Abstract: Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components useable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) inspections and integrating inspection data with encoding information may include a NDE probe configured to conduct a non-destructive examination of an object, a shape sensing fiber optic cable attached to the NDE probe, the fiber optic cable configured to receive a frequency of light and to reflect the received light, a fiber optic cable shape sensing detector configured to generate light of the frequency, measure the shape of the shape sensing fiber optic cable based on the reflected light from the shape sensing fiber optic cable, and determine position information and orientation information of the NDE probe based on the measured shape of the fiber optic cable, and a processor configured to encode the examination data, the encoding including correlating the position information and the orientation information with the examination data.

Abstract: Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components useable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.

Abstract: Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components usable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.

Abstract: A torque device for selectively securing, engaging, or gripping an elongate medical device is disclosed. The torque device can be configured to permit torquing of the elongate medical device by manipulation of the torque device. A securement mechanism for selectively securing, engaging, or gripping an elongate medical device is also disclosed. The securement mechanism may be adapted for use with the disclosed torque device, or the securement mechanism may also be adapted for use with other medical devices. For example, the securement mechanism may be adapted for use with a suture securement apparatus.

Abstract: Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components usable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) inspections and integrating inspection data with encoding information may include a NDE probe configured to conduct a non-destructive examination of an object, a shape sensing fiber optic cable attached to the NDE probe, the fiber optic cable configured to receive a frequency of light and to reflect the received light, a fiber optic cable shape sensing detector configured to generate light of the frequency, measure the shape of the shape sensing fiber optic cable based on the reflected light from the shape sensing fiber optic cable, and determine position information and orientation information of the NDE probe based on the measured shape of the fiber optic cable, and a processor configured to encode the examination data, the encoding including correlating the position information and the orientation information with the examination data.

Abstract: A torque device for selectively securing, engaging, or gripping an elongate medical device is disclosed. The torque device can be configured to permit torquing of the elongate medical device by manipulation of the torque device. A securement mechanism for selectively securing, engaging, or gripping an elongate medical device is also disclosed. The securement mechanism may be adapted for use with the disclosed torque device, or the securement mechanism may also be adapted for use with other medical devices. For example, the securement mechanism may be adapted for use with a suture securement apparatus.

Abstract: A suture securement apparatus for selectively securing one or more ends of a suture while allowing adjustments in the tension or a full release of the sutures intermittently after a prolonged period of time. The suture securement apparatus can be particularly adapted for use with a purse-string suture to close a percutaneous catheter insertion site without causing puckering or distortion of the skin at the purse string suture site. The suture securement apparatus allows for subsequent modification of the amount of tensioning or full release of the sutures at the catheter insertion site. A threading assembly for use with the suture securement apparatus and being adapted to facilitate threading of sutures along the length of the suture securement apparatus. An adhesive suture securement device to provide securing sutures to be utilized with a suture securement apparatus. An adhesive securement device to provide a cradle configured to secure a hub of a catheter or other medical instrument or device.

Abstract: A surgical securement apparatus for selectively securing one or more ends of a cord while allowing adjustments in the tension or a full release of the cord intermittently after a prolonged period of time. A surgical securement and marking system utilizing one or more surgical securement apparatus that are color-coded to convey information about the associated intercorporeal structures. The surgical securement apparatus can be particularly adapted for use in securing intracorporeal structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and tendons during a surgical procedure. An extender tube connected to the surgical securement apparatus enables securement of intracorporeal structures within the surgical site from outside the surgical site. A threading assembly for use with the surgical securement apparatus that is adapted to facilitate threading of a cord along the length of the surgical securement apparatus.

Abstract: Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components usable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cross platform computer application that displays onscreen messages in the form of text, images and videos. Single messages, images and videos can be bundled into message sets. The main functions of the application are creating or acquiring and storing sets of messages, which can be retrieved, edited, managed, and shared with others. Chosen message sets can be viewed on the user's computing device or TV with several onscreen display options including, but not limited to the frequency of messages, their duration, their size and onscreen position.

