In one implementation, an electrically-actuated brake assembly is configured to control a rate of descent of an object to be lowered and includes: one or more rotatable surfaces coupled to the object to be lowered; one or more stationary surfaces configured to releasably engage the one or more rotatable surfaces; an electric actuator system configured to selectively disengage the one or more stationary surfaces from the one or more rotatable surfaces, thus allowing the one or more rotatable surfaces to rotate with respect to the one or more stationary surfaces and enable the object to be lowered; and a rechargeable power source electrically coupled to the electric actuator system and configured to provide electrical energy to the electric actuator system.

A device and method for scattering cremation ashes including an elongated container body having a receiving space and a scattering element, the device configured as a walking stick and having an actuator for scattering cremation ashes present in the container body upon actuating the actuator.

The invention provides a container for a funerary box. Embodiments include a tray, a jacket, retaining straps, and detachable lift handles. The tray is configured to retain fluids and also cooperate with the jacket and retaining straps to fully protect and conceal the funerary box. Preferred materials selections for the tray and jacket result in a relatively lightweight container. In embodiments of the invention, the container is configured such that the lift handles can be disposed in alternative locations on the container to facilitate handling.

A grave bridge has a first horizontal frame member and a second horizontal frame member, each horizontal frame member telescopically adjustable; at least one plank interposed between the first and second horizontal frame members, the at least one plank secured to each frame member, and wherein the at least one plank has an extension frame longitudinally extendable from underneath a platform of the at least one plank; and a plurality of jacks for elevating the first and second horizontal frame members, the jacks placed at opposing ends of each horizontal frame member.

A grave bridge has a first horizontal frame member and a second horizontal frame member, each horizontal frame member telescopically adjustable; at least one plank interposed between the first and second horizontal frame members, the at least one plank secured to each frame member, and wherein the at least one plank has an extension frame longitudinally extendable from underneath a platform of the at least one plank; and a plurality of jacks for elevating the first and second horizontal frame members, the jacks placed at opposing ends of each horizontal frame member.

The present invention relates in part to nucleic acids, including nucleic acids encoding proteins, therapeutics and cosmetics comprising nucleic acids, methods for delivering nucleic acids to cells, tissues, organs, and patients, methods for inducing cells to express proteins using nucleic acids, methods, kits and devices for transfecting, gene editing, and reprogramming cells, and cells, organisms, therapeutics, and cosmetics produced using these methods, kits, and devices. Methods and products for altering the DNA sequence of a cell are described, as are methods and products for inducing cells to express proteins using synthetic RNA molecules, including cells present in vivo. Therapeutics comprising nucleic acids encoding gene-editing proteins are also described.

The present invention relates in part to nucleic acids, including nucleic acids encoding proteins, therapeutics and cosmetics comprising nucleic acids, methods for delivering nucleic acids to cells, tissues, organs, and patients, methods for inducing cells to express proteins using nucleic acids, methods, kits and devices for transfecting, gene editing, and reprogramming cells, and cells, organisms, therapeutics, and cosmetics produced using these methods, kits, and devices. Methods and products for altering the DNA sequence of a cell are described, as are methods and products for inducing cells to express proteins using synthetic RNA molecules, including cells present in vivo. Therapeutics comprising nucleic acids encoding gene-editing proteins are also described.

A method for stabilizing retinoic acid precursors and a skin benefit composition with stabilized retinoic acid precursors are described. The composition has a retinoic acid precursor and a resorcinol to impede oxidation of the precursor in situ in the composition.

A method for stabilizing retinoic acid precursors and a skin benefit composition with stabilized retinoic acid precursors are described. The composition has a retinoic acid precursor and a resorcinol to impede oxidation of the precursor in situ in the composition.

In one implementation, a method is disclosed in which a lock sensing mode is entered for a robotic surgical instrument. In the lock sensing mode, the degrees of freedom of movement in the robotic surgical instrument are switchably reduced. Further in the lock sensing mode, one or more end effectors of the robotic surgical instrument are switchably clamped together in the robotic surgical instrument. An increased level of torque may also be applied to the end effectors to increase a gripping force applied by the one or more end effectors in response to the reduced degrees of freedom of movement in the robotic surgical instrument.