Abstract: An automatic descent control device includes a line configured to be attached to a load. A line system retracts slack from the line when the line is not loaded and extends the line when the line is loaded. At least one braking system provides a braking force when the line is loaded so as to control extension of the line and a descent rate of the load. The at least one braking system is operable in at least two configurations, a first configuration that the at least one braking system lowers the load at a first descent rate, and a second configuration that the at least one braking system lowers or locks the load at a second descent rate. The load being a constant and the first descent rate is greater than the second descent rate.

Abstract: An automatic descent control device includes a line configured to be attached to a load. A line system retracts slack from the line when the line is not loaded and extends the line when the line is loaded. At least one braking system provides a braking force when the line is loaded so as to control extension of the line and a descent rate of the load. The at least one braking system is operable in at least two configurations, a first configuration that the at least one braking system lowers the load at a first descent rate, and a second configuration that the at least one braking system lowers or locks the load at a second descent rate. The load being a constant and the first descent rate is greater than the second descent rate.

Abstract: System of flip-book binding components, and preferable adaptation tool, for creating a plurality of different size thicknesses of flip book bindings, comprising a threaded screw having an initial length and having a screw head end and an initial threaded tip end, the screw comprising at least one designated intermediate break area to facilitate optional modification of the screw to a different threaded length with a different resulting threaded tip end, the system further comprising a threaded cap nut adapted for threaded receipt and retention of one of the initial threaded tip end and the optional resulting threaded tip end to enable binding of a plurality of given flip book size thicknesses.

Abstract: A flexible marker system for use with a computer-assisted surgical (CAS) tracking system is disclosed. The system includes a rigid frame or instrument having a plurality of coupling locations each configured to position a navigation marker in a predetermined position and a flexible array configured to be coupled with the rigid frame or instrument. The flexible array can include an elastically deformable body and a plurality of navigation markers, where the flexible array is configured to be coupled to the rigid frame or instrument by stretching the elastically deformable body over the rigid frame or instrument such that each of the plurality of navigation markers is positioned at one of the plurality of coupling locations of the rigid frame or instrument.

Abstract: A fuel mixture includes a fuel, ethanol, and modified graphene oxide (mGO) nanoparticles functionalized with a hydrocarbon. The mGO is less than 1000 ppm of the ethanol, and a blend of the ethanol and the mGO is less than 10% of the fuel mixture.

Abstract: A motion-assisted positioning arm for a medical procedure. The positioning arm includes a base, an arm coupled to the base, and an end effector coupled to the arm. The arm includes a plurality of arm segments. The arm includes a plurality of joints for connecting the arm segments. The end effector may be manipulable with six degrees of freedom in a task-coordinate space based on motion by at least one joint in the plurality of joints. The positioning arm includes a processor to: detect manipulation of and determine forces or torques acting on the end effector; determine a surgical mode for constraining movement of the end effector in the task-coordinate space; determine an end effector velocity based on the determined forces or torques and the surgical mode for moving end effector; and apply at least one joint space movement based on the end effector velocity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a scale inhibitor, a surfactant, and an aqueous fluid comprising sulfate in an amount of from about 100 ppm to about 10,000 ppm based on the total weight of the aqueous fluid. The wellbore servicing fluid can be used as a fracturing fluid in a method of servicing a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The wellbore servicing fluid can mitigate the formation of scales, prevent water blockage, and increase hydrocarbon production.

Abstract: A method of detecting defects or deterioration in the sidewalls of can bodies during production of the can bodies within a can bodymaker. Each can body is formed by pushing a cup, mounted on a punch of a reciprocating ram, through one or more dies contained within a tool pack of the bodymaker. The method comprises: obtaining output signals from one or more eddy current sensors arranged around the ram axis outside of the tool pack and adjacent to an exit end of the tool pack; processing the output signals to detect passage of open ends of can body sidewalls past the sensor(s) and thereby determine measures of the heights or thicknesses of can body sidewalls; and analysing the determined measures to identify can body sidewall defects or deterioration.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method for coating coffee beans, the method comprising providing a water-ethanol solution comprising at least 20% ethanol by volume, mixing at least one ingredient with the solution, extracting one or more of micronutrients and organic compounds from the at least one ingredient into the solution to create an extract, roasting coffee beans at a temperature that is in a range from about 120 to about 375 degrees Celsius to form roasted coffee beans, cooling the roasted coffee beans to between 32 and 120 degrees Celsius, and applying the extract on an exterior surface of the roasted coffee beans while they are in this temperature range to form coated coffee beans, wherein a weight ratio of the extract to the coffee beans ranges from about 0.1% to about 40%, and wherein the applying comprises simultaneously spraying the extract on and stirring the roasted coffee beans.

