Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating the use of a medical device includes a body adapted for receiving the medical device. The body includes at least a portion adapted for viewing the medical device when positioned in the body. A cover is provided for selectively covering the portion of the body adapted for viewing the medical device. A kit and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable tie rod includes a first end defined by a screw rod, wherein the screw rod includes a threaded portion, and a second end opposite the first end, wherein an overall length of the adjustable tie rod is defined as a distance between the first end and the second end along a longitudinal axis of the adjustable tie rod. A tie rod shaft extends between and couples the first end and the second end, and a gearbox is fixed with respect to the tie rod shaft. An adjustment actuator is operatively coupled to the gearbox such that selective actuation of the adjustment actuator causes translation of the screw rod along the longitudinal axis and with respect to the gearbox when the first end is prevented from rotating about the longitudinal axis, thereby adjusting the overall length of the adjustable tie rod.

Abstract: An adjustable tie rod includes a first end defined by a screw rod, wherein the screw rod includes a threaded portion, and a second end opposite the first end, wherein an overall length of the adjustable tie rod is defined as a distance between the first end and the second end along a longitudinal axis of the adjustable tie rod. A tie rod shaft extends between and couples the first end and the second end, and a gearbox is fixed with respect to the tie rod shaft. An adjustment actuator is operatively coupled to the gearbox such that selective actuation of the adjustment actuator causes translation of the screw rod along the longitudinal axis and with respect to the gearbox when the first end is prevented from rotating about the longitudinal axis, thereby adjusting the overall length of the adjustable tie rod.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a network node for connecting to a Local Interconnect Network (LIN). In accordance with one example of the present invention, the network node includes a bus terminal which is operably coupled to a data line for receiving a data signal, which represents serial data, via that data line. The data signal is a binary signal having high and low signal levels. The network node further includes a receiver circuit which employs a comparator to compare the data signal with a reference signal. The comparator generates a binary output signal representing the result of the comparison. The network node also includes a measurement circuit that receives the data signal and provides a first voltage signal such that it represents the high signal level of the data signal.

Abstract: According to various examples, alternator controllers, systems for communicating with an alternator controller and methods for communicating with an alternator regulator are described herein. As an example, the alternator controller includes an input terminal configured to be coupled to a coil of a stator of an alternator and an interface circuit coupled to the input terminal and configured to convert a multi-valued signal at the input terminal into parallel signals. According to another example, a system for communicating with an alternator controller is described herein. This example includes a device and an alternator controller. The device includes an encoder. The alternator controller includes a decoder and at least one phase terminal. The encoder and the decoder are coupled via the at least one phase terminal of the alternator controller.

Abstract: According to various examples, alternator controllers, systems for communicating with an alternator controller and methods for communicating with an alternator regulator are described herein. As an example, the alternator controller includes an input terminal configured to be coupled to a coil of a stator of an alternator and an interface circuit coupled to the input terminal and configured to convert a multi-valued signal at the input terminal, into parallel signals. According to another example, a system for communicating with an alternator controller is described herein. This example includes a device and an alternator controller. The device includes an encoder. The alternator controller includes a decoder and at least one phase terminal. The encoder and the decoder are coupled via the at least one phase terminal of the alternator controller.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a network node for connecting to a Local Interconnect Network (LIN). In accordance with one example of the present invention, the network node includes a bus terminal which is operably coupled to a data line for receiving a data signal, which represents serial data, via that data line. The data signal is a binary signal having high and low signal levels. The network node further includes a receiver circuit which employs a comparator to compare the data signal with a reference signal. The comparator generates a binary output signal representing the result of the comparison. The network node also includes a measurement circuit that receives the data signal and provides a first voltage signal such that it represents the high signal level of the data signal.

Abstract: An acquisition circuit for providing a first and a second validation signal based on an alternator output signal has a coupler being adapted for receiving the alternator output signal and for providing a coupling signal having information on the phase of the alternator output signal, the coupler having a capacitive element for coupling the alternator output signal and the coupling signal, the coupler having a resistive element for coupling the coupling signal and a reference signal. The acquisition circuit further has a detector adapted for receiving the coupling signal and for providing the first and second validation signals, wherein the relation between the validation signals is based on the information on the phase of the output signal, wherein the frequency of the alternator output signal is derivable from the validation signals and the validity information is derivable from the relation between the validation signals.

Abstract: An acquisition circuit for providing a first and a second validation signal based on an alternator output signal has a coupler being adapted for receiving the alternator output signal and for providing a coupling signal having information on the phase of the alternator output signal, the coupler having a capacitive element for coupling the alternator output signal and the coupling signal, the coupler having a resistive element for coupling the coupling signal and a reference signal. The acquisition circuit further has a detector adapted for receiving the coupling signal and for providing the first and second validation signals, wherein the relation between the validation signals is based on the information on the phase of the output signal, wherein the frequency of the alternator output signal is derivable from the validation signals and the validity information is derivable from the relation between the validation signals.