The invention is directed to a tremolo assembly for a guitar that returns the tremolo to the neutral position after use irrespective of the tension between the strings and the balancing spring and reduces the problems associated with string stretch and maintaining tune and string breakage. The tremolo assembly includes a bridge tension arrangement, a controller arm and controller arm stop, and a controller arm tension arrangement.

The present invention relates to the field of audio recognition, in particular to computer implemented note recognition methods in a gaming application. Furthermore, the present invention relates to improving latency of such audio recognition methods. One of the embodiments of the invention described herein is a method for note recognition of an audio source. The method includes: dividing an audio input into a plurality of frames, each frame having a pre-determined length, conducting a frequency analysis of at least a set of the plurality of frames, based on the frequency analysis, determining if a frame is a transient frame with a frequency change between the beginning and end of the frame, comparing the frequency analysis of each said transient frame to the frequency analysis of an immediately preceding frame and, based on said comparison, determining at least one probable pitch present at the end of each transient frame, and for each transient frame, outputting pitch data indicative of the probable pitch present at the end of the transient frame.

A building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel and a method of assembling the same into a floor, wall cladding, etc. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water resistant material and fanned with a snap-together joint.

A structural element for constructing an auxiliary means for the manufacture of a reinforcement includes at least one coupling point for coupling the structural element to another structural element. The structural element is formed from a basic element. The structural element may further include a holding means for holding a reinforcement rod. A method for constructing an auxiliary means and a method for manufacturing a reinforcement are also provided.

A structural support system with a means for capturing and channeling elements originating from an exterior surface is disclosed. More specifically, the support system not only creates a dry area under a deck but is also a load bearing component of the deck. The support system is multifunctional in that it alleviates the need for traditional joist-dependent construction methods while simultaneously providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure for maintaining a useful, dry area under the deck. Advantageously, embodiments are scalable in that the system comprises a repeatable series of interlocking components operable to be customized to any foreseeable deck footprint or load bearing application.

Embodiments of the invention include insulated units and methods of producing the insulating units. The insulating units include a first surface, a structural seal disposed on at least portions of the first surface, and a second surface disposed on the structural seal. The structural seal includes the reaction product of at least one first isocyanate, at least one isocyanate reactive side, and at least one adhesion promoter including a reaction product of at least one secondary aminoalkoxy silane and at least one second isocyanate.

An apparatus for filling joints in precast concrete structures includes a core that has exceptionally low creep and conforms to ASTM D 1752 made of controlled particle size composites of recycled cellular rubber and plastic materials in the form of a rectangular slab. Holes are drilled through a central area and countersink recesses are formed around the holes. An outer coating of a thermoplastic polyurethane/polyurea elastomer system of a thickness of 0.075 inch covers the slab and countersink recesses. The coated core is abrasion and UV resistant while having the creep characteristics needed to make a dam expansion joint filler.

A resilient seal for mobile living quarters around a slide out room that includes a pair of attaching members extending along the inside and outside surfaces of the main living area wall at an aperture through which the slide out room moves and further includes a connecting member extending between the attaching members and along the edge of the wall defining the aperture. A wiper seal extends from the connecting member to flex against the walls of the slide out room, and the connecting member further includes an accordion pleat for adjusting the distance between the attaching members to thereby accommodate walls of different thicknesses.

Anchor positioning equipment for pre-fabricating panels of reinforced cement mortar (10) that includes a prestressed biaxial reinforcement (9). The panel has some versatile actuator means (6) embedded into the mass of cement mortar (10), that do not project from any of the faces (11) thereof, for handling and/or securing said panel to the structure of a building. The means (6) comprise, on the one hand, means for retaining (13) in the set mortar mass and, panel anchoring means (14). The equipment has a fixed base structure (2) for supporting stable seat elastic arrangements (5), which receive means (6) and, on the other hand, movable frameworks (1) comprising gripping arrangements (3) for gripping means (6). Movable frameworks (1) are responsible for removing means (6) from stable seat elastic arrangements (5).

