Abstract: Systems and methods are configured to identify and resolve user-based issues, architecture issues, and data model issues that are introduced into distributed database deployments. Even in the context of a pre-built distributed database system, “bad” user behavior can have huge impacts on database performance. Various embodiments provide for analysis and resolution of architecture issues, as well schema issues, and can be configured to identify and resolve such problems in the context of dynamic schema database systems. Unlike relational database counterparts, dynamic schema databases do not enforce static database architecture or defined schemas. In such environments, database data and database formatting can be mostly unconstrained. If used properly, this flexibility enables easy configuration and execution. However, when improperly designed, small flaws magnify in significance as the database grows.

Abstract: An improved method and device are provided for forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway. The device generally comprises an access pathway. The provided assembly substantially reduces the possibility of injury while accessing and/or re-accessing a body space.

Abstract: An improved method and device are provided for forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway. The device generally comprises an access pathway. The provided assembly substantially reduces the possibility of injury while accessing and/or re-accessing a body space.

Abstract: An improved method and device are provided for treating wounds. The device generally comprises a wound chamber and/or deployment system. The provided assembly substantially improves wound treatment.

Abstract: A method for operating a plurality of geographically distributed compressors, wherein the outputs of the geographically distributed compressors are coupled to a compressed air distribution system within an industrial automation environment, is provided. The method includes receiving performance data from the plurality of compressors, and receiving current environment data from a plurality of sensors within the industrial automation environment, including at least some sensors within the compressed air distribution system. The method also includes assigning a guide vane weight to each compressor based at least in part on a capacity of each compressor, identifying a target system air pressure, and processing the performance data, current environment data, guide vane weights, and target system air pressure to determine control settings for each of the plurality of compressors.

Abstract: An improved method and device are provided for forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway. The device generally comprises an access pathway. The provided assembly substantially reduces the possibility of injury while accessing and/or re-accessing a body space.

Abstract: A method for operating a plurality of geographically distributed compressors, wherein the outputs of the geographically distributed compressors are coupled to a compressed air distribution system within an industrial automation environment, is provided. The method includes receiving performance data from the plurality of compressors, and receiving current environment data from a plurality of sensors within the industrial automation environment, including at least some sensors within the compressed air distribution system. The method also includes assigning a guide vane weight to each compressor based at least in part on a capacity of each compressor, identifying a target system air pressure, and processing the performance data, current environment data, guide vane weights, and target system air pressure to determine control settings for each of the plurality of compressors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blower vacuum device and in particular to a blower vacuum device for use in the collection of garden debris. The device is preferably one which is operable in a blowing mode to generate an air stream for blowing the debris into piles and also operable in a vacuum mode to suck debris into the device.

Abstract: A paint applicator including an applicator head for carrying an applicator attachment, a substantially rigid elongate support having a hollow interior for supplying paint to the applicator head, a pivot mechanism interconnecting the elongate support and the applicator head, and a flexible conduit interconnecting the hollow interior of the elongate support and the applicator head. The pivot mechanism includes a detent arranged such that it releasably secures the applicator head in any of a plurality of discrete preset orientations with respect to the elongate support.

Abstract: A power-driven saw comprising a housing; a blade support; a motor coupled to a drive shaft; a pair of saw blades slideably supported by the blade support; and a drive mechanism for generating reciprocating rectilinear motion of the saw blades in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The drive mechanism comprises a crank assembly with a pair of diametrically-opposed crank pins rotatable about a crank axis in response to rotation of the drive shaft; and a pair of connecting-rods. The drive shaft extends from the motor, between rotational sweep of the crank pins and reciprocating sweep of the drive couplings and to where a bearing fixed in relation to the motor supports the drive shaft for rotation. The connecting rods are shaped to avoid contact with the drive shaft during rotation thereof.

Abstract: A debris blowing and/or vacuum appliance. The appliance comprises a body including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet for exhausting fluid externally of the body, a volute located in a flowpath between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and a centrifugal impeller located within the volute and rotatable by a motor to generate a flow of fluid, and a diffuser located immediately downstream of the centrifugal impeller between the centrifugal impeller and a volute outlet region. The diffuser comprises an annular channel surrounding the centrifugal impeller and has substantially constant radial width such that the impeller is radially spaced from the volute walls by at least the width of the diffuser. By providing such an arrangement, the efficiency of the impeller can be improved.

