Abstract:
An articulating wire passer for passing a surgical wire around a bone broadly comprises a handle, rigid guide section, support guide, trigger, push rod, articulable member, tensioner, and wire catcher. The articulable member includes a number of pivotable segments configured to be advanced from an extended position to an engaged position via ratcheting action between the trigger and push rod. Tension in the surgical wire induced by the tensioner causes the pivotable segments to pivot as they advance from the rigid guide section and thus draw the surgical wire around the bone. The wire catcher allows the user to retrieve the surgical wire from the articulable member on the other side of the bone.
Abstract:
A surgical retractor and wire passer broadly comprising an elongated handle, a paddle, a curved tip, and a guide passageway. The elongated handle allows a user to grasp and apply leverage to the surgical retractor and wire passer. The paddle extends from the elongated handle and is a thin and flat plate for holding back non-skeletal tissue away from an operating area. The curved tip extends from the paddle opposite the handle and includes a concave engagement surface for engaging the bone. The guide passageway extends along the curved tip and curls a surgical wire at least partially around the bone.
Abstract:
An apparatus for improving flexibility and its method of use are provided. The apparatus features a flexible member, which can have varying degrees of stiffness and flexibility, based on user preference. Further, the apparatus features a first and second auxiliary grip, as well as a first and second primary grip. In conjunction, these grips provide a vast multitude of ways to grip the apparatus, enabling it to be used in a wide variety of stretches and exercises, promoting strength as well as joint mobility and flexibility.
Abstract:
This invention refers to a pyrometallurgical method for the continuous reduction of oxidized copper through combustion gases in countercurrent to the continuous gravitational flow of liquid copper that disperses through a packed bed reactor with ceramic grains.
Abstract:
A method of controlling a fuel cell system includes applying alternating current (AC) signals to an individual fuel cell. The AC signals have a plurality of different frequencies. A voltage across the individual fuel cell is determined at each of the plurality of different frequencies. An impedance characteristic of the individual fuel cell is determined based at least in part on the voltage across the individual fuel cell at each of the plurality of different frequencies. The individual fuel cell is controlled based at least in part on the impedance characteristic.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed to improve performance of a communications device receiving encrypted communications from multiple sources. The communications device is configured to increase the amount of decryption performed using a hardware-based process as compared to a software-based process by reprogramming the hardware to store a shared security key corresponding to a frame received from a source, allowing the hardware-based process to decrypt subsequent frames from that source.
Abstract:
Microfluidic devices having active features such as valves, peristaltic pumps, and mixing portions are fabricated to have a thin elastomeric membrane over the active features. The active features are activated by a tactile actuator external to the membrane, for example, a commercial Braille display. The display may be computer controlled, for example by simple text editor software, to activate individual Braille protrusions or a plurality of protrusions to actuate the active portions of the microfluidic device. Integral devices can incorporate the tactile actuators in a single device, but still external to the membrane.
Abstract:
A magazine well plug used to render a weapon safe and/or to prevent sand, water, and other contaminants from entering a weapon is described. The magazine well plug includes a main body substantially shaped to conform to the interior of a magazine well, an optional flange substantially disposed about the main body, and an optional grip element disposed at one end of the main body facilitating insertion and removal of the plug with respect to the magazine well. The main body and flange are comprised of one or more compressible materials. The main body is dimensionally larger than one or more dimensions within a magazine well so as to require the main body to be compressed in part or whole when inserted into a magazine well. The invention avoids openings inherent with rigid plugs, thereby preventing solid and/or liquid contaminants from entering a magazine well.
Abstract:
Microfluidic devices for cell culturing and methods for using the same are disclosed. One device includes a substrate and membrane. The substrate includes a reservoir in fluid communication with a passage. A bio-compatible fluid may be added to the reservoir and passage. The reservoir is configured to receive and retain at least a portion of a cell mass. The membrane acts as a barrier to evaporation of the bio-compatible fluid from the passage. A cover fluid may be added to cover the bio-compatible fluid to prevent evaporation of the bio-compatible fluid.
Abstract:
A magazine well plug used to render a weapon safe and/or to prevent sand, water, and other contaminants from entering a weapon is described. The magazine well plug includes a main body substantially shaped to conform to the interior of a magazine well, an optional flange substantially disposed about the main body, and an optional grip element disposed at one end of the main body facilitating insertion and removal of the plug with respect to the magazine well. The main body and flange are comprised of on e or more compressible materials. The main body is dimensionally larger than one or more dimensions within a magazine well so as to require the main body to be compressed in part or whole when inserted into a magazine well. The invention avoids openings inherent with rigid plugs, thereby preventing solid and/or liquid contaminants from entering a magazine well.