Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising one or more absorbent layers wherein the absorbent structure exhibits a first cycle Peak Force compression between about 30 grams and about 150 grams. The absorbent structure further exhibits a fifth cycle dry recovery energy between 0.1 mJ and 2.8 mJ.

Abstract: A spinal procedure includes attaching a first reduction instrument to a first guide assembly and a second guide assembly. The first reduction instrument includes a fixed attachment assembly and a translating attachment assembly that cooperatively interfaces the fixed attachment assembly. The first guide assembly is attached to a first pedicle and the second guide assembly is attached to a second pedicle. The first reduction instrument is moved to reduce an orientation of the spine, while imaging a reduction of the orientation of the spine. An angle and position of the first reduction instrument is locked upon achieving a desired reduction. The spine may then be fused.

Abstract: A spinal procedure includes attaching a first reduction instrument to a first guide assembly and a second guide assembly. The first reduction instrument includes a fixed attachment assembly and a translating attachment assembly that cooperatively interfaces the fixed attachment assembly. The first guide assembly is attached to a first pedicle and the second guide assembly is attached to a second pedicle. The first reduction instrument is moved to reduce an orientation of the spine, while imaging a reduction of the orientation of the spine. An angle and position of the first reduction instrument is locked upon achieving a desired reduction. The spine may then be fused.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition that includes tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylene (THPE), an amino polymer, and a substrate that includes a metal oxide, where the substrate has a pore volume, and the THPE and the amino polymer are positioned within the pore volume.

Abstract: A device for traversing a conduit includes a body having a first member that is receivable within a second member. The first member is slidable relative to the second member. A first actuator is coupled to a first end of the body. A second actuator is coupled to a second end of the body. A third actuator is coupled to the body between the first actuator and the second actuator. The third actuator is also spaced apart from the first actuator and the second actuator. The device also includes a pneumatic system that is configured to change the pressure of the actuators.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes soft-robotic wearable devices to treat and/or relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, for example during typing assist applications. Soft actuators within the device adjust the angle of the wearer's wrist angle dynamically to achieve a neutral angle, alleviating the pressure on the median nerve and relieving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome strain.

Abstract: A spinal procedure includes attaching a first reduction instrument to a first guide assembly and a second guide assembly. The first reduction instrument includes a fixed attachment assembly and a translating attachment assembly that cooperatively interfaces the fixed attachment assembly. The first guide assembly is attached to a first pedicle and the second guide assembly is attached to a second pedicle. The first reduction instrument is moved to reduce an orientation of the spine, while imaging a reduction of the orientation of the spine. An angle and position of the first reduction instrument is locked upon achieving a desired reduction. The spine may then be fused.

Abstract: A spinal procedure includes attaching a first reduction instrument to a first guide assembly and a second guide assembly. The first reduction instrument includes a fixed attachment assembly and a translating attachment assembly that cooperatively interfaces the fixed attachment assembly. The first guide assembly is attached to a first pedicle and the second guide assembly is attached to a second pedicle. The first reduction instrument is moved to reduce an orientation of the spine, while imaging a reduction of the orientation of the spine. An angle and position of the first reduction instrument is locked upon achieving a desired reduction. The spine may then be fused.

Abstract: An example drain apparatus includes a drain body having a cylindrical shape, the drain body configured to position through an opening formed in a floor. The drain body has an upper portion configured for installation above the floor, the upper portion is configured for connection to a drain apparatus pipe of a plumbing system above the floor. The drain body has a lower portion configured for installation below the floor. A pipe hub is formed within the lower portion of the drain body, the pipe hub configured for connection to a pipe of the plumbing system below the floor. An annular space is formed within the drain body between the pipe hub and an outer sleeve of the drain body. A lower drain system pipe is connected to the pipe hub in the annular space.

Abstract: A device for traversing a conduit includes a body having a first member that is receivable within a second member. The first member is slidable relative to the second member. A first actuator is coupled to a first end of the body. A second actuator is coupled to a second end of the body. A third actuator is coupled to the body between the first actuator and the second actuator. The third actuator is also spaced apart from the first actuator and the second actuator. The device also includes a pneumatic system that is configured to change the pressure of the actuators.

