Abstract: A massage roller that includes a motor coupled to a power source configured to rotate at a plurality of speeds within an enclosure defined by a hollow casing. The massage roller further includes a rotatable member attached to a motor driveshaft that rotates when the motor driveshaft transmits power from the motor to the rotatable member, to cause a plurality of vibrations within a hollow space enclosed by the hollow casing. An amplitude of the plurality of vibrations may be based on a speed of the motor. The massage roller further includes an outer layer formed of a compressible material covering an external surface of the hollow casing. The outer layer may include at least one pattern of ridges extending radially from the external surface, may receiving the plurality of vibrations from the hollow space and reverberate mechanical vibrations to a subject in contact with the massage roller.

Abstract: A valve element includes a valve body member formed of a rigid material, where the valve body member defines a front-to-rear extending longitudinal axis, and has a generally radially outwardly facing first contact surface of generally frusto-conical configuration tapering forwardly, and a radially inwardly extending annular recess disposed rearwardly of the contact surface. The valve body member further includes a sealing insert mounted on the valve body member which includes a generally radially inwardly projecting lip received in the recess, an axially forwardly facing sealing face, a radially inwardly facing second contact surface disposed between the sealing face and the lip which tightly engages the first contact surface to conform to the frusto-conical configuration thereof, and a seal abrasion gauge disposed upon an outer peripheral portion of the axially forwardly facing sealing face.

Abstract: An automatic fault management system can monitor multiple platforms in a digital network to sense software and hardware malfunctions. An Event Log stores the details of each malfunction and enables an electronic service requester generator to develop formatted packets of information for transmittal to a remote service center. Administrative and monitor screens are made available to control and view each packet sent out and its status of receipt and return acknowledgment data.

Abstract: A digital video network interface for transferring isochronous video data over an asynchronous local area network, including an isochronous interface for transmitting digital video data isochronously, a memory comprising first and second buffers for storing the isochronous video data, a network interface for transmitting video data from either the first or second buffers over the asynchronous local area network, and a memory buffer manager for controlling the output of the video data over the asynchronous local area network and for controlling the input/output of video data into/from the first or second buffers, wherein, when either the first or second buffers is filled with video data, the memory buffer manager shifts the input of data into an empty buffer and begins outputting video data to the asynchronous local area network from a filled buffer, upon receiving access to the local area network.

Abstract: A battery adapter includes a base unit, a battery holder coupled to the base unit and receiving a battery therein, a first connection arrangement and a second connection arrangement. Each of the first and second connection arrangements is capable of receiving power from an external power source. The external power source may be provided via a docking station. The battery adapter also includes a device which is conductively coupled to each of the first and second connection arrangements. The device receives the power from the first connection arrangement and/or the second connection arrangement for charging and/or discharging the battery.

Abstract: A universal interface plate has a predetermined and universal configuration suitable for connecting any one of a plurality of types of rechargeable batteries to the circuitry of a charging device. The universal plate is adapted to any type of rechargeable battery using an appropriate bay adapter, the bay adapter including a first interface for mounting the bay adapter to the universal interface plate and a second interface for accommodating a particular type of battery. The charging device utilizes a ramping charge method whereby batteries are initially charged at a low charging rate, thereby allowing safe charging of low and high capacity batteries utilizing a single charging algorithm. The charging rate is increased incrementally after determining whether the incremental current increase would cause the power to the battery to exceed the maximum power that can be handled by the bay.