Abstract: A system and method for defeating a door lock. More specifically, a door having an outside door handle with a key-lock, and having an interior door handle of the type that includes both a paddle along with the handle runs the risk of being left in locked mode in the event of a mechanical malfunction. This problem has been overcome by mechanically linking the paddle on the interior handle to unlatch the key-lock.

Abstract: A system and method for unlatching an aircraft door is disclosed. The system includes a latch pin design which enables retraction of the pin in the event the ordinary unlatching mechanical systems fail. The system includes the use of a rod that is reversely threaded on each side. Rotation of the rod either extends or retracts the pin.

Abstract: An aircraft door system and related closure method. The system involves the use of a ball transfer device as an initial contact made in the closing of an aircraft door. The closing door next encounters guiding and fitting arrangements are also employed to laterally align the lower portion of the aircraft door with the corresponding portion of the frame upon the closing. Finally, the closing door then encounters load path ties which are employed about the door. The arrangement above allows the door refit the door within what is a deformed doorframe due to weight and structural considerations.

Abstract: A compression device is used to increase intra-luminal pressure within the upper esophageal sphincter of a patient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective upper esophageal sphincter anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, the compression device is used in conjunction with an external pressure sensing device to determine the external pressure that is to be applied to the cricoid for a specific patient. The compression device can be a means for the management and/or treatment of abnormal upper esophageal sphincter functionality, or a means for strengthening an esophageal sphincter of a subject, or a means for curing esophageal reflux disease of a subject, or a means for improving vocal function in a subject, or a means for managing lung aspiration, or a means for applying cricoid pressure during anesthesia intubation, or a means for stabilizing body structures such as during medical imaging or radiation treatment.

Abstract: An aircraft door system and related closure method. The system involves the use of a ball transfer device as an initial contact made in the closing of an aircraft door. The closing door next encounters guiding and fitting arrangements are also employed to laterally align the lower portion of the aircraft door with the corresponding portion of the frame upon the closing. Finally, the closing door then encounters load path ties which are employed about the door. The arrangement above allows the door refit the door within what is a deformed doorframe due to weight and structural considerations.

Abstract: A system and method for unlatching an aircraft door is disclosed. The system includes a latch pin design which enables retraction of the pin in the event the ordinary unlatching mechanical systems fail. The system includes the use of a rod that is reversely threaded on each side. Rotation of the rod either extends or retracts the pin.

Abstract: A system and method for defeating a door lock. More specifically, a door having an outside door handle with a key-lock, and having an interior door handle of the type that includes both a paddle along with the handle runs the risk of being left in locked mode in the event of a mechanical malfunction. This problem has been overcome by mechanically linking the paddle on the interior handle to unlatch the key-lock.

Abstract: A compression device is used to increase intra-luminal pressure within the upper esophageal sphincter of a patient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective upper esophageal sphincter anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, the compression device is used in conjunction with an external pressure sensing device to determine the external pressure that is to be applied to the cricoid for a specific patient. The compression device can be a means for the management and/or treatment of abnormal upper esophageal sphincter functionality, or a means for strengthening an esophageal sphincter of a subject, or a means for curing esophageal reflux disease of a subject, or a means for improving vocal function in a subject, or a means for managing lung aspiration, or a means for applying cricoid pressure during anesthesia intubation, or a means for stabilizing body structures such as during medical imaging or radiation treatment.

Abstract: A compression device is used to increase intra-luminal pressure within the upper esophageal sphincter of a patient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective upper esophageal sphincter anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, the compression device is used in conjunction with an external pressure sensing device to determine the external pressure that is to be applied to the cricoid for a specific patient. The compression device can be a means for the management and/or treatment of abnormal upper esophageal sphincter functionality, or a means for strengthening an esophageal sphincter of a subject, or a means for curing esophageal reflux disease of a subject, or a means for improving vocal function in a subject, or a means for managing lung aspiration, or a means for applying cricoid pressure during anesthesia intubation, or a means for stabilizing body structures such as during medical imaging or radiation treatment.

