985 results about "Free edge" patented technology

An apparatus for repairing the function of a native aortic valve, defining a native valve annulus, of a patient includes a tubular valve support member having oppositely disposed first and second valve member ends and a valve member body located between the first and second valve member ends. The valve support member defines a longitudinal axis. A prosthetic valve has at least two prosthetic valve leaflets that are coaptable to permit the unidirectional flow of blood. The prosthetic valve is attached to the valve support member adjacent the second valve member end. At least two coronary openings in the valve member body are located longitudinally adjacent free edges of the at least two prosthetic valve leaflets. At least one of the coronary openings is located so as to be selectively radially aligned with a coronary ostium when the prosthetic valve is located substantially within the native valve annulus. At least two branch support members are provided, with each branch support member having first and second branch ends. Each first branch end is attachable to a coronary opening with the second branch end extending radially away from the valve support member and through a coronary ostium.

A cardiac valve prosthesis having a frame and two or more leaflets (preferably three) attached to the frame. The leaflets are attached to the frame between posts, with a free edge which can seal the leaflets together when the valve is closed under back pressure. The leaflets are created in a mathematically defined shape allowing good wash-out of the whole leaflet orifice, including the area close to the frame posts, thereby relieving the problem of thrombus deposition under clinical implant conditions.

A composite construction panel having a thin panel of concrete material and a reinforcing grid of sheet metal studs with embedment portions which are actually embedded into the concrete panel, each of the studs having a web, main web openings through the web, a right angular flange formed on a free edge of the web, an embedment angled flange portion formed along the opposite edge of the web, an edge strip formed on the angled flange at an angle thereto; and, spaced apart angled flange openings formed in the angled flange for flow of concrete therethrough. An alternate form of stud has a triangular tube structure along one edge of the web. Another form of stud has a discontinuous webs defining spaces between them. In one embodiment two concrete panels may be secured to the studs in spaced relation to create a hollow structure.

A check valve for medical infusion lines and the like, includes a diaphragm made of elastic material set between a first tubular connector and a second tubular connector. The diaphragm includes an end wall of a cup-shaped element, having an outer peripheral edge of which is normally pressed in seal contact against an annular valve seat with a conical surface of the first tubular connector under an axial thrust exerted by a side wall of the cup-shaped element. A free edge of the side wall of the cup-shaped element is set resting against a transverse surface of the second tubular connector only in regions corresponding to angular portions of the latter separated by non-resting angular portions.

A ceramic composite tile armor which is reinforced at the more vulnerable joint and free edge areas, using glass or ceramic strips or overlays bonded with an adhesive to the outer surface of the tile joints and free edges. This reinforcement provides improved ballistic threat protection for ground vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, spacecraft, and body (personnel) ceramic tile armor applications. Glass or ceramic overlay strips assist in fracturing impacting projectiles that strike the tile joints or free edges. The substrate laminate backing can then capture fragments of the projectile and broken ceramic and prevent penetration. The invention provides improved protection over conventional joint and edge enhancements with higher reliability of accurate positioning over joint and free-edge areas, with less added weight, and at lower associated production costs.

A leaflet including fibers oriented at an angle relative to at least one free edge of the leaflet. A leaflet comprising mechanisms for increasing coaptation height, preventing billowing, and reducing stress in critical regions of the leaflet. A prosthetic heart valve, including three leaflets operatively attached together. A method of using a prosthetic heart valve, by applying pressure to the valve, forming a pocket with material of three leaflets operatively attached together and increasing coaptation height, reducing billowing of the leaflets toward a ventricle, and reducing stress in critical regions of the leaflet. A chorded valve including at least one leaflet, wherein bundles of fibers exit said free edges as tethers and can be anchored to tissue. A method of using the chorded valve, by anchoring the tethers to tissue, forming a pocket with the material of leaflets and increasing coaptation height, and reducing billowing of leaflets toward an atrium.

A check valve for medical infusion lines and the like, includes a diaphragm made of elastic material set between a first tubular connector and a second tubular connector. The diaphram includes an end wall of a cup-shaped element, having an outer peripheral edge of which is normally pressed in seal contact against an annular valve seat with a conical surface of the first tubular connector under an axial thrust exerted by a side wall of the cup-shaped element. A free edge of the side wall of the cup-shaped element is set resting against a transverse surface of the second tubular connector only in regions corresponding to angular portions of the latter separated by non-resting angular portions.

A beverage storage and discharge cap assembly includes an inner cylindrical housing rotatably nested within an outer cylindrical housing, the outer housing including a cap skirt having threads capable of being rotatably coupled to the neck of a bottle. The housings are hollow such that the inner housing may store a beverage substance therein, the inner housing having a closed top and the outer housing having a bottom wall for sealing the beverage substance within the cap assembly. A rotation of the inner housing causes a free edge thereof to rupture the bottom wall, thus releasing the stored beverage substance into the bottle whereby to interact with a beverage substance in the bottle. The housings include cooperating nubs that produce an audible sound or “pop” substantially simultaneous with rupture of the seal.

