Showing papers on "Collar published in 2010"

Collar options to manage revenue risks in real toll public‐private partnership transportation projects

Abstract: The revenue risk is of great importance to ensure the success of a real toll public–private partnership (PPP) transportation project. Past research has proposed a revenue guarantee put option as an alternative way to quantify and potentially manage this risk. A practical, or commercial, limitation of this type of option is its requirement for an upfront premium payment, and a concessionaire is likely to shy away from additional monetary requirements. A collar option, which is a combination of a put and call option, not only overcomes this barrier but it also provides other benefits. Modifications to the basic collar’s structure can redistribute downside losses and upside profits to fulfil stakeholders’ needs and thus improve the effectiveness of risk management. The terms, applicability and limitations of a collar option are discussed, and a numerical example is developed to illustrate how to determine the strike prices of a collar option.

Practical neck cooling and time-trial running performance in a hot environment

Abstract: The aim of this two-part experiment was to investigate the effect of cooling the neck on time-trial performance in hot conditions (~30°C; 50% RH). In Study A, nine participants completed a 75-min submaximal (~60% V(O₂(max)) pre-load phase followed by a 15-min self-paced time-trial (TT) on three occasions: one with a cooling collar (CC(90)), one without a collar (NC(90)) and one with the collar uncooled (C(90)). In Study B, eight participants completed a 15-min TT twice: once with (CC(15)) and once without (NC(15)) a cooling collar. Time-trial performance was significantly improved in Study A in CC(90) (3,030 ± 485 m) compared to C(90) (2,741 ± 537 m; P = 0.008) and NC(90) (2,884 ± 571 m; P = 0.041). Fifteen-minute TT performance was unaffected by the collar in Study B (CC(15) = 3,239 ± 267 m; NC(15) = 3,180 ± 271 m; P = 0.351). The collar had no effect on rectal temperature, heart rate or RPE. There was no effect of cooling the neck on S100β, cortisol, prolactin, adrenaline, noradrenaline or dopamine concentrations in Study A. Cooling the neck via a cooling collar can improve exercise performance in a hot environment but it appears that there may be a thermal strain threshold which must be breached to gain a performance benefit from the collar.

Faceted nasal seal

Abstract: A nozzle for a nasal rinse device includes a collar that forms a conduit. The collar is configured to attach the nozzle to the nasal rinse device. An outlet aperture defined by the collar is on a top portion of the nozzle. The nozzle also includes a skirt extending outwards and downwards from the collar, and an outer surface of the skirt is faceted.

Support collar for long articles, in particular cables, pipes, and/or the like

Abstract: A support collar (1) for long articles (10), in particular cables, pipes and/or the like, comprises a sheet-like structure (2) provided with: a flat top end portion (4), having an opening (5); two side portions (6) perpendicular to the top end portion (4) and each having a respective engaging element (7) for engaging the support collar (1) on a support plate (8) or on a top end portion (4) of another support collar (1). The side portions (6) and the top end portion (4) delimit an area (9) for partially housing an article (10) to be supported. The collar (1) also comprises retaining means (11) for keeping the long article (10) stably joined to the sheet-like structure (2). The retaining means (11) comprise at least one retaining clip (12) provided with two gripping arms (13) which extend inside the housing area (9). The gripping arms (13) can be elastically splayed so as to engage with the long article (10) and retain the latter inside the housing area (9). The gripping arms (13) press elastically the article (10) in directions transverse to the longitudinal extension thereof.

Application of Riprap and Collar to Prevent Scouring around Rectangular Bridge Piers

Abstract: Various methods to control scour around bridge piers have been proposed, including application of riprap and installing a collar around piers. In the present study application of riprap alone and a combination of riprap and collar were examined experimentally for scour control around rectangular bridge piers. Piers aligned with the flow and skewed at 5, 10, and 20° to the flow were tested. Piers with three different aspect ratios equal to 1:3, 1:5, and 1:7 were used in this study. A collar three times wider than the piers’ width was installed around the piers at the streambed level. All experiments were conducted at the threshold of motion of the bed material. The size and extent of stable riprap stones for prevention of scouring around the piers was found by experiment with and without the collar. A method previously given for calculating stable riprap size around circular piers is extended for rectangular piers with different aspect ratios and skew angles with and without collar protection. The extent o...

