Abstract: A registration fixture for use with a surgical navigation system for registration of medical images to a three-dimensional tracking space includes a base frame adapted to be mounted over a flat panel detector of an x-ray medical imaging device, and a side frame having optical tracking markers mounted to the base frame. The base frame includes a first set of radiopaque markers embedded therein in a first predetermined pattern and arranged on a plane, and a second set of radiopaque markers embedded therein in a second predetermined pattern also arranged on another plane, which is spaced from the first set of radiopaque markers. The side frame has a plurality of optical tracking markers and is configured to detachably mount to the base frame.

Abstract: A registration fixture for use with a surgical navigation system for registration of medical images to a three-dimensional tracking space includes a base frame adapted to be mounted over a flat panel detector of an x-ray medical imaging device, and a side frame having optical tracking markers mounted to the base frame. The base frame includes a first set of radiopaque markers embedded therein in a first predetermined pattern and arranged on a plane, and a second set of radiopaque markers embedded therein in a second predetermined pattern also arranged on another plane, which is spaced from the first set of radiopaque markers. The side frame has a plurality of optical tracking markers and is configured to detachably mount to the base frame without piercing a sterilizing drape to be interposed between the base frame and the side frame.

Abstract: A registration fixture for use with a surgical navigation system for registration of medical images to a three-dimensional tracking space includes a base frame adapted to be mounted over a flat panel detector of an x-ray medical imaging device, and a side frame having optical tracking markers mounted to the base frame. The base frame includes a first set of radiopaque markers embedded therein in a first predetermined pattern and arranged on a plane, and a second set of radiopaque markers embedded therein in a second predetermined pattern also arranged on another plane, which is spaced from the first set of radiopaque markers. The side frame has a plurality of optical tracking markers and is configured to detachably mount to the base frame without piercing a sterilizing drape to be interposed between the base frame and the side frame.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating osteoarthritis including administering an anti-inflammatory agent to a patient, wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is ethyl (?-guanido-methyl) ethanoate. Ethyl (?-guanido-methyl) ethanoate provides a safe, non-toxic anti-inflammatory treatment for osteoarthritis.

Abstract: A double-wall heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange plate pairs. Each heat exchange plate pair forms a double-wall structure including two heat exchange plates that are at least partially separated by a leak space. At least one weep hole is disposed through the plurality of heat exchange plate pairs and intersects the leak spaces of the plurality of plate pairs to channel leaking fluid from the leak spaces to a location outside of the heat exchanger. The at least one weep hole is positioned on a surface of the heat exchanger at a location that is spaced from a side boundary of the heat exchanger thereby enabling an operator of the heat exchanger to observe a leakage on the surface of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating osteoarthritis including administering an anti-inflammatory agent to a patient, wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is ethyl (?-guanido-methyl) ethanoate. Ethyl (?-guanido-methyl) ethanoate provides a safe, non-toxic anti-inflammatory treatment for osteoarthritis.

Abstract: A double-wall heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange plate pairs. Each heat exchange plate pair forms a double-wall structure including two heat exchange plates that are at least partially separated by a leak space. At least one weep hole is disposed through the plurality of heat exchange plate pairs and intersects the leak spaces of the plurality of plate pairs to channel leaking fluid from the leak spaces to a location outside of the heat exchanger. The at least one weep hole is positioned on a surface of the heat exchanger at a location that is spaced from a side boundary of the heat exchanger thereby enabling an operator of the heat exchanger to observe a leakage on the surface of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A double-walled plate heat exchanger and method of managing the same includes a first plate including a first skin, a second skin, at least two port holes, and a leakage escape path between the first and second skins for allowing leaked fluid to exit the double-walled plate heat exchanger, the leakage escape path being in contact with a leakage orifice in one of the skins, and an outer edge of the double-walled plate heat exchanger, the first plate further including a second plate in contact with the second skin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing bird repelling chemical solutions, such as a methyl anthranilate (MA) solution in a bird inhalable size, are disclosed. A small particle haze, including a bird repelling chemical, such as MA, is created in an enclosed container. The small particle haze is created by one or more venturi nozzles. The small particle haze is filtered to remove particles in excess of a predetermined size. The remaining particles are combined with a stream of air that separates the particles into a dry haze. The stream of air also directs the combination into a dispensing tube that includes a plurality of outlets for dispensing the dry haze. Relatively small diameter sized dispensing tubes are formed of a relatively rigid material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Larger sized dispensing tubes are inflatable. The air added to inflate inflatable tubes further separates the dry haze particles.

Abstract: A bird repellant dispensing process and system is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment pressurizes a bird repellant solution at a pressure of at least 85 psi, the bird repellant solution comprising Methyl Anthranilate oil and a propellant, and wherein the Methyl Anthranilate oil and a liquid portion of the propellant is mixed when pressurized. The a bird repellant solution is dispensed as a vapor haze from an aerosol nozzle directed towards a region of space frequented by birds, wherein the aerosol nozzle is operable to produce from the bird repellant solution a vapor haze defined by an average particle size less than about 10 microns upon activation of the aerosol nozzle.

