Abstract: A brushless direct-current motor is provided includes an inner stator and an outer rotor. The rotor includes a rotor core disposed around the stator, an inner annular member mounted on a rotor shaft, and a plurality of radial blades extending angularly from the rotor core to the inner annular member forming a fan. A first end cap is provided including a radial back plate proximate the fan and a center opening in the radial back plate through which the rotor shaft extends. A second end cap is provided including a main body disposed adjacent the stator opposite the fan. The radial back plate of the first end cap includes at least one sloped surface forming at least one air gap such that the airflow generated by the fan is centrifugally guided within the first end cap by the sloped surface and caused to exit through the air gap.

Abstract: A biometrically-authenticated identification device is provided, comprising: a processor; a persistent memory; a transient memory; a persona data store comprising configuration or operational settings of the biometrically-authenticated wireless identification device; a biometric input device; a pre-enrolled biometric data store; a biometric verification module in electronic communication with the biometric input device, the biometric verification module being configured to compare stored biometric indicia of a user of the biometrically-authenticated identification device with information provided by the biometric input device, the biometric verification module further being in electronic communication with a pre-enrolled biometric data store; and a wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A Bluetooth (“BT”)-enabled access control system (“ACS”) for enabling selective entrance and use of resources and spaces based on a connectionless presence device according to an access security policy is provided. The system, in some embodiments comprises an Access Point Gate-way (“APG”), the APG being in electronic communication with at least one Access Control Module (“ACM”) proximate to the APG, the at least one ACM being in communication with the connectionless presence device, and the APG including at least one Access Point Module (“APM”) and at least one Access Control Module (“ACM”), the APM being enabled to discover, monitor, and balance the communications load of connectionless presence devices using the at least one ACM.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by identification of altered metabolic characteristics in such subjects. By measuring concentrations of metabolites in a sample, such as a blood or plasma sample, from a subject, changes in the activity of specific metabolic pathways can be identified. In turn, ASD subjects can be classified based on metabolic defects. Thus, the methods allow healthcare professionals to provide patient-specific guidance on a course of treatment for individuals who have or are at risk of developing ASD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A light coupling unit includes a first major surface comprising one or more substantially parallel first grooves oriented along a first direction for receiving one or more optical waveguides. A second major surface for slidably contacting a mating light coupling unit comprises an optically transmitting window for propagating an optical signal therethrough, and a region of second grooves and lands configured to capture particulate contaminants in the second grooves.

Abstract: A therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a pneumatic therapy device that is coupleable to the patient support apparatus. The therapy device may receive power and air flow from the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for creating phobic and philic surfaces (for example, superphobic and superphilic surfaces) are disclosed. Embodiments include methods for determining a heat treatment technique that increases the likelihood that a uniformly etched surface with minimal pitting will be formed when the surface of a material is subject to etching. Additional embodiments include evaluating the PRE number of the material, performing an anodic polarization sweep of the material, evaluating the polarization curve (current vs. potential) for the material, performing different etching protocols depending on the range of values the PRE number of the material belongs, and/or pulsing the current applied to the material during the etching process. Additional embodiments include apparatuses and methods for predictably etching a surface (such as a surface of a metal alloy) of a material, which can include etching interior portions of a hollow work piece.

Abstract: A vertical gallium nitride (GaN) PN diode uses epitaxial growth of a thick drift region with a very low carrier concentration and a carefully designed multi-zone junction termination extension to achieve high voltage blocking and high-power efficiency. An exemplary large area (1 mm2) diode had a forward pulsed current of 3.5 A, an 8.3 m?-cm2 specific on-resistance, and a 5.3 kV reverse breakdown. A smaller area diode (0.063 mm2) was capable of 6.4 kV breakdown with a specific on-resistance of 10.2 m?-cm2, when accounting for current spreading through the drift region at a 45° angle.

Abstract: A system and method including a non-metallic shell to prevent debris from contacting a component of an exhaust system is disclosed. The shell may be formed from silicone. The shell may also form part of an assembly including a metallic corrugated body, which may be positioned between two pipe sections of the exhaust system. The shell may be separate from an exhaust coupler and be secured separately to the two pipe sections connected to the exhaust coupler.

Abstract: Provided is a method of coalescing a substance comprising providing a first mixture comprising a substance, agitating at least a portion of the first mixture under turbulent conditions for a first time period, thereby causing particles comprising and substance to collide and form into larger particles.

Abstract: Provided is a method of coalescing a substance comprising providing a first mixture comprising a substance, agitating at least a portion of the first mixture under turbulent conditions for a first time period, thereby causing particles comprising and substance to collide and form into larger particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring a heart. According to one embodiment, the system includes an implantable registering unit for registering an electrical signal from the heart. The system includes a local data unit in operable communication with registering unit. The local data unit may be placed in communication with a computer, which may be at a location remote from the local data unit. The computer is adapted to receive the data from the local data unit corresponding to the registered electrical signal and to compare the registered electrical signal to a reference electrical signal to determine whether the heart is functioning properly.

Abstract: Provided is a method of coalescing a substance comprising providing a first mixture comprising a substance, agitating at least a portion of the first mixture under turbulent conditions for a first time period, thereby causing particles comprising and substance to collide and form into larger particles.

Abstract: Provided is a method of coalescing a substance comprising providing a first mixture comprising a substance, agitating at least a portion of the first mixture under turbulent conditions for a first time period, thereby causing particles comprising and substance to collide and form into larger particles.

Abstract: A system and method including a non-metallic shell to prevent debris from contacting a component of an exhaust system is disclosed. The shell may be formed from silicone. The shell may also form part of an assembly including a metallic corrugated body, which may be positioned between two pipe sections of the exhaust system. The shell may be separate from an exhaust coupler and be secured separately to the two pipe sections connected to the exhaust coupler.