992 results about "Wear and tear" patented technology

Improved robotic surgery end-effectors include at least one insulation material for inhibiting surface conduction of electrical current in a proximal direction, from a distal active electrode toward the proximal end of the end-effector and toward the rest of the surgical instrument itself. Some embodiments include two layers of insulation to further prevent proximally-directed current. By inhibiting proximal current flow, the end-effectors prevent unwanted patient burns as well as electricity-related wear and tear in and around the area where the end-effector is coupled with the rest of the surgical instrument. In various embodiments, such end-effectors are preferably removably coupleable with a robotic surgical instrument.

A method and apparatus for automatically identifying surgical implants by use of a radio-frequency tag (RFID) is disclosed. The method, apparatus, and system enable a radio-frequency tagged implant to receive an interrogation signal from a reader and to respond to the interrogation signal with identifying information about the tagged implants. The interrogation signal interrogates the implant to ascertain its information, and the RFID tag affixed on the implant in turn transmits a signal back to the reader. The method, apparatus, and system can track, inspect, and verify surgical implants, to assess, for example, any wear and tear on implants, and / or positional displacement of components of the implant.

A flexible display device for displaying electronic information has a main body, a small screen, a reel mechanism, a scrolling display and a wrist strap. The screen is disposed on the main body for displaying information. The reel mechanism is disposed on the main body. The scrolling display is rolled and hidden in the main body by the reel mechanism for displaying information, wherein the scrolling display is a CLC display or an OLED display. The wrist strap connects with the main body for securing the main body around a wearer. The scrolling display has a screen puller connected to one side thereof for pulling out the scrolling display. The flexible display device is portable, and usable in a fixed state. In addition, the flexible display is not easily to get lost and lessens abrading of the monitor's surface of the scrolling display from usual wear and tear.

A method and apparatus for automatically identifying surgical implants by use of a radio-frequency tag (RFID) is disclosed. The method, apparatus, and system enable a radio-frequency tagged implant to receive an interrogation signal from a reader and to respond to the interrogation signal with identifying information about the tagged implants. The interrogation signal interrogates the implant to ascertain its information, and the RFID tag affixed on the implant in turn transmits a signal back to the reader. The method, apparatus, and system can track, inspect, and verify surgical implants, to assess, for example, any wear and tear on implants, and / or positional displacement of components of the implant.

We introduce a new Periodic micro coaxial transmission line (PMTL) that is capable of sustaining a TEM propagation mode up to THz band. The PMTL can be manufactured using the current photolithographic processes. This transmission line can be embedded in microscopic layers that allow many new applications. We use the PMTL to develop a wideband highly scalable connector that is then used in a Probe that can be used for connecting to microscopic scale Integrated Circuits with picoseconds High Speed Digital and near THz Analogue performance in various stages of development from R&D to production testing. These probes, in one embodiment, provide a thin pen-like vertical probe tip that matches the die pad pattern precisely that can be as agile as a high speed plotter pen, connecting on the fly to any die pattern on a wafer. This approach allows the most valuable part of the test, namely the wafer to remain stationary and safe, and the least costly part of the test, namely the probe to take most of the wear and tear. We further use the embedded PMTL to develop a modular, scaleable and fully automated Universal Test Fixture for testing chips in various stages of development mainly for digital IC chips that can be utilized in production lines with pick and place of chips on tape to test every chip before insertion into circuits. One embodiment includes a low profile wideband Signal Launcher and an alligator type RF Clip that can be used at the edge of PCB's directly for validation broads. The Signal Launcher is used to develop a new versatile Flush Top Test Fixtures for individual device testing in various stages of development from die, to packaged, to Module, to Circuit Boards. The PMTL can also provide Confined Field Interconnects (CFI) between various elements on semiconductor wafers to reduce parasitic and radiation losses and practically eliminating cross talk, thus, increasing the speed of digital IC's. The PMTL is also used to develop a Universal Test Socket, and a Hand Probe with performance up to 220 GHz.

An automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor / controller that is programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water. An electrochemical cell manual mounting system permits the cell to be secured in place for operation and manually removed for maintenance, repair or replacement by the user without special tools or training.