An elevated building surface assembly including a plurality of surface tiles, a plurality of support pedestals disposed in spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface and having a support plate with a top surface operatively supporting the surface tiles in horizontally spaced-apart relation, and a plurality of elongate restraining members configured to restrict movement of the surface tile(s) in directions away from first and second adjacent support pedestals and/or relative to one or more adjacent surface tiles to advantageously limit movement or displacement of the surface tile(s) that may otherwise occur due to uplift forces (e.g., generated by winds and/or the like).

An adjustable photovoltaic panel mounting system that allows for variations in roofs and roof elements, while still maintaining a rigid and secure assembly. The specific location for supporting feet and structural elements of the mounting system may be varied to allow for variations in roof features and different panel configurations. The mounting mechanisms are adjustable in both a North/South and a East/West direction to provide for maximum layout flexibility.

Disclosed is a mount support structure for readily supporting and fixing a solar cell module to a mount. A module side connector is arranged downside of a lower face of the solar cell module in two places and a hook fixture is arranged upside of a lower face of a flexible frame, a mount side connector is arranged in two places of lengthwise end and intermediate portion of module support frame located below of a parallel pair arranged on a slanted face of the mount, a hook receiving hole is arranged on a back face of the module support frame, and pressing downward the solar cell module, with the hook fixture rotatively latched in the hook receiving hole, allows for output connection and mount fixture by coupling the module side and the mount side connectors, subsequently for fixing the solar cell module to the mount.

A method and device are presented that creates a channel adjacent a nailing flange of a window in between the window and the rough opening that receives the window. The channel is created by establishing a barrier that prevents foam insulation inserted into the space between the window and the rough opening from reaching the nailing flange. The channel then ensures proper drainage of water that enters the window cavity down to the window sill. A gasket is presented that can be attached to the window or the rough opening to create the barrier. Alternatively, a disintegrating object or a wicking object can be used to impede the flow of insulation foam and to create the appropriate channel. The present invention is equally applicable to doors or other framed objects received into the exterior shell of a building.

The utility model discloses a monolithic reinforced concrete piece for the construction of buildings which is characterized for having six columns arrange in a hexagonal distribution, a continuous beam with variable depth supported by the columns making six spans and forming a hexagonal perimeter viewed from top, a corbel fixed along the beam's external face, and a roof which has a hexagonal shape with a circular hole in the center in plan view and cambered in the elevation view which rest on the continuous beam. In use the reinforced concrete hexahedral module can be cast-in-place or pre-cast and transported to its final position on the construction site and used as part of a building defining the space and ambience of said building. This invention has the advantage of being safe, strong and reliable, providing a fast new method of construction for different kinds of buildings.

The present invention provides in one aspect for a bracket for use with insulated forms for concrete walls. The bracket has an attachment plate for overlying the exterior of the insulated form to provide for a means of attaching the header or rim joist to the bracket. The bracket is provided an anchoring plate extending from the attaching plate for insertion into the interior of the insulated form. The present invention also provides for a method of attaching a header or rim joist to a concrete wall formed using insulated forms. The method involves cutting a vertical slot in the insulated form and inserting a bracket into the slot. The bracket has an attachment plate for overlying the exterior surface of the insulated form and an anchoring plate extending from the attachment plate through the slot into the interior of the insulated form. Concrete is poured into the form and allowed to set, after which the header or rim joist is attached to the brackets.

A prefabricated wall panel includes molds for casting reinforced concrete (RC) elements. The prefabricated wall panel includes foam boards, foam glass panels fixed to the foam boards, fabric mesh fixed to the foam glass panels, wire mesh fixed to the fabric mesh, and an exterior wall finish fixed to the wire mesh. Spaces defined by the foam boards and the foam glass panels form the molds for casting RC columns and beams.

