Abstract: A customizable play structure that includes a fabric, a flexible material or a combination thereof having illustrations of objects found in an environment that are created on a top surface of the play structure. Illustrations that are included on the top surface of the material include objects that are found in a known environment.

Abstract: A fab can be constructed as a round or rectangular annular tube with a primary cleanspace located in-between its inner and outer tubes. The fab can be encircled with levels upon which tools can be densely packed while preserving unidirectional air flow. If only tool ports are inside, and robotics are used, primary cleanspace size can be minimized. Highly simplified robotics can be used. Tools can be removed and repaired centrally. A secondary cleanspace can be added for tool bodies. Multilevel construction enhances use of prefabricated units for fab build or maintenance. Curves or folds, applied to a conventional planar cleanroom, can construct a wide range of fab geometries, including a tubular non-annular fab. A fab can also be constructed according to a curved or non-curved sectional cut of an annular tube. A novel fab, of a non-curved section, can include a non-segmented cleanspace or have its tools vertically stacked.

Abstract: Trace detection media cartridges and kits to facilitate trace detection of contraband. A cartridge may store consumables to prevent contamination and may also aid in the dispensing of consumables. A housing may hold a consumables cartridge and further prevent spoilage, such as with a self-closing lid. A trace detection kit may include a housing and at least one cartridge storing consumables.

Abstract: A system and method for forming conductive lines on a substrate comprising depositing a precursor onto at least a portion of the substrate, depositing a thin layer of conductive material over the precursor, forming a negative-patterned mask over a portion of the thin layer of conductive material to form an exposed pattern, forming conductive lines in the exposed pattern, removing the patterned mask thereby uncovering an exposed portion of the conductive layer that substantially corresponds to the negative pattern portion, and removing the exposed portion of the conductive layer so as to uncover substrate that substantially corresponds to the exposed portion.

Abstract: A bathing vessel is made of a sheet of layered materials, which include a first layer of polyurethane material, a second layer of polyurethane material attached to the first layer, a third layer of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material attached to the second layer, and a fourth layer of acrylic material attached to the third layer. A first narrowed portion about which the sheet bends is provided. The bend defines a first wall and a second wall in the sheet.

Abstract: A method for producing a screw-top bottle-can and a screw-top bottle-can are provided so that a screw-thread can be formed without damaging an inner coating and a resealing operation can be improved. A shoulder part is formed by reducing a diameter of an opening part of a closed-end cylindrical body, a cylindrical part having an intermediate diameter between a major thread diameter and a minor thread diameter and a tapered part which is tapered from an upper end of the cylindrical part toward an opening-end part are formed above the shoulder part, and forming a screw-thread from the tapered part to the cylindrical part so as to form a starting part of the screw-thread at a middle part of the tapered part.

Abstract: Surgical procedures, tools and implants are disclosed for both conventional and reverse shoulder implant surgeries. The improved procedures, tools and implants relate to humeral head resurfacing, humeral head resection for standard implants, humeral head resection for reverse shoulder implants, glenoid resurfacing for standard shoulder implants and glenoid resurfacing for reverse shoulder implants. 3D scans and x-rays are used to develop virtual models of the patient anatomy, identify patient specific landmarks for anchoring guide wire installation blocks, templates and drill guides. 3D scans are also used to design patient specific tools and implants for the shoulder implant procedures and to pre-operatively determine the appropriate inclination and retroversion angles.

Abstract: A bonnet latch bracket arrangement that is adaptable to different vehicle models comprises a bonnet latch, a bracket member and a vehicle body member. The bonnet latch is attachable to the vehicle body member by means of the bracket member, and the bracket member is adapted to take up dimensional differences between the bonnet latch and the vehicle body member in a longitudinal direction, lateral direction and/or height direction of a vehicle. Furthermore, the adaptability to different vehicle models is achievable by varying the geometry of the bracket member according to the dimensions of the vehicle model. A modular system for configuration of a bonnet latch bracket arrangement to different vehicle models and a method for adapting a bonnet latch bracket arrangement to fit in different vehicle models are also provided.