A ceramic composite tile armor which is reinforced at the more vulnerable joint and free edge areas, using glass or ceramic strips or overlays bonded with an adhesive to the outer surface of the tile joints and free edges. This reinforcement provides improved ballistic threat protection for ground vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, spacecraft, and body (personnel) ceramic tile armor applications. Glass or ceramic overlay strips assist in fracturing impacting projectiles that strike the tile joints or free edges. The substrate laminate backing can then capture fragments of the projectile and broken ceramic and prevent penetration. The invention provides improved protection over conventional joint and edge enhancements with higher reliability of accurate positioning over joint and free-edge areas, with less added weight, and at lower associated production costs.

This invention discloses a medical catheter and methods for removing a defective valve from a patient endoluminally. The method may comprise inserting a medical catheter endoluminally to a site of the defective valve; deploying a coupling mechanism of said medical catheter to stabilize and immobilize a free edge of at least one valve leaflet; deploying a cutting mechanism of said medical catheter to cut a valve base of said defective valve; and removing said defective valve from the patient.

The present invention relates to a device for machining mechanical parts by means of a hollow cylindrical tool presenting a distal end with a free edge that is shaped to perform machining when said tool is rotated about its axis. In accordance with the invention, the hollow cylindrical tool is fitted internally with a transverse member forming a shaving-breaker, and said hollow cylindrical tool is secured axially to a distal end of a hollow cylindrical spindle, said hollow cylindrical spindle being mounted to rotate about its own axis on a support plate, and being driven externally by rotary drive means mounted on said support plate, and said hollow cylindrical spindle having a proximal end facing and directly adjacent to a hollow cylindrical endpiece secured to said support plate and connected to a suction hose, such that the machining shavings can be evacuated internally by passing successively through the hollow cylindrical tool going round the transverse member forming a shaving-breaker, through the hollow cylindrical spindle, through the hollow cylindrical endpiece, and through the suction hose.

A ramp, for instance a walk ramp for pets, such as dogs, includes an elongated walk bridge (1) which is intended to be placed so as to slope between two height levels. The bridge includes two parts (10, 11) which are mutually sequential in the longitudinal direction of the bridge and which are mutually connected via a hinge means (18) which in one swinging direction has an end position in which the walk surfaces of said parts (10, 11) are essentially parallel and in a common plane, and which in its other swinging direction enable the parts (10, 11) to be folded to essential parallelity. When the bridge is extended or unfolded, a join gap between the parts (10, 11) on the upper load-carrying side of the bridge will be covered by a cover plate (4), which has an edge part that is fastened to one bridge part (10) and extends generally transversely over the width of the bridge (1). The opposite edge part of the cover plate (4) is free in the folded state of the bridge and projects out beyond the ends of said bridge parts (10, 11). The free edge part of the cover plate has an opening (41) which, when the bridge is extended or unfolded, is spaced from the join (17, 17) between parts such as to form a bridge carrying handle (42).

A vascular valve constructed from a biocompatible material that is designed to be surgically implanted in a patient's blood vessel, such as the right ventricular outflow tract. At the first end of the valve there is an orifice defined by at least two opposing free edges, and which can occupy either a first, closed position or a second, open position. At the second end of the valve there are at least two flexible members attachable to an anterior and a posterior wall of a patient's blood vessel. A length of the orifice between said at least two opposing free edges when the orifice is generally closed is equal to about 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of a patient's blood vessel. Optionally, the two flexible members to a stent or tubular graft. The valved stent or tubular graft can be inserted into a patient's blood vessel or heart.

A section of a housing on a portable computing device is removed or folded away, thereby exposing a free edge of an LCD screen as well as electrical (data and power) connectors and structural connectors. Connectors are placed symmetrically across the exposed edge whereby a male connector on one side mates with a female connector on the other device. Two such devices are physically pushed together, with locking catches securing the two devices together. Upon docking, the two devices recognize the new configuration and re-map the desktop area of the display into a single display for the combined device. In a preferred embodiment, either a top edge or a side edge is selectively exposed independently on the same device, to mate two devices in either a portrait or landscape orientation.

A package for a food product sampled using a metering device, including a receptacle (2) having a wide top opening (24) and defined by a rim (25), a closure system (3) including a cover (31) that can be moved between an open position and a closed position, and a first levelling element (41) having a top face (41b) and a free edge (41a) situated in the space of the opening. The package also includes a second levelling element (42) spaced apart from the first and also having a top face (42b) and a free edge (42a), wherein the top faces (41b, 42b) of the first and second levelling elements (41, 42) each have a configuration and are mutually arranged in order to form two spaced-apart bearing zones substantially parallel to the plane of the opening for supporting the metering device.

