Abstract: A secure tiered, robust, and deterministic converged communications architecture with the capacity to support a plurality of power distribution automation devices/components with fiber-enabled fail-over protection is described.

Abstract: A switching circuit includes a first switch; a second switch connected in series with the first switch; a first isolated driver connected to a gate terminal of the first switch; a second isolated driver connected to a gate terminal of the second switch; and a transformer including a primary winding connected to an auxiliary power supply, a first secondary winding to supply a first voltage to the first isolated driver, and a second secondary winding to supply a second voltage to the second isolated driver.

Abstract: A secure tiered, robust, and deterministic converged communications architecture with the capacity to support a plurality of power distribution automation devices/components with fiber-enabled fail-over protection is described.

Abstract: A multi-zone substrate for a power stage assembly comprising at least one bottom-cooled semiconductor power switching device and driver components, for integration on a common substrate. A first zone provides electrical connections and a thermal pad for mounting at least one bottom-cooled semiconductor switching device, the first zone comprising dielectric and conductive layers which provide a power substrate optimized for thermal performance. A second zone provides electrical connections for mounting driver components, the second zone comprising dielectric and conductive layers providing a driver substrate optimized for electrical performance. For example, the first zone comprises a single layer metal interconnect structure with a first thermal resistance, the second zone comprises a multi-layer metal interconnect structure with a second thermal resistance, the first thermal resistance being less than the second thermal resistance.

Abstract: A secure tiered, robust, and deterministic converged communications architecture with the capacity to support a plurality of power distribution automation devices/components with fiber-enabled fail-over protection is described.

Abstract: A bone implant may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, a proximal shaft portion, and a distal shaft portion. The proximal shaft portion may include a first minor diameter, and a first helical thread disposed about the proximal shaft portion defining a first major diameter. The first helical thread may include a first concave undercut surface. The distal shaft portion may include a second minor diameter, and a second helical thread disposed about the distal shaft portion defining a second major diameter. The second helical thread may include a second concave undercut surface. The first and second concave undercut surfaces may be angled towards the distal end of the shaft. The second minor diameter may be smaller than the first minor diameter and the second major diameter may be smaller than the first major diameter.

Abstract: A thin film heater is provided containing conductive nanofiller particles and a base material, wherein the conductive nanofiller particles are uniformly distributed within the base material and is soluble in water. When introduced to electric current, the thin film heater raises in temperature and lowers in resistance. A method of manufacturing a thin film heater is also provided, including the steps of mixing the conductive nanofiller particles with water to form a precursor, mixing the precursor with a base material, and applying the mixture to a substrate. Once the thin film heater cures on the substrate, the thin film heater will resistively heat the substrate when introduced to electric current.

Abstract: A secure tiered, robust, and deterministic converged communications architecture with the capacity to support a plurality of power distribution automation devices/components with fiber-enabled fail-over protection is described.

Abstract: A titration method uses a tracer in the titrant or titrand to quantify the amount of titrant added. The method does not require quantitative addition of titrant or sample. The tracer can be inert or can participate as an indicator of the titrant-analyte reaction. The tracer concentration is quantified by an appropriate method depending upon the type of tracer and analytical performance desired (e.g. precision, accuracy). The method simplifies titrations because it eliminates the need for a precision dispensing device and analytical balance.

Abstract: A titration method uses a tracer in the titrant or titrand to quantify the amount of titrant added. The method does not require quantitative addition of titrant or sample. The tracer can be inert or can participate as an indicator of the titrant-analyte reaction. If the tracer is inert, an alternative method for monitoring the progress of the titration is required. The tracer concentration is quantified by an appropriate method depending upon the type of tracer and analytical performance desired (e.g. precision, accuracy). The method simplifies titrations because it eliminates the need for a precision dispensing device and analytical balance.

Abstract: The stream sourcing content delivery system goes to a database and builds a physical stream, based on a schedule. The stream source content delivery system works at a station ID (SID), finds the order of the delivery of content for the station based upon the schedule, and downloads a plurality of music files to its hard drive to enable play back. The stream source content delivery system then concatenates the files, to create stream, and awaits the request of one or more stream recipients. Some preferred system embodiments further comprise a fail-safe mode, whereby a loop of music is generated from the downloaded stream, and is delivered to one or more users when further access to content is interrupted, such that recipients experience an uninterrupted delivery of a plurality of files, e.g. songs.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler including a housing having a mouthpiece and a delivery passageway connected to the mouthpiece, a magazine positioned within the housing and including a plurality of reservoirs for holding doses of dry powder, and wherein the magazine is movable within the housing so that the reservoirs are sequentially positioned within the delivery passageway of the housing upon movement of the magazine, a cover connected to the housing and movable to open and close the mouthpiece of the housing, and a rake connected to the cover, extending into the housing and engageable with the magazine so that, upon the cover being moved to open the mouthpiece, the rake moves the magazine and causes one of the reservoirs of the magazine to be positioned within the delivery passageway.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler including a housing having a mouthpiece and a delivery passageway connected to the mouthpiece, a magazine positioned within the housing and including a plurality of reservoirs for holding doses of dry powder, and wherein the magazine is movable within the housing so that the reservoirs are sequentially positioned within the delivery passageway of the housing upon movement of the magazine, a cover connected to the housing and movable to open and close the mouthpiece of the housing, and a rake connected to the cover, extending into the housing and engageable with the magazine so that, upon the cover being moved to open the mouthpiece, the rake moves the magazine and causes one of the reservoirs of the magazine to be positioned within the delivery passageway.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods. Devices expand linearly to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies of the spine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods. Devices expand linearly to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies of the spine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods with a locking feature. Devices expand linearly to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies of the spine.

Abstract: A titration method uses a tracer in the titrant or titrand to quantify the amount of titrant added. The method does not require quantitative addition of titrant or sample. The tracer can be inert or can participate as an indicator of the titrant-analyte reaction. The tracer concentration is quantified by an appropriate method depending upon the type of tracer and analytical performance desired (e.g. precision, accuracy). The method simplifies titrations because it eliminates the need for a precision dispensing device and analytical balance.

Abstract: An end device attached to an implant and methods of use. The end device comprises a base having a receiving area, an opening, and at least one gate that is selectively positionable between open and closed orientations. The implant is sized to fit through the opening and into the receiving area when the gate is in the open orientation. Once inserted, the gate is sized to extend across at least a section of the opening and prevent the implant from escaping.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler including a housing having a mouthpiece and a delivery passageway connected to the mouthpiece, a magazine positioned within the housing and including a plurality of reservoirs for holding doses of dry powder, and wherein the magazine is movable within the housing so that the reservoirs are sequentially positioned within the delivery passageway of the housing upon movement of the magazine, a cover connected to the housing and movable to open and close the mouthpiece of the housing, and a rake connected to the cover, extending into the housing and engageable with the magazine so that, upon the cover being moved to open the mouthpiece, the rake moves the magazine and causes one of the reservoirs of the magazine to be positioned within the delivery passageway.