In an embodiment, an interchangeable corner hanger to ornament framing protruding corner structures is provided. The interchangeable corner hanger includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The horizontal portion is designed to rest on an exposed edge of a corner structure, and the vertical portion is designed to hang over the corner of the corner structure and rest against a wall upon which the trim is attached. The vertical portion has a length sufficient to stabilize the corner hanger without the use of other adhesives or attachments. In an embodiment, the vertical portion is configured to allow one or more interlocking elements to be suspended from the vertical portion. For example, the vertical portion may include an interlocking pattern configured to accept a complimentary interlocking pattern on an interlocking element. Further interlocking elements may be attached to the interlocking element.

A unitary safety surface tile is provided. The tile may interlock with at least one other tile. The tiles may be configured for disposing on a base of loose fill and for receiving a covering of loose fill. The tiles may include a plurality of hollow inverted pyramidal shaped pockets. Each of the pockets may connect to at least two other pockets along a top edge of each pocket. Each of the pockets may engage the base of loose fill and/or receive the covering of loose fill. Each of the pockets may include one or more apertures for allowing passage of fluid through each of the pockets. Each tile may further include a plurality of edges. The edges may border the plurality of pockets. Each of at least two of said plurality of edges may be adapted for engaging at least one edge of at least one other tile.

The invention relates to a prefabricated construction element (1) having a permanent form, such as a longitudinal beam or a panel, consisting of two parallel plates that are formed, through molding and spaced apart from each other, from a hydraulic mixture such as concrete and from a built-in metal reinforcement, said plates being separated by an insulating block and connected together by transverse spacers (not shown), characterized in that said construction element (1) comprises consecutive prepositioning and bottom (6, 7) and/or top (8, 9) linking means, said bottom means (6, 7) consisting of a metal male connector (6) secured to the metal reinforcement of a first element (1) and arranged at the end of the bottom portion of said first element, and a metal female connector (7) secured to said metal reinforcement of a consecutive second element and arranged at the end of the bottom portion of said second element, the relative positioning of the male connector (6) and female connector (7) being such that said connectors can be connected together when the two consecutive elements (1) are assembled.

A suspended ceiling system for a building structure includes a plurality of parallel struts for supporting a plurality of parallel vanes suspended from the struts in perpendicular relationship thereto. The vanes can be suspended in downwardly spaced relationship to the struts or in contiguous relationship therewith and occur in different forms including illuminated vanes, adjustable vanes and the like.

A corner block has spaced-apart front and rear sections interconnected by two spaced-apart side sections that jointly define an internal cavity. Upper protrusions are provided on the top face of the block, and inner protrusions are provided inside the cavity at the bottom of the block. The upper and inner protrusions are configured and arranged relative to one another so that when two corner blocks are stacked one atop another with one block rotated 90° relative to the other, the upper protrusions of the lower block interlock with the inner protrusions of the upper block to interlock the two blocks. The corner blocks are constructed in two variants, a corner block A and a corner block B, which are mirror images of each other. The corner blocks A and B are alternately stacked upon one another to construct a 90° corner of a segmental wall structure.

Trusses comprising natural round timbers as top and bottom cords are provided. Also provided are truss and column assemblies comprising natural branched round timber columns connected to a truss.

A dovetail anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a sheetmetal dovetail anchor and one-piece sheetmetal dovetail veneer tie. The anchoring system is used in conjunction with building structures that have a masonry outer wythe anchored to a poured masonry inner wythe. A thermally-isolating coating is optionally applied to the high-strength veneer tie, which is interconnected with the wall anchor. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated veneer ties provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

Thermally-isolating wall anchors and reinforcement devices and anchoring systems employing the same are disclosed for use in masonry cavity walls. A thermally-isolating coating is applied to the wall anchor, which is interconnected with a wire formative veneer tie. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated wall anchors provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

A pole splint, generally for use with a broken wooden utility pole, which can provide for a strong repair at a pole breakpoint and which uses relatively little manpower and equipment to install, even under difficult conditions. The splint generally comprises two panels which are designed to be interconnected with elongated connectors. The connectors will generally interact with one of the panels through the use of a nut and washer, and may connect with the other panel through a nut and washer or via a chain formed of chain links.

