Abstract: A fixation component includes tines extending from a base portion of the fixation component. Each tine is elastically deformable between a pre-set position and an open position. Each tine includes a hook segment extending from a proximal end near the base portion to a distal end. Each tine also includes a distal segment extending from the distal end of the hook segment to a tissue-piercing tip. When positioned in the pre-set position, the hook segment extends along a pre-set curvature that encloses an angle between 135 degrees and 270 degrees, and the distal segment extends away from a longitudinal axis of the fixation component.

Abstract: High frequency interconnect structures, electronic assemblies that utilize high frequency interconnect structures, and methods of operating the same. The high frequency interconnect structures include a plurality of dielectric waveguides and are configured to communicatively connect a plurality of transmitters with a plurality of receivers and to convey a plurality of signals therebetween. The plurality of signals may include a plurality of electromagnetic waves and may have a frequency of at least 200 GHz. The high frequency interconnect structures further may be configured to decrease a potential for crosstalk between a first signal that is conveyed by a first dielectric waveguide of the plurality of dielectric waveguides and a second signal that is conveyed by a second dielectric waveguide of the plurality of dielectric waveguides, such as through control of a passband of the first dielectric waveguide relative to the second dielectric waveguide and/or the use of a crosstalk mitigation structure.

Abstract: High frequency interconnect structures, electronic assemblies that utilize high frequency interconnect structures, and methods of operating the same. The high frequency interconnect structures include a plurality of dielectric waveguides and are configured to communicatively connect a plurality of transmitters with a plurality of receivers and to convey a plurality of signals therebetween. The plurality of signals may include a plurality of electromagnetic waves and may have a frequency of at least 200 GHz. The high frequency interconnect structures further may be configured to decrease a potential for crosstalk between a first signal that is conveyed by a first dielectric waveguide of the plurality of dielectric waveguides and a second signal that is conveyed by a second dielectric waveguide of the plurality of dielectric waveguides, such as through control of a passband of the first dielectric waveguide relative to the second dielectric waveguide and/or the use of a crosstalk mitigation structure.

Abstract: An electronically operated card such as a debit or credit card, having internal data handling capabilities. The card may include in addition to a conventional magnetic strip, a data processor, a display, an on-off switch which may be a biometric switch, a power supply which may comprise a capacitor with or without a photovoltaic cell, and data busses enabling communication with external devices. The card may be used in combination with an external docking station which may be communicably connected to personal computers and to communications devices such as cellular telephones. The data processor may have programming enabling the card to perform functions which may be conventionally performed at card swiping terminals, automatic teller machines, and the like, such as balance reporting, funds transfers, purchase authorizations, displaying notices from such terminals and machines, and the like.

Abstract: A wafer probe comprises a contact conductively interconnected with the wall of a waveguide channel and supported by a substrate that projects from an end of a waveguide channel.

Abstract: A wafer probe comprises a contact conductively interconnected with the wall of a waveguide channel and supported by a substrate that projects from an end of a waveguide channel.

Abstract: A high frequency probe has contact tips located within the periphery of a terminal section of a coaxial cable and shielded by a ground conductor of the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A high frequency probe has contact tips located within the periphery of a terminal section of a coaxial cable and shielded by a ground conductor of the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A swept aircraft wing includes a leading airfoil element and a trailing airfoil element. At least one full-span slot is defined by the wing during at least one transonic condition of the wing. The full-span slot allows a portion of the air flowing along the lower surface of the leading airfoil element to split and flow over the upper surface of the trailing airfoil element so as to achieve a performance improvement in the transonic condition.

Abstract: An aircraft wing includes a leading airfoil element and a trailing airfoil element. At least one slot is defined by the wing during at least one transonic condition of the wing. The slot may either extend spanwise along only a portion of the wingspan, or it may extend spanwise along the entire wingspan. In either case, the slot allows a portion of the air flowing along the lower surface of the leading airfoil element to split and flow over the upper surface of the trailing airfoil element so as to achieve a performance improvement in the transonic condition.

