Abstract: A fastener strip magazine may include a plate and a post attached to and perpendicular to the plate, wherein the post is configured to rotatably support a spool configured to support a fastener strip. The spool may include a strap configured to wind about the spool and a clip attached to the strap and configured to attach to a first end of the fastener strip. The magazine may further include a guide bar attached to the plate and configured to direct a second end of the fastener strip to a feeder as the fastener strip uncoils.

Abstract: Materials and methods for producing tactile anatomical structures are described. These are intended primarily for use for high-value, in-depth surgical training for novice or expert surgeons. They may also be used for medical education, sales demonstrations, or for research and development. Examples of embodiments refer to their use in knee and shoulder models. The tactile tissue-simulating structures include, amongst others: skin, fat, muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bursa, fat pad, and periosteum. A method for creating a musculotendinous junction is also described.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of preparing a biogas purification system. Embodiments include flushing an adsorber with a gas stream that is separable by the downstream biogas purification process. Other embodiments include using the separable gas stream to flush a saturated adsorber. Additional embodiments include using a gas stream comprised of CO2.

Abstract: A targeting guide is disclosed includes a handle extending substantially along a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal handle defines one or more burr holes extending from a first side of the handle to a second side of the handle. A head is coupled to a distal end of the longitudinal handle. The head defines a plurality of guide holes sized and configured to receive a k-wire therethrough.

Abstract: A computing device includes an appliance status table to store at least one of reliability and performance data for one or more network functions virtualization (NFV) appliances and one or more legacy network appliances. The computing device includes a load controller to configure an Internet Protocol (IP) filter rule to select a packet for which processing of the packet is to be migrated from a selected one of the one or more legacy network appliances to a selected one of the one or more NFV appliances, and to update the appliance status table with received at least one of reliability and performance data for the one or more legacy network appliances and the one or more NFV appliances. The computing device includes a packet distributor to receive the packet, to select one of the one or more NFV appliances based at least in part on the appliance status table, and to send the packet to the selected NFV appliance. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A method for X-ray measurement includes generating and directing an X-ray beam to a sample including at least first and second layers stacked on one another, the X-ray beam incident on a sample location at which the first and second layers include respective first and second high aspect ratio (HAR) structures. X-ray scatter profiles are measured, that are emitted from the sample location in response to the X-ray beam as a function of tilt angle between the sample and the X-ray beam. A shift is estimated, between the first and second layers and a characteristic tilt of the first and second layers, based on the X-ray scatter profiles measured as a function of the tilt angle.

Abstract: A mobile sheltered workstation includes a housing. The workstation includes a main support member having a lower end coupled to the housing and extending upwardly therefrom, the main support member being length adjustable and telescopically movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. A canopy framework includes a lower end selectively coupled to an upper end of the main support member and movable between a stowed configuration adjacent the housing and a deployed configuration displaced from the housing. A canopy is selectively coupled to the canopy framework and configured to cover a geometric area thereof.

Abstract: A method for preventing ransomware attacks on a computing system. By controlling the access to a calling interface through which cryptographic functions, such as the random number generator, can be accessed to generate strong encryption keys the method allows to efficiently terminate cryptographic ransomware attacks on the system before they can start doing any damage. If the access to the cryptographic functions, such as the random number generator, is not granted, the ransomware is unable to build a strong encryption key, and it is unable to deploy its intended effect.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to playground climbing structures that provide a pathway defined by a lower surface and bound on each side by a sidewall. The structures may comprise sensory play activities on the interior of the sidewalls as well as on the exterior of the sidewalls. The climbing structure is also adapted so as to be accessible to children of varying physical abilities, including for instance children with disabilities, such as by having at least one platform configured for access from a wheelchair or other mobility device and incremental adjustments in elevation that may be navigated by a child with limited mobility. Embodiments of the climbing structures are assembled from a plurality of components, which can be connected together in a variety of configurations to provide custom modular structures.

Abstract: An isolated lantibiotic is provided comprising amino acid sequence SEQ. ID No. 2 and at least one of amino acid sequences SEQ. ID No. 4 and SEQ. ID. No 6. Also provided is use of the lantibiotic in the treatment or prevention of infection by Group B Streptococcus or Corynebacterium xerosis. The invention further relates to isolated S. hominis strains and use of same in producing the lantibiotic. A vector is provided comprising nucleotides sequences for producing the lantibiotic.

