Abstract: Protective devices, such as, for example, helmets, have one or more efficient, fluid-containing shock absorbers in place of protective devices' original shock absorbing material to minimize the overall weight of the protective devices. The more efficient, fluid-containing shock absorbers yield improved impact force attenuation but occupy substantially less volume and, consequently, less weight, than the original shock absorbing material.

Abstract: Impact protection for people and goods involved in athletics, transportation, industrial, and military activities comprises a hybrid crush zone shock absorber apparatus, systems, and methods of using the same. More specifically, the present invention reduces forces transmitted to a person or item exposed to impact. Primary applications are in protective articles such as helmets and body padding, surfaces which people or goods may impact, and shock isolation packaging. In addition to reduction in transmitted impact forces, our invention provides clear, irreversible visual indication of the state of readiness of the protective gear to which it is fitted.

Abstract: A novel liquid-based system and shock absorber for reducing the forces experienced during high-energy impacts is provided. Individual shock absorbing devices can be used in parallel or in series to create a tunable network that is based on the specific energy absorption requirements for each application. Each shock absorbing device consists of a flexible, primary fluid-filled reservoir that, when impacted, ejects the liquid at high pressure through an array of orifices into a secondary flexible, low-pressure collection reservoir, where it is temporarily stored before the liquid returns to the primary reservoir where the device is ready for the next impact. Optionally, the shock absorbing device may be a single-use device, where the liquid ejects from but does not return to the reservoir.

Abstract: A thermally active roller apparatus, which includes a core; a compliant layer disposed about the core; a cover disposed about the compliant layer; a heating element; and a thermally conductive layer disposed around the heating element. Included is a thermally active roller apparatus in which the compliant layer may be formed from two or more portions having different stiffnesses. A thermally active or non-thermally active roller apparatus that includes a compliant layer comprising at least two portions of different stiffnesses and wherein the at least two portions are interdigitated to lock them together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a protective pad that is comprised of an impact shell and a damping component. The damping component may be formed by a plurality of connecting members that are separated from the impact shell by a plurality of extension members that extend between the damping lattice and the impact shell. The damping component may also be formed by a sheet-like form that is separated from the impact shell by a plurality of extension members that extend between the damping sheet and the impact shell. The damping component is formed from an elastomer that aids in absorbing a portion of an impact force that is distributed across the damping component by the impact shell. The geometry of the damping component may be configured to provide a difference of impact attenuation at specific locations of the protective pad.

Abstract: A thermally active roller apparatus, which includes a core; an intermediate compliant layer disposed about the core; a cover disposed about the intermediate compliant layer; and a heating element. Included is a thermally active roller apparatus in which the compliant layer may be formed from two or more portions having different stiffnesses. A thermally active or non-thermally active roller apparatus that includes a compliant layer comprising at least two portions of different stiffnesses and wherein the at least two portions are interdigitated to lock them together.

Abstract: The hands-free dental appliance includes upper and lower tray members (12, 14) for receiving the teeth of the user, the tray members having teeth contact members such as bristles. A power assembly (28) moves the tray member in a reciprocal manner, resulting in cleaning of the surfaces of the teeth by the bristles. A grounding system (30) with bite portions (32, 34, 36) for biting contact whereby the user's teeth grounds the appliance to the user's mouth structure, reacting both static and dynamic forces, the grounding system being either separate from the tray members or flexibly connected to the tray members, allowing the tray members to move and clean the teeth without the user having to hold or otherwise manipulate the appliance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a protective pad that is comprised of an impact shell and a damping component. The damping component may be formed by a plurality of connecting members that are separated from the impact shell by a plurality of extension members that extend between the damping lattice and the impact shell. The damping component may also be formed by a sheet-like form that is separated from the impact shell by a plurality of extension members that extend between the damping sheet and the impact shell. The damping component is formed from an elastomer that aids in absorbing a portion of an impact force that is distributed across the damping component by the impact shell. The geometry of the damping component may be configured to provide a difference of impact attenuation at specific locations of the protective pad.

