Abstract: Nozzles that offer shape variability to maintain or purposely change the pressure drop across the throat are obtained by constructing the nozzles with components that change their shape, angle, or curvature in response to temperature changes that occur during the flow of combustion products through the nozzle. The temperature change may be the gradual heating of the nozzle wall from hot combustion gases, and the shape change may result in a decrease in the throat diameter or an expansion of the throat diameter. A decrease in throat diameter will be useful when the depletion of propellant as burning proceeds causes a drop in the pressure or flow rate of the combustion gas and there is a need to compensate for this drop to maintain the pressure drop across the throat. An increase in throat diameter will be useful when an initial high thrust is no longer needed and depletion of the fuel by itself is insufficient to lower the thrust to its desired reduced level.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a deflectable cutting element extending from the distal end of the instrument. The deflection of the cutting element is controllable based on a user operating a moveable member of the instrument. The deflectable cutting element is normally disposed within a circumferential region defined by the distal end of the instrument. The moveable member can be moved in relation to the instrument to deflect the deflectable cutting element, such that the cutting element is at least partially outside of the circumferential region. The extent that the cutting element is outside of the circumferential region is a function of the position to which the moveable member is moved in relation to the instrument. The instrument further includes direct imaging of the distal end, such that the deflection of the cutting element for selective removal of bone tissue at the distal end of the instrument can be controlled in real-time.

Abstract: A propulsion system with a divergent-convergent nozzle is provided with variable thrust by a pintle whose position relative to the nozzle throat is controlled by an actuator that includes a rotor that external to, and encircling, the nozzle, and that is coupled to either the pintle or to the nozzle shell by a linkage that translates the rotary movement of the rotor into linear movement of either the pintle or the shell.

Abstract: Nozzles that offer shape variability to maintain or purposely change the pressure drop across the throat are obtained by constructing the nozzles with components that change their shape, angle, or curvature in response to temperature changes that occur during the flow of combustion products through the nozzle. The temperature change may be the gradual heating of the nozzle wall from hot combustion gases, and the shape change may result in a decrease in the throat diameter or an expansion of the throat diameter. A decrease in throat diameter will be useful when the depletion of propellant as burning proceeds causes a drop in the pressure or flow rate of the combustion gas and there is a need to compensate for this drop to maintain the pressure drop across the throat. An increase in throat diameter will be useful when an initial high thrust is no longer needed and depletion of the fuel by itself is insufficient to lower the thrust to its desired reduced level.

Abstract: A device for use in connection with a bone, comprising a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance and angled relative to each other along a portion thereof. The device having a first ridge projecting from the first surface in a direction away from the second surface, the first ridge extending substantially along a length of the first surface, and a second ridge projecting from the second surface in a direction away from the first surface, the second ridge extending substantially along a length of the second surface in a direction substantially parallel to the first ridge. The device further includes a remote surface positioned more distant from the center of a bone, a proximate surface positioned more near the center of a bone, a fixed end surface, and a removable end surface extending in a first direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting wildlife from contact with an energized fuse assembly known as a “cutout”, also known as a “disconnect”. The cutout is shrouded from above and three sides. One side is left open to facilitate installation or removal of a fuse holder assembly. The shroud is formed to allow the use of a hot-stick for installation and removal of a fuse holder assembly into a fuse receptacle formed by upper and lower contact assemblies held in opposition to each other by an insulator. The shroud provides a slot enabling installation when a wire is connected to the upper contact assembly. A pin is used to hold the shrouding in place.

Abstract: A bird guard comprising pivotally attached covers for conductors emanating from an insulator. The insulator is covered while maintaining the integrity of the insulator's dielectric properties. Prevention of contact with the conductor is accomplished by covering a portion of the conductor emanating in a first direction from an insulative support. Inadvertent exposure of the conductor emanating in the first direction is then prevented. A portion of the conductor proximate to the insulative support is covered.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting wildlife from contact with an energized fuse assembly known as a “cutout”, also known as a “disconnect”. The cutout is shrouded from above and three sides. One side is left open to facilitate installation or removal of a fuse holder assembly. The shroud is formed to allow the use of a hot-stick for installation and removal of a fuse holder assembly into a fuse receptacle formed by upper and lower contact assemblies held in opposition to each other by an insulator. The shroud provides a slot enabling installation when a wire is connected to the upper contact assembly. A pin is used to hold the shrouding in place.

Abstract: This invention relates to a closure for a drinking container and is particularly concerned with spill-proof closures, which remain in place while drinking. The inexpensive, effective and durable closures according to this invention are suitable for both disposable and nondisposable applications where both cost and performance are important.

Abstract: An improved vaginal speculum includes a lower blade member having a straight segment, a curved portion, and a hollow leg portion. The speculum also includes a slide member, an upper blade member rotatably and slidably movable relative to lower blade member, and a light pipe extending from the hollow leg toward the straight segment of the lower blade. The light pipe is adapted to direct light from a light source positionable within the leg, into a region under examination. The upper blade is provided with a smoke evacuation passage formed by a U-shaped channel member positioned adjacent a contoured interior surface of the upper blade member. The U-shaped channel member is provided with a forward end, a rearward end, a bottom surface, and a pair of opposed side walls each having a top edge shaped to fit snugly against the contours of the interior surface or retaining walls formed thereon.

Abstract: A device for controlling the movement of an animal is provided which includes a cone-shaped covering (10) for the animal's head. The covering (10) is made from a collapsible, light-impermeable, durable material. A closed end (11) is constructed to prevent suffocation of the animal when the covering is placed on the animal's head for a relatively short period of time. A rigid member (14) is provided at an open end (12) of the covering (10) to support the end (12) in an open state allowing the animal's head to enter the covering interior and to provide a collar about the shoulders of the animal whereby pressure may be exerted upon the animal to direct the movement of the animal while confined in the covering. A handle or hand hold area (15) is provided so that the user may securely grasp the rigid member (14) to manipulate the device.

Abstract: A crate crib attachment (10) is disclosed which is mounted by means of a plurality of adjustable mounting brackets (30) upon a topmost end portion of a farrowing crate (20). Baby piglets placed within the crib attachment are separated from the mother pig for safety purposes, yet remain in close proximity during their pre-nursery growth period.