Abstract: An actuator system for fabricating a cavity within thermoplastic material includes a plurality of actuators arranged in an array. When dimensions of an item are determined, the actuator system may be programmed with data regarding such dimensions to fabricate a cavity for the item. A subset of the actuators, and distances by which each of the actuators is to be extended, may be selected based on dimensions of the item, in order to fabricate a cavity within the thermoplastic material that may accommodate the item therein. Additionally, the actuators and the distances may be selected based on intrinsic or extrinsic data regarding the item, and a cavity fabricated within the thermoplastic material may include one or more buffer zones or protective regions that are specifically formed with respect to aspects of the item.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system has a carousel that has a guiderail that forms a loop that has a loading position and an unloading position. The carousel also has a plurality of buckets, each having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end includes at least one bottom wall that is moveable between (i) a transporting configuration where the at least one bottom wall substantially closes the lower end of the bucket and (ii) a discharge configuration where the at least one bottom wall is moved so as to define an opening in the lower end of the bucket. The buckets are supported by the guiderail such that the buckets can be driven from the loading position towards the unloading position in the transporting configuration. The buckets can be transitioned to the discharge configuration so as to unload inventory items at the unloading position into a packaging material.

Abstract: A packaging system employs a cartridge having moveable walls such that the cartridge discharges or inducts one or more items into a cavity of a package, such as a film that is sealed into a pouch or mailer. A bottom wall of the cartridge is retracted relative to an end panel of the cartridge during the induction process.

Abstract: A packaging cushion includes a first liner and a second liner opposite one another and each defining an inner surface. A transverse liner axis extends normal to the inner surfaces. The packaging cushion includes a mesh bonded to and disposed between the first and second liners. The mesh has a top mesh surface and an opposed bottom mesh surface. The mesh defines a plurality of nodes and a plurality of legs interconnecting the plurality of nodes. Each of the plurality of nodes defines 1) a top node surface defined by the top mesh surface, 2) a bottom node surface defined by the bottom mesh surface, and 3) a transverse node axis extending substantially normal to the top and bottom node surfaces. The transverse node axes of at least some of the plurality of nodes are each oriented at an oblique angle relative to the transverse liner axis.

Abstract: A reciprocally-cycled weapon delinks and fires cartridges in open-end linked ammunition belts or close-end linked ammunition belts. The weapon has first round select and first cycle fire capabilities. The bolt carrier assembly translates out of phase with the extractor assembly. The extractor assembly is configured for rearward extraction of the cartridges in close-end linked ammunition belts. The weapon works seamlessly with open-end linked and close-end linked ammunition belts.

Abstract: An ammunition magazine is used with a reciprocally-cycled weapon for delinking and firing cartridges in close-end linked ammunition belts. The magazine includes a housing with an ammunition indexing mechanism fixed to one side of the housing. A magazine feed box is disposed above the ammunition indexing mechanism. The magazine feed box includes a movable follower having an upper and a lower position and cam pins that engage cam slots in the magazine feed box. The movable follower is configured to receive a cartridge from the weapon.

Abstract: An externally-operated weapon has a direct current servo motor that provides motive force to drive the weapon operating group at an average rate of fire. Within a single cycle, the weapon operating group is driven at rates greater than and less than the average rate of fire, while the overall rate for a single cycle is maintained at the average rate of fire. Some benefits of servo motor control include reduced power consumption, increased bolt dwell time, expansion of the weapon's battlefield role from one to many roles, and increased accuracy and shot-to-shot precision while firing from an open bolt position.

Abstract: A wireless control system includes a device for sending a wireless signal, a receiver for receiving the wireless signal, and circuitry for processing the wireless signal. The circuitry includes a learn mode in which a device is associated with the control signal to the exclusion of commands from other devices not associated with the circuitry. The device transmits a wireless signal redundantly over a plurality of frequencies. The control system may chooses a signal frequency and receiver combination to maintain a quality signal.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.

Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.

Abstract: An automatically-reloadable, remotely-operated weapon system may include an operator station located distant from a weapon station. The weapon station may include an externally-powered firearm, a firearm mover for adjusting an azimuth and an angle of inclination of the firearm, and an ammunition storage and transport system for automatically moving ammunition to and from the firearm. From the operator station, a user may remotely control all aspects of firearm operation and ammunition reloading.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.

Abstract: A reciprocally-cycled, externally-powered weapon may include a rotative driver connected via a crank and connecting rod to the operating group of the weapon. The connecting rod may be connected to a pinion that meshes with a translating rack and a stationary rack. The translating rack may be connected to the operating group, and the stationary rack may be fixed to the receiver of the weapon. The energy needed to fire the weapon may be supplied by an energy generator. The minimum amount of energy supplied by the energy generator may be independent of the speed of translation of the operating group and may be sufficient to reliably result in cartridge ignition, thereby providing an infinitely adjustable firing rate.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.

Abstract: An automatically-reloadable, remotely-operated weapon system may include an operator station located distant from a weapon station. The weapon station may include an externally-powered firearm, a firearm mover for adjusting an azimuth and an angle of inclination of the firearm, and an ammunition storage and transport system for automatically moving ammunition to and from the firearm. From the operator station, a user may remotely control all aspects of firearm operation and ammunition reloading.

Abstract: An blank firing attachment, with enhanced operating life, for use with gas-operated weapons; wherein, a tungsten carbide stem extending from the attachment is inserted into the bore of the weapon's barrel, the stem having a cross-sectional area less than the cross-sectional area of the bore, to provide backpressure within the barrel to properly cycle the weapon.

Abstract: A reciprocally-cycled, externally-powered weapon may include a rotative driver connected via a crank and connecting rod to the operating group of the weapon. The connecting rod may be connected to a pinion that meshes with a translating rack and a stationary rack. The translating rack may be connected to the operating group, and the stationary rack may be fixed to the receiver of the weapon. The energy needed to fire the weapon may be supplied by an energy generator. The minimum amount of energy supplied by the energy generator may be independent of the speed of translation of the operating group and may be sufficient to reliably result in cartridge ignition, thereby providing an infinitely adjustable firing rate.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically limiting the drainage of a bodily fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a patient into a collection chamber. The collection chamber includes a vent having an hydrophobic filter for the passage of air to facilitate the movement of CSF yet to maintain a closed system. The system includes a buoyant float hingedly connected with the top of the collection chamber in one embodiment. When fluid rises in the collection chamber to a predetermined volume, buoyant force raises the float and causes a seal plug mounted on top of the float to seal one of an inflow port or a vent port. The float is limited to pivoting movement in one plane and to a certain angle within that plane. The system and method avoid overdrainage of CSF from the patient and overfilling of the collection chamber.

Abstract: A method for the startup of a solar power three-phase inverter in which a waiting period is increased between successive attempts to start the inverter. This method allows the inverter to start up in a reasonable amount of time while avoiding excessive cycling during prolonged periods of low light.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for measuring, transferring, and dispersing a liquid or powder substance. The device is a funnel-shaped cup attached to a handle. On the bottom of the funnel-shaped cup is a cover that can be retracted in order to allow the liquid or powder in the cup to be released.