Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic transmitter arrangement (1) with a plurality of ultrasonic transmitters (2) arranged on the arrangement whose emittable ultrasonic waves are focused toward a common focus (3). The arrangement (1) is embodied as a cranial bone implant (4) that can be implanted in the cranial bones (5) of a person as a replacement for one or more parts of the cranial bone (5), with the common focus (3) of the entire arrangement being arranged in a defined region of the brain (6) in the implanted state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit, a method of fabrication of the kit and a method of use of the kit for facilitating the fabrication of a patient-specific implant such as a cranial implant. In a preferred embodiment, the kit 30 includes a thermo-formed plastic sheet 32, a portion 34 of which is formed of PP plastics to the three dimensional contour of a bone structure of a specific patient. The thermo-formed sheet 32 optionally doubles as a container 36 for the remaining elements of the kit, which include bone cement 40a, 40b (typically in two part form, each part contained in a separate container device), and, optionally, disposable forming and/or mixing aids 42 such as a spatula. A kneading recess 44 is also formed in the thermoformed sheet 32 of the kit 30. A sheet 46 is adhered via adhesive 48 and extends between flanges 50 of the thermo-formed sheet, to seal and keep sterilized the components 40a, 40b and 42 and the mould recess (shaping form) 34 of the kit 30 within the container 36.

Abstract: An air bath has air outlets extending around the side walls of the water basin. Air is delivered to the air outlets through a ring-like air manifold coupled to a blower by conduit. The conduit has a bypass vent that siphons off a portion of the air flow otherwise passing to the air outlets and maintains the blower in communication with ambient air. The air delivery system provides a wider range of bubble densities by allowing the blower to operate at lower speeds without overheating or stalling from back pressure arising from the pressure head of the water in the basin.

Abstract: A safe lamp harp that inexpensively and effectively limits the rotation of a shade relative to the lamp harp is disclosed. The lamp harp include a frame member with normally downwardly depending legs and a generally straight axle portion at the top of the harp between the legs. A shade mounting assembly is rotatably mounted to the axle portion for rotation through an arc of no more than approximately 45 degrees. The shade mounting assembly includes a generally U-shaped yoke with a headed stud projecting normally upwardly from the base of the U-shaped yoke. The headed stud includes an enlarged head element normally disposed on the downwardly facing side of the base of the U-shaped yoke.

Abstract: A reconfigurable interface provides device-specific processing through software rather than hardware. The reconfigurable interface that samples an output from at least one device and converts it to a digital signal. The digital signal can then be processed in any desired manner, such as to extract intelligence or condition the signal. The conversion and the processing are controlled by data in a configuration table, which are easily modified and reconfigured to accommodate different systems and devices. The same reconfigurable interface can be used for any type of device and the devices do not require customized hardware interfaces to communicate with a signal processor.

Abstract: A control system for plumbing equipment includes a user interface and a main controller. Only the user interface is customized and unique to a specific model of the plumbing equipment, and stores main software program that is tailored to operate the particular components of that specific model. The main controller is generic and is able to be used on several different models of the plumbing equipment. Upon activation of the control system the main software program is transferred to the main controller which configures the main controller to operate the specific model of the plumbing equipment.

Abstract: A safe lamp harp that inexpensively and effectively limits the rotation of a shade relative to the lamp harp is disclosed. The lamp harp includes a frame member with normally downwardly depending legs and a generally straight axle portion at the top of the harp between the legs. A shade mounting assembly is rotatably mounted to the axle portion for rotation through an arc of no more than approximately 45 degrees. The shade mounting assembly includes a generally U-shaped yoke with a headed stud projecting normally upwardly from the base of the U-shaped yoke. The headed stud includes an enlarged head element normally disposed on the downwardly facing side of the base of the U-shaped yoke. The downward side of the head element is mounted in frictional engagement with an upwardly facing surface of the axle portion.

Abstract: An air bath has air outlets extending around the side walls of the water basin. Air is delivered to the air outlets through a ring-like air manifold coupled to a blower by conduit. The conduit has a bypass vent that siphons off a portion of the air flow otherwise passing to the air outlets and maintains the blower in communication with ambient air. The air delivery system provides a wider range of bubble densities by allowing the blower to operate at lower speeds without overheating or stalling from back pressure arising from the pressure head of the water in the basin.

Abstract: A control system for plumbing equipment includes a user interface and a main controller. Only the user interface is customized and unique to a specific model of the plumbing equipment, and stores main software program that is tailored to operate the particular components of that specific model. The main controller is generic and is able to be used on several different models of the plumbing equipment. Upon activation of the control system the main software program is transferred to the main controller which configures the main controller to operate the specific model of the plumbing equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to control a plumbing fixture, such as a whirlpool, that has electrically operated components. The apparatus has a dial that is moveable by the user into a plurality of positions to select a function of the plumbing fixture to be controlled. A unique sensor arrangement detects motion and the direction of the motion and provides a signal to a controller that changes the valve of a pointer that designates which function is presently selected. The user then presses a keypad to indicate whether the selected function is to be activated or deactivated and to control the intensity of the selected function. The signals from the keypad also are applied to the controller.

Abstract: A lock for a liquid dispensing faucet lever includes a locking member that is attachable to the faucet and can be positioned in a locked position where the lever seats in a notch formed therein to prevent moving the lever from the closed position to the open position. The locking member may be attached to the faucet via an opening extending therethrough for receiving the faucet's spout, such that the locking member is rotatable about the spout. The locking member is rotatable from the locked position to an unlocked position in which the lever is not seated in the notch, allowing movement of the lever from the closed position to the open position. The locking member may be configured such that it automatically moves from the unlocked to the locked position upon movement of the lever from the open to the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to control a plumbing fixture, such as a whirlpool, that has electrically operated components. The apparatus has a dial that is moveable by the user into a plurality of positions to select a function of the plumbing fixture to be controlled. A unique sensor arrangement detects motion and the direction of the motion and provides a signal to a controller that changes the valve of a pointer that designates which function is presently selected. The user then presses a keypad to indicate whether the selected function is to be activated or deactivated and to control the intensity of the selected function. The signals from the keypad also are applied to the controller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bath tub having a deep basin without an internal overflow. Instead, an overflow trough encircles the basin and collects water falling over a rim of the basin. A pump directs water within the overflow trough through a conduit back into the basin, so as to continuously maintain water flowing over the rim of the basin. Micro-effervescence and a chromatherapy system can also be provided with such a tub.

Abstract: An intercom capability is added to a basic radio telephone system by configuring the base station to function as a radio repeater for inter-active communication between a telephone/intercom handset and an intercom unit. A distinctive intercom ring signal permits a user to switch the handset to the intercom mode. Activation of the intercom receiver and transmitter on a timed basis limits battery drain. A purchaser, after setting up the base unit, need only position the intercom unit adjacent to a residence entry. Since no intercom wiring is required, the telephone/intercom is immediately ready for use with minimal installation. The base unit is also configured to prevent intercom access to or from the public telephone network.

Abstract: A backlit control actuator includes a substrate of translucent material having a front surface with a three-dimensional symbol integrally formed thereon, and a boot of opaque, relatively soft material which is molded around the substrate so that an upper surface of the symbol is flush with an outer surface of the outer covering to permit light transmitted from the control device to backlight the symbol.