Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for processing ultramafic material. The system may comprise a reactor for accelerating weathering of said ultramafic material. The reactor may comprise one or more chambers comprising one or more microbes, biological medicators, or enzymatic accelerants to facilitate the weathering of the ultramafic material.

Abstract: A reusable needle handling apparatus is described. The needle handling apparatus is configured for receiving at least a portion of a syringe assembly including at least a needle, a needle cap, and a syringe hub. The needle handling apparatus includes a first clamping mechanism having a plurality of pinch rollers. According to an aspect, the pinch rollers are configured to clamp the needle cap, and to automatically unscrew the needle from the syringe hub, so that the needle is safely and automatically removed from the syringe hub.

Abstract: An orthodontic expansion device includes a pair of opposed lateral portions, each of which includes a molar band shaped to be positioned on molars or other teeth of a patient. A palate frame extends obliquely from the molar band. The device further includes a tensioned tensioning assembly positioned between the pair of opposed lateral portions that applies an outward pressure on the palate of the patient. The tensioning assembly is at least partially detachable for adjusting the tension of the device. As the palate expands, and the tension in the device relaxes, the tensioning assembly can readily be detached, retensioned, and reattached.

Abstract: A jig assembly may include an upper jig including an upper bite block for receiving upper teeth, a lower jig including a lower bite block for receiving lower teeth, and a fastener for securing each of the upper jig and the lower jig in a fixed position relative to one another. A jig assembly may include a first jig and a second jig coupled to the first jig. The first jig and the second jig may be switchable between a first configuration in which the first jig is slidable relative to the second jig in a first direction and a second configuration in which the first jig and the second jig are fixed relative to each other in the first direction.

Abstract: A provisional oral appliance for the temporary treatment of sleep apnea includes a pair of trays for receiving the user's upper and lower teeth, and a pair of adjustable, fixed-length strut assemblies pivotably connected to the upper tray and lower tray. An adjustable jig for positioning the upper and lower teeth of the user relative to one another may be used in making the oral appliance.

Abstract: A reusable needle handling apparatus is described. The needle handling apparatus is configured for receiving at least a portion of a syringe assembly including at least a needle, a needle cap, and a syringe hub. The needle handling apparatus includes a first clamping mechanism having a plurality of pinch rollers. According to an aspect, the pinch rollers are configured to clamp the needle cap, and to automatically unscrew the needle from the syringe hub, so that the needle is safely and automatically removed from the syringe hub.

Abstract: A keyboard percussion instrument (100) generates sounds when keys (130) or other such members are struck. A movable damper bar (140) is brought into contact with the keys to artistically shorten their ringing duration. When pressed, a pedal (145) removes the damper bar from contact with the keys. When the pedal is released, a spring (1010) urges the damper bar into contact with the keys. The damper bar is supported by a pair of arms (165) that pivot about pivot points (800) at the ends of movable posts (520) that extend from a pair of pivot height adjusting mechanisms (175). Each pivot height adjusting mechanism has two adjusting screws. A first screw (510) urges a post to move up or down and a second screw (565) fixes the post in position when tightened. Adjusting the heights of the pivot points provides control over the damping of key vibrations.

Abstract: A keyboard percussion instrument (100) generates sounds when keys (130) or other such members are struck. A movable damper bar (140) is brought into contact with the keys to artistically shorten their ringing duration. When pressed, a pedal (145) removes the damper bar from contact with the keys. When the pedal is released, a spring (1010) urges the damper bar into contact with the keys. The damper bar is supported by a pair of arms (165) that pivot about pivot points (800) at the ends of movable posts (520) that extend from a pair of pivot height adjusting mechanisms (175). Each pivot height adjusting mechanism has two adjusting screws. A first screw (510) urges a post to move up or down and a second screw (565) fixes the post in position when tightened. Adjusting the height of pivot points provides control over damping of key vibrations.

Abstract: A vibrato assembly for a keyboard percussion instrument comprises a motor and a vibrato fan or disc assembly. A motor (510) is responsive to a controller (1000), a run/stop switch (1035), and a potentiometer (1020). Pulleys (100A, 100B?, 515) and a timing belt (520) couple rotation of the motor to an assembly of resonator or vibrato fans (720) via one or more magnets (120) or magnetically susceptible members to isolate vibrations. A sensor is activated by one of the magnets to sense the rotational position of a pulley when the fans are oriented vertically. When a run/stop switch 1035 is in a “stop” condition, sensor 525 signals controller 1000 to stop the motor, thereby leaving the fans vertical so that resonant tubes (725) are in an open condition when the vibrato function is stopped.

