Abstract: Methods and systems for performing robot-assisted surgery, including methods for defining a boundary surface for a robotic surgery system, methods for operating a robotic arm in an image-guided surgery system, methods and systems for providing haptic feedback to a user during robot-assisted surgery, and a robotic arm for use in robot-assisted surgery.

Abstract: A customizable playing field includes a turf system comprising a tile with a turf layer. The tile overlays a subfloor, defining a reservoir thereunder. A forced air system includes a pipe disposed within the reservoir and operatively coupled to a pump; and a sensor. A control system controls the pump, and includes a processor in data communication with at least one input/output device and computer memory. The computer memory has a program with machine readable instructions that, when effected by the processor, perform the following steps: if the temperature is above a predetermined threshold as measured by the sensor, forcing a cool fluid through the pipe; and if the temperature is below a predetermined threshold as measured by the sensor, forcing a warm fluid through the pipe.

Abstract: A fastening system comprises a fastening mechanism having a transition member and a ramp member. The transition member has a lower planar element, and an upper planar element, and a central portion disposed therebetween. The ramp member has a lower planar component, a first upper planar component, a forwardly angled component disposed between the lower planar component and the first upper planar component, and a backwardly angled component extending outwardly from the first upper planar component. The ramp member upper planar component is disposed above the transition member upper planar element, and the transition member lower planar element is at least partially disposed above the ramp member lower planar member.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.

Abstract: A seal assembly for an HVAC system includes a first block having a first aperture and a first sealing surface, a second block having a second aperture and a second sealing, and a conduit having a tube portion with an axially extending aperture and a flange extending radially outwardly from an end of the tube portion. The tube portion is disposed within the first aperture of the first block and the flange is disposed between the first sealing surface of the first block and the second sealing surface of the second block and is configured to deform when compressed therebetween. The seal assembly further includes an insert providing fluid communication between the aperture of the tube portion and the second aperture of the second block. A first end of the insert is received in the aperture of the tube portion of the conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder coating composition for low temperature curing that can be used on temperature sensitive substrates and, despite of the low curing temperature, has excellent flow properties and forms a coating with excellent appearance and nevertheless also good mechanical and weathering properties. The invention also relates to an advantageous process for the manufacture of the powder coating composition. Said powder coating composition comprises a poly-acid functional polyester component A, a poly-epoxy functional component B, a poly-anhydride functional component C and a thermosetting curing catalyst D. The invention also relates to a polyester for use in the powder coating compositions according to the invention, in particular for durable powder coatings.

Abstract: A customizable playing field includes a turf system comprising a tile with a turf layer. The tile overlays a subfloor, defining a reservoir thereunder. A forced air system includes a pipe disposed within the reservoir and operatively coupled to a pump; and a sensor. A control system controls the pump, and includes a processor in data communication with at least one input/output device and computer memory. The computer memory has a program with machine readable instructions that, when effected by the processor, perform the following steps: if the temperature is above a predetermined threshold as measured by the sensor, forcing a cool fluid through the pipe; and if the temperature is below a predetermined threshold as measured by the sensor, forcing a warm fluid through the pipe.

Abstract: Neuropeptide analogs and compositions including neuropeptide analogs are described herein. Also provided are methods of producing and using the neuropeptide analogs and compositions including one or more neuropeptide analogs.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to improving pharmacological properties of bioactive compounds targeting nervous system.

Abstract: A spring tension system for a floor tile has spring loop with a base portion and a hoop portion. The base portion has two arms extending outwardly at a first angle from a center-point which together to form the hoop portion. The spring loop is formed into a first side of a first floor tile. A tapered recess is formed into a second side of a second floor tile. The tapered recess includes an opening which forms two tapered walls which extend inwardly toward a center of the second floor tile at a second angle. The second angle is smaller than the first angle. The spring loop formed into the first side of the first floor tile is received into the tapered recess formed into the second side of the second floor tile, the spring loop contacting the walls of the tapered recess to form a friction fit.

Abstract: A charge valve assembly for an air conditioning system includes a valve housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a cavity. A valve core assembly is received in the cavity of the valve housing through the second end of the valve housing. The valve core assembly has a first end, a second end, a flow channel extending from the first end of the valve core assembly to the second end of the valve core assembly, an inner sealing surface, and a pin slideably received in the flow channel between an open position and a closed position. The pin has a primary seal selectively engaging the inner sealing surface of the valve core assembly and closing the flow channel at the second end of the valve core assembly when in the closed position. The pin biases towards the first end of the valve housing.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device includes a pump such as an axial flow pump, an outflow cannula connected to the outlet of the pump, and an anchor element. The anchor element is physically connected to the pump, as by an elongated element. The pump is implanted within the left ventricle with the outflow cannula projecting through the aortic valve but desirably terminating short of the aortic arch. The anchor element is fixed to the wall of the heart near the apex of the heart so that the anchor element holds the pump and outflow cannula in position.

