Abstract: A fiber optic based particle manipulation system employs one or more optical fibers for emanating a refracted optical manipulation signal directed at a target particle for fixing or manipulating the particle for examination, research and manufacturing. A target particle may be a living cell or inanimate sample or compound of matter. An alignment linkage controls optical fibers carrying the manipulation signal for focusing one or more manipulation signals on the target particle. Manipulated particles occupy a fluid medium of either liquid or gas, and are responsive to the manipulation signal based on both photon bombardment and temperature differential from photon contact. The temperature differential is based on surface properties of the target particle, as smooth particles tend to exhibit a greater thermal differential for stronger displacement forces driving or affecting the target particle.

Abstract: Cathode material from exhausted lithium ion batteries are dissolved in a solution for extracting the useful elements Co (cobalt), Ni (nickel), Al (Aluminum) and Mn (manganese) to produce active cathode materials for new batteries. The solution includes compounds of desirable materials such as cobalt, nickel, aluminum and manganese dissolved as compounds from the exhausted cathode material of spent cells. Depending on a desired proportion, or ratio, of the desired materials, raw materials are added to the solution to achieve the desired ratio of the commingled compounds for the recycled cathode material for new cells. The desired materials precipitate out of solution without extensive heating or separation of the desired materials into individual compounds or elements. The resulting active cathode material has the predetermined ratio for use in new cells, and avoids high heat typically required to separate the useful elements because the desired materials remain commingled in solution.

Abstract: A metal-air battery and methods for generating electricity in a metal-air battery are described herein. The battery and the method includes heating an anhydrous salt to obtain a molten salt electrolyte; contacting the molten salt electrolyte to at least one cathode communicating with air; reducing air at the cathode to obtain oxygen ions for diffusing through the molten salt electrolyte; oxidizing at least one metal anode by the oxygen ions in the electrolyte thereby generating electricity and forming a metal anode oxide; and cooling at least one section of the metal-air battery for precipitating the metal anode oxide.

Abstract: A surgical rongeur device has an interchangeable, locking tip at a cutting end for engageable replacement with a variety of cutting tips for facilitating sterilization and blade changes. A detachable linkage between a handle portion and an interchangeable cutting tip (tip) provides a strong connection for actuation by the handle end but allowing for tip replacement via slidable, lateral displacement of the tip. The tip includes a blade and footplate formed from an amorphous metal for longevity and strength advantages. A handle provides a lever to actuate the tip from slidable communication via the detachable linkage. An interlocking member extends longitudinally from the handle into an internal slot on the tip for locking the tip by preventing lateral movement out of alignment with the handle. The aligned tip is responsive to actuation from the handle via a rail for disposing the blade longitudinally against the footplate.

Abstract: Actuators and methods of use are provided. An actuator may include an inner member made from an elastic material and defining a compartment for receiving an actuating fluid, the inner member being moveable in a longitudinal direction from a relaxed state to an expanded state by introducing an actuating fluid into the inner member; and an outer member made from an inelastic material and being disposed around the elastic inner member to control expansion of the elastic inner member in a radial direction, the outer member being moveable from a folded relaxed configuration to an unfolded extended configuration as the inner member moves from the relaxed state to the expanded state, wherein the movement of the actuator between the relaxed state and the expanded state causes a movement of a structure to which the actuator is attached.

Abstract: In a mobile computerized device, a method for generating visually coherent lighting for mobile augmented reality comprises capturing a set of near-field observations and a set of far-field observations of an environment; generating an environment map based upon the set of near-field observations of the environment and the set of far-field observations of the environment; applying the environment map to a virtual object to render a visually-coherent virtual object; and displaying an image of the environment and the visually-coherent virtual object within the environment on a display of the mobile computerized device.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods of the present application relate to the diagnostic measurement of condition for pressure ulcers. Preferred embodiments utilize pressure measurements at body locations to determine a diagnostic pressure ulcer value. A pressure sensor device generates patient pressure data that is processed by a data processor which utilizes a diagnostic function to determine the diagnostic value that indicates whether corrective action is needed to prevent pressure ulcer formation. One or more sensor devices can be attached to a patient to measure to transmit data for further processing.

