Abstract: Methods and systems to control stacked hexapod platforms for use as tools, which function with both high accuracy and high precision are provided. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include a convergence of modern control theory, and machine learning. Furthermore, some embodiments provide control algorithms to carry out autonomous in-space assembly operations using assemblers. Some embodiments provide methods and systems which combine long-reach low precision manipulators and smaller, high-precision assembler with interchangeable tools.

Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Abstract: A method for forming a polymer-filler composite having advantageous bound filler content, the method comprising (a) providing a guayule cement; (b) introducing particulate filler to the guayule cement to form a solution masterbatch; and (c) desolventizing the solution masterbatch to form a polymer-filler composite.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for transferring a reserve to a target host, according to one embodiment, includes granting to a source system, by a control unit, a reserve for a volume of a storage device. A push reserve command is received from the source system. The push reserve command specifies: a transfer of the reserve to a target system, parameter data identifying the target system, and path information specifying the source system. The reserve is transferred only to the target system in response to release of the reserve by the source system.

Abstract: A brace tool comprises a rigid frame, a platform mounted on the frame for adjustable positioning of the platform relative to the frame, and a plurality of suction cups. The plurality of suction cups can be removably attached to a flat surface that is adjacent to an inclined surface 12 above which work is to be performed. The platform can be adjustably positioned relative to the frame 22, and then secured in its adjusted position. The platform can then be used as a brace that can be engaged by the person on the inclined surface that is performing the overhead work and prevent the person from sliding down the inclined surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a host system includes logic adapted for receiving device information from a source system, logic adapted for building a virtual device based at least in part on the received device information, logic adapted for transferring a reserve of a storage device to the host system and/or receiving results of transferring the reserve to the host system, logic adapted for determining if the reserve is held by the host system, logic adapted for recording the reserve if the reserve is held by the host system, and logic adapted for sending a notification that the reserve is not held by the host system if the reserve is not held by the host system. Other systems and computer program products are also described according to various embodiments.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for transferring a reserve to a target host, according to one embodiment, includes granting to a source system, by a control unit, a reserve for a volume of a storage device. A push reserve command is received from the source system. The push reserve command specifies: a transfer of the reserve to a target system, parameter data identifying the target system, and path information specifying the source system. The reserve is transferred only to the target system in response to release of the reserve by the source system.

Abstract: A brace tool comprises a rigid frame, a platform mounted on the frame for adjustable positioning of the platform relative to the frame, and a plurality of suction cups. The plurality of suction cups can be removably attached to a flat surface that is adjacent to an inclined surface 12 above which work is to be performed. The platform can be adjustably positioned relative to the frame 22, and then secured in its adjusted position. The platform can then be used as a brace that can be engaged by the person on the inclined surface that is performing the overhead work and prevent the person from sliding down the inclined surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving device information from a source system; building a virtual device on a host system based at least in part on the received device information; at least one of: transferring a reserve of a device stored on a storage device to a target system; and receiving results of transferring the reserve to the target system; determining if the reserve is held by the target system; recording the reserve if the reserve is held by the target system; and sending a notification that the reserve is not held by the target system if the reserve is not held by the target system. Other methods are also described according to various embodiments.

Abstract: An adaptor for removably engaging surgical retractor blades to a retractor frame has a recess with a latch mechanism at its proximal end for removably securing the adaptor to the rail of a retractor frame, and a spring-loaded locking jaw mechanism at its distal end for removably engaging a retractor blade.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for managing hydrate formation in a process that converts a hydrocarbon stream into C2 unsaturates, such as ethylene and/or acetylenes. The method includes adding a hydrate inhibitor to a hydrocarbon stream to lower the hydrate formation point of the mixture stream from an initial hydrate formation point (HI) of the hydrocarbon stream to a depressed hydrate formation point (HD) of the mixture stream. Then, the mixture stream is depressurized to adiabatically cool the stream to a temperature (T), wherein the HD<T<HI. Then, at least a portion of the mixture stream is vaporized and the vaporized portion of the mixture stream is separated from the unvaporized portion of the mixture stream. Once separated, at least a portion of the vaporized portion is converted into product, such as ethylene and/or acetylene.

