Abstract: Integrated surgical systems and methods for using same are provided that can receive scanned images and produce a three dimensional model from the images. Based at least in part on the three dimensional model, a processor generates code defining an optimized tool path, which is sent to a surgical machining system that can machine the desired portion of the patient. In one exemplary aspect, the integrated system operates in a clearly defined and pre-programmed manner with no necessity for in-situ sensory or guidance feedback.

Abstract: Integrated surgical systems and methods for using same are provided that can receive scanned images and produce a three dimensional model from the images. Based at least in part on the three dimensional model, a processor generates code defining an optimized tool path, which is sent to a surgical machining system that can machine the desired portion of the patient. In one exemplary aspect, the integrated system operates in a clearly defined and pre-programmed manner with no necessity for in-situ sensory or guidance feedback.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for creating a beveled needle or a blade. The method employs a side wall surface of an angled post as a base to control beveled tip geometry. The invention provides needles, microneedle arrays, blades and microblade arrays with sufficient sharpness and toughness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for creating a beveled needle or a blade. The method employs a side wall surface of an angled post as a base to control beveled tip geometry. The invention provides needles, microneedle arrays, blades and microblade arrays with sufficient sharpness and toughness.

Abstract: Integrated surgical systems and methods for using same are provided that can receive scanned images and produce a three dimensional model from the images. Based at least in pan on the three dimensional model, a processor generates code defining an optimized tool path, which is sent to a surgical machining system that can machine the desired portion of the patient. In one exemplary aspect, the integrated system operates in a clearly defined and pre-programmed manner with no necessity for in-situ sensory or guidance feedback.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for creating a beveled needle or a blade. The method employs a side wall surface of an angled post as a base to control beveled tip geometry. The invention provides needles, microneedle arrays, blades and microblade arrays with sufficient sharpness and toughness.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is disclosed that includes an injection mold, a mold injector, and means for monitoring the injection mold process using acoustic energy. The injection mold includes a cavity for receiving an injection mold material, such as a polymer as injected via the mold injector. The monitoring system includes an acoustic energy generator, an ultrasonic crystal, and an energy monitoring device. The acoustic energy generator produces continuous acoustic energy to be non-invasively applied to the injection mold as the polymer is delivered into the mold. The energy monitoring device monitors changes in dynamic parameters of a resulting continuous resonant frequency established by the acoustic energy generator through the ultrasonic crystal. The ultrasonic crystal serves also as a transducer to receive an output signal from the mold to be delivered to the energy monitoring device.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus is disclosed that includes an injection mold, a mold injector, and means for monitoring the injection mold process using acoustic energy. The injection mold includes a cavity for receiving an injection mold material, such as a polymer as injected via the mold injector. The monitoring system includes an acoustic energy generator, an ultrasonic crystal, and an energy monitoring device. The acoustic energy generator produces continuous acoustic energy to be non-invasively applied to the injection mold as the polymer is delivered into the mold. The energy monitoring device monitors changes in dynamic parameters of a resulting continuous resonant frequency established by the acoustic energy generator through the ultrasonic crystal. The ultrasonic crystal serves also as a transducer to receive an output signal from the mold to be delivered to the energy monitoring device.

Abstract: A fire protection system for determining the existence of hazardous conditions within a building. The system includes a central monitor node for monitoring and displaying system status information. At least one zone node is located remote from the monitor node, and defines a plurality of fire protection zones within the building. A plurality of detectors are arranged within each zone at respective predetermined address locations. Each of the detectors includes a microcontroller for detecting and storing information indicating an occurrence of a hazardous event. The detectors have a normal negative state wherein no occurrence of a hazardous event is detected, and a positive state wherein the occurrence of a hazardous event is detected.

Abstract: A volume sequential technique allows the production of prototypes from a liquid photopolymer precursor without requiring the CAD model to be decomposed into slices. Inverse Tomographic Construction (ITC) selectively cures the photopolymer in a vat without requiring it translating build platform.

Abstract: Disclosed are thyroid hormone preparations useful in pharmaceutical applications. These preparations are disclosed to contain thyroxine drugs in combination with an inorganic salt, a carbohydrate having a molecular weight of greater than 500, and glycine. The preparations are also disclosed to have a free water content less than 4.5% by weight of the preparation. Also provided are compositions containing a reduced carbohydrate, a water soluble polysaccharide, or galactose. The preparations have improved stability wherein they are provided as being stable to the extent that substantially no potency loss is measured when the preparation is stored at 40.degree. C. and 75% relative humidity for 3 months.

