Abstract: An animal feeder comprising a housing, at least one food receptacle coupled to the housing, configured to receive and store food and comprising an inlet opening for receiving food and an outlet opening for releasing food, at least one supplement receptacle coupled to the housing, configured to receive and store at least one supplement, a food dispensing mechanism coupled to the at least one food receptacle, configured to dispense food, a supplement dispensing mechanism coupled to the at least one supplement receptacle and configured to dispense supplement from the at least one supplement receptacle, a control system coupled to the housing and connected to the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms, the control system configured to control the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms so that a desired amount of food and supplement are dispensed, and a power source coupled to the control system and the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: A scroll-up portable grill assembly, system and method disclosed include grill rods having at least one locking ring disposed on a length of a respective grill rod, each locking ring disposed angularly to the length of the respective grill rod. Also, at least one roller chain is disposed in an angular connection with the grill rods, the roller chain configured to connect the grill rods into a single chain initially resembling a scroll. Additionally, at least one locking rod is insertable through a portion of or through all of the locking rings to give a rigid planar structure to a portion of or to all of the scroll grill. Furthermore, length adjustable legs are attachable to one of the grill rods, the roller chain, the locking rod and a grill rod angle bar termination, the adjustable legs configured to pivot and angularly extend from the grill.

Abstract: A junctional tourniquet apparatus and related methods of use. An exemplary tourniquet has an inverted cone shape, wherein a narrower end has a mushroom shaped base that is pressed against a compression target and a broader end has a plurality of pass-through slots for straps. Another exemplary tourniquet has a broad plate component and a handle component. The handle component has a mushroom shaped base on a first end and a handle on a second end. The handle component passes through the center of the plate component with threads that allow the handle component to compress a target by twisting the handle.

Abstract: Methods for welding a particle-matrix composite body to another body and repairing particle-matrix composite bodies are disclosed. Additionally, earth-boring tools having a joint that includes an overlapping root portion and a weld groove having a face portion with a first bevel portion and a second bevel portion are disclosed. In some embodiments, a particle-matrix bit body of an earth-boring tool may be repaired by removing a damaged portion, heating the particle-matrix composite bit body, and forming a built-up metallic structure thereon. In other embodiments, a particle-matrix composite body may be welded to a metallic body by forming a joint, heating the particle-matrix composite body, melting a metallic filler material forming a weld bead and cooling the welded particle-matrix composite body, metallic filler material and metallic body at a controlled rate.

Abstract: Methods for welding a particle-matrix composite body to another body and repairing particle-matrix composite bodies are disclosed. Additionally, earth-boring tools having a joint that includes an overlapping root portion and a weld groove having a face portion with a first bevel portion and a second bevel portion are disclosed. In some embodiments, a particle-matrix bit body of an earth-boring tool may be repaired by removing a damaged portion, heating the particle-matrix composite bit body, and forming a built-up metallic structure thereon. In other embodiments, a particle-matrix composite body may be welded to a metallic body by forming a joint, heating the particle-matrix composite body, melting a metallic filler material forming a weld bead and cooling the welded particle-matrix composite body, metallic filler material and metallic body at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a patient's suitability for a proposed surgical procedure is disclosed in which a simulated, procedure specific hemodynamic profile of an individual patient is obtained using a hemodynamic simulation module operating on a digital processor using a patient specific hemodynamic calculation parameter set. This is used by a trained clinician to evaluate whether the patient is a suitable candidate to undergo the proposed surgery. The patient specific hemodynamic calculation parameter set is obtained by optimizing a generic hemodynamic calculation parameter set. Optimization is done automatically by adjusting the generic hemodynamic calculation parameter set based on the comparison of simulated profiles corresponding to measured hemodynamic profiles of the patient in a non-operation situation. The automatic adjustment is guided by a Damped Least Squares Method and related algorithms.

Abstract: A method for detecting and localizing a trailer coupler of a trailer is provided. The method includes receiving images from a camera positioned on a back portion of a tow vehicle and determining a region of interest within the images. The region of interest includes a representation of the trailer coupler. The method includes determining a camera plane and a road plane. In addition, the method includes determining a three-dimensional point cloud representing objects inside the region of interest and within the camera plane and the road plane. The method also includes receiving sensor data from a sensor system and determining a coupler location of the trailer coupler based on the 3D point cloud and the sensor data. The method also includes sending instructions to a drive system causing the tow vehicle to autonomously drive along a path in a rearward direction towards the coupler location.

