Abstract: A self-drilling suture inserter including a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis having a proximal end and a distal end, which is connected to a tubular portion. The inserter also includes an inserter tip, which is attached to and extends distally from the shaft. The inserter tip comprises a suture anchor retention slot extending therethrough. The inserter tip also comprises a distal end with a drilling point. The tubular portion can also include an outer tube having a first inner volume and a suture tube having a second inner volume. The suture tube extends within the first inner volume of the outer tube.

Abstract: A method of masking and pretreating a plastic part prior to being spray-painted including the steps of providing a plastic part having one or more adhesive bond lines. The plastic part is typically an exterior automotive component having a painted show surface. Examples of plastic parts include but are not limited to lift gates, running boards, door trim pieces, spoilers, tail gates, front fascias and rear fascias. The method can also be used in connection with metal parts or any other application where a surface of the part will be painted and other surfaces on the part need to be protected from direct paint spray or paint overspray.

Abstract: A vibration unit assembly for a belt conveyor has a vibration element, and vibration generator and a connection assembly. The vibration generator is operatively connected to the vibration element for inducing vibrations in the vibration element. The connection assembly connects the vibration element to the belt conveyor so that the vibration element may move relative to the belt conveyor. A contact surface of the vibration element engages a material to vibrate and compress the material as it is transported on the belt conveyor. The vibration element may include a plate or a roller. A method for treating a material involves applying a vibration force and applying a compressive force to compact the material. A method for drying a material involves applying a vibration force to the material to release fluid and applying a compressive force to compact the material.

Abstract: A method of masking and pretreating a plastic part prior to being spray-painted including the steps of providing a plastic part having one or more adhesive bond lines (12, 12?). The plastic part is typically an exterior automotive component having a painted show surface. Examples of plastic parts include but are not limited to lift gates, running boards, door trim pieces, spoilers, tail gates, front fascias and rear fascias. The method can also be used in connection with metal parts or any other application where a surface of the part will be painted and other surfaces on the part need to be protected from direct paint spray or paint overspray.

Abstract: A self-drilling suture inserter including a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis having a proximal end and a distal end, which is connected to a tubular portion. The inserter also includes an inserter tip, which is attached to and extends distally from the shaft. The inserter tip comprises a suture anchor retention slot extending therethrough. The inserter tip also comprises a distal end with a drilling point. The tubular portion can also include an outer tube having a first inner volume and a suture tube having a second inner volume. The suture tube extends within the first inner volume of the outer tube.

Abstract: A primer containing graphene as an additive and a method of priming a filled polymer substrate for providing a Class A final paint surface. The method includes providing a substrate with reinforcement materials. A primer which includes from 0.5-5% by weight of graphene as an additive is applied to the substrate for coating the substrate. The primer is cured during heating of the resulting product for drying the substrate. The graphene acts to dissipate heat providing less differential of heat between the primer and the substrate and/or coatings applied on top of the primer which produces an improved final appearance of a paint over a fiber reinforced polymer material.

Abstract: A vibration unit assembly for a belt conveyor has a vibration element, and vibration generator and a connection assembly. The vibration generator is operatively connected to the vibration element for inducing vibrations in the vibration element. The connection assembly connects the vibration element to the belt conveyor so that the vibration element may move relative to the belt conveyor. A contact surface of the vibration element engages a material to vibrate and compress the material as it is transported on the belt conveyor. The vibration element may include a plate or a roller. A method for treating a material involves applying a vibration force and applying a compressive force to compact the material. A method for drying a material involves applying a vibration force to the material to release fluid and applying a compressive force to compact the material.

Abstract: A method for balancing a rotating assembly of a gas turbine engine includes removing a stator vane from a section of the gas turbine engine. Removing the stator vane provides access to a rotating assembly of the gas turbine engine. The method further includes at least one of adding, removing, and repositioning a weight with respect to the rotating assembly via access to the rotating assembly provided by removing the stator vane.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for enhancing delivered audio signals are disclosed which may be employed in a delivery system at a server side, a client side, or both. The techniques include forming a processed audio signal by processing audio signals through multiple pathways which operate on different frequency bands using dynamic processing and other elements, and thereafter providing recording or listening environment enhancements and other sound enhancements to the processed audio signal. Also disclosed are techniques and systems for implementing the multi-pathway processing and environmental and sound enhancements.