Abstract:
Embolic coil implant systems and methods whereby coils are mechanically detachable are disclosed. The coils include a retention element that may be releasably retained within the distal end of an implant tool. The implant tool may include a fulcrum configured to engage a first filament and prevent the release of the coil when the first filament is engaged. Alternatively, an urging means and aperture may be disposed within the sidewall of the implant tool, and a first filament may, in conjunction with the aperture and sidewall, releasably retain the coil until the first filament is withdrawn. The implant tool may also include an alignment member for aligning the first filament.
Abstract:
A rod coercer for use in spinal fixation procedures is provided. The rod coercer can be pivoted in a first direction to fixedly grip an implant, and pivoted in a second direction to reduce a rod into the implant. In one embodiment, the rod coercer includes first and second articulating forceps branches, first and second rod contacting arms extending from the first and second forceps branches, and first and second implant gripping arms pivotally interconnected with the rod contacting arms. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes forceps branches which each include upper and lower forceps branches which pivot with respect to each other, and a rod contacting arm interconnected with one of the forceps branches. In another embodiment, the rod coercer includes pivotable implant gripping arms and a rod contacting arm driven by one of the forceps branches.
Abstract:
The present application is directed towards systems and methods for building a living space during construction of a multi-unit housing structure. In particular, the present application describes various embodiments of prefabricated building modules that may be built and equipped with plumbing, HVAC and/or electrical fixtures prior to installation in a multi-unit housing structure. Because modules may be configured prior to installation in a housing structure, the use of prefabricated building modules may increase efficiency of construction and provide enhanced customization over other non-configurable building units.
Abstract:
A method and system operates a well having an outer casing, a tubing positioned inside the outer casing, and a plunger moveable within the tubing to periodically draw out a liquid slug. A chemical to slug size ratio is set by the operator. Thereafter, the gas flow rate is monitored and the well is shut-in when the gas flow rate drops below a predetermined threshold. After well shut-in, a calculated amount of chemical foaming agent is injected. The size of the liquid slug is calculated and then the well is opened, drawing the plunger and liquid slug up to the surface. The calculated amount of chemical foaming agent is calculated based on one or more previous liquid slug size determinations and the set chemical to slug size ratio.
Abstract:
A bone fixation device. The bone fixation device includes a receiver having a deformable portion, a bone fastener having a head, the head insertable into the receiver from the deformable portion, and a retaining member couplable to the deformable portion. The retaining member deforms the deformable portion and angulatably retains the fastener relative to the receiver.
Abstract:
The invention provides ethylene/α-olefin copolymers exhibiting improved environmental stress cracking resistance properties, and methods for the production of the copolymers in a single reactor by means of a bimetallic catalyst including a Ziegler component and a metallocene component.
Abstract:
A process and apparatus for a method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the washing and cooking unit operations. For example, the washing unit operation can be modified to provide a contacting step at an increased time and temperature, and adding components such as calcium chloride and L-cysteine to an aqueous solution used for the contacting. The cooking unit operation can be modified by dividing it into at least a higher-temperature first heating step and a lower-temperature second heating step in order to avoid the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation.
Abstract:
A process and apparatus for a method for reducing the amount of acrylamide in thermally processed foods. This invention permits the production of foods having significantly reduced levels of acrylamide. The method relies on the manipulation of various unit operations used in the production of food products, particularly the washing and cooking unit operations. For example, the washing unit operation can be modified to provide a contacting step at an increased time and temperature, and adding components such as calcium chloride and L-cysteine to an aqueous solution used for the contacting. The cooking unit operation can be modified by dividing it into at least a higher-temperature first heating step and a lower-temperature second heating step in order to avoid the high-temperature/low-moisture conditions most favorable for acrylamide formation.
Abstract:
An active matrix liquid crystal display module (10) is contained in a base (20). Improved environmental sealing is provided by a primary seal (36) along the edge of the liquid crystal display module and a secondary seal (14a, 14b) at the base. The liquid crystal display module is affixed to a cover (12) which in turn is affixed to the base, such that the liquid crystal display module is suspended in a cavity (21) in the base, spaced apart from physical contact with the base. In this way, any thermomechanical stresses that may develop in the base are not transmitted to the liquid crystal display module. Thermal contact between the liquid crystal display module and the base is made via a thermally conductive material (19), to permit efficient heat dissipation.