1557 results about "Confined space" patented technology

The apparatus and method measure the three-dimensional surface shape of a surface without contact with the surface, and without any physical constraint on the device during measurement. The device is a range-sensor or scanner, and in one embodiment is a laser-camera sensor, which has a portable camera and multi-line light projector encased in a compact sensor head, and a computer. The apparatus provides three-dimensional coordinates in a single reference frame of points on the surface. The sensor head does not have to be physically attached to any mechanical positioning device such as a mechanical arm, rail, or translation or rotation stage, and its position in three-dimensional space does not have to be measured by any position-tracking sensor. This allows unrestricted motion of the sensor head during scanning, and therefore provides much greater access to surfaces which are immovable, or which have large dimensions or complex shape, and which are in confined spaces such as interior surfaces. It also permits measurement of a surface to be made by a continuous sweeping motion rather than in stages, and thus greatly simplifies the process of measurement. The apparatus can be hand-held, mounted on any moving device whose motion is unknown or not accurately known, or airborne. The apparatus and method also permit unknown and unmeasured movement of the object whose surface is to be measured, which may be simultaneous with the movement of the range-sensor head.

A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and / or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and an extending block. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused.

The invention discloses a built-up synergetic class-A / B water extinguishing agent series. Class-A fires caused by solid substances (such as woods, cottons, wools, linens, paper) and products thereof and class-B fires caused by liquid or melted solids such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, crude oil, methanol, ethanol, asphalt, paraffin waxes and the like can be put out rapidly through the functions such as heat absorption and cooling, diluting and smothering, insulating and covering, suppressing and blocking combustion chains, and the like which are synergetically performed by various extinguishing functional components, and a high-temperature-resistant thermal-insulation and fire-retarding covering layer is formed on the surface of an inflammable matter by various after-combustion functional components so as to achieve the effect of after-combustion resistance. Because the class A / B fires relate to multiple occasions of daily life and production activities, the extinguishing agent disclosed by the invention can be used in the fields of home fire prevention and extinguishing, urban architecture fire prevention and extinguishing, oil depot and gasoline station fire prevention and extinguishing, vehicle and ship fire prevention and extinguishing, forest and grassland fire prevention and extinguishing, mine fire prevention and extinguishing, confined spaces (such as civil air-defense architectures) fire prevention and extinguishing.

A tube having a distal end portion made of a curved, flexible, shape retentive material such as superelastic, nickel-titanium memory metal alloy which has been heat-treated to retain a desired curved shape. The tube translates within and is constrained by a rigid sleeve, which may alternately be an instrument channel of an endoscope. When the distal end portion of the tube is extended from the sleeve, it returns to its original curved shape. Markings about the proximal and, or distal end portions of the tube enable the operator to know to what extent the distal end portion of the tube has been extended from the sleeve even when the distal end portion of the tube is not visible. The tube may be used for supporting and activating a cutting, abrading, coagulating, shrinking, or vaporizing device that is brought near or into contact with a tissue surface.

A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and / or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and extending blocks. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused.

Improved devices, systems and methods for treating a tissue region provide straightforward, yet reliable ways for installing diverse functional components within the confined space of a catheter-based instrument.

A bodiless bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and / or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bodiless bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates, one or more extending blocks in communication with the extendable plates, one or more positioning elements for adjusting the extendable plates by manipulating the extending blocks, and one or more support panels for holding the positioning elements and guiding the extendable plates. The plates are able to be advantageously positioned in the confined space between the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

A bait station for containing rat poison contains a housing; at least one opening in the housing for a rat to enter; and a bait position in the housing for locating poisoned bait. A divider is provided between the bait position and each opening to prevent direct access to the bait from the opening, for example by a child. However, there are at least two different routes from the bait position leading to openings. Research has shown that rats, unlike mice, prefer not to eat in a confined space and it is believed that the choice of escape routes offered by the bait station of the invention encourages a rat to eat more of the bait. The bait station may include a hinged lid with locking means to prevent tampering with the bait.