Abstract: A profiled surface for improving the propagation of radiation through an interface is provided. The profiled surface includes a set of large roughness components providing a first variation of the profiled surface having a characteristic scale approximately an order of magnitude larger than a target wavelength of the radiation. The profiled surface also includes a set of small roughness components superimposed on the set of large roughness components and providing a second variation of the profiled surface having a characteristic scale on the order of the target wavelength of the radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: In various embodiments described herein a messaging system is described. The messaging system may be useful in a correctional facility or other environments such as college campus, hospitals or other institutions. In addition to providing messaging service from a source to a destination, the system can perform additional functions for example, validating destination numbers, maintaining user records and storing message details.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for producing articular repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. In particular, methods for providing articular replacement material, the method comprising the step of producing articular replacement material of selected size, curvature and/or thickness are provided. Also provided are articular surface repair systems designed to replace a selected area cartilage, for example, a system comprising at least one solid, non-pliable component and an external surface having near anatomic alignment to the surrounding structures.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for illumination systems with one or more reflective structures over a light guide. In one aspect, each reflective structure can have an absorber structure with a width greater than a width of the reflective structure. The absorber structure can have overhanging portions that are in parallel with and laterally protrude past one or more edges of the reflective structure, or the absorber structure can have enclosing portions that substantially enclose the reflective structure. The reflective structures can include light-turning features, such as facets, and/or conductive wires, such as touch sensor wires.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to displaying personalized photographs. In certain embodiments, a photograph display system is provided. The photograph display system may include a base that is coupled with a personalized light shade. The personalized light shade may include one or more personalized photographs. The photograph display system may also include a light source coupled with an electrical connector. The light source may be positioned inside of the personalized light shade such that the light source is capable of illuminating the personalized light shade when connected to the electrical connector.

Abstract: An urogynecologic implant has a curved body that disperses force and reduces the ability of the urethra to expand into the pelvic floor under impulses of abdominal pressure in order to inhibit, reduce or prevent stress urinary incontinence.

Abstract: The invention allows for the formation of robust, reproducible, non-permanent connections to microchips. The connections are formed using either indexing arms or multiple fitting holder heads which are capable of forming a compression seal to a port located at any position on the surface of the microchip. The sealing force is user-defined and can be tightly controlled with integrated force sensors. In addition, the sealing force is monitored with a force sensor and force compensation mechanism ensuring that the desired force is maintained. The device is compatible with all microchip architectures. Alterations to the microchip surface is avoided as connections are established using instrumentation rather than processing steps. Further, the process is automatable allowing for exchanging microchips and subsequently creating electrical and fluidic connections in an automated fashion. Optionally, the integration of leak sensors to monitor leaks are included.

Abstract: A reducing machine is disclosed. The reducing machine includes a rotational reducing component, a power in-feed system for feeding material toward the rotational reducing component, and a mill box at least partially surrounding the rotational reducing component. The reducing machine also includes an anvil unit that can be inserted into the mill box and removed from the mill box. The anvil unit includes a ramp that bridges a gap between the power in-feed and the rotational reducing component. The anvil unit also includes an anvil main body having a first end positioned adjacent the power in-feed and a second end positioned adjacent the rotational reducing component. The anvil unit further includes first and second spaced-apart shear edges positioned adjacent to the second end of the anvil main body.

Abstract: A travel system (20) for a canister storage, transfer, or transport system generally includes a support structure (22), at least one traveling device (24) for preparing, inspecting, and/or repairing the canister, and a base ring (26) for supporting the traveling device and providing for rotational movement of the traveling device relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical sheet includes providing a first stacked structure comprising a plurality of first light shielding layers and a plurality of color filter layers which are alternately stacked, and cutting the first stacked structure to form a plurality of optical films. Each optical film includes first and second cut faces, the second cut face being parallel to the first cut face, each optical film comprising a plurality of light shielding layer sections and a plurality of color filter layer sections extending in a first direction. The method further includes forming a second stacked structure comprising a plurality of second light shielding layers and the plurality of optical films which are alternately stacked; and cutting the second stacked structure to form an optical sheet which comprises third and fourth cut faces, the fourth cut face being parallel to the third cut face.