Abstract: Radiation shield and methods for manufacturing a radiation shield are provided herein, the method includes identifying a substrate for the radiation shield; identifying at least one material for cold spraying on the substrate; applying by cold spray a coating of the at least one material on the substrate thereby obtaining a radiation shield. The radiation shield is lighter, thinner, and more efficient compared to conventional radiation shields.

Abstract: A force absorbing device for a footwear appliance includes a shoe sole having a planar sole surface, such that the shoe sole is adapted to be disposed against a ground surface such as turf, grass or dirt. A ground interface member having a general appearance of a footwear cleat extends from the planar sole surface. Within the sole, the ground interface member couples to a force mitigation assembly for absorbing forces against the cleat. The force mitigation assembly includes an elastic field of a resilient, compressible material, and an inclined surface is disposed against the elastic field and oriented to compress the elastic field. A linkage or connecting surface transmits a displacement force for disposing the inclined surface across the elastic field, where the inclined surface compresses the elastic field as it moves across. In response, the elastic field exerts a counterforce against the ground interface member.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid constructs that comprise an inducible promoter. Dual expression systems are provided comprising two nucleic acid constructs or a single nucleic acid construct with two inducible promoters. Also provided are methods of expressing transcripts by transforming a nucleic acid construct described herein into a prokaryotic cell and contacting the prokaryotic cell with an inducer. Methods of producing a carotenoid are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An atomizing spray dryer employs one or more stages defined by ultrasonic transducers in close proximity to a liquid feed opening forming a path of an atomization flow for producing uniform droplets from a close tolerance with the transducer. The atomization flow exits a gap between the transducer and an outer edge of the opening, such that the passed liquid is responsive to an oscillation of the transducer for forming the droplets. A conical or other suitably shaped transducer engages a substantially round liquid feed opening. Subsequent stages may include a circular, ring, or other suitable shape aligned to receive the atomization flow from a circumference of the conical base, or may also take any suitable shape, preferably to receive droplets directed by the first stage.

Abstract: A force dissipating device in a footwear appliance includes an actuator responsive to a displacement force from a shoe sole surface, and an elastic field of resilient, compressible material. The elastic field is elongated in a direction aligned with the displacement force, and an inclined surface is attached to the actuator and disposed against the elastic field. The actuator is adapted for movement parallel to the elastic field, while the inclined surface is oriented to compress the elastic field in a direction defined by the inclined surface. The inclined surface is oriented at an angle to compress the elastic field in a direction substantially perpendicular to vertical actuator displacement, thus providing a constant region of opposed, compressive force that is generally constant, rather than increasing with displacement distance.

Abstract: A soft bodied robotic member has the appearance of a finger and has a deformable rubber elongated body surrounding an array of rigid ribs interconnected by a perpendicular constraint. The plates form a series of parallel protrusions extending from opposed sides of the body and have a serrated, sawtooth or wavelike appearance. A tether runs through each row of protrusions and draws the corresponding protrusions together in a compressive manner to bend or dispose the finger toward the compressed side. Gaps between the protrusion allow movement of the protrusion towards adjacent protrusions to dispose the body in an arcuate shape. The constraint is a planar sheet that bends with the arc along its width, but resists lateral twisting, thus limiting movement outside a plane defined by the arc and the tether. Multiple finger members may be placed in close geometric proximity for gripping a common object.

