Abstract: An automated urine-output-measurement system can include single-patient equipment and/or multi-patient equipment. The single-patient equipment can include a urinary catheter and a urine-collection system. The urine-collection system can include drainage tubing and a drainage receptacle. The multi-patient equipment can include a urine monitor. The urine monitor can include a housing having a cavity configured to completely encompass the drainage receptacle, a urine measurement device configured to measure urine output into the drainage receptacle, and an integrated display screen configured to display patient information including measurements of the urine output. A method of the automated urine-output-measurement system can include placing the drainage receptacle in the urine monitor of the automated urine-output-measurement system, and confirming a volume of urine in the drainage receptacle with that indicated on the urine monitor once a patient has produced urine.

Abstract: An automated urine-output-measurement system can include single-patient equipment and multi-patient equipment. The single-patient equipment can include a urinary catheter and a urine-collection system. The urine-collection system can include drainage tubing and a drainage receptacle. The multi-patient equipment can include a urine monitor. The urine monitor can include a housing having a cavity configured to house the drainage receptacle, a urine-measurement means for measuring urine-output into the drainage receptacle, and an integrated display screen configured to display patient information including measurements of the urine output. A method of the automated urine-output-measurement system can include placing the drainage receptacle in the urine monitor of the automated urine-output-measurement system, and confirming a volume of urine in the drainage receptacle with that indicated on the urine monitor once a patient has produced urine.

Abstract: A vehicle hood pin apparatus is disclosed which contains an outer housing with holes to accept a cotter pin or other self-locking device, an inner pin with holes that can mate with the holes on the outer housing, and an electric switch attached to the housing to communicate signals to the vehicle, and in mechanical connection with the inner pin. By mating the holes in the inner pin with the holes in the outer housing and inserting the cotter pin or other self-locking device into the mated holes, the hood is closed securely on the vehicle and the electric switch sends a signal to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle hood pin apparatus is disclosed which contains an outer housing with holes to accept a cotter pin or other self-locking device, an inner pin with holes that can mate with the holes on the outer housing, and an electric switch attached to the housing to communicate signals to the vehicle, and in mechanical connection with the inner pin. By mating the holes in the inner pin with the holes in the outer housing and inserting the cotter pin or other self-locking device into the mated holes, the hood is closed securely on the vehicle and the electric switch sends a signal to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle hood pin apparatus is disclosed which contains an outer housing with holes to accept a cotter pin or other self-locking device, an inner pin with holes that can mate with the holes on the outer housing, and an electric switch attached to the housing to communicate signals to the vehicle, and in mechanical connection with the inner pin. By mating the holes in the inner pin with the holes in the outer housing and inserting the cotter pin or other self-locking device into the mated holes, the hood is closed securely on the vehicle and the electric switch sends a signal to the vehicle.

Abstract: An example actuator is provided to be used in robots and robotic devices. The actuator includes: a first plate, a second plate, and an elastic element disposed between the first plate and the second plate and including a center portion and an edge portion, the center portion corresponding to a first thickness and the edge portion corresponding to a second thickness larger than the first thickness, a first shear stress associated with the center portion being approximately equal to a second shear stress associated with the edge portion.

Abstract: An isolation device for use with a pressure vessel penetrator. The isolation device is formed from a high performance thermoplastic having low creep properties and includes a central cylindrical portion, a lower inner flange portion and, preferably, an upper outer flange portion. The cylindrical portion has an inner diameter adapted to receive an upper larger diameter portion of the penetrator. The lower inner flange portion is coupled to a lower portion of the central cylindrical portion and forms an aperture for receiving a lower smaller diameter portion of the penetrator. The upper outer flange portion is coupled to an upper portion of the central cylindrical portion and may include clocking apertures. The high performance thermoplastic may be 30% glass-filled PEEK or Torlon®. A custom tapered nut may be provided to secure the penetrator in an internal tapered recess of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: An example actuator is provided to be used in robots and robotic devices. The actuator includes: a first plate, a second plate, and an elastic element disposed between the first plate and the second plate and including a center portion and an edge portion, the center portion corresponding to a first thickness and the edge portion corresponding to a second thickness larger than the first thickness, a first shear stress associated with the center portion being approximately equal to a second shear stress associated with the edge portion.

Abstract: An isolation device for use with a pressure vessel penetrator. The isolation device is formed from a high performance thermoplastic having low creep properties and includes a central cylindrical portion, a lower inner flange portion and, preferably, an upper outer flange portion. The cylindrical portion has an inner diameter adapted to receive an upper larger diameter portion of the penetrator. The lower inner flange portion is coupled to a lower portion of the central cylindrical portion and forms an aperture for receiving a lower smaller diameter portion of the penetrator. The upper outer flange portion is coupled to an upper portion of the central cylindrical portion and may include clocking apertures. The high performance thermoplastic may be 30% glass-filled PEEK or Torlon®. A custom tapered nut may be provided to secure the penetrator in an internal tapered recess of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing load in a communication network are provided. At a processor of a relay device, a number of messages is determined that are one or more of currently queued for relay via a communication interface of the relay device and previously relayed within a given time period, the communication interface and the processor of the relay device for relaying the messages, via the communication interface, between a plurality of devices and a network infrastructure. At the processor, a rate at which the plurality of devices establishes communications with the network infrastructure is controlled, wherein there is an inverse relationship between the rate and the number of messages.

