Abstract: The invention discloses methods, devices, systems and kits for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. An implantable facet joint device of one embodiment comprises a cephalad facet joint element and a caudal facet joint element. The cephalad facet joint element includes a member adapted to engage a first vertebra, and an artificial cephalad bearing member. The caudal facet joint element includes a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebra at a fixation point and an artificial caudal bearing member adapted to engage the cephalad bearing member. The artificial caudal bearing member is adapted for a location lateral to the fixation point.

Abstract: A one-piece liquid-level float switch housing and drain line assembly for use with a collection tray or pan to collect condensate and shut off the source of condensate production when it exceeds a pre-established threshold level. The assembly is configured for rapid connection through a pre-formed drain line opening in the perimeter wall of a condensate collection tray/pan to place the deployable float body within its housing in a level orientation relative to the tray/pan without additional leveling adjustment. The housing has an open bottom and vertically-extending slots providing fluid inlet, debris blocking, and air venting functions for enhanced float body operation. The condensate pan/tray used with the assembly has a nesting configuration that includes a perimeter wall with varying combinations of gussets, curved ribs, angled corner configurations, and support shelves, and a central bottom surface with raised patterns, all of which strengthen the tray/pad during installation and use.

Abstract: A recirculating optical delay line 30 has a laser 32 controlled by wavelength control 33 so as to vary the wavelength of radiation over time to provide a first input 34 to an optical modulator 35. The modulator 35 modulates the intensity of the first input 34 with a pulsed electromagnetic frequency signal 36 to produce a pulsed modulated optical signal 39. The signal 39 passes through an optical coupler 40 into a delay loop 41 having a delay fibre 44 arranged to delay the signal 39 for a predetermined duration. The wavelength control 33 is arranged to vary the first input 35 so as to ensure that overlapping pulses of the signal 39 in the delay loop 41 are at different wavelengths, thereby inhibiting optical mixing effects between the overlapping pulses.

Abstract: A multi-wheel assembly includes an outer wheel having an outer wheel assembly for an outer tire. The outer wheel assembly includes an outer wheel rim, a removable front bead seat band such that the outer tire may be removed from the outer wheel rim. A removable rear bead seat band is also provided. The multi-wheel assembly also includes an inner wheel having an inner wheel assembly including an inner wheel rim and a removable front bead seat band which is radially expandable and able to pass over the outer wheel rim. The dimensions of the outer wheel rim are such that the inner tube is able to pass over the outer wheel rim. A radially expandable bead seat band is also disclosed. A method of removing a tire is disclosed as well as a method of modifying a wheel assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the fixation of osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic long bones, especially Colles' fractures. A cannula having a circumferential opening is inserted into cancellous bone and directed such that the circumferential opening faces the fracture. The cannula is further adapted to receive an expandable structure, the expandable structure being inserted through the cannula until it is in registration with the circumferential opening. The expandable structure is expanded through the circumferential opening into cancellous bone and toward the fracture. The expansion of the expandable structure through the circumferential opening toward the fracture causes compression of cancellous bone and moves fractured cortical bone, thus creating a cavity proximal to the fracture. The cavity is then filled with a flowable bone filling material and the material allowed to harden.

Abstract: An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, including a pedicle fixation element; a laminar fixation element; and a facet joint bearing surface having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle fixation element and the laminar fixation element. The invention also includes a method of implanting an adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis including the steps of determining a desired position for a facet joint bearing surface; and attaching a prosthesis comprising a facet joint bearing surface to a pedicle portion of a vertebra and a lamina portion of a vertebra to place the facet joint bearing surface in the desired position. The invention also provides a facet joint prosthesis implant tool including a tool guide adapted to guide a vertebra cutting tool; and first and second fixation hole alignment elements extending from the saw guide.

Abstract: A float switch and mounting bracket assembly made from plastic and impervio is to corrosion, with improvements over the prior art including a wide float switch body for enhanced water displacement that results in a more responsive operation, a housing that protects its float switch body from malfunction due to airborne debris, three oversized thumbscrews to facilitate and expedite installation, multiple crushable friction points within the top of the mounting bracket slot that stabilize the orientation of the bracket after installation, and longer lead wires and a higher voltage that allow use of the float switch and mounting bracket assembly in a wide variety of condensate collection and other applications.

Abstract: A float switch assembly with a housing/clamping structure that is made from plastic and impervious to corrosion, with improvements over the prior art including a thumbscrew positioned between its two upper bracing protrusions and external braces/ribs that make it less likely for the two parts of the housing to flex relative to one another, to provide a more secure connection between the two parts of the present housing during its use to protect a float switch body within its protective housing for reliable shut-off signal activation when needed. The two housing parts are connected together over the top edge of a substantially vertically-extending support surface, such as a plastic condensate collection pan with a flange. Oversized thumbscrews facilitate and expedite installation without drilling any holes in the collection pan.

