1671results about How to "Turn easily" patented technology

In an exemplary system, information is received at a central location from different units of a commodity. The information is generated from two-way local interactions between users of the different units of the commodity and a user interface in the different units of the commodity. The interactions elicit from respective users their perceptions of the commodity.

An electronically accessible server receives, stores, and sends value information from customers. The server or other digital medium stores the value information generated by independent users. Triggers or interactions can be used to determine when value information would be useful for a user of a client system. The value information can include customer assessments, usage frequency, navigational pointers, executable program code, instructions, product information, and service information. A digital medium is used to store value information generated by independent users. The medium can be coupled to an electronic communication network to allow for interchange of information.

The invention is directed to a surgical wound retractor for retracting and sealing an incision and forming a functional opening or channel through which a surgical procedure may be executed. The wound retractor provides a path for a surgeon to insert his hand and / or instruments through the opening formed by the wound retractor. The wound retractor is sized and configured to be easily placed through a small incision and removed without further insult to the body tissue adjacent to the incision. The wound retractor is adapted to dilate a surgical wound incision to a desired diameter, and comprises a first ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound incision; a second ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision and being adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound incision; and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first ring and the second ring, the first ring having at least one notch to facilitate folding or collapsing of the first ring during insertion and removal of the first ring through the wound incision. The first ring may further comprise a second notch disposed on an opposing end of the first notch to further facilitate folding or collapsing of the first ring. With this aspect, the first ring is folded by squeezing between the first and second notches during insertion and removal of the retractor from the incision. In another aspect, the wound retractor may further comprise a tether having a length, a first end attached to the first ring interiorly of the sheath, and a second end disposed outside of the wound incision, wherein the tether facilitates removal of the first ring by pulling on the second end to retrieve the first ring through the wound incision.

A cam-actuated connection device joins rail mounting members of a photovoltaic panel array. The connection device slides within channels of mounting members until the members are in a properly positioned grid. When in position, the connection device is rotated to lock the mounting members in a rigid grid network. The connecting device can be subsequently loosened, repositioned and locked into position. The rail-mounting members create a grid for installation of multiple PV panels. The mounting rail allows the unit to remain relatively compact in nature but still covers a wide range of PV panel thicknesses. The rail system has a hinged connection with the mounting rail that allows an installer to assemble the module in a near perpendicular fashion to the mounting rail, make the required electrical connections and then lower the PV module into its working position. The unit is then locked into its working position.

An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (100), having a first ring (102) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A second ring (104), having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A flexible sleeve (106), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (102, 104), the second ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.

The present invention relates to a network communication system and method to enable the real time buying and selling of electricity generated by fuel cell powered vehicles between a fuel cell powered vehicle and a consumer. The method comprises: providing connections to the vehicle for the supply of a fuel and for transfer of electricity; determining the current cost of fuel and price paid for generating electricity; based at least on the cost of fuel and price paid for generating electricity, determining whether to make the fuel cell powered vehicle available for generation of electricity; when fuel is consumed by the vehicle and electricity generated by the vehicle, collecting data on the quantity of fuel consumed and amount of electricity generated, calculating the cost of the fuel and the value of the electricity generated, providing a debit charge for the cost of fuel consumed and a credit charge for the value of electricity generated. A method to enable the real time buying and selling of electricity generated by fuel cell powered vehicles between an energy service provider and a consumer of electricity is also disclosed.

Database system query optimizers use several techniques such as histograms and sampling to estimate the result sizes of operators and sub-plans (operator trees) and the number of distinct values in their outputs. Instead of estimates, the invention uses the exact actual values of the result sizes and the number of distinct values in the outputs of sub-plans encountered by the optimizer. This is achieved by optimizing the query in phases. In each phase, newly encountered sub-plans are recorded for which result size and / or distinct value estimates are required. These sub-plans are executed at the end of the phase to determine their actual result sizes and the actual number of distinct values in their outputs. In subsequent phases, the optimizer uses these actual values when it encounters the same sub-plan again.