Axially compliant microelectronic contactor

Abstract: One embodiment is an axially compliant electrical contactor for interconnecting microelectronic devices, the contactor including: an insulative sleeve having a hole therethrough; and a metal tube having a cylindrical wall being slidably disposed in the hole; wherein: (a) two or more elongated slots through the cylindrical wall extend from a first circumferential collar of the tube to a second circumferential collar of the tube; (b) the two or more slots form two or more elongated resilient legs connecting the first collar and the second collar; and (c) a portion of each elongated leg is disposed in the hole.

Portable baby bottle blender

Abstract: A portable baby bottle blender includes a baby bottle having a top collar with external threads and a bottom collar with external threads. A top cap has a central aperture. The top cap is internally threaded to be removable threaded onto the top collar of the baby bottle and holds a feeding nipple extending through the central aperture of the top cap onto the top collar. A sealing O-ring fits onto the bottom collar of the baby bottle. A bottom cap has a rim internally threaded. An agitating unit is centrally retained within the bottom cap. When the rim of the bottom cap is removably threaded onto the bottom collar of the baby bottle and against the sealing O-ring, the agitating unit extends into the bottom collar of the baby bottle. A base member has a top recess to receive the bottom cap on the baby bottle therein. A spur-crown gear coupling is for operating the agitating unit, so that the mixing blade assembly mixes formula within water placed through the top collar of the baby bottle.

Soft and Rigid Collars Provide Similar Restriction in Cervical Range of Motion During Fifteen Activities of Daily Living

Abstract: Study design Prospective cohort study. Objective To evaluate the relative efficacies of soft and rigid collars for restricting both the full, active and functional ranges of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine during 15 activities of daily living (ADLs). Summary of background data Cervical collars are frequently used for the purpose of limiting cervical motion after surgical procedures or as a treatment for certain injuries. Rigid collars are generally believed to reduce cervical motion to a greater extent than soft collars but the latter are often preferred by patients because of their greater comfort. Although there are some data to suggest that soft collars restrict full, active ROM (i.e., the extremes of motion) to a lesser degree than rigid braces, there are currently no comparative studies that have assessed the effects of these 2 types of cervical collars on the functional ROM that is required to perform multiple ADLs. Methods In this investigation, a previously validated electrogoniometer device was used to quantify both the full, active ROM of 10 subjects as well as the functional ROM they exhibited during a series of 15 ADLs. For each individual, these ROM measurements were repeated after the application of both a soft collar and a rigid orthosis. Results The soft collar limited flexion/extension, lateral bending, and rotation by 27.1%+/-9.9% (mean+/-standard deviation), 26.1%+/-4.8%, and 29.3%+/-10.3%, respectively. The corresponding reductions in ROM with a rigid collar were 53.7%+/-7.2%, 34.9%+/-6%, and 59.2%+/-5.3%, respectively. The rigid collar resulted in significantly lower full, active ROM in both the sagittal and axial planes but not in the lateral bending plane. Compared with the soft collar, the rigid collar afforded no difference in motion during 13 of the 15 simulated ADLs. Greater motion was only noted with backing up a car and sitting from a standing position. Conclusion Although subjects exhibited less full, active ROM of the cervical spine when immobilized in a rigid collar than when they were placed in a soft collar, the motion recorded during various functional tasks was not significantly different for nearly all of the ADLs in this study, regardless of which cervical device was applied. One potential explanation for this finding is that both collars may serve as proprioceptive guides, which allow patients to regulate their own cervical motion based on their level of comfort. Given the paucity of data supporting the use of postoperative bracing, especially after procedures which incorporate internal fixation, this study indicates that a rigid orthosis may be unnecessary in many cases because even a soft collar seems to be sufficient for restricting motion during routine activities until the normal, physiologic ROM of the cervical spine has been restored.

