Abstract: Implantable devices for fixation of curved bone such as the pelvic ring pubic symphysis and acetabulum, and methods for the use of the devices are disclosed. The implantable devices are convertible between a flexible state and a rigid state, and include an elongate structure having a proximal bone interface, a main body, and a distal bone interface. In a flexible state, the devices may be inserted along, and conform to a curved pathway, and in the rigid state, the devices may support the mechanical loads required to fixate a fracture.

Abstract: A device for sharpening bladed tools comprising a body defining an elongate handle portion adapted to be gripped in one hand by a user, the body having a forwardly projecting support member curved or angled downwardly with respect to the handle portion and fitted with a sharpening element at or near the end thereof, wherein the support member comprises a pair of spaced support arms extending generally parallel to the longitudinal extent of the handle portion, the support arms being positioned to respective sides of the sharpening element and defining an aperture therebetween adapted to accommodate a blade or anvil of a tool during sharpening of a counterpart tool blade.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body having a side wall encircling an axis, and a metal end for attachment to an upper edge of the side wall via heat-sealing. The outer peripheral region is shaped prior to application to the container body such that an annular channel is defined between an inner chuck wall and an outer chuck wall of the metal end. The metal end is pushed straight onto the side wall such that the upper edge of the side wall is received into the channel. The surfaces of the side wall and the opposing surfaces of the chuck walls have heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is heated to melt and fuse the heat-sealable layers, thereby sealing the metal end onto the side wall. The metal end is shaped such that the free edge of the outer chuck wall is not exposed.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body having a side wall encircling an axis, and a metal end for attachment to an upper edge of the side wall via heat-sealing. The outer peripheral region is shaped prior to application to the container body such that an annular channel is defined between an inner chuck wall and an outer chuck wall of the metal end. The metal end is pushed straight onto the side wall such that the upper edge of the side wall is received into the channel. The surfaces of the side wall and the opposing surfaces of the chuck walls have heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is heated to melt and fuse the heat-sealable layers, thereby sealing the metal end onto the side wall. The metal end is shaped such that the free edge of the outer chuck wall is not exposed.

Abstract: A device for sharpening bladed tools comprising a body defining an elongate handle portion adapted to be gripped in one hand by a user, the body having a forwardly projecting support member curved or angled downwardly with respect to the handle portion and fitted with a sharpening element at or near the end thereof, wherein the support member comprises a pair of spaced support arms extending generally parallel to the longitudinal extent of the handle portion, the support arms being positioned to respective sides of the sharpening element and defining an aperture therebetween adapted to accommodate a blade or anvil of a tool during sharpening of a counterpart tool blade.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body having a side wall encircling an axis, and a metal end for attachment to an upper edge of the side wall via heat-sealing. The outer peripheral region is shaped prior to application to the container body such that an annular channel is defined between an inner chuck wall and an outer chuck wall of the metal end. The metal end is pushed straight onto the side wall such that the upper edge of the side wall is received into the channel. The surfaces of the side wall and the opposing surfaces of the chuck walls have heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is heated to melt and fuse the heat-sealable layers, thereby sealing the metal end onto the side wall. The metal end is shaped such that the free edge of the outer chuck wall is not exposed.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body having a side wall encircling an axis, and a metal end for attachment to an upper edge of the side wall via heat-sealing. The outer peripheral region is shaped prior to application to the container body such that an annular channel is defined between an inner chuck wall and an outer chuck wall of the metal end. The metal end is pushed straight onto the side wall such that the upper edge of the side wall is received into the channel. The surfaces of the side wall and the opposing surfaces of the chuck walls have heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is heated to melt and fuse the heat-sealable layers, thereby sealing the metal end onto the side wall. The metal end is shaped such that the free edge of the outer chuck wall is not exposed.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body having a side wall encircling an axis, and a metal end for attachment to an upper edge of the side wall via heat-sealing. The outer peripheral region is shaped prior to application to the container body such that an annular channel is defined between an inner chuck wall and an outer chuck wall of the metal end. The metal end is pushed straight onto the side wall such that the upper edge of the side wall is received into the channel The surfaces of the side wall and the opposing surfaces of the chuck walls have heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is heated to melt and fuse the heat-sealable layers, thereby sealing the metal end onto the side wall. The metal end is shaped such that the free edge of the outer chuck wall is not exposed.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body having a side wall encircling an axis, and a metal end for attachment to an upper edge of the side wall via heat-sealing. The outer peripheral region is shaped prior to application to the container body such that an annular channel is defined between an inner chuck wall and an outer chuck wall of the metal end. The metal end is pushed straight onto the side wall such that the upper edge of the side wall is received into the channel. The surfaces of the side wall and the opposing surfaces of the chuck walls have heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is heated to melt and fuse the heat-sealable layers, thereby sealing the metal end onto the side wall. The metal end is shaped such that the free edge of the outer chuck wall is not exposed.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body having a side wall encircling an axis, and a metal end for attachment to an upper edge of the side wall via heat-sealing. The outer peripheral region is shaped prior to application to the container body such that an annular channel is defined between an inner chuck wall and an outer chuck wall of the metal end. The metal end is pushed straight onto the side wall such that the upper edge of the side wall is received into the channel. The surfaces of the side wall and the opposing surfaces of the chuck walls have heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is heated to melt and fuse the heat-sealable layers, thereby sealing the metal end onto the side wall. The metal end is shaped such that the free edge of the outer chuck wall is not exposed.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body having a side wall encircling an axis, and a metal end for attachment to an upper edge of the side wall via heat-sealing. The outer peripheral region is shaped prior to application to the container body such that an annular channel is defined between an inner chuck wall and an outer chuck wall of the metal end. The metal end is pushed straight onto the side wall such that the upper edge of the side wall is received into the channel. The surfaces of the side wall and the opposing surfaces of the chuck walls have heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is heated to melt and fuse the heat-sealable layers, thereby sealing the metal end onto the side wall. The metal end is shaped such that the free edge of the outer chuck wall is not exposed.