A lock mechanism is mounted on a merchandise display rod to prevent the removal of some items of merchandise from the rod. A pair of members are pivotally joined at one end and move between locked and unlocked positions. Each of the members is formed with a partial slot which align with each other when in the locked position to extend about the rod. A magnetically attractable plunger is mounted within one of the members and engages a recess formed in the other member to secure the members in a closed locked position on the rod. A magnetic key moves the plunger to an unlocked position to enable the members to pivot apart to an unlocked open position. The distal end of the rod is bent at an angle sufficient to prevent sliding removal of the lock mechanism from the rod when the members are in the locked position yet enable removal of merchandise items forward of the lock mechanism from the rod.

The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system that adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-á-vis the mask and / or airflow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

A catheter connector for coupling to a catheter, the connector having a body part, a tubular shaped compressible plug situated in a bore in part, with the proximal end of the catheter insertable into the bore of the plug, and a lever pivotably mounted to the housing part. Pivoting of the lever applies an axial force on one end of the plug causing the plug to deform radially inward and tightly engage the proximal end of the catheter.

Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.

A high performance, high efficiency solid state electronic lighting device, having a sealed fixture body for use outdoors or in environments requiring IP rated sealed fixtures, uses light emitting diodes for producing light from AC current that operates on an as needed basis dependent upon occupancy, ambient light levels and facility load requirements. The high performance, high efficiency solid state electronic lighting device can also be used to replace the internal workings and reflective surfaces of a standard fluorescent fixture, a high-intensity-discharge (HID) lamp, or other arc-based lamps using light emitting diodes for producing light from AC current that operates on an as needed basis dependent upon occupancy, ambient light levels and facility load requirements.

An acetabular impactor aids a surgeon in controlling the installation of an acetabular cup prosthesis having a central, female aperture. The impactor includes an impactor head, housing and a locking mechanism. The housing is attached to the impactor head, the housing enclosing a drive train having, at a far end, a prosthesis engaging thread, and at the opposite end, a handle which facilitates turning of the drive train by the operator. The locking mechanism is associated with the housing which selectively locks the drive train, and thus the prosthesis, in position. The opposite end of the drive train has a latch device which enables quick removal from the housing for cleaning and sterilization.

Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.

A network of data processing-based and telecommunications-based apparatuses and systems are disclosed, including a product sub-system that interacts with a user, gathers information from the user, communicates the information to the product's vendor, and receives new pre-programmed interactions from the vendor for future interactions with the user. In addition to this computing / networking apparatus which is a sub-system in or attached to a product or service, other components of this invention include a data processing system for constructing and downloading pre-programmed interactions to the product sub-system; a communications sub-system for transmitting the data directly from the product sub-system to the vendor's computer; a communications apparatus for reading the product sub-system's data, transmitting it to the vendor's computer, and downloading new pre-programmed interactions to the product sub-system; a data processing system that resides in the product sub-system and conducts numerous types of interactions with a user; and a data processing system that resides in the vendor's computer and analyzes and reports the information gathered from product users. This invention may be built into a variety of products and services to establish networks of customer-vendor interactions and communications. It makes possible new customer roles and contributions to the design and development of products and services, and the nature of customer-vendor relationships. A variety of functions are enabled by this invention, which include (depending on the configuration of a particular product sub-system) inquiries, reports, suggestions, help, interactive services, transactions and two-way real-time communications. As a complete system, this invention may be viewed as a new medium through which customers interact directly with products and services at the time they are using them, to describe their conception of what the product or service should be and how the vendor should work with them to satisfy their needs better. The customer data, suggestions and other information are transmitted to the product vendor's computer where they are collected, analyzed by automated means and presented in automated reports to product managers, product designers and other decision makers. This source of continuous customer-based information may assist in improving products, services and customer relationships both sooner and more accurately, thereby producing strategic business advantages over competitors who do not engage in a similar improvement dialog with their customers. Over time, the cost of incorporating such sub-systems may fall and the impact from using them may rise, producing a greater reliance on customer involvement and customer input into a growing range of business decisions. This may produce a gradual transfer, from vendors to customers, of conceptual commercial guidance, both in individual cases and in aggregate. This invention suggests the emergence of a “partnership capitalist” economy in which a variety of interactive products and services link customers and vendors with networks that are built into those products and services, producing greater understanding, efficiency and accuracy in designing, manufacturing and selling the products, services and lifestyles that customers truly want.

