Abstract: A hubless sheave system for supporting ropes, wires, and other suspended loads is described. The system can include an inner bearing race and an outer bearing race. The inner bearing race can be affixed to one or more support arms via a mounting bracket. The support arms can be detachably coupled to a support (e.g., a power pole, building, or other structure) to support the system and the suspended load. The outer race can be rotatably coupled to the inner race on a bearing surface, enabling the outer race to rotate freely about the inner race. The outer race can include a sheave groove sized and shaped to support a wire or rope during installation. The system can be used to string and temporarily support power or communications lines during installation, or “stringing,” and then removed when permanent supports are installed.

Abstract: A shot detection system for a projectile weapon comprising: an accelerometer, a power source, a memory; and a processor configured to: receive accelerometer data from the accelerometer; for a first region of interest, test a first property of the accelerometer data; and store a shot determination result in the memory.

Abstract: An additive-coated sheave assembly having a wheel with a groove in an outer circumferential surface of the wheel. The additive-coated sheave assembly can have an axle configured to support the wheel and a frame configured to receive and support the axle. A coating can be affixed to the groove by an additive manufacturing process. A method of manufacturing a sheave by coating the groove with a coating by an additive manufacturing process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid conductor puller-tensioner and control system are disclosed. The puller-tensioner includes a motor/generator mechanically coupled to a drum. The motor/generator is in electrical communication with a generator and a rechargeable power source. In a tensioning mode, the motor/generator can be used to charge the rechargeable power source. In a pulling mode, when the power demanded by the motor exceeds the capacity of the generator, the motor can be connected to both the generator and the rechargeable power source simultaneously to provide additional power.

Abstract: A human machine interface system for controlling a device comprising: a housing; a human digit activatable physical element; a processor in communication with the element, the processor to receive and process an input from the element; a communicator to communicate an output from the processor wherein the output comprises a command intended for the device; wherein the element, the processor and the communicator are all disposed about or within the housing or connected thereto.

Abstract: A human machine interface system for controlling a device comprising: a housing; a human digit activatable physical element; a processor in communication with the element, the processor to receive and process an input from the element; a communicator to communicate an output from the processor wherein the output comprises a command intended for the device; wherein the element, the processor and the communicator are all disposed about or within the housing or connected thereto.

Abstract: A human machine interface system for controlling a device comprising: a housing; a human digit activatable physical element; a processor in communication with the element, the processor to receive and process an input from the element; a communicator to communicate an output from the processor wherein the output comprises a command intended for the device; wherein the element, the processor and the communicator are all disposed about or within the housing or connected thereto.

Abstract: An intelligent electrical conductor installation system includes a puller sub-system, a tensioner sub-system, and a running GC board. The pull sub-system is configured to provide a pulling force to a pull rope connected on one end to the running board. The tensioner sub-system is configured to provide tension to the one or more conductors connected to the running board during installation of the conductors. The running board is connected to the pull rope on a first end, and configured to be connected to one or more conductors on a second end, wherein the running board includes one or more sensors configured to sense attributes of the conductor pull operation.

Abstract: A human machine interface system for controlling a device comprising: a housing; a human digit activatable physical element; a processor in communication with the element, the processor to receive and process an input from the element; a communicator to communicate an output from the processor wherein the output comprises a command intended for the device; wherein the element, the processor and the communicator are all disposed about or within the housing or connected thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for user created 2-dimensional risk classes and levels is described. These classes are implemented as a matrix of real numbers. In one embodiment, this matrix allows the user to create and select risk thresholds for the placement of bets that from an investment perspective can lead to the construction of a new type of financial instrument similar to low yield, low risk government issued bonds. In a second embodiment this is a zero-consideration contest where users compete at no cost for prizes to be awarded. In a third embodiment (and where it is legal to do so), this is a gambling application. The risk matrix is created and managed by the user and no one else. The construction of the matrix is described in detail. Included are computer runs that highlight important aspects of the invention.

Abstract: An electrical stringing block in accordance with some example embodiments includes a sheave formed of a pair of metal plates which are joined together. Each plate includes an angled section, a planar section extending from an outer edge of the angled section, and a curved section extending from an outer edge of the planar section. The plates are joined together at the planar sections. Each angled section is continuous.

