Abstract: An adjustable drape (100) is manufactured from a flexible fabric layer and has a front major face (201) and a rear major face (101). One or more wearer attachment devices (102,103) are disposed along the rear major face (101), while one or more adjustment devices (202,203) are disposed along the front major face (201). When the flexible fabric layer attached to the chest of a wearer (400), it is not visible from the behind the wearer (400). Accordingly, the adjustable drape (100) can be used to preserve patient dignity during advanced imaging procedures.

Abstract: A drape (600) suitable for covering non-planar surfaces of equipment (1201) is provided. The drape (600) facilitates quick and efficient deployment while ensuring that a sterile field established by a drape portion (601) is not compromised. The drape (600) can include a drape wrapping layer (209) wrapped about a drape portion (601) that is formed initially with two abutting elongated accordion fold stacks (604,605). Non-sterile personnel (801) can handle the drape wrapping layer (209) to position the drape (600) along surfaces of the equipment (1201) without touching the sterile drape portion (601). Sterile personnel can then expand the abutting elongated accordion fold stacks (604,605) to drape the surfaces of the equipment (1201).

Abstract: A center-closed power steering system provides power steering assistance in engine-off conditions for reduced fuel consumption. The power steering system includes a hydraulic pump mechanically driven by the engine, a high pressure accumulator, a steering gearbox fluidly connected to the accumulator, and a center closed valve mechanically connected to a driver-operated steering wheel. The valve is configured to selectively control flow of pressurized fluid from the accumulator to the steering gearbox to provide power steering assistance. The inner shaft of the rotary center-closed valve is provided with a cavity with V-shaped notches on the transition surfaces on lands configured to sealingly engage the inner surface of the valve outer sleeve, in order to provide a smooth transition in flow for power steering assistance, and a better driver feel.

Abstract: An equipment drape (1000) is made from an elongated drape body (1401) that includes an equipment opening (1041). The elongated drape body (1401) is telescopically folded (1403) to form a telescopic drape body (1404). An accordion fold (1501) is then applied to form a rectangular shape (1503). The distal edges (1011,1012) are then folded back over the rectangular shape (1503) to meet at a longitudinal part (1511). Insertion indicators (1043,1044) can be attached to the equipment opening (1041). A user can easily and quickly insert their hands into the equipment opening (1041) to deploy the equipment drape (1000) with a single motion without having to first fumble with and unfold the drape.

Abstract: Medical lens assemblies and sterile drapes with a lens assembly are presented herein. In one embodiment, a lens assembly includes an annular lens housing that is attachable to a medical drape. The lens housing is configured to releasably attach to a medical device, such as a surgical microscope. An annular lens cover holder is removably attachable to the lens housing. A lens cover for shielding the objective lens is pivotably hinged to the lens cover holder. In another embodiment, a drape assembly includes a flexible body sized to cover an optical device. A lens housing attached to the drape body is engageable with the optical device to attach proximate to an objective lens thereof. A lens cover holder is removably attached to the lens housing to rotate about a first axis. A lens cover is mounted to the lens cover holder to pivot about a second, different axis.

Abstract: This invention combines the modeling capabilities of causal models, business process models, and dimensional reporting to allow the locating of root causes of problems. The causal models let the user explore the effects of other parts of the system have on the process in question through accessing dimensional reports. By recording and annotating the problem solving flow, and deriving characteristics of the problem solved, future users can be assisted in other problem solving sessions. Ad-hoc reports created to aid in the problem solving can be attached in the causal model and process model for future use.

Abstract: A moveable ramp arrangement having a traditional front side while the back side has an extended rotational park position used to support the read/write heads while the ramp is in the open position before and during disc installation.

Abstract: A stockinette (200), suitable for covering an appendage (1440) of a patient, includes one or more folds (206). The fold (206) can be in a length of material (205) disposed between an open end (204) and a closed end (203). Alternatively, the fold (880) can be in an optional cuff (860) formed by a section of material (661) near the open end (603). Folds can be present both in the length of material (205) and in the cuff (860) as well. The cuff (860) can be disposed atop the fold (206) in the length of material (205). The stockinette (200) enables one person to apply the stockinette (200) to an appendage (1440) with one continuous motion that expands the folds.

Abstract: A low cost method of attaching an actuator arm assembly to a single head hard disk drive that has a reduced part count The actuator arm assembly includes a suspension arm stamped from a metal and a pivot bearing cartridge contained by a reduced mass outer sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is a desiccant system for controlling moisture in a solar collector. The desiccant system has a desiccant bed enclosed within a housing, and is thermally coupled to the solar collector as well as being fluidly coupled to it through an orifice. Waste heat from the solar collector is conducted to the desiccant system and is used to regenerate the desiccant bed. The desiccant system includes moisture barriers which cause moisture from the desiccant to preferentially be released to the external environment rather than entering the solar collector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmental control system for controlling moisture in a solar energy collector. The environmental control system facilitates the flow of air within and through the solar energy collector by using and enhancing a thermal gradient within the solar energy collector caused by exposure to sunlight. Two or more orifices are located in an enclosed solar energy system to permit air to enter, circulate and remove moisture from the system. The position of the two or more orifices and a thermal gradient generated by the solar energy collector facilitates this process.

