Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining glycidol in a semi-continuous or continuous manner by decarboxylating glycerol carbonate at reduced pressure, at a temperature less than or equal to 130° C. and in the presence of alkoxide catalysts of alkaline metals and alkaline earth metals, metal oxides, mixed metal oxides, metal stannates and mixed metal stannates, all of which optionally supported via SiO2, ?-Al2O3, MgO and ZrO2.

Abstract: The invention refers to a body fitting element with negative pressure controlled stiffness comprised of a gas tight envelope (1), a plurality of layers fitted in the envelope (3) and a valve (2) adapted to evacuate the interior of the envelope, characterized in that the layers comprise a core (4a) made of a material with a high Young's modulus and flexibility and a first cover layer at both sides of the core made of a material with high friction coefficient (4b). Orthoses and protective equipments fabricated with the fitting element can be shaped and fitted to the body in an optimal manner.

Abstract: Systems for visually inspecting a surface of an object are provided, which includes a visual inspection head, and a positioning apparatus for controlling a position and/or an orientation of the visual inspection head with respect to the object. The visual inspection head includes a visual inspection module, and an angle controlling module for ensuring a predetermined angle of the visual inspection system with respect to an area to be inspected of the surface of the object. The angle controlling module may include a pointer for projecting a light beam onto the area to be inspected and a camera for determining whether the light beam is reflected substantially perpendicularly. The system is configured to move the visual inspection head relative to the object until the light beam is reflected substantially perpendicularly. Methods for visually inspecting a surface are also provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing a cellulosic sponge includes the steps of treating an aqueous suspension of cellulose fibers with periodate; adjusting the pH of the resulting dialdehyde cellulose fibers suspension to a value between 2.5 to 5.5; freezing the suspension obtained and thawing the three dimensional structure to render the cellulosic sponge. The process may further include a step of drying to render a cellulosic foam. Both the new sponge and the new foam may also be further chemically modified obtaining a broad variety of derivatives with tailored properties which are useful in many different applications.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a planar surface, a mobile platform configured to slide along the planar surface and cables for positioning and moving the mobile platform along the planar surface. The mobile platform includes a planar bearing system located at the side of the mobile platform configured to slide along the planar surface. The planar bearing system includes a component for pushing the mobile platform against the planar surface; and a component for allowing sliding of the planar bearing system with respect to the planar surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning and orientating a load includes a support structure movable in a first direction a tendon system having at least six winches mounted on the structure and at least six tendons connected to the winches, and a lifting mechanism mounted on the structure. The lifting mechanism includes another tendon and is movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first. The apparatus includes a component suspending the load from above and is connected to a second end of each of the tendons and to a free end of the additional tendon. The apparatus further includes a control module for translating synchronously and independently an instruction regarding the load in an actuation over the winches, over the lifting mechanism and the support structure, such that at least 51% of the load is sustained by the lifting mechanism and the load is suspended from the further tendon.

Abstract: Device (1) for assessing, preventing and treating LBP, which comprises: six units (100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f), each unit comprising: an EMG acquisition subsystem (30a); connecting means (10a-20a, 10b-20b, 10c-20c, 10d-20d, 10e-20e, 10f-200 for connecting the EMG acquisition subsystem (30a) to a pair of electrodes attached to a patient's skin, such that each unit receives the surface EMG signals of a specific muscle group of the patient; and, a actuator (60a) for providing haptic stimulus to said muscle group; a muscular activity pattern recognition and feedback subsystem (200, 500); the device further comprising: a wearable garment (300, 301, 302) with a central portion (300e) to which the second and fifth units (100b, 100e) are attached parallel to each other; and a set of four straps (300a, 300b, 300c, 300d) to which ends are attached the first, third, fourth and sixth units (100a, 100c, 100d, 100f) at 45°, 135°, ?135° and ?45°, respectively, with respect to the second and fifth units (100b

Abstract: The joining device (100, 100?) comprises a first cover (1) and a second cover (2), each of which has a plurality of through holes (3) that match up with one another in position, for the ends of the rebars of the columns (200, 200A) to pass through. The covers (1,2) are joined together by means of, at least, two transverse webs (4) and several stiffener reinforcements (5,5A), which are arranged in perpendicular to the covers (1,2). The device further comprises connecting means (202, 203, 204, 205) between the ends of the rebars (201,201A) of the columns (200,200A).

Abstract: A joining device (100) for precast reinforced concrete elements with a dry joint comprising a first group of joining reinforcements (10?) arranged on a first plane and in parallel with one another, each one of said joining reinforcements (10) comprising one reinforcement (1) and two threaded ends (2). The device comprises first coupling means (30) for coupling to the columns (200) arranged between the joining reinforcements (10) and perpendicular to the first plane defined by the joining reinforcements (10) and a plurality of anchoring plates (20) arranged so as to define a closed frame inside of which the joining reinforcements (10) are arranged, and where the inner space defined by the anchoring plates (20) is filled with a structural filler material (concrete, resin, composite, etc.) (50). The anchoring plates (20) comprise a plurality of holes (21), at least one for each threaded end (2), in a position that matches up with the latter, and through which the threaded ends (2) remain accessible.

