Abstract: An automated fluid maintenance system comprising a sensor system and a pump configured to deliver fluid from a refillable reservoir to a container holding a Christmas tree, such as a Christmas tree stand. Embodiments of the system include tree attachment hardware capable of controlling the flow, delivery and direction of the fluid being pumped from the of the fluid system's reservoir to a fluid-holding container of the Christmas tree stand and further capable of securing the point of fluid delivery to the tree stand and/or the tree itself. The tree attachment device universally attaches to any available tree stand, even the most complex stand mechanisms, sizes and shapes that obstruct the path to the Christmas tree being maintained by the automated fluid delivery system of the present application.

Abstract: An automated fluid maintenance system comprising a sensor system and a pump configured to deliver fluid from a refillable reservoir to a container holding a Christmas tree, such as a Christmas tree stand. Embodiments of the system include tree attachment hardware capable of controlling the flow, delivery and direction of the fluid being pumped from the of the fluid system's reservoir to a fluid-holding container of the Christmas tree stand and further capable of securing the point of fluid delivery to the tree stand and/or the tree itself. The tree attachment device universally attaches to any available tree stand, even the most complex stand mechanisms, sizes and shapes that obstruct the path to the Christmas tree being maintained by the automated fluid delivery system of the present application.

Abstract: A universal seaming chuck (30) having a working profile (60) that defines a seaming surface (64) and a chuck wall driving surface (68) including a distal radiused portion (80), a middle radiused portion (84) and a proximal radiused portion (88). The working profile (60) is configured to support at least a first type of can end and a second type of can end that is different than the first type of can end during the seaming process. A method for seaming said first and second type of can ends by using said chuck is also disclosed.

Abstract: A remote controller for a mobile device is described. The remote controller includes a communications transceiver configured for bidirectional communications with the mobile device, and a computer processing system communicatively coupled to the communications transceiver. The computer processing system may be configured to execute instructions to remotely control one or more applications associated with the mobile device. Examples of applications include media playback applications, software updating applications, and the like. The remote controller may also include one or more actuators communicatively coupled to the computer processing system, the one or more actuators being configured to receive user input to control or access the one or more applications. Additionally, the remote controller may include a screen.

Abstract: A tool has a flange attached to an engine housing. A primary cam is rotated to advance segments into the housing and a second rotational cam causes the segments to turn relative to each other as they are being inserted into the housing. This causes the segments to follow a predetermined path as they extend into the housing to bring a sensor at the end of the segments into a sensing position.

Abstract: A handle for a surgical instrument used in keyhole, endoscopic, and laparoscopic surgery, having a pivoting or articulated end portion and a mechanism for indexing the pivoting movement of the end portion. The indexing mechanism allows adjustment of the angle of the end portion for improved control and tactile feedback to the user. The handle also has a mechanism for locking and unlocking movement of the end portion whereby the end portion can be pivoted or articulated to a desired angle and the locking mechanism moved to a position to prevent movement of the end portion, thus holding it at the desired angle to achieve the improved control and tactile feedback to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for allowing simultaneous use of at least two surgical instruments through a single incision. The apparatus includes a first part having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface engages an incision and holds the incision in an open position. The inner surface defines a passageway through the first part from the proximal to the distal ends. The apparatus also includes a second part attached to the proximal end of the first part for sealing the proximal end of the first part and having at least two ports for receiving a surgical instrument. At least one of the ports includes a ball joint to allow articulation of the port relative to the second part. The ball joint allows the orientation of the port and the surgical instrument within it to be moved easily relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: A panel and method of making a panel is disclosed. One described panel comprises a core comprising a flat region and a contoured region, wherein the contoured region comprises a convex feature, a first adjacent base and a second adjacent base, the apex of the convex feature has a first caliper, the first adjacent base has a second caliper smaller than the first caliper, and the second adjacent base has a third caliper smaller than the first caliper.

Abstract: A handle (3) for a surgical instrument, and in particular a handle for use with keyhole surgery, endoscopic and laparoscopic instruments is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a handle for a surgical instrument comprising one part with a pivoting or articulated end portion (4b), and a means for indexing the pivoting movement of the end portion. The indexing means allows adjustment of the angle of the end portion together with improved control and tactile feedback to the user. In another aspect, the present invention provides a handle for a surgical instrument comprising one part with a pivoting or articulated end portion, and a means for locking the movement of the end portion. The locking means can be moved between locked and unlocked positions. The end portion can be pivoted or articulated to a desired angle and the locking means moved to a position to prevent movement of the end portion holding it at the desired angle. This improves control and tactile feedback to the user.