Abstract: The hands-free dental appliance includes upper and lower tray members (12, 14) for receiving the teeth of the user, the tray members having teeth contact members such as bristles. A power assembly (28) moves the tray member in a reciprocal manner, resulting in cleaning of the surfaces of the teeth by the bristles. A grounding system (30) with bite portions (32, 34, 36) for biting contact whereby the user's teeth grounds the appliance to the user's mouth structure, reacting both static and dynamic forces, the grounding system being either separate from the tray members or flexibly connected to the tray members, allowing the tray members to move and clean the teeth without the user having to hold or otherwise manipulate the appliance.

Abstract: A truss structure well suited for use as an engine strut on a commercial aircraft. The truss structure is cast as a single piece integrally formed component from a titanium alloy or another suitably lightweight, structurally strong material. The truss structure includes a plurality of integrally formed attachment structures which enable the truss structure to be secured to an element of an aircraft such as a wing. A plurality of attachment areas for an element such as an engine is also formed that allows the element (e.g. jet engine) to be secured to the truss structure. The truss structure includes a plurality of elongated rails and truss elements that are arranged to provide redundant load paths to ensure that a failure of any one truss element or elongated rail will not result in a failure of the overall truss structure to support whatever load is required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making multimeric proteins comprising fusion of two or more cells expressing a single subunit of the multimeric protein to generate a single hybrid cell expressing the fully assembled multimeric protein.

Abstract: A truss structure well suited for use as an engine strut on a commercial aircraft. The truss structure is cast as a single piece integrally formed component from a titanium alloy or another suitably lightweight, structurally strong material. The truss structure includes a plurality of integrally formed attachment structures which enable the truss structure to be secured to an element of an aircraft such as a wing. A plurality of attachment areas for an element such as an engine is also formed that allows the element (e.g. jet engine) to be secured to the truss structure. The truss structure includes a plurality of elongated rails and truss elements that are arranged to provide redundant load paths to ensure that a failure of any one truss element or elongated rail will not result in a failure of the overall truss structure to support whatever load is required.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding keyboard of at least two sections, each having an opening therein which is open on the facing ends thereof, and a multilayer sheet for making the electrical connections upon actuation of the keys, the multilayer sheet having substantial stiffness in the flat, planar direction and limited flexibility perpendicular to the planar direction which allows bending about a curvature, the multilayer sheet being fixed in only one of the sections, whereby when the sections are in the open, unfolded position, the multilayer sheet is straightened into a flat, planar shape and registered with the keys of the other sections, and when in the closed, folded position is curved in the perpendicular, cylindrical direction between the sections and slid from the registered position in the other section towards the open facing end thereof. Additionally, the multilayer sheet is cut along any keys which protrude beyond the folding axis so as to allow the cylindrical curving thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are keyswitches and a keyboard assembly comprising a sheet member having a plurality of key faces fixed thereon in a conventional keyboard arrangement, a plurality of cutouts in the sheet member partially surrounding each key face, and a plurality of living hinges in the sheet member at one side of each key face, whereby the key face may be depressed, causing the key face to pivot about the living hinges to operate a corresponding set of electrical contacts, indicating operation of the key. A conventional rubber spring may transmit the pivot motion of the key face to the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A folding keyboard is described having keyboard sections, each bearing a subset of keys of the keyboard, and a slider mounted to one of the keyboard sections bearing a row of keys of the keyboard section, the slider movable between a first position withdrawn into the keyboard section behind a pivot axis so as to facilitate folding of the keyboard into a closed position, and a second position, corresponding with an open position of the keyboard, extended beyond the pivot axis to nest with a corresponding notch in the other keyboard section, so that the subset of keys of the slider are in a configuration for use when in the nested position. A key of each of the keyboard sections positioned at the abutting edges thereof are narrowed, from the standard width of other of said keys, along the edge thereof adjoining the abutting edges, so that the abutting edges are straight edges when the slider is in the withdrawn position, allowing a straight edge at the folding side of the keyboard.