Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a self-healing UV-protective polymer coating include a polymer matrix formed by initiating polymerization of a UV-absorbing-matrix precursor and a UV initiator and a self-healing portion disposed within the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix includes a plurality of active sites therein. The self-healing portion includes a self-healing precursor that is flowable and a self-healing initiator. The self-healing initiator is configured to polymerize the self-healing precursor using a cationic ring opening process.

Abstract: The disclosed microfluidic valves may include a valve body having at least one cavity therein, a gate transmission element separating the cavity into an input gate terminal and an output gate terminal, a gate port configured to convey drive fluid into the input gate terminal, and a fluid channel. The gate transmission element may include a flexible membrane and a plunger coupled to the flexible membrane. The gate transmission element may be configured to move within the cavity to inhibit a subject fluid flow from an inlet port to an outlet port of the fluid channel upon pressurization of the input gate terminal, and to allow subject fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port upon depressurization of the input gate terminal. Various other related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle ventilating/cooling system may include at least one sun-load sensor arranged within the vehicle, and a controller configured to receive a sun-load signal indicating a sun-load level from the sensor and programmed to instruct at least one cooling component to conduct a purge of vehicle cabin air in response to the sun-load level exceeding a sun-load threshold.

Abstract: A heat shrink tunnel with width adjustment includes a pair of opposing side wall assemblies, each including an outer wall and an inner perforated wall defining a plenum therebetween. The opposing side walls define a product path with the side wall assemblies being movable toward and away from each other. A heater/blower assembly disposed in each of the opposing side walls and has an outlet directed into the product path. A shroud extends over the side wall assemblies and an open top space between the side all assemblies. The side wall assemblies extend upwardly toward an inside of the shroud so as to define a small gap between tops of the side wall assemblies and the inside of the shroud. The shroud has a bottom wall. A conveyor is configured to convey items through the heat shrink tunnel. A tunnel includes a side wall assembly width adjusting assembly to move the side walls toward and away from one another by actuation of a single actuator.

Abstract: Implantable valve for treating venous insufficiency having a self-expanding frame encased in polymer having a distal section for blood in-flow, a bulbous center section and a proximal section for blood out-flow. Polymeric leaflets have proximal ends forming an S-shaped valve outlet, or a valve outlet which spirals toward the proximal section. The valve opens and closes in response to venous blood flow and has distal portions which are integral with the inner polymer surface of the distal end of said bulbous section. The leaflets define a predominantly biomimetic sinus region with the bulbous section. Opening of the valve induces flushing of blood from the sinus region for smooth non-traumatic blood flow through said valve.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a sole. The sole includes an upper sole member and a lower sole member of different materials. The lower sole member has a hole extending from its lower side to its upper side, and a projection of the upper sole member extends downwardly into the hole. The lower sole member further includes a longitudinal flex groove extending from a toe region to a front end of the hole, and from a rear end of the hole to a sole heel end. The longitudinal flex groove and hole combine to facilitate transverse flexion of the lower sole member in response to gait forces from the ground and a wearer's foot.

Abstract: A fuel injector assembly in one embodiment includes a nozzle, at least one needle, and at least one actuator. The nozzle includes at least one cavity in fluid communication with nozzle openings. The at least one needle is movably disposed within the at least one cavity, and prevents flow through the nozzle openings in a closed position. The at least one actuator is configured to move the at least one needle within the cavity. The at least one actuator is configured to move the at least one needle to at least a first fuel delivery configuration and a second fuel delivery configuration. A first amount of fuel is delivered through the nozzle openings with the at least one needle in the first fuel delivery configuration, and a second amount of fuel is delivered through the nozzle openings with the at least one needle in the second fuel delivery configuration.

Abstract: Provided are a method and computer system for facilitating selection of a paint by a user over a communication network. A server component of the computer system receives a type of the paint available on a website desired by the user over the communication network, and transmits content over the communication network to present the user with an arrangement of available colors for the paint. A desired color selected by the user from the arrangement of available colors is received. Without transmitting content over the communication network to cause the user computer to separately present all variants of the paint comprising both the type of the paint and the desired color selected by the user, content indicative of a collection of variants of the paint and a selectable menu of options for specifying an additional parameter that identifies a desired variant of the paint are transmitted.