Abstract: In one embodiment, a multimedia resource is shared among a plurality of devices based upon a physical location of an active wireless endpoint unit within a structure. Devices are associated with corresponding zones within the structure. Each device provides functionality within the device's corresponding zone. Using one of a number of techniques, the physical location of the active wireless endpoint unit is determined to be within a particular zone. In response, one or more devices associated with the particular zone are provided with access to the multimedia control resources. Access is withheld to one or more other devices associated with another zone that is remote from the physical location of the active wireless endpoint unit.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a method of treating fibrous soft tissue. The method can include the steps of targeting injured fibrous soft tissue located at or near an injury location; directing therapeutic ultrasound energy to the injured fibrous soft tissue; creating a conformal region of elevated temperature in the injured fibrous soft tissue; and creating at least one thermally induced biological effect in the injured fibrous soft tissue. In various embodiments the thermally induced biological effect can be one of coagulation, increased perfusion, reduction of inflammation, generation of heat shock proteins, and initiation of healing cascade.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods of treating damaged cartilage. In some embodiments, a method can include targeting the damaged cartilage in region of interest, directing therapeutic ultrasound energy to the damaged cartilage, ablating at least a portion of the damaged cartilage and improving the damaged cartilage. The method can include focusing therapeutic ultrasound energy to create at least one lesion in a portion of the damaged cartilage. The method can also include imaging the damaged cartilage. The method can include increasing blood perfusion to the region of interest. The method can include welding together the damaged cartilage with therapeutic ultrasound energy. The method can include cutting the damaged cartilage and removing it from the joint with therapeutic ultrasound energy. The method can include smoothing the cartilage with therapeutic ultrasound energy. The method can include regenerating cartilage.

Abstract: A wound dressing is made of multiple layers and includes a collection chamber that is in fluid communication with a drainage channel. When applied over a wound, the wound dressing provides protection for the wound while allowing air and fluids to evacuate from the wound through the collection chamber and out through the drainage channel. The wound dressing can include a valve that restricts air and fluids from entering the wound, which is beneficial for treating pneumothorax.

Abstract: A field configurable vehicle armoring system and associated method allow a user to retrofit and reconfigure a combination of armor components in response to a perceived threat change and using original equipment manufacture fasteners and holes. The system includes pillar armor attachable after an original equipment manufacture door and hinge are removed. Fasteners extend through the hinge of the armored door, the pillar armor and an original equipment manufacture pillar using holes other than the original equipment manufacture holes. Rocker panel and underbody armor is further provided, along with a ballistic resistant windscreen and rear wall armor. Where desired, system armor includes a composite plate comprising a strike face that is constructed from softer metallic material than an inner metallic sheet.

Abstract: A barrier system includes at least first and second reinforced concrete posts, each concrete post including at least one conduit formed therethrough having first and second ends and a strain relief sector formed therein at the first end of the conduit. At least one tension cable extends between the posts. The tension cable extends through the conduit of each post and has a cable end secured to the post at the second end of each post's conduit.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for enabling a user to search for and display information stored in a searchable database of product records, including providing a user interface to the database for enabling data contained in the database to be displayed on the user's computer and for enabling user input to be received, enabling a search of the database to be performed in response to user input, and providing results of the database search to the user, including enabling the user's computer to display a list of attribute values of a product record in the database, wherein the list of attribute values corresponds to a list of distinct attributes of a current product record contained in a selected set of product records, enabling the display next to an attribute value a set of selectable sub-elements, wherein each selectable sub-element corresponds to a predetermined rank and corresponds to a predetermined subset of possible attribute values for an attribute.

Abstract: A diverter swing arm for diverting an article from a conveying surface comprises a central body having a unitary construction and including a pusher portion that has an external face for engaging and diverting a particular article from the conveying surface, and a linkage arm that facilitates connection to an actuator, and a pivot pin received in an opening defined by the central body, said pivot pin defining a pivot axis for rotation of the diverter swing arm relative to the conveying surface. There is no molded-in metal skeleton or frame in the diverter swing arm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for use in ultrasound guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The ultrasound devices of the present invention include an ultrasound transducer The devices can also include means and methods for imaging a virtual probe overlaying the sonogram formed by the ultrasound device such that a real time image of the probe approach to the target may be observed during and after probe placement.

Abstract: A building panel includes a sheet of wood material having opposing surfaces and bounding edges. The sheet of wood material is encased by a coating of a mixture of pigments and polymeric resins electrostatically adhered to the opposing surfaces and edges, and cured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for use in ultrasound guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The ultrasound devices of the present invention include an ultrasound transducer. The devices can also include means and methods for imaging a virtual probe overlaying the sonogram formed by the ultrasound device such that a real time image of the probe approach to the target may be observed during and after probe placement.

Abstract: A method for inducing chemical reactions using X-ray radiation comprises generating an irradiation volume within the interior of a reaction vessel by introducing X-ray radiation into the volume, in which two or more reactants are introduced. With respect to the two or more reactants and any subsequently created intermediate reactant or reactants, the aggregate extent to which the foregoing reactants are to be ionized to any degree is selectively controlled, and the average degree of ionization in the irradiation volume, from partial to total, of that portion of the foregoing reactants which is to be ionized is selectively controlled, through control of the fluence and energy of the X-ray radiation, to thereby induce selective reactions of reactants to occur in the irradiation volume. One or more reactants may be delivered through a double-walled pipe containing X-ray shielding to prevent their premature irradiation before being injected into the irradiation volume.

Abstract: A method for torrefying biomass comprises using an oxidation catalyst to combust gas produced by torrefaction, and thereby produce combustion flue gas. The method also comprises introducing the combustion flue gas into a torrefaction reactor and/or a cooler.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a flight control actuator and method for assembling the same is provided. The apparatus includes a motor drive system and a control unit. The motor drive system includes a capacitor-based energy storage configured to store and provide energy within or proximate to the actuator. The control unit is coupled to the motor drive system and is configured to facilitate managing power within or proximate to the actuator.

Abstract: A high efficiency cardiac support system is suitable for chronic use in treating heart failure, wherein the system includes an implantable rotary blood pump, an implantable power module, a wireless power transfer subsystem, a patient monitor, and a programmer In a cardiac support system, the cumulative efficiencies of the components of the system are capable of providing therapeutically effective blood flow for a typical day of awake hours using the energy from a single wireless recharge of an implanted rechargeable energy source. Moreover, the implantable rechargeable energy source may be recharged during a normal sleep period of 8 hours or less. The system may provide full or partial cardiac support without the need for external wearable batteries, controllers, or cables.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid cleaning mixture used to remove DMSO and other solvents and compounds that may build up on the surface of dielectric barrier material in a plasma cleaning device, where the DMSO, solvent and compounds have become contaminants.