Abstract: A simulated trachea for a tracheostomy simulator assembly includes a first conduit defining a trachea and a first aperture penetrating the sidewall of the trachea. The trachea is clear and surrounded by anatomically functional elements to provide efficient and thorough tracheostomy training for medical professionals.

Abstract: A system is provided for scheduling for a multicast broadcast single frequency network (MBSFN). The system includes a central control configured to promote a plurality of enhanced node Bs (ENBs) transmitting one or more multicast traffic channels (MTCHs). The one or more MTCHs are provided during a variable scheduling period (SP) and include a data portion that contains MBSFN traffic content and a variable scheduling portion that contains scheduling information related to the MBSFN traffic content.

Abstract: An aircraft includes an airframe, ducted fans, and ducts for carrying pressurized air for lift and thrust supplied by the fans. The ducts form part of the airframe and carry static and dynamic loads applied to the airframe. Ducting members supply lift and thrust and transmit them to other airframe components. The ducts also carry the ducted air to exits set distant from the fans to permit flight control of the aircraft. Ducting members also form airfoils creating lift for the aircraft.

Abstract: Provided here is an enzymatic process for extraction of oil from algae biomass. The oils produced by the processes herein are used in animal feed and human consumption.

Abstract: In several embodiments of the invention, a pickup saddle for a stringed instrument includes a U-shaped top cap having two legs, each leg including a receiving portion configured to mate with a mating portion of a base, a base fitted to the interior of the top cap, where two surfaces of the base include a mating portion matching with and affixed to a receiving portion of the top cap, a piezoelectric transducer placed between the top cap and the base and electrically connected to the base, a positive wire connected to the piezoelectric transducer, and a ground wire connected to the base.

Abstract: A rough-in box kit (100) for creating a rough-in box (200) to create a penetration in poured concrete flooring during the construction of concrete buildings. The rough-in box kit (100) includes a single unitary piece (1) having a flat section (5) with: a top end; a bottom end opposite to the top end; an inside surface (5a) located between the top end and the bottom end, and configured to form an inside surface of the rough in box (200); and an outside surface (5b) opposite to the inside surface (5a), and configured to form an outside surface of the rough in box (200). The single unitary piece (1) also has a top flange (3) connected to and extending away from the top end of the flat section (5), and perforations, through-holes, or slots (2) that are formed in the flat section (5). The single unitary piece (1) is configured to be bent at locations corresponding to and lining up with the perforations, through-holes, or slots (2) so as to form the rough-in box (200).

Abstract: For percutaneous minimally-invasive intervention in vessels originating from other tortuous vessels, such as the tortuous aortic arch, guide wires/catheters are used to enable procedural catheters to access the vessels where an interventional procedure is needed. Two new methods for fixing a stabilization wire/catheter and providing the needed tension and stabilization without a second percutaneous access are disclosed (1) using a micro-anchor and pin and (2) using a modified Fogarty Balloon. These methods are also usable for access to and treatment of peripheral embolisms in tortuous vessels as well as renal and other visceral interventions.

Abstract: A device and method is provided to gain access to interior body regions. The system includes a safety needle, a stylet assembly, a blade assembly, an obturator assembly, a cannula assembly, a handle assembly, an actuator assembly, and a lock assembly. The safety needle accesses an interior body region. The actuator assembly, lock assembly, and handle assembly interact to expose the blade assembly, after which the blade assembly expands the pathway created by the safety needle. The obturator then further expands the pathway and delivers the cannula assembly to the desired location. The safety needle, obturator assembly, blade assembly, handle assembly, actuator assembly, and lock assembly are removed, leaving the cannula assembly in place for future procedures.

Abstract: A medication delivery device—preferably designed and configured to be implantable for use inside of a human body—secures excess tubing of a catheter to a pump housing. The tubing is received and retained in channels, whereby an excess extent of the catheter that is unneeded can be safely stored in an out-of-the-way position. The channels are defined in and integrally formed with the pump housing. Alternatively, the channels are defined in a catheter retention member that clips onto other otherwise attaches to the pump housing. In the alternative design, the catheter retention member may be provided separately from or provided with the pump and catheter.

Abstract: A method executed by a computing device includes interpreting a digitally encoded data packet from another computing device to produce an updated first longevity status indicator of a first longevity-contingent instrument of a plurality of longevity-contingent instruments. The plurality of longevity-contingent instruments includes an initial set of longevity-contingent instruments and a subsequent set of longevity-contingent instruments. The method further includes determining whether the initial set of longevity-contingent instruments includes the first longevity-contingent instrument. When the initial set of longevity-contingent instruments includes the first longevity-contingent instrument, the method further includes determining a payout associated with the first longevity-contingent instrument.