Abstract: A solar concentrator may include a substantially planar surface, a curved primary mirror having a first perimeter, at least a portion of the first perimeter being in contact with the substantially planar surface, a secondary mirror disposed between the substantially planar surface and the curved primary mirror, the secondary mirror associated with a desired focal area, and a shield element disposed between the substantially planar surface and the curved primary mirror. The shield element is to prevent a portion of light reflected by the secondary mirror from reaching the primary mirror. In some aspects, a portion of the shield element may be disposed between the substantially planar surface and a plane which is substantially parallel to the substantially planar surface and which includes a portion of the desired focal area. The shield element may include a reflective surface to reflect light received from the secondary mirror toward the desired focal area.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention control an atmosphere of a volume surrounding an energy conversion unit, such as a concentrator photovoltaic device. Differences between pressures within the volume and pressures outside the volume are controlled to reduce stress on seals and to prevent contaminants and moisture from flowing into the volume. A chamber for housing an energy conversion unit in accordance with one embodiment includes a housing and a controller. The housing defines a first unit volume for containing the energy conversion unit. The controller is coupled to the first unit volume and automatically controls an environment in the first unit volume. In one embodiment, the controller provides a flow path from a second unit volume outside the housing to a bladder within the first unit volume.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention seal an inside volume of an energy conversion unit from the outside atmosphere. A chamber for housing an energy conversion unit includes a lid having a first rim, a housing having a second rim, and a continuous seal sealing the first rim to the second rim. The lid and the housing form a volume with an atmosphere for securely housing an energy conversion unit. The seal has sidewalls that extend from the first rim to the second rim and includes an embedded ribbon that extends along a length of the seal such that the atmosphere is controlled by the continuous seal. Preferably, the embedded ribbon oscillates between the sidewalls in a pattern, such as a wave, a square wave, or a zig-zag. Preferably, the energy conversion unit is a concentrator photovoltaic device that includes optics for focusing light onto a photo-sensitive area of the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A solar concentrator may include a substantially planar surface, a curved primary mirror having a first perimeter, at least a portion of the first perimeter being in contact with the substantially planar surface, a secondary mirror disposed between the substantially planar surface and the curved primary mirror, the secondary mirror associated with a desired focal area, and a shield element disposed between the substantially planar surface and the curved primary mirror. The shield element is to prevent a portion of light reflected by the secondary mirror from reaching the primary mirror. In some aspects, a portion of the shield element may be disposed between the substantially planar surface and a plane which is substantially parallel to the substantially planar surface and which includes a portion of the desired focal area. The shield element may include a reflective surface to reflect light received from the secondary mirror toward the desired focal area.

Abstract: A center-closed power steering system provides power steering assistance in engine-off conditions for reduced fuel consumption. The power steering system includes a hydraulic pump mechanically driven by the engine, a high pressure accumulator, a steering gearbox fluidly connected to the accumulator, and a center closed valve mechanically connected to a driver-operated steering wheel. The valve is configured to selectively control flow of pressurized fluid from the accumulator to the steering gearbox to provide power steering assistance. The inner shaft of the rotary center-closed valve is provided with a cavity with V-shaped notches on the transition surfaces on lands configured to sealingly engage the inner surface of the valve outer sleeve, in order to provide a smooth transition in flow for power steering assistance, and a better driver feel.

Abstract: A radio-controlled electrically-powered model flying wing aircraft having a pusher propeller at the rear wing root powered by an electric motor mounted in a streamlined electric motor housing that extends into the wing and blends smoothly into the wing surface at the center wing chord. The motor housing, motor and propeller extend beyond the wing trailing edges to ensure efficient propeller operation and to reduce propeller-induced noise. A battery is secured in a resilient pouch and protected completely inside the wing root, serviceable from the bottom wing surface by removing a quick release flap. Major structural elements are composed of impact resistant, flexible, and resilient materials.

Abstract: A conveyance device is configured to carry a product. The conveyance device includes a first path configured to carry the product in a first direction, a second path configured to carry the product in a second direction, and a transfer assembly positioned adjacent to a portion of the first path to facilitate transfer of the product from the first path to the second path. The conveyance device also includes a guide system configured to move the transfer assembly along the first path. The guide system includes a base positioned proximate the first path and the second path and an arm coupled to the base and extending above a portion of the first path and a portion of the second path. The arm is configured to move in a first manner and a second manner relative to the base. The transfer assembly is movably coupled to the arm.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for diverting product from a single lane to one of a plurality of lanes includes a wall having an upstream portion positioned proximate the single lane and a downstream portion positioned proximate the plurality of lanes. The upstream portion is stationary relative to the single lane and the downstream portion is configured to be movable relative to the plurality of lanes. A length of the wall is configured to vary in response to movement of the downstream portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and processes of making and using interpolymers having a controlled molecular weight distribution. Multilayer films and film layers derived from novel ethylene/?-olefin interpolymers are also disclosed.