Abstract: A neck brace (10; 110; 210) having a collar member (12; 212) to be arranged around a wearer's neck, and a rear member (14; 214) extending from, the collar member and to be abutted on the wearer's back. The brace further comprises pivoting means (37, 38, 40, 276a, 278, 280a, 280b, 280c) for pivoting the collar member and the rear member relative to each other about a pivoting axis (X; Y) which, when in use, is substantially parallel to the wearer's shoulders.

Abstract: A neck brace (10) having a collar member (12) to be arranged around a wearer's neck, and a rear member (14) extending from, the collar member (12) and to be abutted on the wearer's back. The brace further comprises releasable fastening means (74, 75, 88a, 88b, 92) for fastening the collar member to the rear member, such that the collar member and the rear member may also be detached.

Abstract: The invention describes the preparation of electrocatalysts, both anodic (aimed at the oxidation of the fuel) and cathodic (aimed at the reduction of the oxygen), based on mono- and plurimetallic carbon nitrides to be used in PEFC (Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells), DMFC (Direct methanol fuel cells) and H2 electrogenerators. The target of the invention is to obtain materials featuring a controlled metal composition based on carbon nitride clusters or on carbon nitride clusters supported on oxide-based ceramic materials. The preparation protocol consists of three steps. In the first the precursor is obtained through reactions of the type: a) sol-gel; b) gel-plastic; c) coagulation-flocculation-precipitation. The second step consists of the thermal treatments to decompose the precursors in an inert atmosphere leading to the production of the carbon nitrides. In the last step the chemical and electro-chemical activation of the electrocatalysts is performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials and the methods of making and using protein biocoacervates and biomaterials. More specifically the present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials that may be utilized for various medical applications including, but not limited to, drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, coated medical devices (e.g. stents, valves . . . ), vessels, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, wound healing devices including protein suture biomaterials and biomeshes, dental plugs and implants, skin/bone/tissue grafts, tissue fillers, protein biomaterial adhesion prevention barriers, cell scaffolding and other biocompatible biocoacervate or biomaterial devices.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method to purge air or liquid from a powered injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes driving a first pumping device in a first operational mode to inject an amount of a first liquid medium through disposable tubing and a disposable valve, driving the first pumping device in a second operational mode to deform the disposable valve, and driving a second pumping device to inject an amount of a second liquid medium through the disposable tubing and the deformed valve. In one embodiment, the first pumping device comprises a first syringe, the second pumping device comprises a second syringe, and the disposable valve comprises an elastomeric valve.

Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can be used to improve collected response data. A reduced-turbulence optical detector can include a cell body disposed about a length of transparent tubing. The cell body positions one or more emitter/receiver pairs about the transparent tubing. Thus, tube junctions are eliminated and sample flow within the tube is substantially turbulence free.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive device for a reliable tie down tensioning which device enables the tie-down to be quickly and easily applied and the flexible element tensioned and just as quickly and easily removed.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for supplying electrical energy to a device located in a room housing an imaging system (such as an MRI system, for example), wherein the room is shielded from external electromagnetic fields. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and processes for emitting electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of the light spectrum from at least one light emission device. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a process and system for transforming the electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy using at least one transducer device located in the room, and supplying the electrical energy to the device so as to minimize interfering electromagnetic fields within the room.

Abstract: A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. Response data obtained by the detector is indicative of the optical absorbance of the sample mixture as a function of time. A processor analyzes the response data to determine a corresponding best fit linear relationship. The initial absorbance of the sample mixture is indicative of the concentration of peracid in the use composition, while the slope of the best fit equation is indicative of the concentration of peroxide in the use composition.

Abstract: A decorative accessory unit, a decorative accessory assemblage, a kit for a personal accessory craft project and a method for creating a personal accessory are described. A plurality of decorative units having at least two linking ends protruding therefrom are provided along with a plurality of connector elements for coupling the linking ends of two decorative units together.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved apparatus and method for electrical stimulation. A paddle having a thickness up to 0.030 inches is implanted adjacent the spinal cord dura mater to reduce the likelihood of paralysis due to stress on the spinal cord attributed to bulkier leads. The paddle is then positioned so that at least one of a plurality of electrodes is positioned over the area of the spinal cord requiring pain treatment; and then electric stimulation is applied to the electrodes to effect pain treatment. In another embodiment the paddle is curved about a vertical axis to substantially match the shape of a human spinal cord dura mater to help reduce lead migration.

Abstract: A housing of a thermal imaging camera includes a camera portion, in which an thermal imaging assembly is mounted, and to which a focusing assembly is mounted, on a first side thereof, and to which a display is mounted, on a second side thereof; a handle portion of the housing extends from a bottom side of the camera portion of the housing at an angle, away from the first side of the camera portion. The housing is configured for ergonomic handling wherein an index finger of a hand may readily activate the focusing assembly, when the hand is wrapped about the handle portion of the housing. The hand may be a right hand or a left hand, and the camera may further include additional features to provide support for single-handed operation.

Abstract: Some methods, and corresponding apparatus, for manufacturing photovoltaic subassemblies cause a plurality of desiccant beads to be adhered to an adhesive surface of sheet-like material; the sheet-like material is then, preferably, adhered to an exposed surface of a flexible and electrically non-conductive film, that covers a photovoltaic coating of a first substrate of the subassembly, such that the desiccant beads are held between the sheet-like material and the exposed surface. Some other methods, either alternatively or in addition to the above, include steps for applying the film, that covers the photovoltaic coating, wherein an opening, through the film, is cut, and then aligned, with lead wires of the photovoltaic coating, in the midst of applying the film.

Abstract: Adherent packed beds of ceramic beads, each comprising a ceramic body coated with a biodegradable polymer, and fabric bags containing such beads in a packed, self-supporting configuration. The polymeric coating provides some resilience to a packed bed of the ceramic beads, and prevents the beads from moving with respect to each other when placed under stress, leading to reduced breakage. The ceramic beads desirably are osteoconductive, and preferably are formed of a ceramic material that is resorbed during bone growth, such as hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, or mixtures of these materials. The beads may contain, either internally or on their surfaces or both, a bone morphogenic protein, and the latter may also be included in the biodegradable polymer coatings on the beads.

Abstract: The present process relates to a formulation for a food product and preparation of a pre-formed filling unit for the provision of a consumable food product containing eggs, which may be refrigerated and/or frozen for future heating within a microwave oven for consumption by an individual. The process involves the initial step of acquisition of liquid eggs which may be scrambled. The liquid eggs are cooked whereupon the cooked liquid eggs are combined with other ingredients. The temperature of the combined ingredients is regulated and/or controlled during processing. The combined and mixed food product may then be inserted into a mold to provide a desired shape. After cooking the consumable food product may be separated from the mold whereupon the consumable food article may be refrigerated and/or frozen for future reheating as a portion of a breakfast or other consumable food article.