Abstract: An iceless chill chamber cooler includes a chill chamber block and an iceless chill chamber. The chill chamber block can include at least one attachment feature. The iceless chill chamber can include a wall having at least one receiving feature. The receiving feature can complement and receive the attachment feature of the chill chamber block. The chill chamber block can be configured to transfer cold to an item positioned inside the iceless chill chamber.

Abstract: In a light irradiating device of a scanning endoscopic device, a proximal end of a lens optical system is located apart from a distal end of an optical fiber in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a lens-side facing portion faces a fiber-side facing portion apart from the fiber-side facing portion by a second dimension smaller than a first dimension between the distal end of the optical fiber and the proximal end of the lens optical system in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis. The proximal end of the lens optical system and the distal end of the optical fiber are located between a distal end and a proximal end of the window in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Light guides and backlight systems are disclosed that include one or more groups of geometric light redirectors whose arrangement and/or orientation across the surface of a light guide varies to improve light emission uniformity and to reduce visual artifacts.

Abstract: A brake system for a frame of a solar power generation system, where the frame is rotatable relative to a frame support to track the position of the sun includes a ramp having a first end coupled to the frame support and a second end coupled to the ground and a brake arm assembly. The brake arm assembly is rotationally coupled to the frame and configured to moveably engage the ramp from an operative position of the frame wherein the frame is rotatable about the support in a rotational direction to a parked position of the frame wherein the brake arm assembly couples to the frame support to prevent the frame from rotating about the frame support in the rotational direction.

Abstract: Provided herein are patient-specific surgical device that allow for a stable fitted position for use in shoulder surgery. The patient-specific surgical devices may have different functions such as a function as a guide.

Abstract: A sliding member manufacturing method for manufacturing a sliding member having a sliding portion, wherein the sliding member is manufactured by forming a solid phase joint between a bulk material that is made of an iron based metal and functions as a main body portion of the sliding member and a bulk material that is made of a Cu alloy and functions as the sliding portion by applying heat and pressure thereto using a spark plasma sintering method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a magnetic substrate for an encoder scale. The method comprising the step of mechanically working the substrate, wherein the substrate is cooled prior to the mechanical working step. In one embodiment, a stainless steel substrate is used. The stainless steel may comprise an austenite (non-magnetic) phase and a martensite (magnetic) phase. Mechanically working and cooling in this manner increases the amount of magnetic (martensite) phase material that is formed, thereby improving the magnetic contrast when non-magnetic (austenite) marking are subsequently formed on the substrate by laser marking.

Abstract: A film for a composite article may include a non-weakened portion and a weakened portion. The weakened portion may have at least one property that may be lower than the property of the non-weakened portion.

Abstract: A device and method for moving a mold clamp assembly of a molding apparatus between and open and closed position when the molding apparatus is in a stationary position. The device includes a rotatable cam member. A first cam surface is provided on the rotatable cam member. The first cam surface cooperates with a cam follower of the mold clamp assembly to move the mold clamp assembly to the open position when the rotatable cam member is rotated. A second cam surface is also provided on the rotatable cam member. The second cam surface cooperates with the cam follower of the mold clamp assembly to move the mold clamp assembly from the open position to the closed position when the rotatable cam member is further rotated.

Abstract: A combination five gallon bucket opener, includes a handle portion and a head portion, a first opener feature located in the head portion, the first opener feature having a plurality of engaging members and a bearing surface, at least one of the engaging members configured to receive a tab of a lid, at least one of the engaging members configured to engage a top surface of the lid, and a second opener feature located in the head portion, the second opener feature having at least one extended member configured to receive a cap, the at least one extended member having at least one feature defined therein to engage a corresponding feature on the cap.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes a casing, a liner disposed within an opening of the casing and an explosive disposed between the casing and the liner. The liner is made of a metal powder blend that includes a spheroidized metal powder. The spheroidized metal powder includes a spheroidized tungsten powder. The metal powder blend may further include a binder and a lubricant. The binder includes copper or lead. The lubricant includes graphite.