An interlocking door seam provides a stronger seam for double doors, making them less subject to attack by prybars and the like. Particularly for central mail stations (CMS) and central box units CBU, double doors present there are subject to attack by prybars and the like that force the locks and allow thieves to rifle the contents of the enclosed mail boxes. Attachment of interlocking door seam to the first edge of the first double doors protects that first edge from prybar attacks. The adjoining edge of the second double door then releasably fits into a convex strip that protects the adjoining edge of the second double door, thereby protecting it from prybar attack. The interlocking door seam allows normal operation of the double doors while decreasing the risk to the central mail station of prybar attack at the seam between the double doors. Flanges present along the free edge of the convex strip provide easy engagement of that free edge. Gaps between such flanges accommodate shelving inside the central mail station. Construction of the interlocking door seam by tempered steel or hard and durable materials provides enhanced protection from prybar attack. Additionally, a main access door bolt bracket may serve to better secure and close the double doors, thwarting forced entry therethrough. The individual mailbox slot doors may have hooked cams to provide fail-safe closure.

A waterproof, anti-wicking, and fully recyclable corrugated container comprises a base portion having a bottom wall, a pair of opposite side walls, a pair of opposite end walls, and a plurality of joined flaps foldably joined with the side walls and the end walls. Each of the plurality of the joined flap folds onto itself to form a gusset that is attached to the respective side walls. A lid portion is telescopically engaged over the base portion such that is coextensive in length and width with the base portion side walls and end walls. The lid portion comprises a score or crease line formed along near free edge of the side walls to inhibit liquid from traveling up through the side walls.

A bicycle rear sprocket assembly has a sprocket carrier, a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a third sprocket. The first and second sprockets are attached to opposite axial sides of the outer end portion of the attachment member of the sprocket carrier using a common fastener that extends through the first and second attachment portions and the outer end portion of the attachment member. The third sprocket is disposed on adjacent the second sprocket. The second sprocket has a free edge spaced radially inwardly from the common fastener by a distance at least as large as one-half of a maximum transverse dimension of the fastener measured in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. At least one space maintaining projection extends axially toward an adjacent one of the second and third sprockets.

An ophthalmologic cutting device having a base support section for attachment with a movement generating device and a tip with a blade section. The blade section preferably has upper and lower edges, and a forward aspiration free edge extending between them, with the upper edge having a shorter longitudinal length compared with the lower edge and where the forward edge slopes down from a distal end of the upper edge to a distal end of the lower edge, and the lower edge presenting a material contact surface that is thinner in thickness than the upper edge. A slope back in the proximal direction of the forward edge of, for example, 10 to 45 degrees with a straight and / or curving forward edge or a combination of a straight and forward edge sections is preferred. Embodiments of the blade include a blade converging in thickness from top to bottom and one having a curved upper forward edge region and one with a lower edge that has a distal straight section and a recessed section positioned proximal of said distal straight section. The forward edge is also preferably defined by longitudinally diverging, opposing side walls.

A cabinet having at least one door (5), in particular an electrical cabinet, comprising a framework made up of right angled metal profiles (1) which are mutually connected by use of corner members (2) having fastening elements (7) inserted in cavities in the profiles, whereby each profile is symmetrical about a plane in 45° relatively to two of the main directions of the cabinet and comprises two grooves (14) situated symmetrically about said plane, for sealing strips (12), said grooves (14) being directed outwardly from the interior of the cabinet, whereby the sealing strips (12) are in engagement with external wall panels, and whereby the bottom (11) of each groove (14) is situated inwardly of a respective profile wall (9) which delimits the profile towards the interior of the cabinet. The grooves (14) are situated along a respective free edge on the profile, whereby the profile is open from the external side, and the bottom (11) and / or the inner side wall (10) of each groove forms an abutment for fastening of hinge pans (3) at least in one of the profiles.

The present invention is directed to a method of forming a container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another example, the method includes forming the rail so that it includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge of the basket portion. The method may also include forming a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a container formed by such method.

A spoiler attached to helicopter main rotor blades, tail rotor blades, propellers, aircraft wings, and machined into turbine blades, that reduces vibration and silences their operation. Also, when added to a substantial part of the trailing edges of its rotor blades, the spoiler eliminates the repetitive pop-pop sound common to current helicopter flight. Preferably, the spoiler is made from durable resilient materials that bend with resistance for high speed oscillation and it is secured on the top or bottom side, or both, of the trailing edge of a blade or wing. Further, the free edge of the spoiler exhibits a non-repeating pattern of feather-like projections that collectively break up vortex formation so that the next wing or blade traveling through the same location has clean air / fluid in which to move. In addition to noise reduction, the spoiler increases blade efficiency and wing lift.

