Abstract: A drinking vessel including a beverage container defining a drinking opening therethrough and a closure attachable to the beverage container to close the drinking opening. A first set of magnet units is coupled to the beverage container, and a second set of magnet units is coupled to the closure. When the closure is in a closed position, magnetic attraction between at least one magnet unit of the first set of magnet units and at least one magnet unit of the second set of magnet units holds the closure in place relative to the beverage container, thereby closing the drinking opening. When the closure is rotated away from the closed position, magnetic repulsion between at least one magnet unit of the first set of magnet units and at least one magnet unit of the second set of magnet units pushes the closure away from the beverage container.

Abstract: A computer based scheduling and rescheduling method, apparatus and system for an electronic calendar. The electronic calendar illustrates a time progression of scheduled tasks in a horizontally or vertically oriented view of time. The electronic calendar and its graphical user interface (GUI) provide a viewing pattern for the user. Direction in the viewing pattern is synonymous with increasing/decreasing dates-times in the time progression of scheduled tasks. A scheduling-rescheduling engine schedules into the calendar user requested tasks and automatically reschedules impacted previously scheduled tasks. The scheduling-rescheduling engine also schedules user selected resources (e.g., people, robots, tools, etc.) per scheduled task.

Abstract: A computer based scheduling and rescheduling method, apparatus and system for an electronic calendar. The electronic calendar illustrates a time progression of scheduled tasks in a horizontally or vertically oriented view of time. The electronic calendar and its graphical user interface (GUI) provide a viewing pattern for the user. Direction in the viewing pattern is synonymous with increasing/decreasing dates-times in the time progression of scheduled tasks. A scheduling-rescheduling engine schedules into the calendar user requested tasks and automatically reschedules impacted previously scheduled tasks. The scheduling-rescheduling engine also schedules user selected resources (e.g., people, robots, tools, etc.) per scheduled task.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved apparatus for cleaning the interior of a liquid handling probe to reduce the amount time and the volume of wash fluid required to clean the probe and minimize carryover of material between different samples. In addition to the probe, the apparatus includes one or more wash fluid reservoirs, a compressed gas supply, one or more pumps, two or more valve-controlled probe lines and a controller for opening and closing the valves and actuating the pump(s) at desired time intervals. The invention further concerns a method of cleaning a liquid handling probe using the claimed apparatus and comprising sequential steps of pumping wash fluid and compressed gas through the probe.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved apparatus for cleaning the interior of a liquid handling probe to reduce the amount time and the volume of wash fluid required to clean the probe and minimize carryover of material between different samples. In addition to the probe, the apparatus includes one or more wash fluid reservoirs, a compressed gas supply, one or more pumps, two or more valve-controlled probe lines and a controller for opening and closing the valves and actuating the pump(s) at desired time intervals. The invention further concerns a method of cleaning a liquid handling probe using the claimed apparatus and comprising sequential steps of pumping wash fluid and compressed gas through the probe.

Abstract: An absolute linear encoder includes an index channel and at least two counter channels. The spacing between markings on the index channel is constant, and the spacing between markings on the first and second channels is predetermined so that the positions of the markings in the first and second channels vary so as to provide a unique signature for each position along the encoder. The linear encoder includes quadrature channels to provide increased resolution and to determine the direction of translation. The encoder is provided with a detector unit to detect positions of the markings in each channel, and a processing unit to calculate an absolute position from the detected marking positions. A method of producing the absolute linear encoder includes selecting spacings for markers in the quadrature, index, first and second channels in order to provide a desired resolution and encoder length.

Abstract: An improved gooseneck trailer hitch assembly mounting to the frame and underneath the bed of a pick-up truck. Only the hitch extends into the cargo carrying space overlying the bed of the pick-up. The ball hitch is removable from its mounting when not in use to clear the bed of any obstructions. The mounting assembly for the hitch is adjustable to provide easy mounting to virtually any pick-up truck irrespective of frame width.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device which is suitable for the treatment or prevention of subluxation or dislocation of the hip joint is described. The device comprises a waist band, two thigh bands and two leg bars. Each leg bar is attached at one end to a thigh band which is free to rotate about an axis which is perpendicular to the leg bar. The other end of each leg bar is rotatably held in a sleeve attached to the waist band. Each sleeve is capable of being inclined downwards with respect to the plane of the waist band. The spacial relationship of the axis of the sleeve and the distal end of the leg bar is such that the device operates by maintaining the legs of the wearer in abduction that is appropriate to the extent of hip flexion by altering the separation of the legs in a smooth and controlled way during hip flexion.

Abstract: A device for immobilizing the cranium and cervical spine of a patient comprises an orthosis which is adapted to engage the shoulders and head of the patient and straps for attaching the orthosis to the patient. The orthosis includes a curved shoulder portion for engaging the back of the shoulders of the patient, a V-shaped head portion for engaging the back of the head, and a top portion which extends transversely across the top of the V-shaped head portion. Elastic stabilizing or traction straps extend through the top portion and are secured to the orthosis, and traction or head neck stability can be applied to the patient's head by a halter or skeletal tongs attached to the straps.