Abstract:
A non-contact diameter measuring device measures the diameter of a stationary or rotating round object by measuring the difference in the angle of reflection of a light beam scanned along part of the circumference of the object. The scanning beam is repeatedly translated across the object and the angle of the reflected beam is detected at two locations using two angle-sensitive detector detects the position at which the scanning beam is retroreflected (i.e. pointing to the center of the object). The second detector is set at a fixed angle. The distance the beam has to translate across the object to generate the maximum output signal at the two angle sensitive detectors is inversely proportional to the diameter. The diameter is calculated from knowing this distance and the fixed angle between the two detectors. The main advantage of this method is that only a small part of the circumference is required to measure the diameter, thus a wide range of diameters can be covered by a single device.
Abstract:
An object to be sintered is supported on a bed comprising of rolling or flowable particles made from a material that does nor reacts with, and does not adhere to, the object or the surface it is sliding on or the tray holding the particles. For a metallic object ceramic balls are used, rolling on a second metallic surface made of a refractory metal.
Abstract:
A 3D printer is based on a two dimensional staggered nozzle array, depositing each layer in a raster scan mode. Each nozzle contains an individually controlled mechanical high speed valve, and multiple nozzles are fed from a constant pressure reservoir, typically containing molten polymer.
Abstract:
A high pressure balloon uses a shallow helical groove embossed in the balloon wall with axially constant radial pressure. A filament made from a high tensile strength material with low compliance is wrapped in the embossed groove to prevent internal pressure within the balloon from flattening the groove. The balloon is designed to split longitudinally in case of excessive pressure.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument may be used to apply tension to a flexible suture to close and secure a broken or cut bone (e.g. a sternum following a sternotomy). The device preferably applies an adjustable tension to the flexible suture in order to secure the bone together. Multiple instruments may be used together to ensure the desired tension is applied to the entire bone structure being secured with the flexible sutures. Once the desired tension is achieved, the device preferably provides a mechanism to apply a uniform twist to the flexible suture to lock the flexible suture in place and maintain the tension previously achieved. The device may automatically cut the flexible suture, or the flexible suture may be cut by the surgeon once the twisting action has been performed.
Abstract:
A movable mixing disc is inserted into a regular syringe. The mixing disc has a small hole covered by a fine screen, allowing only saline solution to get behind the disc. When the plunger of the syringe is pressed, the saline solution emerges from the mixing disc hole as a high velocity jet, stirring up the settled particles. As the ejection continues, the mixing disc is pushed forward by the plunger in order to eliminate any unused volume.
Abstract:
Multi-balloon catheter structures that are able to move with respect to one another may provide superior compliance in tortuous passages to, for example, perform angioplasty and/or expand stents. Two or more balloons may be inflated to equal pressures. A length of the balloons may be sufficiently longer than a length of a stent to accommodate axial movement of the balloons. One or more balloons may be lubricous or carry a lubricant.
Abstract:
To reduce X-ray exposure while improving image quality, an area of interest is selected in the image. The image of the selected area is updated frequently, comparable to a rate of updates used today for the whole image. The rest of the image is updated at a significantly lower rate. Since the area of interest normally is a small part of the overall area, the total exposure is reduced significantly. A fast X-ray shutter, placed near the X-ray source, blocks the radiation from areas outside the area of interest. The shutter automatically retracts when the complete image is updated. The area of interest can be selected by the user or automatically selected based on activity in the image. Since most of the exposures are taken at a reduced collimation angle, limited by the area of interest, the area of interest is imaged at reduced scatter and better quality.
Abstract:
Multi-balloon catheter structures that are able to move with respect to one another may provide superior compliance in tortuous passages to, for example, perform angioplasty and/or expand stents. Two or more balloons may be inflated to equal pressures. A length of the balloons may be sufficiently longer than a length of a stent to accommodate axial movement of the balloons. One or more balloons may be lubricous or carry a lubricant.
Abstract:
A dryer operable in close proximity to and in series with an inkjet printhead comprises a heat source and an air bearing structure on one side of the predetermined path and having a pressurized air inlet and an air outlet adjacent to the drying position of the receiver medium. Air flow from the air bearing structure outlet forms an air bearing for the receiver medium. A microporous filter positioned at the outlet and being adapted to convert the air flow from the outlet to a diffuse flow, the microporous filter being formed of an inner layer of very fine screen for optimum air diffusion and an outer layer of courser woven screen to add rigidity and protection from scuffing.