Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including a button assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, the button assembly can include a bushing and an actuator. The bushing can include an actuator housing surrounded by an outer flange. The actuator housing can include an exterior side and an interior side relative to the footwear platform. The actuator can include a plurality of actuator bodies disposed within the actuator housing. Each actuator body of the plurality of actuator bodies can include a switch interface adapted to interact with a switch on a lacing engine.

Abstract: A multi-part cooking grate with a lower sub-grate with a first plurality of V-shaped cooking members running along a length of the lower sub-grate and having a first predetermined spacing between the first plurality cooking members along a width of the lower sub-grate, and an upper sub-grate with a second plurality of V-shaped cooking members running along a length of the lower sub-grate and having a second predetermined spacing between the second plurality of cooking members along a width of the upper sub-grate.

Abstract: A protective enclosure that is primarily constructed from corrugated, symmetrical panel members of uniform shape. The panel members are made from steel. The panel members are connected together to form the walls and roof of the enclosure. The enclosure is connected to a cementitious member to anchor the enclosure. The enclosure is provided with a door that completes the enclosure and allows entry and exit from the enclosure.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.

Abstract: A containment system including a wall member with a plurality of corrugations, each corrugation extending horizontally along a length of the wall member. Each of a multiplicity of the corrugations has openings therein, and at least some of the openings in the corrugations at least partially align to form an upright keyway through the wall member. The system further includes a bracket that has a plurality of corrugation-receiving spaces therein. The wall member is positioned with corrugations in respective corrugation-receiving spaces. The system also includes a locking member received in the upright keyway of the wall member and positioned such that interaction between the locking member and portions of the bracket prevent the wall member from being pulled away from the bracket.

Abstract: A support structure includes strut members interconnected by articulated joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus for blanking a printed circuit film from a base film, including: an insert member on a lower plate, overlapping a hit region of the base film and including a first pin hole aligned with an auxiliary fixing-hole of the base film an upper plate overlapping the lower plate and movable relative to the lower plate; a puncher protruding from the upper plate and contacting the hit region of the base film; and a fixing-pin protruding from the upper plate and inserted in the auxiliary fixing-hole of the base film and into the first pin hole of the insert member. The base film includes a reference fixing-hole being collinear with a center line of the printed circuit film, and a a plurality of auxiliary fixing-holes separated from the reference fixing-holes at equal intervals along a longitudinal direction of the base film.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a suture into a pilot hole in bone, utilizing a suture anchor. A lumen-defining circular soft wall, having a first and second end, is slidably engaged to a piece of suture, a first length of which extends from the first end of the wall and is threaded through the lumen from the second end, and a second length of which extends from the second end and is threaded through the lumen from the first end. The suture anchor is introduced into the pilot hole so that the first length and second length of suture material extend out of the pilot hole. The first length and second length are pulled on alternately, thereby permitting the suture anchor structure to slide on the piece of suture material, and to be compacted evenly by the pulling, until the suture anchor is set in the pilot hole.

Abstract: A connecting wire is a wire having a circular cross-section and made of shape memory alloy or the like. Individual blocks have a cross-section configured to engage with an orthodontic bracket and have a through hole to insert the connecting wire. Because a torque is applied separately to each of the individual blocks after the connecting wire and individual blocks are formed according to an arch form on a Monson sphere, the torque can be applied keeping a three-dimensional curve such as the Monson sphere.

Abstract: A wire harness fixture includes a base having a clip projecting therefrom; a winding band extending and winding around a wire harness from a first end portion of two end portions of the base; and a plurality of engagement portions on a surface of the winding band. The base has a first band insertion hole passing through the two end portions of the base in a direction orthogonal to a projecting direction of the clip, the first band insertion hole having a first engagement projection engaging with the engagement portions of the winding band. The clip and the base have a second band insertion hole passing therethrough in the projecting direction of the clip, the second band insertion hole having a second engagement projection engaging with the engagement portions of the winding band.

Abstract: Heart valve prosthesis, comprising a ring-shaped supporting structure (3) to be anchored at the valve annulus, and a valve leaflet (5) supported by the supporting structure. The supporting structure comprises a support wall portion (31), at which a root end (51) of the valve leaflet is connected, and a complementary wall portion (32) opposite the support wall portion, which supports a coaptation surface (33) adapted to be sealingly engaged by a free end (52) of the valve leaflet (5), and extending in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the free end (52) of the valve leaflet (5) at the coaptation surface (33). The free end of the valve leaflet (5) is connected to the support wall portion or to the complementary wall portion by means of a traction member (55), dimensioned in such a way that the free end (52) of the valve leaflet (5) is stopped at the coaptation surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mesh racket and its manufacturing method, comprising a handle (1), a frame (2) and a string (3), wherein the handle (1) is fixed to one end of the frame (2) along the horizontal direction of the frame (2), a plurality of holes (4) are arranged on the side wall of the frame (2) for installing the string (3), characterized in that the string (3) includes the first string set (301), the second string set (302) and the third string set (303) composed by a number of parallel strings respectively, wherein the said mesh holes formed by each string set are triangular. Such a mesh racket not only features the better face performance, but also the firmer triangular mesh holes. Therefore, it is not easily deformed, thereby reducing the string changeover frequency and maintenance costs.

Abstract: A stent-graft, including a generally tubular vascular graft of biocompatible material, and a plurality of bio-resorbable discrete annular members spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the vascular graft and attached thereto.

Abstract: An accessory making device (1) of the present invention is a device for making an accessory including a core (83) formed into a substantially ring shape by connecting both ends of a stretchable cord-like body (46) having rubber-like elasticity and a decoration main body (83) disposed around the core in such a manner so as to abut both ends thereof against each other in a contracted state so as to be reduced in axial length. The accessory making device (1) includes a long rigid holder (5). The holder (5) can retain connecting portions (47M, 47F) on both end sides of the cord-like body (46) with the connecting portions (47M, 47F) of the cord-like body (46) separated from each other, and can be inserted through the decoration main body (83).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly and easily installing a safety cord in the butt of a racquet, without damaging the safety cord, includes a handle and an elongate structure having a loop for engaging the safety cord.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufactured article comprising a support component (2) delimiting therein at least one receiving seat (3), at least one inserted component (4) designed to be seated in a respective receiving seat (3) in the support component (2), and binding means for binding the inserted component (4) to a respective receiving seat (3). The at least one inserted component (4) is mounted for rotation in the at least one receiving seat (3).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for pre-assembly of a solar panel string for a solar canopy, the process comprising aligning a plurality of solar panels onto an edge conveyor, wherein belts of the edge conveyor contact and support the bottom of the plurality of solar panels at opposite longitudinal ends of each solar panel and aligning a solar panel support channel below the plurality of solar panels; and attaching the solar panel support channel to the plurality of solar panels, thereby forming a solar panel string assembly.

Abstract: A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.

Abstract: A method of interconnecting multiple bottle cork closure elements to form a variety of useful integrated constructions. The method uses one or more string strands of flexible yielding material to be passed through custom configured passageways within each cork in continuous pass through patterns defined by similar and varied passageways in adjacent abutting corks. The interconnecting pattern path of the strands defines intermediate points of applied tension and selective securing in a defined assembly step process to form the respective article of construction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a swing-out, multi-level barbeque smoker having a common mounting post wherein the individual cooking units are mounted on the common mounting post so that the individual units are slidably and swingably disposed so that a user can have easy access to the individual units. The apparatus is mounted on a wheeled carriage having a handle bar assembly so that the wheeled carriage can be easily maneuvered by a user. The upper swing-out unit has a grill for receiving food items, the middle swing-out unit has a bowl for receiving water therein and the lower unit has a grill upon which the fuel, e.g., charcoal or the like can be placed.

Abstract: A flossing device and a method of manufacture thereof, consisting of a first elongated member and a second elongated member that is removably coupled to the first elongated member along an interior side of a top region of the first elongated member. The flossing device includes a floss member coupled to the second elongated member and extending through an aperture of the first elongated member. The floss member includes a first enlarged stop member at an end distal from the second elongated member and sized to fit within a countersunk enlarged channel but not fit through a narrow channel in communication with the enlarged channel.

Abstract: Integrated float line assemblies having braking capability and methods for forming same are disclosed. The integrated float line assembly includes a braided portion slidably captured between the two ends of a float line, wherein the float line can slide along an interior hollow of the braided portion and be selectively braked by engaging the braided portion. The braided portion is provided with substantially rigid end ferrules. Obstruction having a transverse dimension larger than an inner diameter of the ferrule is provided with at least one end of the float line to prevent the braided portion from being separated from the float line.

