A top case assembly for a portable computer is disclosed. The assembly may include an integral unified (e.g., homogenous) top case formed from a single part. The integral top case provides an enclosure, frame and cosmetic exterior of the portable computer. The integral top case also serves as the primary structure of the portable computer. The assembly may include a variety of subassemblies such as keyboards, touchpads, circuit boards, and drives that are carried by the underside of the integral top case. The integral top case may be formed from aluminum slab that has been machined to form walls, openings, attachment areas and cosmetic areas of the top case.

Disclosed is a method of making a composite light diffusing panel, comprising providing a first glass lite with a light transmissive fabric layer applied to surface thereof; applying a primary sealant to the surface of the first glass lite using an edge referencing method to meet horizontal dimensional requirements; mounting a spacer to the primary sealant on the surface of the first glass lite to form a first subassembly; applying a primary sealant to the surface of a second glass lite also using an edge referencing method to form a second subassembly; and topping the second subassembly atop the first subassembly to form an assembled composite light diffusing panel. Also disclosed is a flipping apparatus that can be used in the method.

An article is provided and includes a first ballistic particle impenetrable material, which is formable into a pack and a second material, which is formable into an enclosure for the pack, the enclosure having an interior facing surface in abutment with a substantial entirety of an exterior of the pack.

There is disclosed a member for sealing, baffling and/or reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a carrier, an expandable material and at least one fastener.

In one aspect, the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a low cost medical device such as an endoscope intended for a single use. In one embodiment, the articulation joint comprises a plurality of interconnected segments. In another embodiment, the articulation joint comprises an elongated tubular body. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.

A method of tracking injections includes depressing a plunger of a medication injection device, and sending and receiving ultrasonic signals from a plunger head installed within a barrel of the medical injection device. The method also includes measuring a time of flight for the signals to travel through the medication, and determining a position of the plunger head based on the time of flight of the signals. Additionally, a plurality of data samples representative of the position of the plunger are logged, and a distance the plunger head travels is calculated. This is used to calculate the quantity of the medication dispensed based on the distance the plunger head travels. An external device is then used to back-interpolate a time corresponding to each data sample logged in order to determine the time the quantity of medication was dispensed.

Soft pneumatic actuators based on composites consisting of elastomers with embedded sheet or fiber structures (e.g., paper or fabric) that are flexible but not extensible are described. On pneumatic inflation, these actuators move anisotropically, based on the motions accessible by their composite structures. They are inexpensive, simple to fabricate, light in weight, and easy to actuate. This class of structure is versatile: the same principles of design lead to actuators that respond to pressurization with a wide range of motions (bending, extension, contraction, twisting, and others). Paper, when used to introduce anisotropy into elastomers, can be readily folded into three-dimensional structures following the principles of origami; these folded structures increase the stiffness and anisotropy of the elastomeric actuators, while keeping them light in weight.

A method and apparatus is provided for adjusting a latch. An apparatus comprises a latch body, a first member, and a second member associated with the latch body. A receiving area extends through at least a portion of the latch body. The first member is configured to be at least partially received within the receiving area of the latch body. The first member has a first coupling element. The second member has a second coupling element. Movement of the first member along an axis through the receiving area changes a distance between the first coupling element and the second coupling element.

Described is a supporting base (1) for medical instruments (2), comprising a supporting layer (3) having a relative visible front surface (4) and a relative rear surface (5) opposite the visible surface (4); The supporting layer (3) also has a plurality of holes (6) extending from the front surface (4) towards the rear surface (5); More specifically, the supporting layer has a gripping portion (9) positioned on the rear surface (5) and irreversibly joined to the supporting layer (3) to form a single body with said supporting layer (3). The supporting base (1) has at least one opening (17) for inserting, in use, a medical instrument (2), positioned at each hole (6) and extending from the front surface (4) towards the rear surface (5) and through the gripping portion (9).

A channel drain with a water stop is adapted for handling pool water in a swimming pool having a plastered surface. The channel drain, preferably a sump drain includes an elongated channel having a drain port and an opening for receiving pool water. A water stop abutting and substantially encircling the opening is formed into a trough for retaining and collecting the pool water. The drain is configured for installation in a pool with the water stop buried in the plastered surface, such that pool water seeping between the opening and the plaster is trapped by the trough, preventing the pool water from intruding beyond the plastered surface.