Abstract: A distribution system that provides for multicast transmission of the most important data that is of highest interest and value to client applications including HMI stations, historians, trend views, alarm management functions, advanced process controls, peer-peer communications and supervisory control. A blast list containing the types of data that are to be collected is formulated and stored in a system server and sent to embedded controllers which then multicasts that data to the system server and all console stations in the system.

Abstract: Nodulisporic acids (NAs) comprise a group of indole diterpenes known for their potent insecticidal activities; however, biosynthesis of NAs by its natural producer, Hypoxylon pulicicidum (Nodulisporium sp.) is exceptionally difficult to achieve. The identification of genes responsible for NA production could enable biosynthetic pathway optimization to provide access to NAs for commercial applications. Obtaining useful quantities of NAs using published fermentations methods is challenging, making gene knockout studies an undesirable method to confirm gene function. Alternatively, heterologous gene expression of H. pulicicidum genes in a more robust host species like Penicillium paxilli provides a way to rapidly identify the function of genes that play a role in NA biosynthesis. In this work, we identified the function of four secondary-metabolic genes necessary for the biosynthesis of nodulisporic acid F (NAF) and reconstituted these genes in the genome of P.

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filament may, in conjunction with the aperture and sidewall, releasably retain the coil until the first filament is withdrawn.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 method of adjusting a distance between a first surgical rod and a second surgical rod includes providing a surgical rod connector having a housing with first and second ends and a longitudinal passage extending between the first end and the second end. The method also includes positioning the first surgical rod in the first end and positioning the second surgical rod in the second end. The method further includes mounting an anchor mechanism to the surgical rod connector and applying a force on the anchor mechanism and a corresponding force on one of the first and second surgical rods to distract the first and second surgical rods relative to one another.

Abstract: A security appliance to perform a method that includes receiving a first set of data from a first device using a first secure protocol of a first network, the first secure protocol comprises a first level of security, and determining, by the security appliance, that the received first set of data is intended for a second device on a second network using a second secure protocol, the second secure protocol comprises a second level of security different from the first. The method includes authenticating, by the security appliance, the received first set of data from the first network using the first secure protocol for transmission through the second network using the second secure protocol while collecting and concentrating additional data from the first network and transmitting, by the security appliance, the received first set of data to the second device via the second network comprising the second secure protocol.

Abstract: A track system for use with a towed vehicle has an attachment assembly and a multi-member frame assembly. The multi-member frame assembly includes a primary frame member connected to the attachment assembly, at least one wheel-bearing frame member pivotably connected to the primary frame member about a pivot located within a recess, and at least one resilient bushing assembly located within the recess and engaging the pivot. The at least one bushing assembly is resiliently deformable in a circumferential direction to permit pivoting of the pivot with respect to the recess, and is fixedly connected within the recess to resiliently bias the pivot towards a rest position with respect to the recess. The track system further includes leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies rotatably connected to the at least one wheel-bearing frame member, and an endless track.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a distance between a first surgical rod and a second surgical rod includes providing a surgical rod connector having a housing with first and second ends and a longitudinal passage extending between the first end and the second end. The method also includes positioning the first surgical rod in the first end and positioning the second surgical rod in the second end. The method further includes mounting an anchor mechanism to the surgical rod connector and applying a force on the anchor mechanism and a corresponding force on one of the first and second surgical rods to distract the first and second surgical rods relative to one another.

Abstract: A bone implant includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height, and a second portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height. The second portion is connected to the first portion at the proximal end and the distal end and at least one of the first portion and the second portion is moveable relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion so as to transition the bone implant between a relaxed state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a first distance and a contracted state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a second distance different from the first distance. At least one of the proximal end and the distal end have the minimum portion height.

Abstract: An embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for presentation of system alarms. The method includes obtaining information associated with a plurality of sections in an industrial process control and automation system. The information includes, for each section of the plurality of sections, an operating status, an alarm status, and a location within the system. The method also includes displaying a dashboard including the plurality of sections in a hierarchical format. The method also includes, for each of the plurality of sections, displaying an icon for the section and displaying visual indicators for the alarm status of the section and the operating status of the section.

