Abstract: In one or more arrangements, an umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a upper hub that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by a lower hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the lower hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube, thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a rotational lock assembly configured to prevent rotation of the rotating tube when locked and permit rotation of the rotating tube when unlocked. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a counterbalance assembly that provides a counterbalance force positioned within a upper hub of the umbrella frame.

Abstract: Unmanned vehicles may be terrestrial, aerial, nautical, or multi-mode. Unmanned vehicles may accomplish tasks by breaking out into sub-drones, re-grouping itself, changing form, or re-orienting its sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a digital composite image of a three- dimensional biological sample. The system includes an optical system that captures images of cells and tissue presented on a specimen slide. The system systematically acquires a stack of images at different segments across the specimen slide. For each segment, the system dynamically calculates an optimal focal plane. Once an optimal focal plane is determined for each of the stacks of images, the system generates a composite image by copying the sharpest objects from each of the optimal focal planes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for treating, a wound by applying reduced or negative pressure to the wound. The apparatus can include a wound cover, a fluid collection container, a vacuum pump, an inflation pump, and one or more conduits. The wound cover can be configured to move between at least a relatively rigid, generally raised position and a relatively flexible, generally collapsed position according to a predetermined program or in response to input from a user or one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the wound cover can be configured to move between at least the relatively rigid, generally raised position and the relatively flexible, generally collapsed position by adjusting the air pressure in one or more channels in the wound cover or by adjusting the length of piezoelectric or other length changing material supported by the wound cover.

Abstract: A passive nuclear reactor control device. The passive nuclear reactor control device comprises a sealed chamber, which comprises a reservoir and a tube in fluid communication with the reservoir. A molten salt is within the sealed chamber, the molten salt being a eutectic mixture of a monovalent metal halide, and a fluoride or chloride of one or more lanthanides and/or a fluoride or chloride of hafnium. A gas is within the sealed chamber, and the gas does not react with the molten salt.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection container, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a pressure sensor that measures a pressure in the tubing. One or more tubes can channel a fluid between the wound dressing, the fluid collection canister, and the pump. In addition, first and second control circuits can be provided for controlling the pump motor without using a processor. The first control circuit can generate a difference signal between a desired pressure input and a pressure sensor input, and can further generate a motor control signal responsive to the difference signal. Moreover, a second control circuit can provide an override signal based at least in part on the difference signal and at least one reference signal. The override signal beneficially overrides the motor control signal to prevent the pump motor from stalling.

Abstract: In one or more arrangements, a powered system for skateboards is presented which has a base plate, a drive unit, a wheel assembly, and straps. In one arrangement, the system is connected to a skateboard utilizing straps such that the system may be easily attached to and removed from the skateboard. In one arrangement, the system has a single, centrally located wheel which causes the front wheels of the skateboard to be lifted off the ground. In this arrangement, the single wheel is curved in order to allow for turning of the skateboard when utilizing the system. In one arrangement, the wheel is caused to rotate by a motor and a battery used to provide electricity to motor.

Abstract: An engineered stone product is made using a material that includes ceramic powder, glass sand, and a binder.

Abstract: A panel for attenuating noise is disclosed comprising a face skin having a first inner surface, a base skin having a second inner surface, a cellular core connected to and forming a plurality of cells between the face skin and the base skin, wherein the cellular core is defined by a cell structure having a plurality of cell walls extending between the face skin and the base skin defining each of the plurality of cells and a septum disposed within each of the plurality of cells, the septum defining an upper chamber proximate the face skin and a lower chamber proximate the base skin, wherein the face skin comprises a plurality of perforations fully through the face skin and in fluid communication with the upper chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a digital composite image of a three-dimensional biological sample. The system includes an optical system that captures images of cells and tissue presented on a specimen slide. The system systematically acquires a stack of images at different segments across the specimen slide. For each segment, the system dynamically calculates an optimal focal plane. Once an optimal focal plane is determined for each of the stacks of images, the system generates a composite image by copying the sharpest objects from each of the optimal focal planes.

Abstract: A high dynamic range imaging pixel may include a photodiode that generates charge in response to incident light. When the generated charge exceeds a first charge level, the charge may overflow through a first transistor to a first storage capacitor. When the generated charge exceeds a second charge level that is higher than the first charge level, the charge may overflow through a second transistor. The charge that overflows through the second transistor may alternately be coupled to a voltage supply and drained or transferred to a second storage capacitor for subsequent readout. Diverting more overflow charge to the voltage supply may increase the dynamic range of the pixel. The amount of charge diverted to the voltage supply may therefore be updated to control the dynamic range of the imaging pixel.

Abstract: Use of a molten salt comprising aluminium trifluoride and sodium fluoride as a primary coolant for a fission reactor, wherein the molten salt is in contact with graphite and with aluminium metal during operation of the fission reactor.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a dining chair is provided having a frame, a seat operably connected to the frame, a backrest operably connected to the frame, a reclining mechanism, and a counterbalance assembly positioned within the backrest, among other components. The backrest is configured to move between an upright position and a reclined position. In one or more arrangements, the counterbalance assembly is configured to provide a counterbalance force to move the backrest to the upright position in absence of an opposing force.

Abstract: An engineered stone product is made using a material that includes ceramic powder, glass sand, and a binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for treating a wound by applying reduced or negative pressure to the wound. The apparatus can include a wound cover, a fluid collection container, a vacuum pump, an inflation pump, and one or more conduits. The wound cover can be configured to move between at least a relatively rigid, generally raised position and a relatively flexible, generally collapsed position according to a predetermined program or in response to input from a user or one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the wound cover can be configured to move between at least the relatively rigid, generally raised position and the relatively flexible, generally collapsed position by adjusting the air pressure in one or more channels in the wound cover or by adjusting the length of piezoelectric or other length changing material supported by the wound cover.

Abstract: Photodynamic devices for replacement of an articular head of a bone are provided. In an embodiment, a photodynamic device includes a photodynamic support member and an articular member attachable, either fixedly or removably, to the photodynamic support member and having a bearing surface. In an embodiment, the articular member includes a recess designed to receive the photodynamic support member. In an embodiment, the photodynamic support member includes an opening into which a shaft of the articular member can be inserted to attach the articular member to the photodynamic support member.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an impermeable flexible overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. In other embodiments, the impermeable flexible overlay comprises suction assistance means, such as channels, which assist in the application of reduced pressure to the area of the wound and removal of exudate from the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay. In yet other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, the appliance may include a suction drain.

Abstract: A portable railroad spike remover comprises a claw assembly extractor that is shaped to engage and secure a railroad spike previously installed into a rail tie. The claw assembly extractor may include a pair of jaw members that are pivotally connected to each other by a pivoting pin and a rotating pin. Each jaw member may include a lower end configured to contact and secure a railroad spike and a pair of upper members interlocked with each other and pivotally connected to the clevis fastener with the rotating pin. When the drive shaft is rotated, the claw assembly extractor and the mounting flange may move inside the main housing in a vertical direction to extract the railroad spike from the rail tie.

Abstract: A passive nuclear reactor control device. The passive nuclear reactor control device comprises a sealed chamber, which comprises a reservoir and a tube in fluid communication with the reservoir. A molten salt is within the sealed chamber, the molten salt being a eutectic mixture of a monovalent metal halide, and a fluoride or chloride of one or more lanthanides and/or a luoride or chloride of hafnium. A gas is within the sealed chamber, and the gas does not react with the molten salt.