Abstract: An example drain apparatus includes a drain body for connection to a plumbing system. The example drain apparatus also includes a top drain assembly having a compressible fitting, the top drain assembly configured for removable installation within the drain body. An example drain system includes an apparatus having a drain body and a top drain assembly for installation with the drain body. The example drain system includes a jig configured to cut the drain body below an upper surface of a floor the drain body is installed in so that the top drain assembly is fitted to the drain body substantially level with the upper surface of the floor.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes soft-robotic wearable devices to treat and/or relieve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, for example during typing assist applications. Soft actuators within the device adjust the angle of the wearer's wrist angle dynamically to achieve a neutral angle, alleviating the pressure on the median nerve and relieving Carpal Tunnel Syndrome strain.

Abstract: A spinal procedure includes attaching a first reduction instrument to a first guide assembly and a second guide assembly. The first reduction instrument includes a fixed attachment assembly and a translating attachment assembly that cooperatively interfaces the fixed attachment assembly. The first guide assembly is attached to a first pedicle and the second guide assembly is attached to a second pedicle. The first reduction instrument is moved to reduce an orientation of the spine, while imaging a reduction of the orientation of the spine. An angle and position of the first reduction instrument is locked upon achieving a desired reduction. The spine may then be fused.

Abstract: An example drain apparatus includes a drain body for connection to a plumbing system. The example drain apparatus also includes a top drain assembly having a compressible fitting, the top drain assembly configured for removable installation within the drain body. An example drain system includes an apparatus having a drain body and a top drain assembly for installation with the drain body. The example drain system includes a jig configured to cut the drain body below an upper surface of a floor the drain body is installed in so that the top drain assembly is fitted to the drain body substantially level with the upper surface of the floor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in desalinating water. A desalination processes uses a polymer material to bind sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) ions in salt water. Once the polymer binds to the sodium and chlorine ions, they can be separated from the water. Once separated from the water, the sodium and chlorine molecules can be separated from the polymer, and the polymer reused in subsequent desalination cycles.

Abstract: Building components and building structures including structurally insulated panels and cavities for accommodating building services, which cavities are insulated and vapor sealed. The cavity is formed by providing cross beams that accept connection therebetween of structurally insulated panels on one end, but include portions that extend beyond the surface of the structurally insulated panels to accept structural sheating thereon. Building components are also taught that include keyed connections between cross beams and structurally insulated panels.

Abstract: A scraper for removing wax or similar material from bases of skis, snowboards, surfboards, or similar recreational equipment. The blade for scraping is positioned inside the hollow unit and scrapes up the wax through a slot in the scraper that runs parallel to the blade. The wax is then contained inside the device until emptied.

Abstract: A method for converting a worker housing module including a roof rafter to modify the appearance thereof, the method comprising: providing a worker housing module previously used to house workers in a dormitory style arrangement; exposing an outboard end of the roof rafter; and connecting a roof rafter extension to extend beyond the outboard end of the roof rafter to increase a roof eave projection on the structure.

Abstract: A worker housing unit for construction of a worker housing complex may include: an under structure, a plurality of walls supported on the under structure including a first end wall, an opposite end wall and a side wall extending between the first end wall and the opposite end wall, an open side opposite the side wall extending between the first end wall and the opposite end wall, the open side formed for securing to another worker housing unit, at least one internal support wall, a plurality of roof trusses supported on the internal support wall and at least one of the plurality of walls, wherein the internal support wall includes a removable wall section, a structural support beam installed above the removable wall section and positioned to support a plurality of roof trusses and a beam support adjacent at least one end of the structural support beam to support the structural support in a spaced relation above the under structure.

Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer, in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octanoic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains. Volume transmission gratings made is with the new PDLC material can be electrically switched between nearly 100% diffraction efficiency and nearly 0% diffraction efficiency. By increasing the frequency of the switching voltage, switching voltages in the range of 50 Vrms can be achieved.