Abstract: An electrical stringing block in accordance with some example embodiments includes a sheave formed of a pair of metal plates which are joined together. Each plate includes an angled section, a planar section extending from an outer edge of the angled section, and a curved section extending from an outer edge of the planar section. The plates are joined together at the planar sections. Each angled section is continuous.

Abstract: Multi-ply laminate composite components of non-planar shape can be formed with apertures defined therein, instead of cutting the apertures after forming the multi-ply laminate composite component. This is achieved by cutting apertures in the individual plies before the plies are assembled and consolidated, with the aperture or apertures in each ply, or in each set of plies, positioned to accommodate the local distance differential between adjacent plies, or sets of plies, so that the resulting component aperture or apertures will achieve a desired alignment. Removable pins can be used to maintain the plies in alignment during the consolidation process, and fittings such as annular collars can be secured in the component apertures during consolidation.

Abstract: A method of collecting medical waste in a waste collection unit using a disposable manifold and filter assembly. The disposable manifold and filter assembly includes a manifold housing with a plurality of inlets, a neck extending from the manifold housing to define an outlet, and a filter basket disposed in the manifold housing. The method includes inserting the neck into the waste collection unit to direct the medical waste passing through the disposable manifold and filter assembly into the waste collection unit. Tubes are connected to the inlets of the manifold housing to provide a path for the medical waste to travel from a target site, e.g., a patient, to the manifold housing. A vacuum is drawn in the waste collection unit to pull the medical waste through the tubes and into the disposable manifold and filter assembly where the medical waste is processed/filtered in a plurality of stages.

Abstract: An electrosurgery pencil having a bent or angled portion which enables a physician to easily perform surgical procedures without his or her hand obstructing the view of the surgical site.

Abstract: A method of collecting medical waste in a waste collection unit using a disposable manifold and filter assembly. The disposable manifold and filter assembly includes a manifold housing with a plurality of inlets, a neck extending from the manifold housing to define an outlet, and a filter basket disposed in the manifold housing. The method includes inserting the neck into the waste collection unit to direct the medical waste passing through the disposable manifold and filter assembly into the waste collection unit. Tubes are connected to the inlets of the manifold housing to provide a path for the medical waste to travel from a target site, e.g., a patient, to the manifold housing. A vacuum is drawn in the waste collection unit to pull the medical waste through the tubes and into the disposable manifold and filter assembly where the medical waste is processed/filtered in a plurality of stages.

Abstract: A manifold and filter assembly for use with a waste collection unit is provided. The manifold and filter assembly directs and filters medical waste flowing into the waste collection unit. The manifold and filter assembly comprises a manifold body defining a chamber and an outlet for directing the medical waste into the waste collection unit. A manifold cap is fitted to the manifold body to close the chamber. The manifold cap defines a plurality of inlets for receiving the medical waste. A filter basket having a bottom and a peripheral wall defining a plurality of openings is snap-locked to the manifold body. The filter basket is positioned such that a fluid bypass is formed between the filter basket and the manifold body and between the filter basket and the manifold cap. The fluid bypass is in fluid communication with the outlet whereby the medical waste can flow over the peripheral wall to the outlet through the fluid bypass.

Abstract: The inventive catalyst composition is a sponge metal catalyst comprising at least one skeletal porous sponge metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, iron and copper, together with a first promoter metal selected from the group consisting of palladium, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium and iridium and a second promoter metal selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, cobalt, zinc, vanadium, cerium, copper, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium, niobium, manganese, silver, cadmium, praseodymium and neodymium. Processes for the manufacture of the catalyst include impregnation or precipitation of the promoter metals onto the sponge metal catalyst.

Abstract: A manifold assembly (100) for directing and filtering material (102) from fluid flowing into a medical waste collection device (104) includes a plurality of inlet ports (116) and an outlet port (118) with a filter (108, 110, 112) disposed between the ports (116, 118) along a fluid path (120). An outlet check-valve (114) is disposed at the outlet port (118) for opening in response to a predetermined vacuum pressure applied to the outlet port (118) from the medical waste collection device (104).