Abstract: A shaft for a gas turbine engine includes a composite tube including a plurality of grooves extending along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft has a load fuse mechanism that has at least one metallic coupling that has a plurality of splines extending along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Each of the plurality of splines is received within and engages with a corresponding groove of the composite tube to form a preloaded interference fit between the load fuse mechanism and the composite tube. The at least one metallic coupling includes a first portion defining a first diameter and a second portion extending from the first portion along the longitudinal axis. The second portion defines a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The second portion has a smooth annular outer surface devoid of any splines.

Abstract: An acoustic housing, a light fixture, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of decreasing sound transfer from a light fixture in a suspended ceiling are disclosed. An acoustic hood for a light fixture in a suspended ceiling may include a partially enclosed space formed between a plurality of wall portions. A light fixture may include first and second layers that are coupled to one another and form a partially enclosed space. A suspended ceiling system may include the acoustic hood or light fixture. The method relates to disposing an acoustic housing spaced from the light fixture.

Abstract: A handheld grip assist device for use in gripping an object in a sanitary manner. The grip assist device has a clamshell construction, wherein two assemblies are joined at a hinge. The two assemblies have a rigid frame that support elastomeric panels. Movement between an open configuration and a closed configuration are controlled by engaging the grip assist device between a thumb and finger and using the muscles of the hand to open and close the grip assist device. In this manner, the grip assist device can be precisely controlled while preventing any direct contact between a gripped object and the skin of the hand. The grip assist device can be locked in its closed configuration, therein isolating surfaces on the grip assist device that could cause cross-contamination.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are described that employ a fast concussion model usable to detect occurrence of traumatic events that can contribute to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and to assess the risk that mTBI has occurred or is likely to occur should further traumatic events occur. A method includes receiving motion data related to a head acceleration event from sensors configured to detect head motion of a subject, using the motion data to obtain an estimate of axon signal dysfunction affecting a component of the subject's brain as a result of the head acceleration event, determining a Neurologic Injury Measure (NIM) from the estimate of axon signal dysfunction, and generating a probability that the subject has been concussed by the head acceleration event based on the NIM. The estimate of axon signal dysfunction may be based on strain at nodes of Ranvier in the component of the subject's brain.

Abstract: A flying toy that is thrown into flight. The flying toy has a central hub with a central axis. A central opening is formed in the hub. Wings radially extend from the central hub. Each of the wings has a first section that extends from the hub, a second section that extends from the hub, and a curved section that joins the first section to the second section. A shaped opening is defined in each of the wings. The curved section in each of the wings is shaped as an airfoil. The curved sections produce lift as air flows over the curved sections in flight. The openings in the hub and the wings enable air to flow over the air foils regardless to flight speed or rotational speed. The shape of the flying toy also produces an air cushion in flight that supplements lift.

Abstract: An acoustic housing, a light fixture, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of decreasing sound transfer from a light fixture in a suspended ceiling are disclosed. An acoustic hood for a light fixture in a suspended ceiling may include a partially enclosed space formed between a plurality of wall portions. A light fixture may include first and second layers that are coupled to one another and form a partially enclosed space. A suspended ceiling system may include the acoustic hood or light fixture. The method relates to disposing an acoustic housing spaced from the light fixture.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are described that employ a fast concussion model usable to detect occurrence of traumatic events that can contribute to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and to assess the risk that mTBI has occurred or is likely to occur should further traumatic events occur. A method includes receiving motion data related to a head acceleration event from sensors configured to detect head motion of a subject, using the motion data to obtain an estimate of axon signal dysfunction affecting a component of the subject's brain as a result of the head acceleration event, determining a Neurologic Injury Measure (NIM) from the estimate of axon signal dysfunction, and generating a probability that the subject has been concussed by the head acceleration event based on the NIM. The estimate of axon signal dysfunction may be based on strain at nodes of Ranvier in the component of the subject's brain.

Abstract: A flying toy that is thrown into flight. The flying toy has a central hub with a central axis. A central opening is formed in the hub. Wings radially extend from the central hub. Each of the wings has a first section that extends from the hub, a second section that extends from the hub, and a curved section that joins the first section to the second section. A shaped opening is defined in each of the wings. The curved section in each of the wings is shaped as an airfoil. The curved sections produce lift as air flows over the curved sections in flight. The openings in the hub and the wings enable air to flow over the air foils regardless to flight speed or rotational speed. The shape of the flying toy also produces an air cushion in flight that supplements lift.

