Abstract: Deployable Euler Spiral Connectors (DESCs) are introduced as compliant deployable flexures that can span gaps between segments in a mechanism and then lay flat when under strain in a stowed position. This paper presents models of Euler spiral beams combined in series and parallel that can be used to design compact compliant mechanisms. Constraints on the flexure parameters of DESCs are also presented. Analytic models developed for the force-deflection behavior and stress were compared to finite element analysis and experimental data. A spinal implant and a linear ratcheting system are presented as illustrative applications of DESCs.

Abstract: A method is provided of configuring a field device for monitoring and/or controlling an operation(s) of a process or plant. The method includes conducting web-based communication between a networked computer device and the field device over an Ethernet-APL to allow the networked computer device to access and interact with a web page(s) or program(s) that is hosted on a web server running on the field device. The method also includes configuring at the field device an operation parameter(s) and/or setting(s) of the field device based on user input received across the Ethernet-APL by the field device from user interaction with the web page(s) or program(s) through the networked computer device.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a solution is provided that introduces a second level IVR component controlled by a call control service that also controls a first IVR component. Controlling the IVR components using this call control service (which also interfaces with client software operated by a human agent) allows for data collected during the IVR sessions or during a live session with the human agent to be shared among the components. This also acts to eliminate the need for a traditional “transfer” of a call from a human agent to an IVR or vice versa, which would often be accompanied by audible clicks or beeps discernable to the caller.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a solution is provided that introduces a second level IVR component controlled by a call control service that also controls a first IVR component. Controlling the IVR components using this call control service (which also interfaces with client software operated by a human agent) allows for data collected during the IVR sessions or during a live session with the human agent to be shared among the components. This also acts to eliminate the need for a traditional “transfer” of a call from a human agent to an IVR or vice versa, which would often be accompanied by audible clicks or beeps discernable to the caller.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a solution is provided that introduces a second level IVR component controlled by a call control service that also controls a first IVR component. Controlling the IVR components using this call control service (which also interfaces with client software operated by a human agent) allows for data collected during the IVR sessions or during a live session with the human agent to be shared among the components. This also acts to eliminate the need for a traditional “transfer” of a call from a human agent to an IVR or vice versa, which would often be accompanied by audible clicks or beeps discernable to the caller.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flexible tubular member having a medial portion defined between a first end and a second end of the tubular member. The assembly further includes an end cap molded over the first end of the tubular member, such that the end cap seals the first end of the tubular member. The assembly additionally includes a fitting having a first end portion configured to secure to the second end of the tubular member and a bracket attached to the medial portion of the tubular member. The bracket is configured to mount to a structure adapted to secure at least one end of the tubular member in place.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flexible tubular member having a medial portion defined between a first end and a second end of the tubular member. The assembly further includes an end cap molded over the first end of the tubular member, such that the end cap seals the first end of the tubular member. The assembly additionally includes a fitting having a first end portion configured to secure to the second end of the tubular member and a bracket attached to the medial portion of the tubular member. The bracket is configured to mount to a structure adapted to secure at least one end of the tubular member in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pontoon boats that may couple and be driven by a PWC. The invention further relates to pontoon boats having a portion that moves into an open water recess at the rear of the pontoon boat. The invention further relates to an engagement assembly for securing a PWC to such a pontoon boat.

Abstract: An expansion tank is fastened to a support using a bracket with a U-shaped cross-section formed by a back and two sidewalls. The edges of the sidewalls each have a notch mating with a weld bead on the tank. Fasteners hold the back of the bracket to the support. First and second hose clamps pass through the sidewalls by the back to encircle the tank and clamp it to the edges of the sidewall when the hose clamps are tightened.

Abstract: A portable hoist assembly for lifting, relocating and lowering loads includes a trailer that is both wheeled and configured to couple to a vehicle. A power module, a lift arm and an actuator are coupled to the trailer. The actuator is operationally coupled to the power module and the lift arm. A fastener is operationally coupled proximate to a second end of the lift arm. The fastener is configured to couple the lift arm to a load. The actuator is positioned to motivate the lift arm and the fastener upwardly and downwardly. The load that is coupled to the lift arm is elevated from a first resting position to a raised position, repositioned by movement of the trailer, and lowered from the raised position to a second resting position.

