Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for automatically packaging one or more articles as a set of items to be shipped is disclosed. The system, apparatus, and method processes packaging material based at least in part on a scan of the set of items to be shipped, and forms cushioning of two matched streams of packaging material, with height of each package automated to size for the set, yielding shipping-ready customized packages. The customized packages are configured to conform to each individual article's size. The packaging material preferably is fully recyclable and is made from paper which is selectively expandable to create a cushioning layer around the set.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for automatically packaging one or more articles as a set of items to be shipped is disclosed. The system, apparatus, and method processes packaging material based at least in part on a scan of the set of items to be shipped, and forms cushioning of two matched streams of packaging material, with height of each package automated to size for the set, yielding shipping-ready customized packages. The customized packages are configured to conform to each individual article's size. The packaging material preferably is fully recyclable and is made from paper which is selectively expandable to create a cushioning layer around the set.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for automatically packaging one or more articles as a set of items to be shipped is disclosed. The system, apparatus, and method processes packaging material based at least in part on a scan of the set of items to be shipped, and forms cushioning of two matched streams of packaging material, with height of each package automated to size for the set, yielding shipping-ready customized packages. The customized packages are configured to conform to each individual article's size. The packaging material preferably is fully recyclable and is made from paper which is selectively expandable to create a cushioning layer around the set.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for automatically packaging one or more articles as a set of items to be shipped is disclosed. The system, apparatus, and method processes packaging material based at least in part on a scan of the set of items to be shipped, and forms cushioning of two matched streams of packaging material, with height of each package automated to size for the set, yielding shipping-ready customized packages. The customized packages are configured to conform to each individual article's size. The packaging material preferably is fully recyclable and is made from paper which is selectively expandable to create a cushioning layer around the set.

Abstract: An article including carbon-carbon composite substrate may be treated with an antioxidant coating prior to use in an oxidizing environment. The antioxidant coating may be configured to reduce oxidation at an external surface of the C—C composition and reduce ingress of oxidants into pores or other open passages defined by the C—C composite substrate to avoid internal oxidation. An example article includes a C—C composite substrate, a bond coat, and an antioxidant coating. The C—C composite substrate defines a friction surface and a non-friction surface. The bond coat is disposed on the non-friction surface. The antioxidant coating may be disposed on at least a portion of the bond coat. The antioxidant coating may include ytterbium disilicate and a sintering aid.

Abstract: An article including carbon-carbon composite substrate may be treated with an antioxidant coating prior to use in an oxidizing environment. The antioxidant coating may be configured to reduce oxidation at an external surface of the C-C composition and reduce ingress of oxidants into pores or other open passages defined by the C-C composite substrate to avoid internal oxidation. An example article includes a C-C composite substrate, a bond coat, and an antioxidant coating. The C-C composite substrate defines a friction surface and a non-friction surface. The bond coat is disposed on the non-friction surface. The antioxidant coating may be disposed on at least a portion of the bond coat. The antioxidant coating may include ytterbium disilicate and a sintering aid.

Abstract: A light therapy device (40) for delivering light energy to a portion of a patient's body comprises a light source (115). The light source comprises one or more light emitters (122) for providing input light. A light coupling means (80) directs the input light into a light guide (140). A flexible optically transparent light guide material comprises the light guide. A light extraction means (75) is applied to a surface of the light guide material. The light extraction means is positioned to provide light therapy treatment to one or more localized areas of the patient's body. A control means controls a light dosage relative to intensity, wavelength, modulation frequency, repetition, and timing of treatments.

Abstract: A docking system for a watercraft having a cross member carrying a tow hook cart to engage a bow eye on the watercraft and thereafter permit docking of the watercraft. The cross member is supported by at least one upright structure and may include a latch mechanism to release the cross member to swing away after the hook engages the eye. Alternatively, a cross member may be supported on both ends and may be pulled out of the way by the tow rope or rotated over the eye by a latch tripped after the hook engages the eye.

Abstract: Medical implant systems for a variety of medical uses including stimulating tissue, locating nerves during a medical procedure, measuring nerve activity, stimulating bone growth, assisting hearing, providing eyesight, delivering medicaments, and facilitating positioning and tracking of positions of medical implants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sprinkler apparatus and related methods for the distribution of fluid. The invention preferably includes a nozzle rotatably driven by a pressurized flow of fluid along a fluid path. The invention preferably includes a housing separating a magnetic drag coupling assembly from the fluid path. The coupling assembly preferably includes spaced apart magnets configured to exert an attractive force on each other to rotate one magnet in response to the rotation of the other magnet, and a resistive/drag force to oppose the continuous rotation of the nozzle. Pressure offsetting structures minimize or even neutralize the upward/downward forces that the flowing fluid otherwise would exert on the rotating shaft assembly.

Abstract: A production meat analysis system and method provides means for determining percent or absolute constituents of a production lot of ground meat product immediately following the meat pre-grinding process. During use, the system is located at the output of a production meat pre-grinder such that the ground meat passes over the belt of the weigh conveyor and through the detection field or range of the NIR sensor. During this process, constituent readings for fat, moisture, protein and temperature are recorded for each unit weight pulse. The cumulative weighted average for each constituent is calculated for each unit weight and recorded and displayed on the computer screen as the process continues without stoppage or interruption. Constituent content can thereby be manually or automatically adjusted.

Abstract: Improved drying, binder evaporation, and sintering processes which may be used in conjunction with specialized sintering tools to provide for the geometrically stable sintering of large, complex, metal injection molded preform parts or flowbodies. The improved process includes a three-stage drying process, a single stage binder evaporation process, and a two-stage sintering process.

Abstract: A low volume spray device for irrigation systems has a lower tubular end portion that is beveled to facilitate its insertion into a plastic conduit. Its upper end forms a nozzle portion with a small orifice and a deflector that controls the spray pattern. The device is preferably molded from plastic material so as to be inexpensive yet long lasting.