Abstract: An aerosol tiny mist hazer apparatus. The apparatus has an aerosol can that contains about 10% by weight Methyl Anthranilate oil and about 90% by weight of an isobutane and propane propellant mixture. The apparatus has an aerosol valve with a vapor tap at the top and having a fine aerosol nozzle for producing a fine, evenly dispersed and stable haze having particle sizes less than 20 microns (in the form of a breathable haze) for use in maintaining birds flying away.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a machine for dispersing a liquid bird repellent solution. The method includes providing a liquid bird repellent solution at a first orifice. The first orifice is defined in a liquid conduit. A flow of air is released through a second orifice to an ambient atmosphere. The second orifice is defined in an air conduit. The air conduit encloses the first orifice and contains air at a pressure significantly elevated with respect to that of the ambient atmosphere. The second orifice is spaced sufficiently apart from the first orifice to allow the flow of air to form a venturi to entrain droplets of the liquid bird repellent solution into the flow of air from the first orifice.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing the chemical solutions, such as a low viscosity liquid chemical solution for inhaling size, are disclosed. A small particle haze, including a liquid chemical, such as low viscosity liquids that are inhaled when in haze form, is created in an enclosed container. The small particle haze is created by one or more venturi nozzles. The small particle haze is filtered to remove particles in excess of a predetermined size. The remaining particles are combined with a stream of air that separates the particles into a dry haze. The stream of air also directs the combination into a dispensing tube that includes a plurality of outlets for dispensing the dry haze. Relatively small diameter sized dispensing tubes are formed of a relatively rigid material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Larger sized dispensing tubes are inflatable. The air added to inflate inflatable tubes further separates the dry haze particles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing bird repelling chemical solutions, such as a methyl anthranilate (MA) solution in a bird inhalable size, are disclosed. A small particle haze, including a bird repelling chemical, such as MA, is created in an enclosed container. The small particle haze is created by one or more venturi nozzles. The small particle haze is filtered to remove particles in excess of a predetermined size. The remaining particles are combined with a stream of air that separates the particles into a dry haze. The stream of air also directs the combination into a dispensing tube that includes a plurality of outlets for dispensing the dry haze. Relatively small diameter sized dispensing tubes are formed of a relatively rigid material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Larger sized dispensing tubes are inflatable. The air added to inflate inflatable tubes further separates the dry haze particles.

Abstract: An aerosol tiny mist hazer apparatus. The apparatus has an aerosol can that contains about 10% by weight Methyl Anthranilate oil and about 90% by weight of an isobutane and propane propellant mixture. The apparatus has an aerosol valve with a vapor tap at the top and having a fine aerosol nozzle for producing a fine, evenly dispersed and stable haze having particle sizes less than 20 microns (in the form of a breathable haze) for use in maintaining birds flying away.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly, sock, and method for generating foam. The assembly includes a housing having a chamber, and a first and second orifice. A fan arranged within the housing draws a flow of air into the chamber through the first orifice and exhausts the flow of air through the second orifice to form an exhausted flow of air. A nozzle is arranged within the chamber and is situated in proximity to the second orifice to allow introduction of a fluid into the exhausted flow of air through the second orifice. A permeable sock includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The sock is arranged to occlude the second orifice in a manner to receive the exhausted flow of air with the fluid at the inner surface.

Abstract: A fluid connector for providing an inlet/outlet connection to a connecting grid of a heat exchanger is disclosed in which the connector has a tubular body formed with an integral outwardly directed flange by means of which a fluid tight connection to the connecting grid can be achieved. The flange may be sealed relative to an aperture in a plate of the connecting grid. Alternatively, the aperture may be provided with a structural ring and the flange sealed relative to the structural ring for adapting the aperture to the size and/or position of the flange. A set of structural rings may be provided for use of the connecting grid with different connectors. The structural ring may allow the connector to be detached without disassembling the connecting grid. The aperture may be closed by a blanking disc.

Abstract: A fluid connector for providing an inlet/outlet connection to a connecting grid of a heat exchanger is disclosed in which the connector has a tubular body formed with an integral outwardly directed flange by means of which a fluid tight connection to the connecting grid can be achieved. The flange may be sealed relative to an aperture in a plate of the connecting grid. Alternatively, the aperture may be provided with a structural ring and the flange sealed relative to the structural ring for adapting the aperture to the size and/or position of the flange. A set of structural rings may be provided for use of the connecting grid with different connectors. The structural ring may allow the connector to be detached without disassembling the connecting grid. The aperture may be closed by a blanking disc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a machine for dispersing a liquid bird repellent solution. The method includes providing a liquid bird repellent solution at a first orifice. The first orifice is defined in a liquid conduit. A flow of air is released through a second orifice to an ambient atmosphere. The second orifice is defined in an air conduit. The air conduit encloses the first orifice and contains air at a pressure significantly elevated with respect to that of the ambient atmosphere. The second orifice is spaced sufficiently apart from the first orifice to allow the flow of air to form a venturi to entrain droplets of the liquid bird repellent solution into the flow of air from the first orifice.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly, sock, and method for generating foam. The assembly includes a housing having a chamber, and a first and second orifice. A fan arranged within the housing draws a flow of air into the chamber through the first orifice and exhausts the flow of air through the second orifice to form an exhausted flow of air. A nozzle is arranged within the chamber and is situated in proximity to the second orifice to allow introduction of a fluid into the exhausted flow of air through the second orifice. A permeable sock includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The sock is arranged to occlude the second orifice in a manner to receive the exhausted flow of air with the fluid at the inner surface.