Abstract: A method executed by a computing device includes interpreting digitally encoded rive parameters from one or more of a benefactor computing device and a debtor computing device to produce rive approach requirements. The method further includes determining a rive approach for riving one or more longevity-contingent instruments of a set of longevity-contingent instruments based on the rive approach requirements and selecting a first longevity-contingent instrument of a multitude of available longevity-contingent instruments based on the rive approach to produce the set of longevity-contingent instruments. The method further includes updating the rive approach based on the set of longevity-contingent instruments and the rive approach requirements to produce an updated rive approach and selecting a second longevity-contingent instrument of the multitude of available longevity-contingent instruments based on the updated rive approach to augment the set of longevity-contingent instruments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for tracking of one or more discrete objects at one or more discrete positions, the system including: a discrete position reading system, the discrete position reading system including one or more discrete position detectors (DPDs), each DPD comprising a tag reader, the tag reader operative to read an identity tag associated with the one discrete object to placement of any one discrete object at any one discrete position; a discrete object tracking system, the discrete object tracking system including one or more discrete object detectors (DODs), each DOD in communication with one or more DPDs to record discrete object information for each discrete object, the discrete object information including the identity tag in combination with a timestamp from when the identity tag was last read and a location identifier associated with the DPD where the identity tag was read; and a data store, the data store in communication with the DODs and operative to store disc

Abstract: A nut to be used as part of a fastener to be used in multiple ways in various industries or methods has a drive mechanism and stud extending from the drive mechanism with a threaded bore. In addition the nut can be specifically used as a method and as part of special fastener that can be used to join cut, hard-wood members, other naturally occurring manufactured mat members or synthetically man made members, referred to as “timber(s)” or “laminated”, in forming a mat used for heavy construction equipment to run on over ground which is not stable. These mats are commonly referred to as “Crane Mats” or “Laminated Mats” in the construction, mining, pipeline, and oil and gas industries among others.

Abstract: A pillow includes a pillow cushion consisting essentially of a gelatinous elastomer that is sized and configured to support a head and neck of a person using the pillow cushion. The pillow cushion has a first major surface, a second major surface, and deformable wall members extending between the first major surface and the second major surface. The deformable wall members are located and configured to define voids therebetween such that the deformable wall members may be displaced into adjacent voids upon deformation of the deformable wall members. The deformable wall members are configured to buckle when a pressure applied to a cushioning surface of the pillow cushion, in a direction perpendicular to the first major surface, exceeds a threshold pressure level. A pillow cover covers the pillow cushion. A method of fabricating a pillow includes enclosing such a cushion in a pillow cover.

Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma is an emerging technology in the treatment of cancer. Meanwhile, different types of self-organized pattern (SOP) phenomenon have been reported in a wide of range of plasmas. In this paper, we describe the application of SOP plasma to two breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. Specifically, the effect of SOP plasma on reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) were investigated. SOP plasma-generated RONS displayed significantly decreased cancer cell viability in both breast cancer cell lines; significantly inhibiting cell proliferation via while inducing apoptosis. SOP plasma induced DNA damage, activating the ATM/ATR kinase signaling cascade. ATR phosphorylates the checkpoint effector kinase Chk-1 activating ?-H2AX resulting in cell cycle arrest and ATM induced apoptosis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for promoting safety during operation of a passenger vehicle. Such a system/method may determine positions of rear and sideview mirrors of a passenger vehicle that are optimized for a particular driver of the passenger vehicle to minimize “blind spots” based on the driver and the particular vehicle configuration, and for moving the rear and sideview mirrors into the optimized positions. Alternatively or in addition, such a system/method may collect data corresponding to internal and external conditions of the vehicle, optionally establish a driver profile of typical driving characteristics from the collected data, determine potential risks and/or hazards from the collected data, and warn the driver of the potential risks and/or hazards.

Abstract: An orthosis includes dynamic tensioning elements, recreating and/or improving on the load sharing typically provided by soft tissue, such as ligaments, tendons, muscle and a capsule at a joint of a patient or wearer, thereby providing support and preventing further injury from joint instability and/or joint laxity. The orthosis can support a glenohumeral joint of the shoulder brace and can prevent additional injury from various shoulder instabilities, for example, anterior, inferior, posterior and/or multidirectional instabilities. This can be accomplished by dynamically tensioning posterior, anterior and/or humeral head straps of the orthosis. The straps can be primarily adjustable only in tension forces stored there within, rather in orientation relative to the shoulder. This can simplify setup and use, and can ensure the orthosis has a low profile. Related methods of use also are provided.

Abstract: A walk-behind floor scraper machine for removing floor covering from a floor surface is disclosed. In one aspect, the machine includes a base frame, an electric motor secured to the base frame, and a scraper assembly movably secured to the base frame and driven by the electric motor. The machine also includes a rear wheel arrangement including a pair of wheels having a rotational axis. In one aspect, the machine includes a hydraulic circuit with a hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor and a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic motor has a drive axle coupled to the wheels, wherein the drive axle is coaxially aligned with the rotational axis. In one aspect, the machine can include a hydraulic tank-frame integral to the chassis of the machine that simultaneously stores hydraulic fluid and structurally supports the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a device, method, and wireless endoscope. The wireless endoscope includes a light integrated in a first portion. The wireless endoscope also includes a lens positioned proximate the light in the first portion. The light and the lens are inserted into a body. The first portion is interchangeable. The wireless endoscope also includes a connector physically securing the first portion to the second portion. The second portion is not inserted into the body. The wireless endoscope also includes a camera capturing video content received through the lens. The wireless endoscope also includes a wireless transmitter transmits the video content to a receiver associated with a displaying device.

Abstract: A smart leash system is disclosed, which includes a handheld system configured to be held by a user, a harness system configured to be worn by an animal, a leash coupled to and extended between the handheld system and the harness system, and a load measuring sensor coupled to the handheld system and configured to measure force applied to the leash, wherein one of the handheld system, the harness system, and both the handheld system and the harness system is configured to receive a force signal representing the force applied to the leash and signal the harness system to provide a feedback to the animal when the force exceeds a predetermined threshold.