Abstract: Disclosed are thyroid hormone preparations useful in pharmaceutical applications. These preparations are disclosed to contain thyroxine drugs in combination with an inorganic salt, a carbohydrate having a molecular weight of greater than 500, and glycine. The preparations are also disclosed to have a free water content less than 4.5% by weight of the preparation. Also provided are compositions containing a reduced carbohydrate, a water soluble polysaccharide, or galactose. The preparations have improved stability wherein they are provided as being stable to the extent that substantially no potency loss is measured when the preparation is stored at 40.degree. C. and 75% relative humidity for 3 months.

Abstract: A rapid prototype modeling system operates to first electronically decompose a discrete part represented by an STL file into electronic layers, using a paradigm characterized by a higher than zero order of fit with respect to the surface of the part. Physical layers are generated from the electronic layers by mechanical devices constructed and arranged to operate in accordance with the paradigm. The physical layers are then stacked appropriately to create a physical model of the discrete part.

Abstract: A rapid prototype modeling system operates to first electronically decompose a discrete part represented by an STL file into thick layers, which are then electronically sliced into cross sectional slices the thickness of a sheet of construction material. The slices are cut from sheets of the construction material in a pattern which permits construction of the layers by stacking the sheets. The layers are then stacked appropriately to create a physical model of the discrete part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the crystallinity and shrinkage of a olymeric resin during molding in which light is introduced into the mold cavity, from an optical fiber through a light permeable window, transmitted through the resin in the mold, reflected from the opposite side of the mold, collected again by the optical fiber sensor, and the attenuation of the light is analyzed to detect mold filling, the onset of polymer crystallization, and separation of the polymeric material from the mold wall due to shrinkage, which separation also produces the geometry of an interferometer which can be used to detect shrinkage and to measure the rate of shrinkage by counting the minima of interference fringes.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the onset of polymer solidification, i phase transitions from liquid to crystal or liquid to glass, during injection molding to detect characteristic fluorescence radiation from a dye which has been doped into the polymer at very low concentration. The method involves the use of a calibration relationship between the fluorescence intensity and temperature of the doped polymer in order to determine distinct features which characterize the onset of solidification.

Abstract: A method of measuring fluid properties of a polymer melt, undergoing shear and/or extensional flow which utilizes fluorescent anisotropy. The method utilizes a polymeric chromophore which includes a bifunctional anthracene that is covalently bonded to polybutadiene. The invention also involves an optical probe which is designed to be inserted into existing temperature and/or pressure probe ports in processing equipment. The probe includes a rotatable polarizer and emission collection fibers.

Abstract: A coaxial adjustable hydraulic clutch actuator of the invention for use with an automotive transmission and clutch, as in a racing vehicle for coupling power from the engine to the transmission. The transmission has a power input shaft and the clutch has actuating elements, the engine and transmission being joined by a bell housing. The actuator includes a base housing configured for retaining a bearing of the input shaft. A sleeve extends forwardly from the base housing coaxial with the input shaft. A piston is fitted coaxially within the sleeve and is received within an annular hydraulic fluid chamber to which hydraulic fluid is supplied under pressure from exteriorly of the bell housing. A clutch throw-out bearing is carried coaxially by the piston for being driven into throw-out engagement with the actuating elements of the clutch by movement of the piston in response to the hydraulic fluid pressure for clutch actuating operation.

Abstract: High-velocity gas burners having enhanced flame stability over wide operating ranges are provided by correlating the dimensions of the combustion chamber with other burner dimensions, in particular, the ratio of the combustion chamber diameter to the flame holder exit diameter and the ratio of the effective length of the combustion chamber to the combustion chamber diameter.

Abstract: Photoconductive zinc oxide characterized by having improved electrophotographic properties and particularly increased discharge speed, and produced by a process involving mixing the photoconductive zinc oxide powder to be improved with 0.01% by weight or more tellurium calculated as Te, and contacting the thus-obtained mixture with a free oxygen-containing gas while heating the mixture at elevated temperature sufficiently high and for a time sufficient to result in the zinc oxide having the improved electrophotographic properties. The heating temperature and/or heating time is held below that temperature or time at which sintering of the thus-treated product occurs.