Abstract: Systems and methods of indicating to a line worker when there is a defective zipper profile extruded onto a generally flat plastic web while moving in a feed direction in a re-sealable container production line. The system includes a sensor for detecting the defective zipper profile and a web distortion device that actuates in response to the sensor detecting the defect. The web distortion device keeps the web bunched together while it spools onto a roll support device located downstream thereby making it readily apparent to a line worker that the bunched segment contains the defective segment.

Abstract: A tire defect detection system for detecting defects in a tire. The system includes at least one infrared camera, a pneumatic source and a computing device. The pneumatic source inflates the tire to a predetermined pressure. After inflation, the infrared camera captures a reference frame of a section of the tire. A period of time after capturing the reference frame, the infrared camera captures a subsequent frame. The subsequent frame is compared to the reference frame to detect a portion of the section of the tire that has a lower temperature. The lower temperature is caused by an escape of air from the tire through a defect. The escaping air cools the area of the tire around the defect, so a decrease in temperature indicates the defect.

Abstract: A tire defect detection system for detecting defects in a tire. The system includes at least one infrared camera, a pneumatic source and a computing device. The pneumatic source inflates the tire to a predetermined pressure. After inflation, the infrared camera captures a reference frame of a section of the tire. A period of time after capturing the reference frame, the infrared camera captures a subsequent frame. The subsequent frame is compared to the reference frame to detect a portion of the section of the tire that has a lower temperature. The lower temperature is caused by an escape of air from the tire through a defect. The escaping air cools the area of the tire around the defect, so a decrease in temperature indicates the defect.

Abstract: A rotary transformer configured to be between a rotor winding and bearing of a wound field synchronous machine and operate within a resonant field device between a rotor winding and bearing of a wound field synchronous machine configured to operate at a frequency of at least 50 kHz within the motor.

Abstract: A tire defect detection system for detecting defects in a tire. The system includes at least one infrared camera, a pneumatic source and a computing device. The pneumatic source inflates the tire to a predetermined pressure. After inflation, the infrared camera captures a reference frame of a section of the tire. A period of time after capturing the reference frame, the infrared camera captures a subsequent frame. The subsequent frame is compared to the reference frame to detect a portion of the section of the tire that has a lower temperature. The lower temperature is caused by an escape of air from the tire through a defect. The escaping air cools the area of the tire around the defect, so a decrease in temperature indicates the defect.

Abstract: A bone clamping device includes a pair of clamps mounted on a clamp connector. Each clamp has a variable size opening that varies in size transverse to the clamp connector. At least one clamp is longitudinally and angularly displaceable relative to the other along the clamp connector. The clamps are preferably made from a plastic and the clamp connector is preferably made from metal.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic hip system generally includes acetabular components, femoral components, and tooling for implanting the components. The acetabular components include an acetabular socket and a bushing received within the acetabular socket. The acetabular socket defines a reamer with cutters for preparing the acetabulum. The femoral components generally include a cutter cap, a head cover, and a screw. Tooling includes a cutting bit that is used to cut a flat on the femoral head. The cutter cap is advanced in a cutting action onto the femoral head to remove the sides of the head and the cutter cap is also implanted on the femoral head. The head cover is positioned on the cutter cap, and retained with a coupling screw. The acetabular socket and the head cover are assembled with a bushing therebetween. Methods of implantation are also provided.

Abstract: An electrical discharge testing system for detecting electrical discharge rate failure in an electrical-based tire defect tester. The electrical discharge testing system generally includes a probe which is connected to a power source such that the probe periodically discharges electricity for the purpose of testing a tire for defects. A sensor detects each electrical discharge of the probe. To ensure that the probe is discharging at an appropriate rate for efficient coverage of the tire, a timer is preset to a threshold period of time between electrical discharges. The timer is reset each time an electrical discharge from the probe is detected by the sensor. If the timer reaches zero before a subsequent electrical discharge after a reset, an indicator is activated to indicate a fault in the tire defect tester.

Abstract: A bone clamping device includes a pair of clamps mounted on a clamp connector. Each clamp has a variable size opening that varies in size transverse to the clamp connector. At least one clamp is longitudinally and angularly displaceable relative to the other along the clamp connector. The clamps are preferably made from a plastic and the clamp connector is preferably made from metal.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic hip system generally includes acetabular components, femoral components, and tooling for implanting the components. The acetabular components include an acetabular socket and a bushing received within the acetabular socket. The acetabular socket defines a reamer with cutters for preparing the acetabulum. The femoral components generally include a cutter cap, a head cover, and a screw. Tooling includes a cutting bit that is used to cut a flat on the femoral head. The cutter cap is advanced in a cutting action onto the femoral head to remove the sides of the head and the cutter cap is also implanted on the femoral head. The head cover is positioned on the cutter cap, and retained with a coupling screw. The acetabular socket and the head cover are assembled with a bushing therebetween. Methods of implantation are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic direct current (DC) transformer apparatus and method of using it to convey unregulated off grid DC power to one or more load devices that in total use power at a level of at least 1 kW. The resonant frequency is at least 20 kHz, the unregulated energy-transfer efficiency is at least 75%, and the power distributing efficiency from source to load device is at least 75%.