Abstract: A seal for laparoscopic port comprising: a base adapted to engage a cannula, the base including an axial aperture for a surgical instrument; a multiplicity of jaws mounted on the base, the jaws being moveable radially with respect to the aperture between an open position wherein the shaft of the surgical instrument may pass freely and the closed position wherein the jaws engage said shaft and provide a restraining force restraining radial movement of the shaft; and an actuator rotatable to urge the jaws to move between said open position and said closed position.

Abstract: A tool has a flange attached to an engine housing. A primary cam is rotated to advance segments into the housing and a second rotational cam causes the segments to turn relative to each other as they are being inserted into the housing. This causes the segments to follow a predetermined path as they extend into the housing to bring a sensor at the end of the segments into a sensing position.

Abstract: A microlens chip comprises a variable focus fluidic microlens and actuator. The actuator varies the pressure in a fluidic channel in the microlens chip which is coupled to an aperture opening containing the microlens. Applying an electric field to the actuator creates changes in fluid pressure in the fluidic channel, which in turn changes the radius of curvature (i.e., focal length) of the fluidic microlens.

Abstract: A seal for laparoscopic port comprising: a base adapted to engage a cannula, the base including an axial aperture for a surgical instrument; a multiplicity of jaws mounted on the base, the jaws being movable radially with respect to the aperture between an open position wherein a shaft of the surgical instrument may pass freely and a closed position wherein the jaws engage said shaft and provide a restraining force restraining radial movement of the shaft; and an actuator rotatable to urge the jaws to move between said open position and said closed position; wherein the actuator includes a click stop arrangement adapted to provide frictional engagement at a position intermediate the open and closed positions to hold the jaws at the intermediate position

Abstract: A method of forming a metallic feature on a substrate, comprising the steps of: providing a stamp having a raised region; depositing catalytic particles on a selected area of the stamp, including the raised region thereof; providing a substrate; applying the stamp to the substrate, such that the raised region of the stamp causes a corresponding indented region in the substrate and at least some of the catalytic particles are transferred to a selected area of the substrate; and plating the selected area of the substrate.

Abstract: A modular step system for in-ground swimming comprising a bottom central hub, a brace assembly, a top central hub, a tread support assembly, a step form and a liner. The components of the modular step system interlock and snap together without fasteners. Also, the components of the modular step system are obtained by molding plastic material or curing of a curable material. The modular step system is installed on a level concrete floor of a swimming pool and designed to be rigidly fixed from behind to adjacent pool walls. The modular step system is adaptable to a pool having a vinyl liner, structurally sound regardless of size, easy to assemble, consistent in size, and cost-effective.

Abstract: A method of activating and metallising an aromatic polymer film including the steps of: treating a first surface of the film with a basic solution; applying to said first surface of the film an aqueous seeding solution comprising polymer-stabilised catalyst particles; and immersing the film in an electroless plating bath comprising ions of a desired metal so as to deposit a layer of said metal onto the first surface of said film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for electroless deposition of a metal layer on selected portions of a substrate. A preferred form of the invention relates to a method of depositing a desired metal layer, by electroless deposition, on one or more selected portions of an indium tin oxide (ITO) surface of a substrate. These selected portions are typically transparent conductive paths of ITO. The method includes a number of steps including applying a masking layer onto the surface, the masking layer having one or more apertures formed therein so as to expose the one or more selected portions of the surface: exposing the one or more selected portions of the surface to a colloidal suspension of catalytic particles adapted to adsorb to the substrate surface and to enhance deposition of the desired metal layer, and exposing the one or more selected portions of the surface to an ionic solution containing ions of the desired metal to enable formation of the metal layer.

Abstract: A method of identifying an object having identification information, said identification information being used to verify the object's identity, said method comprising: determining at least one characteristic of a magnetic field of at least a portion of a tag, thereby obtaining a first specific magnetic signal, wherein the tag comprises a substantially non-magnetic host material having pores, wherein at least some of the pores contain a magnetic material, and storing signal information relating to said first specific magnetic signal, said stored signal information forming the identification information of the object.

Abstract: A seal for laparoscopic port comprising:

Abstract: A laparoscopic forceps comprising a handle; a tubular housing extending axially from the handle and carrying an actuator rod; a jaws mechanism disposed at the end of the tubular housing remote from the handle engaged to the actuation rod and arranged so that the jaws may be opened or closed by actuation of the handle; wherein the handle comprises left and right bow members pivotally connected to a mounting core in a scissors-like arrangement, and adapted to engage a user's finger and thumb in use; the forceps including a switchable ratchet mechanism moveable between locked and unlocked positions, adapted when locked to allow closure and prevent opening of the jaws, and when unlocked to allow free opening and closing of the jaws.