Abstract: A conveyor system has an endless belt with an upper transport portion sized to support a wheeled structure, and a lower return portion. A support deck is positioned to support the upper transport portion of the endless belt, the support deck includes a lower support deck structure, and wear plates that are supported on the lower support deck structure. The support deck includes alignment aperture pairs. Each alignment aperture pair includes a first alignment aperture through the lower support deck structure, and a second alignment aperture through one of the plurality of wear plates. A belt-rinsing system is provided and includes a plurality of rinsing system outlet bodies, wherein each of the plurality of rinsing system outlet bodies extends into one of the first alignment apertures of the lower support deck structure and into one of the second alignment apertures of one of the plurality of wear plates.

Abstract: A rollerless idler module and a vehicle conveyor system having the same are provided. The vehicle conveyor system has an endless belt, a drive end at which the endless belt is driven to rotate, and an idler end opposite the drive end. The rollerless idler module includes a rollerless idler having a working surface positionable to contact the endless belt spanning between an upper transport portion of the endless belt and a lower return portion of the endless belt at the idler end, and a support structure adapted to secure the rollerless idler in a substantially stationary orientation.

Abstract: A conveyor system has an endless belt with an upper transport portion sized to support a wheeled structure, and a lower return portion. A support deck is positioned to support the upper transport portion of the endless belt, the support deck includes a lower support deck structure, and wear plates that are supported on the lower support deck structure. The support deck includes alignment aperture pairs. Each alignment aperture pair includes a first alignment aperture through the lower support deck structure, and a second alignment aperture through one of the plurality of wear plates. A belt-rinsing system is provided and includes a plurality of rinsing system outlet bodies, wherein each of the plurality of rinsing system outlet bodies extends into one of the first alignment apertures of the lower support deck structure and into one of the second alignment apertures of one of the plurality of wear plates.

Abstract: A rollerless idler module and a vehicle conveyor system having the same are provided. The vehicle conveyor system has an endless belt, a drive end at which the endless belt is driven to rotate, and an idler end opposite the drive end. The rollerless idler module includes a rollerless idler having a working surface positionable to contact the endless belt spanning between an upper transport portion of the endless belt and a lower return portion of the endless belt at the idler end, and a support structure adapted to secure the rollerless idler in a substantially stationary orientation.

Abstract: A scanning/imaging system wherein an external stimulus is used for exciting a device under test (DUT). A stimulus source is included for providing a stationary stimulus with a controllable spot size to a device under test (DUT), the controllable spot size covering a portion of the DUT for excitation by the stationary stimulus. A sensor is operable for capturing at least one of a functional response signal and an optical image signal emanating from the DUT portion. A linear positioning device is operable to facilitate scanning of remaining portions of the DUT until a predetermined area thereof has been traversed. A controller is operably coupled to the linear positioning device, stimulus source and the sensor for providing the overall control thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic device and prosthetic assembly operative to evacuate an interior of a prosthetic socket, and control systems for use therewith. The prosthetic device and prosthetic assembly employ evacuation devices for evacuating the socket. The evacuation devices preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source, and are adapted for mounting to a universal adapter that is installed to the distal end of a prosthetic socket. Associated control systems may be of various design and may employ wired or wireless communication. When wireless communication is employed, a hand held controller may be used to remotely control operation of the evacuation device.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a custom prosthetic liner. The system may include a shape capture device for capturing the shape of a residual limb. The captured shape may be used to generate a 3-dimensional electronic liner model using a processor and specialized software. A 3-dimensional electronic model of the residual limb may also be produced. Preferably, an interface is provided that allows a user of the system to alter the shape and/or size of the 3-dimensional model(s) to allow the subsequently-produced liner to accommodate particular features of the residual limb. Data associated with at least the resulting 3-dimensional liner model is provided to a manufacturing facility equipped to produce a custom liner therefrom. The data may be remotely transmitted to the manufacturing facility. A positive likeness of the residual limb is created from the data associated with the 3-dimensional model(s), and is subsequently used as a mold core in the liner molding process.

Abstract: Evacuation devices for evacuating the socket of a prosthetic limb, and prosthetic limb systems employing such vacuum devices. The evacuation devices each preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source. Such evacuation devices can be attached at various locations on or in a prosthetic limb. Because the electrically powered pump does not require manual manipulation to create vacuum, it is substantially easier to use than a manual pump. Due to the small size and small power source required by such an electrically powered pump, an evacuation device may be readily incorporated into a prosthesis.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle for connection of a prosthetic lower leg to a prosthetic foot. A substantially hollow prosthetic foot connection component includes a receiving cavity for receiving a portion of a lower leg connection component. A retainer or retainer assembly is preferably installed into the receiving cavity to help retain the lower leg connection component therein. Once the necessary components are in place, the remainder of the receiving cavity is substantially filled with an elastomeric material. An external bearing may reside atop the elastomeric material and act in conjunction with the elastomeric material to control ankle flexion.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a custom prosthetic liner. The system may include a shape capture device for capturing the shape of a residual limb. The captured shape may be used to generate a 3-dimensional electronic liner model using a processor and specialized software. A 3-dimensional electronic model of the residual limb may also be produced. Preferably, an interface is provided that allows a user of the system to alter the shape and/or size of the 3-dimensional model(s) to allow the subsequently-produced liner to accommodate particular features of the residual limb. Data associated with at least the resulting 3-dimensional liner model is provided to a manufacturing facility equipped to produce a custom liner therefrom. The data may be remotely transmitted to the manufacturing facility. A positive likeness of the residual limb is created from the data associated with the 3-dimensional model(s), and is subsequently used as a mold core in the liner molding process.

Abstract: Articles of apparel for an amputee's residuum and for non-amputees who desire or require padding or joint support.

Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot designed for use with a prosthetic ankle. The prosthetic foot includes at least one toe spring and at least one heel spring. The prosthetic foot is able to absorb shocks generated during ambulation of a user of said foot. When a prosthetic ankle is attached to the prosthetic foot, the position (height) of the ankle preferably approximates the position (height) of a typical human ankle.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle for connection of a prosthetic lower leg to a prosthetic foot. In one embodiment, a prosthetic foot connection component is connected to a prosthetic lower leg connection component only by means of an elastomeric material, thereby allowing for multi-axis movement of the ankle without requiring direct contact between the two components. In other embodiments of the ankle, a prosthetic foot connection component may be mechanically connected to a prosthetic lower leg connection component. However, the design of the mechanical connection and the use of an elastomeric material casing allows for movement of the ankle without surface-to-surface sliding contact between the two components. Compression of the elastomeric material, as well as one or more mechanical stops may be used to control and limit movement of the ankle.

Abstract: A vehicle headrest that is transparent. The head restraint is made of firm mildly flexible but clear material in the form of a cut out plate extending from the upper seat back and serving the function of limiting the cervical hyperextension without injuring the skull. An embodiment of this would use the plate as a frame for a clear elastic water, gel and or air filled balloon-like headrest. Another embodiment is a self supporting transparent elastic balloon with water, clear jell and or air fill that surrounds the head upon impact.

Abstract: The data encoder (e.g. an amplitude spatial light modulator, ASLM) in a volume holographic storage system is rotated by 45.degree. relative to the normal to the plane of the reference and signal beams, such that the near-Fourier transform pattern of the encoder at the medium has an X-shape. The encoder rotation allows tight packing of spatial multiplexing subvolumes in a rectangular array, and provides for uniform spatial frequency filtering in a perpendicular geometry.