Abstract: A hinge for use in securing a door to a cabinet, includes a hinge cup portion for installation onto a door, a hinge arm portion for installation onto a cabinet, a spring for rotatable connection between said hinge arm portion and said hinge cup portion, where the spring is capable of exerting a first biasing force for urging the door to a fully closed or fully open position, and a second biasing force for exerting non-linear tension on the spring at a predetermined position during the progression of the door between an open and a closed position.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a parameter applied to a surface is provided. The sensor includes at least one substrate layer, a plurality of individual sensor elements operatively arranged with respect to the substrate layer, and a conductive trace disposed on the substrate layer. The conductive trace is electrically coupled to an individual sensor element and wraps around at least a portion of the sensor element in a spiral-like manner. Further, by employing slits or cut-outs of material between sensor elements, a sensor element may move independent of an adjacent sensor element, thereby allowing the sensor to conform to an irregularly shaped surface or otherwise when subject to relatively large deflections. The sensor may be employed to detect force distribution of a seating surface, such as a seat cushion of a wheelchair.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating repeatable closure of a volume measurement chamber are provided. More particularly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a dual articulating hinge is used to affix a chamber door to a volume measurement chamber, providing repeatable closure of a chamber door. In another embodiment of the invention, a laterally compliant magnetic latch is used to fasten a chamber door to a volume measurement chamber. In a third embodiment, a chamber door lid is mounted to a hinge bar via a ball joint, allowing the chamber door lid to self center about the chamber opening.

Abstract: A new vanity cabinet with a functional lavatory included therein is disclosed with modified drawers that compatibly circumvent the portions of the lavatory basin and the associated plumbing service to same, when the drawers are opened and closed. The vanity cabinet of the present invention therefore provides for increased storage and utility.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to circulation of air within a plethysmographic measurement chamber are provided. An air circulation system, comprised of one or more pumps, is coupled to a plethysmographic measurement chamber using one or more inlet and exhaust tubes. The air circulation system renews the air within the measurement chamber using ambient air, or air derived from a controlled temperature environment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to plethysmographic measurement of infant body composition are provided. A tray for receiving the infant subject to be measured is coupled to a sliding mechanism that slides the tray in and out of a plethysmographic measurement chamber, thereby reducing the footprint of said chamber and facilitating infant comfort during measurement. Further, an integrated weighing function is provided that determines the infant's weight while conducting body composition measurements.

Abstract: A shielded rack loader makes use of a loading rack movable between a shielding structure and a storage tube. A shield plug seals the storage tube. A hoist moves the shield plug and the loading rack. A shield plug cart and a material transfer cart mate with receiving flanges of the rack loader and permit temporary storage and movement of the shield plug and of canisters of transuranic material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to plethysmographic measurement of infant body composition are provided. A tray for receiving the infant subject to be measured is coupled to a sliding mechanism that slides the tray in and out of a plethysmographic measurement chamber, thereby reducing the footprint of said chamber and facilitating infant comfort during measurement. Further, an integrated weighing function is provided that determines the infant's weight while conducting body composition measurements.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating repeatable closure of a volume measurement chamber are provided. More particularly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a dual articulating hinge is used to affix a chamber door to a volume measurement chamber, providing repeatable closure of a chamber door. In another embodiment of the invention, a laterally compliant magnetic latch is used to fasten a chamber door to a volume measurement chamber. In a third embodiment, a chamber door lid is mounted to a hinge bar via a ball joint, allowing the chamber door lid to self center about the chamber opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to vacuum lids, and in particular, vacuum lids that are compatible with containers to preserve food stored in the container. An embodiment of the invention includes a top surface with an access aperture, a plurality of raised members of varying heights, and a removable raised member that covers a container valve. A vacuum is applied to the container valve, wherein air from the container is removed from the container. The container is then sealed with a membrane, thereby holding a vacuum inside the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for detecting the contact or nip width between two contacting surfaces. The apparatus includes first and second insulating substrates each of which has a pattern of conductive material formed on a facing inner surface thereof, which substrates are adapted to be fitted between the contacting surfaces. For a first embodiment, the pattern of conductive material on one substrate includes a pair of conductive terminals spaced by a distance greater than the contact width to be measured and the conductive pattern on the other substrate includes a conductor which extends over at least a distance greater than the maximum width W to be measured.