Abstract: There is provided a system for performing a chromatographic separation of an analyte, methods of using the system to separate at least one component of an analyte and an eluent generator of use in the system. An exemplary system comprises: (a) an eluent generator comprising: (i) a housing configured to be pressurizable by gas, comprising an annular void defined by the housing, and a gas inlet for the gas and a gas outlet for the gas in fluid communication with the annular void; (ii) a membrane permeable to the gas defining an eluent flow channel disposed within the annular void, the eluent flow channel having an eluent precursor fluid inlet and an eluent outlet; (iii) a source of gas in fluidic communication with the gas inlet; (iv) a source of the eluent precursor fluid; and (b) a chromatography column disposed downstream of and in fluidic communication with the eluent outlet.

Abstract: A wearable sled system for a mobile computer device includes an open-ended sled housing, a removable end cap, and a mounting assembly for mounting the sled housing onto a user's arm or belt. A mobile computer device is slidably received into the sled housing, and the end cap is received on the sled housing's open end to form a complete enclosure. The mounting assembly includes a rigid mounting plate having a front side configured to receive the back side of the sled housing. The mounting plate and the sled housing include locking formations for selectively securing the sled housing to the mounting plate. The mounting assembly further includes an attachment device secured to the back side of the mounting plate for removably mounting the system on the user.

Abstract: A permeative amine/acid introduction device (PAID) is placed after a conventional KOH eluent suppressed conductometric anion chromatography (SCAC) system. The PAID converts the suppressed eluites from the acid form to the corresponding salt. For example, when the analytes are acids, they are converted to the corresponding ammonium salt (NR2H+HX?NR2H2++X?) and allows very weak acids HX (pKa?7.0) that cannot normally be detected by SCAC to be measured by a second conductivity detector following the PAID. Permeative reagent introduction is dilutionless, can be operated without pumps and provides good mixing with low band dispersion (as small as 30 ?L). An exemplary amine is diethylamine (DEA), which was chosen as the amine source due to its low pKb value (pKb 3.0), high vapor pressure, and low toxicity and low odor.

Abstract: A mobilization device adapted to be attached to a piece of conveying equipment such as a gurney. The device includes a base. The coupling structure is connected with the base for supporting at least a portion of the conveying equipment. The device also includes a wheel assembly that is sized to hold the wheels of the conveying equipment off of the ground. The wheel assemblies of the device are used to move the conveying equipment and include tires having a relatively larger height and width to aid in increasing the mobility of the conveying equipment.

Abstract: A power efficient device for driving a load comprising a low current path and a high current path, wherein the high current path is driven by a first voltage source. In order to accommodate larger turn on voltages of possible load devices while maintaining low power operation, an additional voltage source exceeding the voltage source in the high current path is introduced in the low current path.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to prosthetic devices for use in restricting food and caloric intake into the stomach and of absorption of the food components in the stomach and small intestine. The system includes an elongated bariatric sleeve having a normally superior or upper proximal end and a normally inferior or lower distal end. An elongated lumen support member is positioned within the first lumen in contacting relation with the first membrane for maintaining the first lumen in an open position. A proximal anchor ring with a central aperture and a catheter channel is connected to the proximal end of the sleeve to the collar member. The anchor is inflatable or expandable memory material for anchoring the sleeve in superior relation to a pyloric valve of the patient's stomach. An anchor weight is connected to the distal end of the first flexible tube.

Abstract: A balanced differential transimpedance amplifier with a single-ended input operational over a wide variation in the dynamic range of input signals. A threshold circuit is employed to either or a combination of (1) generate a varying decision threshold to ensure a proper slicing over a wide range of input current signal levels; and (2) generate a bias current and voltage applied to an input of a transimpedance stage to cancel out a dependence of the transimpedance stage voltage input on input current signal levels.

Abstract: Operational and functional testing of the optical Physical Media Dependent Integrated Circuits (“PMD ICs”) is achieved by constructing a switchable on-chip load with similar or equivalent electrical characteristics of a targeted photonic device.