Abstract: A tool coupling includes a first tool part and a second tool part, the second tool part being movable in relation to the first tool part. The tool coupling further includes a first base part for detachably retaining the first tool part and a second base part movable in relation to the first base part for detachably retaining the second tool part. The first base part has a pusher movable in relation to the first base part for detaching the first tool part and the second base part has a cap movable in relation to the second base part for detaching the second tool part.

Abstract: A device for cooling and lubricating a tool during a chip removal machining process, which includes: a first subsystem for cryogenic cooling that includes: a first entry configured to introduce CO2 in liquid state in a first conduit of the device; a first exit configured to supply CO2 in liquid state from a second conduit of the device; a third conduit located between the first and second conduit; and means for preventing the formation of dry ice in the first, second and third conduits; and a second subsystem for lubrication that includes means for supplying micro-particles of a cutting oil in liquid state; wherein the first subsystem and second subsystem are independent from each other, and wherein the first subsystem and second subsystem are configured to act either simultaneously or either one alone. Method of operation of the device.

Abstract: A device for polymerizing lactams in molds includes a hopper for storing solid lactam and a lactam feeding component that includes a plasticizing screw so as the lactam to be melted and simultaneously taken in a dosed manner to a mixing chamber. The device further includes a first dosing component to feed a liquid initiator, and a second dosing component to feed a liquid activator. The mixing chamber is configured to receive in a dosed manner the lactam, the initiator, and the activator from the feeding and dosing components. The mixing chamber has three separate inlets to receive, separately, the lactam, the initiator, and the activator, to allow them to flow into the mixing chamber coming into contact with one another for the first time, at the moment immediately prior to entering into a mold located adjacent the chamber and arranged for the polymerization reaction to take place inside the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing 2,3-butanediol by hydrogenation of acetoin using a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst and under conditions leading to a selectivity higher than 90%. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogenation is carried out in the presence of no solvent or in the presence of a solvent like water or 2,3-butanediol.

Abstract: Apparatus for external activation of paralyzed body parts by stimulation of peripheral nerves which comprises a soft apparel provided with multi-pad electrodes on one side and activating means on the other side, wherein the activating means are adapted to allow activation and control of a delivered electrical pulse to each multi-pad electrode separately.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring proprioceptive and/or sensory information from a prosthesis or from a sensing system disposed at a body part having poor or no sensation, to the skin of a user wearing the prosthesis or the sensing system, includes: a device for providing electrotactile feedback in the form of an electrical stimulation pattern with coding scheme for at least one input signal; and at least one multi-pad electrode configured to be positioned on a part of the body of the user. The multi-pad electrode includes a plurality of pads configured to be selectively and discretely activated/deactivated according to the predefined stimulation pattern.

Abstract: A system or method for motor rehabilitation of a paretic limb including: a first plurality of sensors for registering brain neurosignals; a body-actuator; a hybrid brain machine interface for decoding brain neurosignals into movements of the body-actuator; a second plurality of EMG sensors couplable to the paretic limb for registering its EMG activity; a device for providing the patient with instructions relative to a series of exercises and/or tasks to be carried out with the paretic limb; wherein upon carrying out a series of training sessions, each session comprising at least a set of such instructions, the hybrid brain machine interface is configured to switch between controlling the movements of the body-actuator based on the decoded brain neurosignals and a hybrid control of the movements of the body-actuator, when a significant level of decodable EMG activity has been registered, the hybrid control being an EMG-gated brain control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing 2,3-butanediol by hydrogenation of acetoin using a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst and under conditions leading to a selectivity higher than 90%. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogenation is carried out in the presence of no solvent or in the presence of a solvent like water or 2,3-butanediol.

Abstract: The joining device (100, 100?) comprises a first cover (1) and a second cover (2), each of which has a plurality of through holes (3) that match up with one another in position, for the ends of the rebars of the columns (200, 200A) to pass through. The covers (1,2) are joined together by means of, at least, two transverse webs (4) and several stiffener reinforcements (5,5A), which are arranged in perpendicular to the covers (1,2). The device further comprises connecting means (202, 203, 204, 205) between the ends of the rebars (201,201A) of the columns (200,200A).

Abstract: A device for polymerizing lactams in molds, comprising: a reservoir for storing lactam, wherein said reservoir is kept at a temperature which varies in the range of 135-150° C. for melting the lactam and keeping it in melted state; lactam feeding means comprising dosing pipes for feeding the lactam from the reservoir, first dosing means for feeding an initiator; second dosing means for feeding an activator; a mixing head configured to receive the lactam, the initiator and the activator from respectively said lactam feeding means, said first dosing means and said second dosing means. The initiator and activator are liquid, and the cited reservoir and lactam feeding means are located within a heater configured to maintain the temperature of the lactam at a substantially constant value until it reaches the mixing head.

Abstract: The invention refers to a direct drive electric generator for a wind turbine provided with rotor salient poles and a ladder-like cryostat for housing superconductive coils and keeping them at a cryogenic temperature while the interior of the cryostat is kept free of coolant. The invention achieves optimal thermal insulation of the coils without the need of a continuous re-filling of the cryostat and ensuring a good distribution of the magnetic field avoiding the use of expensive materials.