Abstract: An integrated circuit design method includes receiving an integrated circuit design, and determining a floor plan for the integrated circuit design. The floor plan includes an arrangement of a plurality of functional cells and a plurality of tap cells. Potential latchup locations in the floor plan are determined, and the arrangement of at least one of the functional cells or the tap cells is modified based on the determined potential latchup locations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for reducing a rod into a saddle of a fixation member includes a distal end for engaging the saddle and a proximal end. A reducing device is disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. The reducing device is operative to reduce the rod into the saddle. The reducing device defines a throughbore. The throughbore provides access there through by a first drive member to secure a plug to the saddle.

Abstract: A bone implant includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height, and a second portion extending between the proximal and distal ends having a maximum and minimum portion height. The second portion is connected to the first portion at the proximal end and the distal end and at least one of the first portion and the second portion is moveable relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion so as to transition the bone implant between a relaxed state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a first distance and a contracted state wherein the first and second portions are separated by a second distance different from the first distance. At least one of the proximal end and the distal end have the minimum portion height.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for reducing a rod into a saddle of a fixation member includes a distal end for engaging the saddle and a proximal end. A reducing device is disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. The reducing device is operative to reduce the rod into the saddle. The reducing device defines a throughbore. The throughbore provides access there through by a first drive member to secure a plug to the saddle.

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 thromboembolic removal system for treating ischemic stroke, including a guide and occlusion catheter, a delivery and aspiration catheter, an aspiration pump, a thromboembolic receiver, and a thromboembolic separator.

Abstract: A system for mechanically deploying intraluminal implants is disclosed. The system is used with an implant that is delivered and/or deployed via a pull wire and includes a handle having a funnel and receiving channel for receiving the pull wire, a slider having a thumb grip and a wedge, and a shuttle having a grabber for grasping the pull wire. The thumb grip is pulled proximally to retract the wedge to cause the grabber to grasp the wire and retract the shuttle but not the wire. An extension spring linked between the slider and the shuttle abruptly pulls the shuttle to retract the pull wire after the slider is fully retracted.

Abstract: A method includes receiving information associated with one or more first alarms in a first control system and generating a graphical user interface containing information associated with a second control system. The method also includes presenting, in the graphical user interface, at least a portion of the information associated with the one or more first alarms. The method further includes receiving, from a user via the graphical user interface, an invocation of an alarm management function. In addition, the method includes performing the invoked alarm management function using at least one of the one or more first alarms. The alarm management function could include acknowledging, shelving, and/or filtering the at least one of the one or more first alarms. The first control system may not support acknowledging, shelving, and filtering of alarms, while the second control system may support acknowledging, shelving, and filtering of alarms.

Abstract: The invention relates to the extraction of energy from waves and comprises a linear array of several Salter's Ducks set roughly perpendicular to the oncoming wave crest. The Ducks are each rotatably connected through a power take-off device to a rigid space frame. The Ducks are spaced and designed to have an optimized natural frequency of each Duck and the array and space frame as a whole and the response characteristics of each Duck may be further modified by controls on the power take-off in response to signals from the whole array of Ducks, particular the lead Duck, but possibly also each other Duck and the space frame motion as a whole. The whole space frame and Duck array can be moored by any means appropriate, but most likely to a single point catenary moor, though other mooring systems are possible.

Abstract: A method of configuring an automation control system using point configuration software. At least an extract from a control program file having program elements and program element attributes for executing in an automatic controller of the automation control system is translated into a common representation including common program element types and common attributes. Mapping template files are applied including mapping rules and mapping parameters defining how the program elements and program element attributes are mapped into at least one automation system point with point attributes, and values for each point attribute. Common program element types and/or common attributes are matched with the mapping template files according to the mapping rules to generate at least one matching program element. The matching program element is converted into an automation system point configuration (system point configuration) which is stored in persistent storage of or accessible by the automation control system.

Abstract: A method includes identifying multiple planned sequences of operations involving industrial equipment. The planned sequences of operations include one or more sequences of operations currently being performed using the industrial equipment and/or one or more sequences of operations to be performed using the industrial equipment. The method also includes identifying information associated with prior executions of the sequences of operations. The information includes timing information associated with the prior executions of the sequences of operations. The method further includes generating timing predictions for operations in the planned sequences of operations using the identified information. In addition, the method includes generating an interface for presentation to an operator. The interface identifies the planned sequences of operations and the timing predictions for the operations in the planned sequences of operations.