Abstract: An easy-open metal end and a method for making same, in which a pre-score coining operation is performed, followed by an operation to form a score line. The coining step uses gentle-radius tooling designed not to crack or cut a protective coating on the metal end. Between the coining step and the score line-forming step, a paneling step is performed to pull out the loose metal generated in the coining step, such that end tension can be controlled more easily than in a conventional process. The coining operation thins the metal, so the score line can have less penetration than, and therefore can be narrower than, a conventional score line. Consequently, even if the score line does rust, it will be very small in width and thus relatively unnoticeable.

Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body having a side wall encircling an axis, and a metal end for attachment to an upper edge of the side wall via heat-sealing. The outer peripheral region is shaped prior to application to the container body such that an annular channel is defined between an inner chuck wall and an outer chuck wall of the metal end. The metal end is pushed straight onto the side wall such that the upper edge of the side wall is received into the channel. The surfaces of the side wall and the opposing surfaces of the chuck walls have heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is heated to melt and fuse the heat-sealable layers, thereby sealing the metal end onto the side wall. The metal end is shaped such that the free edge of the outer chuck wall is not exposed.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use in an area subject to fluids such as gasoline or water. Typically, the connector would be used in a fuel injector to an electronic control module found in automotive and recreational motors. Once the wires have been stripped, they are then fused to a centering section to provide a common joint. The centering section is provided with a encapsulating mold centering section featuring two opposing alignment bosses and two sections of four circumferential centering tips. Finally, a second molding process is applied. The tips and the bosses re-melt or re-flow during the second encapsulation process to provide for a centered assembly that prevents fuel or water leaking from one wire to the next through the connection.

Abstract: The outdoor pet litter box provides a tray adapted for outdoor usage that defines an open area therein for receiving soil and live grass. The tray, soil and live grass may be used for the collection of excretory waste produced by a pet animal. The tray includes a base plate and at least one sidewall extending around the base plate. At least one post is mounted on the base plate adjacent the sidewall and extends upwardly therefrom to support a roof. The roof at least partially covers the open area and, preferably, is a gabled roof having a rear roof portion and a front roof portion, with the front roof portion being pivotally mounted to the rear roof portion, allowing for adjustable shade over the tray.

Abstract: A stirring hot plate for simultaneously heating and stirring a mixture includes a phase controlled motor that spins magnets which couple to, and thereby spin, a stir bar within the mixture. In addition to spinning the magnets, the motor includes an operational mode in which the motor is rapidly braked thereby quickly spinning down the stir bar. The stirring hot plate also includes a visual indicator to the user that the platform is hot-to-the-touch that is especially effective when the stirring hot plate is not in use.

Abstract: A contactless ignition and RF immobilizer for use with motor vehicle ignition systems. The apparatus uses many of the prior art components, however, it eliminates the need for a metal cylinder that contacts a key blade. Instead, a plastic cylinder with a magnet is provided that will activate at least two reed switches to achieve the various ignition system positions. The blade of the key merely functions to open the door and trunk locks. Since the reed switches are very small, additional switches could be added to measure tire pressure, keyless entry and a host of other functions, if they are all placed within the operating range of the molded RF antenna.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use in an area subject to fluids such as gasoline or water. Typically, the connector would be used in a fuel injector to an electronic control module found in automotive and recreational motors. Once the wires have been stripped, they are then fused to a centering section to provide a common joint. The centering section is provided with a encapsulating mold centering section featuring two opposing alignment bosses and two sections of four circumferential centering tips. Finally, a second molding process is applied. The tips and the bosses re-melt or re-flow during the second encapsulation process to provide for a centered assembly that prevents fuel or water leaking from one wire to the next through the connection.