Abstract: A self-drilling suture inserter including a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis having a proximal end and a distal end, which is connected to a tubular portion. The inserter also includes an inserter tip, which is attached to and extends distally from the shaft. The inserter tip comprises a suture anchor retention slot extending therethrough. The inserter tip also comprises a distal end with a drilling point. The tubular portion can also include an outer tube having a first inner volume and a suture tube having a second inner volume. The suture tube extends within the first inner volume of the outer tube.

Abstract: A self-drilling suture inserter including a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis having a proximal end and a distal end, which is connected to a tubular portion. The inserter also includes an inserter tip, which is attached to and extends distally from the shaft. The inserter tip comprises a suture anchor retention slot extending therethrough. The inserter tip also comprises a distal end with a drilling point. The tubular portion can also include an outer tube having a first inner volume and a suture tube having a second inner volume. The suture tube extends within the first inner volume of the outer tube.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for enhancing delivered audio signals are disclosed which may be employed in a delivery system at a server side, a client side, or both. The techniques include forming a processed audio signal by processing audio signals through multiple pathways which operate on different frequency bands using dynamic processing and other elements, and thereafter providing recording or listening environment enhancements and other sound enhancements to the processed audio signal. Also disclosed are techniques and systems for implementing the multi-pathway processing and environmental and sound enhancements.

Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an intraluminal prosthesis within a patient's body includes an inner sheath having longitudinally spaced proximal and distal inner sheath ends. A nose cone is connected to the distal inner sheath end. An intraluminal prosthesis sheath has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal intraluminal prosthesis sheath ends and a hollow intraluminal prosthesis sheath bore at least partially surrounding the inner sheath. The intraluminal prosthesis sheath is adapted for movement relative to the inner sheath. A stopper is connected to the inner sheath at a location longitudinally spaced from the nose cone. The stopper extends radially between the inner sheath and the intraluminal prosthesis sheath. An annular intraluminal prosthesis space is defined radially between the intraluminal prosthesis sheath and the inner sheath and longitudinally between the stopper and the nose cone. The annular intraluminal prosthesis space is adapted to contain a compressed intraluminal prosthesis.

Abstract: A tine raking device includes a frame and a conveyor assembly supported on the frame. The conveyor assembly has a conveyor belt defining perforations sized to allow passage therethrough of granules of sand and to prevent passage therethrough of larger sized debris to be removed from a ground surface. Flexible tines extending outwardly from the conveyor belt. The tines are arranged in rows across a width of the conveyor belt. The rows each are longitudinally spaced from adjacent rows along the conveyor belt such that a generally unimpeded path is defined along an outer surface of the conveyor belt for debris to flow between adjacent tines along an associated row. The conveyor assembly includes a lower section for permitting the tines to contact and remove debris from a ground surface being cleaned, and an inclined section for lifting debris on the conveyor belt away from the ground surface being cleaned.

Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: A telecommunication system includes a digital switch, a local loop coupling the digital switch to a subscriber location, wherein a segment of the local loop includes copper twisted pair and wherein an asymmetrical digital subscriber line is carried by the local loop, the asymmetrical digital subscriber line including a plurality of data packets capable of carrying a plurality of derived digital telephone lines. The telecommunication system further includes a subscriber unit coupled to the asymmetrical digital subscriber line. The subscriber unit monitors the content of at least one of the plurality of data packets, receives an off-hook signal in response to an action of a user, and initiates a first derived digital telephone line of the plurality of derived digital telephone lines in response to the off-hook signal.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for enhancing delivered audio signals are disclosed which may be employed in a delivery system at a server side, a client side, or both. The techniques include forming a processed audio signal by processing audio signals through multiple pathways which operate on different frequency bands using dynamic processing and other elements, and thereafter providing recording or listening environment enhancements and other sound enhancements to the processed audio signal. Also disclosed are techniques and systems for implementing the multi-pathway processing and environmental and sound enhancements.

Abstract: Methods of making a molded display form (i.e. a mannequin) or other article are provided, of an elastomeric material having a pigment and/or dye mixed therein, said form having a selected uniform color throughout the thickness of said material. Any desirable color may be selected, e.g., skin color (to approximate that of any race) grey, tan, red, blue, yellow, metallic colors such as gold and silver, and mixtures thereof. White and black molded articles are also provided herein. The processes of this invention are especially suitable for producing articles having a uniform color throughout without streaking. The forms of this invention are non-brittle, resist burning, and stand up well to high temperatures. If they are scraped or chipped, the uniform color of the material throughout will make the injury less noticeable.

Abstract: Methods of forming intermediates from PHAs are disclosed.

Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a joining or locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a tab or disk that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly. The invention provides a friction assembly fixture recessed in the end of a first limb member to be joined. A tab formed as part of, or attached to, a second limb member is inserted into the first limb member to contact the friction assembly fixture. The first and second limb members are held in pivotal contact.

Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a disc (or tab) that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly.

Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a disc (or tab) that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes a housing (104), a substrate (257) seated in the housing (104), and a switch assembly (122) positioned in the housing (104). The switch assembly (122) has a body (200), contact pads (204), and contact arms (202). The contact pads (204) are carried on the substrate (257) and the contact arms (202) are carried on the body (200). The contact arms (202) abut the contact pads (204) and are deflected thereby. Such abutment electrically connects the switch assembly (122) to the substrate (257) without soldering.

Abstract: A distribution system for agricultural chemicals includes a primary auger conveyor that delivers particulates from a common hopper structure. The hopper is provided with primary and secondary particulate compartments. Primary particulate compartment discharges into a first auger conveyor. When a mixture of two particulate components is desired, the second component can be discharged from the secondary hopper compartment by operation of a second conveyor leading to the first. Liquid stored on-board the supporting vehicle can also be discharged into the main auger conveyor to wet the particulates prior to their delivery.

Abstract: A transverse air distribution system for field application of particulates, such as fertilizers, utilizes a plurality of pneumatic delivery tubes. The delivery tubes are arranged in two vertically stacked transverse layers. Air is supplied through a manifold chamber in communication with each layer of tubes. A metered amount of particulates is discharged into vertical chutes leading to the individual delivery tubes by operation of individual rotating metering augers. The number of metering auger outlets corresponds to the number of delivery tubes, assuring that identical amounts of particulate flow will be provided to each delivery tube during operation of the apparatus. A supporting metering housing and delivery tube housing are hinged to the vehicle frame to provide convenient access for repair, modification or cleaning of the metering system.