Abstract: A compression device is used to increase intra-luminal pressure within the upper esophageal sphincter of a patient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective upper esophageal sphincter anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, the compression device is used in conjunction with an external pressure sensing device to determine the external pressure that is to be applied to the cricoid for a specific patient. The compression device can be a means for the management and/or treatment of abnormal upper esophageal sphincter functionality, or a means for strengthening an esophageal sphincter of a subject, or a means for curing esophageal reflux disease of a subject, or a means for improving vocal function in a subject, or a means for managing lung aspiration, or a means for applying cricoid pressure during anesthesia intubation, or a means for stabilizing body structures such as during medical imaging or radiation treatment.

Abstract: A compression device is used to increase intra-luminal pressure within the upper esophageal sphincter of a patient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective upper esophageal sphincter anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, the compression device is used in conjunction with an external pressure sensing device to determine the external pressure that is to be applied to the cricoid for a specific patient. The compression device can be a means for the management and/or treatment of abnormal upper esophageal sphincter functionality, or a means for strengthening an esophageal sphincter of a subject, or a means for curing esophageal reflux disease of a subject, or a means for improving vocal function in a subject, or a means for managing lung aspiration, or a means for applying cricoid pressure during anesthesia intubation, or a means for stabilizing body structures such as during medical imaging or radiation treatment.

Abstract: A compression device is used to increase intra-luminal pressure within the upper esophageal sphincter of a patient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective upper esophageal sphincter anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, the compression device is used in conjunction with an external pressure sensing device to determine the external pressure that is to be applied to the cricoid for a specific patient. The compression device can be a means for the management and/or treatment of abnormal upper esophageal sphincter functionality, or a means for strengthening an esophageal sphincter of a subject, or a means for curing esophageal reflux disease of a subject, or a means for improving vocal function in a subject, or a means for managing lung aspiration, or a means for applying cricoid pressure during anesthesia intubation, or a means for stabilizing body structures such as during medical imaging or radiation treatment.

Abstract: A snow sled comprising a seating portion that includes a lightweight space frame having a suspension-type seat stretched among the space frame. The sled further includes a steering portion and articulated steering mechanism that links the steering portion to the seating portion. The articulated steering mechanism allows the steering portion to be pivoted laterally relative to the seating portion so as to make the sled readily steerable. A pair of rear skis are removably attachable to the seating portion. The steering portion includes a ski support and a pair of front skis pivotably attached to the ski support. Chatter and movement of the front skis are dampened by a pair of boots that engage the ski support and the respective front skis.

Abstract: A snow sled comprising a seating portion that includes a lightweight space frame having a suspension-type seat stretched among the space frame. The sled further includes a steering portion and articulated steering mechanism that links the steering portion to the seating portion. The articulated steering mechanism allows the steering portion to be pivoted laterally relative to the seating portion so as to make the sled readily steerable. A pair of rear skis are removably attachable to the seating portion. The steering portion includes a ski support and a pair of front skis pivotably attached to the ski support. Chatter and movement of the front skis are dampened by a pair of boots that engage the ski support and the respective front skis.

Abstract: A snow sled (100) comprising a seating portion (116) that includes a lightweight space frame (104) having a suspension-type seat (108) stretched among the space frame. The sled further includes a steering portion (120) and an articulated steering mechanism (112) that links the steering portion to the seating portion. The articulated steering mechanism allows the steering portion to be pivoted laterally relative to the seating portion so as to make the sled readily steerable. A pair of rear skis (164, 168) are removably attachable to the seating portion. The steering portion (120) includes a ski support (200) and a pair of front skis (204) pivotably attached to the ski support. Chatter and movement of the front skis are dampened by a pair of boots (228) that engage the ski support and the respective front skis.

Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable creating composite slings are described. Novel procedures for assembling and utilizing composite slings are also detailed.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument for placing an implantable article about a tubular tissue structure is disclosed. The surgical instrument is particularly useful for treating urological disorders such as incontinence. Surgical methods using the novel instrument are also described.

Abstract: A sharps container for only one medical pen needle is configured with an elongated, hollow shield having an axially extending recess at a first end thereof. The recess is sized to receive the outer diameter of a pen needle hub. A cover member, sized for closing off the first end of the shield, is connected to the shield by means facilitating movement of the cover member between (i) a first position adjacent to a side of the shield and (ii) a second position abutting the first end of the shield. Locking means may be used for locking the cover member in the second position. The container has dual utilizations, first as a container for only one used medical pen needle and alternatively as a container for only one unused medical pen needle.