Abstract: The present invention concerns to a method, a percutaneous access path providing device and a kit of instruments for the treatment of fractured vertebrae, in particular for treating spinal compression fractures in humans. In particular the invention concerns to a percutaneous access path providing device comprising a vertebra access cannula and a vertebra introducer stylet, wherein the vertebra introducer stylet has a tip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins comprising variant IL-15 proteins, fusion proteins comprising variant anti-PD-1 antigen binding domains, and fusion proteins comprising variant IL-15 proteins and variant anti-PD-1 antigen binding domains. The present invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors, host cells and methods for making such fusion proteins and the use of such fusion proteins in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A mold assembly for use in manufacturing parts includes a first and second mold halves and a mold temperature control system. The first mold half comprises at least a first mold cavity and a first coolant passage. The second mold half comprising at least a second mold cavity and a second coolant passage. The mold temperature control system is in fluid communication with the first and second coolant passages of the first and second mold half. The mold temperature control system comprises a fluid, a means to control the temperature of the fluid, and a pump to circulate the fluid through the mold temperature control system and the first and second coolant passages.

Abstract: Modified nanocellulose particle include a nanocellulose particle, a binder coating the particle, and an alkyl amine affixed to the binder coating. A method of modifying nanocellulose particles includes adding a binder and a hydrophobizing agent to a slurry of nanocellulose particles in water, modifying the nanocellulose particles with the binder and hydrophobizing agent, and collecting the modified nanocellulose particles.

Abstract: A method for sealing gaps in a component including generating vapor from a liquid; directing the vapor to an exposed surface of the component, wherein the component includes a plurality of layers of an extrudate and gaps between the plurality of layers and wherein the extrudate includes an outer portion; softening the outer portion of the extrudate at the exposed surface; and filling the gaps with softened outer portion of the extrudate. An apparatus includes a heating chamber including at least one first heating element; a vapor chamber coupled to the heating chamber; a pressure regulator operatively coupled to the vapor chamber; and a nozzle coupled to the vapor chamber by a duct.

Abstract: A mold assembly for use in manufacturing parts includes a first and second mold halves and a mold temperature control system. The first mold half comprises at least a first mold cavity and a first coolant passage. The second mold half comprising at least a second mold cavity and a second coolant passage. The mold temperature control system is in fluid communication with the first and second coolant passages of the first and second mold half. The mold temperature control system comprises a fluid, a means to control the temperature of the fluid, and a pump to circulate the fluid through the mold temperature control system and the first and second coolant passages.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a multiple layer filament produces a multiple layer filament including a continuous core, a first layer and a second layer. The continuous core includes one of a continuous fiber, a braided strand, a metal wire and a narrow gauge filament. The materials for the first and second layers of the multiple layer filament are chosen from a plurality of materials with each of the plurality of materials providing a specific function or multiple functions that are required for the particular application of the three-dimensional object manufactured using the multiple layer filament.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a wind turbine, including controlling yaw or other parameters. In accordance with an embodiment, each of several basic operating parameters of a wind turbine can be measured to provide turbine operating parameters, including both turbine current parameters and turbine operating extremes. Key operating parameters of the controller itself are also monitored. External/ambient measurement devices or sensors can be used to provide measurements about the environment as a whole, such as external/ambient wind data or other external data. The turbine operating parameters are used by the controller logic to calculate measured energy production. The external/ambient measurements are used by the controller logic to calculate estimated energy production. Comparing these indications provides useful feedback, such as diagnostics and/or efficiency; and/or can be used to control yaw or other parameters in a wind turbine.

Abstract: A passive radiation sensor suitable for homeland security applications or other monitoring of locations deemed at high risk to radiation exposure. The sensor further incorporates a method to provide a statistically derived detection threshold algorithm that guarantees a predetermined and configurable false-alarm rate and rapid detection of low-level radiation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a ground station for air-ground communications are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system includes a communications device operable to maintain bi-directional communications between an aircraft and a selected ground station, and a communications processor coupled to the device that is configured to select the ground station by executing a logical rule that is based upon a signal strength value of the ground station and at least one of an aircraft altitude and an occupancy value of the frequency channel.

Abstract: System and method for the adaptive control of VHF communications in aircraft. In one embodiment, the invention includes an adaptive communications system for an aircraft having a communications processor that accesses a communications switching model to select a preferred ground communications station. In another embodiment, a method of communication between an aircraft and a ground station includes receiving a communications switching model and determining a flight parameter for the aircraft as the aircraft navigates along a flight route and selecting a ground station based upon the determined flight parameter. The aircraft then communicates with the selected ground station. In still another embodiment, a method for compiling a communications switching model includes receiving signals from a ground station and measuring a signal strength. A preferred ground station is selected based upon the measured signal strength value.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for forming and ejecting logs from the winding cradle of a surface-driven rewinder comprising a winding cradle formed by a plurality of parallel rollers having gaps there between and wherein at least one of the rollers is moveable relative to the others thereby forming first and second gaps of variable length. The rewinder further includes a first driver that is operatively connected to and controls the rotational speed of at least one of the rollers, and a second driver that is operatively connected to and controls the rotational speed of at least one of the rollers, and wherein the rollers driven by the first driver are different than the rollers driven by the second driver. The rotational speed and/or direction of one or more of the rollers can be varied whereby a log of sheet material formed within the winding cradle can be ejected through either the first or second gap.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for testing industrial control modules. Input and output stimulus signals, communication lines, measurement device lines and relay contacts are provided at a tester interface panel. This allows for a test developer to configure the relay contacts in any way that the developer desires to provide appropriate connections of stimulus, communications and measurements for a given industrial control module. The switching of the relays between a normally closed position and a normally open position can be controlled by output modules coupled to a computer. The relays can be insertable and releasable in a socket for easy fault isolation and replacement. Furthermore, the same relays or similar relays can be employed for both low current measurements and high power stimulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for forming and ejecting logs from the winding cradle of a surface-driven rewinder comprising a winding cradle formed by a plurality of parallel rollers having gaps there between and wherein at least one of the rollers is moveable relative to the others thereby forming first and second gaps of variable length. The rewinder further includes a first driver that is operatively connected to and controls the rotational speed of at least one of the rollers, and a second driver that is operatively connected to and controls the rotational speed of at least one of the rollers, and wherein the rollers driven by the first driver are different than the rollers driven by the second driver. The rotational speed and/or direction of one or more of the rollers can be varied whereby a log of sheet material formed within the winding cradle can be ejected through either the first or second gap.