Abstract: A float switch made from plastic and impervious to corrosion, with improvements over the prior art including a more responsive operation resulting from use of a wide float switch body and a closely fitting housing that allow rapid shut-off of condensate production after collection of only a very small amount of fluid, a small housing dimension for easy installation in the small areas used for air conditioning system air handlers, a removable bottom cap for easy debris removal as well as float switch body adjustment for changing conditions, a housing design that allows operation without air vent holes in the housing, and anti-rotation features that stabilize the level orientation of the float switch body needed for proper operation after installation. By its quick and reliable response, the switch promotes use and longevity of energy efficient air conditioners without concern for the increased condensate produced, protecting the environment and energy resources.

Abstract: A float switch, housing, and clamping member assembly that is made from plastic and impervious to corrosion, with improvements over the prior art including a wide float switch body for enhanced water displacement that results in a more responsive operation, a housing configured to protect its float switch body from malfunction due to airborne debris, a clamping member configured to create a J-shaped slot between it and the housing when they are connected together over the upper edge of a support surface, such as a plastic condensate collection pan with a flange. Oversized thumbscrews facilitate and expedite installation. Strength-enhancing ribs are associated with the housing and clamping member. Connection between the housing and clamping member can also include a ratcheting configuration.

Abstract: An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, including a pedicle fixation element; a laminar fixation element; and a facet joint bearing surface having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle fixation element and the laminar fixation element. The invention also includes a method of implanting an adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis including the steps of determining a desired position for a facet joint bearing surface; and attaching a prosthesis comprising a facet joint bearing surface to a pedicle portion of a vertebra and a lamina portion of a vertebra to place the facet joint bearing surface in the desired position. The invention also provides a facet joint prosthesis implant tool including a tool guide adapted to guide a vertebra cutting tool; and first and second fixation hole alignment elements extending from the saw guide.

Abstract: Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components is provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provides an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements.

Abstract: Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for inserting expandable structures, such as medical balloons, into interior regions of a human or animal body, as well as methods for their use. The insertion devices described herein are capable of directionally guiding and/or inhibiting expansion of an expandable structure within an interior region of an animal or human body to create optimally placed cavities for repair, augmentation and/or treatment of fractured and/or diseased bone.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use with a gravity-assisted water saver system that sanitizes condensate from an air conditioning system with vapors released from dissolvable tablets, such as those used for treating swimming pool water or laundering purposes. It is compact and cleanable via a removable bottom cover, and it inner structure is configured to substantially reduce the likelihood of treatment vapors from the treatment chamber backing through the filter assembly and entering the connected air conditioning system from which condensate is collected. Applications can include, but are not limited to, use with systems that replenish water lost from swimming pools due to evaporation, and divert water for use in filling toilets, pressure washing, cleaning, and other gray water uses.

Abstract: A tilting vehicle with a front frame section has a longitudinal axis, a driver's seat and one or more wheels that are able to turn about a front wheel steering axis located transversely to the longitudinal axis. The vehicle has a rear frame section with two wheels that is connected to the front frame section such that it can tilt. The vehicle can have a tilting device operated by the driver, for relative tilting of the front and rear frame sections. A sensor measures a force or movement on the front wheel for controlling the tilting device. The rear wheels can be turned about a rear wheel steering axis located transversely to the longitudinal axis or can be tilted about a rear wheel tilt axis located essentially in the direction of the longitudinal axis in order to prevent oscillations of the vehicle at relatively high speeds.

Abstract: A multi-wheel assembly includes an outer wheel having an outer wheel assembly for an outer tire. The outer wheel assembly includes an outer wheel rim, a removable from bead seat band such that the outer tire may be removed from the outer wheel rim. A removable rear bead seat band is also provided. The multi-wheel assembly also includes an inner wheel having an inner wheel assembly including a inner wheel rim and a removable front bead seat which is radially expandable and able to pass over the outer wheel rim. The dimensions of the outer wheel rim are such that the inner tire is able to pass over the outer wheel rim. A radially expandable bead seat band is also disclosed. A method of removing a tire is disclosed as well as a method of modifying a wheel assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tilting vehicle (1) with a front frame section (2) having a longitudinal axis (8), a driver's seat (7) and one or more wheels (4) that are able to turn about a front wheel steering axis (5) located transversely to the longitudinal axis (8). The vehicle has a rear frame section (3) with two wheels (14, 15) that is connected to the front frame section (2) such that it can tilt. The vehicle can also be provided with a tilting device (9), that can be operated by the driver, for relative tilting of the front and rear frame sections (2, 3). A sensor (12) measures, for example, a force or a movement on the front wheel (4) for controlling the tilting device (9).