Abstract: A disposable or re-usable handheld, one piece device is provided for pre-drilling and application of a shape memory or elastic staple for fixation in bone surgery. Various embodiments include a one piece device that has set holes at one end to allow for pre-drilling for the shape memory or elastic staple legs and includes an application feature at the other end to disengage the shape memory or elastic staple from the one piece device. The one piece device can come in different sizes depending on the size of the shape memory or elastic staple. The one piece handheld shape memory or elastic staple holder and drill guide allows for a handheld device to accomplish both pre-drilling and application of the shape memory or elastic staple for surgical bone fixation procedures.

Abstract: An internal plate fixation device is provided for load bearing and non-load bearing fixation during and after a Ludloff osteotomy procedure for hallux valgus correction in the first metatarsal bone of the foot. The fixation device includes a U-shaped plate having a straight section interconnecting a pair of opposed legs which are bent relative to the straight section. The straight section is formed therethrough with a set of non-threaded holes for receiving non-locking screws therein, and the legs are formed therethrough with a set of threaded holes for receiving locking screws therein. The straight section and the non-locking screws are configured to engage a dorsal portion of the first metatarsal bone. The legs and the locking screws are configured to engage a medial portion of the first metatarsal bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a shaped confectionery product of Bingham plastic rheology by cold extrusion wherein particles of the confectionery product are fed between counter-rotating form rolls having depressions corresponding to the desired product shape. The particles are compacted and compressed between the form rolls and fuse together to exit with a thin web of material interconnecting the shaped confectionery product. The release of the product from the roll surface is aided by induced differential motion between the rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and/or cooling a plurality of particles including a generally circular bed for holding the particles, the bed having a substantially centered annular inner bed wall, an outer bed wall and an irregular bottom. The apparatus also includes a drive mechanism rotatably affixed to said bed, where rotation of the drive mechanism at a predetermined rate produces a displacement of the bed horizontally and vertically resulting in a particle flow in the x, y and z directions. The particle flow in the x and y planes for a majority of said particles is in a dominant direction. The apparatus also includes an airplant which provides a heated and/or cooled airflow tangentially into the bed in a direction opposite to the dominant direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and/or cooling a plurality of particles including a generally circular bed for holding the particles, the bed having a substantially centered annular inner bed wall, an outer bed wall and an irregular bottom. The apparatus also includes a drive mechanism rotatably affixed to said bed, where rotation of the drive mechanism at a predetermined rate produces a displacement of the bed horizontally and vertically resulting in a particle flow in the x, y and z directions. The particle flow in the x and y planes for a majority of said particles is in a dominant direction. The apparatus also includes an airplant which provides a heated and/or cooled airflow tangentially into the bed in a direction opposite to the dominant direction.

Abstract: A cargo container is manufactured using mash seam welding or CO2 laser welding technology. Automatic welding replaces the multiple sheets of corrugated steel used for the side and roof panels with continuous coils of steel, resulting in lower material costs and reduced material handling. A single horizontal mash-weld or CO2 laser weld seam is needed to produce each panel, which are produced by joining two side-by-side sheets at their inner edges. Press and die assembly forms reinforcing ribs. Each panel has four straight welding edges, which enable automated welding. The cargo container includes a frame assembly made of tubular beams. The container further contains a pallet roller track assembly to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo to and from the container, and securing the pallet carrying the cargo to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and/or cooling a plurality of particles including a generally circular bed for holding the particles, the bed having a substantially centered annular inner bed wall, an outer bed wall and an irregular bottom. The apparatus also includes a drive mechanism rotatably affixed to said bed, where rotation of the drive mechanism at a predetermined rate produces a displacement of the bed horizontally and vertically resulting in a particle flow in the x, y and z directions. The particle flow in the x and y planes for a majority of said particles is in a dominant direction. The apparatus also includes an airplant which provides a heated and/or cooled airflow tangentially into the bed in a direction opposite to the dominant direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a shaped confectionery product of Bingham plastic rheology by cold extrusion wherein particles of the confectionery product are fed between counter-rotating form rolls having depressions corresponding to the desired product shape. The particles are compacted and compressed between the form rolls and fuse together to exit with a thin web of material interconnecting the shaped confectionery product. The release of the product from the roll surface is aided by induced differential motion between the rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a shaped confectionery product of Bingham plastic rheology by cold extrusion wherein particles of the confectionery product are fed between counter-rotating form rolls having depressions corresponding to the desired product shape. The particles are compacted and compressed between the form rolls and fuse together to exit with a thin web of material interconnecting the shaped confectionery product. The release of the product from the roll surface is aided by induced differential motion between the rolls.

Abstract: A cargo container is manufactured using mash seam welding or CO.sub.2 laser welding technology. Automatic welding replaces the multiple sheets of corrugated steel used for the side and roof panels with continuous coils of steel, resulting in lower material costs and reduced material handling. A single horizontal mash-weld or CO.sub.2 laser weld seam is needed to produce each panel, which are produced by joining two side-by-side sheets at their inner edges. Press and die assembly forms reinforcing ribs. Each panel has four straight welding edges, which enable automated welding. The cargo container includes a frame assembly made of tubular beams.