Abstract: A method for autonomously maneuvering a tow vehicle towards a trailer positioned behind the tow vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving one or more images from one or more cameras positioned on a back portion of the tow vehicle. The method also includes identifying a trailer representation within the one or more images. The trailer representation being indicative of the trailer positioned behind the tow vehicle. The method also includes setting a vertical center of the trailer representation as a target. The method also includes determining a first steering wheel angle to turn the tow vehicle such that the vehicle autonomously maneuvers in a direction towards the target. The method also includes transmitting instructions to a drive system causing the tow vehicle to maneuver based on the first steering wheel angle.

Abstract: A method of aligning a tow vehicle with a trailer positioned behind the tow vehicle is provided. The method includes determining a point cloud map of a rear environment of the tow vehicle. The rear environment includes the trailer. The method also includes determining a front face plane of the trailer based on the point cloud map. The method also includes determining a normal line of the front face plane. The method also includes determining a path from the tow vehicle to the trailer such that a fore-aft axis of the tow vehicle is aligned with the normal line of the front face plane.

Abstract: A method of detecting and localizing a coupler of a trailer hitch associated with a trailer positioned behind a tow vehicle is provided. The method includes determining a region of interest within images from a rear camera. The region of interest includes a representation of the trailer hitch. The method includes determining a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud representing objects inside the region of interest. The method includes determining a camera plane based on the images. The method includes projecting the cloud points onto the camera plane and determining a coupler location based on the projected cloud points onto the camera plane. The method includes determining a path based on the coupler location. The path ending when the tow vehicle is attached to the trailer. The method also includes sending instructions to a drive system causing the tow vehicle to autonomously drive in a rearward direction along the path.

Abstract: A method for autonomously maneuvering a tow vehicle. The method includes receiving images from one or more cameras positioned on a back portion of the tow vehicle and receiving sensor data from an inertial measurement unit supported by the tow vehicle. The method also includes determining a pixel-wise intensity difference between a current received image and a previous received image. The method includes determining a camera pose and a trailer pose with respect to a world coordinate system. The camera pose and the trailer pose are based on the images, the sensor data, and the pixel-wise intensity difference. The method includes determining a tow vehicle path based on the camera pose and the trailer pose. The method also includes instructing a drive system supported by the tow vehicle to autonomously maneuver along the tow vehicle path in a reverse direction causing the tow vehicle to hitch with the trailer.

Abstract: An accessing assembly for hemodialysis administration, having an intravascular tube assembly, a conduit assembly, first and second catheter sleeve assemblies, and first and second catheter assemblies. The intravascular tube assembly has an intravascular tube, a subcutaneous cuff, a tube end and a ring with a hole. The conduit assembly has first and second conduits having respective conduit threading. The first and second catheter sleeve assemblies have collapsible sidewalls, ends, and joining ends respectively. The collapsible sidewalls define cavities respectively, and couplers are defined within the cavities. The first and second catheter assemblies have catheter sidewalls, inlet/outlet ends, internal ends, and fasteners respectively. The catheter sidewalls have a plurality of holes. The intravascular tube is implanted within a vascular structure. The catheter sidewalls are positioned inside to respective collapsible sidewalls.

Abstract: A scroll-up portable grill assembly, system and method disclosed include grill rods having at least one locking ring disposed on a length of a respective grill rod, each locking ring disposed angularly to the length of the respective grill rod. Also, at least one roller chain is disposed in an angular connection with the grill rods, the roller chain configured to connect the grill rods into a single chain initially resembling a scroll. Additionally, at least one locking rod is insertable through a portion of or through all of the locking rings to give a rigid planar structure to a portion of or to all of the scroll grill. Furthermore, length adjustable legs are attachable to one of the grill rods, the roller chain, the locking rod and a grill rod angle bar termination, the adjustable legs configured to pivot and angularly extend from the grill.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time, a closed-loop, complete body hemodynamic simulation of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure is disclosed. A simplified model of blood circulation that is nevertheless comprehensive and derives input representative of the patient's entire circulatory system, is mathematically modeled by a combination of 1-D mathematical models, and lumped parameter models. The system allows a clinician to select an intended intervention that is then computationally simulated in real, or quasi-real, time. The results of the simulation are presented as a heartbeat by heartbeat simulation of clinician selected, relevant hemodynamic parameters, allowing the clinician to decide whether or not to proceed with the intervention. The system includes accurate simulation of the effects of gravity, respiration and natural compensatory mechanisms, including the baroreflex.

