Abstract:
An aircraft landing gear assembly including a bogie beam, a landing gear strut having a first end arranged to be pivotally coupled to an aircraft and a second end pivotally coupled to the bogie beam, and a stop arranged to limit pivotal movement of the bogie beam relative to the landing gear strut, wherein the stop comprises at least one elongate member arranged to be deflectable in bending when the bogie beam reaches a pivotal limit.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus and systems for constraining spinous processes to elastically limit flexion of two or more adjacent spinal segments rely on placing a tether structure over at least three adjacent vertebral bodies or two adjacent vertebral bodies and the sacrum. The tether structures may be continuous, for example in the form of a continuous loop, or may be discontinuous, for example in the form of a loop or elongate element having at least two anchor structures for securing in bone.
Abstract:
Spinous process constraint structures include a first attachment element for placement over a first spinous process and a second attachment element for placement over a second spinous process. The attachment elements are joined by a single connector which may optionally include a compliance member for providing controlled elasticity between the spinous processes.
Abstract:
An auxiliary mechanism includes a lever unit, a spring unit and a positioning unit. One of the units pivotally connects to the upper portion of a main shock absorber strut so as to pivot between a predetermined lower position for take-off and landing and an upper position. Another unit pivotally connects at an upper end to the upper portion of the main shock absorber strut and pivotally connects at a lower end to the first unit. A third unit pivotally connects at a lower end to the bogie beam at an auxiliary pivot and connects at an upper end to the lever. The positioning unit assumes either a contracted state or extended state for taxiing, take-off and landing, and assumes the other state for stowing the landing gear after take-off. The spring unit provides spring resistance to pivotal movements of the bogie beam about the main pivot during taxiing.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus and systems for constraining spinous processes to elastically limit flexion of two or more adjacent spinal segments rely on placing a tether structure over at least three adjacent vertebral bodies or two adjacent vertebral bodies and the sacrum. The tether structures may be continuous, for example in the form of a continuous loop, or may be discontinuous, for example in the form of a loop or elongate element having at least two anchor structures for securing in bone.
Abstract:
Fastening mechanisms for releasably locking a tether are provided. The mechanisms find application with orthopedic internal-fixation implants and make the implants more reliable and their implantation less invasive. A method for releasably locking a tether comprises advancing the tether through a tether aperture in a clamp body. The tether enters the tether aperture in a first plane and exits in a second plane generally transverse to the first plane. Positioning a fastener element in a fastener aperture in the clamp body captures the tether between the clamp body and the fastener element thereby releasably locking the tether in position relative to the clamp body.
Abstract:
A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or other portions of the tether structure to stabilize the tether structure and prevent misalignment after implantation.
Abstract:
A particulate detector (10) comprises a radiation source (12) arranged to emit radiation in at least first and second predetermined wavebands towards a sampling region (18) suspected of containing particulates, and a detection element (14), shielded from the radiation source (12), and arranged to detect radiation from the sampling region (18) at least first and second instances. The radiation source (12) is such that the emissions in the wavebands temporarily overlap. The detector is such that, at the instances at which the radiation is detected, the relative contributions from the emissions in each predetermined waveband are distinguishable, thereby allowing characteristics of the particulates to be determined. The radiation source (12) may comprise a light emitting diode (24).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus of identifying a plurality of devices connected along a common communications link is disclosed. A control station scans the devices by sending a succession of interrogation signals along the communication link, the interrogation signals comprising a representation of the identification numbers of the devices. A first scan is carried out with interrogation signals identifying a first level of the range of identification numbers, and each device is programmed to generate, and to send to the control station, a response signal that comprises its complete identification number and a checksum, upon receipt of a scan signal applicable thereto. Successive scans are carried out by the control station, adding the next higher level of the range of identification numbers, wherein upon completion of a scan that does not give rise to invalid responses, the previously-paused scan is resumed.
Abstract:
A detector comprises a detector base and a sensor, first and second resistors connected in series, a DC voltage source (Vref) connected to the resistors, and means for monitoring the voltage at the midpoint of a potential divider constituted by the series-connected resistors. The first and second resistors are rated so that the midpoint voltage is indicative of the date of manufacture of the sensor.