Abstract: A suture securement apparatus for selectively securing one or more ends of a suture while allowing adjustments in the tension or a full release of the sutures intermittently after a prolonged period of time. The suture securement apparatus can be particularly adapted for use with a purse-string suture to close a percutaneous catheter puncture site without causing puckering or distortion of the skin at the purse string suture site. The suture securement apparatus permits a practitioner to subsequently modify the amount of tensioning or full release of the sutures at the catheter insertion site. A threading assembly for use with the suture securement apparatus and being adapted to facilitate threading of sutures along the length of the suture securement apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical securement apparatus for selectively securing one or more ends of a cord while allowing adjustments in the tension or a full release of the cord intermittently after a prolonged period of time. A surgical securement and marking system utilizing one or more surgical securement apparatus that are color-coded to convey information about the associated intercorporeal structures. The surgical securement apparatus can be particularly adapted for use in securing intracorporeal structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and tendons during a surgical procedure. An extender tube connected to the surgical securement apparatus enables securement of intracorporeal structures within the surgical site from outside the surgical site. The surgical securement apparatus permits a practitioner to subsequently modify the amount of tensioning or to fully release the cord.

Abstract: A suture securement apparatus for selectively securing one or more ends of a suture while allowing adjustments in the tension or a full release of the sutures intermittently after a prolonged period of time. The suture securement apparatus can be particularly adapted for use with a purse-string suture to close a percutaneous catheter insertion site without causing puckering or distortion of the skin at the purse string suture site. The suture securement apparatus allows for subsequent modification of the amount of tensioning or full release of the sutures at the catheter insertion site. A threading assembly for use with the suture securement apparatus and being adapted to facilitate threading of sutures along the length of the suture securement apparatus. An adhesive suture securement device to provide securing sutures to be utilized with a suture securement apparatus. An adhesive securement device to provide a cradle configured to secure a hub of a catheter or other medical instrument or device.

Abstract: A suture securement apparatus for selectively securing one or more ends of a suture while allowing adjustments in the tension or a full release of the sutures intermittently after a prolonged period of time. The suture securement apparatus can be particularly adapted for use with a purse-string suture to close a percutaneous catheter puncture site without causing puckering or distortion of the skin at the purse string suture site. The suture securement apparatus permits a practitioner to subsequently modify the amount of tensioning or full release of the sutures at the catheter insertion site. A threading assembly for use with the suture securement apparatus and being adapted to facilitate threading of sutures along the length of the suture securement apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods, kits, and devices for stopping hemorrhaging of percutaneous wounds. The inventive subject matter involves insertion of a purse-string suture around the wound, insertion of the free two ends of the suture through a tension collar, manual tightening of the tension collar until hemostasis is achieved, and application of a suture lock to the free ends of the suture to secure the tension collar and maintain hemostasis. After a sufficient period of time to allow complete hemostasis, the suture lock and the tension collar are loosened; if hemostasis has been achieved, the suture lock, the tension collar, and the suture material are removed. If bleeding continues from the wound, the tension collar is tightened and the suture lock reapplied. This process may be repeated until complete hemostasis is achieved, without the need for additional suturing or manual compression.

Abstract: A feed supplement containing sodium diacetate and a sugar. The supplement may be added to the mixed feed of dairy animals in order to increase feed consumption and milk production. The supplement may also contain brewer's yeast, bentonite and/or sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods, kits, and devices for stopping hemorrhaging of percutaneous wounds. The inventive subject matter involves insertion of a purse-string suture around the wound, insertion of the free two ends of the suture through a tension collar, manual tightening of the tension collar until hemostasis is achieved, and application of a suture lock to the free ends of the suture to secure the tension collar and maintain hemostasis. After a sufficient period of time to allow complete hemostasis, the suture lock and the tension collar are loosened; if hemostasis has been achieved, the suture lock, the tension collar, and the suture material are removed. If bleeding continues from the wound, the tension collar is tightened and the suture lock reapplied. This process may be repeated until complete hemostasis is achieved, without the need for additional suturing or manual compression.