Abstract:
In one embodiment, an embossing drum system comprise: a mandrel having outer surface with an external taper, a primary journal extending from a first end of the mandrel, a secondary journal extending from a second end of the journal, a sleeve having an inner sleeve surface with an internal taper, wherein the sleeve is disposed around the mandrel to form a drum having a substantially constant outer diameter, and a releasable journal support engaging the secondary journal, wherein a sleeve first end of the sleeve having a smallest inner diameter of the sleeve is disposed adjacent the releasable journal support. In one embodiment, a method of drum system maintenance comprises: releasing a journal support on the embossing drum system and sliding the sleeve off of the mandrel and over the secondary journal.
Abstract:
A one hand push button release mechanism is associated with a supplemental tailgate assembly to affect the release of the supplemental tailgate for deployment from the main tailgate apparatus. One embodiment of the push button mechanism engages a wedge having a cam surface that causes the wedge to move vertically with respect to the push button to pull on a linkage that releases a pivoted catch member. A second embodiment utilizes a laterally slidable push button that depresses into the molding to engage a spacer that is laterally movable with the push button to be movable into an interfering position with respect to the catch member to lock the supplemental tailgate in the stowed position. In both embodiments, a spring is operable to bias the locking mechanism into a locked position when the supplemental tailgate is returned to the stored position.
Abstract:
A noninvasive method and system are provided for assessing the performance of implanted actuators of semi or fully-implantable hearing aid systems. The invention utilizes an externally positioned measurement device to obtain a test measure of the electrical signal passing through an implanted actuator when driven by a test signal of predetermined characteristics. In one embodiment, the measurement device may comprise a pair of coils for measuring the magnetic field generated by an implanted actuator utilized to simulate the middle ear of a patient. The magnetic field strength is directly related to the amount of current passing through the actuator. In turn, such current is inversely related to the electrical impedance present at the implanted actuator. Such electrical impedance is directly related to the mechanical impedance present at the interface between the implanted actuator and middle ear of a patient. As such, by driving an implanted actuator at one or more predetermined frequencies the resultant magnetic field measures may be utilized to assess whether the implanted actuator is operative and whether a desired interface between the actuator and the middle ear of patient (e.g. the ossicular chain) is present.
Abstract:
This relates to an improved delivery system for accurately loading and controlling the delivery of flowable material to a patient. Particularly, the system may be used in the injection of hard tissue implant materials such as PMMA under pressures up to about 4000 psi. The system includes an applicator with a first column having an implant material introduction section adapted to provide for effective loading of the implant material and a second column housing a piston. The introduction section has a larger size than that of a vessel section or bore in which the requisite pressure seal between the piston and bore wall is formed. The first column may include an introduction section flared open to an included larger funnel-like opening or a separate funnel may be used that interfaces with the introduction section to facilitate the introduction of implant material. Handles on the first and second columns to be turned relative to each other to advance the columns toward each other may be provided for manual actuation of the applicator to drive implant material through a cannula and deliver implant material to a desired site.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to an implanted microphone having reduced sensitivity to vibration. In this regard, the microphone differentiates between the desirable and undesirable vibration by utilizing at least one motion sensor to produce a motion signal when an implanted microphone is in motion. This motion signal is used to yield a microphone output signal that is less vibration sensitive. In a first arrangement, the motion signal may be processed with an output of the implantable microphone transducer to provide an audio signal that is less vibration-sensitive than the microphone output alone. Specifically, the motion signal may be scaled to match the motion component of the microphone output such that upon removal of the motion signal from the microphone output, the remaining signal is an acoustic signal.
Abstract:
A fully automated method and apparatus is disclosed to laminate various structural articles with a layer of resin impregnated fiber tape. The tape laying member removes a releasable backing layer from the tape being employed, then deposits the unbacked tape on the surface of the structural article, and finally severs the end of the tape being deposited. An automated cut and restart procedure is employed in the present tape laying member to increase tape throughput.
Abstract:
A vehicle includes a supplemental tailgate assembly, which includes a tailgate extender that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom and right and left hand gate assemblies. The supplemental tailgate assembly is able to provide bed extender, box extender, step assist, roof rack, cargo storage area, and box divider functions. The supplemental tailgate assembly is stowable to minimize interference in cargo space when not in use.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to chemical, biological, and/or biochemical reactor chips and other reaction systems such as microreactor systems, as well as systems and methods for constructing and using such devices. In one aspect, a chip or other reaction system may be constructed so as to promote cell growth within it. In certain embodiments, the chips or other reaction systems of the invention include one or more reaction sites. The reaction sites can be very small, for example, with a volume of less than about 1 ml. In one aspect of the invention, a chip is able to detect, measure and/or control an environmental factor such as the temperature, pressure, CO2 concentration, O2 concentration, relative humidity, pH, etc. associated with one or more reaction sites, by using one or more sensors, actuators, processors, and/or control systems. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to materials and systems having humidity and/or gas control, for example, for use with a chip. Such materials may have high oxygen permeability and/or low water vapor permeability. The present invention, in still another aspect, generally relates to light-interacting components suitable for use in chips and other reactor systems. These components may include waveguides, optical fibers, light sources, photodetectors, optical elements, and the like.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods are provided for producing adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) polypeptides and fusion proteins, including the production and use of recombinant expression constructs having a regulated promoter. ANT ligands and compositions and methods for identifying ANT ligands, agents that bind ANT and agents that interact with ANT are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods are provided for producing adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) polypeptides and fusion proteins, including the production and use of recombinant expression constructs having a regulated promoter. ANT ligands and compositions and methods for identifying ANT ligands, agents that bind ANT and agents that interact with ANT are also disclosed.