The present invention is directed to a data cartridge library system that realizes a reduced cost by reducing the number of certain components, especially expensive components, that are needed to perform certain functions within the library. With respect to certain functions, a reduced cost is realized by using lower precision componentry in combination with componentry that compensates for lower precision while still providing a reduced component cost with respect to a given function. In one embodiment of the invention, a data cartridge picker is provided that: (1) uses a single electro-mechanical device for the functions of grasping a data cartridge, retracting a grasped cartridge from a drive / storage location, inserting a grasped cartridge into a drive / storage location, and releasing a grasped cartridge once position in a desired location; (2) is capable of compensating for variations in cartridge positioning; (3) has a gripping mechanism that moves in a sinusiodal manner; and (4) avoids the wear and tear associated with moving fully retracted gripper mechanism that is not holding a data cartridge from a fully retracted position to a position at which a cartridge can be retrieved. Another embodiment provides a elevator mechanism for moving the cartridge picker in which the guiding portion of the mechanism is also part of the portion of the mechanism that moves the cartridge picker. A further embodiment employs a face plate extension that facilitates insertion of a data cartridge into a drive by a low precision cartridge transport device. Yet another embodiment provides a removable data cartridge holder that: (1) includes a box-like structure for holding data cartridges and a dust cover that can be placed over the opening of the box-like structure when the holder is not in use and when the holder is in use, attached to the box-like portion; (2) an orientation structure that prevents insertion of a data cartridge into the box-like holder if the cartridge is improperly oriented; and (3) retention clips for preventing accidental dislodgement of a data cartridge located in the box-like structure.

An automatic laundry washing machine that is suitable for use in living units having no area set aside for laundry facilities is achieved by replacing the heavy bulky parts of the currently popular automatic washing machine design with a light flexible bag. A large portion of the volume of any washing machine is the vessel for containing the laundry solution and articles to be washed. That vessel is a flexible bag made of modern durable material so as to be collapsible both while in use and for storage. The method of use includes the complete process of washing, rinsing, and extracting excess water in an automatic cycle analogous to standard automatic washing machines popular today. The vessel containing the items being laundered is a waterproof laundry bag with automatic washing apparatus attached. Items are automatically washed in that bag. The automatic process includes cycles of filling, washing, rinsing and extracting such that the clothes are ready for a drying process such as hanging out to dry or putting into a tumble dryer. The agitating of the washing and rinsing cycles is accomplished without the familiar bulky agitator thereby reducing the volume requirements and the traditional wear and tear on the garments. By eliminating the bulky agitator and the spin water extraction method, the heavy transmission is also eliminated. The water extraction cycle is done in a much less violent way than the conventional spin cycle by allowing atmospheric pressure to collapse the washing vessel and press the water from the articles as the water and air are pumped from the vessel in the draining portion of the cycle. The cleaning ability of the water is enhanced by built in ionic processing of the water thereby reducing the required amount of laundry detergent. The agitating in the non-electrically conductive vessel generates static electric charges in the process and ions thus produced further enhance the cleaning ability of the water. Cavitation produced in a multi-frequency washing action further enhances the washing ability of the water. The washing machine is light, compact and collapsible and is as portable as a piece of luggage. The set up procedure is simple and no assembly is required beyond attaching a quick connect fastener to a water faucet and plugging in a power cord. The washing machine is light and takes little storage space. It can be put in a small closet or on a shelf when not in use. The minimum capacity of the washing machine is a single garment. The normal capacity of the washing machine is comparable to that of a standard household washing machine.

A shoe wear indicator device for use in combination with athletic shoes for monitoring and reporting qualitative wear and tear on athletic shoes. The shoe wear indicator device includes an insole housing a power supply / user interface unit, a microchip, a sensor unit, and an interface cable. The shoe wear indicator device is used by: (1) a user inserting the device into an athletic shoe; (2) the user exercising or playing various sports; (3) the user removing the device from the shoe; (4) the user connecting the device to a terminal; the user downloading shoe usage data; and (5) the user replacing the shoe if the useful life of the shoe has been exhausted.

