Abstract: A planar transformer including first and second parts of a core with least one of the first and second parts having a center post that resides in an aperture of a PWB. The PWB includes primary windings and secondary windings that surround the center post, are magnetically coupled by the core, and are electrically independent. Separating an uppermost winding from the first part of the core is a first prepreg structure and separating a lowermost winding from the second part of the core is a second prepreg structure. There being no windings disposed between the first and second prepreg structures and the core. This planar transformer structure inhibits the windings from electrically shorting through the core when the planar transformer is subjected to shock or vibration. One variant includes the use of pre-form adhesives sheets located between the solder mask layers of the PWB and the core.

Abstract: A planar transformer including first and second parts of a core with least one of the first and second parts having a center post that resides in an aperture of a PWB. The PWB includes primary windings and secondary windings that surround the center post, are magnetically coupled by the core, and are electrically independent. Separating an uppermost winding from the first part of the core is a first prepreg structure and separating a lowermost winding from the second part of the core is a second prepreg structure. There being no windings disposed between the first and second prepreg structures and the core. This planar transformer structure inhibits the windings from electrically shorting through the core when the planar transformer is subjected to shock or vibration. One variant includes the use of pre-form adhesives sheets located between the solder mask layers of the PWB and the core that further inhibit the windings from shorting through the core.

Abstract: A tethered imaging camera encapsulated in a shell lens element of such camera enables viewing from inside and imaging of a biological organ in/from a variety of directions. A portion of camera's optical system together with light source(s) and optical detector mutually cooperated by housing structure inside the shell are moveable/re-orientable within the shell to vary a desired view of the object space without interruption of imaging process. A tether carries electrical but not optical signals to and from the camera and controllable traction cords to move the camera, and a hand-control unit and/or electronic circuitry configured to operate the camera and power its movements. Method(s) of using optical, optoelectronic, and optoelectromechanical sub-systems of the camera.

Abstract: A planar transformer including first and second parts of a core with least one of the first and second parts having a center post that resides in an aperture of a PWB. The PWB includes primary windings and secondary windings that surround the center post, are magnetically coupled by the core, and are electrically independent. Separating an uppermost winding from the first part of the core is a first prepreg structure and separating a lowermost winding from the second part of the core is a second prepreg structure. There being no windings disposed between the first and second prepreg structures and the core. This planar transformer structure inhibits the windings from electrically shorting through the core when the planar transformer is subjected to shock or vibration. One variant includes the use of pre-form adhesives sheets located between the solder mask layers of the PWB and the core that further inhibit the windings from shorting through the core.

Abstract: A tethered imaging camera encapsulated in a shell lens element of such camera enables viewing from inside and imaging of a biological organ in/from a variety of directions. A portion of camera's optical system together with light source(s) and optical detector mutually cooperated by housing structure inside the shell are moveable/re-orientable within the shell to vary a desired view of the object space without interruption of imaging process. A tether carries electrical but not optical signals to and from the camera and controllable traction cords to move the camera, and a hand-control unit and/or electronic circuitry configured to operate the camera and power its movements. Method(s) of using optical, optoelectronic, and optoelectromechanical sub-systems of the camera.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a base and a mast assembly coupled to the base. The mast assembly comprises a weldment having a pulley assembly coupled to the weldment. The pulley assembly includes a pulley element over which one or more elongated members extend, a shaft capable of being secured to the weldment prior to the pulley element being mounted to the shaft, and a retainer element for securing the pulley element to the shaft.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a base, a movable carriage assembly, and a ram/cylinder assembly coupled to the carriage assembly to effect movement of the carriage assembly. The ram/cylinder assembly comprises a cylinder having an opening in a side wall for receiving a fluid, a ram disposed in the cylinder and coupling structure connected to the cylinder side wall including a bore communicating with the cylinder side wall opening. Further provided is a fluid supply system including a fluid hose connected to the coupling structure for supplying pressurized fluid to the coupling structure to effect movement of the ram in the cylinder such that movement of the ram causes movement of the carriage assembly.