71 results about "Minimal contact" patented technology

An acoustic coupler adapted for use with an intracanal receiver module can be deeply inserted into the ear canal of the user while making minimal contact with the walls of the ear canal. The minimal contact feature of the invention allows the acoustic coupler to seal the ear canal acoustically and anchor a hearing device at an optimal depth within the ear canal, while maximizing the user's comfort. The acoustic coupler is manufactured from a soft, pliable elastomer that allows it to conform readily to the shape of the ear canal. The acoustic coupler incorporates structural supports that allow the coupler to maintain an acoustical seal and withstand the inward pressure of the ear canal wall while making minimal contact with the ear canal. The invention incorporates a cerumen-protecting feature that prevents damage to a hearing device from infiltration of earwax into the sound port of the receiver. A vent pathway for control of occlusion effects is also provided. A user-friendly, attachment mechanism incorporating a snap-on, twist-off feature allows the acoustic coupler to concentrically surround the receiver module within the ear canal in a space-efficient manner.

An apparatus, system, and method for the measurement, aggregation and analysis of data collected using non-contact or minimally-contacting sensors provides quality of life parameters for individual subjects, particularly in the context of a controlled trial of interventions on human subjects (e.g., a clinical trial of a drug, or an evaluation of a consumer item such as a fragrance). In particular, non-contact or minimal-contact measurement of quality-of-life parameters such as sleep, stress, relaxation, drowsiness, temperature and emotional state of humans may be evaluated, together with automated sampling, storage, and transmission to a remote data analysis center. One component of the system is that the objective data is measured with as little disruption as possible to the normal behavior of the subject. The system can also support behavioral and pharmaceutical interventions aimed at improving quality of life.

A method and apparatus for applying a specified compressive force by a heat dissipation device for an integrated circuit are given, including placing the integrated circuit device onto a printed circuit board and then placing the heat dissipation device onto the integrated circuit device. The method includes tightening an actuation screw in a spring plate against a portion of the heat dissipation device. The actuation screw may be prevented from being tightened beyond a mechanical constraint corresponding to a pre-set calibration for the specific compressive force, which may be greater than or equal to a minimum compressive force corresponding to the greater of a minimum thermal interface pressure and a minimum contact interface pressure. Additionally, the specific compressive force may be less than or equal to a maximum pressure which may be exerted on the integrated circuit device.

A support assembly for a stent and a method of using the same to coat a stent are provided. The support assembly provides for minimum contact between the stent and the support assembly so as to reduce or eliminate coating defects.

A carrying bag accessory featuring a mat that is externally affixed to a bag or any variant bag designs such as a gym bag, duffle bag, rucksack, backpack, etc., and conveniently stored in a folded configuration when not in use and deployed in an unfolded configuration adjacent to the bag when in use to provide a flat clean surface upon which a user can rest or place items on. The mat is comprised of a multiplicity of rigid or semi-rigid hinged panels carefully configured to fold in such a manner as to preserve the cleanliness of surfaces that come into contact with the user. The mat is retained in a folded configuration by means of magnetic or other types of fasteners allowing the deployment and storage of the mat by the user with minimal contact and effort.

An apparatus and method for reproducibly interfacing a living tissue sample to the measurement probe of a spectrometer instrument in-situ minimizes spectral interference related to sampling variations. A minimal contact subject interface includes supports replaceably mounted on a base. An optical coupling means, such as a fiber optic probe, contacts the measurement site through a probe aperture in the base. During use, a subject rests an extremity on the support elements, so that the extremity is reproducibly positioned and supported in relation to the optical coupling means. The supports have a small contact area, minimizing contact with the skin at the measurement site. The interface module is adjustable to fit any subject.

By reproducibly positioning and supporting the body appendage using minimal contact supports, spectral interference due to variations in placement, applied pressure, and temperature transients secondary to contact with the interface module are greatly minimized.

A urine absorbent pouch for male incontinence which completely surrounds the patient's penis, thereby minimizing the patient's exposure to wetness, is provided. The pouch is constructed from a piece of material which has a hole portion and a continuous portion, the hole portion containing a hole which is adapted to receive a patient's penis. A plurality of sealing means are located along the edges of the hole portion so when the sealing means are sealed onto the continuous portion, there is minimal contact between the sealing means and the patient. Additionally, a urine absorbent pouch for male incontinence can be created from a commercially available baby diaper by cutting a hole in the diaper and attaching additional sealing means to the portion of the diaper with the hole.

The present invention relates to a ligature for single-reed wind instruments that comprises a main multidirectional pivot system allowing the reed to vibrate freely while providing all possibilities of clamping force both to minimal contact and to extreme fit, and which adapts to table angle thereby optimizing the relationship between fitting and sound quality.

A process kit cover for chemical vapor deposition processes is disclosed according to one embodiment of the invention. The process kit cover may include a protrusion from the top surface of the process kit cover. The protrusion is adjacent to a wafer facing surface. The protrusion decreases oxide buildup on the process kit cover and the wafer facing surface during repeated deposition processes. The process kit cover may also be in minimal thermal contact at the interface with a lower support structure, such as a ceramic collar or pedestal, according to another embodiment of the invention. Minimal thermal contact may be achieved by placing an insulator between the process kit cover and the lower support structure or by creating a gap or gaps between the process kit cover and the lower support structure. Ambient atmosphere may provide thermal insulating within the gap or gaps.

A check valve is provided which may be integrated into a scroll compressor that prevents static cohesion sticking forces between a valve disc member and a retainer member of the check valve housing. Such static cohesion sticking forces may be particularly generated due to oil mist generation in such scroll compressors which create a thin lubricant film between the valve disc and the stop plate of the check valve housing, creating suction type static cohesion when dislodgment of the valve disc away from the stop plate is attempted. A relief region is created between the retainer and the valve disc creating a minimal contact surface area that greatly reduces and/or eliminates such static cohesion sticking forces. For example, the valve disc may be dished to have a concave surface that faces the retainer element provided by the stop plate.

An exemplary embodiment of a power cord arranging device for equipment using a power cord comprises a grip unit for grasping a power cord, and a handle rotatably connected to the grip unit. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user can safely and conveniently arrange the power cord with minimal contact with the cord, thus eliminating contact with impurities on the cord and friction burns from the cord.