Abstract: A method for extracting parameters of a cutting tool is provided. The method comprises positioning the cutting tool on a moveable stage, performing one or more rotary scans of a first section of the cutting tool to generate a scanning point cloud, indexing a plurality of points of the scanning point cloud, detecting one or more feature points based on the indexed scanning point cloud, and extracting one or more parameters based on the detected feature points. A system for extracting the parameters is also presented.

Abstract: The thrust reverser comprises sections, such as arms and skins, which may be connected along joints to provide a thrust reverser body. A plurality of fittings may be integrally formed on a surface of each arm.

Abstract: A multi-layered roofing shingle is described. The layers of the shingle are connected via a mechanical fastener. A method for manufacturing a multi-layered shingle is also described. The method includes aligning the layers of the shingle, and connecting the layers via at least one mechanical fastener. Further described is a multi-layered shingle having layers that are mechanically fastened by deforming one of the layers into one of the other layers.

Abstract: A multi-layered roofing shingle is described. The layers of the shingle are connected via a mechanical fastener. A method for manufacturing a multi-layered shingle is also described. The method includes aligning the layers of the shingle, and connecting the layers via at least one mechanical fastener. Further described is a multi-layered shingle having layers that are mechanically fastened by deforming one of the layers into one of the other layers.

Abstract: A multi-layered roofing shingle is described. The layers of the shingle are connected via a mechanical fastener. A method for manufacturing a multi-layered shingle is also described. The method includes aligning the layers of the shingle, and connecting the layers via at least one mechanical fastener. Further described is a multi-layered shingle having layers that are mechanically fastened by deforming one of the layers into one of the other layers.

Abstract: An instrument includes components configured to secure a locking device inside a rod fixation assembly. In one embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve and a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve. A drive assembly cooperatively engages the pusher member. In another embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve, a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve, and a pair of drive assemblies. A first drive assembly engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a first loading. A second drive assembly also engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a second loading, the second loading being substantially greater than the first loading. In another embodiment, a method for reducing and locking a spinal rod includes the step of advancing a locking element while the locking element is retained in a fixed orientation.

Abstract: The thrust reverser is used with a gas turbine engine and includes first and second doors pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When deployed, pivoting fairings on the first door are moved so as to give room to the second door as its trailing edge moves within the first door. When stowed, the second door preferably provides the locking mechanism to the pivoting fairings of the first door.

Abstract: A rod persuader assembly includes a tubular body, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a gripping end and a handle end. The outer shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a rod reducing end. In one embodiment, the handle end is rotatable relative to the gripping end. In another embodiment, the gripping end includes a cylindrical socket. In yet another embodiment, the rod persuader assembly is operable in two separate and independent stages to secure the instrument to an implant, and advance a rod into the implant.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an inspection system is provided. The method includes contacting a test part with a run-out measurement device and rotating the test part and measuring a first run-out using the run-out measurement device. The method also includes moving the run-out measurement device to a new position and repeating the steps of contacting and rotating the test part to measure a second run-out at the new position. The method further includes using the first and second run-outs to adjust measurements of the inspection system.

Abstract: A method for measurement of a cutting tool is provided. The method comprises positioning the cutting tool on a moveable stage, performing a first rotary scan of a first section of the cutting tool to generate a first scanning point cloud, segmenting the first scanning point cloud, performing a second rotary scan of the first section based on the segmentation of the first scanning point cloud, and extracting the parameters of the first section based on the second rotary scan of the first section. A system for extracting parameters of a cutting tool is also presented.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a rod in a screw and rod fixation assembly includes a cap having a sidewall and a locking element extending from at least a portion of the sidewall. Locking mechanism cooperates with a receiver component for a spinal fixation rod to lock the rod in the receiver without requiring application of torque. A method of locking a spinal fixation member in a receiver of a screw fixation assembly includes the steps of placing the spinal fixation member into a channel of a receiver, axially advancing a locking cap into the receiver toward the spinal fixation member without application of any torque, and securing the locking cap in a locked position above the spinal fixation member without application of any torque.