Abstract: An electrical discharge testing system for detecting electrical discharge rate failure in an electrical-based tire defect tester. The electrical discharge testing system generally includes a probe which is connected to a power source such that the probe periodically discharges electricity for the purpose of testing a tire for defects. A sensor detects each electrical discharge of the probe. To ensure that the probe is discharging at an appropriate rate for efficient coverage of the tire, a timer is preset to a threshold period of time between electrical discharges. The timer is reset each time an electrical discharge from the probe is detected by the sensor. If the timer reaches zero before a subsequent electrical discharge after a reset, an indicator is activated to indicate a fault in the tire defect tester.

Abstract: A brushless field exciter for wound synchronous machines that uses the resonance of the leakage inductance and a capacitor in a resonant field exciter to transfer energy to the rotating field winding. By resonating at frequencies greater than 50 kHz, this exciter reduces the overall size and weight of synchronous wound field motors at all power levels and extends the practical and economic power limits of synchronous wound field machines down to low integral and fractional HP applications, eliminating the permanent magnets now used in high efficiency motors and generators in that power range.

Abstract: A brushless field exciter for wound synchronous machines that uses the resonance of the leakage inductance and a capacitor in a resonant field exciter to transfer energy to the rotating field winding. By resonating at frequencies greater than 50 kHz, this exciter reduces the overall size and weight of synchronous wound field motors at all power levels and extends the practical and economic power limits of synchronous wound field machines down to low integral and fractional HP applications, eliminating the permanent magnets now used in high efficiency motors and generators in that power range.

Abstract: An electronic direct current (DC) transformer apparatus and method of using it to convey unregulated off grid DC power to one or more load devices that in total use power at a level of at least 1 kW. The resonant frequency is at least 20 kHz, the unregulated energy-transfer efficiency is at least 75%, and the power distributing efficiency from source to load device is at least 75%.

Abstract: A tire defect tester and a method of operation are disclosed. In one aspect, the tire defect tester includes a first electrode arranged to direct energy toward a tire, and a second electrode arranged on an opposite side of the tire from the first electrode to receive energy passing through the tire from the first electrode. The tire defect tester further includes an energy sensor electrically connected to the second electrode and a fault indicator circuit responsive to the energy sensor and configured to indicate the presence of a flaw upon energy above a threshold level being sensed at the second electrode.

Abstract: A tire defect tester and a method of operation are disclosed. In one aspect, the tire defect tester includes a first electrode arranged to direct energy toward a tire, and a second electrode arranged on an opposite side of the tire from the first electrode to receive energy passing through the tire from the first electrode. The tire defect tester further includes an energy sensor electrically connected to the second electrode and a fault indicator circuit responsive to the energy sensor and configured to indicate the presence of a flaw upon energy above a threshold level being sensed at the second electrode.

Abstract: A brushless field exciter for wound synchronous machines that uses the resonance of the leakage inductance and a capacitor in a resonant field exciter to transfer energy to the rotating field winding. By resonating at frequencies greater than 50 kHz, this exciter reduces the overall size and weight of synchronous wound field motors at all power levels and extends the practical and economic power limits of synchronous wound field machines down to low integral and fractional HP applications, eliminating the permanent magnets now used in high efficiency motors and generators in that power range.

Abstract: Provided is a combination fishing rod holder and table. The device has a central shaft configured to hold fishing rod handles, beach umbrellas and other long cylindrical objects. An auger disposed on the end of the central shaft is driven into the sand and a collapsible tabletop is then secure to the central shaft. The tabletop features multiple beverage container holder elements and a pair of storage drawers. The drawers may be lockable to help secure items left therein. Fishers can place the handle of a fishing rod in the central shaft and use a clamping dial to secure the rod in place. Food and beverage items can then be enjoyed on the tabletop surface while waiting for fish to bite.

Abstract: A tire defect tester and a method of operation are disclosed. In one aspect, the tire defect tester includes a first electrode arranged to direct energy toward a tire, and a second electrode arranged on an opposite side of the tire from the first electrode to receive energy passing through the tire from the first electrode. The tire defect tester further includes an energy sensor electrically connected to the second electrode and a fault indicator circuit responsive to the energy sensor and configured to indicate the presence of a flaw upon energy above a threshold level being sensed at the second electrode.