A device for controlling an HVAC system in which opening a door or window for more than a shutdown delay period causes the fan and compressor to be deactivated, but opening and closing the door or window for less than the shutdown delay period does not affect the fan and compressor. Reactivation of the compressor is delayed for a startup delay, in order to avoid overcycling of the compressor and the additional wear and tear and maintenance that would be caused thereby. Preferably, the door / window sensors are wireless for ease of installation and maintenance. Optionally, an occupancy sensor and occupancy timer are provided to turn off the system if the room is unoccupied for an unoccupied delay time. Optionally, a secondary thermostat with energy saving settings is provided so that if the room is unoccupied for the occupancy delay, then instead of being shut off, the HVAC system will be operated at energy saving settings.

Structures based upon periodic cellular materials that provide a potential for defeating combinations of both air blast loading and ballistic attack either sequentially or simultaneously, or combination of both. The cellular structures may also be configured to meet the stiffness and strength support requirements of particular vehicle or other applications, systems or structures. The armor is therefore potentially able to support normal service loads and defeat blast and ballistic threats when necessary. The structure provides for using efficient load support capabilities of the material (without a high armor protection level) in low threat conditions, as well as the ability to modify the system to increase its level protection to a desired or required level. This would reduce the weight of the protection system in normal (low threat) conditions which reduces vehicle wear and tear, as well as cost savings in fabrication of applicable structures or systems.

A one piece protective garment to be worn by children or adults while playing paintball has padding sewn into it at spots where injury is anticipated due to collision with other players and obstacles. There are also a belted waist, a collar, central zipper, and adjustable safety closures on the sleeves, pant legs, and ankles for adjusting the garment's fit. A removable padded bib covers the chest for extra protection. Mesh-like material on the armpits and chest ventilates the player to avoid overheating. Accessible compartments store accessories specific to the game of paintball. The garment's material is a camouflage design, or dark color, in order for the user to blend into the landscape and effectively hide from other players. The material is also water resistant and strong enough to resist normal wear and tear. A quilted pattern is aesthetically pleasing and increases the material's strength.

A breast imaging system leverages the combined strengths of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging to provide a breast cancer screening with improved sensitivity, specificity and patient dosing. A tomosynthesis system supports the acquisition of three-dimensional images at a dosage lower than that used to acquire a two-dimensional image. The low-dose three-dimensional image may be used for mass detection, while the two-dimensional image may be used for calcification detection. Obtaining tomosynthesis data at low dose provides a number of advantages in addition to mass detection including the reduction in scan time and wear and tear on the x-ray tube. Such an arrangement provides a breast cancer screening system with high sensitivity and specificity and reduced patient dosing.

A method and apparatus for treating a selected region of a metal layer, used to form a metal card, by annealing the selected metal region so the selected region becomes soft and ductile, while the rest of the metal layer remains stiff. The softened, ductile, selected metal region can be embossed with reduced power and with reduced wear and tear on the embossing equipment. Alternatively, the annealed metal layer can undergo additional processing steps to form an assembly which can then be embossed. The method may include the use of a fixture for holding the metal layer, with the fixture having a window region for enabling heat to be applied to soften the region of the metal layer within the window region. The fixture includes apparatus for cooling the portion of the metal layer outside of the window region and for preventing the temperature of the metal layer outside the window region from rising above predetermined limits.

The present invention provides an ankle-foot orthosis (1) that comprises a strut (2) extending over the front of the lower leg and anterior of the lateral ankle, a foot plate (3) extending beneath the sole of the foot and a fastening means for the fastening the orthosis (1) to the leg. The strut comprises a bifurcation zone (9) and two strut branches (2′, 2″) arranged to extend on the outside of the lower leg on each side of the tibia. Thus the present invention provides an orthosis (1) with high resistance against wear and tear, high wear comfort for the patient and an orthosis (1) enabling an almost normal gait.

Formulations, kits, and methods for rebuilding the disulfide bonds in keratin found in hair, skin, or nails. Hair that is damaged due to a hair coloring treatment and / or other reducing treatment, such as during a permanent wave, can be treated with the formulations containing one or more active agents. The formulations may be applied subsequent to a hair coloring treatment or simultaneously with a hair coloring treatment. Use of the active agent formulations during a permanent wave treatment prevents the reversion of the hair to its previous state, for at least one week, preferably at least three months, more preferably at least one year, most preferably greater than one year, after one or more than one application of the formulation. Application of the active agent formulation to skin or nails can help repair damaged disulfide bonds due to natural wear and tear or natural aging.