The present invention provides a personal care product including a wrapper having at least one free edge, an absorbent personal care article and a sensory cue providing indicia as to the location of the free edge. In one embodiment, the wrapper is a wrapper component and has a first panel, a back panel and a second panel, where the first panel is connected to the back panel and the second panel is connected to the back panel at an opposite end from where the first panel is connected to the back panel. The second panel having a free edge positioned adjacent the first panel, wherein the second panel has a first set of sensory attributes which terminate at the free edge of the second panel and the first panel has a second set of sensory attributes which are adjacent the free edge of the second panel. In the present invention, at least one attribute from the first set of sensory attributes or at least one attribute from the second set of attributes is different from attributes from the other set. The different attribute provides a contrast between the second panel and the first panel, and this contrast provides a sensory cue providing clear indicia as to the location of the free edge of the second panel. Also provided is a method of using the personal care product and wrapper. The sensory cue can also be used to direct a user as to how to open the wrapper.

A double window shade arrangement for a divided window of a motor vehicle, the window shade arrangement includes two separate winding shafts that are arranged on the window at arbitrary angles relative to one another. Window shade strips assigned to the respective winding shafts are moved in at least one direction with the aid of a common driving motor. For this purpose, the electric motor can be coupled to the free edges of the window shade strips or directly coupled to the winding shafts.

A roll formed step rail for a vehicle comprises an elongated rail body including a continuous rail wall of substantially uniform thickness. The rail wall describes a continuous cross-sectional profile between two elongated free edges, the cross-sectional profile of the rail being substantially uniform along the length of the rail body. The cross-sectional profile of the rail body includes a relatively flat top portion disposed between a substantially semi-circular front curved portion and a substantially quarter-circular rear curved portion. A rear mounting lip extends forward from the rear curved portion to one of the elongated free edges. A front mounting lip extends upward and then rearwards from the front curved portion to another of the elongated free edges. The elongated free edges are generally in line with one another, but spaced apart to define a longitudinal channel therebetween having a predetermined width. The rail body is formed from a sheet of material by a process of roll forming.

An apparatus for repairing the function of a native aortic valve, defining a native valve annulus, of a patient includes a tubular valve support member having oppositely disposed first and second valve member ends and a valve member body located between the first and second valve member ends. The valve support member defines a longitudinal axis. A prosthetic valve has at least two prosthetic valve leaflets that are coaptable to permit the unidirectional flow of blood. The prosthetic valve is attached to the valve support member adjacent the second valve member end. At least two coronary openings in the valve member body are located longitudinally adjacent free edges of the at least two prosthetic valve leaflets. At least one of the coronary openings is located so as to be selectively radially aligned with a coronary ostium when the prosthetic valve is located substantially within the native valve annulus. At least two branch support members are provided, with each branch support member having first and second branch ends. Each first branch end is attachable to a coronary opening with the second branch end extending radially away from the valve support member and through a coronary ostium.

A pulmonarily sized bag formed of a non-latex material, including a bag body formed of panels of resin film material welded to one another along a weld line defining a seam of the bag body bounding an interior volume of the bag. The seam includes an interior seam portion in the interior volume, and an exterior seam portion at an exterior surface of the bag. One of the interior seam portion and exterior seam portion comprises free edges of the seam, and the other one of such seam portions is devoid of free edges. The bag is formable by various techniques, including radio frequency welding, impulse heating, solvent bonding, etc., and is usefully employed in a breathing circuit to obviate the necessity of using latex breathing bags.

A can holder assembly has an interior section. The assembly is positionable adjacent to the side wall of a can and a laterally spaced exterior section. Lower and upper portions couple the sections. The interior portion has a vertical free edge positionable in contact with the side wall of a can. The can has upper and lower ledges. A lower retainer is fixedly coupled to the interior section beneath the lower ledge. An upper retainer is pivotally coupled to the interior section above the lower ledge. A handle has a pivot pin pivotally supported above the upper portion of the handle. The handle has inner and outer ends. The inner end supports the upper retainer. The outer end is adapted to be manipulated by a user. A spring is provided between the upper portion and the handle. The spring urges the outer end upwardly and the upper retainer downwardly.

A composite construction panel having a thin panel of concrete material and a reinforcing grid of sheet metal studs with embedment portions which are actually embedded into the concrete panel, each of the studs having a web, right angular flange formed on a free edge of the web, an angled edge strip formed along the free edge of the right angular flange, an embedment angled flange portion formed along the opposite edge of the web, an edge strip formed on the angled flange at an angle thereto; and, spaced apart angled flange openings formed in the angled flange for flow of concrete therethrough. An alternate form of stud has a triangular tube structure along one edge of the web. Another form of stud has a discontinuous webs defining spaces between them. In one embodiment two concrete panels may be secured to the studs in spaced relation to create a hollow structure.