Abstract: A sealing system for a gas turbine engine includes an arcuate first ladder seal segment having a central portion, an upstream flange adjoining the central portion, a downstream flange adjoining the central portion opposite the upstream flange, and a plurality of openings. The upstream flange is arranged at an angle ?U greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to a given tangential plane, and the downstream flange is arranged at an angle ?D greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to the given tangential plane.

Abstract: A process and system for making a plurality of metal parts is included. The process comprises providing metal from which the metal parts are to be made and providing a press. The press includes a forming die positioned within the press as well as a first cutting laser positioned within the press. The process includes traversing the metal through the press and forming the plurality of metal parts in the metal within the press by concurrently cutting at least a portion of one of the plurality of metal parts with a first cutting laser and forming at least a portion of one of the plurality of metal parts with a forming die.

Abstract: A beverage container is provided, including an integral indicator of a prize for a consumer. The indicator includes two components, namely, a marker and at least one symbol. The marker or symbol is randomly located around the circumference of the container. Alternatively, both the symbol and marker may be randomly located. The resulting orientation of the marker and a pre-selected winning symbol dictates whether the consumer has won a prize. One or more sets of markers and corresponding symbols may be provided on the container to indicate multiple prizes, or a progression of events corresponding to one or more prizes.

Abstract: A mask tensioning apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the mask tensioning apparatus includes: i) a clamp supporting a mask sheet disposed on the mask frame to couple the mask sheet to the mask frame and ii) a tensioner connected to the clamp and applying a tensioning force to the clamp to fix the mask sheet fixed by the clamp to the mask. The clamp may be arranged in a substantially vertical or oblique direction with regard to the elongation direction of the mask sheet, thereby supporting the mask sheet.

Abstract: An optical imaging system (e.g., hyperspectral imaging system) is described herein which includes imaging optics, an uni-axial homogenizer (including a rectangular cross-section light pipe and an astigmatic paraxial optic), and a detector. The uni-axial homogenizer is configured to preserve imaging along one axis while homogenizing (removing all image information) along a second perpendicular axis. In one embodiment, the uni-axial homogenizer is utilized in a spectrograph of a hyperspectral imaging system where the rectangular cross-section light pipe replaces the entrance slit of the spectrograph and the astigmatic paraxial optic is built into the design of the spectrometer's optics.

Abstract: Alighting device includes a decoration frame, a light source unit, and a rotating ring. The decoration frame has a cylindrical shape in which a through-hole is formed. The light source unit is mounted with a light-emitting element. The rotating ring includes a supporting section configured to support the light source unit to be capable of rotating about a rotation axis that connects opposed positions of an inner wall of the rotating ring, a first annular section configured to form an inner wall that is flush with the through-hole of the decoration frame and slide on the edge of the through-hole to be capable of pivoting integrally with the light source unit, and a second annular section formed in an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the first annular section and configured to surround at least a part of the outer wall of the decoration frame.

Abstract: A food plate comprising a first surface, a second surface, and an edge, wherein at least the first surface or each of the first surface and the second surface has a slope, which optionally comprises at least one depression at the bottom of the slope and adjacent to the edge, wherein (i) at least each portion of the edge that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope forms a rim or (ii) substantially all or all of the edge forms a rim and at least each portion of the rim that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope is pronounced or more pronounced than a portion of the rim that is not adjacent to the bottom of the slope; an adapter for a conventional food plate comprising a graduated, optionally flexible, rim, which, upon attachment to the food plate, causes the food-bearing side of the food plate to have a slope; a method of making a food plate; and a method of making an adapter for a conventional food plate.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a retractable blade knife, which can comprise a handle and a blade. The handle can comprise a top handle scale operatively coupled to a bottom handle scale via a plurality of fasteners. The retractable blade knife can comprise a large coil spring adapted to cause the blade to thrust out from a first partially extended position to a second partially extended position.

