Abstract: Surgical hub systems are disclosed. A surgical hub system comprises a surgical hub configured to communicably couple to a modular device comprising a sensor configured to detect data associated with the modular device and a device processor. The surgical hub comprises a hub processor, a hub memory coupled to the hub processor. The surgical hub system also comprises a distributed control system executable at least in part by each of the device processor and the hub processor. The distributed control system is configured to: receive the data detected by the sensor; determine control adjustments for the modular device according to the data; and control the modular device according to the control adjustments. When in a first mode, the distributed control system is executed by both the hub processor and the device processor. In a second mode, the distributed control system is executed solely by the device processor.

Abstract: An interactive control unit is disclosed. The interactive control unit includes an interactive touchscreen display, an interface configured to couple the control unit to a surgical hub, a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive input commands from the interactive touchscreen display located inside a sterile field and transmit the input commands to the surgical hub to control devices coupled to the surgical hub located outside the sterile field.

Abstract: A route planning system and methods involving: a processor operable by executable instructions, the instructions having cooperating algorithms, the cooperating algorithms having an A* algorithm, an IA* algorithm cooperatively communicating with the A* algorithm; and a Dijkstra algorithm cooperatively communicating with the IA* algorithm, the IA* algorithm configured to iteratively and recursively call the A* algorithm to generate directed arcs, the IA* algorithm configured to call the Dijkstra algorithm and to transmit the directed arcs to the Dijkstra algorithm, and the A* algorithm and the Dijkstra algorithm being non-interacting; and an automatic identifications systems transceiver disposed in relation to a vessel, the transceiver configured to receive global positioning system signals and calculate a current position of the vessel in relation to Earth, the AIS transceiver configured to communicate with the processor.

Abstract: A route planning system and methods involving: a processor operable by executable instructions, the instructions having cooperating algorithms, the cooperating algorithms having an A* algorithm, an IA* algorithm cooperatively communicating with the A* algorithm; and a Dijkstra algorithm cooperatively communicating with the IA* algorithm, the IA* algorithm configured to iteratively and recursively call the A* algorithm to generate directed arcs, the IA* algorithm configured to call the Dijkstra algorithm and to transmit the directed arcs to the Dijkstra algorithm, and the A* algorithm and the Dijkstra algorithm being non-interacting; and an automatic identifications systems transceiver disposed in relation to a vessel, the transceiver configured to receive global positioning system signals and calculate a current position of the vessel in relation to Earth, the AIS transceiver configured to communicate with the processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides protective headgear which includes magnetic material configured such that the impact of a collision to the head of a wearer is reduced. In one embodiment, protective headgear, such as a helmet, is provided with a first magnetic material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet including a second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision are reduced or avoided. The invention additionally provides a system for impact reduction including protective headgear, such as one or more helmets, and optionally one or more neck pads or body armor comprising magnetic material, and a method for reducing the impact from a collision experienced by a wearer of the protective headgear.

Abstract: A strap wrench includes a strap that is a continuous loop and has notches. No portion of the strap is affixed to any portion of the wrench. The strap is placed around an object that needs to be turned such as an oil filter on an engine. A tension mechanism is then used to tighten the strap into place around the object to be turned. A ratchet mechanism engages one or more notches on the strap to prevent movement of the strap in one direction while allowing movement of the strap in the opposite direction. The combination of the notched continuous loop strap and ratchet mechanism allow the strap wrench to have a ratcheting action after the strap is tightened into place around the object to be turned.

Abstract: A strap wrench includes a strap that is a continuous loop and has notches. No portion of the strap is affixed to any portion of the wrench. The strap is placed around an object that needs to be turned such as an oil filter on an engine. A tension mechanism is then used to tighten the strap into place around the object to be turned. A ratchet mechanism engages one or more notches on the strap to prevent movement of the strap in one direction while allowing movement of the strap in the opposite direction. The combination of the notched continuous loop strap and ratchet mechanism allow the strap wrench to have a ratcheting action after the strap is tightened into place around the object to be turned.

