Abstract: A compression device is used to increase intra-luminal pressure within the upper esophageal sphincter of a patient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective upper esophageal sphincter anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, the compression device is used in conjunction with an external pressure sensing device to determine the external pressure that is to be applied to the cricoid for a specific patient. The compression device can be a means for the management and/or treatment of abnormal upper esophageal sphincter functionality, or a means for strengthening an esophageal sphincter of a subject, or a means for curing esophageal reflux disease of a subject, or a means for improving vocal function in a subject, or a means for managing lung aspiration, or a means for applying cricoid pressure during anesthesia intubation, or a means for stabilizing body structures such as during medical imaging or radiation treatment.

Abstract: A mechanical state indicator system concealed within an enclosure includes a light source for providing light and multiple light paths coupled to the light source for directing the light. Each of the light paths includes a gap configured to receive a mechanical state indicator rigidly coupled to a mechanism. Movement of the mechanism between a first state and a second state moves the mechanical state indicator into and out of the gap. Readouts are coupled to each of the light paths for displaying an indication of mechanical state based on a position of a respective mechanical state indicator. The readouts are co-located for collective viewing.

Abstract: A mechanical state indicator system concealed within an enclosure includes a light source for providing light and multiple light paths coupled to the light source for directing the light. Each of the light paths includes a gap configured to receive a mechanical state indicator rigidly coupled to a mechanism. Movement of the mechanism between a first state and a second state moves the mechanical state indicator into and out of the gap. Readouts are coupled to each of the light paths for displaying an indication of mechanical state based on a position of a respective mechanical state indicator. The readouts are co-located for collective viewing.

Abstract: A power unit includes a drive unit and a power sprocket for engaging the transmission band of a bicycle. The power unit includes a first free-wheeling sprocket arranged on a first side of the power sprocket and a second free-wheeling sprocket arranged on a second side of the power sprocket. The power sprocket receives the transmission band from the first free-wheeling sprocket on the first side and passes the transmission band to the second free-wheeling sprocket.

Abstract: A power unit includes a drive unit and a power sprocket for engaging the transmission band of a bicycle. The power unit includes a first free-wheeling sprocket arranged on a first side of the power sprocket and a second free-wheeling sprocket arranged on a second side of the power sprocket. The power sprocket receives the transmission band from the first free-wheeling sprocket on the first side and passes the transmission band to the second free-wheeling sprocket.

Abstract: A gutter system with integral snow and ice melting cable which more effectively and efficiently prevents the formation of snow and ice dams. The gutter system comprises an elongated gutter, a gutter cover, and a pair of heating elements. The gutter cover presents a longitudinal axis and includes a rear wall adapted to be affixed to the building, a front wall spaced from the rear wall, and a bottom wall extending between a lower edge of the rear wall and a lower edge of the front wall. The gutter cover substantially covers an open end of the gutter and includes a first panel adapted to be placed over or under roofing material on the roof, a second panel attached to the first panel and adapted to overlie the open end of the gutter, and a water channel attached to the second panel for directing water into the gutter.

Abstract: A gutter cover which more effectively sheds pine tree needles and other debris and therefore resists clogging. The gutter cover comprises a first section adapted to be installed under or over roofing material on the roof; a second section attached to the first section and adapted to at least partially overlie the gutter; a water channel attached to the second channel for directing water flowing over the second section into the gutter; and a plurality of spaced-apart diverting elements positioned on the second section for orienting debris so that the debris is less likely to enter the water channel.

Abstract: A gutter cover which more effectively and efficiently prevents the clogging of gutters and the formation of ice dams without the use of heating cables and other active components. The gutter cover comprises a first section, a second section, and a passive heating element. The first section is adapted to be installed over or under roofing material covering the roof for directing water from the roof. The second section is attached to the first section and adapted to be installed over an open end of the gutter for directing the water from the roof into the gutter while preventing debris from entering the gutter. The passive heating element is provided for absorbing heat from sunlight and thereby preventing or minimizing accumulation of snow or ice on or near the second section without the use of heating cables or other active heating components.

Abstract: A gutter and roof protection system 10 comprises a gutter cover 16; a plurality of brackets 18 for supporting the gutter cover over a gutter 12 attached to a roof 14 of a building; an elongated rigid channel 20 supported by the brackets; and a heating element 22 for placement in the channel. The heating element is connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to generate heat and melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The elongated channel retains the heating element and prevents it from moving, without the use of additional fasteners. The elongated channel also positions the heating element below the gutter cover so the channel and heating element do not impede the normal flow of water over the gutter cover or collect debris.

Abstract: A gutter and roof protection system includes a gutter cover and a heating element. The gutter cover is installed over a gutter attached to a roof or other sloped surface of a building and includes a first end configured to be positioned over or under a row of shingles on the roof and an opposite, second end configured to be positioned over a portion of the gutter which is spaced from the roof. The second end includes an elongated, partially enclosed channel. The heating element is placed within the channel and then connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The channel on the second end of the gutter cover is positioned so that it places the heating cable near portions of the gutter cover and gutter that are spaced furthest from the building.

Abstract: A snow and ice resistant gutter system which more effectively and efficiently prevents the formation of ice dams. The gutter system comprises an elongated gutter adapted to be affixed to a building and a heating element for placement in the gutter for melting snow and ice which accumulates on or in the gutter. The gutter includes at least one wall defining a water-carrying channel and an elongated slot formed in the wall. The slot is sized and configured for receiving the heating element therein. The elongated slot has a depth approximately equal to the diameter of the heating element so that the heating element is generally flush with the top surface of the gutter wall so as not to block the flow of water or trap debris in the gutter.

Abstract: A gutter and roof protection system comprises a gutter cover and an attached heating element. The gutter cover is installed between a lower edge of a sloped roof and a gutter attached to the roof. The gutter cover includes at least one elongated slot. The heating element is placed within the elongated slot and then connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The slot retains the heating element and prevents it from moving without the use of fasteners. The slot also positions the heating element so that it is generally flush relative to a surface of the gutter cover so the heating element doesn't impede the flow of water or collect debris.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a material application device includes an expansion chamber for slowing down the velocity of powder fed to the nozzle from a dense phase pump. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle insert that forms the expansion chamber and provides air assist function. The nozzle includes an integral deflector, and further includes a passageway for a charging electrode so that the electrical path is routed away from the powder path, while permitting the electrode tip to be centered in the powder spray pattern from the nozzle. The nozzle also includes air wash for the electrode. The nozzle outlet orifice has a cross-sectional area that is equal to or greater than the inlet cross-sectional area so that a slow moving dense phase powder cloud is produced by the nozzle.