Abstract: A variable rate leaf spring vehicle suspension system includes a vehicle frame. The suspension system also includes a single leaf spring extending from a first end to a second end. The suspension system further includes a tension shackle pivotably coupled to the vehicle frame about an axis, the tension shackle defining a channel, the second end of the leaf spring disposed within the channel of the tension shackle, wherein the axis about which the tension shackle is pivotable is below the second end of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension system for a vehicle includes an axle. The leaf spring suspension system includes a leaf spring having a top side, a bottom side, and a pair of side edges, wherein at least one of the side edges defines a pair of recesses extending inwardly from the side edge. The leaf spring suspension system also includes a clamping assembly operatively coupling the leaf spring to the axle, the clamping assembly comprising a pair of U-shaped bars, wherein a portion of the U-shaped bars is disposed within the pair of recesses of the leaf spring.

Abstract: Aspects of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such aspects can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some aspects can include a sheath with inner and outer layers having at least one folded portion of the inner liner. Some aspects include the inner liner having etched, unetched, and otherwise surface-modified portions. Aspects of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension mount assembly includes a bracket coupled to a suspension mounting component and coupled to a frame component of the vehicle. The assembly also includes a vertical adjustment assembly operatively coupled to the bracket. The assembly further includes an electric motor operatively coupled to the vertical adjustment assembly to adjust the vertical position of the bracket.

Abstract: A variable rate leaf spring vehicle suspension system includes a vehicle frame. The suspension system also includes a single leaf spring extending from a first end to a second end. The suspension system further includes a tension shackle pivotably coupled to the vehicle frame about an axis, the tension shackle defining a channel, the second end of the leaf spring disposed within the channel of the tension shackle, wherein the axis about which the tension shackle is pivotable is below the second end of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A variable rate leaf spring vehicle suspension system is provided. The system includes a vehicle frame. The system also includes a single leaf spring extending from a first end to a second end. The system further includes a shackle operatively coupled to the vehicle frame and defining a channel, the second end of the leaf spring disposed within the channel of the shackle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a leaf spring. The vehicle suspension system also includes a sensor embedded within the leaf spring and in operative communication with a vehicle system.

Abstract: A variable rate leaf spring vehicle suspension system is provided. The system includes a vehicle frame. The system also includes a single leaf spring extending from a first end to a second end. The system further includes a shackle operatively coupled to the vehicle frame and defining a channel, the second end of the leaf spring disposed within the channel of the shackle.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension mount assembly includes a bracket coupled to a suspension mounting component and coupled to a frame component of the vehicle. The assembly also includes a vertical adjustment assembly operatively coupled to the bracket. The assembly further includes an electric motor operatively coupled to the vertical adjustment assembly to adjust the vertical position of the bracket.

Abstract: Biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 10 days and one year or longer.

Abstract: Biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 10 days and one year or longer.

Abstract: A backup water heater for installation downstream of a water outlet of a thermosiphon solar water heater includes a corrosion resistant tank having a fin heat exchanger. A burner is supplied with gas from a gas feed valve system that includes at least one electrovalve connected to a cast body configured. A bimetallic temperature detector is disposed to detect the temperature of water in the tank, and a flow detector is disposed so as to activated by water flow through the tank. A first spark plug ignites the burner, and a second spark plug positioned to detect current changes in the first spark plug generated by ionization effect after the burner is ignited. An electronic controller is in operative communication with the various components to send a current to the first spark plug upon detection of a low setpoint temperature from the temperature detector and a detected setpoint flow from the flow detector.

Abstract: A backup water heater for a solar water heater operates by means of an electronic card that initiates the operation of the heater in response to temperature and flow signals. A burner is lit gradually by an electrical spark emitted by a spark plug connected to the electronic card, which controls gas feed to the burner. As soon as the burner is lit, the electric current generated by the first spark plug is transformed by the ionization effect, changing the polarization of the current, which is detected by another spark plug that emits the change signal to the electronic card for further control of the water heater.

Abstract: Biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 10 days and one year or longer.

Abstract: Method for the treatment of conditions including ocular and neurodegenerative conditions in a mammal using a composition which comprises an effective amount of an alpha 1 adrenoreceptor antagonist.

Abstract: A traffic control system (and associated method) according to the present invention includes a feedback control mechanism in which the controlled variable is processor occupancy, the controlling variable is the amount of resources necessary to satisfy the operational requirements of the switching system, and the set point is the average expected load based on a Poisson arrival rate. Current processor occupancy is compared, on an instantaneous basis against the set point to determine if it exceeds the average expected load. If so, the controlling variable is adjusted to allocate additional resources to process the offered traffic load. The process continues until the traffic burst expires. Additional resources may be obtained by eliminating or deferring non-essential work, and by allocating additional call registers, effectively accepting work in larger increments or batches.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions and a method are disclosed for treating glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension in the mammalian eye by topically administering to the mammalian eye the ophthalmic composition of the invention which contains as the active ingredient one or more gamma aminobutyric acid agonist compounds.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and a method are disclosed for treating glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension in the mammalian eye by administering to the mammalian eye the pharmaceutical composition of the invention which contains, as the active ingredient, one or more compounds having potassium channel blocking activity. Examples of potassium channel blockers utilized in the pharmaceutical composition and method of treatment are quinine, tremogenic indole alkaloids, such as Penitrem A and paspalicine, and insect toxins such as charybdotoxin and iberiotoxin.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and a method are disclosed for treating glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension in the mammalian eye by administering to the mammalian eye the pharmaceutical composition of the invention which contains as the active ingredient one or more compounds having calcium chelating activity. Examples of calcium chelating agents utilized in the pharmaceutical composition and method of treatment are: ##STR1## and lower alkyl and alkoxyalkyl esters thereof.