Abstract:
A retractor (100) with multiple blade for use in surgery. The retractor may comprise first (110R) and second (110L) elongated portions which are pivotally connected to each other. A first blade (113R) may be connected to the first eleongated portion (110R) and a second blade (113L) may be connected to the second elongated portion (110L). The retractor (100) may also comprise a sliding bar (130) having a third blade (134). The sliding bar (130) may be associated with the first and second elongated portions (110R, 110L) such that movement of the elongated portions relative to each other may result in movement of the sliding bar (130) and, consequently, movement of the third blade (134) relative to the first and second blades (113R, 113L). In one embodiment, the retractor (100) may comprise a tension limiting device (5322) so that the third blade (134) amy remain relatively staionary as the first and second blades (110R, 110L) are moved. The retractor (100) may also comprise a fourth blade (690) operatively connected to the first ands second elongated portions (110R, 110L). The fourth blade (690) may moved independently of the other blades or many move with the other blades.
Abstract:
A circulation heater is provided which uses a cast body, having resistance heating elements therein and also having spirally wound Teflon tubing wrapped about the heater body. The heater body is formed of cast aluminum or other suitable cast material and after casting is machined to form at least one spiral channel for receiving the heater tube therein. The heater tube is pressed into the tubing channel as the heater tube is progressively wound spirally about the heater body. The channel is formed with an undercut profile wherein the channel is undercut to form a narrower mouth which allows the heater tube to be compressed and then snapped into the channel. The profile of this channel insures direct contact between the tubing and the channel wall over greater than 180 degrees or more than one half of the tube circumference to increase the area of surface contact between the heater tube and channel surface.
Abstract:
A two-wheel trailer/trolley cart has a load-carrying frame (4) pivotally-mounted on the rotational axis of the wheels (2) within a larger frame (8) that is also pivotally mounted on that axis. The relative angular disposition between the two frames (4,8), both of inverted-U configuration, is set by varying the length to which the inner tube (12) of a telescopic draw bar (11) is extended between them. The tube (12) interconnects the frames (4,8) through a device (14) that allows adjustment, with subsequent clamped setting, of the extension of the tube (12) between that in which the frame (4) is horizontal and that in which it is in a folded condition inclined co-planar with the frame (8).
Abstract:
The invention relates to an artificial intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae. The artificial intervertebral disc is preferably designed to restore disc height and lordosis, allow for a natural range of motion, absorb shock and provide resistance to motion and axial compression. Furthermore, the intervertebral disc (10) may be used in the cervical, the thoracic, or the lumbar regions of the spine. The artificial intervertebral disc may include either singularly or in combination: an interior (19) at least partially filled with a fluid (22); a valve (20) for injecting fluid into the interior of the disk; a central region having a stiffness that is preferably greater than the stiffness of the cuter regions thus enabling the disc to pivot about the central region. The central pivot may be formed by a center opening (108), a central chamber (162), an inner core or a central cable (258).
Abstract:
Theft, distribution, and piracy of digital content (software, video, audio, e-books, any content of any kind that is digitally stored and distributed) is generally accomplished by copying it, if possible, or, if it is protected from being copied in any fashion, such piracy is based upon a number of reverse engineering techniques. Aside from the straightforward copying of unprotected content, all of these other methods require first an understanding of the protective mechanism(s) guarding the content, and finally an unauthorized modification of that protection in order to disable or subvert it. Methods which prevent a skilled individual from using reverse engineering tools and techniques to attain that level of understanding and/or prevent anyone from performing such modifications can offer significant advantages to content creators who wish to protect their products.
Abstract:
A two-wheel trailer/trolley cart has a load-carrying frame (4) pivotally-mounted on the rotational axis of the wheels (2) within a larger frame (8) that is also pivotally mounted on that axis. The relative angular disposition between the two frames (4,8), both of inverted-U configuration, is set by varying the length to which the inner tube (12) of a telescopic draw bar (11) is extended between them. The tube (12) interconnects the frames (4,8) through a device (14) that allows adjustment, with subsequent clamped setting, of the extension of the tube (12) between that in which the frame (4) is horizontal and that in which it is in a folded condition inclined co-planar with the frame (8).
Abstract:
Theft, distribution, and piracy of digital content (software, video, audio, e-books, any content of any kind that is digitally stored and distributed) is generally accomplished by copying it, if possible, or, if it is protected from being copied in any fashion, such piracy is based upon a number of reverse engineering techniques. Aside from the straightforward copying of unprotected content, all of these other methods require first an understanding of the protective mechanism(s) guarding the content, and finally an unauthorized modification of that protection in order to disable or subvert it. Methods which prevent a skilled individual from using reverse engineering tools and techniques to attain that level of understanding and/or prevent anyone from performing such modifications can offer significant advantages to content creators who wish to protect their products.
Abstract:
Urban waste is compressed into briquettes that can subsequently be gasified to produce fuel gas, which can subsequently be used to produce electricity and steam. Combustible refuse is fed into a briquetting machine. High compressio n is used in forming the briquettes to drive out much of the attendant water a nd produce a briquette that is resistant to decomposition. These briquettes can be used immediately or can be stored for relatively long periods of time before use. When the briquettes are gasified, the resulting fuel gases are o f sufficiently high quality that they can be ignited and used to drive a jet turbine for producing electricity and subsequently to create steam. The stea m so created can itself be used to drive electricity-generating turbines, or c an be used as process steam in whatever capacity necessary.