Abstract: Embodiments are described for creating and closing tissue access ports, such as transapical access ports, which involve placement of an introducer across the subject tissue structure, and deployment of a controllable port closure device assembly configured to remain in place with a ratcheting mechanism, and to hold the tissue surrounding the previous access port location closed against a sealing disc with proximal and distal strut assemblies, after the introducer has been removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling batch reaction processes. In particular, a parametric hybrid model may be used to parameterize inputs and outputs of batch reaction processes. The parametric hybrid model may include an empirical model, a parameter model, and a dynamic model. Critical quality parameters, which are correlated with, but not the same as, end-of-batch quality values for the batch reaction processes may be monitored during cycles of the batch reaction processes. The quality parameters may be used to generate desired batch trajectories, which may be used to control the batch reaction processes during the cycles of the batch reaction processes.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the three dimensional coordinates of points on the surface of an object. The method includes providing a structured light scanner and a coordinate measurement device. The coordinate measurement device tracks the location and orientation of the structured light scanner during operation. The location and orientation data is combined with image frames captured by the scanner to allow registration of the image frames relative to each other. The three-dimensional coordinates of points on the surface of the object may then be determined in the frame of reference of the coordinate measurement device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for development of code for deployment on target devices within native code containers that provide access to native resources on the target devices. The native code containers on the target devices may provide only limited development capabilities. Thus, the disclosed development techniques may make use of a device that offers extended development capabilities in comparison to the native code containers on the target devices. A bridge may be established to connect an extended development capability device to a target device. The disclosed bridge may allow developers to benefit from extended development capabilities, while also enabling certain appropriate features to be tested on the target device in the environment in which they will eventually be used.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device, having a P-type semiconductor substrate set as floating; a first N-well and a second N-well formed in the P-type substrate; a first P-doped region and a second P-doped region formed in the first N-well and the second N-well, respectively. The first N-well and the first P-doped region form a first diode, and the second N-well and the second P-doped region form a second diode. A first N-doped region and a second N-doped region formed in the first N-well and the second N-well respectively. A third P-doped region is formed in the P-type substrate, wherein the third P-doped region is disposed between the first N-well and the second N-well, and the third P-doped region is electrically connected to the first N-doped region and the second P-doped region.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a memory including a plurality of storage elements. The memory is configured to read a group of the storage elements using a first read voltage to obtain a first plurality of bit values. A controller is coupled to the memory. The controller is configured to initiate a first error correction code (ECC) procedure on the first plurality of bit values. In response to the first ECC procedure determining that the first plurality of bit values is not correctable, the controller is further configured to instruct the memory to read the group of the storage elements using a second read voltage to obtain a second plurality of bit values, and to change one or more values of the first plurality of bit values to corresponding values of the second plurality of bit values to generate a first plurality of corrected bit values.

Abstract: Synergized PGM (SPGM) catalyst systems including ZPGM material compositions and formulations are disclosed. Variations of catalyst systems are tested to determine the synergistic effect of adding ZPGM material to PGM catalysts. The synergistic effect is determined under isothermal oscillating condition from which enhanced OSC property indicates enhanced catalytic behavior of disclosed SPGM catalyst systems as compared with commercial PGM catalysts with OSM for TWC applications. Disclosed SPGM catalyst systems is free of rare earth metals and especially Ce and may have an optimal OSC property and optimal thermal stability that increases with the temperature, showing acceptable level of O2 storage even at low temperatures.

Abstract: A medical device includes a textured surface having a predetermined nanostructure, wherein the nanostructure is less than about 500 nanometers in a broadest dimension. The textures nanostructure surface reduces friction between the medical device and biological tissue.

Abstract: Hybrid PGM-ZPGM exhaust treatment systems are disclosed. The systems include a PGM close-couple catalytic converter followed by an underfloor ZPGM catalytic converter. The disclosed hybrid systems, including PGM based catalysts and zero-PGM based catalysts may replace pure PGM based exhaust treatment systems. The ZPGM catalyst compositions used may include copper and cerium as active ZPGM catalysts. The disclosed ZPGM underfloor converters may be designed to convert leaks from close-couple converters.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to selecting the layer of applying ZPGM active phase in washcoat, or applying ZPGM active phase in overcoat, for achieving optimized performance and enhanced thermal stability. Applying ZPGM active phase catalyst in overcoat shows improvements compare to applying ZPGM active phase in washcoat. The selected active phase material may include a chemical composition that is substantially free from PGM, including a formulation of stoichiometric Cu—Mn spinel structure active phase deposited on Niobium-Zirconium support oxide. The selected active phase layer applied in overcoat may include a washcoat of alumina coated on a suitable ceramic substrate. The disclosed active phase may be applied in overcoat to maximize efficiency of catalyst systems, which may exhibit enhanced catalytic activity properties, which may stable after aging and under steady state and oscillating condition, showing optimized performance purifying gases in TWC condition.

