Abstract: The invention relates to fluoropolymer filament for use in 3-D printing, and 3-D printed fluoropolymer articles having low warpage, excellent chemical resistance, excellent water resistance, flame resistance, and good mechanical integrity. Additionally, the articles of the invention have good shelf life without the need for special packaging. In particular, the invention relates to filament, 3-D printed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) articles, and in particular material extrusion 3-D printing. The articles may be formed from PVDF homopolymers, copolymers, such as KYNAR® resins from Arkema, as well as polymer blends with appropriately defined low shear melt viscosity. The PVDF may optionally be a filled PVDF formulation. The physical properties of the 3-D printed articles can be maximized and warpage minimized by optimizing processing parameters.

Abstract: A surgical sponge counter includes a unitary molded plastic sponge tray defining a plurality of wells each sized to hold a lap sponge. Each well has a ledge defining a recess below the sponge for collecting fluid once the sponge is replaced in the tray. A needle counting receptacle tray may be nested within the sponge tray above the sponges.

Abstract: A surgical sponge counter includes a unitary molded plastic sponge tray defining a plurality of wells each sized to hold a lap sponge. Each well has a ledge defining a recess below the sponge for collecting fluid once the sponge is replaced in the tray. A needle counting receptacle tray may be nested within the sponge tray above the sponges.

Abstract: A modular table assembly for an operating room includes an arcuate corner module and at least one rectangular side module. The modules, which are interconnected by pins that can be released by depressing a pedal, are easy to separate, move and reassemble. The modular design enables one to reconfigure the table layout according to the geometry of the room.

Abstract: A sled includes a hull and a strap extending transversely across the hull. The strap extends across the hull at a first longitudinal position selected such that it extends across the calves of a kneeling rider. This enables the rider to kneel erect when riding the sled.

Abstract: A continuous waste to energy partial oxidation gasification system and process is accomplished with high pressure.

Abstract: A sled includes a hull and a strap extending transversely across the hull. The strap extends across the hull at a first longitudinal position selected such that it extends across the calves of a kneeling rider. This enables the rider to kneel erect when riding the sled.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus to reduce or prevent bridging in an ice storage bin. In one embodiment, a storage bin for ice with an apparatus to reduce or prevent bridging within the ice storage bin is provided. The apparatus can include a probe hole positioned above an access door and opening, and also above an internal baffle. The probe hole can be sized to receive a probe used to break up bridges or clumps of ice within the ice storage bin.

Abstract: A transport caddy preferably includes at least a wheel supporting a base portion, an alpine snow ski detachably secured between the base and cover portions, and a ski pole disposed within the cover portion and secured adjacent the alpine snow ski by an accessories support portion detachably attached to the alpine snow ski is disclosed. Preferably, the ski pole is secured to the transport caddy by steps that include at least: positioning a tip of the ski pole within a pole tip confinement aperture provided by the cover; rotating a ski pole confinement member of the accessories support portion into non-adjacency with a ski pole retention portion of the accessories support portion; disposing a shaft portion of said ski pole within the ski pole retention portion; and re-rotating said ski pole confinement member into pressing contact with the shaft portion.

Abstract: A sled includes a hull and a strap extending transversely across the hull. The strap extends across the hull at a first longitudinal position selected such that it extends across the calves of a kneeling rider. This enables the rider to kneel erect when riding the sled.

Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least a main body portion, a heel portion hinged to the main body portion, and a toe portion in sliding engagement with the main body portion, which collectively forms a ski boot attachment by steps for assembling a ski boot attachment is disclosed. The ski boot attachment preferably assembled by steps that include at least installing a spring mount within a component cavity of a main chassis, positioning a release spring within the component cavity, placing an extension control member within the component cavity in abutting contact with the release spring, compressing the release spring with the extension control member, sliding a slide member into the component cavity into sliding contact with the extension control member, attaching a main spring to the spring mount and the slide member, and securing a chassis cover to the main chassis.

Abstract: A sled includes a hull having opposed first and second side walls. First and second strap anchors are mounted on the respective first and second side walls. A center strap anchor is disposed between the first and second strap anchors.

Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least: a ski boot; and a detachable sole detachably attached to the ski boot is disclosed. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: a chassis portion overmolded with a tread portion; and a latch assembly for securing the chassis adjacent the ski boot. The ski boot preferably provides a contoured heel portion and the latch assembly preferably incorporates a latch configured to conform to the contoured heel portion, a latch support interacting with the latch; an attachment member communicating with said chassis; and an adjustment member interposed between said latch support and said attachment member to accommodate a snug conformance of the latch adjacent the heel portion.

Abstract: A combination and methods of making and using the combination are disclosed. Preferably the combination includes at least: an ankle and foot covering; a detachable sole detachably attached to the ankle and foot covering; and a detachable sole storage rack attached to the ankle and foot covering for use in storing the detachable sole when detached from the ankle and foot covering. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: heel and toe chassis portions each formed from a baffled support matrix and overmolded with tread portions; and an over-center latch coupled to an attachment hoop. The over-center latch preferably incorporates adjustment features to accommodate varying sizes of the ankle and foot coverings. Upon latching of a properly adjusted over-center latch adjacent the ankle and foot covering, a holding force transmitted through the attachment hoop secures the detachable sole adjacent the ankle and foot covering.

Abstract: A combination that preferably includes at least: a ski boot; a detachable sole detachably attached to the ski boot; and a detachable sole storage rack attached to the ski boot for use in storing the detachable sole when detached from the ski boot is disclosed. The detachable sole preferably includes at least: heel and toe chassis portions each formed from a baffled support matrix and overmolded with tread portions; and a latch assembly for securing the baffled support matrix adjacent the ski boot. The ski boot preferably provides a contoured heel portion and the latch assembly preferably incorporates a catch configured to conform to the contoured heel portion, a catch support interacting with the catch; a chassis attachment member communicating with said chassis; and an adjustment member interposed between said catch support and said chassis attachment member to accommodate a snug conformance of the catch adjacent the heel portion.

Abstract: A sled for sliding on a sliding surface has a hull with bow and stern ends, a side portion extending therebetween, and a bottom surface for contacting the sliding surface. A snow-brake integral with the hull is formed from a portion of the hull that extends outward from the hull and downward part-way to the bottom surface. The snow-brake forms a scoop for engaging the sliding surface when an angle between the hull and the sliding surface exceeds a critical angle. The critical angle is selected such that the bottom surface contacts the sliding surface while the snow-brake engages the sliding surface.