Abstract: A seal assembly for an HVAC system includes a first block having a first aperture and a first sealing surface, a second block having a second aperture and a second sealing, and a conduit having a tube portion with an axially extending aperture and a flange extending radially outwardly from an end of the tube portion. The tube portion is disposed within the first aperture of the first block and the flange is disposed between the first sealing surface of the first block and the second sealing surface of the second block and is configured to deform when compressed therebetween. The seal assembly further includes an insert providing fluid communication between the aperture of the tube portion and the second aperture of the second block. A first end of the insert is received in the aperture of the tube portion of the conduit.

Abstract: A charge valve assembly for an air conditioning system includes a valve housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a cavity. A valve core assembly is received in the cavity of the valve housing through the second end of the valve housing. The valve core assembly has a first end, a second end, a flow channel extending from the first end of the valve core assembly to the second end of the valve core assembly, an inner sealing surface, and a pin slideably received in the flow channel between an open position and a closed position. The pin has a primary seal selectively engaging the inner sealing surface of the valve core assembly and closing the flow channel at the second end of the valve core assembly when in the closed position. The pin biases towards the first end of the valve housing.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to extracorporeal blood processing or other processing of fluids. Volumetric fluid balance, a required element of many such processes, may be achieved with multiple pumps or other proportioning or balancing devices which are to some extent independent of each other. This need may arise in treatments that involve multiple fluids. Safe and secure mechanisms to ensure fluid balance in such systems are described.

Abstract: A fastening system comprises a fastening mechanism having a transition member and a ramp member. The transition member has a lower planar element, and an upper planar element, and a central portion disposed therebetween. The ramp member has a lower planar component, a first upper planar component, a forwardly angled component disposed between the lower planar component and the first upper planar component, and a backwardly angled component extending outwardly from the first upper planar component. The ramp member upper planar component is disposed above the transition member upper planar element, and the transition member lower planar element is at least partially disposed above the ramp member lower planar member.

Abstract: A club stroke alignment tool is used to evaluate and modify a club stroke. The club stroke alignment tool includes a contact plate that is rotatably coupled to a base that is movable on a surface. When hit with a club, the club stroke alignment tool provides data about an amount of rotation of a clubface, discrepancy from a center strike, and swing trajectory. The data is compared to a predetermined standards to find one or more discrepancies. If discrepancies exist, the stoke is modified to reduce the discrepancies on the next impact between the club and the club stroke alignment tool.

Abstract: A spring tension system for a floor tile has spring loop with a base portion and a hoop portion. The base portion has two arms extending outwardly at a first angle from a center-point which together to form the hoop portion. The spring loop is formed into a first side of a first floor tile. A tapered recess is formed into a second side of a second floor tile. The tapered recess includes an opening which forms two tapered walls which extend inwardly toward a center of the second floor tile at a second angle. The second angle is smaller than the first angle. The spring loop formed into the first side of the first floor tile is received into the tapered recess formed into the second side of the second floor tile, the spring loop contacting the walls of the tapered recess to form a friction fit.

Abstract: A propellant for a micro-gas generator, the propellant having 5-aminotetrazole, aluminum, a binder and an oxidizer and is substantially free from azodicarbonamide. This propellant substantially maintains its ballistic performance regardless of being aged at higher temperatures such as 120° C. Further, a method of manufacturing a propellant for a micro-gas generator, the method including providing a propellant mixture of 5-aminotetrazole, aluminum powder, potassium perchlorate, ethyl cellulose and fluoropolymers; adding acetone as a solvent to solvate ethyl cellulose and fluoropolymers; evaporating the acetone using a low level of vacuum until the mixture is a damp cake; and granulating and drying the damp cake forming dried propellant granules.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device includes a pump such as an axial flow pump, an outflow cannula connected to the outlet of the pump, and an anchor element. The anchor element is physically connected to the pump, as by an elongated element. The pump is implanted within the left ventricle with the outflow cannula projecting through the aortic valve but desirably terminating short of the aortic arch. The anchor element is fixed to the wall of the heart near the apex of the heart so that the anchor element holds the pump and outflow cannula in position.