The invention opened a high strength and conductance aldary material which includes: Cr 0.05%-0.10wt%; Zr 0.05%-0.50%; Mg 0.05-0.20wt%; (Ce+Y)<=0.20%; The residue is Cu. The process is : water quench for 1h in 900-960DEG C->30%-45% of cold-drawing deformation->aging treatment for 0.5-4h in 440-520 ->formed by cold-drawing. The strength can reach above 550-600MPa and the specific conductivity can keep above 80% IACS, and the life is improved to 3-5 times, the sintering can reach 550DEG C; the slip is less than 10% in the 300DEG C, the elongation percentage is above 5%, also the alloy has the performance of resistance to elevated temperatures and stand wear and tear.

Cards embodying the invention include a core subassembly whose elements define the functionality of the card and a hard coat subassembly attached to the top and / or bottom sides of the core subassembly to protect the core subassembly from wear and tear and being scratched. The core subassembly may be formed solely of plastic layers or of different combinations of plastic and metal layers and may include all the elements of a smart card enabling contactless RF communication and / or direct contact communication. The hard coat subassembly includes a hard coat layer, which typically includes nanoparticles, and a buffer or primer layer formed so as to be attached between the hard coat layer and the core subassembly for enabling the lasering of the core subassembly without negatively impacting the hard coat layer and / or for imparting color to the card.

In many aspects, the systems and methods described herein include mattress having a top sleeping layer disposed on top of a support layer. The support layer includes polyurethane foam having channels comprising one or more slits on both sides of a surface to act as hinges for articulation. The channels may be aligned with the joints of the articulated sections of the foundation or frame of the adjustable bedding assembly. When the sections articulate about the joints, the channels allow the overlying top layer to conform to the sections while reducing wear and tear therein.

A protective cushion includes an outer shell enclosing a pad comprising high-density foam. The cushion provides protection to a user's knees, such as while praying or meditating. The outer shell of the cushion is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and able to withstand excessive wear and tear. Further, the outer shell comprises designs, pictures, and text to aid the user in prayer or other worship activities. The cushion can be foldable and portable with a carrying handle provided for this purpose.

The invention belongs to the technical field of numerical control processing and manufacturing, in particular to a cutter shaft interpolation algorithm which can be used for carrying out peripheral milling on a five-axis linkage numerically-controlled machine tool, and effectively controlling a cutter shaft vector in an inclined plane, thus eliminating non-linear error caused by adopting the traditional linear interpolation of a rotating shaft angle. In the algorithm, a new coordinate system is constructed according to the definition and property of the vector; circular interpolation is carried out on the plane at the new coordinate system, so as to obtain a new cutter shaft vector; the new cutter shaft vector is transformed into the cutter shaft vector at the coordinate system of the machine tool; the condition that the cutter point can move along a programming track can be controlled, and the cutter shaft vector is kept on the same plane all the time through the algorithm, and by combining compensation of a (rotation tool center point) RTCP; the algorithm is provided for eliminating the non-linear error in inclined plane processing by peripheral milling, and also can be applied in the peripheral milling of a free-formed surface; and additionally, the algorithm contributes to optimize end-milling processing; thus on one hand, the fluctuation of the cutter point can be prevented, and the processing precision can be improved; and on the other hand, the condition that the cutter can not deviate the effective cutting edge of the cutter is ensured, and abnormal wear and tear of the cutter is reduced, thus the surface quality of a workpiece can be improved.

A chisel holder system including a base part and a chisel holder. The base part includes a socket wherein the chisel holder with a plug-in insert is introduced. The chisel holder has a bearing surface supported on a supporting surface of the base plate, and the base part has a shoulder connected to the supporting surface. A replacement chamber is formed between the shoulder and a facing end surface of the chisel holder. According to this invention, the supporting surface is placed in the transition region in relation to the shoulder by at least one recess of the shoulder so that the flat-shaped connection between the supporting surface and the shoulder, in the region of the recess, is interrupted in order to optimize the resistance to wear and tear of the base part.