Evaluation of collars and microchips for visual and permanent identification of pet cats.

Abstract: Objective—To determine the percentage of pet cats still wearing collars and having functional microchips 6 months after application. Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial. Animals—538 client-owned cats. Procedures—Cats were randomly assigned to wear 1 of 3 types of collars: plastic buckle, breakaway plastic buckle safety, and elastic stretch safety. Each cat was fitted with the assigned collar, and a microchip was inserted SC between the scapulae. Owners completed questionnaires about their experiences and expectations of collars at enrollment and at the conclusion of the study. Results—391 of the 538 (72.7%) cats successfully wore their collars for the entire 6-month study period. Owners' initial expectations of the cats' tolerance of the collar and the number of times the collar was reapplied on the cats' necks were the most important factors predicting success. Type of collar likely influenced how often collars needed to be reapplied. Eighteen (3.3%) cats caught a forelimb in their collar or caug...

Radial-shape wireless dog fence system and method

Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Through improved filtering of consecutive distance measurement values taken between the base unit and the collar, errant measurement values are discounted in terms of their contribution to the current estimate of the dog's distance from the base unit. These filtering techniques, in combination with improved signal strength and antenna diversity in the communication between the base unit and the collar, improve the accuracy and consistency with which the dog's distance from the base unit is tracked so that unwanted corrections are not administered to the dog.

Robust manual connector for robotic arm end effector

Abstract: The present invention is an assembly for releasably connecting an end effector in the form of a robotic tool or component to a robotic arm. The connection is manually operated and formed of a first and second joint member including a cylindrical body, a locking collar, and a locking wall extending from the cylindrical body. The locking collar is coaxially aligned with and rotatably connected to the first joint member. The second joint member has a cylindrical mating body and a coupler, and engages the first joint member. The coupler also includes key pins, the pins being engageable in keyed relationship with the locking wall, the coupler and locking collar further includes intervening circumferentially spaced teeth, wherein the collar is rotatable to releasably engage the first joint member with the second joint member.

Influence of implant collar design on stress and strain distribution in the crestal compact bone: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

Abstract: PURPOSE To evaluate the influence of implant collar geometry on the distribution of stress and strain in the crestal compact bone contiguous to an implant collar for four types of bone under axial and oblique loads. MATERIALS AND METHODS Finite element models of threaded implants with three kinds of implant collar designs (divergent, straight, and convergent) with their corresponding suprastructures embedded in the posterior mandible were created with ANSYS software. Eight different test conditions incorporating four types of bone (orthotropic and effectively isotropic in part 1 and high and low densities in part 2) under separate 100-N axial and 35.6-degree oblique forces were created to investigate the stress and strain distributions in the crestal compact bone around the implant collars. RESULTS In all eight conditions, the divergent collar demonstrated the lowest maximum von Mises and principal stresses and strains in the crestal compact bone contiguous to the implant collar, followed by the straight and convergent collars. The oblique load induced higher peak values than the axial load. The orthotropic design amplified and increased the pathologic microstrains and tensile stresses in the crestal compact bone compared to the effectively isotropic design, especially in models with a convergent collar design. In part 2 of the study, the maximum von Mises stresses and strains increased with a decrease in the cancellous bone density. Under oblique loading, the convergent and straight collars showed pathologic microstrain values as well as excessive ultimate tensile stresses in the orthotropic bone model with low-density cancellous bone. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations, it was concluded that stress and strain distributions in the adjacent compact bone are influenced by the implant collar design. The divergent implant collar design was associated with the lowest stress and strain concentrations in the crestal compact bone.