Abstract: An acoustic housing, a light fixture, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of decreasing sound transfer from a light fixture in a suspended ceiling are disclosed. An acoustic hood for a light fixture in a suspended ceiling may include a partially enclosed space formed between a plurality of wall portions. A light fixture may include first and second layers that are coupled to one another and form a partially enclosed space. A suspended ceiling system may include the acoustic hood or light fixture. The method relates to disposing an acoustic housing spaced from the light fixture.

Abstract: A toy assembly that is configurable between a ball shape and a disc shape. When compressed into a disc shape, an air foil configuration is achieved that enables the toy assembly to achieve stable flight. A first plurality of body flaps radially extend from a first hub to create a first hemispherical subassembly. The opposing second hemispherical subassembly is created using a second hub and a second plurality of body flaps. A resilient ring is engaged by all of the body flaps. The resilient ring binds the two hemispherical subassemblies together. A temporary connector is coupled to the first hub and to the second hub. The temporary connector temporarily interconnects the first hub and the second hub for a period of time after the first hub and the second hub are pressed together.

Abstract: A tossing game wherein a projectile is tossed toward a target. The projectile adheres to the target using magnetic attraction. The projectile is configured as a segmented ring that contains a plurality of segments. Each of the segments is interconnected to two adjacent segments at flexible joints, wherein the plurality of segments and flexible joints form a continuous ring. Magnets are affixed to at least some of the segments. The magnets enable the segmented ring to attach to a magnetic surface on the target when thrown against the target. When the projectile is thrown and impacts the target, the structure of the segmented ring bends along the various flexible joints. The bending of the projectile absorbs much of the rebounding force at impact.

Abstract: A flying disc assembly that contains an electronics module. The electronics module is protected from impact forces by the structure of the flying disc assembly. The flying disc assembly includes an annular disc body that defines a central opening. The electronics module extends through the central opening and is joined to the annular disc body by shock absorbing elements. The shock absorbing elements enable the electronics module to move relative the annular disc body when the flying disc assembly experiences a rapid change in velocity. The range of movement is limited to prevent permanent deformation of the shock absorbing elements. However, the range of movement that is permitted significantly reduces the forces that are experienced by the electronics module.

Abstract: A flying disc assembly that contains an electronics module. The electronics module is protected from impact forces by the structure of the flying disc assembly. The flying disc assembly includes an annular disc body that defines a central opening. The electronics module extends through the central opening and is joined to the annular disc body by shock absorbing elements. The shock absorbing elements enable the electronics module to move relative the annular disc body when the flying disc assembly experiences a rapid change in velocity. The range of movement is limited to prevent permanent deformation of the shock absorbing elements. However, the range of movement that is permitted significantly reduces the forces that are experienced by the electronics module.

Abstract: An acoustic housing, a light fixture, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of decreasing sound transfer from a light fixture in a suspended ceiling are disclosed. An acoustic hood for a light fixture in a suspended ceiling may include a partially enclosed space formed between a plurality of wall portions. A light fixture may include first and second layers that are coupled to one another and form a partially enclosed space. A suspended ceiling system may include the acoustic hood or light fixture. The method relates to disposing an acoustic housing spaced from the light fixture.

Abstract: An acoustic housing, a light fixture, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of decreasing sound transfer from a light fixture in a suspended ceiling are disclosed. An acoustic hood for a light fixture in a suspended ceiling may include a partially enclosed space formed between a plurality of wall portions. A light fixture may include first and second layers that are coupled to one another and form a partially enclosed space. A suspended ceiling system may include the acoustic hood or light fixture. The method relates to disposing an acoustic housing spaced from the light fixture.

Abstract: A toy assembly that is configurable between a ball shape and a disc shape. When compressed into a disc shape, an air foil configuration is achieved that enables the toy assembly to achieve stable flight. A first plurality of body flaps radially extend from a first hub to create a first hemispherical subassembly. The opposing second hemispherical subassembly is created using a second hub and a second plurality of body flaps. A resilient ring is engaged by all of the body flaps. The resilient ring binds the two hemispherical subassemblies together. A temporary connector is coupled to the first hub and to the second hub. The temporary connector temporarily interconnects the first hub and the second hub for a period of time after the first hub and the second hub are pressed together.

Abstract: An acoustic housing, a light fixture, a suspended ceiling system, and a method of decreasing sound transfer from a light fixture in a suspended ceiling are disclosed. An acoustic hood for a light fixture in a suspended ceiling may include a partially enclosed space formed between a plurality of wall portions. A light fixture may include first and second layers that are coupled to one another and form a partially enclosed space. A suspended ceiling system may include the acoustic hood or light fixture. The method relates to disposing an acoustic housing spaced from the light fixture.