Abstract: A squaring device includes a longitudinal square component configured to form a flange defining a slot therein, the slot adapted to rotatably receive a flat stock end. An “L” shaped square component includes a first outside edge and a second outside edge, the first and the second outside edges configured to form a flange defining a slot therein along a length of the flange, the flange adapted to rotatably receive one of the first forty-five degree and the second forty-five degree flat stock ends of the longitudinal square component. A magnetic clip is adjustable to fit either the flange end or the flat stock ends of the longitudinal square and the “L” square components via adjustable linear force sensitive pins, wherein a squaring device is formed and fixed magnetically and mechanically in place for pipe fitting by a combination thereof. Level indicators therein include magnifying lens and lighting.

Abstract: A disclosed pipe fitting device for squaring and fitting pipe comprises at least two members, one or more of which is a straight edge member and one or more of which is a square edge member. An axis is configured to interlock the two members in a variable angular and square configuration. A protractor as disclosed is in axial relation with the interlocking axis and configured to provide an angular measure of the relation of the two members. Additionally, the axis comprises a bottom slider and a top slider configured to slide in a trough of a member and therefore provide a variable axis placement for the joining of the two members. Each member defines an offset trough configured a length thereof to receive a component of the axis including the sliders. The protractor comprises a radial crenellation configured to interlock the members in the angular and square relation.

Abstract: A grinder guard assembly disclosed for a grinder blade includes a rotatable and adjustable indexed grinder guard defining a plurality of indexed and chamfered holes adjacent to an inner ring thereof and an “L” edge configured on an outer circumference thereof to form a guard by retaining grinding debris and preventing outside intervention. The grinder guard assembly also includes an annulus forming a single member with an inside washer and an outside washer and a space there between configured to slidably retain the indexed grinder guard in a common plane with the washers, the annulus configured to axially attach to a hub of the grinder. The grinder guard assembly further includes torque sensitive protrusions mounted from the outside washer, the protrusions configured to lock with the chamfered holes of the indexed grinder guard and retract therefrom based on a torque force applied to the indexed grinder guard relative to the annulus.

Abstract: An animal feeder comprising a housing, at least one food receptacle coupled to the housing, configured to receive and store food and comprising an inlet opening for receiving food and an outlet opening for releasing food, at least one supplement receptacle coupled to the housing, configured to receive and store at least one supplement, a food dispensing mechanism coupled to the at least one food receptacle, configured to dispense food, a supplement dispensing mechanism coupled to the at least one supplement receptacle and configured to dispense supplement from the at least one supplement receptacle, a control system coupled to the housing and connected to the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms, the control system configured to control the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms so that a desired amount of food and supplement are dispensed, and a power source coupled to the control system and the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: A stereo comparator configured for use with a stereo endoscope for adjusting and aligning an optical assembly of the stereo endoscope, for example, in connection with the repair of the endoscope. The comparator includes a housing containing a plurality of optical components, namely, a first deflecting component, a second deflecting component, a third deflecting component and a beam splitter. The optical components are arranged so that the first deflecting component deflects a first beam from a right image channel of a stereo endoscope to the beam splitter, the second deflecting component deflects a second beam from a left image channel of the stereo endoscope to the third deflecting component, the third deflecting component deflects the second beam to the beam splitter and the beam splitter combines the first beam with the second beam to form a first combined beam that extends along an optical axis of the stereo endoscope.

Abstract: Methods for welding a particle-matrix composite body to another body and repairing particle-matrix composite bodies are disclosed. Additionally, earth-boring tools having a joint that includes an overlapping root portion and a weld groove having a face portion with a first bevel portion and a second bevel portion are disclosed. In some embodiments, a particle-matrix bit body of an earth-boring tool may be repaired by removing a damaged portion, heating the particle-matrix composite bit body, and forming a built-up metallic structure thereon. In other embodiments, a particle-matrix composite body may be welded to a metallic body by forming a joint, heating the particle-matrix composite body, melting a metallic filler material forming a weld bead and cooling the welded particle-matrix composite body, metallic filler material and metallic body at a controlled rate.