Abstract: A system for detecting a change in medium sensed by a thermistor comprises a first module that receives a temperature signal from a thermistor and that calculates a first dissipation factor of the thermistor. A second module receives the first dissipation factor of the thermistor and detects at least one of an unexpected medium and a change in medium based on the first dissipation factor.

Abstract: A system includes a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module determines a first temperature and a first power dissipation value of a thermistor based on a resistance of a first resistor connected in series with the thermistor. The second module, after disconnecting the first resistor and connecting a second resistor in series with the thermistor, determines a second temperature and a second power dissipation value of the thermistor based on a resistance of the second resistor. The third module determines a thermal dissipation factor based on the first and second temperatures and the first and second power dissipation values, and corrects temperature sensed by the thermistor based on the thermal dissipation factor.

Abstract: A light-weight, compact, highly dexterous surgical robot system for performing in vivo minimally invasive surgeries that allows precise control of position and orientation of surgical tools. The surgical robot system has three rotational degrees of freedom and one translational degree of freedom and is composed of seven links joined by three gear pairs and six turning pairs. The surgical robot system maintains an open space where a surgical tool element enters the patient to avoid self-collisions within the robot system during surgeries.

Abstract: A system for detecting a change in medium sensed by a thermistor comprises a first module that receives a temperature signal from a thermistor and that calculates a first dissipation factor of the thermistor. A second module receives the first dissipation factor of the thermistor and detects at least one of an unexpected medium and a change in medium based on the first dissipation factor.

Abstract: A surgical table for infants and small animals has a bed assembly that is rotatable. The bed assembly includes a stationary plate and a rotating plate with a brake that controls rotation. The bed assembly may be connected by a clamp to the frame of a conventional operating table and supported alongside or above. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted on its own vertical support. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted to the operating table by an articulated clamp that allows the bed assembly to be stored alongside. A central opening is present in both plates so that hoses and wires connected to the patient will pass through this opening to permit rotation of the patient with the table with no stress on the hoses or wires where they connect to the patient.

Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

Abstract: A system includes a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module determines a first temperature and a first power dissipation value of a thermistor based on a resistance of a first resistor connected in series with the thermistor. The second module, after disconnecting the first resistor and connecting a second resistor in series with the thermistor, determines a second temperature and a second power dissipation value of the thermistor based on a resistance of the second resistor. The third module determines a thermal dissipation factor based on the first and second temperatures and the first and second power dissipation values, and corrects temperature sensed by the thermistor based on the thermal dissipation factor.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical systems, including systems that can be used in conjunction with medical devices used in endoscopic surgery. Certain embodiments include various material handling devices that can transport materials between the inside and the outside of an endoscopic surgery patient.

Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

Abstract: A surgical table for infants and small animals has a bed assembly that is rotatable. The bed assembly includes a stationary plate and a rotating plate with a brake that controls rotation. The bed assembly may be connected by a clamp to the frame of a conventional operating table and supported alongside or above. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted on its own vertical support. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted to the operating table by an articulated clamp that allows the bed assembly to be stored alongside. A central opening is present in both plates so that hoses and wires connected to the patient will pass through this opening to permit rotation of the patient with the table with no stress on the hoses or wires where they connect to the patient.

Abstract: A fuel composition having an enhanced thermal stability in a diesel fuel application is provided comprising a base fuel containing: (a) 90 to 50% by volume based on the base fuel, of a petroleum refined diesel fuel having sulfur level of less than 500 ppm, and boiling point within the range of about 150 to about 400° C.; (b) 5 to 25% by volume based on the base fuel, a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil; and (c) 5 to 25% by volume based on the base fuel, a fatty acid alkyl ester having C18:2 to C18:1 ratio of 1.5 to 2.8 wherein the alkyl group has a carbon number from 1 to 4.

Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

Abstract: A surgical table for infants and small animals has a bed assembly that is rotatable. The bed assembly includes a stationary plate and a rotating plate with a brake that controls rotation. The bed assembly may be connected by a clamp to the frame of a conventional operating table and supported alongside or above. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted on its own vertical support. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted to the operating table by an articulated clamp that allows the bed assembly to be stored alongside. A central opening is present in both plates so that hoses and wires connected to the patient will pass through this opening to permit rotation of the patient with the table with no stress on the hoses or wires where they connect to the patient.

Abstract: An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.

Abstract: A fishing jig with a hook that has an oversized eye and a jig head that has a funnel-shaped lead-in area. The oversized eye makes it easy to insert the fishing line into the eye. The funnel-shaped lead-in area is used to guide the line directly into the eye of the hook.

Abstract: A light-weight, compact, highly dexterous surgical robot system for performing in vivo minimally invasive surgeries that allows precise control of position and orientation of surgical tools. The surgical robot system has three rotational degrees of freedom and one translational degree of freedom and is composed of seven links joined by three gear pairs and six turning pairs. The surgical robot system maintains an open space where a surgical tool element enters the patient to avoid self-collisions within the robot system during surgeries.

Abstract: A knock sensor diagnostic system may include a knock sensor. A bias circuit applies a bias voltage to the knock sensor. An input circuit receives an input signal based on the bias voltage. A control module indicates a short circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the input signal. A knock sensor diagnostic system may also or alternatively include a signal generator that generates and applies a test signal with a predetermined frequency to the knock sensor. Another input circuit receives another input signal that is based on the test signal. A control module indicates an open circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the other input signal.

Abstract: A knock sensor diagnostic system may include a knock sensor. A bias circuit applies a bias voltage to the knock sensor. An input circuit receives an input signal based on the bias voltage. A control module indicates a short circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the input signal. A knock sensor diagnostic system may also or alternatively include a signal generator that generates and applies a test signal with a predetermined frequency to the knock sensor. Another input circuit receives another input signal that is based on the test signal. A control module indicates an open circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the other input signal.

Abstract: Composite coating compositions, composite metallic coatings derived from these compositions, and methods of forming the composite coating compositions and composite metallic coatings, wherein the compositions and coatings comprise particles of at least one quasicrystalline metal alloy and at least one elemental metal. The methods include electrocodepositing suspended quasicrystalline metal alloy particles and dissolved metal ions onto a substrate. Preferably, the substrate is disposed in an aqueous bath containing at least one dissolved metal ion species and at least one suspended quasicrystalline metal alloy powder species. The compositions and coatings enhance the wear, friction, hardness, corrosion, and non-stick characteristics of the substrate.

Abstract: The fishing lure having two or more hooks is constructed in an upside-down “T” formation that, in its simplest form, incorporates two hooks at one hundred eighty degrees from each other and a shank that is located between the hooks and is perpendicular to a shaft that connects the hooks. The shank has a loop, ring, or bend at the top where the fishing line is attached. The hook can be manufactured as either a two piece unit or as a one piece unit. The unit is produced with or without a weight and/or bead located at the junction of the “T”. The hooks and the weight and/or bead will vary in size as required for the application in which it is used. The hook shafts may vary in length to accommodate a variety of baiting options and presentation styles. The weight, bead, and hooks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes.