Abstract: An apparatus for securing first and second skins to a core in a composite rotor blade includes an elongated member configured to be installed through a passage in the core of the composite rotor blade. The elongated member has a first end configured to be attached to an outer surface of the first skin and a second end configured to be attached to an outer surface of the second skin. The apparatus also includes a first patch configured to adhere the first end to the outer surface of the first skin, and a second patch configured to adhere the second end to the outer surface of the second skin such the elongated member extends from the outer surfaces of the first and second skins through the passage in the core.

Abstract: A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the frame attached thereto. The frame may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle shaft easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps.

Abstract: A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the frame attached thereto. The frame may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle shaft easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps.

Abstract: A collapsible storage container can include a set of opposing side walls forming an interior concavity. The container can include dividing partitions with a handle or fingerholes. The dividing partition can divide the concavity forms two or more distinct cavities from the interior concavity. Each of the cavities can be able to store or carry objects. The two or more opposing side walls can include a cutout for permitting access to the handle or fingerholes.

Abstract: A coupler having a semi-rigid support member and two extrusions. The extrusions can be secured against opposing sides of a container. Each of the extrusions is fitted through a void on each of the opposing sides. The coupling can provide structural support when the extrusions are securely fitted into the void. Each of the extrusions can include an insertable end, a non-insertable end, a trunk, and a set of tertiary pawls extending from the trunk and the primary pawl. The tertiary pawls can be positioned between the insertable and non-insertable ends along a longitudinal axis of the coupler. The insertable end can be able to fit through a void from the frontside to the backside. The trunk can terminate at the insertable end in the primary pawl. The base pawl can be able to be secure the coupler against the frontside surface of the void.

Abstract: An elongated strap can include of a series of ratchet teeth along a portion of the length of the strap. The strap can include a first and second end. A releasable head of the first end can include a fastening mechanism (FM) and a release mechanism (RM). The head can include an opening having the FM for temporarily engaging a portion of the series of ratchet teeth when the second end of the elongated strap is inserted into the head forming a loop. The RM can be configured to non-destructively release the second end. A non-releasable head of the first end can include a cavity which can have a pawl for securely engaging a portion of the series of ratchet teeth when the second end of the elongated strap is inserted into the releasable head forming a loop. The pawl can disallow non-destructive disengaging of the end from the head.

Abstract: An open-ended container having a pair of opposed sidewalls that are formed from a first sidewall member having a slot and a second sidewall member comprising an extending tab that extends through the slot of the first sidewall member. A blank of a single board is stamped and folding into a container, and uses less board material by weight than a conventional container box. The open-ended container has a pair of grip openings in opposed sidewalls for lifting and carrying.

Abstract: A cable tie having a pre-shaped strap extending from the locking head, including a portion of the strap having a non-linear shape that can be circular, U-shaped, or V-shaped. A cable tie including a strap having a first surface including a plurality of serrations, and including one or more toothless portions that do not have serrations. A cable tie including a strap and a locking head, and further including one or more channeling loops fixed in a position along the length of the strap, or a separate channeling loop having a channel configured for accepting both the strap and a distal end of the strap after its passing through the locking head.

Abstract: An open-ended container having a pair of opposed sidewalls that are formed from a first sidewall member having a slot and a second sidewall member comprising an extending tab that extends through the slot of the first sidewall member. A blank of a single board is stamped and folding into a container, and uses less board material by weight than a conventional container box. The open-ended container has a pair of grip openings in opposed sidewalls for lifting and carrying.

Abstract: A two-piece box convertible into a one-piece box, having a main box body and a lid for covering the top opening of the box, having a skirt around the periphery of the lid, a panel of the skirt having a pivoting hinge connection to the lid, and having at least one attachable portion on the inner surface of the panel for fixing the panel to the top of one of the side panels of the box. The box can also include a corrugated, strengthening insert to strengthen the side panels of the box for resisting deformation and collapse under weight loads. The box can also include concealable zones for information positioned adjacent to the top edge of the side panels of the main box for receive readable information.

Abstract: A box comprising first and second end walls, first and second side walls, and a bottom defining the box. At least one of wall is a double wall formed by folding a portion of a blank of continuous paperboard material over itself to form an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall has at least one opening therein for viewing a picture affixed to the inner wall. Also disclosed is a container comprising the box and a lid that fits over the box and closes the container, and a method for forming the box and container.

