Abstract: Instruments, systems, and methods for securing anchors, elastomeric devices, and other elements in bone. In one example, an instrument includes a collar movable between a locked configuration that prevents an insertion shaft of the instrument from translating relative to a drive shaft of the instrument and an unlocked configuration that does not prevent the insertion shaft from translating relative to the drive shaft. In another example, an instrument for securing an elastomeric device to bone includes a lock movable between locked and unlocked configurations (e.g. similar to or the same as the collar in the previous example) that facilitates insertion of the elastomeric device into a bone opening when the lock is in the locked configuration, and subsequent insertion of a bone implant into the bone opening when the lock is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: Instruments, systems, and methods for securing anchors, elastomeric devices, and other elements in bone. In one example, an instrument includes a collar movable between a locked configuration that prevents an insertion shaft of the instrument from translating relative to a drive shaft of the instrument and an unlocked configuration that does not prevent the insertion shaft from translating relative to the drive shaft. In another example, an instrument for securing an elastomeric device to bone includes a lock movable between locked and unlocked configurations (e.g. similar to or the same as the collar in the previous example) that facilitates insertion of the elastomeric device into a bone opening when the lock is in the locked configuration, and subsequent insertion of a bone implant into the bone opening when the lock is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: Instruments, systems, and methods for securing anchors, elastomeric devices, and other elements in bone. In one example, an instrument includes a collar movable between a locked configuration that prevents an insertion shaft of the instrument from translating relative to a drive shaft of the instrument and an unlocked configuration that does not prevent the insertion shaft from translating relative to the drive shaft. In another example, an instrument for securing an elastomeric device to bone includes a lock movable between locked and unlocked configurations (e.g. similar to or the same as the collar in the previous example) that facilitates insertion of the elastomeric device into a bone opening when the lock is in the locked configuration, and subsequent insertion of a bone implant into the bone opening when the lock is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: Instruments, systems, and methods for securing anchors, elastomeric devices, and other elements in bone. In one example, an instrument includes a collar movable between a locked configuration that prevents an insertion shaft of the instrument from translating relative to a drive shaft of the instrument and an unlocked configuration that does not prevent the insertion shaft from translating relative to the drive shaft. In another example, an instrument for securing an elastomeric device to bone includes a lock movable between locked and unlocked configurations (e.g. similar to or the same as the collar in the previous example) that facilitates insertion of the elastomeric device into a bone opening when the lock is in the locked configuration, and subsequent insertion of a bone implant into the bone opening when the lock is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: Surgical anchors, instrumentation, and methods. In one example, a surgical anchor includes an anchor body, an elastic member, and an elongated, flexible member. The surgical anchor is configured such that exerting a pull force on the elongated flexible member in a direction substantially aligned an axis of the anchor body imparts a force on the anchor body that includes a rotational force component that is transverse to the anchor body axis.

Abstract: A continuous inkjet printer (50) has an ink droplet generator (52) and a controller (58) that varies a modulating voltage applied to the ink droplet generator (52) and measures corresponding breakup times of a jet of ink into ink droplets to obtain a portion of a characteristic of breakup time against modulating voltage. The controller (58) obtains a variation range, varies the modulating voltage over the variation range to obtain the portion of the characteristic, calculates a gradient from the portion of the characteristic, compares the gradient with a predetermined gradient and, depending on whether the calculated gradient is less than or greater than the predetermined gradient, generates an adjusted variation range that is displaced in a first sense or a second, opposite sense, respectively, relative to the variation range.

Abstract: A connector for use in an ultra-high vacuum system is disclosed herein. The connector has a metal conduit section with a first hardness, a metal fitting with a second hardness greater than the first hardness, and a metallic reaction-inhibiting barrier positioned between the conduit section and the fitting to sealingly attach the fitting to the conduit section. In some embodiments, application of a mechanical stressor such as stretching or treatment with a mechanical oxide disruptor removes oxide from and prevents oxide re-formation on the faying surface of the conduit section. In alternate embodiments, oxide is removed from the faying surface of the conduit section and oxide re-formation is subsequently prevented by applying an oxide inhibitor. The reaction-inhibiting barrier substantially inhibits metallic and chemical interaction between the conduit section and the fitting under ultra-high vacuum, temperature cycling, mechanical stress, and reactive chemical conditions, as are present during manufacturing.