Abstract: A can bodymaker for producing can bodies from cups. The can bodymaker comprises a ram configured to reciprocate along an axis, a punch mounted on the ram; a tool pack comprising a cradle and a plurality of tools located in the cradle for drawing and ironing a cup mounted on the punch during a forward stroke of the ram. The can bodymaker further comprises a bolster plate fixed to the can bodymaker, an adapter plate fixed to the bolster plate and a stripper assembly fixed to the adapter plate for removing a can body from the punch during a return stroke of the ram and clamping mechanism for biasing the tools against a front face of the adapter late. The can bodymaker further comprises one or more load cells located in or on the adapter plate and configured to generate an output signal or signals indicative of an axial force exerted on the tools by the cup passing therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a scale inhibitor, a surfactant, and an aqueous fluid comprising sulfate in an amount of from about 100 ppm to about 10,000 ppm based on the total weight of the aqueous fluid. The wellbore servicing fluid can be used as a fracturing fluid in a method of servicing a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The wellbore servicing fluid can mitigate the formation of scales, prevent water blockage, and increase hydrocarbon production.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure, the imaging system involving an optical assembly having moveable zoom optics and moveable focus optics, a zoom actuator and a focus actuator for positioning the zoom and focus optics, respectively, a controller for controlling the zoom and focus actuators independently in response to received control input, a camera for capturing an image of the target from the optical assembly, the system capable of performing autofocus during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A flexible marker system for use with a computer-assisted surgical (CAS) tracking system is disclosed. The system includes a rigid frame or instrument having a plurality of coupling locations each configured to position a navigation marker in a predetermined position and a flexible array configured to be coupled with the rigid frame or instrument. The flexible array can include an elastically deformable body and a plurality of navigation markers, where the flexible array is configured to be coupled to the rigid frame or instrument by stretching the elastically deformable body over the rigid frame or instrument such that each of the plurality of navigation markers is positioned at one of the plurality of coupling locations of the rigid frame or instrument.

Abstract: A coupling system for securing and positioning a reflective marker in a navigation array is disclosed. The coupling system can include a carrier configured to hold the marker with a reflective element for detection by a surgical tracking system in a socket of the array. The carrier can include a body with an exterior for interfacing with the socket and an open end with engagement features for holding a body of the marker. The carrier is configured to visibly present the reflective element of the marker in the socket when the carrier is disposed in the socket. The carrier can be configured to securely hold the marker to the array when the marker is disposed in the carrier and the carrier is disposed in the array such that the marker cannot be removed from the carrier unless the carrier is removed from the socket.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure, the imaging system involving an optical assembly having moveable zoom optics and moveable focus optics, a zoom actuator and a focus actuator for positioning the zoom and focus optics, respectively, a controller for controlling the zoom and focus actuators independently in response to received control input, a camera for capturing an image of the target from the optical assembly, the system capable of performing autofocus during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A trial neck (30) and a method for trialling a neck of an orthopedic implant in a hip replacement procedure. The method includes inserting a broach (10) into a medullary canal of a femur and connecting a distal end of a trial neck to a proximal end (12) of the broach. The trial neck includes a proximal end connectable to a trial head. The trial neck includes a body portion extending along a neck axis (5) of the trial neck between the distal end and the proximal end. The proximal end includes a male connector for connection to a corresponding female connector of a trial head. The male connector includes a plurality of connection members (34A, 34B) extending parallel to the neck axis. The connection members are separated by one or more elongate slots (50) including at least one kink (52) forming an interlock between the connection members separated by that slot. The connection members are resiliently deflectable.

Abstract: An automated positioning system and methods of controlling the same. The positioning system includes a multi-joint positioning arm, an end effector coupled to a distal end of the positioning arm, a force-moment sensor (FMS) coupled to the end effector and a controller coupled to communicate with the positioning arm and the FMS. Using signals from the FMS, at least one external force or torque applied to the end effector is determined. A drive velocity for moving the end effector is determined, based on the at least one external force or torque. One or more joint movements of the positioning arm for moving the end effector is calculated, according to the drive velocity. The positioning arm is moved according to the one or more calculated joint movements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising florpyrauxifen, an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, or combinations thereof, and a second herbicide, wherein the compositions are safened for use on white clover. The second herbicide may be selected from 2,4-D, amidosulfuron, saflufenacil, an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A line dispensing device includes a housing, a rotatable shaft rotatably supported by the housing and defining a rotational axis, and a line drum disposed about the rotational axis and configured to extend and retract a line from the housing. The line dispensing device also includes a retraction assembly disposed about the rotational axis and configured to generate a retraction force and retract the line from the housing, and a braking assembly disposed about the rotational axis and configured to generate a braking force on the line and during extension of the line from the housing.

Abstract: Fluid mixing systems and methods to dynamically adjust a density of a fluid mixture are disclosed. A method to dynamically adjust a density of a fluid mixture includes obtaining data indicative of one or more characteristics of a mixture of a first fluid having a first density and a second fluid having a second density that is less than the first density. The method also includes determining, based on the one or more characteristics, an amount of additive to add to the mixture, and releasing a volume of the first fluid, which when mixed with the second fluid, forms a mixture having a ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid. The method further includes mixing the first fluid with the second fluid. The method further includes adding the determined amount of additive to the mixture having the ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid.