2944results about How to "Prevent opening" patented technology

A surgical clamp assembly includes a clamp having movable jaws, each of which has a clamping surface for engaging a portion of a patient's body. An electrode forms a portion of the clamping surface of at least one of the jaws, the electrode being capable of heating, severing, or cauterizing the portion of the patient's body that is grasped by the clamp. If desired, the clamp assembly can be provided with a retainer that prevents the jaws from being opened accidently. The clamp assembly also can include an actuator that can be detached from the clamp and removed from the operative site, leaving the locked clamp in place. In this type of assembly, when it is desired to remove the clamp, the actuator can be reattached to the clamp and used to disengage the toothed retainer, and thereafter can be used to spread the jaws in order to permit the clamp to be removed.

Anchoring elements of a fastener are made elastically curved. The curvatures of the elements are resiliently straightened by a trocar for tissue insertion. As the trocar is withdrawn, the anchoring elements resume the curved configuration, laterally pressing the elements against tissue to anchor the fastener.

A probe device for use in non-invasive optical measurements of at least one parameter of the patient's blood. The probe device comprises a finger holder in the form of a clip member that secures a fingertip between its clamping legs. The probe device supports a measuring unit for applying optical measurements to a measurement location on the finger and carries a pressurizing assembly operable for applying controllably variable, substantially under-systolic pressure to the finger in the vicinity of the measurement location. Several measurement sessions are performed at the measurement location with at least two different 3 wavelength of incident light to detect light response of the medium and generate measured data indicative thereof, and the pressure applied to the vicinity of the measurement location is simultaneously varied during measurements. The light response of the medium corresponding to different wavelength of the incident light and different pressure values during measurements. The light response of the medium corresponding to different wavelength of the incident light and different pressure values is analyzed, and an optimal pressure value is determined, so as to utilize the corresponding light response of the medium for deriving therefrom the at least on blood parameter.

A closure member, such as a set screw, and complementary receiving member are included in a medical implant device. The receiving member has a plurality of noncontiguous, threaded walls substantially defining a bore for receiving the threaded closure member. When the closure member is inserted into the receiving member, their respective threads interlock to join the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member. The closure member has an outer thread configured to interlock with the inner walls of the receiving member in a manner that aids in preventing the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member from moving away from the closure member. In certain embodiments, the closure member's outer thread includes a trailing edge having a point that is rearward of the trailing edge's root, and the outer thread includes a leading edge having a point that is forward of the leading edge's root.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for preferential PVD conductor fill in an integrated circuit structure. The present invention utilizes a high density plasma for sputter deposition of a conductive layer on a patterned substrate, and a pulsed DC power source capacitively coupled to the substrate to generate an ion current at the surface of the substrate. The ion current prevents sticking of the deposited material to the field areas of the patterned substrate, or etches deposited material from the field areas to eliminate crowning or cusping problems associated with deposition of a conductive material in a trench, hole or via formed on the substrate.

A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.

A closure member, such as a set screw, and complementary receiving member are included in a medical implant device. The receiving member has a plurality of noncontiguous, threaded walls substantially defining a bore for receiving the threaded closure member. When the closure member is inserted into the receiving member, their respective threads interlock to join the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member. The closure member has an outer thread configured to interlock with the inner walls of the receiving member in a manner that aids in preventing the noncontiguous walls of the receiving member from moving away from the closure member. In certain embodiments, the closure member's outer thread includes a trailing edge having a point that is rearward of the trailing edge's root, and the outer thread includes a leading edge having a point that is forward of the leading edge's root.

Described herein are nasal respiratory devices and methods for treating a variety of medical diseases including snoring and sleep apnea through the use of such devices. In general, these devices include an airflow resistor, such as a flap valve and a holdfast for securing the device in communication with the subject's nasal cavity. The devices may be configured to include leak paths to regulate the expiratory pressure when worn by a subject. Methods for using these devices may include securing a device over or at least partially within (or both of) a subject's nasal cavities.

A modular outdoor grill for cooking over a bed of combustible fuel or by means of convection heating from an externally mounted firebox. The modular grill comprises a housing with an outwardly, horizontally pivotal food-supporting tray, a vertically extending standard for supporting said housing, and either a horizontally reciprocating fuel-supporting grate or an externally mounted firebox.