Abstract: Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled lasers. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule (1) designed for insertion in a beverage production device (23) for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces, the capsule comprising:—a body (2) comprising a bottom end and an open end;—an upper wall (3) for covering the body at its open end;—an enclosure (14) between the body and upper wall containing a predetermined amount of beverage substance; the capsule comprising a flange-like rim (4) extending outwardly from the body (2), wherein the flange-like rim comprises an annular force ring (8) designed for being engaged by an enclosing member (49) of a dedicated beverage production device (23), wherein the force ring comprises at least one curved, folded part (16) forming of at least one ply of material.

Abstract: An optical system and method for coupling optical devices and an optical fiber array are provided. The optical system includes a substrate comprising a first side and a second side facing generally opposite to the first side. The optical system further includes at least one optical waveguide extending along at least a portion of the first side, at least one hole extending from the second side towards the first side, and at least one reflective element at the first side. The at least one reflective element is in optical communication with the at least one optical waveguide and with the at least one hole. The at least one reflective element is configured to deflect light between the at least one optical waveguide and the at least one hole.

Abstract: Pleated filtration media and filtration devices generally include a filter media radially disposed about the annular perforated inner core, the filter media comprising a plurality of circumferentially disposed linear pleats extending from the inner core to a constant height (h) defined by an outer diameter; and one or more intermediate pleats circumferentially disposed between adjoining linear pleats, wherein each one of the intermediate pleats has a height less than the constant height, and wherein the height of the intermediate pleats progressively decreases in a clockwise or a counter clockwise direction. Also disclosed are methods for increasing surface area of a pleated filtration media.

Abstract: The invention relates to an encrypted synthetic hologram formed from the Fourier transformation of an image (40) and consisting of a matrix of elementary cells. Half of the elementary cells, with a 10% margin, selected according to a motif (52), are dephased in relation to the elementary cells of a hologram directly produced by the Fourier transformation of the image.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ceramic luminescence conversion element includes providing a shaped body having a first main surface, a second main surface and a first lateral surface. The shaped body includes a ceramic material and a luminescence conversion substance. The first main surface and/or the second main surface of the shaped body is/are machined using a patterning method, so that at least one first machined area and at least one unmachined area are formed. The first machined area extends essentially parallel to the first lateral surface. Singularization is performed to produce a plurality of luminescence conversion elements by means of cuts that are made in the machined main surface of the machined shaped body essentially at right angles to the first lateral surface.

Abstract: Among other things, we describe an apparatus that includes a tubular body elongated along a longitudinal axis and having an interior cavity and a first open end, the interior cavity extending along the longitudinal axis and sized to receive multiple pharmaceutical pills, the interior cavity having a largest cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is sized to fit a single pharmaceutical pill within the cavity, the first open end sized to admit a pharmaceutical pill into the interior cavity, and a device to selectively allow insertion and removal of pills from the interior cavity.

Abstract: A hermetic optical fiber alignment assembly includes a ferrule portion having a plurality of grooves receiving the end sections of optical fibers, wherein the grooves define the location and orientation of the end sections with respect to the ferrule portion. The assembly includes an integrated optical element for coupling the input/output of an optical fiber to the opto-electronic devices in the opto-electronic module. The optical element can be in the form of a structured reflective surface. The end of the optical fiber is at a defined distance to and aligned with the structured reflective surface. The structured reflective surfaces and the fiber alignment grooves can be formed by stamping.

Abstract: Processes of fabricating different surface topographies, which may include separate macro processing, micro processing, and nano processing steps, in order to produce an interbody spinal implant having at least three distinct surfaces including (1) at least one integration surface having a roughened surface topography including macro features, micro features, and nano features, without sharp teeth that risk damage to bone structures; (2) at least one graft contact surface having a coarse surface topography including micro features and nano features; and (3) at least one soft tissue surface having a substantially smooth surface including nano features.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mounting structure for mounting a component between a first member and a second member. According to the mounting structure, the component is first placed on a surface of the first member. Then, the second member is fitted with the component by a fitting device, so that the component is positioned relative to the second member. Thereafter, the component is fixed in position relative to the first member by a joint device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-monolithic crucible for sapphire production and methods of making and using the same.