Abstract: Synergies resulting from combinations of catalyst systems including Copper-Manganese material compositions and PGM catalysts are disclosed. Variations of catalyst system configurations are tested to determine most effective material composition, formulation, and configuration for an optimal synergized PGM (SPGM) catalyst system. The synergistic effect of the selected SPGM catalyst system is determined under steady state and oscillating test conditions, from which the optimal NO/CO cross over R-value indicates enhanced catalytic behavior of the selected SPGM catalyst system as compared with current PGM catalysts for TWC applications. According to principles in the present disclosure, application of Pd on alumina-based support as overcoat and Cu—Mn spinel structure supported on Nb2O5—ZrO2 as washcoat on suitable ceramic substrate, produce higher catalytic activity, efficiency, and better performance in TWC condition, especially under lean condition, than commercial PGM catalysts.

Abstract: A probabilistic data structure is generated for efficient query processing using a histogram for unsorted data in a column of a columnar database. A bucket range size is determined for multiples buckets of a histogram of a column in a columnar database table. In at least some embodiments, the histogram may be a height-balanced histogram. A probabilistic data structure is generated to indicate for which particular buckets in the histogram there is a data value stored in the data block. When an indication of a query directed to the column for select data is received, the probabilistic data structure for each of the data blocks storing data for the column may be examined to determine particular ones of the data blocks which do not need to be read in order to service the query for the select data.

Abstract: Synergized Platinum Group Metals (SPGM) catalyst systems for TWC application are disclosed. Disclosed SPGM catalyst systems may include a washcoat with a Cu—Mn spinel structure, Cu1.0Mn2.0O4, supported on Nb2O5—ZrO2 and an overcoat that includes PGM supported on carrier material oxides, such as alumina. SPGM catalyst system that includes the spinel structure of Cu1.0Mn2.0O4 show significant improvement in nitrogen oxide reduction performance under stoichiometric operating conditions and especially under lean operating conditions, which allows a reduced consumption of fuel. Additionally, disclosed SPGM catalyst system with spinel structure of Cu1.0Mn2.0O4 also enhances the reduction of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon within catalytic converters.

Abstract: A method includes the following: (1) projecting a light pattern towards a target object; (2) detecting light returned from the target object through an imaging lens arrangement with an imaging sensor to capture a first image with changes in the position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement; (3) processing the first image to determine an optimized position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement; (4) detecting light returned from the target object with the imaging sensor to capture a second image when the position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement is maintained at the optimized position; and (5) decoding a barcode in the second image.

Abstract: A method for transforming selected renewable oils and fats, and optionally polyester waste plastic materials, into a plurality of reaction products via supercritical water is disclosed. The method comprises: conveying the selected oils and fats material through an extruder, wherein the extruder is configured to continuously convey the selected oils and fats material to a supercritical fluid reaction zone; injecting hot compressed water into the supercritical fluid reaction zone, while the extruder is conveying the selected oil and fats material into the supercritical fluid reaction zone so as to yield a mixture; retaining the mixture within the reaction zone for a period of time sufficient to yield the plurality of reaction products.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a uterine manipulator system comprising: a collar including a first shelf connected to the inner surface of the collar; a stabilizer including a stabilizer rim adapted to couple to the first shelf; and a shaft adapted to pass through the stabilizer and a hollow tunnel of the collar with a bulbous tip. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting defects in conveyor belt splices having magnetically permeable metal cords embedded therein as the conveyor belt advances through a conveyor system, said conveyor belt having at least one splice, wherein a first set of magnetically permeable metal cords coming from a first side of the splice extend into a second side of the splice and have ends which are embedded in the second side of the splice, wherein a second set of magnetically permeable metal cords coming from the second side of the splice extend into the first side of the splice and have ends which are embedded in the first side of the splice.

Abstract: A method includes the following: (1) projecting a light pattern towards a target object; (2) detecting light returned from the target object through an imaging lens arrangement with an imaging sensor to capture at least a first slit-frame-image and a second slit-frame-image; (3) determining an optimized position of the imaging lens arrangement; (4) detecting light returned from the target object with the imaging sensor to capture an image of a barcode when the imaging lens arrangement is maintained at the optimized position; and (5) processing the image of the barcode to decode the barcode. In the method, determining the optimized position includes processing at least the first slit-frame-image and the second slit-frame-image.

Abstract: In a memory system, a programming waveform reduces program noise by using sets of multiple adjacent sub-pulses which have a saw-tooth shape. In a set, an initial sub-pulse steps up from an initial level such as 0 V to a peak level, then steps down to an intermediate level, which is above the initial level. One or more subsequent sub-pulses of the set can step up from an intermediate level to a peak level, and then step back down to an intermediate level. A last sub-pulse of the set can step up from an intermediate level to a peak level, and then step back down to the initial level. A verify operation is performed after the set of sub-pulses. The number of sub-pulses per set can decrease in successive sets until a solitary pulse is applied toward the end of a programming operation.