Abstract: A method of plating a substrate includes etching at least a portion of a surface of the substrate to form voids within the surface. The substrate includes a composite material with a network of electrically conductive nanostructures dispersed therein. Electrodes are attached to the substrate, it is placed in a bath of a first electrically conductive metal, and a voltage is applied to the substrate through the electrodes to deposit a first electrically conductive metal layer onto the surface of the substrate, and a second electrically conductive metal layer is electroplated thereon.

Abstract: A composite material includes a recycled polymer matrix, a continuous network of linked carbon nanostructures dispersed within the recycled polymer matrix, and a compatibilizer. The recycled polymer matrix is in an amount of at least 90 wt. %. The continuous network of linked carbon nanostructures is in an amount between 0.5 wt. % to 1.0 wt. %. The compatibilizer is in an amount of about 3.0 wt. %.

Abstract: Detection devices for detecting one or more target analytes such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may include a base and a sensor module coupleable to the base and including at least one electrochemical sensor, where the electrochemical sensor includes an electrode and an ionic liquid (e.g., room temperature ionic liquid) that is arranged on the electrode and specific to a target analyte. In some variations, at least one cavity specific to the target analyte is formed within the ionic liquid in response to the electrochemical sensor receiving an input signal.

Abstract: Described herein are examples of a computerized method that comprises: in response to obtaining information regarding a potential collision between a vehicle and an object, obtaining data describing the vehicle for a time period extending before and after a time of the potential collision. The method may determine a likelihood that the potential collision is a non-collision event based on the data describing the vehicle by performing one or more assessments. The assessments may include telematics monitor assessment, driver behavior assessment, road surface feature assessment, trip correlation assessment, and/or context assessment. In response to determining that the likelihood indicates that the potential collision is not a non-collision event, the method may trigger one or more actions responding to the potential collision.

Abstract: A fabric article treatment appliance capable of washing and drying fabric articles, moreover, the appliances is capable of providing and using a first and a second predominant fluid in the washing step, wherein the first and the second predominant fluids are different.

Abstract: A composition for treating or cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery, wherein the composition comprises a lipophilic fluid, a polyalkyleneoxide polysiloxane surfactant, and a second surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laundry detergent product capable of removing malodor from laundered items during an automatic laundry washing process is disclosed. The laundry detergent comprises: (a) cyclodextrin granules formed from a mixture of cyclodextrin powder, an inorganic compound and an aqueous medium, the cyclodextrin granules having a particle size in a range of from about 100 microns to about 1200 microns; (b) a laundry detergent composition including a surfactant, a builder and an enzyme; and (c) the laundry detergent product being adapted to readily dissolve and disperse the cyclodextrin granules into a wash solution when the laundry detergent product is used in the above automatic laundry washing process, and wherein the cyclodextrin, when released into the above wash solution, has an odor loading factor of at least about 50.

Abstract: Fabric article treatment in a domestic appliance using at least a first and a second predominant fluids. Specifically, the first and the second predominat fluids are selected to be different in order to deliver more effective results. The first and the second predominant fluids are independently selected from the group consisting of water, linear or cyclic silicones, hydrocarbons, glycol ethers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved fabric article treatment method in a laundering appliance involving a fluid switchover step such that the first predominant fluid is at least partially removed and a second predominant fluid is added. Specifically, the first and the second predominat fluids are selected to have different dielectric constatns. The fluid swichover method is also useful in controlling the surfactant carryover in a laundering process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating, refreshing or cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery.

Abstract: A process for fabric article treatment in a single appliance using a substantially aqueous mediumd comprising a first predominant fluid and a substantially non-aqueous medium comprising a second predominant fluid. Specifically, the first and the second predominant fluids are selected to be different in order to deliver more effective results. The first predominant fluid is water and the second predominant fluid is selected from the group consisting of linear or cyclic silicones, hydrocarbons, glycol ethers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An endosteal anchoring device for urging a ligament graft against a bone surface comprising an anchoring body, a means for resisting slippage of the anchoring body into the periphery of a bone tunnel under ligament tension, a means for avoiding puncturing, piercing or tearing of cross-fibers of the ligament graft and a means for urging the ligament graft flush against the inner surface of the bone tunnel for accelerated healing.

