Abstract: A surgical mesh is formed of a biocompatible mesh structure with a coating that provides anti-inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and anti-adhesion functionality for a implantation in a patient. The coating is generally formed of a fish oil, can include vitamin E, and may be at least partially cured. In addition, the coating can include a therapeutic agent component, such as a drug or other therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.

Abstract: A latching system for securing two members together includes a housing, a pawl that is pivotally attached to the housing, a locking member, an actuating mechanism, and a rocker switch. The pawl is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The rocker switch is used to control the actuating mechanism. The rocker switch includes an outer housing, an inner housing, a printed circuit board, and a button. The pawl is provided with a torsion spring member that biases the pawl toward the open or disengaged configuration. Energizing the electrical actuating mechanism retracts the locking member out of engagement with the pawl, thus allowing the pawl to rotate under spring bias to the open configuration.

Abstract: One or more of hydrolysed wheat flour, soluble dietary fibre, prebiotic dietary fibre, polydextrose and soluble corn fibre ate used as basic matrix-forming ingredients in an expanded food product. The matrix-forming ingredients are mixed together with water, plus a whey protein isolate or whey protein concentrate, to increase the protein content of the food. A dough is formed which is then formed into pieces which are temperature conditioned before being expanded under a vacuum caused by evaporation of moisture in the dough. All steps of the process of making the expanded food products, including any subsequent drying, is carried out at a temperature not exceeding 75° C., which advantageously allows mixing in of temperature sensitive ingredients, e.g. vitamins, pharmaceuticals, at the dough forming stage. The products have a honeycomb structure and there is no significant change in flavour or nutritional value of the ingredients caused by the process of manufacture.

Abstract: A hernia patch supporting tissue in-growth conforms to a tissue wall upon surgical installation and fixation within a patient. The hernia patch can include a base and positioning straps. The base is formed of two layers that are affixed to each other around the perimeter of the patch, for example by stitching. A stabilizing washer is provided between the two layers, and the stitch is provided peripherally around the stabilizing washer, keeping the washer free-floating between the layers. The base, positioning straps, and stabilizing washer are formed of a structure that does not separate the layers of the implant or form a space in the form of a pocket, and promotes more uniform and confluent tissue incorporation or in-growth after implantation. The hernia patch may further include a hydrolysable bioabsorbable cross-linked coating of a fatty acid based material, such as an omega-3 fatty acid based material.

Abstract: Fatty acid-derived biomaterials, methods of making the biomaterials, and methods of loading them with silver compounds are described. The silver-containing biomaterials can be utilized alone or in combination with a medical device for the release and local delivery of one or more anti-infective agents. Methods of forming and tailoring the properties of said biomaterials and methods of using said biomaterials for treating injury in a mammal are also provided.

Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a frame, a rotary pawl, a locking member, a handle, and a lock plug. The frame is adapted for attachment to the first member. The handle is pivotally attached to the frame and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The locking member retains the pawl in the latched position when the locking member is in an undeflected configuration. The handle causes the locking member to deflect and release the pawl from a latched position when the locking member is in an unlocked position and the handle is moved to the open position. The lock barrel is supported by the frame and can selectively move the locking member to a locked position where the locking member cannot be actuated by the handle.

Abstract: A latch assembly for releasably securing a first member in a closed position relative to a second member is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a frames a rotary pawl, a locking member, a handle, and a lock plug. The frame is adapted for attachment to the first member. The handle is pivotally attached to the frame and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The locking member retains the pawl in the latched position when the locking member is in an undeflected configuration. The handle causes the locking member to deflect and release the pawl from a latched position when the lacking member is in an unlocked position and the handle is moved to the open position. The lock barrel is supported by the frame and can selectively move the locking member to a locked position where the locking member cannot be actuated by the handle.

Abstract: A barrier device is formed of a barrier component that can exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, non-inflammatory properties, and/or adhesion-limiting properties, as well as generate a modulated healing effect on injured tissue. The barrier component can be a non-polymeric cross-linked gel derived at least in part from a fatty acid compound, and may include a therapeutic agent. The barrier device can have anchoring locations to provide an area on the barrier device to interface with an anchoring mechanism. The anchoring locations can include openings and/or anchor elements. The barrier device can also include truss structures that provide additional strength to the barrier component. The barrier device is implantable in a patient for short term or long term applications, and can include controlled release of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A latching system for securing two members together is disclosed that includes a housing. A pawl is pivotally attached to the housing and is movable between a closed or engaged configuration and an open or disengaged configuration. The pawl is provided with a torsion spring member that biases the pawl toward the open or disengaged configuration. An electrically actuated locking member is supported by the housing. A lug projecting from the pawl is engaged by the locking member to retain the pawl in the closed configuration. When latched, the pawl captures the keeper to secure the latch to the keeper. Energizing the electrical actuating mechanism retracts the locking member out of engagement with the lug of the pawl, thus allowing the pawl to rotate under spring bias to the open configuration.

