Abstract: Described is an exercise apparatus that includes reciprocating foot pedal structures where the pedal structures include various mechanisms for absorbing foot impact or forces on the foot. The pedal structures can also include a mechanism for generating a biasing force generally normal to the upper surface of the foot pedal effective to restore the pedal to its normal position after foot impact. The impact absorbing mechanisms can include resilient members, fluid filled bladders and hinge arrangements.

Abstract: Described is an exercise apparatus that includes reciprocating foot pedal structures where the pedal structures include various mechanisms for absorbing foot impact or forces on the foot. The pedal structures can also include a mechanism for generating a biasing force generally normal to the upper surface of the foot pedal effective to restore the pedal to its normal position after foot impact. The impact absorbing mechanisms can include resilient members, fluid filled bladders and hinge arrangements.

Abstract: A storage container having dual access includes a storage frame, a container lid and a drawer. The storage frame includes a bottom frame, a pair of interconnected side frames and a rear frame defines a first opening in the top of the frame and a second opening in the front of the frame. The removable container lid closes and opens the top opening in the storage container to allow access to the storage container contents. The drawer slides in and out of the second opening to allow a second access point to the contents of the storage container.

Abstract: A single pair of polarity independent wires conveys electrical power and two-way communication between a remote thermostat and a temperature-conditioning unit. The system is functional even if the wires are crossed, so mis-wiring is nearly impossible. The system is selectively operable in three independently distinct modes: a power mode for conveying electrical power from the temperature-conditioning unit to the thermostat, an output mode for transmitting a communication signal from the temperature-conditioning unit to the thermostat, and a feedback mode for conveying a communication signal from the thermostat to the temperature-conditioning unit. When the power mode is inactive during the output mode and feedback mode, the thermostat relies on electrical power that the thermostat stored during a previous power mode. Communication is provided by a current loop circuit that is generally immune to electrical noise and tolerant of wire impedance.

Abstract: An improved multi-polar feedthrough assembly employs a particular metallic ferrule material for improved dimensional stability during initial fabrication and sustained hermetic operation. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to implantable medical devices (IMDs) including an IMD enclosure fabricated with grade 2 titanium and having a ferrule material fabricated with grade 4 titanium or grade 5 titanium. In one form, the multi-polar feedthrough assembly includes a filtered feedthrough array (e.g., employing capacitive filters coupled to the electrically conductive pins or serpentine conductors of the array). According to another aspect, the improved multi-polar feedthrough assembly incorporates additional pins, thus increasing the footprint of the assembly, and the additional pins provide analog electrical communication between operative circuitry inside an IMD and analog components external to the IMD.

Abstract: A storage container has a base defining a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to define a storage receptacle. A first cover section is coupled to the base side wall and extends over a portion of the storage receptacle. An exterior side of the first cover section defines a writing surface. A second cover section is pivotably coupled to the base side wall and movable between a closed position, in which the second cover section overlies a remaining portion of the storage receptacle, and an open position, in which the second cover section is rotated away from the storage receptacle. The storage container may have an overall profile height that is sufficiently low to allow insertion of the storage container into a stowage space having a low profile height.

Abstract: A current loop input overload protection system for a controller having multiple inputs includes zener diodes that limit the maximum voltage that can be applied to any input. If an electrical short of a temperature, pressure or humidity transducer forces an input to the maximum voltage, an electrical supply monitor immediately disables the transducer's power supply to protect the input components. After awhile, the overload protection system automatically and periodically attempts to reset the power supply to determine whether the short has been corrected.

Abstract: An implantable sensor assembly for use with an implantable medical device are disclosed. The sensor assembly preferably includes two or more physiologic sensors coupled to the medical device via a pair of lead conductors, or alternatively an oxygen sensor having certain features. The oxygen sensor permits more accurate and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation in blood masses flowing within the human body.

Abstract: An optical window assembly for use in implantable medical devices includes a generally U-shaped ferrule having a strain relief channel to accommodate residual stresses remaining in the ferrule after welding the ferrule to the housing of an implantable medical device. The assembly may be used to transmit optical energy and/or electrically insulate a feedthrough. The assembly can be mounted in a window opening in a housing. The ferrule can include a ferrule body forming a lens opening, the ferrule body having a generally U-shaped cross-section with an inner leg, an outer leg, and a strain relief channel in the ferrule body between the inner leg and the outer leg. A lens is mounted in the lens opening of the ferrule. The ferrule can also include a lens flange on the inner leg of the ferrule body, a support flange on the outer leg of the ferrule body, and/or a braze stop to control flow of the braze. The ferrule and housing can be constructed of titanium.

Abstract: An indoor air quality sensor designed to be utilized in a zone of a building to control the ventilation of the zone and the method of effecting such control. The sensor comprises a first sensor for sensing a selected leading indicator of contamination in the zone and providing an output signal representative thereof and at least one additional sensor for sensing at least one selected secondary indicator of contamination in the zone and providing an output signal representative thereof. A processor, utilized for generating an output signal representative of the indoor air quality in the zone, receives the output signals from the first sensor and the least one additional sensor and generates the output signal representative of the indoor air quality in the zone by influencing the output of the first sensor by an amount that is a function of the output signal of the least one additional sensor.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for repairing a ruptured sidewall in a truck tire which eliminates bulging. The method includes the inventive step of removing the sidewall reinforcement pad from the interior of the repair area after curing the tire. The apparatus used to perform this operation comprises a sidewall reinforcement pad having a metal layer disposed between two layers of rubber. In one preferred embodiment, the metal layer is comprised of longitudinally disposed metal cords. The metal cords give additional strength to the section repair patch and prevent bulging of the ruptured repair area during the curing process.

Abstract: An envelope expander for mounting an annular envelope of a flexible resilient material upon a tire supported upon a tire support with the tire axis in a horizontal position includes a vertically disposed rigid gate-like frame having a central opening of a diameter exceeding that of a tire. A plurality of expander members adapted to grip the envelope at spaced locations along the edge of a circular opening in one side of the envelope are mounted on the frame for coordinated power driven movement radially of the frame opening between radially inner and outer end limits. With the expander members at their radially inner end limits, the envelope opening is slightly stretched and manually mounted on the members. The expanding members are then driven to their radially outer end limits, expanding the envelope opening to a diameter greater than that of the tire.

Abstract: A digital to analog signal converter apparatus for converting digital signals to analog signal outputs. The converter apparatus includes a microprocessor, a low pass filter portion for converting a digital output signal from the microprocessor to an analog output signal, and an analog to digital converter portion for sampling and converting the analog output signal to provide a digital input to the microprocessor, permitting control of the analog output signal.

Abstract: An envelope expander for mounting an annular envelope of a flexible resilient material upon a tire supported upon a tire support with the tire axis in a horizontal position includes a vertically disposed rigid gate-like frame having a central opening of a diameter exceeding that of a tire. A plurality of expander members adapted to grip the envelope at spaced locations along the edge of a circular opening in one side of the envelope are mounted on the frame for coordinated power driven movement radially of the frame opening between radially inner and outer end limits. With the expander members at their radially inner end limits, the envelope opening is slightly stretched and manually mounted on the members. The expanding members are then driven to their radially outer end limits, expending the envelope opening to a diameter greater than that of the tire.