An incremental forming machine binder is provided that has a blank holding opening that may be subdivided into smaller blank holding openings. The opening is subdivided by one or more clamping modules that are connected by connecting modules to each other and the frame. Clamps are attached to the clamping modules to clamp blanks in the blank holding openings. Multiple blanks may be secured to the binder for incremental forming.

A retractable roof structure for crop protection includes pitched sections of roof defined by a retractable membrane. The membrane is moved by cables connected to a drive tube with a spring to regulate minimum tension of the cable. The drive system ensures that the membrane adjacent to the drive tube is able to travel the same distance as the second membrane from the drive tube. The rafter contains profiles to allow the stationary end of said membrane to be attached continuously to the rafters to provide a water tight connection. The rafter also contains clips which inhibit vertical, lateral and horizontal movement of the guide wires used to suspend the membrane. The guide wires are supported by flexible cables or nodes. A secondary clear membrane is installed below a white upper retractable membrane.

A breathable gas inlet control device permits flow regulation at the inlet of a flow generator for a respiratory treatment apparatus such as a ventilator or continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may implement a variable inlet aperture size based on flow conditions. In one embodiment, an inlet flow seal opens or closes the inlet to a blower in accordance with changes in pressure within a seal activation chamber near the seal. The seal may be formed by a flexible membrane. A controller selectively changes the pressure of the seal activation chamber by controlling a set of one or more flow control valves to selectively stop forward flow, prevent back flow or lock open the seal to permit either back flow or forward flow. The controller may set the flow control valves as a function of detected respiratory conditions based on data from pressure and/or flow sensors.

A system and method are presented that electrically stimulates the phrenic nerve whereby said stimulation results in muscle activation of the diaphragm as observed by a measurement of work or power of breathing associated with the inspiratory portion of a stimulated breath.

A method of forming oral orthotic systems includes providing an upper dental member adapted to be placed in connection with upper dentition of the patient, providing a lower dental member adapted to be placed in connection with lower dentition of the patient and providing a plurality of posterior mounting structures. Each of the posterior mounting structure is configured to be attached to one of the upper dental member or the lower dental member at a posterior, buccal position thereon. Force may be applied to the mandible of the patient via at least one of a plurality of different types mechanisms via attachment of a component of a selected type mechanism to at least one of the posterior mounting structures.

The present disclosure relates to a dose indicator comprising, a chassis comprising a 42 chassis frame and a displacement portion, an indexable first display unit, mountable on the chassis, the first display unit being indexable about a first display axis, the indexable first display unit comprising a plurality of indexing teeth, a first display non-return arm, and a drive pawl connected at its proximal part to the displacement portion, the drive pawl comprising a socket at its distal part, the socket being adapted to engage an indexing tooth of the first display unit during indexing. The disclosure further relates to an actuator for an inhaler, wherein the actuator comprises a dose indicator as described above. The present disclosure is also directed to an inhaler comprising such actuator.

A positive exhalation pressure device (1) is described. The device (1) comprises a housing (2) having an annular chamber (5), a chamber inlet (6) configured to permit air into the chamber, a chamber outlet (7) configured to permit air out of the chamber, and a mouthpiece (8) in fluid communication with the chamber inlet. A movable body such as a ball (3) is disposed in the housing within the annular chamber and configured to revolve around the annular chamber in response to flow of air through the chamber from the chamber inlet to the chamber outlet. The movable body is configured to at least partially block the chamber outlet as it revolves around the annular chamber causing cyclical fluctuations in airflow resistance.

In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method of guiding transitions between therapy modes in connection with the treatment and/or diagnosis of a patient for a respiratory disorder is/are provided. Respiratory disorder treatment according to a first therapy mode is provided. Input indicating a second therapy mode to be transitioned to following provision of the first therapy mode is received, with the second therapy mode being different from the first therapy mode. At least one default treatment parameter suitable for the second therapy mode is assigned or calculated. Each default treatment parameter of the second therapy mode is presented, with each default treatment parameter being adjustable by an operator during the presenting. Transitioning from the first therapy mode to the second therapy mode is performed by providing respiratory disorder treatment in accordance with the second therapy mode and each default treatment parameter and any adjustments made thereto prior to the transitioning. Advantageously, the chances of a patient being disturbed by transitioning from mode-to-mode are reduced.

