Abstract: A valve gated hot runner nozzle with at least two transition members made of different materials located between a nozzle tip and a mold gate component to provide a thermal transition region. A first transition member in contact with the nozzle tip is less thermally conductive than a second transition member in contact with the mold gate component. The valve pin when in the closed position makes sealing contact with at least the second transition member such that cooling from the mold gate component is transferred to the valve pin to cool the melt in the mold gate area.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus includes a plurality of valve-gated nozzles, each nozzle having a respective valve pin that is actuated by an actuator. A nozzle tip component for taking one of the valve-gated nozzles of the injection molding apparatus out-of service, wherein the nozzle tip component has a surface that grips the respective valve pin to lock the valve pin in an out-of-service position thereby preventing flow of molding material into an associated mold cavity and causing disengagement of the valve pin from the actuator.

Abstract: A portable cooling system providing a controlled rate of cooling. The system includes a cool water device, a remote switching unit, and a thermal pad. The cool water device includes a coolant storage chamber separated from a pumping chamber by a baffle. The pumping chamber includes a pump and a discharge line with a flow restrictor for the fluid being returned from the thermal pad. In one embodiment, the remote switching unit actuates the portable cooling system and includes a timer feature for shutting down the system after a predetermined time. In another embodiment, the switching unit actuates a controller that sends a pulse stream to the pump to control the cooling water flow rate. The thermal pad includes fluid conduits that distribute the cooling water over the surface of the pad. In various embodiments, the thermal pad is a flat pad, a bonnet-shaped pad, and a cap-shaped pad.

Abstract: A method for treating conditions responsive to heat therapy and monitoring such treatments to determine efficacy. The method includes the step of diagnosing a patient to determine if heat therapy is a proper treatment. If so, then the steps of applying heat therapy and monitoring at least one parameter associated with the patient is performed. The data collected is then trended to determine the efficacy of the heat therapy. If the efficacy indicates that the therapy is beneficial, then the steps of applying therapy, monitoring the at least one parameter, and trending the data are repeated. The heat therapy is performed by a thermal pad that applies heat with a controlled temperature to a body portion of the patient.

Abstract: A portable cooling system providing a controlled rate of cooling. The system includes a cool water device, a remote switching unit, and a thermal pad. The cool water device includes a coolant storage chamber separated from a pumping chamber by a baffle. The pumping chamber includes a pump and a discharge line with a flow restrictor for the fluid being returned from the thermal pad. In one embodiment, the remote switching unit actuates the portable cooling system and includes a timer feature for shutting down the system after a predetermined time. In another embodiment, the switching unit actuates a controller that sends a pulse stream to the pump to control the cooling water flow rate. The thermal pad includes fluid conduits that distribute the cooling water over the surface of the pad. In various embodiments, the thermal pad is a flat pad, a bonnet-shaped pad, and a cap-shaped pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for a heated surgical drape device including a surgical drape with an integral convective heat therapy portion. The surgical drape is attached to the convective heat therapy portion. In various embodiments, the surgical drape includes a surgical drape with removable sections that allow access to the body of the patient during surgery, at least one pocket, and an integral window adjacent the head of the patient to allow viewing of the head of the patient. The convective heat therapy portion is a tubular device formed of sheets joined together and sized to allow the patient to rest within a pair of tube sections. The convective heat therapy portion has a plurality of exhaust openings that exhaust heated air toward the patient. In one embodiment, the tubular device has wing sections that are adjacent the outstretched arms of the patient.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus for providing temperature regulation to a person, animal, or inanimate object. The heat exchange device includes an inlet receiving a temperature controlled fluid that is distributed to and passes through a porous layer before being collected and discharged through an outlet. The porous layer is encapsulated in a pair of non-porous layers or sheets. In one embodiment, the pair of non-porous layers extend beyond the boundaries of the porous layer and form a pair of manifolds for distributing the inlet and outlet fluid to and from the porous layer. In one embodiment, the manifolds include flow diverters for distributing the fluid to and from the porous layer. In various embodiments, the heat exchange apparatus is adapted for wrapping around a body part or object, for securing to a seat, and for wearing as a vest or other article of clothing.

Abstract: A wireless device may connect to itself in Independent Basic Service Set mode and then actively scan or a particular wireless network name by transmitting one or more probe requests, each transmitted on a different communication channel.

Abstract: A light weight panel for use in modular and free standing office landscaping systems. The panels form free standing partitions which can be rearranged and assembled into space divider or partition systems. Panels can be interconnected and positioned in a variety of ways relative to adjacent panels via posts and/or special connectors. The panels are constructed with perimeter frame members along each edge, the perimeter frame members being inter-connected with the vertical frame members by corner connectors. The corner connectors have protrusions which engage hollow cavities in the ends of the frame members. The perimeter frame members incorporate formations to secure panel fabric and trim as desired. An inter-panel connection system cooperates with the corner connectors to provide an easy to assemble but rigid partition system.