Abstract: A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.

Abstract: A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.

Abstract: A compact utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include one or more lift arm assemblies, with each lift arm assembly including a first lift arm that telescopically receives a second lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes a telescoping actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its second lift arm relative to its first lift arm. A load-sensing system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a tool load applied at a tool supported by the boom.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of processing and protecting ingredients in a beverage from the effects of photodegradation is provided. The method may include: providing a red coloured container having light transmission properties between about 630 and 700 nm in wavelength; filling the red coloured container with a beverage including water and at least one of the following beverage ingredients to be preserved: High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), Stevia, Aspartame, Sucralose or any other non-nutritive sweetener; capping and/or sealing the red coloured container; wherein the red coloured container is configured to filter an UV/visible light so as to reduce light degradation of the beverage ingredients.

Abstract: A medical device such as a stent (10) or medical balloon (40) is at least partially coated with a saturated carboxylic acid layer in order to enhance biocompatibility, reduce thrombogenesis and increase endothelialisation. The coating is preferably of citric acid in non-crosslinked form and preferably non-porous so as to mask the underlying structure of the medical device. The acid coating forms an outer surface of at least a part of the medical device, that is has no other layer or material overlying it, save for in some embodiments a partial coating of a bioactive material.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and/or methods for immobilizing a patient's head and simultaneously providing emergency respiration for the patient includes, in some embodiments, a head immobilizer, a bag valve mask (BVM), an endotracheal tube (ET) bracket, and/or an oxygen face mask. In some embodiments where head immobilization is not needed, a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) board may be used in lieu of the head immobilizer. Each such embodiment is configured to require reduced manual intervention by a caregiver without reducing the effectiveness of each medical device and/or system. An adjustable BVM holder integrated into the head immobilizer secures the BVM on the patient. In embodiments with a BVM, only a single hand is necessary to provide emergency respiration, freeing the caregiver's other hand for other caregiving tasks. Such a head immobilizer may secure an ET bracket and/or face mask to a patient, allowing for hands-free operation during patient treatment, movement, and transportation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing sealed plastic containers having a first headspace pressure. The apparatus may include: an open entry port or tunnel for continuously receiving containers; a sanitizer configured to sanitize outside surfaces of the received containers; a perforator configured to perforate or open a cap or seal of the containers within the apparatus; a sealer configured to seal the perforation or opening formed in the cap or seal of the containers; an open exit port of tunnel for continuously exiting the processed containers; and a conveyor system configured to transporting or convey the containers from the open entry port or tunnel, through and within the apparatus, to the open exit port or tunnel and away from the sanitized environment of the apparatus. The apparatus may be further configured to maintain a sanitized environment within the apparatus, perforator, and/or sealer.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for processing containers. The system may include an apparatus for processing sealed plastic containers having a first headspace pressure. The apparatus may include: an open entry port or tunnel for continuously receiving containers; a sanitizer configured to sanitize outside surfaces of the received containers; a perforator configured to perforate or open a cap or seal of the containers within the apparatus; a sealer configured to seal the perforation or opening formed in the cap or seal of the containers; an open exit port or tunnel for continuously exiting the processed containers; and a conveyor system configured to transport or convey the containers. The system may further include a production line including a filler for filling empty blow-moulded containers with a heated liquid to pasteurize inside surfaces of the containers and a capper for sealing the filled blow moulded containers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of diagnostic testing to confirm the presence of target pathogens in a test sample, typically obtained from a human or animal. The test has particular application in testing for viruses, but could include cancer cells or other particulate pathogens, including bacteria.