Abstract: An endosteal anchoring device for urging a ligament graft against a bone surface comprising an anchoring body, a member for resisting slippage of the anchoring body into the periphery of a bone tunnel under ligament tension, a member for avoiding puncturing, piercing or tearing of cross-fibers of the ligament graft and a member for urging the ligament graft flush against the inner surface of the bone tunnel for accelerated healing.

Abstract: A biomechanical stabilizer apparatus and methods for strengthening unstable joints and improving muscle coordination is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as comprising a tubing assembly incorporating a substantially circular member and an elongated handle member. In current design, the handle member extends substantially transverse dimensionally across the internal diameter of the circular member and is operably connected thereto. Preferably, the circular member is formed having an internal channel comprising two or more free moving bodies disposed therein. Similarly, the handle member is formed having an internal chamber wherein at least one free moving body is operably disposed. Preferably engaging the handle member is a timer unit for programming time durations and providing means for visual and/or audio feedback to the user when the programming parameters of the present invention are satisfied.

Abstract: An endosteal anchoring device for urging a ligament graft against a bone surface comprising an anchoring body, a member for resisting slippage of the anchoring body into the periphery of a bone tunnel under ligament tension, a member for avoiding puncturing, piercing or tearing of cross-fibers of the ligament graft and a member for urging the ligament graft flush against the inner surface of the bone tunnel for accelerated healing.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing low density detergent agglomerates having a density of below about 500 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste or liquid acid precursor of anionic surfactant and dry starting detergent material in a high speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein the dry starting detergent material includes an inorganic double salt and sodium carbonate in a weight ratio of from about 1:10 to about 10:1; and (b) drying the detergent agglomerates so as to form the low density detergent composition having a density below about 600 g/l.

Abstract: An instrumented therapy cord including a load cell transducer, a resistive stretch cord and a microprocessor control module having internal memory capacity and programming means for assessing, monitoring and controlling rehabilitation treatment programs. Operably attached to a handle member and preferably incorporated within a housing unit, the microprocessor control module interfaces with the load cell transducer. A first end of the resistive therapy stretch cord is operably coupled to the load cell transducer by a permanent or quick-release coupling means. A second end of the resistive therapy cord is removably connected to a second handle or stationary body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a patella-femoral brace which includes an elastic sleeve which is sized so as to be securely positionable about a user's leg and which has a bracing plate located therein which becomes positioned adjacent the lateral side of the patella when the elastic sleeve is correctly positioned about the patient's knee. The brace plate may include a protection pad which extends to cover the lateral side of the knee to protect it from impact or contact with other elements of the knee brace. The brace plate is connected to a set of strap members, each located above and below the patella, and each being capable of wrapping around the medial side of the knee, across the back of the leg, and attaching to a rigid support brace. The support brace includes upper and lower cuffs, each having a single hinge arm which connect together at a hinge. The hinge includes a locking mechanism to prevent hyperextension of the knee.

Abstract: A drill guide for drilling a tunnel in a tibia for anterior cruciate ligament replacement comprises a target hook having a point for engaging and determining the exit of the tunnel in the tibial plateau, and a handle carrying a drill guide sleeve holder and selectively variable means for adjusting and rigidly fixing the angular position of the holder relative to the plateau. The drill guide also comprises a drill sleeve longitudinally selectively adjustably received in the holder for axial movement toward and away from the point, the drill sleeve having a proximal end extending toward the point. The drill sleeve is cannulated to receive a guide wire with a sharpened point headed toward the point. Engagement means for holding the drill sleeve in a selected position is provided, thereby preselecting the desired tunnel length defined between the proximal end of said drill sleeve and the point.

Abstract: A device for determining the isometric point of a knee cruciate ligament replacement in a femur after a tibial tunnel has been prepared by attaching a screw to an estimated placement point on the femur with a strand attached to the screw and extending away therefrom. The device comprises a holder, a driver disposed in the holder to engage and drive the screw into the femur, a fitting for positioning the holder to the mouth of the tunnel on the outer anterior tibial surface, a gauge calibrated to provide a selected tension on the strand, and means for attaching the gauge to the holder. The gauge comprises an excursion scale to indicate the movement of the strand when the knee is flexed, a spring for applying a selected tension to the strand, and a gripper for the strand.