriage by means of upper and lower hangers. Lateral adjustment of the position of the fork relative to the carriage involves engagement and release of a pin structure carried by the upper hanger. The upper hanger incorporates a pin which is vertically movable between a first position in which the pin engages slots in the upper mounting bar of the carriage and a second position in which the pin is recessed permitting lateral, relative movement between the fork and the carriage. A spring urges the pin to the first position where the pin engages slots in then carriage mounting bar. By lifting and turning the pin can be held in a second position so that the fork is slidable laterally along the carriage mounting bar.

Abstract: In vehicles for material handling commonly known as lift trucks, it is known to have forks for lifting and supporting the material being handled. In this invention, the curved portion of the fork, known as the "heel" is modified to reduce the stresses which arise in this area when the fork is loaded. The modifications include thickening of the heel during forming by approximately 5% toward the blade and approximately 2.5% toward the shank, enlarging the inside radius of the heel by machining and providing a clearance cavity in the top surface of the region where the blade meets the heel.

Abstract: A grinding device for grinding the ends of fibres and particularly optical fibres comprises a stand 10 carrying a mounting arrangement 13 for mounting a fibre and rotating it about its longitudinal axis. The stand 10 also carries a grinding wheel 18 and a microscope 22. The positions of the microscope 22 and mounting arrangement are all accurately controllable by micrometers 12, 23, 25 and 27.