Abstract: A power efficient device for driving a load comprising a low current path and a high current path, wherein the high current path is driven by a first voltage source. In order to accommodate larger turn on voltages of possible load devices while maintaining low power operation, an additional voltage source exceeding the voltage source in the high current path is introduced in the low current path.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition comprising an expanded and micronized volcanic glass (EMVG) and at least one chemical agent, wherein the at least one chemical agent is coated on the surface of the volcanic glass. The present disclosure also relates to an improved process to remove mineral impurities and to coat the surface of the EMVG. The disclosed composition can be used a functional reinforcing filler to improve the mechanical properties of plastic.

Abstract: A reclosable strap assembly includes an elongate strap having a first end including a plurality of engaging segments. A clasp includes a frame that defines a frame opening for receiving the first end. Each of the plurality of engaging segments is sized to create an interference fit between the individual engaging segment and the frame when the individual engaging segment is inserted into the frame opening.

Abstract: A wearable sled system for a mobile computer device includes an open-ended sled housing, a removable end cap, and a mounting assembly for mounting the sled housing onto a user's arm or belt. A mobile computer device is slidably received into the sled housing, and the end cap is received on the sled housing's open end to form a complete enclosure. The mounting assembly includes a rigid mounting plate having a front side configured to receive the back side of the sled housing. The mounting plate and the sled housing include locking formations for selectively securing the sled housing to the mounting plate. The mounting assembly further includes an attachment device secured to the back side of the mounting plate for removably mounting the system on the user.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing dialog determined by an audio input signal. In some embodiments the input signal is a stereo signal, and the system includes an analysis subsystem configured to analyze the stereo signal to generate filter control values, and a filtering subsystem including upmixing circuitry configured to upmix the input signal to generate a speech channel and non-speech channels and a peaking filter configured to filter the speech channel to enhance dialog while being steered by at least one of the control values. The filtering subsystem also includes ducking circuitry for attenuating the non-speech channels while being steered by at least some of the control values, and downmixing circuitry configured to combine outputs of the peaking filter and ducking circuitry to generate a filtered stereo output.

Abstract: Provided herein are balloon systems and related methods for the treatment of obesity. The system includes a trans-abdominal gastric cannula and size-varying balloons that, with the assistance of the cannula(s) and anchors, are specially positioned and anchored to the gastric wall. The size-varying balloon may have an annulus that in combination with reliable and precise balloon positioning, minimizes the risk of gastric obstruction during use. A malabsorption sleeve may be positioned in the small intestine to further restrict caloric intake through the small intestine. The specially-configured gastric cannula provides a platform for accessing the gastric environment that facilitates precise handling, manipulation, and placement of balloons, including an annular-shaped balloon, in the gastric environment, including by balloon anchors connecting the balloon wall to the lumen-facing stomach wall.

Abstract: Provided herein are trans-abdominal gastric systems and related methods that are useful in a range of applications for accessing internal regions of a patient. A cannula has internal and external anchors to reliably secure the anchor to an abdominal wall of the patient. An introducer with a capture element facilitates system placement by retrograde introduction. Upon completion, the system is removed and the gastric and abdominal wall incision and defect closed by sutures specially connected to the system that ensures reliable system removal and suture closure in a configuration that is outside the abdominal wall. The systems and methods are particularly suited for use with conventional laparoscopic or endoscopic medical instruments.

Abstract: Methods of making personal care compositions, such as dentifrices, involving the addition of rheology modifiers at a later stage in the personal care composition formation process.

Abstract: A method of making a personal care composition, such as dentifrice, using compacted rheology modifiers to control viscosity development.

Abstract: A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) supplies power to rotate a motor, controlling both the speed and direction. The method normally used for this power conversion by the VFD results in energy losses and line harmonics. When the motor is driven by the VFD to be rotating at the same speed and direction as if the motor was straight across the incoming AC power, a transfer in power supply to the motor can be made using contactors to bypass the VFD. When in this bypass mode, the energy losses of the VFD are greatly reduced, and the line harmonics due to the VFD are greatly reduced. When it is subsequently recognized that the speed reference has deviated from being the same speed and direction as if the motor was straight across the incoming AC power, a transfer in power supply can be made from using contactors to once again drive the motor from the VFD.