Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are related to an apparatus and method for a universal attachment device for an inflatable cushion. The apparatus comprising an integrally molded attachment device for an inflatable cushion, the device comprising: a flexible portion; a cushion ring disposed on a first side of the flexible portion; and a cover retainer disposed on a second side of the flexible portion, wherein the cushion ring and the cover retainer are formed by an injection molding process wherein the flexible portion is disposed between the cushion ring and the cover retainer.

Abstract: A customizable towing hitch ball mount arrangement is provided for assembly with a hitch receiver on a vehicle. The arrangement includes a ball mount and a customizing element. The ball mount has a proximal end for insertion into an opening in the hitch receiver, an elongated tube portion, a drop portion extending from the elongated tube portion and angled with respect to a length of the elongated tube portion, and a plate extending substantially horizontally from the drop portion. The plate has an aperture for attachment of a hitch ball. The customizing element has at least one keying feature, wherein the customizing element is removably attachable to the ball mount by aligning the keying feature with a corresponding mounting surface on the drop portion of the ball mount.

Abstract: A steering wheel, comprising: an inner core; a cushion member disposed about the inner core; a first decorative trim member disposed over the cushion member, the first decorative trim member comprising a flexible layer; and a second decorative trim member disposed over the first decorative trim member, the second decorative trim member being more rigid than the first decorative trim member wherein a portion of the first decorative trim member is abraded to remove a portion of an exterior surface of the first decorative trim member to provide a roughened area for receiving an adhesive for securing the second decorative trim member to the first decorative trim member.

Abstract: A deadbolt mechanism including a lock out mechanism that functions to disable the operation of the deadbolt from at least one side of the deadbolt mechanism. The deadbolt mechanism includes a deadbolt, key cylinder, housing, turn knob and a shaft that connects the key cylinder and turn knob. To place the deadbolt mechanism in lock out mode, a release mechanism is actuated and the turn knob is pulled outward away from the door. By pulling the knob outward, the shaft engages a portion of the housing which prevents rotation of the shaft and thereby prevents movement of the deadbolt from the lock-out position.

Abstract: A high-resolution tunable optical filter uses a dispersive element in a double pass configuration. The double pass configuration is provided by a reflective quarter-wave plate that conveniently reduces polarization dispersion loss (PDL) of the filter. The filter also includes a fibre tube for supporting an input optical fibre and an output optical fibre, and a lens having an optical axis, which is disposed such that a focal point thereof is substantially at one of the input and output optical fibres. To provide increase resolution the filter is tuned by rotating the reflective quarter-wave plate. To provide high power capabilities the fibre jackets of the input and output fibres are optionally stripped back. To provide a symmetrical spectral response the fibre tube is optionally mounted at an angle to the optical axis of the lens.

Abstract: An interconnect element for electrically connecting an anode and a cathode in adjacent fuel cells in a fuel cell stack, wherein said interconnect element has at least one featured surface including dimples, bosses, and/or pins arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. Preferably, both surfaces are featured, as by mechanical dimpling, embossing, or chemical etching, so that protrusions of the interconnect surface extend into either or both of the adjacent gas flow spaces to make electrical contact with the surfaces of the anode and cathode. This permits conduction of heat from the anode. The protrusions create turbulence in gas flowing through the flow spaces, which increases hydrogen consumption at the anode and hence electric output of the cell.

Abstract: A lock assembly for securing a trailer including a ball hitch, a lock housing, a lock washer and a nut. The lock housing is placed over the lock washer and nut to prevent the nut from turning. A threaded portion of the ball hitch is placed through a hole in the lock housing and through the lock washer and nut to secure the ball hitch. When a trailer coupler is locked to the ball portion of the ball hitch, the trailer and ball hitch are secure from theft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a pour spout fitment to a panel of a filled and sealed thermoplastic-coated carton, wherein a machine 10 is mounted over a conveyor 12 conveying a line of cartons. Within the machine 10, a selected panel surface of each filled and sealed carton is heated to a predetermined temperature; next, at least an annular surface of a flange of the fitment is heated to a predetermined temperature. When the heated surface of the fitment is applied to the heated surface of the carton, the heat energy is transferred to the latter surface to an extent capable of activating the thermoplastic coating thereon. Upon pressing and cooling, the fitment and the carton surface are bonded together, without the need for a back-up or support mechanism, such as a mandrel or anvil. Alternatively, the fitment may be secured to the carton by way of a jetted-on, circular bead of hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: A connecting duct for providing a fluid pathway between an outlet of a low pressure compressor and an inlet of a high pressure compressor is provided. The connecting duct includes a main body that defines a fluid pathway adapted to direct a flow of fluid between a main body inlet and a main body outlet. The main body also includes a diffusing section that decreases a velocity of the flow of fluid. A flow de-swirling section is disposed between the diffusing section and the outlet of the main body. The flow de-swirling section straightens the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A lock assembly for securing a trailer including a hitch ball, a lock housing, a lock washer and a nut. The lock housing is placed over the lock washer and nut to prevent the nut from turning. A threaded portion of the hitch ball is placed through a hole in the lock housing and through the lock washer and nut to secure the hitch ball. When a trailer coupler is locked to the ball portion of the hitch ball, the trailer and hitch ball are secure from theft.