The present invention relates generally to recreational vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for traversing challenging terrain with a recreational vehicle. A vehicle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a first drive track that is supported by a first rear suspension and a second drive track of vehicle is supported by a second rear suspension. The first drive track and the second drive track may be operatively coupled to an engine by a drive train for propelling the vehicle.

An electronic device associated with a rotational casing includes a panel with a mount groove being joined to the rotational casing. The casing has a main body, which is composed of a first casing part and a second casing part, and a hinge. The main body has a projection part at a lateral side thereof and is received in the mount groove. The projection part extends outward a lateral side of the mount groove and is received in a locating groove of the panel corresponding to the projection part. The hinge is composed of a first hinge part and a second hinge part. The first hinge part is joined to another lateral side of the main body and an end of the second hinge part extends outward another lateral side of the mount groove and is joined to the panel. The present invention can hide the pivotal components and electrical wires to allow the rotational main body associated with the electronic device providing a sense of integral beauty.

A vehicle stability control system includes a basic request driving force computing unit, a front and rear wheel load computing unit, a virtual turning radius estimating unit, a target value computing unit, and a vibration damping correction controlling unit. The basic request driving force computing unit computes a physical quantity so as to generate the basic request driving force requested by a driver. The front and rear wheel load computing unit detect a load applied to the wheels. The virtual turning radius estimating unit estimates a virtual turning radius. The target value computing unit computes a target value of a stability factor. The vibration damping correction controlling unit corrects the physical quantity so as to follow the target value. The system generates the driving force for the driving wheel.

A method and apparatus for horizontally drilling in wells utilizing a shoe assembly at the down hole end of upset tubing. The shoe assembly includes a fixed section and a rotatable section suspended below the fixed section. An electric motor and associated batteries and a gyroscope carried on the rotatable section enable an operator on the surface to selectively rotate and position the rotatable section to any desired angular location for drilling a hole in the well casing. After one or more holes have been cut in the casing, a drill assembly can be removed from the upset tubing and be replaced by a high pressure blaster nozzle to bore into the formation zones. The gyroscope enables the operator to accurately position the rotatable section to the same locations at which the holes have been cut. The drill assembly includes an electric motor with an associated battery, flexible drive shaft, and a hole saw.

A multipurpose handheld tool includes a casing having a cavity and two flanges at the end of the casing, and a variety of tools pivotally coupled to the casing. Each of the tools is independently articulated along a unique arcuate path defined between retracted and deployed positions. The apparatus include a plurality of tools such as a wine knife with a lemon skin peeler; a serrated cutting utensil; a can opener; and a bottle cap popper preferably having a concave curvilinear edge and a clock positioned at the proximal end of the casing. In particular, one of the tools is a bifurcated wine key lever having two members held together by a resilient metal band. A writing utensil and a retractable flashlight are also provided.

A board carrier (100) comprising a holder (300, 400) for holding a plurality of boards; a body (200) mounting said holder (300, 400); a plurality of wheels (500) attached to the body (200) for contact with a ground surface; and a handle (600) associated with the body (200) to move said carrier (100); wherein the body (200) is formed from at least two sections (210, 220, 230), the sections (210, 220, 230) pivotally connected to each other.

A ratcheting wrench includes a handle, a head extending from an end of the handle and having a hole communicated with a compartment in the end of the handle, a drive member rotatably mounted in the hole of the head, and a ratcheting mechanism. The drive member includes an inner periphery for securely holding a fastener-driving member, allowing joint rotation when the drive member is turned. The drive member further includes a flange formed on an end of an outer periphery thereof and located outside the head for manual rotation of the drive member. The ratcheting mechanism is mounted in the compartment of the handle and engaged with the teeth of the drive member, allowing the handle to selectively move in a ratcheting direction for tightening / loosening a fastener and in a free turning direction reverse to the ratcheting direction in which the fastener is not turned.

A turn wheel locking device for use with shopping carts having at least one turn wheel. The locking device functions to automatically disable the cart when it is removed from a prescribed area by locking the turn wheel in a turned configuration so that the cart can travel only along a generally circular path.