Scalable shelving system

Abstract: A shelving system includes a plurality of vertical posts and horizontal traverses. The horizontal traverses are coupled to the vertical posts by means of a bifurcated collar that are placed on each vertical post. Each horizontal traverse includes an end piece which is configured to couple to both halves of the bifurcated collar. Each half of the bifurcated collar comprises a wedge shaped design such that when a load is placed on the traverse, forces are applied to the bifurcated collar that squeezes each half of the collar together more tightly around the vertical post. The traverses may be coupled to one or both sides of the vertical post to allow the shelving system to be extended as far as the user desires in any lateral direction. The shelving system may also be extended in a perpendicular or other angular direction by means of a wedge shaped corner connector.

The effect of rigid cervical collar height on full, active, and functional range of motion during fifteen activities of daily living.

Abstract: Study design Laboratory biomechanical experiment. Objective To evaluate how different anterior cervical collar heights restrict full, active range of motion (ROM), and functional ROM during 15 activities of daily living. Summary of background data Hard cervical collars are commonly used in the clinical setting. Collar fit is presumed to affect immobilization, making neck height an important variable. No prior study has evaluated how different collar heights affect full, active and functional ROM. Methods A previously validated electrogoniometer device was employed to quantify both full, active, and functional ROM. For each of 10 subjects, these ROM measurements were repeated without a collar and with an adjustable, hard collar (Aspen Vista) at each of 6 collar neck height settings. Results For each increase in collar height, there was a corresponding decrease in mean full, active ROM of 3.7% (3°) in the sagittal plane (R2 = 0.91, P = 0.003), 3.9% (3°) in the coronal plane (R2 = 0.88, P = 0.005), and 2.8% (4°) in the rotational plane (R2 = 0.86, P = 0.006). For each increase in collar height, there was a corresponding decrease in mean functional ROM across all of the tested activities of daily living of 1.1% (1°) in the sagittal plane (R2 = 0.90, P = 0.004), 0.4% (0.4°) in the coronal plane (R2 = 0.86, P = 0.007), and 0.6% (0.5°) in the rotational plane (R2 = 0.81, P = 0.014). For each increase in collar height, there was a 1.7° increase in mean neck extension while in the neutral position (R2 = 0.99, P Conclusion This study suggests that greater cervical collar height for hard cervical collars will better restrict full, active, and functional cervical ROM. However, the change in functional ROM was only about one quarter to that of full active ROM and the clinical significance of this may be questioned. This must be balanced by the fact that this increased collar height forces the neck into greater extension which may not be the most clinical desired or functional position and may cause skin-related issues at the jaw or chest.

Enhancing Utility of Submerged Vanes with Collar

Abstract: Submerged vanes are submerged foils of low height and larger length, constructed in a river at an angle of attack α to the flow to modify the near-bed flow pattern and redistribute flow and sediment transport within the channel cross section. At a Froude number (F) of 0.13, the local scour development around the submerged vane without a collar was not enough to dislodge the vane whereas at F=0.25, there was a significant local scour hole around the vane and the vane was dislodged. With the introduction of a collar at the leading edge of a submerged vane, the scour depth at the leading edge of the vane was reduced to zero. A collar of circular shape was found more suitable for a rectangular vane. Recommendations for sizing collars at two values of F are given. The optimal α for a rectangular vane with a collar was found close to 40°. The study clearly indicates the advantages of using collars in case of submerged vanes and provides insight into selection of appropriate collar shapes.

Recanalization device with expandable cage

Abstract: A vascular recanalization device (10) for re-establishing blood flow through a vessel lumen. The vascular recanalization device includes an elongate wire (12) and an expandable cage (22) slidably coupled to the elongate wire. The expandable cage includes a proximal collar (28) slidably disposed on the elongate wire and a distal collar (30) slidably disposed on the elongate wire. A central stop (34) is secured to the elongate wire intermediate the proximal collar and the distal collar. A proximal stop (36) is located proximal of the proximal collar of the expandable cage, and a distal stop (38) is located distal of the distal collar of the expandable cage. The proximal collar is slidable along the elongate wire between the proximal stop and the central stop, and the distal collar is slidable along the elongate wire between the central stop and the distal stop.