Abstract: A rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery employs a low temperature approach to battery manufacturing that forms charge material from kinetic energy of high velocity particles impelled into an aggregation such that bombardment of the particles against other particles in the aggregation forms a charge conveying structure. High velocity bombardment from a carrier gas nozzle accumulates an active charge material in a layered arrangement for the finished battery. Preparation of the particles, such as by ball milling or spraydrying, arranges particle agglomerations. The particle agglomerations, when impelled against other agglomerations or a current collector, forms a layer of cathodic, anodic or electrolytic battery material. The metallic binder conveys charge for mitigating or eliminating a need for a planar current collector underlying the sprayed layer. The resulting layers are suitable for battery operation, and are manufactured in an absence of any solvent drying or disposal.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating electricity in a direct carbon fuel cell are provided herein. The method includes heating and melting an alloy to obtain a liquid alloy anode; circulating the liquid alloy anode through a porous ceramic cathode, the cathode being a tubular structure and in communication with oxygen; reducing the oxygen at the porous cathode to obtain oxygen ions for diffusing through an electrolyte to the liquid alloy anode; and oxidizing the oxygen ions at the liquid alloy anode thereby generating electricity. The direct carbon fuel cells have high electronic conductivity, high carbon solubility with fast carbon diffusion, lower viscosity and eutectic temperatures, and rapid fuel dissolution kinetics.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fabricating photovoltaic devices are provided. A method includes forming a photovoltaic device comprising an active layer with one or more interfacial layers adjacent the active layer, wherein the active layer comprises a photovoltaic material and the one or more interfacial layers comprise a material configured to collect charge carriers generated in the photovoltaic material; applying pressure onto the photovoltaic device to increase an amount of electrical contact between the active layer and the one or more interfacial layer; and annealing the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A transdermal oxygen patch measures an oxygen concentration based on transcutaneous oxygen diffusing through an epidermal surface of a patient. Transcutaneous oxygen differs from hemoglobin-bound oxygen often measured in a patient blood flow. The patch employs an indicator responsive to an oxygen presence for emitting light having an intensity and lifetime (duration) based on the oxygen presence. An optical receptor is in communication with logic for receiving the intensity of emitted light and computing the oxygen concentration based on the received intensity and lifetime (duration). A wireless transmitter conveys the results to a base station or monitoring counterpart for untethered patient monitoring. Low power demands and circuit footprint are amenable to a wearable device such as a patch for continuous use.

Abstract: A motorized introducer apparatus for translating an elongate shaft of an endoscope relative to a patient may include a body, a motor fixedly attached to the body, a drive gear coupled to the motor, a drive wheel coupled to the drive gear, and a support wheel positioned adjacent the drive wheel. The elongate shaft of the endoscope is disposable between the drive wheel and the support wheel at an engagement location such that the elongate shaft is configured to selectively move longitudinally along an axis of movement. A surgical system may include the motorized introducer apparatus and a support frame attachable to a surgical bed. The motorized introducer apparatus may be secured to the support frame.

Abstract: A surgical system for use with a surgical robot may include an endoscope including a handle and an elongate shaft extending distally from the handle, an attachment mechanism including a fixture configured to receive the handle of the endoscope and a mounting structure configured to attach the fixture to the surgical robot, a motorized introducer apparatus spaced apart from the surgical robot and configured to translate the elongate shaft of the endoscope relative to a patient, and an input device configured to be operated using one hand only. The input device may include a plurality of tactile buttons operable using the one hand, and a joystick configured for operation by a thumb of the one hand. The input device may include a plurality of motion sensors configured to determine position and orientation of the input device in space.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for using an endoscope with a surgical robot may include a fixture configured to receive a handle of the endoscope such that a longitudinal axis of the handle is oriented parallel with a longitudinal axis of the fixture and an elongate shaft of the endoscope extends distally away from the fixture, and a mounting structure secured to the fixture. The mounting structure is configured to attach the fixture to the surgical robot. The fixture includes a retaining mechanism configured to releasably secure the handle within the fixture. The fixture includes a first motor operably coupled to a first drive mechanism, the first drive mechanism being configured to engage the handle of the endoscope to operate a deflection mechanism of the endoscope.