A slider that can resist corrosion of moisture, dirt and ultraviolet of sunlight and prevent the pattern therein from wear and tear. The slider also provides a smooth touching feeling to users. The slider mainly containing: a polyethylene foaming board, a first polyethylene foaming skin, a first plastic film, a second polyethylene foaming skin and a second plastic film. The polyethylene foaming board having a top surface, a bottom surface and edge surfaces. The first polyethylene foaming skin contains an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the first polyethylene foaming skin is bonded with the top surface and the edge surfaces of the polyethylene foaming board. The first polyethylene foaming skin has a foaming rate less than a foaming rate of the polyethylene foaming board. The first plastic film is bonded with the outer surface of the first polyethylene foaming skin. The second polyethylene foaming skin contains an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the second polyethylene foaming skin is bonded with the bottom surface of the polyethylene foaming board. The second polyethylene foaming skin has a foaming rate less than the foaming rate of the polyethylene foaming board. The second plastic film is bonded with the outer surface of the second polyethylene foaming skin.

In order to provide an electric heat system that is quieter than those of the prior art, a switching circuit is incorporated into the controls for the heating system which provides for the heating elements of the electric heater to be kept at a more constant temperature than those of the prior art. The switching circuit regulates the output power to the degree desired while not inducing sharp changes in temperature of the coils of the electric heater and thus reduces the degree of rapid expansion and contraction of the coils and the enclosure for the heater. This in turn reduces the amount of mechanical noise produced by the electric heater while also reducing wear and tear on the heating element, the heater enclosure and objects near to the heater.

A mobile device enclosure system is an apparatus system that protects a mobile device from the wear and tear associated with of daily usage without limiting the portability of the mobile device or the accessibility of said mobile device's hardware keys or charging ports. The apparatus system accomplishes this through the use of an inner case and an outer case. The inner case is enclosed within the outer case. The inner case partially surrounds the mobile device and functions as an attachment means for mounting to the outer case. The outer case houses both the inner case and the mobile device protecting them from accidental damage. The inner case is rotatably coupled to the outer case permitting the mobile device to be particularly oriented and positioned in order to enable facilitated viewing of the mobile device's display screen.

A tonneau cover assembly is provided having a plurality of substantially rigid panels inserted between the fabric and the bows and then locked into place and / or supported by snap-fit elements connecting to the peripheral frame of the tonneau cover. The snap-fit elements can also serve to positively locate the bows with respect to the frame. The panels can be closely dimensioned with respect to the distance across the frame or spaced somewhat to accommodate insertion about frame hinges and / or close fitting fabric, bows and frames. Two sided adhesive tape can be used between the panels and the snap-fit elements and the bows to maintain panel placement in the event that the assembly is to be a permanent aspect of the tonneau cover. Panels can also be perforated for weight reduction and / or cost savings without significant loss of theft security. Panels can be padded for impact absorption without permanent deformation so as to maintain tonneau cover attractiveness despite significant wear and tear during use.

A protective garment of the type typically worn by fire fighters with improved water resistance is disclosed. In particular, the present invention is directed to an outer shell material for protective garments that is made from a fire resistant material coated with a durable water resistant coating. The durable water resistant coating is applied to the outer shell in a manner so that the coating will not degrade when exposed to normal wear and tear and even after the garment has been laundered repeatedly. Protective garments constructed in the past typically lost most of their water repellency after being laundered as little as five cycles. It has been discovered that water resistant coatings applied according to the process of the present invention, on the other hand, can survive at least 30 laundry cycles, and in many applications at least 50 laundry cycles without significantly degrading.

A system and method are described herein for acquiring and maintaining, in a centralized repository, driver and vehicle information for the purpose of rendering a rating for individual drivers and vehicles in accordance with established criteria and standards. A driver rating indicates the relative desirability of the particular driver given the expected wear and tear upon a vehicle arising from driver's use of the vehicle. A vehicle rating indicates the relative desirability of the particular vehicle given the use and maintenance history. Additional information is also maintained in the centralized repository that could be used to indicate an event for which a surcharge or discount is applicable. Thereafter, specified filtering criteria are applied bi-laterally to determine a set of rated vehicles that can be used by a particular rated driver.