49results about How to "Useful life" patented technology

An apparatus includes an endoluminal implant, a RF coupling coil coupled to the endoluminal implant and a therapeutic transducer electrically coupled to the RF coupling coil and physically coupled to the endoluminal implant. The RF coupling coil supplies electrical power to the therapeutic transducer. The therapeutic transducer has a capability for delivering therapeutic energy to a lumen disposed within the endoluminal implant in response to signals coupled via the RF coupling coil.

An apparatus includes an endoluminal implant, a RF coupling coil coupled to the endoluminal implant and a therapeutic transducer electrically coupled to the RF coupling coil and physically coupled to the endoluminal implant. The RF coupling coil supplies electrical power to the therapeutic transducer. The therapeutic transducer has a capability for delivering therapeutic energy to a lumen disposed within the endoluminal implant in response to signals coupled via the RF coupling coil.

Therapy patches are disclosed which are designed to deliver vibration and heat (or cold) to human skin so as to provide muscle relief. These patches have a chemical pouch that generates heat or cold upon initiation. They also have a motor and battery to provide a vibration source. Forms of the invention have an adhesive so that the patch can be attached to the skin (and thus need not be manually held in place during use). Kits are also provided in which the motor and battery can be used with a string of linked, severable replacement pouches. Methods of using these patches are also disclosed.

A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and / or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and / or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and / or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.

A system and method for controlling a matrix of light emitting diodes (LED) connected to an input line comprises a power converter for connecting to the matrix of LEDs and to the input line therebetween and for receiving from the input line an input current and an input voltage characterized by a shape and a frequency and for providing a direct current (D.C.) output for powering up the LEDs, yielding an operating current through the LEDs. The power converter includes a first current sensor for sensing the input current and a second current sensor for sensing the operating current. The system further comprises a controller for connecting to both the input line and to the power converter. The controller includes a voltage sensor for sensing the input voltage and a pre-regulator i) for receiving the operating current, the input current and the input voltage, ii) for biasing the operating current towards a target current value, and iii) for regulating the power converter to cause the input current to follow the shape and frequency of the input voltage, yielding a unity power factor and minimizing the input current harmonic distortion. The present method and system allows maximizing the energy savings, controlling current flowing in the diodes so as to obtain the maximum flux of light with the minimum energy and also allows meeting all safety, EMI, reliability and robustness requirements.

Anionic clay compounds such as hydrotalcite-like compounds can be made by a process wherein a non-hydrotalcite-like compound (or a hydrotalcite-like compound) are heat treated and then hydrated to form hydrotalcite-like compounds having properties (e.g., increased hardness and / or density) that differ from those of hydrotalcite-like compounds made by prior art methods wherein non-hydrotalcite-like compounds (or hydrotalcite-like compounds) are not similarly heat treated and hydrated to form such hydrotalcite-like compounds.

The present invention discloses a heat resistance copper alloy material characterized in that said copper alloy material comprises 0.15 to 0.33 mass percent of Co, 0.041 to 0.089 mass percent of P, 0.02 to 0.25 mass percent of Sn, 0.01 to 0.40 mass percent of Zn and the remaining mass percent of Cu and inevitable impurities, wherein each content of Co, P, Sn and Zn satisfies the relationships 2.4≦([Co]−0.02) / [P]≦5.2 and 0.20≦[Co]+0.5[P]+0.9[Sn]+0.1[Zn]≦0.54, wherein [Co], [P], [Sn] and [Zn] are said mass percents of Co, P, Sn and Zn content, respectively; and said copper alloy material is a pipe, plate, bar, wire or worked material obtained by working said pipe, plate, bar or wire material into predetermined shapes.

A cold cathode gas discharge device is disclosed comprising an elongated fluorescent lamp that is supported along its length by means of the lamp support, such as a support pole. The support provides the device with mechanical strength, so that it does not need an outer shield for protection from external forces. A driver housing attaches together the lamp support and an electrical connector to form a rigid structure, forming a sturdy unitary body.

The present invention discloses a heat resistance copper alloy material characterized in that said copper alloy material comprises 0.15 to 0.33 mass percent of Co, 0.041 to 0.089 mass percent of P, 0.02 to 0.25 mass percent of Sn, 0.01 to 0.40 mass percent of Zn and the remaining mass percent of Cu and inevitable impurities, wherein each content of Co, P, Sn and Zn satisfies the relationships 2.4≦([Co]−0.02) / [P]≦5.2 and 0.20≦[Co]+0.5[P]+0.9[Sn]+0.1[Zn]≦0.54, wherein [Co], [P], [Sn] and [Zn] are said mass percents of Co, P, Sn and Zn content, respectively; and said copper alloy material is a pipe, plate, bar, wire or worked material obtained by working said pipe, plate, bar or wire material into predetermined shapes.

A conductive contact ring for an electroplating or electrodeposition process on a cylindrical surface includes a frame defining an opening through which the object can be passed and an array of electrically conductive fibers spanning the opening. The frame is electrically conductive and is connected to a DC power source in the process. Two or more contact rings can be used in a process to provide consistent electrical contact with the surface sliding therethrough. A single contact ring can have first and second groups of filaments spaced from each other along the axial length of the surface.

