Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a PEEK carbon fiber bone fusion plate for stabilizing and fixating fractures, revision procedures, joint fusion, osteotomies and reconstruction of the small bones of the human body. The PEEK carbon fiber bone fusion plate comprises a generally elongated member having an upper surface and a lower bone contact surface. The bone fusion plate includes a composite structure comprising PEEK-embedded carbon fiber tape oriented at different angles. Two or more fixation apertures are disposed along the bone fusion plate and configured to receive bone screws. Each of the fixation apertures includes a threaded hole configured to engage with a head of a locking or non-locking bone screw.

Abstract: The present invention also provides two methods of preparing the antimicrobial preparation comprising the steps of submerging the porous material in vacuum vessel containing a solution comprising 1% to 4% of silver-chitosan dissolved in an organic acid; applying a vacuum to the vacuum vessel to displace air from the porous material; removing the vacuum from the vacuum vessel to return it to atmospheric pressure and then either drying the material and coating the material with a crosslinking solution or heating the material to between 120° C. and 140° C.

Abstract: A hitch adapter with a wheeled skid plate is described. In some examples, a hitch adapter can include a hitch adapter tube, wherein the hitch adapter tube is attached to the hitch adapter, one or more crossmember tubes, wherein one or more of the one or more crossmember tubes extend from the hitch adapter tube, one or more interconnect tubes, wherein one or more of the one or more interconnect tubes connect one or more of the one or more crossmember tubes, and a skid wheel, wherein the skid wheel is attached to one of the one or more interconnect tubes.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a UAV control method, and a UAV defense system are described.

Abstract: Various click-lock assemblies that engage a component and that are releasable by pressing one or more release latches are described.

Abstract: Crane assemblies for attachment to a vehicle tow hitch are described.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a fuselage defining a fuselage chamber. A first boom is coupled to the fuselage. A first rotor lift assembly is coupled to the first boom for providing a first lifting force. A second boom is coupled to the fuselage. A second rotor lift assembly is coupled to the second boom for providing a second lifting force. A third boom is coupled to the fuselage. A third rotor lift assembly is coupled to the third boom for providing a third lifting force. A fourth boom is coupled to the fuselage. A fourth rotor lift assembly is coupled to the fourth boom for providing a fourth lifting force. An electronic controller system is within the fuselage and operates the first rotor lift assembly, the second rotor lift assembly, the third rotor lift assembly and the fourth rotor lift assembly.

Abstract: Spring operated catch mechanisms to secure components together.

Abstract: The present invention also provides two methods of preparing the antimicrobial preparation comprising the steps of submerging the porous material in vacuum vessel containing a solution comprising 1% to 4% of silver-chitosan dissolved in an organic acid; applying a vacuum to the vacuum vessel to displace air from the porous material; removing the vacuum from the vacuum vessel to return it to atmospheric pressure and then either drying the material and coating the material with a crosslinking solution or heating the material to between 120° C. and 140° C.

Abstract: A water-based anti-microbial cosmetic preparation comprising 0.025% to 3.2% of silver-chitosan dispersion by weight and not more than 10% of a non-ionic surfactant by weight. The preparation has a ratio of non-ionic surfactant to silver chitosan by weight of at least 0.2:1 to allow the silver chitosan to form a film on the surface of the skin. The preparation has a pH of between 3 and 6.5 to ensure that the silver chitosan to ensure that the preparation is tolerable on the skin and to ensure that the silver does not precipitate. The preparation does not contain an ionic surfactant in order to avoid precipitating the silver chitosan out of the preparation.

Abstract: A collapsible fin shade apparatus for a boat.

Abstract: A thermally conductive rope includes a plurality of tows of crystalline carbon fiber, a plurality of tows of additional fiber, and at least one of a thermoset and thermoplastic.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a body and a heat source disposed in the body. The heat source includes at least one of an electronic controller system and a motor. The unmanned aerial vehicle further includes a plurality of rotor blades. At least a portion of the body is constructed of crystalline carbon fibers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a machining tool in which an insert holder comprises a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a first insert tip slot extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert tip slot is configured so as to be compressed and densified to support a first insert tip. The insert holder further includes elevated projections extending from the first and second surfaces proximate the first insert tip slot.

Abstract: The invention features a method of improving the growth of a plant, involving applying to a seed or locus thereof a composition comprising an active ingredient and a pH-dependent film-forming polymer, followed by exposing the composition to an appropriate pH to release said active ingredient. The invention further features a seed including a composition having a) an active ingredient; and b) a pH-dependent film-forming polymer. Additionally, the invention features a seed treatment composition that includes a) an agrochemical; b) a pH-dependent film-forming polymer; and c) a seed coating agent.

Abstract: A heat sink is disclosed comprising a metallic pin extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A lower pin stud is positioned adjacent to the proximal end. An upper pin stud is positioned adjacent to the distal end. A base flange is interposed between the lower pin stud and the upper pin stud and defines a lower base surface and an upper base surface. The lower pin stud engages a source aperture and the lower base surface engages a source surface. A composite pitch fiber encapsulates the upper pin stud and the upper base surface. The metallic pin and the composite pitch fiber transfer the thermal energy from the lower pin stud and the lower base surface, through the upper pin stud and through the composite pitch fiber for dissipating the thermal energy from the source.

Abstract: A latch for coupling a first object to a second object is disclosed comprises a primary block coupled to the first object. A locking cam is rotatably coupled to the primary block. A cam track having a sloped surface is in the locking cam. A locking stem slideably engages the primary block and traverses the locking cam. A cam pin is coupled to the locking stem. The cam pin slidably engages the sloped surface for displacing the locking stem between an extended position and a retracted position. A stem head is coupled to the cam pin. A secondary block is coupled to the second object. A cam channel is in the secondary block for receiving the locking stem. A head receiver is in the secondary block for engaging the stem head. The extended position defines an unlocked position and the retracted position defines a locked position.

Abstract: A thermally conductive rope includes a plurality of tows of crystalline carbon fiber, a plurality of tows of additional fiber, and at least one of a thermoset and thermoplastic.