Neck protection collar

Abstract: A neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user has a collar portion that substantially wraps, supports and surrounds the neck of a user. A neck protection portion extends up a rearward portion of the collar to protect the neck and part of the cranium and is substantially covered with a hook and loop fastener portion. A complimentary hook and loop portion is disposed on the inside portion of a helmet to allow the neck protection collar to be removably attached therein. The hook and loop portion substantially covers most of the neck protection portion to provide enhanced structural stability to the neck and spine of the user. This protects the user from impact, shear and compression forces that cause serious damage. The neck protection collar is made from energy absorbing materials such as high density foam or memory foam.

Luminaire rotating frame clamping assembly

Abstract: A rotatable downlight frame assembly comprises a pan having a pivot aperture therein, a collar disposed in the pan for rotating in the pivot aperture, the collar having a trim aperture wall depending through the pan, the collar having one of a square, rectangular, non-circular, or asymmetrical trim opening for positioning of a lighting trim, the collar being rotatable relative to the pan through 360 degrees, at least one fastener passing through the collar, a tool-less fastener assembly, the tool-less assembly having one of a first position and a second position for tightening the collar at an angular position relative to the pan via frictional engagement, and the other of the first position and the second position allowing for pivotable motion, and, a lighting assembly positioned on the collar for pivotal movement with the collar

Anti-vibration connector coupling with an axially movable ratchet ring

Abstract: A connector coupling that comprises a connector body, a first collar coupled to the connector body, and a second collar surrounding the first collar. The first collar has a plurality of locking members. The second collar is rotatable with respect to the first collar between first and second positions. A ratchet ring is supported by the connector body and has a plurality of locking members corresponding to the plurality of locking members of the first collar. The ratchet ring being axially movable with respect to the connector body between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A biasing member is supported by the connector body adjacent the ratchet ring. The biasing member biases the ratchet ring in the engaged position. Rotating the second collar from the first position to the second position moves the ratchet ring from the engaged position, in which the plurality of locking members of the ratchet ring engage the plurality of the locking members of the first collar, to the disengaged position, in which the plurality of locking members of the ratchet ring are spaced from the plurality of locking members of the first collar, thereby allowing the first collar to rotate with respect to the connector body.

String head for a trimmer

Abstract: A trimmer head configured for operating in a fixed line configuration and a bump-feed configuration. The trimmer head includes a base including a cup having a top wall and a substantially cylindrical side wall defining an aperture. The base also includes a collar extending axially from the top wall of the cup for coupling the trimmer head with the output shaft. A fixed line head is at least partially received within the cup when the trimmer head is in the fixed line configuration and a bump-feed spool is at least partially received within the cup of the base when the trimmer head is in the bump-feed configuration.

Cervical Collar With Kyphosis Adjustment

Abstract: A cervical collar can be adjustable with respect to a wearer's head and neck, and include a back portion positionable posterior to a wearer's neck The collar can also include a member that extends anteriorly relative to the back portion, and can have a mechanism adapted to reposition a prominence of the member superiorly, inferiorly, anteriorly, and posteriorly relative to the portion while the collar is installed on the wearer A method of enforcing a lordotic curve in a wearer's cervical spine is also disclosed including installing a cervical collar on the wearer, adjusting the cervical collar to fit the wearer's head and neck, and positioning a member so that the member extends anteriorly with respect to the back portion to an extent that is independent of a tightness of the collar about the neck

Universal cover plate assembly

Abstract: A cover plate assembly and an electrical box are provided for mounting one or more electrical wiring devices. The cover plate assembly can be modified to provide a single gang, double gang or triple gang assembly for mounting the wiring devices. The cover plate assembly includes a collar forming a mud ring having at least one removable portion which can be removed to form an open side of the collar. An adapter is attached to the cover plate assembly at the open side of the collar to enlarge the dimensions of the collar to receiving a plurality of electrical wiring devices.