Abstract: An impeller arrangement for location for use with a blower and/or vac device, the impeller being rotatable about an axis of rotation and comprising a base, a shroud and a plurality of blades located therebetween, the shroud comprising an impeller inlet defining a passageway to the plurality of blades, a barrier arrangement located adjacent the impeller inlet to restrict airflow between the impeller and its housing. By providing such an arrangement, inlet losses to the impeller can be reduced when compared to known arrangements. The interaction between these components forms a barrier to bleeding of the airflow away from the inlet, reducing the likelihood of air passing between the impeller and its housing and improving the inlet efficiency of the impeller.

Abstract: A kit of parts including a paint applicator and a supply part for attachment to a paint container, through which paint may be supplied to the paint applicator. The paint applicator includes an applicator head; a substantially rigid elongate support having a hollow interior for supplying paint to the applicator head; and an inlet part through which paint may be drawn into the hollow elongate support. The inlet part and the supply part are arranged to fit together such that paint may be drawn through them and into the hollow elongate support. The inlet part and/or the supply part includes an indicator arranged to indicate when they are fully fitted together for use.

Abstract: A paint applicator including an applicator head for carrying an applicator attachment, a substantially rigid elongate support having a hollow interior for supplying paint to the applicator head, a pivot mechanism interconnecting the elongate support and the applicator head, and a flexible conduit interconnecting the hollow interior of the elongate support and the applicator head. The pivot mechanism includes a detent arranged such that it releasably secures the applicator head in any of a plurality of discrete preset orientations with respect to the elongate support.

Abstract: A paint applicator including a main body, the main body including an applicator head and a substantially rigid elongate support extending therefrom, and a stand attached to the main body. At least part of the stand is movable with respect to the main body, between an operational position wherein it projects from the main body, and a non-operational position.

Abstract: A torque overload clutch for an electrical power tool, such as a percussion hammer drill, is provided. The clutch is accommodated in a cavity in a gear cog. Spring washers are used to urge ball bearings into indentations formed in the base of the cavity. The ball bearings are accommodated in cavities formed in a drive plate which engages with the spindle drive of the power tool. The spring washers are held in position by a circlip or a threaded plate. The threaded plate arrangement provides means for compressing the spring washers with a consistent force across a manufactured batch. A method of manufacturing the clutch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A torque overload clutch for an electrical power tool, such as a percussion hammer drill, is provided. The clutch is accommodated in a cavity in a gear cog. Spring washers are used to urge ball bearings into indentations formed in the base of the cavity. The ball bearings are accommodated in cavities formed in a drive plate which engages with the spindle drive of the power tool. The spring washers are held in position by a circlip or a threaded plate. The threaded plate arrangement provides means for compressing the spring washers with a consistent force across a manufactured batch. A method of manufacturing the clutch is also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical and surgical uses for random alkylene oxide copolymers have been discovered. Preferably, this is a biocompatible, non-metabolizable, non-toxic, and/or readily eliminated compound that has a viscosity which is adjustable for different utilities (e.g., from runny oil to thick grease). It is also preferable to formulate the compound as an anhydrous and/or flowable liquid before use or further formulation.

Abstract: A polymeric material comprised of (i) at least one random copolymer comprised of ethylene oxide and one or more other alkylene oxide(s) and (ii) at least one non-random polymer comprised of one or more poly(alkylene oxide)s has been discovered. Preferably, it is a polymer alloy. Alkylene oxide homo-polymers or block copolymers may be the non-random polymer. In a related discovery, an adhesive material can be made by suspending (a) particles in (b) a matrix of at least one poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, or a combination thereof. The handling characteristics may be adjusted for different utilities (e.g., from runny oil to hard wax). Applications include use as adhesive, cohesive, filler, lubricant, surfactant, or any combination thereof. In particular, the hard materials may be used for cleaning or waxing.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw comprising a cutting arrangement; a rotatable drive shaft with a drive shaft axis, wherein the drive shaft comprises a first eccentric; a timing actuator capable of performing reciprocating motion, wherein the timing actuator is associated with the cutting arrangement so that, in use, the reciprocating motion of the timing actuator is transmitted to the cutting arrangement; and a counterweight capable of performing reciprocating motion, wherein the counterweight is coupled to the first eccentric so that rotation of the first eccentric drives the reciprocating motion of the counterweight, wherein the reciprocating motion of the counterweight is out of phase with the reciprocating motion of the cutting arrangement, characterised in that the drive shaft comprises a second eccentric, wherein the second eccentric is associated with the timing actuator so that, in use, the rotation of the second eccentric controls the reciprocating motion of the timing actuator.