Abstract: A system and method for stringing decorative elements onto a stringing element to make jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet. A jig is provided that has holds a first tube. The first tube has a first end, a second end, an inside diameter and an outside diameter. The outside diameter is smaller than the inside diameter of the stringing holes in the decorative elements. The first tube is set as a cantilever. At least some of the decorative elements are set onto the first tube over its first end. The first tube extends through the stringing hole in each of the decorative elements. A stringing element is advanced through the first tube. The first tube is then removed. This leaves at least some of the stringing element strung through the stringing hole of each of the decorative elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting a string section to a pulling element which extends through the string section. The device includes a tilt lever support (100), at least one tilt lever (102), which is connected to the tilt lever support so as to enable the tilt lever to pivot about a pivot point, and thereby moving a support part (105) of the tilt lever for support on the string section from a retracted position into an extended position, wherein the retracted position is closer to the center axis of the device than the extended position. The device further includes a connection for connecting the tilt lever support to the pulling element.

Abstract: A bag configured to be worn or carried on the back by a user having a cinched top and including padded straps which extend over the user's shoulders. Each of the straps includes a strap member which may be a cord or a drawstring which is attached to the bottom of the bag and loops around the perimeter of the top of the bag. Each of the straps also includes a padded member which encircles a portion of the strap member to provide additional comfort to the user by cushioning the strap member and distributing the weight of the bag over a larger surface area.

Abstract: A power transmission belt low in cost and preventing work precision from being lowered and life expectancy of a metal press working mold from being decreased and a method of producing such a power transmission belt are provided. The power transmission belt includes endless band-like rings, and a plurality of elements bonded into an annular shape by the endless band-like rings. Each of the elements has both side end surface portions pressed between pulleys in the belt width direction, a rocking edge portion serving as a fulcrum when rocked in the state that the elements are partly wound around the pulleys, and a concave-convex portion engageable in concave-convex engagement with the concave-convex portions of a pair of neighboring elements. Each of the elements is formed with a curved inclination surface between the rocking edge portion and the concave-convex portion to have an inclination angle reduced toward the concave-convex portion.

Abstract: A method of making a non-porous tubular graft is disclosed. The method includes the step of securing a plurality of fastening elements extending through an outer layer of knitted, woven, or braided material along a length of the outer layer, wherein the fastening elements extend outwardly from the outer layer. The method further includes the steps of placing an inner layer of non-porous material within the outer layer such that an underside of each fastening element is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer and laminating the outer layer to the inner layer to form the non-porous tubular graft.

Abstract: An implantable lead may have one or more lumens disposed within a lead body. The lead body may include one or more lumens spirally disposed therein to reduce flex fatigue in regions of frequent flex. The lead body may include one or more spiral lumens and one or more straight lumens.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for drawing cables having a connector shroud at a distal end thereof through a back of an automobile seat in the installation of an automobile entertainment system. The apparatus includes an eyelet shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment to the connector shroud. The eyelet includes a housing shaped and dimensioned to fit over the connector shroud. The housing includes a coupling member shaped and dimensioned for engagement with a wire puller.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a through-wall protection device which provides a passageway through a structure and to an aperture in a housing. The through-wall protection device includes an elongated tube and a bushing with a proximal opening, a distal opening and a bore connecting the openings. The elongated tube and bushing may be locked together using complementary engaging structures which prevent the elongated tube from being removed from within the bore of the bushing. The present disclosure also relates to a method of defining a protected passageway through a structure using the through-wall protection device described herein.

Abstract: A poster clamp comprising first and second members, the members comprising first and second gripping surfaces, respectively, for gripping opposing sides of a poster or a like, and a poster mounting system comprising a hoarding and a plurality of such clamps, and a wire on which the clamps are to be mounted for tightening a poster within the frame of the hoarding.

Abstract: An archery bow cable guard includes a base portion and first and second cable rollers. The base portion is configured to mount to a riser of an archery bow. The first and second cable rollers are mounted to the base portion and arranged to contact a cable of the archery bow. Each roller has an axis of rotation that is arranged perpendicular to a length dimension of the cable. The axis of rotation of the first and second cable rollers are spaced apart in a direction parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the archery bow cable guard.

Abstract: A casting pet toy for entertaining a pet comprises an elongate rod, a handle grip at a handle end of the elongate rod and a tip eyelet at a tip end of the elongate rod. The casting pet toy can also include a stretchable cord passing through the tip eyelet. The stretchable cord comprises a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end can be secured to the elongate rod at a location proximate to the handle grip. A pet lure can be attached to the free end of the stretchable cord.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method and apparatus for installing a cable into cable guide tubing and the like. The method typically includes rotating a reel of cable guide tubing at least 360° while, using compressed gas, feeding a cable, such as a plurality of microducts, into the cable guide tubing. The related apparatus includes a cable injection unit and a rotation coupling unit to facilitate the installation of cable (e.g., microducts) into the rotating cable guide tubing.

