Abstract: A hard-disk drive insertion mechanism includes carrier mechanism that moves longitudinally with the hard-disk drive as it is being inserted toward said electrical connector. The carrier mechanism includes engagement features for engaging the hard-disk drive as it is being inserted. The insertion mechanism also includes a clamping mechanism that gradually clamps the hard-disk drive with elastomeric material before it engages an electrical connector.

Abstract: A drive carrier for computer systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are drive carriers comprising a first suspension member that defines a first side of the drive carrier, a second suspension member that defines a second side of the drive carrier (the second suspension member configured to be manually flexed resiliently away from the drive carrier during installation of a disk drive), a handle having a hinge point coupled to the suspension members (the hinge point defining an axis of rotation for the handle, and the axis of rotation lies substantially parallel to a plane in which both suspension members reside), a first pin configured to couple to a mounting hole of the disk drive (and the first pin coupled to the first suspension member), and a second pin configured to couple to a mounting hole of the disk drive (and the second pin coupled to the second suspension member, wherein the first and second pins suspend the disk drive within the drive carrier between the suspension members).

Abstract: A drive carrier for computer systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are drive carriers comprising a first suspension member that defines a first side of the drive carrier, a second suspension member that defines a second side of the drive carrier (the second suspension member configured to be manually flexed resiliently away from the drive carrier during installation of a disk drive), a handle having a hinge point coupled to the suspension members (the hinge point defining an axis of rotation for the handle, and the axis of rotation lies substantially parallel to a plane in which both suspension members reside), a first pin configured to couple to a mounting hole of the disk drive (and the first pin coupled to the first suspension member), and a second pin configured to couple to a mounting hole of the disk drive (and the second pin coupled to the second suspension member, wherein the first and second pins suspend the disk drive within the drive carrier between the suspension members).

Abstract: Described herein are adhesive nasal devices. In particular, the adhesive nasal respiratory devices described herein are configured to be worn in communication with a subject's nasal cavity and may include a rim body having a passageway therethrough, an airflow resistor in communication with the passageway of the rim body, and a flexible, adhesive holdfast layer extending outward from the periphery of the rim body. The rim body region may be formed from multiple parts (e.g., a first and a second rim body region), and the airflow resistor may be secured between the parts forming the rim body. Methods of manufacturing and assembling these adhesive nasal devices are also described.

Abstract: Described herein are nasal devices. In particular, layered nasal respiratory devices are described. Layered nasal device may include a layered airflow resistor that is configured to resist airflow in a first direction more than airflow in a second direction and that includes a flap valve adjacent to a flap valve limiting layer and an adhesive holdfast layer that is configured to secure the layered airflow resistor in communication with the subject's nasal cavity. Methods of using and methods of assembling layered nasal device are also described.

Abstract: An improved electrode headset is provided for the acquisition of electroencephalographic (EEG) brain signals detected at the scalp of a human subject. The headset includes an elastic fabric cap having a chinstrap, which cap is fitted closely to the scalp. The cap has openings at those selected locations on the scalp to which removable and disposable electrodes are to be removably connected to the scalp. A positioning unit, of a generally flat and flexible plastic material, is attachable to the cap by corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners on the outer surface of the cap and the inner surface of the positioning unit. The positioning unit has a base portion and two opposite leg portions, each with slits. Flat beams are adjustably connected through the slits to the leg portions and base portion. Each beam carries a screw member which adjustably applies pressure to electrode holders and a flexible electrode extractor strap to which the electrode holder is attached.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor featuring cassette assemblies that provide the blades for the retractor and include mechanisms for controlling the angulation and retraction of the blades. The use of such cassette assemblies allow for the addition or removal of blades on the retractor by attaching or detaching the cassette assemblies to a frame. The mechanisms for controlling angulation and retraction of the blades allow a surgeon greater flexibility for creating a surgical site.

Abstract: A sample tube holder having sample tube compartments with sets of spaced finger springs provided therein for maintaining sample tubes in substantially upright orientations. A guide structure having a series of openings is used to direct sample tubes into the sample tube compartments and to restrict lateral movement of sample tubes held thereby. A retainer is releasably engaged by the guide structure and has openings sized to provide access to sample tubes held by the sample tube compartments but which restrict vertical movement of the sample tubes. Tabs at a base of the sample tube holder and hold-downs fixed to a stationary structure adjacent a conveyor cooperate to restrict vertical movement of the sample tube holder during automated sampling procedures.