Provided herein are fire safety face masks and systems comprising the same for displacing excessive oxygen away from a surgical area. The face mask comprises a body portion, an exhalation conduit fluidly connected to the body portion and an in-flow tubing in a fluidly connecting relationship with the body portion. The fire safety face mask may further comprise a gas sampling port disposed on the body portion to facilitate monitoring of inspired and exhaled gases via a multi-gas analyzer. Also provided are methods for preventing fires in an operating theater during a surgical procedure utilizing the fire safety masks and systems disclosed herein.

A patient tube securement apparatus is disclosed that may be used for oral or nasal intubation of a patient. The apparatus may comprise an endotracheal tube securement apparatus for securing an endotracheal tube to a patient, the apparatus comprising a dermal patch arranged to be positioned on the skin of the patient, and at least one tube holder on the dermal patch.The apparatus may comprise a patient tube securement apparatus for securing a patient tube to a patient, the apparatus comprising a dermal patch arranged to be positioned on the skin of the patient, and at least one tube holder on the dermal patch.Examples are provided in which the tube holder is adjustably mounted on the dermal patch such that the position of the tube holder on the dermal patch can be adjusted without removing the dermal patch from the skin of the patient.

A system provides warm, humidified gas to a patient via a patient interface. Horizontal connections can be used between the humidification chamber and conduit. To reduce the likelihood of condensate flowing back to the humidification chamber, or dead space or gases recirculation regions occurring within the gases flow path, a raised portion is positioned inside of the flow path to improve flow characteristics and to provide a barrier for condensate back flow. The raised portion also reduces the amount of condensate that is formed in the system and provides better flow characteristics for sensing purposes.

The present invention provides an inhalation device for controlled delivery of medicament to the lungs of the user. The inhalation device comprises an elongated housing enclosing a mouthpiece/nasal-piece in fluid communication to a narrow cylindrical tube, the narrow cylindrical tube having diameter substantially similar to the lumen diameter of human bronchi. The other end of narrow cylindrical tube is fluidly connected to a reservoir containing the medicament suspended or dissolved in the propellant. The flow of propellant from reservoir to the narrow cylindrical tube is regulated by a one-way valve, which could be electrical/electronic or a mechanical valve. The invention is advantageous by providing positive airway pressure to keep the constricted air passages of the user open, which is combined, with laminar flow of medicament suspended/dissolved in the propellant, thus, resulting in efficient deposition of medicament to the target tissues of the lungs.

Conventional gas mask seals or gaskets are merely rubber flaps integral to and extending from the main body or shell of a gas mask that are conformed to the face of a wearer by tightening straps. The described gas masks comprise a separate gas mask seal and a gas mask shell. Some of the gas mask seals are individualized or customized to more tightly fit and conform to the face of the individual wearer and to provide greater comfort and protection. The gas mask seals may be made from three-dimensional image files developed directly from the wearer's facial features.

A method for manufacturing an impregnated filter material includes preparing at least one impregnating solution comprising sulphate and phosphate; providing a filter material; and impregnating the filter material with at least one impregnating solution, at least once. In this manner, it is possible to manufacture an impregnated filter material for the removal of noxious substances and/or toxins, which includes sulphate and phosphate. The noxious substances and/or toxins can thereby be present in the form of gases and/or vapours.

An example method for detecting respiratory disturbances experienced by a subject can include receiving an airflow signal and at least one of an acoustic or vibration signal, where the airflow, acoustic, and/or vibration signals are associated with the subjects breathing. At least one feature can be extracted from the airflow signal and at least one feature can be extracted from at least one of the acoustic or vibration signal. Based on the extracted features, at least one respiratory disturbance can be detected. The respiratory disturbance can be flow limited breath or inspiratory flow limitation (“IFL”).

