Abstract: A multi-purpose infant care device includes a generally oblong container for bathing the infant, a storage member for storing infant accessories, products, and supplies, the storage member disposable within the container. A lid securely engages the container to secure the storage member within the container. The lid defines a recess for supporting the infant and a mattress sized to fit within the recess may be provided. Securing means may be used to secure the infant on top of the lid. A canopy attachable to the lid provides the infant privacy and protection from the elements. The multi-purpose infant care device provides a portable device that provides essential infant care functions and transports a plurality of infant accessories in one convenient container.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly includes a thin-walled tubular member, a connecting member fixed to each end of the tubular member, and a support member fixed within the tubular member. The support member includes a plurality of radial elements extending a first length (L1) within the tubular member and engaging an interior surface of the tubular member to increase the bending frequency of the propeller shaft assembly. In one example, the support member includes a central hub coaxially located within the tubular member and the radial elements extend from the central hub to the interior surface of the tubular member. The radial elements can include enlarged end portions for engaging the interior surface of the tubular member. The radial elements, at their ends, can also include either axial or circumferential grooves which act as an adhesive reservoir.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which is advantageously for use in orthopaedic hand surgery where there exists the requirement to dilate a tendon sheath in order to pass a retrieved or harvested tendon through the dilated sheath. In a disclosed embodiment the device comprises an elongated body having a central bore extending from an open to a closed end, and an inflatable balloon disposed around a portion of the body portion in proximity to the closed end thereof, wherein the balloon is in fluid communication with the central bore via perforations in the outer surface of the body portion. The device also includes an aperture in the closed end for receiving a suture. Thus, the device may be progressively passed through a tendon sheath with the balloon inflated to dilate the sheath, and a tendon portion secured to the aperture in the closed end with a suture so that the tendon portion can be pulled through the dilated sheath by the device.

Abstract: A rotary shaft includes internal self-dampening means for absorbing rotational energy generated by the rear axle and/or clutch of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A header assembly includes an insulative housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior cavity extending along a mating axis, and a plurality of contacts within the cavity and extending through one of the walls to an exterior of the housing for surface mounting to a circuit board. The insulative housing includes at least one alignment rib extending on an exterior surface thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mating axis. The contacts are formed against and abutting the alignment rib, thereby ensuring coplanarity of the contacts for surface mounting to a circuit board.

Abstract: A frangible telescopic propeller shaft includes an elongated hollow cylindrical body, a reduced diameter intermediate portion along a length of the body, and at least one spin-formed transition area between the intermediate portion and the body. The transition area includes a frangible feature wherein at least a part of the cylindrical body lies over the intermediate portion such that, in response to a sufficient axial force, the frangible feature fractures to telescope the body over the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A semi-flexible U shaped tube with a rotate to lock female water hose thread fitting on one end and a stationary female pipe thread fitting on the other end. This device allows a sprinkler head and a water-timing device to be attached to a pre-existing spigot as a compact one-unit structure. The semi-flexible tubing of the connector allows adjustments to the water-throw of the sprinkler.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly includes a thin-walled tubular member, a connecting member fixed to each end of the tubular member, and a support member fixed within the tubular member. The support member includes a foamed plastic impregnated with a high modulus resin or cement extending a first length (L1) within the tubular member and engaging an interior surface of the tubular member to increase the bending frequency of the propeller shaft assembly.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly includes a thin-walled tubular member, a connecting member fixed to each end of the tubular member, and a support member fixed within the tubular member. The support member includes a plurality of radial elements extending a first length (L1) within the tubular member and engaging an interior surface of the tubular member to increase the bending frequency of the propeller shaft assembly. In one example, the support member includes a central hub coaxially located within the tubular member and the radial elements extend from the central hub to the interior surface of the tubular member. The radial elements can include enlarged end portions for engaging the interior surface of the tubular member. The radial elements, at their ends, can also include either axial or circumferential grooves which act as an adhesive reservoir.

Abstract: A center bearing tuned absorber assembly includes a cylindrical center bearing for supporting a rotating propeller shaft, and a tuned absorber having an inner sleeve disposed around the center bearing, and a mass-spring assembly arranged on an outer circumference of the inner sleeve. The mass-spring assembly includes a mass radially offset from, and attached to, the inner sleeve by a first damping element. The mass-spring assembly is arranged circumferentially on the inner sleeve in the direction of a first bending frequency associated with the rotating propeller shaft. The mass-spring assembly may be axially or radially offset from the center bearing.