Abstract: A surgical light head and proximity detection method includes a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the housing and configured to direct light at a target region of interest, and a plurality of distance sensors arranged in the housing. At least two of the distance sensors have field of views that overlap to define a common detection region of interest and the common detection region of interest at least partially overlaps with the target region of interest. The light head may have a plurality of integrally formed tilted seats that position the distance sensors relative to a center line of focus of the surgical light head. The distance sensors may be integrated in the housing via an optical component that is sealed relative to the housing and covers the distance sensor while enabling transmission and receipt of distance sensing signals therethrough.

Abstract: A system for identification of abnormalities related to illumination of a target and automatic compensation therefor includes a lighthead and a controller. The lighthead is configured to illuminate the target. The lighthead includes a plurality of lighting modules configured to emit light therefrom. Each of the lighting modules includes a distance sensor configured to measure a distance from the lighting module to a surface toward which the lighting module is pointed. The controller is configured to identify one or more abnormalities of the measured distances, determine a true distance from the lighthead to the target based on the measured distances, predict an amount of illumination based on the true distance that would be supplied to the target without the identified abnormalities, and compensate for the identified abnormalities by respectively adjusting an amount of light emitted from the lighting modules to illuminate the target according to the predicted amount of illumination.

Abstract: A surgical lighting system includes a central shaft, a surgical light head, an extension arm, a load balancing arm, and a yoke assembly. The extension arm is pivotably mounted to the central shaft. The load balancing arm is pivotably mounted to the extension arm. The yoke assembly supports the light head for multi-axis movement relative to the load balancing arm. The surgical light head includes a plurality of light emitting elements that are arranged to emit light downward to a region of interest and an optical signal generating component configured to capture data associated with the region of interest and generate an optical signal based on the captured data. Optical fiber cables and rotatable joints transmit the optical signal associated with the captured data from the surgical light head to one or more of the yoke assembly, the load balancing arm, the extension arm, and the central shaft.

Abstract: A surgical light head and proximity detection method includes a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the housing and configured to direct light at a target region of interest, and a plurality of distance sensors arranged in the housing. At least two of the distance sensors have field of views that overlap to define a common detection region of interest and the common detection region of interest at least partially overlaps with the target region of interest. The light head may have a plurality of integrally formed tilted seats that position the distance sensors relative to a center line of focus of the surgical light head. The distance sensors may be integrated in the housing via an optical component that is sealed relative to the housing and covers the distance sensor while enabling transmission and receipt of distance sensing signals therethrough.

Abstract: A system for identification of abnormalities related to illumination of a target and automatic compensation therefor includes a lighthead and a controller. The lighthead is configured to illuminate the target. The lighthead includes a plurality of lighting modules configured to emit light therefrom. Each of the lighting modules includes a distance sensor configured to measure a distance from the lighting module to a surface toward which the lighting module is pointed. The controller is configured to identify one or more abnormalities of the measured distances, determine a true distance from the lighthead to the target based on the measured distances, predict an amount of illumination based on the true distance that would be supplied to the target without the identified abnormalities, and compensate for the identified abnormalities by respectively adjusting an amount of light emitted from the lighting modules to illuminate the target according to the predicted amount of illumination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning addresses to components sharing a common bus. In one embodiment, an iterative elimination process is used to assign the addresses to each component. In another embodiment, each component includes a distance sensor that detects a distance to a front face of a calibration plank. Addresses are assigned to the components based upon the distance readings of the sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning addresses to components sharing a common bus. In one embodiment, an iterative elimination process is used to assign the addresses to each component. In another embodiment, each component includes a distance sensor that detects a distance to a front face of a calibration plank. Addresses are assigned to the components based upon the distance readings of the sensors.

Abstract: A sucker rod terminus assembly is provided for use in downhole wells. The sucker rod terminus assembly includes a plurality of parallel composite strands forming an elongate rod and a metallic terminus fitting. The terminus fitting has a cavity with a proximal opening to receive the rod end. The cavity includes a plurality of frustum shaped chambers. Preferably, the frustum shaped chambers have different sizes or shapes wherein at least a frustum chamber's proximal end diameter, distal end diameter, or length is different than an adjacent frustum chamber's proximal end diameter, distal end diameter, or length. Even more preferably, each frustum chamber is diametrically larger than the frustum chamber positioned proximally to it. Preferably, the sucker rod assembly further includes a spreader plate, preferably made up of a plurality of pieces and a hardened material to affix the rod to the terminus fitting.

Abstract: Dual directional latch devices or connectors are described wherein a first connector component and a second connector component have a first latched position and a second latched position when moving in a first direction and wherein movement in a second direction is also possible depending on a stop feature. As described, a combination key and key way, a movable sleeve, a stop flange, and a threaded sleeve may be provided to stop movement in the second direction. The dual direction latch devices may be used with articles of manufacture such as with implantable medical devices, door panels, airplane panels, and drilling devices, to name a few.