Abstract: A strap wrench includes a strap that is a continuous loop and has notches. No portion of the strap is affixed to any portion of the wrench. The strap is placed around an object that needs to be turned such as an oil filter on an engine. A tension mechanism is then used to tighten the strap into place around the object to be turned. A ratchet mechanism engages one or more notches on the strap to prevent movement of the strap in one direction while allowing movement of the strap in the opposite direction. The combination of the notched continuous loop strap and ratchet mechanism allow the strap wrench to have a ratcheting action after the strap is tightened into place around the object to be turned.

Abstract: A strap wrench includes a strap that is a continuous loop and has notches. No portion of the strap is affixed to any portion of the wrench. The strap is placed around an object that needs to be turned such as an oil filter on an engine. A tension mechanism is then used to tighten the strap into place around the object to be turned. A ratchet mechanism engages one or more notches on the strap to prevent movement of the strap in one direction while allowing movement of the strap in the opposite direction. The combination of the notched continuous loop strap and ratchet mechanism allow the strap wrench to have a ratcheting action after the strap is tightened into place around the object to be turned.

Abstract: A strap wrench includes a strap that is a continuous loop and has notches. No portion of the strap is affixed to any portion of the wrench. The strap is placed around an object that needs to be turned such as an oil filter on an engine. A tension mechanism is then used to tighten the strap into place around the object to be turned. A ratchet mechanism engages one or more notches on the strap to prevent movement of the strap in one direction while allowing movement of the strap in the opposite direction. The combination of the notched continuous loop strap and ratchet mechanism allow the strap wrench to have a ratcheting action after the strap is tightened into place around the object to be turned.

Abstract: A strap wrench includes a strap that is a continuous loop and has notches. No portion of the strap is affixed to any portion of the wrench. The strap is placed around an object that needs to be turned such as an oil filter on an engine. A tension mechanism is then used to tighten the strap into place around the object to be turned. A ratchet mechanism engages one or more notches on the strap to prevent movement of the strap in one direction while allowing movement of the strap in the opposite direction. The combination of the notched continuous loop strap and ratchet mechanism allow the strap wrench to have a ratcheting action after the strap is tightened into place around the object to be turned.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted utility container (20) is provided having a main body (24) and an alternate use panel (26) which can be positioned in an upright fashion to close the rear opening (74) of the body (24), or alternately in a horizontal orientation within the confines of the body (24). In either orientation, the panel (26) has a tool-holding section (84) which is capable of holding handled tools (134) for travel. The main body (24) and panel (26) have interengageable mounting structure (48, 76, 78, 54, 66, 92) for maintaining the panel (26) in the alternate positions thereof. The container (20) may be mounted on the draw plate (34) of a tractor (22) by means of an improved universal hitch assembly (32). The assembly (32) includes a slotted connection plate (110) which can be attached to the hitch plates (34) of different tractors (22) together with an upright connector (116) supported by the plate (110) and received within a socket (78) formed in the front wall (42) of main body (24).

Abstract: A system for producing electricity includes a boiler unit which has a lens mounted thereon in a position to concentrate solar rays onto fluid contained in the boiler unit. A conduit system has an inlet end fluidically connected to the boiler unit to receive heated fluid therefrom and conduct the heated fluid to and through a turbine which produces electricity as a result of the heated fluid passing therethrough. The conduit system further fluidically connects an exit end of the turbine to a heat exchanger unit which contains a fluid that is heated by the fluid exhausted from the turbine. The fluid heated in the heat exchanger unit is conducted via the conduit system back to the turbine to assist the turbine in producing electricity.

