Abstract: An adjustable vascular graft with a user-customizable reduced inner diameter is provided. The graft includes a flexible tubular body having open ends and a plurality of receivers in a sidewall thereof, which may be arranged in two circumferentially spaced rows of receivers. The receivers may take the form of ringlets, eyelets, loops, or holes, which may be provided in a reinforced region of the graft sidewall, and which may be radiopaque. A suture passes through the plurality of receivers, the suture having first and second free ends capable of being pulled, and which suture may also be radiopaque. Tensioning or tightening the first and second ends of the suture reduces an inner diameter of the corresponding portion of the tubular body of the graft, thereby allowing for the custom reduced inner diameter and a resulting flow restriction to be provided. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hybrid system of parametric solar thermal cylinder (14) and photovoltaic receiver (3), which comprises a thermal absorber receiver (2) through which a heat-carrier fluid circulates, and, additionally at least one spectral separation filter (4), situated between the photovoltaic receiver (3) and the thermal absorber receiver (2), which receives the light reflected from the primary mirror (1) of the parametric cylinder (14) and which permits the selective separation of the solar spectrum, directing a part thereof towards the photovoltaic receiver (3) and the remainder towards the thermal absorber receiver.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for insertion of an interbody fusion implant between adjacent vertebral bodies. The surgical instrument comprises a frame member, and a first and a second arm coupled to the frame member. Each arm includes a distal end region and a proximal end region, whereby the proximal end region of at least one arm is pivotably coupled to the frame member, and the distal end region of each arm defines a distractor plate. The distractor plate of each arm is configured to be positioned in direct contact with a vertebral body. A wedge is positioned between the first and second arms, and is configured to translate the interbody fusion implant along an axis between the proximal end region and the distal end region of the arms while adjusting a distance between the distractor plates of the arms via a rack and pinion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for insertion of an interbody fusion implant between adjacent vertebral bodies. The surgical instrument comprises a frame member, and a first and a second arm coupled to the frame member. Each arm includes a distal end region and a proximal end region, whereby the proximal end region of at least one arm is pivotably coupled to the frame member, and the distal end region of each arm defines a distractor plate. The distractor plate of each arm is configured to be positioned in direct contact with a vertebral body. A wedge is positioned between the first and second arms, and is configured to translate the interbody fusion implant along an axis between the proximal end region and the distal end region of the arms while adjusting a distance between the distractor plates of the arms via a rack and pinion.

Abstract: A sandwich panel having a pair of skins and an intermediate substrate secured between the two skins creating a structural panel. The skins may be a pressboard material and a covering material may be applied to the skins forming an exterior surface. Selectively, the skins may be covered with a material. Further, an edge member may be provided that is engaged around the peripheral edge of the intermediate substrate. The edge member may include an engaging member and the engaging member may include anti-reverse fins. The edge member may also trap the covering material. A method of manufacturing a sandwich panel for an automobile where two skins of predetermined size and shape are provided. The two skins are attached to each other forming a structural panel. An intermediate substrate may be provided and attached between the skins. Further, an edge member may be provided and attached to the periphery of the structural panel.