Abstract: A method for forming a body comprising a mixture of a matrix and conductive particles, whereby the conductive particles are formed into aligned conductive pathways in an alignment step by applying an electric field between alignment electrodes and thereafter stabilizing the mixture wherein the conductive particles have a low aspect ratio; and a polymeric composition and method for producing such composition which is curable by UV light to an anisotropic electrically conductive polymer layer, comprising i) providing a non-conductive matrix of a flowable polymer composition having inherent photocurability, ii) adding to matrix conductive particles having low aspect ratio in an amount to allow the concentration of the conductive particles to be maintained at a level lower than the percolation threshold, and iii) placing the formed composition in a receptacle where exposure to UV light is prevented, and a method for establishing an anisotropic electrically conductive, optionally thermally conductive.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a labor assistance system comprising a perianal support member and grip. The perianal support member includes a contact surface, an inner surface opposing the contact surface, and a rigid compression element. The contact surface has a generally continuous compression surface apex extending from the contact surface in a first direction, oriented to extend from an anterior edge to a posterior edge along a midline axis in a sagittal plane of the patient without substantially interfering with the birthing canal of the patient. The grip is coupled to the inner surface between the anterior edge and the posterior edge of the support member. The present disclosure also describes an intrapartum pelvic floor support device that is applied to tissue in the perianal and/or anococcygeal regions of the patient during an intrapartum period to support the anococcygeal region tissues and at least a portion of the pelvic floor.

Abstract: A sensor is achieved by applying a layer of a mixture that contains polymer and conductive particles over a substrate or first surface, when the mixture has a first viscosity that allows the conductive particles to rearrange within the material. An electric field is applied over the layer, so that a number of the conductive particles are assembled into one or more chain-like conductive pathways with the field and thereafter the viscosity of the layer is changed to a second, higher viscosity, in order to mechanically stabilize the material. The conductivity of the pathway is highly sensitive to the deformations and it can therefore act as deformation sensor. The pathways can be transparent and is thus suited for conductive and resistive touch screens. Other sensors such as strain gauge and vapor sensor can also be achieved.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a body comprising a particle structure fixated in a matrix material, said method comprising the steps of: providing a mixture of a viscous matrix material and particles, subjecting said particles to an acoustic standing wave, so as to arrange at least portion of said particles in a pressure node and/or a pressure antinode of the acoustic standing wave thereby creating a particle structure In said viscous matrix material and fixating said viscous matrix material so as to fixate said particle structure In said matrix material. The disclosure also relates to a body obtained by said method, and to the use of said method in various applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for decreasing the duration of second stage labor by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A mother's labor is monitored for the progression of the baby along the birth canal and adjustments are performed in response to the progression of labor to promote a vaginal childbirth. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.

Abstract: A tissue retention belt for maintaining tissue in a position that permits access to a body portion of a patient for a medical procedure includes a first anchor zone, a second anchor zone, and a tension zone. The tension zone extends between the first anchor zone and the second anchor zone and defines a tension axis that extends in a direction of loading to be applied to retained tissue. The tension zone may include an auxiliary anchor zone that includes a removable non-adhesive and an adhesive surface configured to adhere to a patient's skin and provide auxiliary anchoring for maintaining tissue in position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for manufacturing of a battery electrode material comprising the steps of: a) applying an electric field to at least one polymer, conductive particles and at least one solvent whereby said conductive particles become arranged between the electrodes in at least two lines that are oriented in the same direction as the electric field line, and b) stabilizing the at least one polymer, conductive particles and at least one solvent by removing at least some of said at least one solvent while maintaining the electric field in step a) whereby the at least two lines of conductive particles will remain in their position when said electric field is removed. Further, the invention concerns a battery electrode material comprising at least one polymer and conductive particles, wherein said conductive particles form at least two lines that are oriented parallel and/or co-linear to each other.

Abstract: A Power over Ethernet, PoE, connector device (100) comprises a first connector (112) for, in use, connecting a first set comprising at least one power wire pair (110A, 110D) of a PoE cable (102) to a first powered device(116). The PoE connector device further comprises a second connector (114) for, in use, connecting a second set comprising at least one other power wire pair (110B, 110C) of the PoE cable to at least one further powered device(118). Embodiments also provide a display device and a computing system.