An onsite chemistry air filtration system to remove gaseous contaminants from air is disclosed. The onsite chemistry air filtration system of the present invention comprises: a conventional particulate filtration section, a photochemical filtration section, a static gas phase filtration section and a catalytic filtration section. The conventional particulate filtration section captures solids and condensables. In the photochemical filtration section, UV lamps generate bio-destruction and surface photochemical activity on a semiconductor catalyst material, provide a radiation source to irradiate airborne contaminant molecules and to energize their states to promote reactions and generate airborne ozone and radicals. In the static gas phase filtration section, gas phase filtration media is used to capture contaminants, concentrate them in a relatively confined space and allow airborne generated chemistries to concentrate and react in-situ, thereby creating a regeneration effect on the media. In the catalytic filtration section, catalytic media scavenges and converts airborne radicals and ozone to harmless by-products.

Subscriber traffic loading in wireless channel sets (31) is indirectly estimated, and distribution of channel sets (31) among regions (39) in the confined space is optimized to more evenly allocate subscribers among those channel sets (31). Multiple service providers, multiple wireless technologies, and both donor-site and in-building micro-cell implementations are supported.

This invention relates to a method, process and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing all types of surfaces contaminated with microorganisms and toxic substances to render both inactive. Furthermore, this invention relates to both a method and apparatus for disinfecting and / or sterilizing breathable air and then using this air to protect a confined space from external contamination. The apparatus consists of a new ultra-violet (NUV) source that is more effective than mercury based 254 nm light for destroying DNA of virus, bacteria, spores and cists. It is most effective in breaking chemical bonds in toxic gases and Biotoxins that are useful to terrorists. It is combined with other apparatus that remove particulates and byproducts sometimes produced by the NUV source and maintains positive pressure of the confined space so as to prevent the influx of air from outside the protected zone.

The present invention comprises a wide angle lens optical viewing system for the non-destructive monitoring of a high temperature area of interest with a confined space access, in particular, in a gas turbine engine. A novel cooling scheme is claimed that functions to cool the wide angle lens. Further, a method of monitoring an annular combustor region in the gas turbine via the optical viewing system is presented.

A powered balancing mobility device that can provide the user the ability to safely navigate expected environments of daily living including the ability to maneuver in confined spaces and to climb curbs, stairs, and other obstacles, and to travel safely and comfortably in vehicles. The mobility device can provide elevated, balanced travel.

A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and / or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and extending blocks. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused.

A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs.

Improved devices, systems and methods for treating a tissue region provide straightforward, yet reliable ways for installing diverse functional components within the confined space of a catheter-based instrument.

The vehicle, for example a stand-up wheelchair, comprises a frame (11) and, arranged on the latter, a seat device (19). On each side of the frame (11), the central wheel (13), which can be driven by a motor (27), and the front wheel (15) are operatively connected to each other by an endless chain (45). The frame (11) has a front part (21) and a rear part (23), which are connected to each other in an articulated manner by way of a joint (25). In the sitting position, the front wheels (15) are not in contact with the ground, which means that they do not obstruct the manoeuvring of the vehicle in a confined space. In the standing position, the front wheels (15) are in contact with the ground, but the central wheels (13) are not. The user, in the standing position, is thus able to turn about the axis of the vehicle, without the central wheels (13) having a blocking action.

Novel cellular solids and foams from amorphous materials with a glass transition temperature (Tg) and methods of forming such materials are provided. In particular, foams are formed by expanding or compressing hollow spheres made of a high strength amorphous material, which is defined as a material having high strength characteristics, but also possessing a glass transition within a confined space. Using such a method, it has been unexpectedly found that it is possible to make cellular structures, including both open and closed cell foams, with customizable properties from materials that have been inaccessible with conventional methods. Moreover, based on calculations high specific strengths and stiffnesses are expected.

A mobile simulator for use in firefighting training exercises. The mobile simulator includes a plurality of rooms, including a room for simulating a kitchen fire, and a room for simulating a wall fire condition. The mobile simulator also includes a confined space under the trailer for simulating firefighting in a crawl space. The top surface of the trailer also includes a dome projecting upward from the trailer where the dome has a plurality of knock out panels for attic venting training.