Abstract: The refrigerator cable ejection method is used to eject one end of a cable out of an outer liner through an ejection hole formed at the outer liner before a filling space is filled with a foam insulation material in a refrigerator constructed in a structure in which the outer liner is fitted outside an inner liner, the cable is distributed in the filling space defined between the inner liner and the outer liner, and the filling space is filled with a foam insulation material while the cable is distributed in the filling space. The method is performed to eject one end of the cable out of the outer liner through the ejection hole at the time of fitting the outer liner outside the inner liner using an ejector including a pass-through member mounted outside the inner liner corresponding to the ejection hole such that the cable passes through the member.

Abstract: A backpack and frame are disclosed. The backpack frame is designed to be at least partially internal and is of unitary construction, most advantageously of a resin-impregnated material, such as resin-impregnated carbon fiber sheets with selective reinforcement by interstitial layers. The frame has a mid-back portion that includes openings for independently positionable shoulder straps and a lower back portion that provides for a rotatable connection to a belt assembly. A pair of curved stay portions is contiguous with the mid-back portion of the frame and curves outwardly as the stay portions extend downwardly. The frame is preferably curved to match the curvature of the human back. The backpack frame is lightweight and by use of composite materials can provide strength as well as selective flexibility to suspend the load of the backpack and decouple it from the movements of the wearer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for inserting a non-metallic multi-strand braid through a coil tube. Techniques for bonding one end of a lead line to one end of a multi-strand non-metallic braid are provided. There are also embodiments of steerable instruments described having a plurality of hinged segments; a multi-strand non-metallic braid connected distally to one segment of the plurality of segments and proximally to an actuator; and a steering controller adapted to control the actuator to move the hinged segment using the multi-strand non-metallic braid.

Abstract: A disposable urinary incontinence device comprises a liquid-stable resilient member, and a cover sheet that envelops the liquid-stable resilient member to form an elongated member having a tubular profile. The elongated member has a first end, a second end, a first fold region disposed between the first end and the second end, a second fold region disposed between the first end and the first fold region, a third fold region disposed between the second end and the first fold region, a first portion located between the first end and the second fold region, a second portion located between the second end and the third fold region, a third portion located between the first fold region and a second fold region, and a fourth portion located between the first fold region and the third fold region to form a W-shaped incontinence device.

Abstract: Provided are an optical communication module which are capable of reducing a risk that an optical fiber may be detached from the optical fiber support fixture. The optical fiber support fixture includes a cylindrical body portion in which a through hole allowing an optical fiber to pass therethrough is formed. The cylindrical body portion has a circumferential surface portion in which a gap that the optical fiber crosses at a time of allowing the optical fiber to pass through the through hole is formed. The cylindrical body portion has an arbitrary point and another point on a center axis of the cylindrical body portion, the arbitrary point and the another point having different positional correspondence relationships with the gap on planes perpendicular to the center axis passing through the arbitrary point and the another point.

Abstract: A Roman shade includes shade material and a lining panel connected to the shade material at a plurality of discrete connections located along horizontal rows of cord rings for lift cords of the shade.

Abstract: Cable is installed into a duct, by increasing cross-sectional areas of subducting provided in the duct, so as to allow the cable to be received into the subducting, and then decreasing the cross-sectional area of the subducting containing the cable so as to reduce the volume occupied by the subducting in the duct. Cables may be inserted into the subducting, for example, by forcing compressed gas through the subducting, which simultaneously inflates the subducting.

Abstract: A method intended for manufacturing a bicycle spoked wheel is described. By inserting the nipples or barrels for the attachment of the spokes in the spoke attachment seats from the inside of the spoke attachment chamber through a suitably sized opening, instead of from the outside, the rim of the bicycle wheel can be manufactured without additional openings, even when using conventional nipples or barrels.

Abstract: Articles and methods for installing hook bolts on bridge decks constructed of timbers and structural steel members. A tether is lowered through a hole in a timber, captured below the bridge deck, and drawn upward around the timber or between timbers. A hook bolt is engaged with the end of the tether that was lowered through the hole and drawn upward, then lowered under the bridge deck and drawn upward through the hole in the timber. The hook bolt engages with a flange on a structural member of the bridge deck.

