Abstract: To improve the efficiency of bounding volumes in a hardware based ray tracer, we employ a sheared axis-aligned bounding box to approximate an oriented bounding box typically defined by rotations. To achieve this, the bounding volume hierarchy builder shears an axis-aligned box to fit tightly around its enclosed oriented geometry in top level or bottom level space, then computes the inverse shear transform. The bounds are still stored as axis-aligned boxes in memory, now defined in the new sheared coordinate system, along with the derived parameters to transform a ray into the sheared coordinate system before testing intersection with the boxes. The ray-bounding volume intersection test is performed as usual, just in the new sheared coordinate system.

Abstract: A magnetometer-based metal detection device and methods of use are described. The device includes a proximal portion, a central body and a distal portion, and at least one magnetometer positioned within or on the distal portion. The at least one magnetometer includes at least one sensor capable of sensing a magnetic field in three orthogonal axes. Also described is a method of calibrating the device to achieve rotational invariance, and a method of determining a directionality or directional line along which a target metal object lies.

Abstract: Devices for treating a bone and methods of inserting such devices into a bone are disclosed. A device for treating a bone may include a flexible tube, a stiffening mechanism and an actuator. The flexible tube has a distal end and a proximal end. The stiffening mechanism within the flexible tube is configured to cause the flexible tube to become rigid. The actuator is configured to cause the stiffening mechanism to cause the flexible tube to become rigid in response to the actuator being actuated.

Abstract: Devices for treating a bone and methods of inserting such devices into a bone are disclosed. A device for treating a bone may include a flexible tube, a stiffening mechanism and an actuator. The flexible tube has a distal end and a proximal end. The stiffening mechanism within the flexible tube is configured to cause the flexible tube to become rigid. The actuator is configured to cause the stiffening mechanism to cause the flexible tube to become rigid in response to the actuator being actuated.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for controlling a bladder of a subject are disclosed. For example, an apparatus for controlling the bladder can comprise a garment or accessory configured to be worn at least partially around a lower truncal region of a subject and a compression device coupled to the garment or accessory. The compression device can be configured to pressurize an abdominal wall of the subject when the garment or accessory is worn by the subject. The compression device can comprise a device housing having a contact surface, a device base, and an actuator. The actuator can translate the device housing in relation to the device base in a medial or lateral direction relative to the subject such that the contact surface of the device housing applies compressive forces to the abdominal wall of the subject when translated.

Abstract: A magnetometer-based metal detection device and methods of use are described. The device includes a proximal portion, a central body and a distal portion, and at least one magnetometer positioned within or on the distal portion. The at least one magnetometer includes at least one sensor capable of sensing a magnetic field in three orthogonal axes. Also described is a method of calibrating the device to achieve rotational invariance, and a method of determining a directionality or directional line along which a target metal object lies.

Abstract: Weep hole insert (10, 10) comprising a tubular body (12) defining an air flow conduit (14) extending therethrough, along axis (L), from a first open end (12a) to a second open end (12b) of the body. Grate (16) comprises a perforated body (16a) configured to permit air flow but to inhibit passage of embers and sparks. In an operative configuration, perforated body (16a) extends across the conduit (14). Elastically compressible member (16c) is engageable between perforated body (16a) and an interior surface of body (12) to releasably secure the perforated body in the operative configuration. When engaged between body (16a) and the interior surface of body (12), member (16c) is elastically compressed from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration by a distance of at least a wall thickness (T) of body (12) at its point of engagement by member (16c).

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: Asphalt compositions are provided that include bio-oil. Some compositions allow for upgrading of deasphalter rock to asphalt with a performance grade suitable for use as paving asphalt by addition of bio-oil to the deasphalter rock. Other compositions allow for upgrading of paving grade asphalt to roofing asphalt by addition of bio-oil followed by oxidation. Methods of forming asphalt compositions including bio-oil are also provided.

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 pest barrier (10, 10?, 10?, 10??, 10??), comprising a body (12, 112) for installation in or over an opening in a building to inhibit passage of pests through the building opening (200, 302). Body (12, 112) is formed from one or more components and comprises one or more first opening (18, 28, 29, 116) extending therethrough to facilitate ventilation through the building opening when the body is installed therein or thereover. A pest repellent is carried by at least part of body (12, 112) and has efficacy within a first zone extending a predetermined first distance inwardly from a perimeter of the one or more first opening (18, 28, 29, 116) to deter one or more target pest species from passing through the one or more first opening and/or within a second zone extending a predetermined second distance outwardly from the body (12, 112) toward the periphery of the building opening (200, 302) to deter said one or more target pest species from passing through each of one or more second opening in the second zone.

Abstract: Weep hole insert (10, 10) comprising a tubular body (12) defining an air flow conduit (14) extending therethrough, along axis (L), from a first open end (12a) to a second open end (12b) of the body. Grate (16) comprises a perforated body (16a) configured to permit air flow but to inhibit passage of embers and sparks. In an operative configuration, perforated body (16a) extends across the conduit (14). Elastically compressible member (16c) is engageable between perforated body (16a) and an interior surface of body (12) to releasably secure the perforated body in the operative configuration. When engaged between body (16a) and the interior surface of body (12), member (16c) is elastically compressed from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration by a distance of at least a wall thickness (T) of body (12) at its point of engagement by member (16c).

Abstract: A magnetometer-based metal detection device and methods of use are described. The device includes a proximal portion, a central body and a distal portion, and at least one magnetometer positioned within or on the distal portion. The at least one magnetometer includes at least one sensor capable of sensing a magnetic field in three orthogonal axes. Also described is a method of calibrating the device to achieve rotational invariance, and a method of determining a directionality or directional line along which a target metal object lies.

Abstract: A magnetometer-based metal detection device and methods of use are described. The device includes a proximal portion, a central body and a distal portion, and at least one magnetometer positioned within or on the distal portion. The at least one magnetometer includes at least one sensor capable of sensing a magnetic field in three orthogonal axes. Also described is a method of calibrating the device to achieve rotational invariance, and a method of determining a directionality or directional line along which a target metal object lies.

Abstract: A magnetometer-based metal detection device and methods of use are described. The device includes a proximal portion, a central body and a distal portion, and at least one magnetometer positioned within or on the distal portion. The at least one magnetometer includes at least one sensor capable of sensing a magnetic field in three orthogonal axes. Also described is a method of calibrating the device to achieve rotational invariance, and a method of determining a directionality or directional line along which a target metal object lies.

Abstract: Phase stable compositions of styrenic block copolymers (SBC) and high asphaltene content asphalts and methods for their preparation are provided. In particular the styrenic block copolymer is a styrene-conjugated diene-styrene block copolymer such as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and phase stability is achieved through addition of low levels of sulfur based crosslinkers. The compositions find use in, for example, the manufacture of roofing membranes.

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: 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: Devices for treating a bone and methods of inserting such devices into a bone are disclosed. A device for treating a bone may include a flexible tube, a stiffening mechanism and an actuator. The flexible tube has a distal end and a proximal end. The stiffening mechanism within the flexible tube is configured to cause the flexible tube to become rigid. The actuator is configured to cause the stiffening mechanism to cause the flexible tube to become rigid in response to the actuator being actuated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a weep hole insert (10, 10?) for providing a barrier in a weep hole (11). A handle (24, 24?) for facilitating insertion of the insert (10, 10?) in the weep hole (11) is also disclosed.