A system and methods for x-ray backscatter reverse engineering of structures. One embodiment includes a plurality of articulated arms attached to a movable base. Another embodiment includes a single counterweighted arm attached to a movable base. The arms include x-ray detectors. At least one x-ray source, which may be mounted on the arm(s), emits x-rays, which are backscattered off the surfaces and objects of interest and captured by the detectors to generate images of hidden objects. The present system provides improved speed and resolution over prior art systems. The system has a field-of-view and effective scanning range versatile enough to work in various orientations and in environments of various sizes. In certain embodiments the system is compact and lightweight so that it can be easily transported and used within confined spaces or in environments where weight is a consideration, such as inside or underneath aircraft. The system is also pointable and adaptable.

The vehicle, for example a stand-up wheelchair, comprises a frame (11) and, arranged on the latter, a seat device (19). On each side of the frame (11), the central wheel (13), which can be driven by a motor (27), and the front wheel (15) are operatively connected to each other by an endless chain (45). The frame (11) has a front part (21) and a rear part (23), which are connected to each other in an articulated manner by way of a joint (25). In the sitting position, the front wheels (15) are not in contact with the ground, which means that they do not obstruct the manoeuvring of the vehicle in a confined space. In the standing position, the front wheels (15) are in contact with the ground, but the central wheels (13) are not. The user, in the standing position, is thus able to turn about the axis of the vehicle, without the central wheels (13) having a blocking action.

A bodiless bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and / or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bodiless bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates, one or more extending blocks in communication with the extendable plates, one or more positioning elements for adjusting the extendable plates by manipulating the extending blocks, and one or more support panels for holding the positioning elements and guiding the extendable plates. The plates are able to be advantageously positioned in the confined space between the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

A method of improve the removal of particulate matter, heavy metals, neutralizing acid, and kill microorganism pollutants, known to be in contaminated air volumes of occupied confined spaces, when exposed in close contact under pressure to a mixture of alkaline sorbent materials, having a known synergism between said pollutants using a self propelled fluidized bed reactor and packed bed filter apparatus system to optimize the contact collection efficiency of submicron particles and organic compounds.

The present invention is an illumination device designed to provide efficient illumination in confined spaces and methods of using such a device. The devices of the present invention comprise a laser light source of a specifically selected wavelength or wavelengths, optical fiber(s) and one or more light converters to convert the input laser light to broad spectrum white light or a specific desired wavelength. The light converter may be integral / modular with the fiber optic assembly. The light converter may be constructed of phosphors, nanocrystals or other energy converters which are embedded within a transport material such as polymer or glass.

The present invention is a gasoline engine driven electrical generating system for use in confined space enclosures wherein all routine servicing can be accomplished from the single exposed side. The ambient operating temperature of the confined enclosure is minimized by a combination of component locations, sizing and a thermal siphoning exhaust enclosure. Through the use of an electronic fuel management system, throttle body furl injection and a catalytic converter all current EPA NOX emission standards can be met.

The present disclosure describes a detection system and methods for detecting a presence of a person or animal within a confined space with a low false alarm rate. The detection system may include a chemical detector to determine whether respiratory gas concentrations within the confined space exceed a predetermined concentration threshold. The detection system may further include an accelerometer-controlled, range-controlled radar unit to detect movement within the confined space during times in which acceleration of the confined space is less than a predetermined acceleration threshold. In this manner, a measured respiratory gas concentration that initially indicates a presence of a person or animal within the confined space may be confirmed by motion detection.

A shaft has a driving end and a driven end. A plurality of driving adaptors with various handles are releasably connected to the shaft driving end. A plurality of driven adaptors with various tools for performing operations within a limited space work area, such as an inaccessible space, a confined space, or keyhole excavation, are releasably connected to the shaft driven end. The driving adaptors are positioned outside of the limited space work area. The driven adaptors are positioned within the limited space work area. The handle is manipulated at the shaft driving end to transmit selected rotational and translational movements through the shaft to the tool to perform operations in the limited space work area.