A spinal facet fixation device includes a pair of jaws hinged on a common base. A threaded actuator bears against a cam surface on the jaws to draw the points of the jaws together. A surgeon applies the opposed points to respective facets of vertebral elements, and then tightens the actuator to draw the facets together.

A security hood assembly for a holster includes a hood that is movably supported in association with a holster body so that the hood extends over a portion of a holstered handgun or other service item when the hood in a closed position, to prevent unauthorized removal of the service item. A lever may be operably coupled to the hood for driving the hood toward an open position, to allow the service item to be removed from the holster. In some embodiments, a latch mechanism releasably engages when the hood is in the closed position to prevent the hood from being opened through direct manipulation of the hood. The hood is preferably formed of a substantially rigid material, such as injection molded plastic. Holsters including the security hood assembly may also include internal retention devices, hood biasing mechanisms, and electronic devices responsive to opening of the hood.

The spacing member includes: a spacing portion for spacing an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and a charging roller when the spacing member is attached to the process cartridge; a stopper portion for preventing a shutter member from retracting from a protection position for covering an exposure portion, when the spacing member is attached to the process cartridge; and a protective portion for covering a positioning portion, which positions the process cartridge in an apparatus body when the process cartridge is mounted in the apparatus body, when the spacing member is attached to the process cartridge. Thus, it is possible to reliably keep the spaced state between the photosensitive drum and the charging roller.

A pet door comprising a flap defining a pet access opening, a door flap pivotally mounted in the opening about a pivot axis located at an upper edge of the door flap, a latch mechanism to bar the door flap from opening in at least one direction, and a control mechanism for disabling the latch mechanism to permit the door flap to open in the said at least one direction, the control mechanism including an infrared radiation detector which is mounted above a lower edge of the pet access opening and defines a downwardly directed receiving zone for infrared radiation.

A pressure cooker comprises a handle, a body, an outer lid being pivotally mounted on the body, an inner vessel with flange extending radially, an inner lid that is configured to cover the inner vessel, a rotatable rim protrusions that selectively engages with the flange of the inner vessel. The pressure cooker that utilizes an one-hand opening and locking mechanism that simultaneously locks the outer lid with the main body and locks the inner lid with the inner vessel. The locking of the outer lid is achieved by a clasp assembly, whose position is controlled by the handle. The locking of the outer lid is achieved by the pairing of the flange and the rim protrusions, whose position is also controlled by the handle. The pressure cooker also comprises a pressure rod that changes its level based on the pressure of the inner vessel.

A fluid dispensing assembly for fluid dispensing and fluid transmission from a fluid source. The fluid dispensing assembly alone may dispense from a fluid source, or may be connected to a fluid dispensing system. The fluid dispensing assembly has a closure connected to a coupler. The closure includes fill through capabilities. The coupler is provided with a locking feature for preserving proper orientation and a closed position before being coupled to a piece of fluid dispensing equipment.

The invention is directed to a direct replacement air filtration or handler filter that is placed within an air flow channel within an air handler unit having a housing. A motor in communication with a controller and having an at least one sensor input or a timer or a transceiver and processing module. A filter media storage area is located on one end of the housing, with a pleated, folded filter media folded and compactly stored inside the filter media storage area. An exposed filter media containment area is located on an opposed end within the housing with the filter media extending therebetween. The filter media being paid out or advanced from the filter media storage area across the housing where it is exposed to air within the air flow channel as it removes contaminants from the air. The motor can be activated by said controller in response to input from the at least one sensor or based on a timed input from said timer and rotate an at least one movement member to move the filter media across the exposure area. This allows for higher efficiency operation and reduces maintenance and energy costs. The sensors and communications capability allow for the use of the filter in providing Air Quality Management (AQM). AQM allows the filter to monitor the quality of the air as it passes through the filter and interact with a network system to monitor the air quality at the point of filtration.

The present invention is directed to a zipper lock that includes an actuator operatively connected to an actuation plate and a blocking plate positioned relative to the actuation plate so as to at least partially block the movement of the actuation plate when the zipper lock is in the locked configuration. The actuator and the actuation plate are configured for interaction so as to transform movement of the actuator into movement of the actuation plate when the zipper lock is in an unlocked configuration. The zipper lock further includes a latch control plate operatively connected to the actuator, and operatively connected to a latch, in which the latch includes a locking finger configured for locking engagement with at least one locking head that is configured to retain a zipper pull tab to the zipper lock when the zipper lock is in a locked configuration.