Abstract: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a seam includes a miner for cutting material from the seam and a conveyor for conveying the won aggregate material from the miner for recovery. The conveyor is formed by a series of individual conveyor units that are coupled or interconnected in series so as to form a train. The coupling comprises cooperating clevises and tongues interconnected by locking pins. Each unit includes a main frame supported on ground engaging wheels. A belt conveyor is supported in the main frame and a conveyor drive mechanism is provided on each unit. The apparatus also includes a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a frame holding a conveyor for receiving won aggregate material from the conveyor train and for delivering that material to a discharge conveyor. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a reciprocating drive assembly to aid in advancing the conveyor train and miner into the seam face.

Abstract: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a seam includes a miner for cutting material from the seam and a conveyor for conveying the won aggregate material from the miner for recovery. The conveyor is formed by a series of individual conveyor units that are coupled or interconnected in series so as to form a train. The coupling comprises cooperating clevises and tongues interconnected by locking pins. Each unit includes a main frame supported on ground engaging wheels. A belt conveyor is supported in the main frame and a conveyor drive mechanism is provided on each unit. The apparatus also includes a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a frame holding a conveyor for receiving won aggregate material from the conveyor train and for delivering that material to a discharge conveyor. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a reciprocating drive assembly to aid in advancing the conveyor train and miner into the seam face.

Abstract: A launch vehicle is provided for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units that may be connected together to form a conveyor train. The launch vehicle includes an elongated frame that holds a belt conveyor for conveying aggregate material that is received from the conveyor train. A drive assembly for selectively advancing and withdrawing the conveyor train is also provided on the launch vehicle. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a mechanism for adding a modular conveyor unit to the conveyor train. More specifically, the conveyor train drive assembly includes a pair of cooperating tandem drive cylinders. Each drive cylinder includes a pusher arm unit that is adapted to engage one of the modular conveyor units of the conveyor train. The conveyor unit adding mechanism includes a positioning mechanism that holds and places a conveyor unit on the launch vehicle. A pusher cylinder is also provided to push the new conveyor unit into engagement with the rear of the conveyor train.

Abstract: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a seam includes a miner for cutting material from the seam and a conveyor for conveying the won aggregate material from the miner for recovery. The conveyor is formed by a series of individual conveyor units that are interconnected in series so as to form a train. Each unit includes a main frame supported on ground engaging wheels. A belt conveyor is supported in the main frame and a conveyor drive mechanism is provided on each unit. The apparatus also includes a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a frame holding a conveyor for receiving won aggregate material from the conveyor train and for delivering that material to a discharge conveyor. The launch vehicle also includes a pair of spaced guide tracks adapted to receive and guide the wheels that support an end conveyor unit of the conveyor train. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a reciprocating drive assembly to aid in advancing the conveyor train and miner into the seam face.

Abstract: A latch assembly (12) is adapted for use with a container having a base portion (11) and a cover (10) affixable thereto by the latch assembly (12). The base portion (11) has projections (17) extending from its sidewall and the cover (10) has lugs (14) extending therefrom. A latch plate (19) has laterally spaced ribs (25) between which an upper lever bar (28) is pivotally connected to define an upper pivot point. Ribs (45) on the upper lever bar (28) are adapted to snap over the lugs (14) to attach the latch assembly (12) to the cover (10). The lower end of a lower lever bar (30) is also pivotally connected between the ribs (25) to define a lower pivot point. The upper edge of the lower lever bar (30) is hinge connected (33, 34) to the lower edge of the upper lever bar (28) with the centerline of the hinge (33, 34) being laterally offset from a plane defining both the upper and lower pivot points.

Abstract: A porous shield of silicon carbide is incorporated into the outlet of a furnace for shielding the downstream components from radiation of heat from the furnace and to minimize the heat radiated from the furnace.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for vaporizing a normally gaseous fluid which is in liquefied state which apparatus employs solar energy for heating a second fluid which preferably is water, which solar heated second fluid is passed into heat exchange relationship with said liquefied gaseous fluid for its vaporization. The preferred liquefied gaseous fluid is liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the second fluid preferably is water which optionally contains an anti-freeze additive for prevention of freezing of the water during the operation.