Abstract: A prosthetic tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring for use in tricuspid valve repairs to provide annular support after reconstructive valve surgery. The ring maintains an optimal annular dimension to prevent excessive dilatation of the natural valve annulus while adapting to the dynamic motion of the tricuspid annulus during the cardiac cycle. An exemplary ring features a waveform contour and may be constructed of a titanium core having a varying cross-section for selective flexibility for good Z-axis or out-of plane movement. The “waveform” contour and selective flexibility of the different segments of this ring are designed to adapt to the complex motion of the annulus. This reduces the stress on the anatomical structures and therefore minimizes the risk of arrhythmia and ring dehiscence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing load in a communication network are provided. At a processor of a relay device, a number of messages is determined that are one or more of currently queued for relay via a communication interface of the relay device and previously relayed within a given time period, the communication interface and the processor of the relay device for relaying the messages, via the communication interface, between a plurality of devices and a network infrastructure. At the processor, a rate at which the plurality of devices establishes communications with the network infrastructure is controlled, wherein there is an inverse relationship between the rate and the number of messages.

Abstract: An internally integrated cushioned component that applies to all types of children's legwear; it accomplishes the dual objective of protecting the wearer's knees by providing cushioning against impact to the knee area and prolonging the lifespan of the garment through utilization of tear resistant material.

Abstract: A prosthetic tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring for use in tricuspid valve repairs to provide annular support after reconstructive valve surgery. The ring maintains an optimal annular dimension to prevent excessive dilatation of the natural valve annulus while adapting to the dynamic motion of the tricuspid annulus during the cardiac cycle. An exemplary ring features a waveform contour and may be constructed of a titanium core having a varying cross-section for selective flexibility for good Z-axis or out-of plane movement. The “waveform” contour and selective flexibility of the different segments of this ring are designed to adapt to the complex motion of the annulus. This reduces the stress on the anatomical structures and therefore minimizes the risk of arrhythmia and ring dehiscence.

Abstract: Described are embodiments directed to an apparatus that is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle with a fifth wheel. The apparatus allows a towing hitch to be attached to the vehicle which allows the vehicle to tow other vehicles. The apparatus includes an elongated beam with a forward portion, middle portion, and rearward portion and a kingpin connected to the middle portion of the beam and adapted to engage a fifth wheel. A mounting pin with a first end and a second end is connected to the rearward portion of the beam and is substantially perpendicular to the elongated beam. The apparatus further includes strut braces connected to either end of the mounting pin and that extend at an angle away from the mounting pin. The strut braces are also connected to leveling assemblies which are adapted to connect to a frame of the vehicle and are adapted to change the vertical position of the rearward portion of the beam.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention comprise apparatus, assemblies and methods for towing a vehicle using a swivel head assembly. The swivel head assembly can permit a grid head of a towing system to roll as well as yaw with respect to a tow arm. Spring members are also provided that can help dampen roll motions.

Abstract: Described are embodiments directed to an apparatus that is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle with a fifth wheel. The apparatus allows a towing hitch to be attached to the vehicle which allows the vehicle to tow other vehicles. The apparatus includes an elongated beam with a forward portion, middle portion, and rearward portion and a kingpin connected to the middle portion of the beam and adapted to engage a fifth wheel. A mounting pin with a first end and a second end is connected to the rearward portion of the beam and is substantially perpendicular to the elongated beam. The apparatus further includes strut braces connected to either end of the mounting pin and that extend at an angle away from the mounting pin. The strut braces are also connected to leveling assemblies which are adapted to connect to a frame of the vehicle and are adapted to change the vertical position of the rearward portion of the beam.

Abstract: A method for welding and repairing cracks in metal parts is provided by subjecting the metal parts to be welded to friction stir welding and the cracks to be repaired to friction stir processing under conditions sufficient to provide a weld joint or crack repair having a preselected property or set of properties based upon the intended use of the weldment. The FSW and FSP methods are advantageous in joining and repairing metal structures and components in applications for natural gas transportation and storage, oil and gas well completion and production, and oil and gas refinery and chemical plants.

Abstract: A stable, sterile aqueous solution of a compound of formula (I): in which A is a C alkylene group with a chain length between NH and N(O)R?R? of at least 2 carbon atoms and R? and R? are each separately selected from C1-4 alkyl groups and C2-4 hydroxyalkyl and C2-4 dihydroxyalkyl groups, or R? and R? together are a C2-6 alkylene group, is formulated in a unit dosage form in a sealed container, said solution having a concentration of the compound of formula (I) up to 150 mg/ml and a pH in the range of 5 to 9. The solution may be prepared without a freeze drying step.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for repairing an anatomical defect, such as a tissue or muscle wall hernia, including an umbilical hernia, and for preventing the occurrence of a hernia at a small opening or weakness in a tissue or muscle wall, such as at a puncture tract opening remaining after completion of a laparoscopic procedure. The prosthesis includes a patch and/or plug having a body portion that is larger than a portion of the opening or weakness so that placement of the body portion against the defect will cover or extend across that portion of the opening or weakness. At least one tether, such as a strap, extends from the patch or plug and may be manipulated by a surgeon to position the patch or plug relative to the repair site and/or to secure the patch or plug relative to the opening or weakness in the tissue or muscle wall. The tether may be configured to extend through the defect and outside a patient's body to allow a surgeon to position and/or manipulate the patch from a location outside the body.