Abstract: A process is described for milling a window in the casing (2) of an oil or gas producing well, for example in order to drill a lateral well branching off from the main well. A wireline milling tool is first used, in a relatively low cost operation, to create a small window (14) or notch in the casing (2). Provided a small window (14) or notch can be created successfully, an expensive heavy duty coil tubing milling operation can then be conducted to create the full window, some 4-6 feet in length. Previous attempts to create a full window using wireline tools have encountered difficulties due to there being no circulating drilling fluid to remove metal swarf and due to the need for the tool to be supported by casing during the milling operation, when the integrity of the casing is being compromised by drilling the window. The proposed wireline tool has an actuator (4) with relatively small stroke length and a relatively small container (8) to manage the swarf produced by the milling process. (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A method for X-ray measurement includes generating and directing an X-ray beam to a sample including at least first and second layers stacked on one another, the X-ray beam incident on a sample location at which the first and second layers include respective first and second high aspect ratio (HAR) structures. X-ray scatter profiles are measured, that are emitted from the sample location in response to the X-ray beam as a function of tilt angle between the sample and the X-ray beam. A shift is estimated, between the first and second layers and a characteristic tilt of the first and second layers, based on the X-ray scatter profiles measured as a function of the tilt angle.

Abstract: A portable hose winding machine includes a power head including a motor in a motor housing, with the motor having an output shaft and a bar coupled to the motor housing. The bar further includes an aperture or other fixtures such as a fairlead through which a hose is guided while being spooled up on a driven shaft. Spooling is driven by a rod axially parallel to and radially spaced apart from a driven spool shaft, and a protective plate shields the user's hands from errant spinning hose end fixtures.

Abstract: A method for preventing ransomware attacks on a computing system. By controlling the access to a calling interface through which cryptographic functions, such as the random number generator, can be accessed to generate strong encryption keys the method allows to efficiently terminate cryptographic ransomware attacks on the system before they can start doing any damage. If the access to the cryptographic functions, such as the random number generator, is not granted, the ransomware is unable to build a strong encryption key, and it is unable to deploy its intended effect.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of exchanging first valuable data at a first node for second valuable data from a second node, the method comprising the steps of: applying a first encryption to a first plurality of messages, at the first node, with a function having a commutative property, so as to create a blinded first plurality of messages; sending the blinded first plurality of messages from the first node to the second node, wherein the first valuable data is concealed in one message of the blinded first plurality of messages; receiving a blinded second plurality of messages at the first node, wherein the second valuable data is concealed in one message of the blinded second plurality of messages and the blinded second plurality of messages have been encrypted with a second encryption; in response to receiving the blinded second plurality of messages at the first node, applying a third encryption to the blinded second plurality of messages with a function having a commutative property so as to create do

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to playground climbing structures that provide a pathway defined by a lower surface and bound on each side by a sidewall. The structures may comprise sensory play activities on the interior of the sidewalls as well as on the exterior of the sidewalls. The climbing structure is also adapted so as to be accessible to children of varying physical abilities, including for instance children with disabilities, such as by having at least one platform configured for access from a wheelchair or other mobility device and incremental adjustments in elevation that may be navigated by a child with limited mobility. Embodiments of the climbing structures are assembled from a plurality of components, which can be connected together in a variety of configurations to provide custom modular structures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to playground climbing structures that provide a pathway defined by a lower surface and bound on each side by a sidewall. The structures may comprise sensory play activities on the interior of the sidewalls as well as on the exterior of the sidewalls. The climbing structure is also adapted so as to be accessible to children of varying physical abilities, including for instance children with disabilities, such as by having at least one platform configured for access from a wheelchair or other mobility device and incremental adjustments in elevation that may be navigated by a child with limited mobility. Embodiments of the climbing structures are assembled from a plurality of components, which can be connected together in a variety of configurations to provide custom modular structures.

Abstract: A spinal fusion system comprising an interbody device includes a leading end, trailing end, and opposed bone contacting sides extending therebetween. The trailing end defines a threaded opening that extends toward the leading end. The system also includes a bone plate that includes inner and outer surfaces and defines a first bone screw opening and connection screw opening extending therethrough. The system further includes a connection screw that includes a head and a threaded shaft. The head is positioned within the connection screw opening of the bone plate and is rotatably connected thereto such that the connection screw is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof but is prohibited from translational movement relative to the bone plate. The threaded shaft extends from the connection screw opening and is configured for threaded engagement with the threaded opening of interbody device.

Abstract: A portable hose winding machine includes a power head including a motor in a motor housing, with the motor having an output shaft and a bar coupled to the motor housing. The bar further includes an aperture or other fixtures such as a fairlead through which a hose is guided while being spooled up on a driven shaft. Spooling is driven by a rod axially parallel to and radially spaced apart from a driven spool shaft, and a protective plate shields the user's hands from errant spinning hose end fixtures.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of preparing a biogas purification system. Embodiments include flushing an adsorber with a gas stream that is separable by the downstream biogas purification process. Other embodiments include using the separable gas stream to flush a saturated adsorber. Additional embodiments include using a gas stream comprised of CO2.