Abstract: Bidirectional wavelength cross connects include a plurality of ports, each configured to receive an input optical signals, each input optical signal having a plurality of spectral bands. At least one of the plurality of ports is disposed to simultaneously transmit an output optical signal having at least one of the spectral bands. A plurality of wavelength routing elements are configured to selectively route input optical signal spectral bands to output optical signals.

Abstract: A method of measuring an object includes positioning the object on a moveable stage, performing a rotary scan of the object with a range sensor, and determining geometric parameters of the object based on the rotary scan.

Abstract: Bidirectional wavelength cross connects include a plurality of ports, each configured to receive an input optical signals, each input optical signal having a plurality of spectral bands. At least one of the plurality of ports is disposed to simultaneously transmit an output optical signal having at least one of the spectral bands. A plurality of wavelength routing elements are configured to selectively route input optical signal spectral bands to output optical signals.

Abstract: Bidirectional wavelength cross connects include a plurality of ports, each configured to receive an input optical signals, each input optical signal having a plurality of spectral bands. At least one of the plurality of ports is disposed to simultaneously transmit an output optical signal having at least one of the spectral bands. A plurality of wavelength routing elements are configured to selectively route input optical signal spectral bands to output optical signals.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the operation of a piezo ceramic actuator comprising means for applying a voltage to the piezo ceramic actuator, the means arranged such that a linear charge is applied to the piezo ceramic device (10) which in turn produces a linear displacement of the piezo ceramic device. The control circuit preferably comprises four transistor switches (20) in H-bridge configuration.

Abstract: Retroreflecting elements adapted for use in one-to-M wavelength routing elements are provided. Each retroreflecting element is configured to retroreflect an optical ray that is orthogonal to a reference plane. A first reflective surface, such as may be provided by a mirror, is inclined with respect to the reference plane and is disposed to encounter the optical ray. The first reflective surface is also configured for rotation about an axis to multiple positions. A second reflective surface, such as may also be provided by a mirror, is inclined with respect to the first reflective surface. In at least one of the positions, the optical ray also encounters the second reflective surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone plating system and method for fracture fixation of bone. The bone plating system includes a bone plate, at least one locking screw, and at least one non-locking screw. The bone plate has locking holes with threads and non-locking holes. The locking screws have a shaft with a thread for engaging bone and a head with a thread configured and dimensioned to mate with the thread of the locking holes. The non-locking screws have a thread for engaging bone and a non-threaded head. Both the locking and non-locking screws remain seated in their respective holes for substantially as long as the bone plate is implanted. The non-locking screws compress the bone plate against the bone and hold fracture reduction while the locking screws are secured to the plate at a fixed angular relationship. The mixed fixation achieved by this bone plating system and method is particularly useful for treatment of per-articular fractures.

Abstract: A rapier for a rapier loom comprises:—a low mass self-tightening rotary clamp with its axis of rotation aligned to the direction of maximum acceleration;—a collapsing pivot linkage that converts the force used to close the self-tightening clamp into the force used to open it;—a piezo-electric trigger device system that controls the change of state of the collapsing pivot linkage wherein the device is charged at the start of the insertion cycle and discharged at the centre of the loom to change the state of the system; and an electronic circuit comprising a photo-transistor that is connected with the piezo-electric of the trigger system such that when a suitable level of light is introduced to the device the actuator becomes discharged

Abstract: A laminated roofing shingle has an increased nailing zone obtained by increasing the width of the backer strip and thinning a portion of the extended backer strip underlying the nailing zone on the upper shingle layer. The thinned portion is of a width such that when a pair of the shingles are stacked one atop the other with their respective backer strips oriented in opposite directions, the respective thinned portions are aligned with one another and are separated only by the upper shingle layer of the lowermost shingle. When stacked and bundled, the extended backer strip portions do not substantially increase the height of the bundle. The height of the bundle may be further reduced by forming a longitudinally extending thinned area in the upper shingle layer overlying the thinned portion of the backer strip.