Abstract: A variable spring rate absorber is adjusted to provide the vibration attenuation characteristics needed to match current operating conditions. Control of a variable spring rate absorber determines the desired absorber spring rate for existing conditions based on a number of inputs and predetermined characterization tables. Once the spring rate is calculated, a predetermined map may be used to determine the absorber setting needed to achieve the desired spring rate. A sensor may be used to measure the actual state of the absorber to determine the extent to which the setting must be adjusted to achieve the desired spring rate.

Abstract: A control system (44) for a clutch (18) of a manual transmission (16) in a vehicle (10) having an ECU (22), an engine (14), a pedal (26) having a sensor (42), a slave (34) in fluid communication with a master (36); and at least one input (24). The control system (44) includes a pump (50), a valve (52) in fluid communication with the slave (34) and pump (50), and a controller (46) responsive to the ECU (22) and operable in a plurality of modes for selectively cooperating with the pedal (26) to actuate the slave (34) and modulate the clutch (18) under predetermined engine (14) and vehicle (10) operating conditions. The controller (46) is movable between modes in response to signals from the ECU (22) representing predetermined changes in one or more of: engine speed, engine load, vehicle speed, transmission gear, pedal position, or input state.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuation system (10) and method of assembly for disconnecting a secondary driveline (27) can be used in an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle (14) having a power take-off unit (PTU) (42) for transferring rotary power to the secondary driveline (27).

Abstract: The invention is achieved by applying a layer of the mixture that contains polymer and conductive particles over a first surface, when the mixture has a first viscosity that allows the conductive particles to rearrange within the layer. An electric field is applied over the layer, so that a number of the conductive particles are aligned with the field and thereafter the viscosity of the layer is changed to a second, higher viscosity, in order to mechanically stabilise the layer. This leads to a stable layer with enhanced and anisotropic conductivity that can be used in the manufacture of ESD devices.

Abstract: A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient includes an anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width. The anchor pad may include a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to adhere to a patient's skin. The anchor pad also may include an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface. The tissue retention system also may include a tension member having a second attachment surface.

Abstract: The invention is achieved by applying a layer of the mixture that contains polymer and conductive particles over a first surface, when the mixture has a first viscosity that allows the conductive particles to rearrange within the layer. An electric field is applied over the layer, so that a number of the conductive particles are aligned with the field and thereafter the viscosity of the layer is changed to a second, higher viscosity, in order to mechanically stabilize the layer. This leads to a stable layer with enhanced and anisotropic conductivity that can be used in the manufacture of ESD devices.

Abstract: A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient includes a flexible anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width. The anchor pad may include a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin. The anchor pad also may include an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface. The tissue retention system also may include a flexible tension member having a second attachment surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a labor assistance system comprising a perianal support member and grip. The perianal support member includes a contact surface, an inner surface opposing the contact surface, and a rigid compression element. The contact surface has a generally continuous compression surface apex extending from the contact surface in a first direction, oriented to extend from an anterior edge to a posterior edge along a midline axis in a sagittal plane of the patient without substantially interfering with the birthing canal of the patient. The grip is coupled to the inner surface between the anterior edge and the posterior edge of the support member. The present disclosure also describes an intrapartum pelvic floor support device that is applied to tissue in the perianal and/or anococcygeal regions of the patient during an intrapartum period to support the anococcygeal region tissues and at least a portion of the pelvic floor.

Abstract: A safety system prevents cutting machine operators from being accidentally carried through the infeed chute into the machine's cutting mechanism. An operator wears a safety device on his wrist and/or ankle and a sensor array mounts on opposing sides of the cutting machine's infeed chute. The sensor array elements are wound in opposite directions and connect in series opposing. The magnetic field of the safety device induces a current in the sensor array as it moves in the proximity of the sensor array. The safety system generates a signal which is proportional to the sum of the induced currents. When the signal exceeds a threshold, the safety system shuts off power to the feed mechanism and/or the cutting blades of the cutting machine, preventing injury to the operator.

Abstract: A tissue retention system to assist in maintaining adipose tissue on a patient in a displaced position during a medical procedure to provide access to a body region of the patient includes a flexible anchor pad having a pad length and a pad width. The anchor pad may include a pad body with an adhesive surface thereon, the adhesive being configured to selectively adhere to a patient's skin. The anchor pad also may include an opposing first attachment surface facing away from the adhesive surface. The tissue retention system also may include a flexible tension member having a second attachment surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.