Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite part of polymer and metal utilizes a mold having a plurality of mold parts and forming a layer of metal on at least one inner or cavity-facing surface of the mold. Thereafter the mold parts are assembled to one another to form a mold cavity defined in part by the layer of metal. The mold cavity is then filled with resin material so that the resin material is in contact with the layer of metal. A curing or hardening of the resin material in the mold cavity is followed by an opening of the mold and the removal of a composite part having a metal shell or outer layer and a polymeric backing or inner layer.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a frame, a bristle holder movably mounted to a distal end of the frame, and a power transmission assembly operatively connectable to a drive motor and operatively connected to the bristle holder so as to move bristle tips on the bristle holder along an oval path relative to the frame. In a single cycle of movement along the oval path, the bristles shift away from the frame and towards the teeth, then along and in contact with the teeth in a direction away from the gum line, then back towards the frame and away from the teeth, and subsequently along the frame and out of contact with the teeth.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a frame, a bristle holder movably mounted to a distal end of the frame, and a power transmission assembly operatively connectable to a drive motor and operatively connected to the bristle holder so as to move bristle tips on the bristle holder along an oval path relative to the frame. In a single cycle of movement along the oval path, the bristles shift away from the frame and towards the teeth, then along and in contact with the teeth in a direction away from the gum line, then back towards the frame and away from the teeth, and subsequently along the frame and out of contact with the teeth.

Abstract: In a system for protecting a user from injury sustained during sleep, a sensing device is operated to automatically monitor orientation or posture of a user during sleep of the user. A signal is transmitted from the sensing device to a control unit, which is operated to activate an appliance so that the appliance generates an alert signal upon detection by the sensing device and control unit of an undesirable orientation or posture of the user.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc replacement device is disclosed and includes a first implantable member having a first anchor plate and a concave body detachably coupled to the first anchor plate, and a second implantable member having a second anchor plate and a convex body detachably coupled to the second anchor plate, the convex body configured to engage the concave body in movable relation thereto.

Abstract: A robotic life form simulates a live creature responsive to a changing environment sensed by the robot, and has a robotic body that is articulated for motion around an upright axis and supported by at least two legs, each having at least two joints. The neck of the body terminates in a head provided with eyes and a mouth, and, in the illustrated creature, has a tail. Internal and external input sensors are located on the robotic body and responsive to touch, sound and lighting conditions, motion, food, temperature, voice commands, time of day, and obstacles and hazards, and include a head touch sensor, a plurality of touch sensors extending along a torso of the body, and a plurality of touch sensors on the feet.

Abstract: In a system for protecting a user from injury sustained during sleep, a sensing device is operated to automatically monitor orientation or posture of a user during sleep of the user. A signal is transmitted from the sensing device to a control unit, which is operated to activate an appliance so that the appliance generates an alert signal upon detection by the sensing device and control unit of an undesirable orientation or posture of the user.

Abstract: A robotic life form simulates a live creature responsive to a changing environment sensed by the robot, and has a robotic body that is articulated for motion around an upright axis and supported by at least two legs, each having at least two joints. The neck of the body terminates in a head provided with eyes and a mouth, and, in the illustrated creature, has a tail. Internal and external input sensors are located on the robotic body and responsive to touch, sound and lighting conditions, motion, food, temperature, voice commands, time of day, and obstacles and hazards, and include a head touch sensor, a plurality of touch sensors extending along a torso of the body, and a plurality of touch sensors on the feet.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc replacement device is disclosed and includes a first implantable member having a first anchor plate and a concave body detachably coupled to the first anchor plate, and a second implantable member having a second anchor plate and a convex body detachably coupled to the second anchor plate, the convex body configured to engage the concave body in movable relation thereto.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc replacement device is disclosed and includes a first implantable member having a first anchor plate and a concave body detachably coupled to the first anchor plate, and a second implantable member having a second anchor plate and a convex body detachably coupled to the second anchor plate, the convex body configured to engage the concave body in movable relation thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel adjustable mattress and pillow system and related methods in which a sensing mat positioned on the top face of a mattress affects microprocessor-controlled optimization of the contour of the mattress and a pillow based on a user's position. In one embodiment, the novel adjustable mattress and pillow system of the invention provides real time contour optimization through use of a variety of sensing techniques that make the system particularly useful in environments such as hospital critical care facilities where proper positioning of a user on a mattress and a pillow may prove important to user's health.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel microprocessor-controlled actuator which bounces a baby bouncer system at soothing frequencies that are optimized for the weight of a baby supported in the baby bouncer system bed. The invention also provides a novel baby bouncer system which includes the novel microprocessor-controlled actuator. In one embodiment, the microprocessor based control system which controls the bouncing motion of the actuator also emits soothing sounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a programmable, power-efficient, hearing aid and cell phone-compatible system for selectively filtering continuous mechanical noise which includes a programmable, user-adjustable DSP comprising a multiband equalizer, noise reduction and anti-feedback function, and advanced gain control (AGC) volume control.

Abstract: The invention provides a propulsion, braking and anti-rollback control assembly for use in manually propelled vehicles such as wheelchairs. In one embodiment, the invention provides a wheelchair with a control lever assembly and related force conveyance connecter that propel, brake and steer the wheelchair in a mechanically advantageous way while minimizing rollback. A seat-activated auxiliary braking system is also provided. Additionally, the invention provides a selective anti-rollback disengagement system that facilitates selective rollback.

Abstract: The invention provides novel Dry Powder Colorant Dispensing Charges (“DPCDC's”) comprising either Powdered Colored Carrier (“PCC”) systems or micro-size color concentrate mixture (“MCCM”) systems useful in making colored thermoplastic articles through a variety of techniques including injection molding. Novel processes for making colored thermoplastic articles by using DPCDC's of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an animation actuator and devices employing such an animation actuator. Actuators and devices of the invention are useful in animated entertainment devices. In one embodiment of the instant invention, the actuators are used in connection with an animated greeting card.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel adjustable mattress and pillow system and related methods in which a sensing mat positioned on the top face of a mattress affects microprocessor-controlled optimization of the contour of the mattress and a pillow based on a user's position. In one embodiment, the novel adjustable mattress and pillow system of the invention provides real time contour optimization through use of a variety of sensing techniques that make the system particularly useful in environments such as hospital critical care facilities where proper positioning of a user on a mattress and a pillow may prove important to user's health.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an animation actuator and devices employing such an animation actuator. Actuators and devices of the invention are useful in animated entertainment devices. In one embodiment of the instant invention, the actuators are used in connection with an animated greeting card.

Abstract: The invention provides a propulsion, braking and anti-rollback control assembly for use in manually propelled vehicles such as wheelchairs. In one embodiment, the invention provides a wheelchair with a control lever assembly and related force conveyance connecter that propel, brake and steer the wheelchair in a mechanically advantageous way while minimizing rollback. A seat-activated auxiliary braking system is also provided. Additionally, the invention provides a selective anti-rollback disengagement system that facilitates selective rollback.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc replacement device is disclosed and includes a first implantable member having a first anchor plate and a concave body detachably coupled to the first anchor plate, and a second implantable member having a second anchor plate and a convex body detachably coupled to the second anchor plate, the convex body configured to engage the concave body in movable relation thereto.