Abstract: An instrument for spinal rotation that aligns and holds direct vertebral rotation (DVR) lever arms relative to each other to achieve an initial axial alignment of a segment of vertebrae and allows the final DVR rotation by rotating the instrument and lever arms together. A method of direct vertebral rotation that allows rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to each other, and collectively rotating the vertebrae to be aligned relative to adjacent spinal segments by rotating the direct vertebral rotation instrument. A system for direct vertebral rotation having at least two pedicle screws. The system also includes at least two levers attachable to the pedicle screws and a clamping instrument configured to clamp the levers.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a conveyor that moves one or more supports towards a packaging station, while a plastic film to be applied to said one or more supports is simultaneously transported to the packaging station itself. A longitudinally cutting unit longitudinally cuts the plastic film in order to form two or more film strips, and a compensating device exerts a tensioning action on one or more portions of said film strips. A packaging method includes longitudinally cutting the plastic film into strips and compensating to suitably tautly hold the film strips during their movement.

Abstract: An adjustable mirror assembly includes a mirror having a reflective surface. The adjustable mirror assembly may include a first locking mechanism configured to lock a support in a finite number of discrete positions. The support may be movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The mirror may be pivotally mounted to the support and may be configured to pivot about a second pivot axis to orient the reflective surface of the mirror in an aft-facing direction in both the lowered position and the raised position.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique is described for enabling a user to create a conversational bookmark in the course of the user's interaction with a BOT. The bookmark designates a particular juncture in the user's interaction with the BOT. When the user later invokes the bookmark, the computer-implemented technique resumes the user's interaction with the BOT, starting at the particular juncture. The technique can accomplish the above functions in a BOT-independent manner (which does not involve changes to the BOT) or a BOT-dependent manner (which involves changes to the BOT). The technique can also be extended to a task of creating and activating bookmarks in the course of a conversation among two or more humans.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory apparatus is provided and includes a substrate having a major surface extending longitudinally. A stack of first and second sets of word lines and insulating layers extends along and over the major surface longitudinally and alternating with and overlying one another vertically to define a device region. The first and second sets of word lines each respectively extends longitudinally beyond a first and second side of the device region a decreasing longitudinal distance from the device region as a vertical distance from the major surface increases to define first and second stepped contact regions. Word line contacts extend vertically in the first and second stepped contact regions. The second set of word lines in the first stepped contact region do not contact the word line contacts and the first set of word lines in the second stepped contact region do not contact the word line contacts.

Abstract: A system for the transfer, storage and distribution of intermodal containers of a plurality of lengths. The system comprises a first storage area comprising a first plurality of shafts arranged in a grid pattern along a first and second axis, a plurality of gantry cranes slidably disposed along the first axis and extending beyond the storage area, a roof structure disposed at a distance above the plurality of shafts, and a plurality of overhead cranes slidably associated with the plurality of tracks. The shafts disposed in rows along the first axis are configured to store intermodal containers of a plurality of lengths. The shafts disposed in a given row along the second axis are configured to store intermodal containers of a corresponding length. The plurality of gantry cranes are each configured to attach to and transport an intermodal container from a first location to one of a plurality of platforms slidably disposed along the first axis.

Abstract: An illustrative motor drive assembly is configured for use in a lockset comprising a case, a longitudinally movable link, and a catch configured to move among a locking position and an unlocking position in response to longitudinal movement of the link. The illustrative motor drive assembly includes a longitudinally extending shaft comprising a worm, a motor operable to rotate the shaft, a driver engaged with the worm, and a longitudinally extending spring. The spring is not directly engaged with the worm, and includes a first end coupled with the driver and a second end connectable with the link. Engagement between the worm and driver is configured to longitudinally move the driver in response to rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: In one aspect, a lens comprises a light receiving side comprising grooves for receiving light emitting diodes, the grooves defined by refractive walls. The lens also comprises a light extraction side opposite the light receiving side, the light extraction side comprising refractive extraction surfaces diverging light from a central axis of the lens. In some embodiments, the refractive walls of the grooves work in conjunction with the refractive extraction surfaces to diverge light from the central axis of the lens. In some embodiments, luminaire comprises an array of light emitting diodes; and the lens positioned over the array of light emitting diodes.

Abstract: An air temperature sensor for use on an aircraft can include a housing defining an interior and having a trailing edge, a temperature sensor having a distal end and located within the interior, a support tube surrounding at least a portion the temperature sensor, an element shroud surrounding at least a portion of support tube, and a bushing isolating the trailing edge of the housing from the distal end of temperature sensor.

Abstract: Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to a fiber alignment device that includes curved-type alignment bores. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to methods of forming the fiber alignment device with curved-type alignment bores.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a method comprising a single-stage conversion of an atmospheric pollutant, such as NO, NO2 and/or SOx in a first stream to one or more mineral acids and/or salts thereof by reacting with nonionic gas phase chlorine dioxide (ClO20), wherein the reaction is carried out in the gas phase. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method comprising first adjusting the atmospheric pollutant concentrations in a first stream to a molar ratio of about 1:1, and then reacting with an aqueous metal hydroxide solution (MOH). Another aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus that can be used to carry out the methods disclosed herein. The methods disclosed herein are unexpectedly efficient and cost effective, and can be applied to a stream comprising high concentration and large volume of atmospheric pollutants.

Abstract: A flushing system in a drill bit, which has a body that defines the flushing system, can include an inlet to facilitate supply of pressurized fluids into a bore hole. A cutting surface of the drill bit is provided with a main opening that defines a main passageway in communication with the inlet. A peripheral surface of the drill bit is provided with a secondary opening that defines a secondary passageway in communication with the inlet. The secondary passageway is disposed at an angle from a horizontal reference plane. The horizontal reference plane is defined between the inlet and the origin of the main passageway and is perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the body of the drill bit. An origin of the secondary passageway is at a distance from the origin of the main passageway.

Abstract: A pyrolytic graphite (PG) substrate and laser diode package includes a substrate body having a PG crystalline structure with a basal plane oriented at a pre-determined orientation angle as measured from a longitudinal axis of a heat generating material, such as a laser diode, mounted on a surface of the PG substrate, so that a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the PG substrate is substantially matched with a CTE of the material.

Abstract: An optical coupling structure is disposed on a light output surface of a semiconductor LED to facilitate coupling of light emitted by the semiconductor LED through the light output surface. The optical coupling structures comprise light scattering particles and/or air voids embedded in or coated with a thin layer of a material that has an index of refraction close to or matching the index of refraction of the material forming the light output surface of the semiconductor LED.