A process for preparing a silicon based substrate with a protective coating having improved thermal resistance at temperature up to at least 1500° C., and the resulting article.

A polymeric foam structure for use as a supporting pad for floor surface layers made from laminated flooring, carpet, tile, or other functional materials. The polymeric foam structure comprises a continuous band having increased density and consistent width along each side of the polymeric foam structure. The bands may have a flat surface or they may be optionally equipped with a plurality of peaks and valleys continuing along the band in an alternating grid pattern. The bands may be oriented so that the thickness step occurs from the same surface or that the thickness step occurs on opposite surfaces. The bands of increased foam density on the polymeric foam structure may be produced by a batch thermoforming process or continuous process comprising an apparatus having heated cylindrical rollers.

Disclosed herein are compounds comprising a polymer conjugated with a pH-sensitive prodrug of beta-lapachone, wherein the compound is capable of forming a micelle, and wherein the pH-sensitive prodrug comprises a pH-sensitive linker selected from the group consisting of: an aryl imine and an aliphatic imine. Also provided are micelles comprised of such polymer-prodrug conjugates. Further provided are methods for treating cancer with the micelles.

A joint for fixing movable elements to a doll's torso or for interconnecting individual elements, especially a doll's arm sections and / or leg sections. A rotating element is rotatably inserted into the doll's torso and / or into one element and / or into another element while a final area (5,500) of said element or an element that is inserted thereinto is rotatably connected to said rotating element.

A cowling assembly (10) is installed about the radiator (R) of a vehicle (V). A frame (12) fits about the radiator and defines an opening through which air can flow into the radiator. A rack and pinion drive (600) for moving a sheet (618) over the frame to expose a portion of the opening and allow air to flow into the radiator, the frame and sheet producing a smoother flow of air over and about the front of the vehicle thereby reducing the amount of drag on the vehicle while still allowing air flow into the radiator.

A method for optimizing track performance is provided. The method involves measuring one or more track status data at one or more measurement sites of the track during a train pass through the one or more measurement sites. Followed by analyzing the one or more track status data against one or more baseline reference values to obtain a track status profile, and adjusting an operating parameter, a track parameter, or both the operating and track parameters, based on the track status profile, to optimize the track's performance.

The invention is a zero edge or infinity aquarium for viewing aquatic life. The design offers unobstructed viewing through a smooth lens of water on the sides and the top. The aquarium is constructed of a transparent material and water is circulated over the top of and along the outside of the sidewall before being collected in a gutter and drain box. The top edge and corners of the aquarium are rounded to aid in the flow of water. The water is then returned to the interior of the aquarium via an infeed. The infeed may comprise a sump, pump, piping, valving, and a return outlet. It offers a unique view of the contents as there appears to be no lid, edge, or structure within the water.

A running gear toothing for gearwheels and a process for producing such running gear is provided. In order to be able to work complex shapes (e.g. reinforcing ribs) into running gear, a preforged or precast gearwheels are produced oversized, and are then finished using an electrochemical erosion process. The invention eliminates complex machining operations and permits gear teeth finishing in highly spaced-constrained applications, thereby eliminating the need for production and assembly complex multi-component gears.

A conductive contact ring for an electroplating or electrodeposition process on a cylindrical surface includes a frame defining an opening through which the object can be passed and an array of electrically conductive fibers spanning the opening. The frame is electrically conductive and is connected to a DC power source in the process. Two or more contact rings can be used in a process to provide consistent electrical contact with the surface sliding therethrough. A single contact ring can have first and second groups of filaments spaced from each other along the axial length of the surface.

The internal movement of one embodiment of a sealed fuel level sender employs two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about a pivot. The actuator that is operated by in-tank fuel level has two magnets disposed diametrically opposite each other about the axis with one pole of each magnet of the actuator confronting an opposite pole of a respective magnet of the movement to provide the magnetic coupling for causing the movement to follow the fuel level while minimizing, and preferably substantially eliminating, cross thrust on the pivot. Pole pieces may be associated with the magnets in a further embodiment. Still another embodiment employs magnets to only one side of the pivot, but with pole pieces that reduce cross thrust.

The invention is directed to a composite foam material that is alkaline and heat resistance. The composite foam material comprises a foam layer that having a film layer attached thereto and in which at least one of the film or foam layers includes a carbon free radical scavenger agent that is dispersed therein. The carbon free radical scavengers neutralize free radicals that are generated in the polymeric material (e.g., film or foam layer) and help prevent the degradation of the foam composite material. In particular, foam composite materials in accordance with the present invention can be used in underlayment applications in which exposure to heat can degrade the underlayment. As a result, the durability and useful life of the composite sheet material can be extended. In some embodiments of the present invention provides a floor underlayment material that overcomes many of the problems discussed above.

A hydraulic torque converter, particularly for use in a motor vehicle between the prime mover and the transmission of the power train, employs a combination of a bypass clutch with one or more torsional vibration dampers which brings about savings in space and / or in the number of parts. In addition, the torque converter can stand long periods of use and is less prone to wear, adverse influences of abruptly developing stresses and / or other undesirable influences than conventional torque converters. Furthermore, the improved torque converter employs or can employ a bypass clutch and / or one or more torsional vibration dampers simpler and less expensive than but superior to those in conventional torque converters.