The cooker has a locking / unlocking device to lock / unlock a lid on a bowl. The device has a jaw (4) moved between locking and unlocking positions of the lid. A control unit (7) has a handling unit (8) to control the jaw movement. A control part (9) has an aperture (14) placed at a locking valve (10) so that the valve occupies an upper position within the aperture when the jaw is in locking position, to lock the part (9) in its position.

A movable barrier or garage door operator has a barrier drive for moving the movable barrier or garage door between open and closed positions. Motion of the barrier is detected by a tachometer connected to the barrier drive or by upper and lower barrier travel limit switches. A test is made to determine if the barrier has been commanded to be in a closed state and to determine if a preselected time interval has elapsed following closure of the barrier. When both of those conditions are present and the door is moved upward without authorization an alarm signal is generated and can signal the barrier drive to apply a closing force. The timer prevents the barrier from being closed on a person or obstacle during normal operation and prevents injury. An obstacle detector also prevents unwanted closure on an obstacle.

A pallet includes a plurality of supports supporting a floor. The supports each include a plurality of columns integrally-molded with at least one runner and snap-fit to the floor. At least one wall is moveable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the floor. A hinge connecting the wall to the base includes a first axis and a second axis offset by the first axis. The hinge is locked when the wall is in the upright position to prevent rotation about the second axis but permit rotation about the first axis. A hinge assembly connects a door to the wall and includes a first hinge pin and a second hinge pin. The hinge assembly permits the door to open completely relative to the wall to a position at least substantially parallel to and adjacent the wall.

A fire protection system includes a dry pipe system and a controlled discharge gas vent. The dry pipe system and controlled discharge gas vent operate using a breathing cycle to displace oxygen and / or water vapor from within the piping network of the dry pipe system. The controlled gas discharge vent allows displacement of pressurized air with nitrogen, for example, using manual or automated processes that can employ one or more sensors. Corrosion resulting from oxygen, water, and / or microbial growth is reduced or nearly eliminated.

The disclosure relates to a hand-held power tool comprising a percussion mechanism, especially a rotary hammer and / or percussion hammer. According to the disclosure, at least one sensor unit comprising at least sensor for at least one mechanical measurement variable is provided for detecting at least one percussion parameter.

Disclosed are compositions and methods for modulating hemichannel function in a cell, tissue or organ. The invention also relates to useful screens for detecting such compounds, particularly those capable of modulating connexin phosphorylation. Further provided are therapeutic methods for preventing or treating conditions impacted by undesired hemichannel function in a mammal such as heart arrhythmia.

An anti-theft device (10) for portable computers having a base casing (12) and a hingeable cover (14). One wall of the base casing (14) is formed with a dedicated slot (16). The device (10) is generally U-shaped, having two legs (20; 22), and a web portion (24). The device (10) comprises a rotatable locking mechanism (26) installed within the web portion (24), drivingly coupled to a T-shaped tip (28) adapted to be inserted into the slot (16) in one position of the mechanism and, by rotating the mechanism by less than 180°, the tip (28) becomes locked within the base casing (12) while the legs (20; 22) extend one (22) underlying the bottom surface of the base casing (12) and the other (20) overlying the top surface of the hingeable cover (14), thus preventing the opening of the cover. A cable is used for securing the device (10) to a stationary object (32).

A connector hub apparatus is provided that has a carabiner clip connected to one or more portions of the apparatus. The apparatus can utilize a locking or non-locking type carabiner clip to secure the hub to a bag, belt loop, etc. for quick and easy transport of the apparatus. The hub apparatus can also be clipped around a group of wires or cables to securely fasten the hub in a position off the user's desktop, thus freeing up desk space. In one embodiment, the hub apparatus has an integrated upstream cable and plug that folds out from the apparatus, thereby eliminating the need to carry an upstream cable with the hub apparatus when traveling.

A respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device is disclosed for treatment of respiratory-related disorders. The RPT device includes a pressure generator, a pneumatic block, a chassis and a device outlet for delivering a supply of flow of gas to a patient interface. The RPT device also comprises an integrated humidifier including a water reservoir. An RPT device is also disclosed that includes a wireless data communication interface integrated with the housing and configured to connect to another device or a network.