Abstract: Novel or improved microporous single or multilayer battery separator membranes, separators, batteries including such membranes or separators, methods of making such membranes, separators, and/or batteries, and/or methods of using such membranes, separators and/or batteries are provided. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, a multilayer dry process polyethylene/polypropylene/polyethylene microporous separator which is manufactured using the inventive process which includes machine direction stretching followed by transverse direction stretching and a subsequent calendering step as a means to reduce the thickness of the multilayer microporous membrane, to reduce the percent porosity of the multilayer microporous membrane in a controlled manner and/or to improve transverse direction tensile strength.

Abstract: A spinal adjustment system including at least one thermally actuated pump element.

Abstract: Novel or improved microporous single or multilayer battery separator membranes, separators, batteries including such membranes or separators, methods of making such membranes, separators, and/or batteries, and/or methods of using such membranes, separators and/or batteries are provided. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, a multilayer dry process polyethylene/polypropylene/polyethylene microporous separator which is manufactured using the inventive process which includes machine direction stretching followed by transverse direction stretching and a subsequent calendering step as a means to reduce the thickness of the multilayer microporous membrane, to reduce the percent porosity of the multilayer microporous membrane in a controlled manner and/or to improve transverse direction tensile strength.

Abstract: A system for stimulating a sympathetic chain includes an electrode assembly that is configured to attach to a bone in proximity to a targeted portion of the sympathetic chain. The electrode assembly includes a cathode and an anode. The system also includes a power supply connected to the electrode assembly and configured to deliver power to the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly generates an electrical field between the cathode and the anode when power is delivered to the electrode assembly. The electrical field reaches the targeted portion of the sympathetic chain to provide electrical stimulation to the targeted portion of the sympathetic chain.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed towards generating a trajectory for use by a robot to perform an operation on a target object. A method includes a robot instructed to traverse a surface of the target object from the starting position and obtain sensor input from a sensor system of the robot using a first trajectory specified by a CAD file for the target object. Sensor input that includes a first height to the target object, a width of the seam, and a depth of the seam may be received. A second trajectory may be generated for traversing the surface of the target object and that modifies the first trajectory based on the sensor input. The robot may be instructed to move to the starting position and traverse the surface of the target object using the second trajectory and apply a sealant to the seam.

Abstract: A pump mechanism for dispensing a sealant is described. The pump mechanism can include a housing comprising a cavity; a tubing track arranged in the cavity, the tubing track having a curved surface inward from the housing; a tubing arranged in proximity to the curved surface of the tubing track; a rotor assembly arranged inward from the curved surface and the tubing, the rotor assembly comprising a rotor and a first roller in contact with the tubing, the first roller compressing the tubing to reduce fluidic communication between a first end and a second end of the tubing; a motor in operable communication with the rotor assembly; and a computing device configured to control a rotational speed of the rotor based on a velocity of a tool center point (TCP) of the robot.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed towards generating a trajectory for use by a robot to perform an operation on a target object. A method includes a robot instructed to traverse a surface of the target object from the starting position and obtain sensor input from a sensor system of the robot using a first trajectory specified by a CAD file for the target object. Sensor input that includes a first height to the target object, a width of the seam, and a depth of the seam may be received. A second trajectory may be generated for traversing the surface of the target object and that modifies the first trajectory based on the sensor input. The robot may be instructed to move to the starting position and traverse the surface of the target object using the second trajectory and apply a sealant to the seam.

Abstract: A method of using a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes providing a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected to the second end portion of the main body. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein and a rotating element positioned within the fluid filled space. The rotating element is rotated within the cavity of the housing to impart movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

Abstract: A spinal adjustment system including at least one thermally actuated pump element.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of devices, systems, and methods for tracking the positions and orientations of at least one bone screw implanted within a surgical site. The disclosed device includes an extension that includes an extension base configured to couple to the bone screw, a marker arm coupled at one end to the extension base in a hinged arrangement, and an optical marker attached to a free end of the marker arm opposite the hinged attachment. The optical marker includes a pair of lenticular arrays in a coplanar arrangement in which the major axes of the lenticular arrays are mutually perpendicular. Each lenticular array is configured to display different hues at different viewing angles. The disclosed method includes transforming a single image of a surgical site containing at least one bone screw and extension into the global positions of each bone screw based on the pixel positions and hues corresponding to the lenticular arrays of each optical marker.

Abstract: A spinal adjustment system including at least one thermally actuated pump element.

Abstract: A spinal adjustment system including at least one thermally actuated pump element.

Abstract: A system for stimulating a sympathetic chain includes an electrode assembly that is configured to attach to a bone in proximity to a targeted portion of the sympathetic chain. The electrode assembly includes a cathode and an anode. The system also includes a power supply connected to the electrode assembly and configured to deliver power to the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly generates an electrical field between the cathode and the anode when power is delivered to the electrode assembly. The electrical field reaches the targeted portion of the sympathetic chain to provide electrical stimulation to the targeted portion of the sympathetic chain.

Abstract: A system for stimulating a sympathetic chain includes an electrode assembly that is configured to attach to a bone in proximity to a targeted portion of the sympathetic chain. The electrode assembly includes a cathode and an anode. The system also includes a power supply connected to the electrode assembly and configured to deliver power to the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly generates an electrical field between the cathode and the anode when power is delivered to the electrode assembly. The electrical field reaches the targeted portion of the sympathetic chain to provide electrical stimulation to the targeted portion of the sympathetic chain.

Abstract: A bidirectional thermally actuated component includes a heating element and wax material provided in an enclosed housing wherein the heating element is activated to melt the wax which expands to cause movement of the housing or an element mounted therein. When the heating element is deactivated, the was hardens and constricts to allow for movement in the opposite direction based on application of a force in the opposite direction, which may be provided by a biasing spring or a second actuator. An adjustable medical device may include the thermally actuated component to control adjustment of the device.

Abstract: A method of using a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes providing a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected to the second end portion of the main body. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein and a rotating element positioned within the fluid filled space. The rotating element is rotated within the cavity of the housing to impart movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

Abstract: A method of using a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes providing a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected to the second end portion of the main body. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein and a rotating element positioned within the fluid filled space. The rotating element is rotated within the cavity of the housing to impart movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

Abstract: A system for stimulating a sympathetic chain includes an electrode assembly that is configured to attach to a bone in proximity to a targeted portion of the sympathetic chain. The electrode assembly includes a cathode and an anode. The system also includes a power supply connected to the electrode assembly and configured to deliver power to the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly generates an electrical field between the cathode and the anode when power is delivered to the electrode assembly. The electrical field reaches the targeted portion of the sympathetic chain to provide electrical stimulation to the targeted portion of the sympathetic chain.

Abstract: A detection and warning assembly for preventing sneak attacks includes a housing. A power module and a microprocessor are coupled to and positioned in the housing. The microprocessor is operationally coupled to the power module. A speaker, a camera, a light, and a sensor are coupled to the housing and are operationally coupled to the microprocessor. Each of a plurality of the housings is configured to couple to an exterior surface the vehicle such that a respective blind spot of the vehicle is covered by the sensor. The sensor is configured to detect a movement in the blind spot and to communicate the movement to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is positioned to selectively activate the speaker to emit a warning sound, the camera to capture an image, and the light to illuminate the blind spot. An occupant of the vehicle is protected from surprise by a person approaching the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of using a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes providing a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected to the second end portion of the main body. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein and a rotating element positioned within the fluid filled space. The rotating element is rotated within the cavity of the housing to impart movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.