Abstract: An electric power steering system includes an electric motor configured to provide power to a steering mechanism of a vehicle. A controller operates the electric motor in response to an input. A flash memory device is in communication with the controller. A temperature sensor provides an output indicative of a temperature of a part of the electric power steering system. The controller is configured to power down or prevent power up of the flash memory device if the temperature of the electric power steering system is outside of a predetermined temperature range. A method of operating an electric power steering system includes measuring a temperature of the electric power assisted steering system and switching off a flash memory device of the electric power steering system if the temperature of the electric power steering system is outside of a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A personal lift mechanism and method are disclosed. The personal lift mechanism comprises: a lift having a base structure which pivotally retains a pair of struts which are pivotally coupled with a lift platform; an actuator coupled with at least one of the pair of struts; and a damper coupled with the actuator and operable to dissipate kinetic energy transferred between the lift platform and the actuator. In this way, less mechanically-robust components are required for the lift mechanism, damage to those components and the actuator is less likely, and any load on the lift platform and/or base structure will experience reduced shock due to the energy being instead dissipated within the damper.

Abstract: Devices for sampling gastro-intestinal material are disclosed. In one arrangement a device comprises a capsule body that has a sample input valve. A suction mechanism is provided that is capable of generating a partial vacuum within the capsule body and thereby drawing gastro-intestinal material into the capsule body through the sample input valve. An actuator actuates the suction mechanism. The actuator comprises a dissolvable element and is configured so that the dissolvable element dissolves in a predetermined region of the gastro-intestinal tract and the dissolving of the dissolvable element causes actuation of the suction mechanism. The suction mechanism comprises a biasing member restrained by the dissolvable element prior to actuation of the suction mechanism. The dissolving of the dissolvable element releases the biasing member. The biasing member expands a sample chamber within the capsule body on release of the biasing member, and generates the partial vacuum within the capsule body.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes an electric motor configured to provide power to a steering mechanism of a vehicle. A controller operates the electric motor in response to an input. A flash memory device is in communication with the controller. A temperature sensor provides an output indicative of a temperature of a part of the electric power steering system. The controller is configured to power down or prevent power up of the flash memory device if the temperature of the electric power steering system is outside of a predetermined temperature range. A method of operating an electric power steering system includes measuring a temperature of the electric power assisted steering system and switching off a flash memory device of the electric power steering system if the temperature of the electric power steering system is outside of a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A personal lift mechanism and method are disclosed. The personal lift mechanism comprises: a lift having a base structure which pivotally retains a pair of struts which are pivotally coupled with a lift platform; an actuator coupled with at least one of the pair of struts; and a damper coupled with the actuator and operable to dissipate kinetic energy transferred between the lift platform and the actuator. In this way, less mechanically-robust components are required for the lift mechanism, damage to those components and the actuator is less likely, and any load on the lift platform and/or base structure will experience reduced shock due to the energy being instead dissipated within the damper.

Abstract: A tool for use with a fastener, more particularly, a medical screwdriver tool arranged to interact with a fastener has a driver body with a driver shaft, the driver shaft being associated with a tip configured for interaction with a fastener. The tool has an actuator arranged for reciprocal movement with respect to a longitudinal axis of the driver shaft between a first position proximal the tip and a second position distal the tip. The tip has first and second portions. The tool is configured for moving the first and second portions from a closed condition to an open condition upon movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: Devices for sampling gastro-intestinal material are disclosed. In one arrangement a device comprises a capsule body. The capsule body has a sample input valve. A suction mechanism is provided that is capable of generating a partial vacuum within the capsule body and thereby drawing gastro-intestinal material into the capsule body through the sample input valve. An actuator actuates the suction mechanism. The actuator comprises a dissolvable element and is configured so that the dissolvable element dissolves in a predetermined region of the gastro-intestinal tract and the dissolving of the dissolvable element causes actuation of the suction mechanism. The suction mechanism comprises a biasing member restrained by the dissolvable element prior to actuation of the suction mechanism. The dissolving of the dissolvable element releases the biasing member.

Abstract: A tool for use with a fastener, more particularly, a medical screwdriver tool arranged to interact with a fastener has a driver body with a driver shaft, the driver shaft being associated with a tip configured for interaction with a fastener. The tool has an actuator arranged for reciprocal movement with respect to a longitudinal axis of the driver shaft between a first position proximal the tip and a second position distal the tip. The tip has first and second portions. The tool is configured for moving the first and second portions from a closed condition to an open condition upon movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A rain gutter system is provided that permits the gutter to be inverted, including a section of rain gutter that is supported on either side by a rotating assembly that rotates the gutter inline to a downward position. The rotating assembly includes a gearbox that is connected to the gutters, and utilizes a gear mechanism that enables automatic rotation of the gutters. When rotated, the gutters allow loose debris contained therein, such as pine needles and leaves, to fall to the ground without requiring a user to climb to the roof to manually clean an upright gutter. If debris is left behind in the gutter, a hose or power sprayer may be used to clear the gutter of any debris contained therein. Once cleaned, the user may return the gutter to its original position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rain gutter system that permits the gutter to be inverted, comprising a section of rain gutter that is supported on either side by a rotating assembly that includes a means of rotating the gutter inline to a downward position. The rotating assembly includes a gearbox that is connected to the gutters, and utilizes a gear mechanism that enables automatic rotation of the gutters. When rotated, the gutters allow loose debris contained therein, such as pine needles and leaves, to fall to the ground without requiring a user to climb to the roof to manually clean an upright gutter. If debris is left behind in the gutter, a hose or power sprayer may be used to clear the gutter of any debris contained therein. Once cleaned, the user may return the gutter to its original position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for conditioning a tire for truing by removing flat spots, and for subsequently truing the tire. Tire conditioning is accomplished by applying heat directly to the tire sidewalls and by concurrently rotating the tire while laterally maintaining tire position with rollers. Tire truing apparatus includes a mandrel which may be adjustably supported by the tire conditioning apparatus, and a truing cutter mounted at an elevated location to reduce or eliminate clogging with removed rubber.