Abstract: A medical device such as a stent or medical balloon is functionalised prior to coating with a bioactive material, specifically by carboxylic acidification of the contact surface or surfaces of the medical device. The preferred process involves washing a stent or other medical device in a washing solution which may be sodium hydroxide, soaking in a carboxylic acid solution, rinsing in water to remove excess carboxylic acid, allowing to dry before applying a bioactive agent layer. It has been found that washing after functionalisation removes excess carboxylic acid and enhances the retention of bioactive agent on the contact surface or surfaces of the medical device leading to a more uniform and consistent layer of bioactive agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for updating data in a computer network. An exemplary method includes: scanning to capture a first set of signals; identifying from the first set of received signals a second set of signals having on times longer than a specified minimum dwell time; providing a plurality of signal profiles associated with a plurality of pulsed patterns of a signal of interest; identifying from the second set of signals a third set of signals that match at least one of the signal profiles; receiving demodulated data regarding the third set of signals; obtaining characteristic information for each of the third set of signals; verifying for each of the third set of signals their relevant information; determining whether the verification of the third set of signals produced a match; and upon determining of the match, providing an indication of a signal of interest.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of improving the reliability of coating an implantable medical device, such as a stent, with bioactive material in the absence of a carrier material such as a matrix or polymer layer. The method involves cleaning volatile components from the exposed surfaces of the medical device, removing carbon deposits and then applying a uniform carbon layer in a controlled environment. The deliberately applied carbon layer masks impurities of the underlying native oxide layer and leads to more uniform bioactive material coating not only a over the surfaces of a single medical device but also from device to device within a batch and between batches of devices. This improves production as well as optimising the amount and release of drug on the medical device without the need for a carrier material.

Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A container having an inverted active cage generally includes an enclosed base portion, a body portion extending upwardly from the base portion, and a top portion with a finish extending upwardly from the body portion. The body portion further includes a central longitudinal axis, a periphery, a plurality of rigidified and non-active surfaces, and a network of pillars or channels. Unlike the prior art, each of the plurality of non-active surfaces is outwardly displaced with respect to the longitudinal axis, while each of the network of pillars or channels is inwardly displaced with respect to the longitudinal axis. The plurality of rigidified or non-active surfaces, together with the network of rigidified channels or pillars, are spaced about the periphery of the container in order to accommodate vacuum-induced volumetric shrinkage of the container resulting from a hot-filling, capping and cooling thereof.

Abstract: A method of modifying a surface of a medical device for implantation or disposition inside a patient is described. The medical device comprises a structure having at least one surface. The method includes the steps of: placing the medical device into a plasma chamber substantially free from contaminants and substantially sealing the plasma chamber from the atmosphere; removing at least an outermost layer of any oxide layer from the at least one surface of the structure by a plasma oxide-removal process, whilst maintaining the plasma chamber under seal from the atmosphere; and subsequently forming a new oxide layer at the least one surface of the structure by introducing at least one gas into the plasma chamber, whilst maintaining the plasma chamber under seal from the atmosphere. A medical device including a bulk material and an oxide layer disposed over at least one surface of the medical device. The oxide layer is substantially pure and free from contaminants.

Abstract: A method for determining properties of hydraulic fractures from measurements of pressure in a well made after stopping pumping fracturing fluid into the well (shut in) includes determining a first time after shut in whereinafter a decrease in measured pressure is caused by fluid leak off in a fracture. A second time after shut in is determined whereinafter the decrease in pressure is caused by fluid leak off, fracture growth and fluid pressure equilibration in the fracture. A third time after shut in is determined whereinafter the decrease in pressure is caused by fluid leak off, fracture growth, fluid pressure equilibration in the fracture and pressure drop in a near wellbore zone. Values of fluid efficiency, minimum stress and net pressure which are determined result in a calculated pressure with respect to time matching the pressure measurements within a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for updating data in a computer network. An exemplary method includes: scanning to capture a first set of signals; identifying from the first set of received signals a second set of signals having on times longer than a specified minimum dwell time; providing a plurality of signal profiles associated with a plurality of pulsed patterns of a signal of interest; identifying from the second set of signals a third set of signals that match at least one of the signal profiles; receiving demodulated data regarding the third set of signals; obtaining characteristic information for each of the third set of signals; verifying for each of the third set of signals their relevant information; determining whether the verification of the third set of signals produced a match; and upon determining of the match, providing an indication of a signal of interest.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a control system for a vehicle comprising an axle having a center pivoting axis and a frame coupled to the axle at the center pivoting axis, the control system comprising: one or more controllers; a control circuit; and one or more actuators located on one side or opposite sides, respectively, of the center pivoting axis and coupled to the axle and the frame of the vehicle, the one or more actuators configured by the one or more controllers and the control circuit to prevent tipping based on forces imposed on the vehicle.