Abstract:
An amphibious transport apparatus includes forward and aft ends, a pair of spaced apart pontoons including tracks, and a transversely extending structure, which can include a platform, that spans between the pontoons and connects the pontoons together. The amphibious transport apparatus further includes a sled vessel that can be used to transport materials or personnel. The sled can be releasably attached to the amphibious transport apparatus with tow bar and a pivotal connection. Said tow bar can be rotatable between an upper storage position wherein the tow bar engages the vessel away from said pivotal connection and above a terrain surface, and a lower towing position. A towing position of said amphibious craft and sled can be defined by the sled connected to the amphibious craft at the releasable pivotal connection, with the amphibious craft being self propelled with said tracks for engaging the underlying terrain and with the sled in the lower towing position so that the sled bottom drags along on the underlying terrain during movement of the amphibious transport apparatus and sled. A trailer for loading and unloading the sled can also be provided. The amphibious craft can push the sled onto the trailer during loading.
Abstract:
An amphibious transport apparatus includes forward and aft ends, a pair of spaced apart pontoons including tracks, and a transversely extending structure, which can include a platform, that spans between the pontoons and connects the pontoons together. The amphibious transport apparatus further includes a sled vessel that can be used to transport materials or personnel. The sled can be releasably attached to the amphibious transport apparatus with tow bar and a pivotal connection. Said tow bar can be rotatable between an upper storage position wherein the tow bar engages the vessel away from said pivotal connection and above a terrain surface, and a lower towing position. A towing position of said amphibious craft and sled can be defined by the sled connected to the amphibious craft at the releasable pivotal connection, with the amphibious craft being self propelled with said tracks for engaging the underlying terrain and with the sled in the lower towing position so that the sled bottom drags along on the underlying terrain during movement of the amphibious transport apparatus and sled. A trailer for loading and unloading the sled can also be provided. The amphibious craft can push the sled onto the trailer during loading.
Abstract:
Cell based therapy comprises administration to the lung by injection into the blood system of viable, mammalian cells effective for alleviating or inhibiting pulmonary disorders. The cells may express a therapeutic transgene or the cells may be therapeutic in their own right by inducing regenerative effects.
Abstract:
A method is provided for detecting neural interference between a bone anchor and a neural element during or subsequent to the application of force on the bone anchor to adjust the orientation of one or more vertebral bodies relative to the spinal column. The method includes engaging at least one bone anchor to the vertebral body and applying force to the bone anchor to adjust the positioning or orientation of the vertebral body. A nerve monitoring system provides an electrical signal and is operable to detect a neural element and its proximity to the bone anchor as a function of a characteristic of the electrical signal.
Abstract:
The invention provides a kit and method for the assembly of a stairlift guide rail, the kit comprising a plurality of sections of guide rail wherein the sections have predetermined standard dimensions, wherein the kit preferably includes a plurality of sections of straight guide rail and a plurality of sections of curved guide rail and when fitted together according to the method of the invention, the plurality of sections of guide rail facilitates the construction of a stairlift guide rail assembly and a stairlift assembly, such that an operative is able to complete the full assembly on site.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a passive vehicle suspension system providing optimal camber gain and avoiding the “bump camber” problem. This vehicle suspension system utilizes a conventional sway bar and a kinematic system to rotate the tire(s) of a vehicle in a direction opposite the roll of the vehicle during turning or cornering, for example. The kinematic design allows for adjustability and optimization, providing optimal camber gain. Although an automotive vehicle suspension system is illustrated and described, and, specifically, a racing or everyday automotive vehicle suspension system, the concepts of the present invention are capable of much broader applicability.
Abstract:
A solar concentrator comprises a pair of concentric reflectors having a spindle toroid geometry for focusing the collected solar radiation into a ring-shaped focal area, as opposed to the “point” or “line” focus of prior art configurations. In a preferred embodiment, each reflector is formed of a plurality of curved petals that are disposed in a contiguous, keystone arrangement that requires no additional fixturing to hold the petals in place. Such an arrangement reduces the weight, complexity and cost of the final solar concentrator structure.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for positioning an anchor within a patient during a surgical procedure. The devices are designed to interface with an anchor. The interface facilitates attachment of instruments to an exterior of the anchor. The devices may further be sized for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures where direct visualization and manipulation of the anchor is often impractical. The device may include first and second members that are movable relative to each other. The members include distal ends sized for insertion into a head of an anchor. The device may include a handle operatively connected to one or both members to move the members relative to each other to expand a size of the first member to engage with the head. The engagement is confined with the exterior of the head remaining exposed for attachment of an instrument to the head. One or both members may further be shaped to facilitate attachment of the instrument to the head.
Abstract:
A surgical assembly includes an actuator. A linking member is connected to and extending from the actuator. The linking member includes a series of at least two interconnected inner links that are relatively movable such that the linking member is disposable between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. An arm extends from the actuator and includes a series of relatively moveable outer links that define an axial bore configured for disposal of the linking member. Each outer link defines a first mating surface and a second mating surface disposed in a configuration such that the actuator is engageable to move the linking member from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration to selectively fix the arm in a selected orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.
Abstract:
A container includes a base and a pair of opposed side walls extending upward from the base. The pair of opposed side walls include a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall includes a lip at an upper portion thereof. A first lid is pivotably connected to the first side wall. The first lid can be selectively snap-fit connected to the lip of the first side wall to retain the first lid in an open position.