Abstract: A medical apparatus operable to induce localized hyperthermia in a patient via an electromagnetic field emitted by an antenna of an applicator connected to an output of the medical apparatus includes a signal generator, a bidirectional coupler, and a controller. The signal generator generates a radio frequency signal as a function of an operating parameter to a single cable to an applicator. The bidirectional coupler provides the radio frequency signal generated by the signal generator to the output and receives a reflected signal from the output at the applicator. First and second low pass filters isolate the radio frequency signal and reflected signal from a temperature sensing signal transmitted via the single cable to at least one temperature sensor of the applicator.

Abstract: A compressor electrical component enclosure may include a base and a lid. The base may include first and second opposing surfaces and a magnet. The magnet may be coupled to the second surface and may secure the base to a compressor shell. The lid may engage the base and cooperate with the base to define an electrical component housing.

Abstract: A thermal cut-off device can include a case, a first electrically conductive lead disposed at a first end of the case, a thermally responsive pellet housed within the case, a second electrically conductive lead disposed at a second end of the case and having a distal end including a contact surface, an electrically conductive contact disposed between the pellet and the second lead, a first biasing member disposed between the pellet and the contact, and a second biasing member disposed between the contact and the second end of the case.

Abstract: A downhole actuator or valve for inclusion in a downhole drill string used in a well includes an obstructing member, such as a piston, moveable between: a first position and a second position; and a retaining member, such as a ball, moveable between: a retaining position which retains the obstructing member in the first position; and, a release position which does not retain the obstructing member in the first position and/or allows or causes the obstructing member to move to the second position. The retaining member is moved in use between the retaining position and release position at least in part by centrifugal forces caused by rotation of the entire drill string within which the downhole actuator/valve is included. Thus, at least some control of the actuation of the downhole actuator/valve may be afforded by rotation thereof.

Abstract: A needle safety device is provided having a housing, a needle assembly movably mounted within the housing and a spring for biasing the needle assembly within the housing. The needle assembly is movable along a first axis and the spring is movable along the second axis different from the first. There is also provided a lens for enhancing visualization of the flow of fluid through the needle safety device. There is further provided a safety sheath for covering a needle of the needle assembly and restraining the needle assembly against movement due to the bias of the spring.

Abstract: The wheeled exercise device described herein includes a wheel adapted to be rolled along a ground surface by a user for exercise, the wheel bounded by wheel side surfaces with a central opening in each wheel side surface, and an elongate central axle extending along a central horizontal axis through the wheel that is parallel to the ground surface. The device further includes a pair of elongate handles coupled to the central axle, each attached to an end of the axle at a corresponding central opening in a wheel side surface. Each handle further includes upper and lower elongate surfaces that are oriented at an angle to the central horizontal axis so that a substantial length portion thereof extends away from its corresponding wheel side surface and downward toward the ground surface with the wheel at rest or rotating thereon.

Abstract: A wheeled exercise device includes a first wheel part and a second wheel part coupled to the first wheel part, with the first and second wheel parts coupled together on a central axle therethrough so as to form a central main wheel with a generally flat center circumference and angled outer circumferential sides. The device includes a pair of handles, each handle extending outward and downward at an angle from the central axle from a corresponding wheel part.

Abstract: A needle safety device is provided having a housing, a needle assembly movably mounted within the housing and a spring for biasing the needle assembly within the housing. The needle assembly is movable along a first axis and the spring is movable along the second axis different from the first. There is also provided a lens for enhancing visualization of the flow of fluid through the needle safety device. There is further provided a safety sheath for covering a needle of the needle assembly and restraining the needle assembly against movement due to the bias of the spring.

Abstract: A thermal cut-off device can include a case, a first electrically conductive lead disposed at a first end of the case, a thermally responsive pellet housed within the case, a second electrically conductive lead disposed at a second end of the case and having a distal end including a contact surface, an electrically conductive contact disposed between the pellet and the second lead, a first biasing member disposed between the pellet and the contact, and a second biasing member disposed between the contact and the second end of the case.

