Abstract: Provided is a system and medical device that includes self diagnosing control switches. The control switch may be slidable within a slot in order to control activation of some function of the medical device. Due to natural wear and tear of movement of a control switch, the distances along the sliding slot that correspond to how much energy is used for the function may need to be adjusted over time in order to reflect the changing physical attributes of the actuator mechanism. The self diagnosing control switches of the present disclosures may be configured to automatically adjust for these thresholds using, for example, Hall effect sensors and magnets. In addition, in some cases, the self diagnosing control switches may be capable of indicating external influences on the controls, as well as predict a time until replacement is needed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device is disclosed including a surgical tool including a proximal transducer mounting portion defining a surface, a distal end effector end, and a waveguide disposed therebetween, the waveguide extending along a longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic surgical device further includes a transducer is in mechanical communication with the surface of the transducer mounting portion. The transducer is configured to operate in a D31 mode with respect to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Upon activation by an electrical signal having a predetermined frequency component, the transducer is configured to induce a standing wave in the surgical tool to cause the end effector to vibrate, the standing wave having a wavelength proportional to the predetermined frequency component of the electrical signal.

Abstract: The disclosed dryer vent is a spring-loaded, expandable/retractable dryer vent assembly. The assembly houses a flexible dryer vent aluminum hose with spiral wire. The flexible aluminum dryer vent hose has a plurality of spring rings therearound allowing springs to be attached therebetween. The ends of the flexible dryer vent hose are clamped with a clamp assembly that also has mounts for additional springs. The end clamp assembly clamps the flexible dryer vent hose at each end to annular duct pieces that mount to the dryer or the household wall. The dryer vent hose freely rotates and can be expanded, retracted, or twisted without kinking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable assembly for retaining and dispensing a powder into a bottle. The disposable assembly includes a vessel having a flared volume for retaining a powder with a neck having a slanted opening. A shear cap is affixed to the outside of the vessel neck and includes a hinged lid or flap at the shear cap distal end that covers the slated neck opening and a ledge at the shear cap proximal end for resting atop a bottle opening. A rib is located between said hinged lid and ledge having an outer diameter larger than the bottle opening. The cap rib mates with a like rib located about the mid-section of the vessel neck. The cap rib is squeezed by the bottle opening, which likewise squeezes the vessel neck rib, for shearing open the hinged lid with consequent release of powder retained in the flared vessel.

Abstract: The disclosed dryer vent is a spring-loaded, expandable/retractable dryer vent assembly. The assembly houses a flexible dryer vent aluminum hose with spiral wire. The flexible aluminum dryer vent hose has a plurality of spring rings therearound allowing springs to be attached therebetween. The ends of the flexible dryer vent hose are clamped with a clamp assembly that also has mounts for additional springs. The end clamp assembly clamps the flexible dryer vent hose at each end to annular duct pieces that mount to the dryer or the household wall. The dryer vent hose freely rotates and can be expanded, retracted, or twisted without kinking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a scoop for retaining and dispensing a powder into a bottle. The scoop is formed from a housing having generally slanted sides downwardly to a spout having a slanted opening. A handle is affixed to the housing. An actuating mechanism covers the spout-slanted opening and is formed from a generally flat slide, a hand graspable element, optionally for movement of the slide from a closed state to an open state, and a switch, also for movement of the slide from a closed state to an open state. A pair of elongate ears is carried by the spout and housing and disposed adjacent to the slanted opening for retaining the slide and permitting movement of slide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a scoop for retaining and dispensing a powder into a bottle. The scoop is formed from a housing having generally slanted sides downwardly to a spout having a slanted opening. A handle is affixed to the housing. An actuating mechanism covers the spout-slanted opening and is formed from a generally flat slide, a hand graspable element, optionally for movement of the slide from a closed state to an open state, and a switch, also for movement of the slide from a closed state to an open state. A pair of elongate ears is carried by the spout and housing and disposed adjacent to the slanted opening for retaining the slide and permitting movement of slide.