Abstract: An aircraft wing includes a leading airfoil element and a trailing airfoil element. At least one slot is defined by the wing during at least one transonic condition of the wing. The slot may either extend spanwise along only a portion of the wingspan, or it may extend spanwise along the entire wingspan. In either case, the slot allows a portion of the air flowing along the lower surface of the leading airfoil element to split and flow over the upper surface of the trailing airfoil element so as to achieve a performance improvement in the transonic condition.

Abstract: A three-level semiconductor balun is disclosed. In one embodiment, the balun includes a first spiral-shaped transmission line overlying a substrate. The first transmission line has first and second ends. A second spiral-shaped transmission line is substantially vertically aligned with the first transmission line. The second transmission line has a first end electrically connected to the second end of the first transmission line. A third spiral-shaped transmission line is substantially vertically aligned with the first and second transmission lines. The third transmission line has a first end electrically connected to a second end of the second transmission line. The balun may be integrated on the same chip with other RF circuit components, and is suitable for use at higher frequencies than most conventional baluns.

Abstract: A novel broadside-coupled transmission line element is disclosed. The element includes a first metallization layer that has a first spiral-shaped transmission line and at least one bridge segment formed therein. The element also includes a second metallization layer that has a second spiral-shaped transmission line and connector segments formed therein. The connector segments provide respective electrical conduction paths between the inner area of the first and second transmission lines and the outer area of the first and second transmission lines. A first one of the connector segments is electrically connected to the inner terminus of the second transmission line. The second transmission line has a gap at each intersection with the connector segments. A dielectric layer lies between the first and second metallization layers.

Abstract: A specially designed quick coupler is representatively used to removably attach an excavation bucket to the outer boom end of an excavator. A top portion of the quick coupler is pinned to the outer boom end and has a bottom portion with spaced apart recesses configured to releasably receive portions of stick and curl pins on the bucket. An arcuate latch hook is translationally drivable by a hydraulic cylinder assembly toward one of the implement pins to releasably lock it in its associated coupler recess in a manner also captively retaining the other implement pin in its associated coupler recess. Stop structures oppose the latch hook and, using a simple shim arrangement, may be translationally shifted toward and away therefrom to easily adjust the coupler for wear and/or changes in the implement pin spacing. A redundant safety system is incorporated in the coupler and serves to hold the latch hook in its locking position.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system for managing insurance claims enables a claimant (with or without an attorney) and an insurance carrier to initiate, document, value, and negotiate an insurance claim in a timely manner while minimizing expense associated therewith. The claimant accesses the system over a network and is guided systematically from claim initiation to claim resolution. The claimant is provided with information on the credibility of the insurance claim and easy to use tools to help determine the value of the insurance claim. Additionally, the claimant is provided with an option to “auction” the insurance claim to an attorney in the event negotiations between the claimant and the insurance carrier do not lead to a settlement.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the pressure within the torque converter of an automatic transmission. The apparatus includes a sensor to sense the interior pressure of the torque converter and generate an electrical signal representative of that pressure. That signal is converted to microwave energy which is radiated into the interior of the torque converter housing from a microwave transmitter located within the torque converter. Receiving microwave antennae exposed to the housing interior receive the microwaves and transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the microwave energy to a remote readout external of the torque converter. The receiving antenna are preferably in the form of resonant slots in the torque converter housing and the slots have a length related to the wavelength of the generated microwaves.

Abstract: A modular target apparatus is described, which is adapted to be towed behind a towing vehicle, typically an aircraft. The modular apparatus includes a fore body, an aft body, and a thrust bearing interconnecting said bodies. The thrust bearing allows predetermined amounts of relative movement between the two bodies. The fore body is tubular and normally houses a miss distance indicator (MDI) device. The aft body has an aerodynamically shaped front end, and includes a trailing skirt. These coact to provide dynamic stability when the target apparatus is being towed. The front end of the aft body is preferably configured to house augmentation means which provides enhancement of a predetermined signal. This is most preferably in the form of a Luneberg lens. At least one of the fore and aft bodies is sometimes a substantially empty tube-like element. The trailing skirt has guides thereon which cause the aft body to follow a predetermined path of motion.