Abstract: A composite sucker rod assembly is provided for use in down-hole wells. The sucker rod assembly includes a plurality of parallel composite strands forming an elongate rod. Preferably, both ends of the rod are fitted with metallic terminus fittings. Each terminus fitting has a tapered cavity with a proximal opening to receive a rod end. The cavity is tapered so as to flare outwardly from said cavity's proximal opening toward the cavity's distal end. The sucker rod assembly further includes a spreader plate, preferably made up of a plurality of pieces, which has holes to receive and splay out the plurality rod strands. A hardened material, such as a hardened resin, is introduced into the cavity and allowed to harden to affix the rod to the terminus fitting. Preferably the hardened resin is compressed by a connection member.

Abstract: Dual directional latch devices or connectors are described wherein a first connector component and a second connector component have a first latched position and a second latched position when moving in a first direction and wherein movement in a second direction is also possible when a restriction feature is overcome. As described, opposing magnetic forces, pneumatic pressure, spring force, and a crushable force may be incorporated so that further movement in the second direction must overcome the restriction feature. The dual direction latch devices may be used with articles of manufacture such as with implantable medical devices, door panels, airplane panels, and drilling devices to name a few.

Abstract: A progressive release or multi-point engagement device according to aspect of the present disclosure includes a first component and a second component connected to the first component with mounted coil spring. The first component is movable relative to the second component and latch by moving the canted coil spring to a second common groove. Alternatively, a second spring is used to move the second component and relative to a third component. When a second engagement position is desired, a relatively higher a force may be necessary to move the relevant component.

Abstract: Fastening devices are disclosed herein with variations on how said devices resist loosening or un-fastening from a structure or structures. In some examples, the fastening devices accomplish the removal resistant condition by using a spring component engaging ridged surfaces. The spring component generally consists of a spring ring conveniently coiled to a canting position. One exemplary design is characterized by incorporating a screw element with its head underside surface being ridged and a lock element with a ridged topside surface and engaging the two ridges surfaces. Another exemplary design is characterized by a screw element having a head outer sidewall being ridged for cooperating with a bore having a ridged inner sidewall. The bore can be part of a first body or structure or a lock element.

Abstract: A progressive release or multi-point engagement device according to aspect of the present disclosure includes a first component and a second component connected to the first component with a canted coil spring. The first component is movable relative to the second component and latch by moving the canted coil spring to a second common groove. Alternatively, a second spring is used to move the second component and relative to a third component. When a second engagement position is desired, a relatively higher a force may be necessary to move the relevant component.

Abstract: Connector assemblies for use with implantable medical devices having easy to assemble contacts are disclosed. The connector assemblies are generally formed by coupling a plurality of ring contacts, sealing rings, and spring contact elements together with at least one holding ring to form a connector having a common bore for receiving a medical lead cable. Contact grooves or spring chambers for positioning the spring contact elements are formed in part by assembling multiple components together. A further aspect is a provision for encasing each connector assembly or stack inside a thermoset layer or a thermoplastic layer before over-molding the same to a sealed housing.

Abstract: A connector includes a canted coil spring, a multi-piece housing, and an insert element. The multi-piece housing includes a first housing part defining a bore of the housing, and a second housing part connected to the first housing part and comprising a tapered wall defined by a first section of the second housing part with a first inner diameter and a second section of the second housing part with a second inner diameter greater than the first inner diameter. A groove is formed in the bore by the connection of the first housing part with the second housing part, the groove having at least a portion of the canted coil spring disposed therein and having a tapered side wall formed at least partly by the tapered wall of the second housing part. The insert element is insertable into the bore to engage the canted coil spring for connection with the housing.

Abstract: Fastening devices are disclosed herein with variations on how said devices resist loosening or un-fastening from a structure or structures. In some examples, the fastening devices accomplish the removal resistant condition by using a spring component engaging ridged surfaces. The spring component generally consists of a spring ring conveniently coiled to a canting position. One exemplary design is characterized by incorporating a screw element with its head underside surface being ridged and a lock element with a ridged topside surface and engaging the two ridges surfaces. Another exemplary design is characterized by a screw element having a head outer sidewall being ridged for cooperating with a bore having a ridged inner sidewall. The bore can be part of a first body or structure or a lock element.

Abstract: Connector assemblies for use with implantable medical devices having easy to assemble contacts are disclosed. The connector assemblies are generally formed by coupling a plurality of ring contacts, sealing rings, and spring contact elements together with at least one holding ring to form a connector having a common bore for receiving a medical lead cable. Contact grooves or spring chambers for positioning the spring contact elements are formed in part by assembling multiple components together. A further aspect is a provision for encasing each connector assembly or stack inside a thermoset layer or a thermoplastic layer before over-molding the same to a sealed housing.

Abstract: Connector assemblies for use with implantable medical devices having easy to assemble contacts are disclosed. The connector assemblies are generally formed by coupling a plurality of ring contacts, sealing rings, and spring contact elements together with at least one holding ring to form a connector having a common bore for receiving a medical lead cable. Contact grooves or spring chambers for positioning the spring contact elements are formed in part by assembling multiple components together. A further aspect is a provision for encasing each connector assembly or stack inside a thermoset layer or a thermoplastic layer before over-molding the same to a sealed housing.

Abstract: A progressive release or multi-point engagement device according to aspect of the present disclosure includes a first component and a second component connected to the first component with mounted coil spring. The first component is movable relative to the second component and latch by moving the canted coil spring to a second common groove. Alternatively, a second spring is used to move the second component and relative to a third component. When a second engagement position is desired, a relatively higher a force may be necessary to move the relevant component.