Abstract: A fastener delivery system includes an escapement mechanism configured to control dispensing of associated fasteners located in a column one associated fastener at a time and a rotate and present apparatus operable with the escapement mechanism. The apparatus is configured to rotate between a fastener receiving position and a fastener loading position. In the fastener receiving position the apparatus is adapted to receive each associated fastener released from the escapement mechanism, and in the fastener loading position the apparatus is configured to present each associated fastener to an associated fastener installation device. The escapement mechanism is adjustable in a height direction relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: A computer implemented method enables smooth transition of video playback with page flip action within a digital magazine. The method comprises steps of monitoring a user's interactions with a video content item displayed on a current page of the digital magazine. Upon detecting a user flipping the current page to a next page, the video content item is paused, a graphics resource used for rending the video content item is disabled and a current video frame of the video content item is captured. In response to the user flipping the current page to the next page, the graphics resource is enabled for rending the page flip action, a modified current page with portions of the next page are gradually displayed to the user, while the captured video frame is continuously displayed on the current page until the page flip action is finished.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for predicting a future workforce population by compiling a current employee list and assigning a retirement risk factor to employees to determine an employee retirement prediction for a selected year. Computer-implemented systems for carrying out these methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system converts a readable digital magazine into an audible digital magazine by generating an audio playlist of audio files corresponding to textual content items of the digital magazine. The system monitors a user's interactions with content items on a page of the digital magazine, where the content items include textual content items. Upon detecting a request from the user for audio files corresponding to the textual content items, the requested audio files are searched and retrieved. In response to not finding the requested audio files ready for playback, the textual content items are obtained and converted into the requested audio files. An audio playlist of the requested audio files is generated for presentation to the user of the digital magazine in response to the request.

Abstract: A computer implemented method enables smooth transition of video playback with page flip action within a digital magazine. The method comprises steps of monitoring a user's interactions with a video content item displayed on a current page of the digital magazine. Upon detecting a user flipping the current page to a next page, the video content item is paused, a graphics resource used for rending the video content item is disabled and a current video frame of the video content item is captured. In response to the user flipping the current page to the next page, the graphics resource is enabled for rending the page flip action, a modified current page with portions of the next page are gradually displayed to the user, while the captured video frame is continuously displayed on the current page until the page flip action is finished.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite articles such as laminate ballistic protection and structural reinforcements. The method involves placing a composite assembly in a sealable membrane system, e.g. a vacuum bag and placing the vacuum bag in a pressure vessel to apply heat and pressure to the composite assembly, thereby manufacturing a composite article. The apparatus comprises: a pressure vessel; a source of processing liquid to apply isostatic pressure to the vacuum bag; processing liquid heating, cooling, pressurizing and circulating means; and a control system to control the heating, cooling and pressurizing means. The sealable membrane system may preferably comprise: a sealable membrane to separate the composite article from the processing liquid and maintain the composite article below atmospheric pressure; and a membrane to cushion the composite article and resist adhesion of the article to other membranes. The processing liquid is preferably silicone oil.

Abstract: A folding stock assembly for a firearm includes a butt stock portion; a receiver interface portion; and a bidirectional hinge assembly configured to allow the butt stock portion to bidirectionally pivot with respect to the receiver interface portion.

Abstract: A folding stock assembly for a firearm includes a butt stock portion; a receiver interface portion; and a bidirectional hinge assembly configured to allow the butt stock portion to bidirectionally pivot with respect to the receiver interface portion.

Abstract: A folding stock assembly for a firearm includes: a butt stock portion; a receiver interface portion; and a hinge assembly configured to allow the butt stock portion to pivot with respect to the receiver interface portion. The butt stock portion includes a bolt retention receptacle configured to releasably receive a bolt handle of a bolt assembly when the butt stock is positioned in a first folded position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing composite articles such as laminate ballistic protection and structural reinforcements. The method involves placing a composite assembly in a sealable membrane system, e.g. a vacuum bag and placing the vacuum bag in a pressure vessel to apply heat and pressure to the composite assembly, thereby manufacturing a composite article. The apparatus comprises: a pressure vessel; a source of processing liquid to apply isostatic pressure to the vacuum bag; processing liquid heating, cooling, pressurising and circulating means; and a control system to control the heating, cooling and pressurising means. The sealable membrane system may preferably comprise: a sealable membrane to separate the composite article from the processing liquid and maintain the composite article below atmospheric pressure; and a membrane to cushion the composite article and resist adhesion of the article to other membranes. The processing liquid is preferably silicone oil.

Abstract: A transformer tank having opposing walls and junctions between adjacent tank walls being intermediate walls defining obtuse angles with respect to each of their respective adjacent tank walls such that the tank is free from perpendicular wall intersections. Internal framework is disposed within the tank for preventing inward wall deflections and is anchored to the intermediate walls and is substantially free from attachment to the opposing walls. The tank undergoes volumetric expansion in response to increases in internal positive pressure to avoid tank rupture.

Abstract: Composites comprising porous polymeric membrane films meeting the following equation: 75 MPa<(longitudinal membrane tensile modulus+transverse membrane tensile modulus)/2, wherein at least a portion of the porosity of the membrane is imbibed with resin and methods for making the same. The composites have unusually high resistance to fracture and catastrophic failure.

Abstract: Composites comprising porous polymeric membrane films meeting the following equation: 75 MPa<(longitudinal membrane tensile modulus+transverse membrane tensile modulus)/2, wherein at least a portion of the porosity of the membrane is imbibed with resin and methods for making the same. The composites have unusually high resistance to fracture and catastrophic failure.

Abstract: Shaped-medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: The invention provides a means of boosting the mechanical performance of shaped shaped medical devices comprising polymer hydrogels, such as stents, so that they may be more easily inserted into or removed from the body. In one aspect, the invention provides shaped medical devices having increased mechanical strength and comprising both ionic and covalent crosslinks. In another aspect, the invention provides a shaped medical device having a heterogeneous polymer composition and a variable dissolution or degradation rate along its length. The shaped medical devices according to the present invention retain their shape and stiffness during insertion into the body and can swell and soften inside the body to enhance patient comfort.

Abstract: Shaped-medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both tonically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: Shaped medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: Shaped medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: A process for impregnating a medical device made from a water absorbable polymer material, e.g., a hydrogel, with a medical compound having low solubility in aqueous solutions, e.g., an antiseptic or radiopaque compound, is disclosed. The device is first infiltrated with an aqueous solution containing a first water soluble, ionizable compound, and subsequently infiltrated with an aqueous solution containing a second water soluble, ionizable compound. The ionizable compounds are selected such that they react after mutual contact to form the medical compound in-situ within the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides shaped medical devices adapted for implant and subsequent in-vivo disintegration within a human or animal body. In one embodiment, the medical device is fabricated from a matrix polymer component, e.g., a lactam, which has a ceiling temperature (Tc) within the range of from about 40.degree. C. to about 76.degree. C. Decomposition of this device is accomplished by heating the device in-vivo to a temperature at or above the ceiling temperature of the matrix polymer component. In another embodiment, the medical device is fabricated from an end-capped polyoxyalkylene matrix polymer component characterized by a depolymerization temperature of at least about 40.degree. C. and a ceiling temperature of 76.degree. C. or less after removal of the end-cap group. In a third embodiment of the invention the medical device comprises a matrix polymer which is insoluble or only slightly soluble in normal body fluids and which exhibits a Tc below 40.degree. C.