Abstract: An improved percussive instrument such as a marimba employs a resonator comprising an external tube (100), an inner or virtual extender tube (115), and a bottom stop (105) and a plug (110) within the outer tube. The region between the external tube and the virtual extender tube defines a volume of air (116). The size, shape, and length of the virtual extender tube enhances performance of the resonator and thereby also the instrument. A key (800) of the instrument is suspended by pivots (805) above the plug and the opening (120) of the resonator. When struck by a mallet (810), the key vibrates and air driven by the key enters the resonator through the opening. When the resonator and key are tuned to the same frequency, or a harmonic thereof, air will enter and leave the resonator in a resonant fashion, creating louder and richer sounds than just the key alone. Numerous variations on shape and location of the various components are possible.

Abstract: An improved mallet for percussive musical instruments comprises, in one embodiment, a shaft (1100, 1200, etc.), an adapter or inner core (300, 1400), an elastomeric surrounding core (400), and an elastomeric core overlay (1200). Optionally a cover (1300), or optionally two simultaneously-wound layers of yarn or other wrapping material (1705, 1710) are attached over the assembly. The adapter or inner core and the elastomeric surrounding core are formed together in molds (700, 900). Yarns are wrapped either by hand or with the use of a wrapping machine comprising a rotary motive source, a chuck (1810), and wrapping arms (1825, 1830) for interweaving the layers of yarn. In an alternative embodiment the adapter has a through-hole to permit extension of the shaft through the adapter to near the top of the mallet head. Numerous percussive sound effects are achieved by selection of the properties of the adapter or inner core, surrounding core, overlay, and yarn layers.

Abstract: A rack assembly for carrying recreational equipment on a vehicle. The assembly includes at least one mount attachable to the vehicle, and a load-carrying support member coupled to the mount and configured to support the recreational equipment adjacent the vehicle. At least one securing apparatus is associated with the load-carrying support member and configured to secure the equipment to the support member. The securing apparatus includes a strap adapted to extend at least partially around the recreational equipment, and a ratchet drive mechanism adapted to receive and grip one end of the strap. In one embodiment, the ratchet drive mechanism includes at least one drive actuator that is operable to grip successive portions of the strap and draw it tight around the recreational equipment.

Abstract: A rack assembly for carrying recreational equipment on a vehicle. The assembly includes at least one mount attachable to the vehicle, and a load-carrying support member coupled to the mount and configured to support the recreational equipment adjacent the vehicle. At least one securing apparatus is associated with the load-carrying support member and configured to secure the equipment to the support member. The securing apparatus includes a strap adapted to extend at least partially around the recreational equipment, and a ratchet drive mechanism adapted to receive and grip one end of the strap. In one embodiment, the ratchet drive mechanism includes at least one drive actuator that is operable to grip successive portions of the strap and draw it tight around the recreational equipment.

Abstract: A load-bearing frame assembly for coupling to a roof of a vehicle is provided. The load-bearing frame assembly comprises a front frame section adapted to be coupled to the vehicle roof toward the front of the vehicle roof, a rear frame section adapted to be coupled to the vehicle roof toward the rear of the vehicle roof, and a frame extension section adapted to be coupled to the roof of the vehicle between the front frame section and the rear frame section. The front frame section includes a first connector and a first load bar for supporting a sports equipment mount. The rear frame section includes a second connector complementary to the first connector so that the rear frame section is joinable to the front frame section to form a first, smaller load bearing frame. The frame extension section is adapted to be coupled to the roof of the vehicle between the front and the rear frame section to form a second, larger load-bearing frame.

Abstract: A vehicle load carrier including a recreational equipment rack adapted for exterior engagement on a vehicle. The recreational equipment rack includes a torque-operated clamping mechanism, including a rotatable clamp member, where the torque-operated clamping mechanism is adapted to selectively secure and release an article to the rack upon rotation of the clamp member. Also provided is a torque-applying member that is selectively configurable in an engaged configuration in which the torque-applying member and clamp member rotate together, and in a disengaged configuration in which the torque-applying member and clamp member rotate independently of one another. The torque-applying member is semi-permanently attached to, or otherwise integrated with the clamping mechanism so that it cannot be removed without disassembling the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A car top bicycle carrier in which a bicycle is supported in an upright, fully assembled position. There is a generally V-shaped trough into which the bicycle tires are placed and one or more straps for retaining the tires in the trough. A U-shaped stanchion is provided with a clamping mechanism for clamping the upper part of one of the bicycle wheels so as to retain the bicycle in an upright position and against movement longitudinally of the trough. The clamping mechanism can be adapted to bicycles with relatively large wheels and to bicycles with relatively small wheels.