Abstract: An alternative range estimating system for a vehicle includes one or more processors and a memory communicably coupled to the one or more processors. The memory stores a removable object selection module including computer-readable instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to control operation of a vehicle input/output system to display a selectable representation of each of one or more removable objects carried by the vehicle. The module may acquire a user selection of at least one removable object from the removable objects displayed. The module may acquire an estimated alternative vehicle range determined using an estimated weight of the at least one removable object. The module may then control operation of the input/output system to display the estimated alternative vehicle range.

Abstract: An alternative range estimating system for a vehicle includes one or more processors and a memory communicably coupled to the one or more processors. The memory stores a removable object selection module including computer-readable instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to control operation of a vehicle input/output system to display a selectable representation of each of one or more removable objects carried by the vehicle. The module may acquire a user selection of at least one removable object from the removable objects displayed. The module may acquire an estimated alternative vehicle range determined using an estimated weight of the at least one removable object. The module may then control operation of the input/output system to display the estimated alternative vehicle range.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system and method, and a surgical foot pedal device, system and method. The present invention may include a console comprising a plurality of modes for at least one physically associated surgical instrument, and a foot pedal communicatively associated with said console and suitable for varying ones of the plurality of modes. The foot pedal may include a housing comprising the communicative association, and comprising at least one potentiometer and at least two top switches for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes, a treadle rotatably mounted within the housing and suitable for depressing the at least one potentiometer, and at least two side switches movably associated with the treadle for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling vacuum within phacoemulsification systems. The phacoemulsification system may include a handpiece having a needle coupled to a power Source configured to cause the needle to be ultrasonically vibrated during operation, and an aspiration Source. The system includes a footpedal that defines a first position and a second position, and also includes a computer program product operatively coupled to the handpiece and the foot pedal, having a computer usable medium with a sequence of instructions which causes the processor to control power from the power source and vacuum from the aspiration source applied to the handpiece. The process provides a vacuum at a first level to the handpiece when the footpedal is at the first position; provides power to the handpiece when the footpedal is at the second position; and reduces the vacuum to a second level when the footpedal position transitions.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling vacuum within phacoemulsification systems. The phacoemulsification system may include a handpiece having a needle. The needle is coupled to a power source configured to cause the needle to be ultrasonically vibrated during operation and an aspiration source. The system further includes a footpedal that defines a first position and a second position. The system also includes a computer program product operatively coupled to the handpiece and the footpedal, the computer program product having a computer-usable medium having a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes said processor to execute a process that controls power from the power source and vacuum from the aspiration source applied to the handpiece.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator includes a tapered inlet manifold including first and second non-parallel sides; first and second pluralities of outlet manifolds; and thermoelectric generating units (TGUs) each including a hot-side heat exchanger (HHX) with inlet and outlet; a cold-side heat exchanger (CHX); and thermoelectric devices arranged between the HHX and CHX. The inlets of some of the HHXs receive exhaust gas from the first side of the tapered inlet manifold and the outlets of those HHXs are coupled to outlet manifolds of the first plurality of outlet manifolds. The inlets of other of the HHXs receive exhaust gas from the second side of the tapered inlet manifold and the outlets of those HHXs are coupled to outlet manifolds of the second plurality of outlet manifolds. The thermoelectric devices can generate electricity responsive to a temperature differential between the exhaust gas and the CHXs.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system and method, and a surgical foot pedal device, system and method. The present invention may include a console comprising a plurality of modes for at least one physically associated surgical instrument, and a foot pedal communicatively associated with said console and suitable for varying ones of the plurality of modes. The foot pedal may include a housing comprising the communicative association, and comprising at least one potentiometer and at least two top switches for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes, a treadle rotatably mounted within the housing and suitable for depressing the at least one potentiometer, and at least two side switches movably associated with the treadle for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes.

Abstract: A plastic container and handle assembly includes a container having a neck, and an attachment formed separately from the container and assembled thereto, the attachment including a handle and an integrally formed attachment ring embracing the neck and mounting the handle to the container. The ring is split and has ends adapted to separate to fit the handle over the neck and adapted to be secured together to embrace the neck of the container. In various embodiments, the handle and/or ring have an integral folded hinge enabling the ring to be pivoted open and closed. In other embodiments, a projection and recess are provided on the attachment and container to provide alignment and prevent relative rotation thereof.