Abstract: Slip-on handgun grips which contribute to accuracy and speed of target acquisition and make shooting a handgun a more pleasant experience by providing a comfortable, secure grip; and by isolating a shooter's thumb from impact and reducing shock, muzzle jump, twist, and recoil when the handgun is fired. The grip is fabricated from a stretchable elastomeric material. This material plus breakaway technology, external grooving, and a thumb-isolating tab maximize the enumerated benefits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining contents of a conduit containing at least one fluid is described. The conduit may be at least partially defined by at least one wall portion. The wall portion may be cooled. After cooling said, the temperature at least one temperature sensor located adjacent to the wall portion may be measured. A characteristic of said contents is determined based on said measured temperature at the or each temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method of decision definition using a rules vocabulary includes: receiving free form input; identifying terms contained within the free form input; searching the rules vocabulary objects for terms; responsive to the term being found, obtaining input from a user as to whether to use the found term; responsive to the term not being found; searching the rules vocabulary attributes for terms having attributes corresponding to the term; responsive to the term being found, obtaining input from a user as to whether to use the found term; and refactoring the free form input with the found term accepted by the user. The method also includes updating the rules vocabulary with the term identified in the free form input as a synonym for the term found in said rules vocabulary. One embodiment further provides a method of determining semantic equivalence between a plurality of rules using a rules database having preferred terms.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing flowable materials has a container (12) having an outer wall (16) and a membrane (34) collectively defining a first chamber (18) configured to contain a flowable material. The membrane (34) extends from the outer wall (16) at an angle. The membrane (34) has a thickness and a weld seam (40), and the weld seam (40) has a thickness less than the thickness of the membrane (34).

Abstract: Fall away arrow rests for archery bows. The rests have an arm with an arrow-supporting feature and an arm-associated axle which pivots the arm to displace the arrow-supporting feature between a first, arrow-loading position and a second, more elevated, arrow-launching position. The arrow support arm can be adjusted vertically, laterally, and in fore-and-aft directions relative to a riser or other rigid bow component on which the rest is mounted. One or more dampers can be advantageously attached to arrow rest structural members to reduce shock and vibrations, including noise, as the arrow support arm displaces the arrow-supporting feature between its first and second positions, especially as an arrow is launched from the bow.

Abstract: An electric pump comprises a stator, a rotor, and an endshield. The interface plate is fixed to the stator and is configured to couple the electric motor to a pump. The pump volute is formed as an integral portion of the endshield, thereby minimizing the axial length of the electric pump. A drainage passageway is provided on the endshield to harmlessly drain away any fluid that seeps past the pump's seals. In one embodiment of the invention, the drainage passageway is a groove that faces the stator and is configured to facilitate the evaporation of and leak fluid by channeling the fluid near the stator, which warms the fluid and thereby increases the fluid's evaporation rate.

Abstract: A safety needle is provided which includes blocking structure to maintain a sharp tip of a needle safely within a housing and prevent re-advancement of a needle from a safety needle housing. The safety needle includes flexible blocking members positioned on an inner needle assembly which are configured to engage an outer housing after the needle assembly has been fully retracted within the outer housing.

Abstract: A method of decision definition using a rules vocabulary includes: receiving free form input; identifying terms contained within the free form input; searching the rules vocabulary objects for terms; responsive to the term being found, obtaining input from a user as to whether to use the found term; responsive to the term not being found; searching the rules vocabulary attributes for terms having attributes corresponding to the term; responsive to the term being found, obtaining input from a user as to whether to use the found term; and refactoring the free form input with the found term accepted by the user. The method also includes updating the rules vocabulary with the term identified in the free form input as a synonym for the term found in said rules vocabulary. One embodiment further provides a method of determining semantic equivalence between a plurality of rules using a rules database having preferred terms.

Abstract: A display system for receiving an input signal is provided. The system includes an LCD display screen configured to indicate a signal parameter and to display text relating to the input signal. The LCD display screen includes a first area where the signal parameter is indicated and a second area where the text relating to the input signal is displayed. The display system includes a plurality of LEDs configured to provide a back illumination for the LCD display screen. The plurality of LEDs includes a first group of LEDs a second group of LEDs. The display system includes a guidance structure for guiding light emitted from the plurality of LEDs to the LCD display screen. The guidance structure limits an emission of light from the first group of LEDs to the first area and limits an emission of light from the second group of LEDs to the second area.

Abstract: A manually retracted safety needle device is provided having a rigid wing structure to stabilize the safety needle against the body of a patient. The safety needle device includes an elongate housing having a hub movably mounted therein. A tissue penetrating needle extends distally from the hub and a fluid conveying tube extends proximally from the hub. The rigid wing structure extends substantially along the length of the elongate member and, in one embodiment, includes wings extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The safety needle is also provided with various finger gripping structures to facilitate manipulation of the safety needle device relative to the patient.

Abstract: An electric pump has a stator, a rotor, a pump volute, and an endshield. The pump volute and the endshield are formed together as a single monolithic part, thereby minimizing the axial length of the electric pump. A drainage passageway is provided on the endshield to harmlessly drain away any fluid that seeps past the pump's seals. In one embodiment of the invention, the drainage passageway is a groove that faces the stator and is configured to facilitate the evaporation of and leak fluid by channeling the fluid near the stator, which warms the fluid and thereby increases the fluid's evaporation rate.