Abstract: A method of making a crosslinked fluoropolymer is described. The method comprises applying a composition to a substrate, wherein the composition comprises fluoropolymer and a fluorinated solvent, one or more curing agents comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an electron donor group or precursor thereof. The method further comprises removing the solvent and curing the fluoropolymer with actinic (e.g. ultraviolet “UV”) radiation. Also described is a composition comprising a fluoropolymer dissolved in a fluorinated solvent, and one or more curing agents comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an electron donor group or precursor thereof; and article comprising the crosslinked fluoropolymer.

Abstract: Radiation shielding performs a range of functions determined by the type and number of layers of materials used, thickness, weight, and structural support afforded by the radiation shielding. A radiation shield laminate stack may be constructed consisting of a plurality of layers of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene, polyethylene film, and carbon fiber, which is held together with an epoxy. The carbon fiber lay may be coated with nanoparticles of Boron (B) or Boron Nitride (BN), Boron Oxide (B2O3) or Boron Carbide (B4C) or a combination thereof to increase the shielding properties of the laminate stack. The radiation shield is lighter than aluminum, structurally sound, and thus may be used in the space environment to effectively block Galactic Cosmic Rays, atomic oxygen and UV radiation.

Abstract: The invention is that of systems of methods for preserving vital assets such as human organs in transit. An exemplary system may include a central software application and processor for storing vital asset identifying information in a database and displaying real-time transit information in relation to the asset to authenticated users. Application programming interfaces are provided to allow authenticated users to monitor location and environmental data transmitted from the proximity of the asset to the central software application for processing and display on graphical user interfaces. An exemplary system enables methods of reallocating freight from a first to a second transportation asset to avoid delays and prolonged exposures to adverse environmental conditions. In certain embodiments, unmanned aerial systems may be deployed to intervene in the transit channel and overcome such delays or exposures.

Abstract: A stack assist system includes a stacking surface, such as a pallet, configured to receive a plurality of packages thereon. A graphical display is configured to display a visual representation of an optimized stack of packages on the staking surface. A package position indicator may indicate the location of a package to be placed on package stack. The system may receive package data from a warehouse management system and determine an optimized stack based on numerous considered and weighted parameters related to the packages. The stack assist system may further optionally include a mobile unit to travel through a warehouse, over an optimized path, to retrieve packages intended for a stack.

Abstract: A preform charge is formed by forming an assemblage of preforms, wherein preforms in the assemblage are bonded to a neighboring preform such that the preform charge effectively becomes a single unit. The preform charge can then be added to a mold to fabricate a part via compression molding.

Abstract: A tool bit includes a shaft that defines a bit axis and has a first end and a second end. There is at least one work-hardening section adjacent the second end. The at least one work-hardening section has a profile that either is cylindrical or is a portion of a sphere. The at least one work-hardening section defines a smooth working surface.

Abstract: Photocurable colloid binders are provided that overcome deficiencies associated with 3D printing of high molecular weight polymers via VAT photopolymerization. Methods of additive manufacturing are also provided using the binders. The approaches described herein effectively decouple the viscosity-molecular weight relationship by synthesizing and processing photo-reactive aqueous colloids that are sequestered within a photocrosslinkable scaffold. Sequestering polymers within discrete internal phases prevents inter-particle entanglement of the polymer chains, thus ensuring low viscosity. VP of polymer colloids results in a solid green body embedded with high molecular weight polymer particles. A post-processing heated drying step allows the polymers to coalesce and further entangle, forming a semi-interpenetrating network with mechanical performance of the high molecular weight material. The resins can further include inorganic particles such as silica and other ceramics, metal particles, and the like.

Abstract: A metal cup and method of forming the same is provided. Metal cups of the present disclosure comprise a plurality of thin, straight-walled sections and a tapered profile. A domed portion is provided in the bottom of the cup. The cup may comprise a disposable cup, a reusable cup, or a recyclable cup.

Abstract: Systems of quickly and easily implanting a quick-connect heart valve prosthesis during a surgical procedure are provided. The heart valve may include a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A safety member disposed between the balloon catheter and handle shaft prevents premature catheter advancement prior to heart valve placement at the annulus, and also may prevent premature balloon inflation prior to full catheter advancement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes initiating a protection mode at a network device having a protective cover installed to filter airflow entering a network device, reducing one or more of a fan speed, processing functions, or power at the network device, exiting the protection mode upon removal of the protective cover from the network device, and increasing one or more of the fan speed, the processing functions, or the power to resume normal operation at the network device.

Abstract: A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the frame attached thereto. The frame may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle shaft easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps.

Abstract: Described herein is a latex blend comprising (i) an amorphous perfluoropolymer and (ii) an aqueous dispersion of semi crystalline fluoropolymer particles, wherein the particles comprise a TFE homopolymer or a TFE copolymer comprising no more than 1 wt % of a second fluorinated monomer, wherein the semi crystalline fluoropolymer particles (a) have an MFI (372° C. with 2.16 kg) of less than 50 g/10 min or (b) are not melt processible and have an SSG of less than 2.190, wherein the semi crystalline fluoropolymer particles have an average diameter greater than 100 nm.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes initiating a protection mode at a network device having a protective cover installed to filter airflow entering a network device, reducing one or more of a fan speed, processing functions, or power at the network device, exiting the protection mode upon removal of the protective cover from the network device, and increasing one or more of the fan speed, the processing functions, or the power to resume normal operation at the network device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to low molecular weight substituted imidazoles that inhibit the TGF-b signaling pathway. More specifically, this disclosure relates to methods of using said imidazoles for the treatment of diseases related to the TGF-b signaling pathways including, but not limited to, atherosclerosis, Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, obesity, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, keratoconus, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Alzheimer's Disease, chronic kidney disease, and scleroderma.

Abstract: A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the frame attached thereto. The frame may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle shaft easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for splaying fibers for the forming preform charges for the production of composite discs, and for the production of composite disc, wherein rotary compaction is applied to an appropriately arranged assemblage of preforms.

Abstract: Radiation shielding performs a range of functions determined by the type and number of layers of materials used, thickness, weight, and structural support afforded by the radiation shielding. A radiation shield laminate stack may be constructed consisting of a plurality of layers of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene, polyethylene film, and carbon fiber, which is held together with an epoxy. The carbon fiber lay may be coated with nanoparticles of Boron (B) or Boron Nitride (BN), Boron Oxide (B2O3) or Boron Carbide (B4C) or a combination thereof to increase the shielding properties of the laminate stack. The radiation shield is lighter than aluminum, structurally sound, and thus may be used in the space environment to effectively block Galactic Cosmic Rays, atomic oxygen and UV radiation.