Abstract: In one aspect, in general, a measurement system includes a projector for illuminating a pattern on a surface of the object, at least two imaging devices for obtaining images of a portion of an object, wherein at least some of the images include representations of one or more illuminated reference markers, an instrument for identifying a predetermined feature of the object, and a computing device for determining first position information associated with the illuminated reference markers represented in the images, determining second position information associated with the instrument, and based on the first position information and the second position information, assigning a predetermined coordinate system of the object to the object.

Abstract: A wagon comprising a body portion, the body portion including a plurality of side portions, each of the side portions comprising wire or plastic sides. The wagon also comprises a plurality of reinforcing metal strips on a top and bottom of each of the wire sides; and a plurality of metal strips which extend from the top to the bottom of the body portion. Finally, the wagon includes a plurality of tie down straps in metal or plastic straps extending from a top portion of and side of the utility wagon. When an attachable leaf chute is combined with the utility wagon, it can also fill individual bags with leaves. The attachable leaf chute slides into and then is attached to the utility wagon.

Abstract: In one aspect, in general, a measurement system includes a projector for illuminating a pattern on a surface of the object, at least two imaging devices for obtaining images of a portion of an object, wherein at least some of the images include representations of one or more illuminated reference markers, an instrument for identifying a predetermined feature of the object, and a computing device for determining first position information associated with the illuminated reference markers represented in the images, determining second position information associated with the instrument, and based on the first position information and the second position information, assigning a predetermined coordinate system of the object to the object.

Abstract: A system includes a tracking subsystem and a mapping subsystem. A portion of the mapping subsystem can be fixed in position relative to a portion of the tracking subsystem. The system also includes a processing subsystem in data communication with the tracking subsystem and the mapping subsystem. Other systems, methods, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A flexible instrument includes a flexible member having a proximal portion, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. At least one optical sensor positioned proximate the proximal portion of the flexible member provides a proximal end position signal indicative of the position of the proximal portion of the flexible member. At least one flexible member sensor positioned proximate one of the other portions of the flexible member provides a second position signal indicative of the position of the other portion of the flexible member.

Abstract: A thumb splint comprises a thumb receiving section for receiving a thumb of a user, an index finger receiving section for receiving an index finger of a user, a non-extendable, flexible connector extending between and secured to the thumb receiving section and the index finger receiving section for limiting abduction of the thumb to a predetermined value while permitting the thumb and index finger to move in a pinching action; and an elongated strap secured to the index finger receiving section for keeping the thumb and index finger receiving sections operatively positioned on the index finger and thumb, respectively.

Abstract: A thumb splint comprises a thumb receiving section for receiving a thumb of a user, an index finger receiving section for receiving an index finger of a user, a non-extendable, flexible connector extending between and secured to the thumb receiving section and the index finger receiving section for limiting abduction of the thumb to a predetermined value while permitting the thumb and index finger to move in a pinching action; and an elongated strap secured to the index finger receiving section for keeping the thumb and index finger receiving sections operatively positioned on the index finger and thumb, respectively.

Abstract: A flexible instrument includes a flexible member having an intermediate portion and a distal tip. At least one intermediate sensor disposed at a predetermined point along the intermediate portion of the member provides an intermediate path signal indicative of the path of the intermediate portion of the flexible member. At least one distal sensor positioned proximate the distal tip of the flexible member provides a distal tip position signal indicative of the position of the distal tip of the flexible member.

Abstract: The biocompatibility of polymeric and metallic articles used in contact with blood can be substantially improved by coating the articles as described. The coating materials are triblock copolymers of the polylactone-polysiloxane-polylactone type. Optimum biocompatibility is provided by a coating of optimum surface concentration. Porous membranes can be coated as described, providing improved biocompatibility of blood oxygenators, hemodialyzers and the like.

Abstract: The biocompatibility of polymeric and metallic articles used in contact with blood can be substantially improved by coating the articles as described. The coating materials are triblock copolymers of the polylactone-polysiloxane-polylactone type. Optimum biocompatibility is provided by a coating of optimum surface concentration. Porous membranes can be coated as described, providing improved biocompatibility of blood oxygenators, hemodialyzers and the like.