Abstract: There is described an improved device for dispensing substance from a cartridge. The device includes a retaining mechanism for retaining a substance containing cartridge. The device further includes a telescoping plunger assembly, the assembly including at least a frontmost member, a rearmost member and at least one intervening member which can be in the nature of a turnbuckle. At least a portion of the plunger assembly is connected to the base. A motor is provided for rotating the turnbuckle of the telescoping plunger assembly, and there is also a fast rewinder comprising a turnbuckle splitter whereby the turnbuckle splits longitudinally into two halves. The device additionally includes a plunger biassing mechanism whereby the telescoping plunger assembly can be manually compacted against the resistive force of two or more plunger biassing springs.

Abstract: The device is formed of a strand of flexible material that is helically coiled in the form of a preformed elongated member having adjacent coils removably bonded together. In using the device, the preformed member is embedded in concrete when in a wet state with one end of the preformed member extending at or close to the surface of the concrete. After the concrete has solidified, the end of the preformed member is pulled to break the bonds between adjacent coils to lengthen and reduce the diameter of the member to allow the strand to be removed from the concrete to form an aperture in the concrete from the surface.

Abstract: The system comprises a lower frame, an upper frame coupled to the lower frame, and wheels coupled to the lower frame for engagement with a base for supporting the upper and lower frames and for moving the two frames. A conveyor belt is supported by the upper frame for supporting and moving baggage placed on the belt. A load sensor is coupled to the lower frame for supporting the upper frame for determining the weight of the baggage placed on the belt. A frame drive is coupled to the lower frame for moving the two frames between loading and unloading positions. In addition, a belt drive is provided for moving the belt and baggage thereon off of the belt when the apparatus is located at the unloading position.

Abstract: The device is formed of a strand of flexible material that is helically coiled in the form of a preformed elongated member having adjacent coils removably bonded together. In using the device, the preformed member is embedded in concrete when in a wet state with one end of the preformed member extending at or close to the surface of the concrete. After the concrete has solidified, the end of the preformed member is pulled to break the bonds between adjacent coils to lengthen and reduce the diameter of the member to allow the strand to be removed from the concrete to form an aperture in the concrete from the surface.

Abstract: The device is formed of a strand of flexible material that is helically coiled in the form of a preformed elongated member having adjacent coils removably bonded together. In using the device, the preformed member is embedded in concrete when in a wet state with one end of the preformed member extending at or close to the surface of the concrete. After the concrete has solidified, the end of the preformed member is pulled to break the bonds between adjacent coils to lengthen and reduce the diameter of the member to allow the strand to be removed from the concrete to form an aperture in the concrete from the surface.

Abstract: The system comprises a lower frame, an upper frame coupled to the lower frame, and wheels coupled to the lower frame for engagement with a base for supporting the upper and lower frames and for moving the two frames. A conveyor belt is supported by the upper frame for supporting and moving baggage placed on the belt. A load sensor is coupled to the lower frame for supporting the upper frame for determining the weight of the baggage placed on the belt. A frame drive is coupled to the lower frame for moving the two frames between loading and unloading positions. In addition, a belt drive is provided for moving the belt and baggage thereon off of the belt when the apparatus is located at the unloading position.

Abstract: The apparatus is employed for moving baggage from a scale to a conveyor system. A support member with upper rollers is supported on the scale. Also provided is a bridge base and a bridge having one end pivotally coupled to the forward end of the bridge base. Both the bridge base and bridge have upper rollers. The bridge may be moved to an upward extending position when not in use and to a lower position extending to and supported by the conveyor system such that bags may be placed on the support member, weighed, and then moved by way of the rollers of the support member, the bridge base and the bridge to the conveyor system. In one embodiment, a biasing means is provided for urging the bridge to its upward extending position. A releasable latch is provided for securing the bridge in its lower position. When the latch is released, the biasing means moves the bridge to its upward extending position.

Abstract: A train of fluid pulses representative of a process variable is processed by digital fluidic circuits and is then converted into an analog fluid pressure signal which is compared to an analog command signal, the difference between the two compared signals being caused to appear in the form of a displacement. This displacement is amplified by means of a fluid servo system, the amplified output of which is utilized for directly driving a control element for a process.