Abstract: A multilayer printed circuit board comprising: i) a plurality of circuit board layers disposed in parallel planes to one another; ii) an outer via forming an electrical connection between a conductor contact on a first circuit board layer and a conductor contact on a second circuit board layer, wherein the outer via has a hollow central core; and iii) an inner via formed within the hollow central core of the outer via. The inner via forms an electrical connection between a conductor contact on a third circuit board layer and a conductor contact on a fourth circuit board layer. The inner via and the outer via are substantially concentric cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pontoon boats that may couple and be driven by a PWC. The invention further relates to pontoon boats having a portion that moves into an open water recess at the rear of the pontoon boat. The invention further relates to an engagement assembly for securing a PWC to such a pontoon boat.

Abstract: A portable hoist assembly for lifting, relocating and lowering loads includes a trailer that is both wheeled and configured to couple to a vehicle. A power module, a lift arm and an actuator are coupled to the trailer. The actuator is operationally coupled to the power module and the lift arm. A fastener is operationally coupled proximate to a second end of the lift arm. The fastener is configured to couple the lift arm to a load. The actuator is positioned to motivate the lift arm and the fastener upwardly and downwardly. The load that is coupled to the lift arm is elevated from a first resting position to a raised position, repositioned by movement of the trailer, and lowered from the raised position to a second resting position.

Abstract: An expansion tank is fastened to a support using a bracket with a U-shaped cross-section formed by a back and two sidewalls. The edges of the sidewalls each have a notch mating with a weld bead on the tank. Fasteners hold the back of the bracket to the support. First and second hose clamps pass through the sidewalls by the back to encircle the tank and clamp it to the edges of the sidewall when the hose clamps are tightened.

Abstract: A multilayer printed circuit board comprising: i) a plurality of circuit board layers disposed in parallel planes to one another; ii) an outer via forming an electrical connection between a conductor contact on a first circuit board layer and a conductor contact on a second circuit board layer, wherein the outer via has a hollow central core; and iii) an inner via formed within the hollow central core of the outer via. The inner via forms an electrical connection between a conductor contact on a third circuit board layer and a conductor contact on a fourth circuit board layer. The inner via and the outer via are substantially concentric cylinders.

Abstract: An expansion tank is fastened to a support using a bracket with a U-shaped cross-section formed by a back and two sidewalls. The edges of the sidewalls each have a notch mating with a weld bead on the tank. Fasteners hold the back of the bracket to the support. First and second hose clamps pass through the sidewalls by the back to encircle the tank and clamp it to the edges of the sidewall when the hose clamps are tightened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pontoon boats that may couple and be driven by a PWC. The invention further relates to pontoon boats having a portion that moves into an open water recess at the rear of the pontoon boat. The invention further relates to an engagement assembly for securing a PWC to such a pontoon boat.

Abstract: Nucleic acids are prepared by dissolving compounds containing them in a suitable solvent or solvent system and forming microspheres from the resulting solution. The microspheres are administered to an individual as protection from conditions where delivery of nucleic acids is useful, such as in treatment of autoimmune disease.

Abstract: An external service at a service provider server is invoked from a database by accessing from over a network a description of the external service published by the service provider external to the database. A database invocation mechanism is generated from the accessed description of the external service, wherein the database invocation mechanism comprises code within the database. A database program invokes the database invocation mechanism code within the database to invoke and interact with the external service. The database receives data from the external service in response to invoking and interacting with the external service.

Abstract: An expansion tank is fastened to a support using a bracket with a U-shaped cross-section formed by a back and two sidewalls. The edges of the sidewalls each have a notch mating with a weld bead on the tank. Fasteners hold the back of the bracket to the support. First and second hose clamps pass through the sidewalls by the back to encircle the tank and clamp it to the edges of the sidewall when the hose clamps are tightened.