Abstract: A drapery carrier comprising a carrier body with first and second coaxially joined wheels on opposite sides of the carrier body, and bearings entrapped within the drapery carrier between raceway seat portions of the wheels. An axial finger extends from the first wheel and is engagingly held within an axial bore of the second wheel. Respective outer circumferential wheel surfaces of the first and second wheels define first and second wheel outer diameters of the first and second wheels, and the bearing center-to-center orbit diameter is less than the first and second wheel outer diameters. Three embodiments of a carrier strip hold a plurality of the drapery carriers prior to and during insertion within a drapery track, and permit easy insertion of the drapery carriers into the track by sliding the track onto the drapery carriers while they are held by the carrier strip.

Abstract: A flexible, multi-lumen brachytherapy device includes a plurality of loose lumens extend through a hub towards a single point of attachment at a distal rigid section. Because the lumens are attached at only a single distal location, the lumens are free to move axially and rotatably, thereby increasing the overall flexibility of the device to thereby decrease intermittent device movement while increasing patient comfort. A novel keyed stylet can be selectively inserted to increase the rigidity of the device as needed. The ability to dynamically modify the rigidity of the brachytherapy device provides a comprehensive brachytherapy solution that satisfies concerns of the patient, the surgeon and the radiologists.

Abstract: A drapery carrier comprising a carrier body with first and second coaxially joined wheels on opposite sides of the carrier body, and bearings entrapped within the drapery carrier between raceway seat portions of the wheels. An axial finger extends from the first wheel and is engagingly held within an axial bore of the second wheel. Respective outer circumferential wheel surfaces of the first and second wheels define first and second wheel outer diameters of the first and second wheels, and the bearing center-to-center orbit diameter is less than the first and second wheel outer diameters. Two embodiments of a carrier strip hold a plurality of the drapery carriers prior to and during insertion within a drapery track, and permit easy insertion of the drapery carriers into the track by sliding the track onto the drapery carriers while they are held by the carrier strip.

Abstract: A wrapping device to wind thread onto elongated rod blanks of fishing poles to affix component parts therealong and for decorative purposes. The wrapping device includes a wrapping support saddle with a support base for placement on a support surface and a pair of support uprights movably mounted thereto in a spaced relationship to accommodate rod blanks of differing lengths. The support uprights have respective wrapping saddles to rotatably support the rod blanks without affixing to the wrapping device. The support uprights allow hands-free stopping of winding of the thread while under tension by securing the rod blanks to prevent unwrapping of the thread. The support uprights project forwardly toward a user to position the rod blanks in a comfortable wrapping position. A thread delivery system is movably mounted to the support base for dispensing and guiding the thread under a desired constant tension onto the rod blank.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket includes an elongated single layer runner with multiple cross pieces. The single layer runner can be constructed from a material, such as a polymeric material, molded over the cross pieces. The cross pieces and/or runner can include speed lace loops with which a net lace can be joined. A related method includes providing cross pieces, overmolding a polymeric material over the cross pieces to form a single layer runner, where the overmolded material is the only structure extending between and connecting the cross pieces, and where the cross pieces are transverse to the runners. Another method includes providing a pocket base overmolding the base with a polymeric material to cover portions of it, and forming connection elements between different portions independently of any other components of the pocket base.

Abstract: A liner tube for repairing existing pipes is provided. The liner tube is sufficient flexible to lie substantially flat under its own weight thereby defining an upper portion and a lower portion. The liner tube includes an inner layer, an outer layer disposed around the inner layer, a first intermediate layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, the first intermediate layer being wrapped around the inner layer to overlap itself and define a first overlap portion in the upper portion, and a second intermediate layer disposed between the first intermediate layer and the outer layer, the second intermediate layer being wrapped around the first intermediate layer to overlap itself and define a second overlap portion in the lower portion. The first and second intermediate layers include a porous material and the inner layer includes material substantially impermeable to liquids. Systems used to manufacture the liner tube are also provided.

Abstract: An integrated aerodynamic panel—e.g., for a trailing edge or leading edge of an aircraft aerodynamic surface—includes a first panel region defining inner and outer mold lines, and a second panel region contiguous with and extending from the first panel region in a tapering fashion. A splice plate region extends from the second panel region and includes an edge band region configured to accept a fastener. A filler region (e.g., a SYNCORE or fiberglass structure) adjacent the second panel region has an exposed surface substantially flush with the outer mold line.