Abstract: A quick-release handle is used in positioning a retractor blade in a surgical site and securing the retractor blade to a retractor frame. The retractor blade has a generally cylindrical post for removably engaging a retractor frame, an alignment groove on its top surface, and an annular recess extending around the post. The quick-release handle has a head with a U-shaped flange for sliding engagement with the annular recess and the upper portion of the post. The handle also contains a sliding rod actuated by a thumb-slide mechanism to engage the alignment groove on the retractor blade post. In particular, a locking tongue extending from the distal end of the rod engages the alignment groove, while a protrusion extending from the rod engages the annular recess, thereby maintaining proper rotational alignment between the handle and retractor blade.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for managing hydrate formation in a process that converts a hydrocarbon stream into C2 unsaturates, such as ethylene and/or acetylenes. The method includes adding a hydrate inhibitor to a hydrocarbon stream to lower the hydrate formation point of the mixture stream from an initial hydrate formation point (HI) of the hydrocarbon stream to a depressed hydrate formation point (HD) of the mixture stream. Then, the mixture stream is depressurized to adiabatically cool the stream to a temperature (T), wherein the HD<T<HI. Then, at least a portion of the mixture stream is vaporized and the vaporized portion of the mixture stream is separated from the unvaporized portion of the mixture stream. Once separated, at least a portion of the vaporized portion is converted into product, such as ethylene and/or acetylene.

Abstract: An adaptor for removably engaging surgical retractor blades to a retractor frame has a recess with a latch mechanism at its proximal end for removably securing the adaptor to the rail of a retractor frame, and a spring-loaded locking jaw mechanism at its distal end for removably engaging a retractor blade.

Abstract: An auto-locking surgical retractor assembly has a retractor frame with a number of adjustable arms. Each adjustable arm has a U-shaped recess for removably engaging the post of a retractor blade. A spring-loaded locking pin protrudes slightly from the arm into the U-shaped recess to hold the post of retractor blade in place. The locking pin is temporarily retracted by insertion of the retractor blade post into the U-shaped recess, but subsequently extends to lock the retractor blade post in place. The user must exert sufficient force on the retractor blade to temporarily depress the spring-loaded locking pin in order to remove the retractor blade post from the U-shaped recess.

Abstract: A quick-release handle is used in positioning a retractor blade in a surgical site and securing the retractor blade to a retractor frame. The retractor blade has a generally cylindrical post for removably engaging a retractor frame, an alignment groove on its top surface, and an annular recess extending around the post. The quick-release handle has a head with a U-shaped flange for sliding engagement with the annular recess and the upper portion of the post. The handle also contains a sliding rod actuated by a thumb-slide mechanism to engage the alignment groove on the retractor blade post. In particular, a locking tongue extending from the distal end of the rod engages the alignment groove, while a protrusion extending from the rod engages the annular recess, thereby maintaining proper rotational alignment between the handle and retractor blade.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving device information from a source system; building a virtual device on a host system based at least in part on the received device information; at least one of: transferring a reserve of a device stored on a storage device to a target system; and receiving results of transferring the reserve to the target system; determining if the reserve is held by the target system; recording the reserve if the reserve is held by the target system; and sending a notification that the reserve is not held by the target system if the reserve is not held by the target system. Other methods are also described according to various embodiments.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a host system includes logic adapted for receiving device information from a source system, logic adapted for building a virtual device based at least in part on the received device information, logic adapted for transferring a reserve of a storage device to the host system and/or receiving results of transferring the reserve to the host system, logic adapted for determining if the reserve is held by the host system, logic adapted for recording the reserve if the reserve is held by the host system, and logic adapted for sending a notification that the reserve is not held by the host system if the reserve is not held by the host system. Other methods, systems, and computer program products are also described according to various embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention includes a washing machine having a water cavity position beneath an outer tub and a pump mounted above the water cavity with an impeller extending downwardly into the water cavity. Preferably, the water cavity is integral with the outer tub and the water cavity includes a service port located along the bottom of the water cavity.

Abstract: The present invention includes a washing machine having a water cavity position beneath an outer tub and a pump mounted above the water cavity with an impeller extending downwardly into the water cavity. Preferably, the water cavity is integral with the outer tub and the water cavity includes a service port located along the bottom of the water cavity.