Abstract: A structure that includes a plurality of cells of a cured resinous material. Each cell is joined to at least one other cell.

Abstract: An implement for use in prison environments which is not reformable into a weapon and including at least a body having a proximal handle portion and a distal operational portion is provided. The body is non-sharpenable and fabricated from a non-meltable material, and has frangible means for limiting body strength by facilitating structural failure of the body upon application thereto of a force exceeding a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprising a thermoplastic polymer or a composite comprising, in one embodiment, polyetheretherketone reinforced with 10% by volume of glass fibers, with an elastic modulus approximating the elastic modulus of bone. A porous coating is formed on the implant surface by creating a roughness thereon, by coating the surface with hydroxyapatite or by embedding a biocompatible material such as titanium in the surface. A two piece embodiment of the implant is joined and locked together, after the opposite ends of each piece are inserted in the medullary canal, using an interlocking mechanism comprising a fluted protrusion on one piece and a corresponding fluted cavity in the other piece with the fluted portions being complementarily tapered.

Abstract: An instrumented torso model that simulates anatomical features and measures the effects on a body caused by various types of impacts. Simulated bone having material properties similar to that of healthy human bone is surrounded by simulated tissue. At least one sensor array is attached to either or both of the simulated bone and the simulated tissue for measuring the effects of the impacts.

Abstract: A structure that includes a plurality of cells of a cured resinous material. Each cell is joined to at least one other cell.

Abstract: A bone substitute that drills and cuts like bone for use in training and testing comprising an inner core of a foamable polymer or other soft material and an outer shell of a polymer such as an epoxy resin with a particulate filler such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide added thereto together with, in some cases, titanium oxide to form a slurry for casting or molding around the inner core. Also provided is a method for making the bone substitute.

Abstract: The present invention uses high thermal-conductivity materials to act as heat pipes around or through a soft body armor vest to transfer heat away from the body of the wearer. A moisture wicking layer is also incorporated and used to pull moisture from the body of the wearer and disperse the moisture to the outer surface where it can evaporate. An evaporative cooling effect, which is a one-way phase change process that is similar to that of the human body, removes thermal energy from the high thermal-conductivity materials at the outside surface of the vest dissipating the heat into the environment.

Abstract: A bone substitute that drills and cuts like bone for use in training and testing comprising an inner core of a foamable polymer or other soft material and an outer shell of a polymer such as an epoxy resin with a particulate filler such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide added thereto together with, in some cases, titanium oxide to form a slurry for casting or molding around the inner core. Also provided is a method for making the bone substitute.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for partially embedding a biocompatible material, such as a titanium coil, in the surface of a polymer bone implant to provide a porous coating for bone cells to grow through thereby promoting long term stabilization of the implant. In one embodiment, the coil is wrapped around the implant and placed in a manifold where rollers biased by springs press against the coil. The coil-implant is rotated and heated by a hot gas stream, the rollers-springs pushing the coil into the surface of the implant. In a second embodiment, the coil is compressed and placed onto a needle wire which is placed against the surface of the implant. The point of contact is heated and the implant is rotated with the needle wire creating a channel in the softened polymer and feeding the coil, which is simultaneously stretched, therein. The needle wire then pulls the polymer over a portion of the coil as it passes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for partially embedding a biocompatible material, such as a titanium coil, in the surface of a polymer bone implant to provide a porous coating for bone cells to grow through thereby promoting long term stabilization of the implant. In one embodiment, the coil is wrapped around the implant and placed in a manifold where rollers biased by springs press against the coil. The coil-implant is rotated and heated by a hot gas stream, the rollers-springs pushing the coil into the surface of the implant. In a second embodiment, the coil is compressed and placed onto a needle wire which is placed against the surface of the implant. The point of contact is heated and the implant is rotated with the needle wire creating a channel in the softened polymer and feeding the coil, which is simultaneously stretched, therein. The needle wire then pulls the polymer over a portion of the coil as it passes.

Abstract: The invention provides for a toileting module which can be used in a standard wheelchair and consists of straps and a tensioning mechanism therefor attached to a support structure. The straps run under the wheelchair-bound person and, when tightened, raise the person above the seat cushion permitting its removal and the insertion of a waste receptacle for toileting.

Abstract: A method for producing in a cylindrical thermoplastic material an internal thread by blow molding the thermoplastic material in a mold in which the surface of the mold defining the outer face of the thread is at a negative angle of at least 5 degrees to the planes perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical material.