Collar body for field terminable optical connector

Abstract: An optical fiber connector for terminating an optical fiber is provided. The optical fiber connector includes a housing configured to mate with a receptacle. The connector also includes a collar body disposed in the housing and retained between the housing's outer shell and a backbone. The collar body includes a swivel head coupled to a front end portion of the collar body, where the swivel head is configured to receive a ferrule. The swivel head is configured to pivot with respect to the front end portion of the collar body by a controlled amount upon a side pull force being placed on the connector and/or optical fiber.

Socket for pipe joint and pipe joint

Abstract: A socket that receives and locks a plug includes a cylindrical socket body having a plug-receiving part, a first through-hole, and a second through-hole rearward of the first through-hole, a plug-locking element movable in the first through-hole between a locking position for preventing the plug from being pulled out and an unlocking position for allowing the plug to be pulled out, a sleeve-operating element movable in the second through-hole, a sleeve provided around the socket body and urged to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, and a collar urged in the socket body. The socket body has a guide portion located forward of the collar and adjacent to the forward end edge of the collar to prevent the forward end of the plug as inserted into the socket from engaging with the forward end surface of the collar and to guide the forward end of the plug into the collar.

Locking device of expansion pipe

Abstract: A locking device of expansion pipe comprises a pipe sleeve (1), a locking fastener (3) and an annular clamping collar (2) of opening type, and is characterized in that: the pipe sleeve (1) is an integral element composed of two parts, while one end of the pipe sleeve is used for connecting a large pipe and the other end of the pipe sleeve is provided with a locking mechanism of elastic deformationtype, the locking structure is provided with an annular groove (13) and can lock the pipe in the inner hole thereof via the contraction of the annular clamping collar (2) which is sheathed on the locking structure, the locking fastener (3) is connected with the annular clamping collar (2) via a pin axle and can rotate around the annular clamping collar (2), the annular clamping collar (2) can beclamped or released via the match between the contact faces of the cam face on the locking fastener (3) and the annular clamping collar (2). The utility model has the advantages that the locking device can significantly improve locking firmness, the clamping collar is limited in the groove of the pipe sleeve to avoid up-and-down sliding, thereby improving locking effect.

Door or window closer

Abstract: A spring power setting indicator for a closing apparatus for a wing such as a door or window, including a closer housing in which a compression spring is disposed The spring power setting indicator includes a collar defining a threaded opening adapted to engage an adjustment screw for adjusting the bias of the compression spring The collar may be substantially disc-shaped, and has a peripheral side that defines an annular channel in which a magnetic ball is disposed An indicator housing with indicia of closer size may be mounted to the closer housing Another magnetic ball may be disposed in the indicator housing The magnetic balls are attracted to each other, and the ball in the indicator housing follows the ball in the channel as the collar moves in response to turning of the adjustment screw, permitting external reading of closer size with the indicia based on ball position

Multi-tool collar stay

Abstract: A multi-tool collar stay is disclosed. The collar stay may be a non-bendable single piece that includes a first end, a middle section, and a second end. This single piece is shaped to substantially fit within a collar stay pocket, where the first end is tapered to be proximate to a collar tip, and a first tool may be located in the vicinity of the first end. The second end is proximate to a collar stay pocket entrance, and a second tool may be located in the vicinity of the second end. The non-bendable single piece collar stay comprises at least one of: titanium, brass, stainless steel, sterling silver, reinforced polymer, and/or a combination thereof. Examples of the first and second tool include: a bottle opener, a cutting blade, a flat head screw driver, a flat Phillips screw driver, a full Phillips screw driver, a nail file, and a ruler.

Replacement structure of ratchet wrench

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a parts replacement structure that ensures effort-saved and smooth operation and prevents parts from getting lost. The wrench has a handle having an end forming a head portion that rotatably receives therein a driving collar. A lid plate is fixed to the head portion to retain a pawl member that engages and controls the rotation of the driving collar. The pawl member includes a pusher pad positioned on and movable along a top of the lid plate. A retention block is set at the side of the pawl member opposite to the driving collar to apply a biasing force to the pawl member through a push bar. In this arrangement, the push bar will not get lost when the pawl member disengages from and thus releases the driving collar for replacement.