Abstract: A load floor latch for securing a first closure member to a second closure member panel such that when the first and second closure members are fastened, the latch is opened by actuating the handle and the pawl is retracted into the latch. A biasing device such as a torsion spring acts on a locking arm so as to pivot the locking arm such that it engages a slot on the pawl. This maintains the pawl in the retracted position. When the first closure member to which the latch is attached is closed so as to bring the first closure member into a closed position with respect to the second closure member, a projection on the locking arm contacts a contact member such that the locking arm is pivoted and the locking arm no longer remains in the slot in the pawl. The pawl is then free to extend out of the latch to a latched position by the action of a compression spring and engage a keeper on the second closure member to thus fasten the first and second closure members.

Abstract: A surgical mesh is formed of a biocompatible mesh structure with a coating that provides anti-inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and anti-adhesion functionality for a implantation in a patient. The coating is generally formed of a fish oil, can include vitamin E, and may be at least partially cured. In addition, the coating can include a therapeutic agent component, such as a drug or other therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A barrier layer device is formed of an underlying biocompatible structure having a barrier layer coating that can exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, non-inflammatory properties, and/or adhesion-limiting properties, as well as generate a modulated healing effect on injured tissue. As implemented herein, the barrier layer is a non-polymeric cross-linked gel derived at least in part from a fatty acid compound, and may include a therapeutic agent. The underlying structure can be in the form of a surgical mesh. The barrier device is further provided with anchoring reinforcements to aid with the fastening of the barrier device for implantation purposes and reinforcing truss sections or portions that prohibit or substantially reduce the occurrence of excessive stretching and tearing. The barrier device is implantable in a patient for short term or long term applications, and can include controlled release of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that include a database of images, a user interface device, and a search device. The search device receives a search color, calculates a similarity measure for a plurality of images in the database, selects an image having a similarity measure indicating a greatest similarity between the search color and the color content of the image, and sends the selected image to the user interface device. The search color and the color content of the images in the database are represented in a first color model. The similarity measure is based upon a comparison of the search color and the color content of the image.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.

Abstract: A process and system for applying an adhesive to a core during the production of rolled paper products is disclosed. The system of the present invention is generally directed to the use of pumping devices that meter out constant volumetric amounts of an adhesive onto a core through a plurality of adhesive applicators simultaneously. The systems includes, for instance, a positive displacement pump system in which a fluid at substantially constant pressure is fed to a pumping device for dispensing the adhesive to a plurality of adhesive applicators in constant volumetric amounts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a load floor latch for securing a first closure member to a second closure member panel. When the first and second closure members are fastened, the latch is opened by actuating the handle and the pawl is retracted into the latch. A biasing device such as a torsion spring acts on a locking arm so as to pivot the locking arm such that it engages a slot on the pawl. This maintains the pawl in the retracted position. When the first closure member to which the latch is attached is closed so as to bring the first closure member into a closed position with respect to the second closure member, a projection on the locking arm contacts a contact member such that the locking arm is pivoted and the locking arm no longer remains in the slot in the pawl. The pawl is then free to extend out of the latch to a latched position by the action of a compression spring and engage a keeper on the second closure member to thus fasten the first and second closure members.

Abstract: Latches including a housing, a rotary pawl, catch means for releasably holding the pawl in a closed configuration, and means for operating the catch means are disclosed. The pawl is pivotally attached to the housing and is rotationally movable between a closed or engaged configuration and an open or disengaged configuration. The pawl is provided with a torsion spring member that biases the pawl toward the open or disengaged configuration. In some embodiments the catch means includes a locking member. In other embodiments the catch means includes a pivotally movable trigger. The means for operating the catch means may be electrically powered.

Abstract: A process and system for applying an adhesive to a core during the production of rolled paper products is disclosed. The system of the present invention is generally directed to the use of pumping devices that meter out constant volumetric amounts of an adhesive onto a core through a plurality of adhesive applicators simultaneously. The systems includes, for instance, a positive displacement pump system in which a fluid at substantially constant pressure is fed to a pumping device for dispensing the adhesive to a plurality of adhesive applicators in constant volumetric amounts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein the apparatus is a container having an inner chamber, an inlet, an outlet, a breaker assembly having at least one blade within the inner chamber of the container and a motor for driving the blade. Material is supplied to the inner chamber of the container through the inlet of the container and the breaker assembly is operated to reduce any clumped material into unclumped material which is then dispensed from the container through the outlet of the container.