Abstract: A system for controlling the braking of an elevator car during an emergency. When there is a power failure or other emergency, a brake is applied to slow the elevator car to a stop in a controlled fashion. By Controlling the braking, the car is stopped in a short time but without discomfort to the passengers. The controller receives inputs from the rope movement, motor movement, temperature and the braking current to correctly determine the amount of braking which should be applied.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing an object from a body are disclosed. The apparatus may include a sheath member, a snare, a forcep, and a biasing member. The sheath member may include a first channel and a second channel. The snare may be slidably disposed in the first channel of the sheath member. The snare includes a snare loop to encircle the object. The forcep may be slidably disposed in the second channel of the sheath member. The forcep may be oriented to a threaded position relative to the snare loop to engage the object. The biasing member may be operatively associated with the forcep to adjust the forcep between first and second positions for grasping the object.

Abstract: A high-resolution tunable optical filter uses a dispersive element in a double pass configuration. The double pass configuration is provided by a reflective quarter-wave plate that conveniently reduces polarization dispersion loss (PDL) of the filter. The filter also includes a fibre tube for supporting an input optical fibre and an output optical fibre, and a lens having an optical axis, which is disposed such that a focal point thereof is substantially at one of the input and output optical fibres. To provide increase resolution the filter is tuned by rotating the reflective quarter-wave plate. To provide high power capabilities the fibre jackets of the input and output fibres are optionally stripped back. To provide a symmetrical spectral response the fibre tube is optionally mounted at an angle to the optical axis of the lens.

Abstract: A packaged product merchandiser (such as an ice merchandiser) for merchandising frozen or refrigerated packaged products includes: (a) a housing in which a multitude of packaged products (such as bags of ice) are to be stored, having at least one door on the front wall thereof; (b) a cooling unit including a compressor assembly; (c) an elevated shelf mounted within the housing perimeter formed by the front, rear, top and side walls, approximate the top wall of the housing, where the elevated shelf seats the compressor assembly, and where the elevated shelf and compressor assembly are substantially closed-off with respect to the interior of the housing; and (d) at least two ventilation panels, where each ventilation panel is installed on a respective one of the front, rear, top and side walls over a corresponding opening to the closed-off compressor assembly.

Abstract: The telemedicine method and system disclosed includes at least one remote exam module which in turn includes a plurality of optical devices configured to examine a patient's eye, and a controller for collecting and transmitting the examination data of the patient's eye. The information collected is transmitted via a communications link to a diagnostic center for analyzing the information collected at the remote exam module. The diagnostic center further maintains a database of patient records corresponding to the remotely collected examination information and an exam console for enabling a diagnosis based on the collected information.

Abstract: An interconnect element for electrically connecting an anode and a cathode in adjacent fuel cells in a fuel cell stack, wherein said interconnect element has at least one featured surface including dimples, bosses, and/or pins arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. Preferably, both surfaces are featured, as by mechanical dimpling, embossing, or chemical etching, so that protrusions of the interconnect surface extend into either or both of the adjacent gas flow spaces to make electrical contact with the surfaces of the anode and cathode. This permits conduction of heat from the anode. The protrusions create turbulence in gas flowing through the flow spaces, which increases hydrogen consumption at the anode and hence electric output of the cell.

Abstract: A lock assembly for securing a trailer including a hitch ball, a lock housing, a lock washer and a nut. The lock housing is placed over the lock washer and nut to prevent the nut from turning. A threaded portion of the hitch ball is placed through a hole in the lock housing and through the lock washer and nut to secure the hitch ball. When a trailer coupler is locked to the ball portion of the hitch ball, the trailer and hitch ball are secure from theft.

Abstract: A parachute with enhanced pocket bands positioned adjacent the points of securement of suspension lines and radial lines with respect to the lower edge of the canopy of the parachute wherein the pocket bands are oriented angularly with respect to the radial lines and with respect to the direction of flow during initial inflation of the parachute in order to enhance inflation of air pockets between the pocket bands and the external surface of the canopy adjacent the radial lines in order to more rapidly inflate the canopy of the parachute to facilitate use thereof at lower altitudes and to provide a more controlled canopy inflation. Pocket bands are attached to the lower canopy edge at an angular relation thereto such that the bands catch significantly more air than in the prior art design in order to facilitate inflation of the pocket bands and achieve rapid controlled inflation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a pour spout fitment to a panel of a filled and sealed thermoplastic-coated carton, wherein a machine 10 is mounted over a conveyor 12 conveying a line of cartons. Within the machine 10, a selected panel surface of each filled and sealed carton is heated to a predetermined temperature; next, at least an annular surface of a flange of the fitment is heated to a predetermined temperature. When the heated surface of the fitment is applied to the heated surface of the carton, the heat energy is transferred to the latter surface to an extent capable of activating the thermoplastic coating thereon. Upon pressing and cooling, the fitment and the carton surface are bonded together, without the need for a back-up or support mechanism, such as a mandrel or anvil. Alternatively, the fitment may be secured to the carton by way of a jetted-on, circular bead of hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a pour spout fitment to a panel of a filled and sealed thermoplastic-coated carton, wherein a machine 10 is mounted over a conveyor 12 conveying a line of cartons. Within the machine 10, a selected panel surface of each filled and sealed carton is heated to a predetermined temperature; next, at least an annular surface of a flange of the fitment is heated to a predetermined temperature. When the heated surface of the fitment is applied to the heated surface of the carton, the heat energy is transferred to the latter surface to an extent capable of activating the thermoplastic coating thereon. Upon pressing and cooling, the fitment and the carton surface are bonded together, without the need for a back-up or support mechanism, such as a mandrel or anvil. Alternatively, the fitment may be secured to the carton by way of a jetted-on, circular bead of hot melt adhesive.