Abstract: A connector for use in an ultra-high vacuum system is disclosed herein. The connector has a metal conduit section with a first hardness, a metal fitting with a second hardness greater than the first hardness of the conduit section, and a metallic reaction-inhibiting barrier positioned between the conduit section and the fitting to sealingly attach the fitting to the conduit section. Oxide formation on the surface of the metal conduit section proximal to the reaction-inhibiting barrier is prevented either mechanically or via treatment with an oxide inhibitor. The reaction-inhibiting barrier is selected from a group of metals that will substantially inhibit metallic and chemical interaction between the conduit section and the fitting under ultra-high vacuum, temperature cycling, and reactive chemical conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solvent-free direct extraction of target compounds from compositions of matter are disclosed herein. The disclosed systems and methods use low pressure to reduce the evaporation temperature of target compounds without affecting the chemical integrity thereof. Target compounds are extracted from the composition of matter in an evacuation chamber and then collected using a capture system. Target compounds may be drawn from the evacuation chamber into the capture system using a carrier gas to facilitate transport of the targeted compounds in the vapor phase. A processed vapor stream may be transported from the capture system back into the evacuation chamber using a recirculation system that includes a blower. The disclosed systems and methods may be used, for example, to extract target compounds from plant matter such as fresh or dried cannabis and hemp, lavender, rosemary, lilac, or other suitable plant matter containing desirable compounds for extraction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solvent-free direct extraction of target compounds from plant matter are disclosed herein. The disclosed systems and methods use low pressure to reduce the evaporation temperature of target compounds without affecting the chemical integrity thereof. Target compounds are extracted from the plant matter in an evacuation chamber, and the extracted target compounds are then collected using a cooling system. Target compounds may be drawn from the evacuation chamber into the cooling system using a carrier gas to facilitate transport of the targeted compounds in the vapor phase. The evaporated target compounds may, for example, be drawn into the cooling system using a recirculation system that includes a blower. The disclosed systems and methods may be used, for example, to extract target compounds from plant matter such as fresh or dried cannabis and hemp, lavender, rosemary, lilac, or other suitable plant matter containing desirable compounds for extraction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solvent-free direct extraction of target compounds from plant matter are disclosed herein. The disclosed systems and methods use low pressure to reduce the evaporation temperature of target compounds without affecting the chemical integrity thereof. Target compounds are extracted from the plant matter in an evacuation chamber, and the extracted target compounds are then collected using a cooling system. Target compounds may be drawn from the evacuation chamber into the cooling system using a carrier gas to facilitate transport of the targeted compounds in the vapor phase. The evaporated target compounds may, for example, be drawn into the cooling system using a recirculation system that includes a blower. The disclosed systems and methods may be used, for example, to extract target compounds from plant matter such as fresh or dried cannabis and hemp, lavender, rosemary, lilac, or other suitable plant matter containing desirable compounds for extraction.

Abstract: The invention discloses various methods of controlling or monitoring the performance of a continuous inkjet printer based on monitoring vacuum levels and/or noise in the gutter line.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for storing perishable items under reduced pressure conditions. Total atmospheric pressure within a vacuum chamber containing a perishable item is reduced below a total pressure limit. Oxygen partial pressure and total pressure within the vacuum chamber are monitored. When oxygen partial pressure falls below a lower oxygen partial pressure limit, an oxygen-containing gas is admitted to raise oxygen partial pressure above the lower oxygen partial pressure limit. When the total atmospheric pressure reaches or exceeds the total pressure limit, total pressure is once again reduced. The vacuum container or chamber comprises a section of cylindrical pipe open at both ends, a first end cap and a second end cap, and formed of a plastic material. Notwithstanding that the pipe and end caps are formed of plastic, they are formed with a structure capable of withstanding pressure created by a high vacuum in the vacuum container.

Abstract: A system and method for storing perishable items under controlled atmospheric conditions is provided. Total atmospheric pressure within a vacuum chamber containing the perishable items is reduced to below a predetermined total pressure limit. Oxygen partial pressure within the chamber is monitored. When the Oxygen partial pressure falls below a predetermined lower Oxygen partial pressure limit, an Oxygen-containing gas is admitted to the vacuum chamber to raise the Oxygen partial pressure above the lower Oxygen partial pressure limit. Total atmospheric pressure within the chamber is also monitored. When the total atmospheric pressure reaches or exceed the predetermined total pressure limit, total pressure within the vacuum chamber is once again reduced below the predetermined total pressure limit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of adding solvent or make-up fluid into the gutter line of a continuous ink printer. During the addition of solvent, the vacuum level in the gutter line is monitored and maintained at a level sufficient to ensure that vacuum is maintained at the gutter. Vacuum level in the gutter line is preferably controlled by controlling the speed of a variable speed gutter pump. Noise in the gutter line is preferably used as a control over pump speed.

Abstract: The invention discloses various methods of controlling or monitoring the performance of a continuous inkjet printer based on monitoring vacuum levels and/or noise in the gutter line.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting and storing post-harvest fruits, vegetables and other perishable commodities under controlled atmospheric conditions is provided. One or more transportable vacuum containers are packed with the perishable commodity. Thereafter, the controlled atmospheric condition is created within the container. The atmospheric condition is maintained while the container is transported from one location to another. Part of the controlled atmospheric condition includes the formation of a vacuum within the container. Internal structure is provided within the container to resist collapse of the container when the vacuum is formed therein. A plurality of containers can be provided. A central control, coupled to each of the containers can be provided to maintain the desired atmospheric condition within each of the containers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of adding solvent or make-up fluid into the gutter line of a continuous ink printer. During the addition of solvent, the vacuum level in the gutter line is monitored and maintained at a level sufficient to ensure that vacuum is maintained at the gutter. Vacuum level in the gutter line is preferably controlled by controlling the speed of a variable speed gutter pump. Noise in the gutter line is preferably used as a control over pump speed.

Abstract: A multifunction hat system is disclosed, comprising at least a head covering unit, an ear covering unit that can be removably or permanently attached to the head covering unit, and a face covering unit that can be removably or permanently attached to either the head covering unit, the ear covering unit, or both. Other modules, such as a scarf, ski goggles, earphones, safety lights, a helmet, and so on, may also be removably or permanently attached.

Abstract: A modular hat system is disclosed, comprising at least a head covering unit, an ear covering unit that can be removably attached to the head covering unit, and a face covering unit that can be removably attached to either the head covering unit, the ear covering unit, or both. Other modules, such as a scarf, ski goggles, earphones, safety lights, and so on, may also be removably attached.