Certain embodiments are directed to a specimen retrieval device having a high friction inner lining for reducing specimen deformation during removal. Certain embodiments are directed to a device that facilitates isolation and removal of specimens during minimally invasive surgery. In certain aspects the device is configured to disperse pulling tension over a larger area reducing the likelihood of specimen tearing during removal. The device enables quicker removal through a smaller hole or opening in the body wall.

Systems and methods for effecting posture of a subject who is to be positioned on a support surface having an inclinable portion such that the subject's thorax is inclinable relative to the subject's legs, are provided. An example system includes a detachedly coupleable thoracic harness having at least an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface being contoured to fit over shoulders of the subject. The outer surface having a fastening surface that releasable attaches to a corresponding fastening surface disposed on the inclinable portion of the support surface.

A smart oronasal mask for a positive-airway-pressure device includes a mask body and a temperature sensor. The mask body has an air inlet and an air outlet. The temperature sensor is deposited in the mask body and located between the air inlet and the air outlet for sensing a temperature of a mixture formed by gas entering the mask body through the air inlet of the mask body and gas entering the mask body through the air outlet of the mask body. Then the positive airway pressure device adjusts air feed according to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor in a real-time manner, so as to help keep a patient's respiratory tract clear.

A mask with cushion that has an outer film is disclosed. The film may be self-skinning or a film formed about or glued to the cushion body. In another form the cushion may be formed with at least a portion having a plurality of adjacent voids having honeycomb-like structure.

A respiratory mask or other sealing interface can be used in combination with a nasal cannula or other unsealing interface in providing respiratory therapies for the treatment of COPD or OSA. The mask can act as a pressure vessel over the top of a nasal cannula, with the intention of increasing expiratory pressure whilst allowing the nasal cannula to provide a user with breathing gases of a high humidity and temperature. The ability to selectively apply increased expiratory pressure may be effective in reducing a user's breathing rate and thus beneficial in the treatment of respiratory distress.

Several embodiments of straps and headgear assemblies are described. Some of the embodiments provide straps that can had varied elasticity over the length of the straps. Some of the embodiments provide adjustment mechanisms that facilitate customization of headgear to a user.

A patient monitoring system is configured to monitor oxygen saturation and/or oxygenation of a patient's blood. The system is configured to re-oxygenate the patient in response to a determination that the patient's oxygen saturation and/or oxygenation has fallen below a threshold (e.g., if the patient is experiencing hypoxemia). A re-oxygenation routine may include an initial step of rapidly oxygenating the patient, followed by a reduction of oxygenation to make the oxygenation process more gradual. For instance, after the initial step of rapid oxygenation, the patient may be oxygenated with oxygen at an atmospheric level. The system may dynamically adjust the ratio of delivered oxygen versus delivered air, the duration of oxygenation, and the incidence of oxygenation. The system may also adjust the automated delivery of one or more drugs to the patient based on the patient's condition and/or the state of re-oxygenation.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described that indicate an amount at which various gas flow rates should be manually adjusted in order to achieve targeted total flow rates and concentration levels.

A device comprising: a receive antenna configured to receive a first radio-frequency (RF) signal having a first center frequency; a first transmit antenna configured to transmit a second RF signal having a second center frequency that is a harmonic of the first center frequency; a second transmit antenna configured to transmit a third RF signal having a third center frequency that is a harmonic of the first center frequency and is different from the second center frequency; first circuitry, coupled to the receive antenna and to the first transmit antenna, configured to generate the second RF signal using the first RF signal and provide it to the first transmit antenna for transmission; and second circuitry, coupled to the receive antenna and to the second transmit antenna, configured to generate the third RF signal using the first RF signal and provide it to the second transmit antenna for transmission.

A device comprising: a substrate; a transmit antenna fabricated on the substrate and configured to transmit radio-frequency (RF) signals; a receive antenna fabricated on the substrate and configured to receive RF signals; and circuitry, disposed on the substrate and differentially coupled to the transmit and receive antennas, and configured to provide to the transmit antenna RF signals to be transmitted by the transmit antenna and to process RF signals received by the receive antenna, wherein the substrate comprises material for reducing harmonic coupling between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna.