Abstract: A system is provided for selecting a particular barcode on an item that includes multiple barcodes. The system (1) acquires, via a barcode imager, an image of the item within the field of view of the barcode imager, (2) analyzes the acquired image to determine a set of potential barcode fields, (3) determines, using a predetermined criterion (e.g., distance from center of imaged area, type of bar code, etc.), a candidate barcode field from among the set of potential barcode fields, (4) displays a modified image derived from the acquired image, wherein the candidate barcode field is identified within the modified image, and (5) allows the user to initiate a decode session when the candidate barcode field includes the desired barcode.

Abstract: A bone stabilization or fixation assembly may include a bone plate having an upper side and an underside and at least one fixation hole having a first diameter and the hole extending from the upper side to the underside. The area of the bone plate adjacent the fixation hole has a first thickness. The bone stabilization assembly further includes at least one fastener having a head, a shaft, and a relief. The head has a larger dimension than the shaft. The shaft may have threads having a pitch, a core diameter and an outer thread diameter. The relief has a length and a second diameter. The first diameter of the fixation hole may be smaller than the outer thread diameter but larger than the second diameter of the relief. Also, the length of the relief may be greater than the first thickness of the bone plate. The first diameter may be greater than, equal to, or less than the core diameter of the shaft.

Abstract: A system is provided for selecting a particular barcode on an item that includes multiple barcodes. The system (1) acquires, via a barcode imager, an image of the item within the field of view of the barcode imager, (2) analyzes the acquired image to determine a set of potential barcode fields, (3) determines, using a predetermined criterion (e.g., distance from center of imaged area, type of bar code, etc.), a candidate barcode field from among the set of potential barcode fields, (4) displays a modified image derived from the acquired image, wherein the candidate barcode field is identified within the modified image, and (5) allows the user to initiate a decode session when the candidate barcode field includes the desired barcode.

Abstract: Helical drag bits and systems and methods utilizing the bits or hole geometries formed by the bits. Such systems and methods include those for measuring geo-tech characteristics and for rock bolts and similar devices for supporting a substrate. Also, rock bolts for use with various hole geometries.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate article is provided. The method includes masking a first portion of the substrate article with a maskant that includes a formed graphite piece that overlays and contacts the first portion of the substrate such that a second portion of the substrate is not overlaid nor contacted by the maskant; and processing the substrate article such that a coating of material is deposited on the second portion of the substrate, and wherein the maskant facilitates preventing the coating from being deposited on the first portion of the substrate article.

Abstract: A sandblasting cabinet including side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein at least one wall is made from corrugated cardboard or corrugated plastic sheet. The side walls, top wall, and bottom wall are preferably made from a first sheet of corrugated plastic. In a preferred embodiment the cabinet also includes a deflector shield including a sloped wall extending between the top wall and a side wall. The deflector shield is preferably made from a second sheet of corrugated cardboard or corrugated plastic. A kit for making the sandblasting cabinet preferably includes the first and second sheets and two additional side insert sheets made from corrugated cardboard or corrugated plastic.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate article is provided. The method includes masking a first portion of the substrate article with a maskant that includes a formed graphite piece that overlays and contacts the first portion of the substrate such that a second portion of the substrate is not overlaid nor contacted by the maskant; and processing the substrate article such that a coating of material is deposited on the second portion of the substrate, and wherein the maskant facilitates preventing the coating from being deposited on the first portion of the substrate article.

Abstract: Translational bone fixation assemblies, kits containing such assemblies, and methods of use are described herein. The described assemblies may be used in spinal fusion procedures in which a damaged or diseased disc (or part of a disc) is removed from between a pair of vertebrae and a spinal fusion spacer is placed between the vertebrae. The assemblies may be applied to an anterior portion of the affected vertebrae to span the affected disc space, and may be fixed to the vertebrae using bone screws. The assemblies may function to maintain the vertebrae aligned during the initial period following fixation in which fusion of the spacer to the adjacent vertebrae occurs. The assemblies may also function to share some of the axial spinal load applied to the fusion spacer to prevent extreme subsidence of the spacer into the vertebral body, such as where the patient has poor bone quality.

Abstract: A reinforced filtration cartridge comprises a housing with end fittings secured at each end of the housing, a membrane bundle extending between the end fittings, and a support column extending between the end fittings, with the ends of the support column secured within potting compound dispersed within each of the end fittings.

Abstract: A hollow fiber microfiltration (MF) membrane is provided. The casting solution used to make this membrane includes a fiber-forming polymer having a degree of polymerization greater than about 1000, a water-soluble polymer, an anhydride with about 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and a solvent. The membrane is formed by mixing and heating these components to form a viscous dope and then extruding the dope through an annular orifice to form a hollow fiber MF membrane. The hollow fiber membrane is then fed through a coagulation bath and two leaching baths. The membrane is especially useful for filtering liquids, such as wine and juice, so as to remove bacteria, gel, and solid particles from the liquids.

Abstract: Translational bone fixation assemblies, kits containing such assemblies, and methods of use are described herein. The described assemblies may be used in spinal fusion procedures in which a damaged or diseased disc (or part of a disc) is removed from between a pair of vertebrae and a spinal fusion spacer is placed between the vertebrae. The assemblies may be applied to an anterior portion of the affected vertebrae to span the affected disc space, and may be fixed to the vertebrae using bone screws. The assemblies may function to maintain the vertebrae aligned during the initial period following fixation in which fusion of the spacer to the adjacent vertebrae occurs. The assemblies may also function to share some of the axial spinal load applied to the fusion spacer to prevent extreme subsidence of the spacer into the vertebral body, such as where the patient has poor bone quality.

Abstract: A helical drag bit provided with spirally/helically positioned cutting arms. The arms can create a spiral trench geometry in the sidewall of a predrilled pilot hole. The cutting arms can terminate in scoring cutting blades. The helical drag bit can be incorporated into a system and method for measuring geo-tech characteristics. The helical drag bit can be used in a system and method for improving the holding capacity of rock bolts and similar devices for use in the mining industry or in any circumstances where a particulate substrate may benefit from support. Novel rock bolts having new structures can be used with this improved hole geometry or may form such improved hole geometry.

Abstract: A combination through-wall masonry flashing/drainage device having a flashing membrane with at least one reinforcing cloth adhered to at least one side of the flashing membrane. A wicking cloth made of a synthetic wicking material is then adhered to the device. The wicking cloth material is selected for wicking ability, life expectancy, mildew resistance, and strength characteristics.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column mounted control stalk with multiple switch actuators for selective independent actuation of a multiple contact, multiple slide vehicle speed control switch assembly and of a multiple contact rotary and axially translatable windshield wiper motor and washer pump motor control switch assembly.

Abstract: Slip form concrete laying machines for forming curbs are equipped with apparatus which forcibly inserts compressible sheets downwardly in the freshly laid concrete, the sheet being strengthened by a backing plate and an attached strip at its lower edge.

Abstract: Slip form concrete laying machines for forming curbs are equipped with apparatus which forcibly inserts compressible sheets downwardly in the freshly laid concrete and which prevents the spread of the curb as the sheet is inserted.