Abstract: An automated analyzer that receives samples prepared for analysis in an automated pre-analytical module and a method of operation of such automated analyzer. The automated analyzer includes a shuttle transfer station that receives a shuttle carrier from the automated pre-analytical system. The shuttle transfer station has a clamping assembly for the shuttle. The clamping assembly has jaws that advance engagement members into contact with a bottom portion of sample containers disposed in the shuttle. The clamping assembly secures the sample containers in the shuttle when sample is aspirated from the sample containers. The automated analyzer also has a multichannel puncture tool that is adapted to be carried by a robotic gripper mechanism. The multichannel puncture tool has multiple puncture members that each defines a channel Each channel is in communication with a different trough in the consumable. A pipette can pass through the channel in the puncture tool.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removal of ions from aqueous fluids are provided. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of removing one or more oxyanions from an aqueous fluid, including the steps of contacting an aqueous fluid containing oxyanions with an aluminum metal whereby aluminum ions are released from the aluminum metal into the aqueous fluid, wherein the one or more oxyanions in the aqueous fluid react with the aluminum ions to form one or more ettringites; controlling a rate of release of the aluminum ions from the aluminum metal; and removing at least a portion of precipitated ettringites from the aqueous fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments for a metadata predictor. An index pipeline generates indices in an index buffer in which the indices are used for reading out a memory device. A prediction cache is populated with metadata of instructions read from the memory device. A prediction pipeline generates a prediction using the metadata of the instructions from the prediction cache, the populating of the prediction cache with the metadata of the instructions being performed asynchronously to the operating of the prediction pipeline.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generate a first set of prompts, the first set of prompts configured to prompt a vehicle owner for a first set of answers used to learn preferred vehicle renter characteristics; receive the first set of answers; generate, based upon the first set of answers, a second set of prompts, the second set of prompts configured to prompt the owner for a second set of answers used to learn additional preferred vehicle renter characteristics; receive the second set of answers; predict user preference value(s) of a profile of the owner based upon the second set of answers, wherein the user preference value(s) define criteria for sharing a vehicle associated with the profile with vehicle renters who satisfy the criteria; apply the criteria to potential vehicle renters; and cause an indication of the vehicle to be displayed only to the potential vehicle renters who satisfy the criteria.

Abstract: An instrument for use in cartilage removal comprises an elongate body having a first end and a longitudinal axis having a longitudinal direction. A cartilage removal portion is coupled to the elongate body at the first end. The cartilage removal portion includes a plurality of serrated blades substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and adapted for removing material while moving in the longitudinal direction. Each serrated blade has a centroid located along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Described herein, are battery separators, comprising the following: a microporous polymeric film; and an optional coating layer on at least one side of the microporous polymeric film, wherein at least one of the microporous polymeric film and the optional coating comprises an additive. The additive is selected from the group consisting of a lubricating agent, a plasticizing agent, a nucleating agent, a shrinkage reducing agent, a surfactant, an SEI improving agent, a cathode protection agent, a flame retardant additive, LiPF6 salt stabilizer, an overcharge protector, an aluminum corrosion inhibitor, a lithium deposition agent or improver, or a solvation enhancer, an aluminum corrosion inhibitor, a wetting agent, and a viscosity improver. Also, described herein are batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, comprising one or more of the described separators. Methods for making the battery separators are also described.

Abstract: A parametric constant resolves to different values in different contexts, but a single value within a particular context. An anchor constant is a parametric constant that allows for a degree of parametricity for an API point. The context for the anchor constant is provided by a caller to the API point. The anchor constant resolves to an anchor value that records specialization decisions for the API point within the provided context. Specialization decisions may include type restrictions, memory layout, and/or memory size. The anchor value together with an unspecialized type of the API point result in a specialized type of the API point. A class object representing the specialized type is created. The class object may be accessible to the caller, but the full value of the anchor value is not accessible to the caller. The API point is executed based on the specialization decisions embodied in the anchor value.

Abstract: Method and system for sample preparation includes positioning an extraneous specimen close to a target specimen in a vacuum chamber, directing a charged particle beam towards the extraneous specimen while flowing a precursor gas in the vacuum chamber, and depositing or etching on one or more surfaces of the target specimen with the assist of the precursor gas.

Abstract: The invention provides a cannula insertion system to insert a cannula into a blood vessel of a human or animal body, comprising: ?an ultrasound probe (3) to provide an ultrasound signal to determine a location of a blood vessel (V) in a human or animal body, ?a cannula insertion device (8) configured to insert the cannula (2) into the blood vessel, ?wherein the ultrasound probe comprises a contact surface (3b) to contact a skin (S) of the human or animal body, ?wherein the contact surface comprises one or more protrusions (14, 16) that can be used to stabilize the blood vessel when the contact surface is pressed on the skin.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a support structure, a base supported on the support structure, a table supported on the base and movable relative to the base, and first and second arcuate cam slots provided on one of the base and the table. The vehicle also includes first and second pivot pins provided on the other of the base and the table and operatively coupled to the first and second arcuate cam slots and a locking mechanism configured to lock one of the pivot pins in a position to prevent one pivot pin from sliding within the arcuate cam slots and to allow the one pivot pin to rotate while the other of the first and second pivot pins slides within the corresponding arcuate cam slot to rotate the table to a use position.

Abstract: Various methods of making low-tortuosity electrodes are disclosed. In some embodiments, the low-tortuosity electrodes have a tortuosity of less than 2.0 or 1.4 and include battery-active material and solid electrolyte with the solid electrolyte having channels therein that are vertically aligned. A solid-state lithium-ion battery electrode is also disclosed.

Abstract: Quorum-based access control management may be implemented. Quorum controls may be created for determining whether to perform or deny access control operations to perform privileged tasks. When an access control operation is received, approval of the operation may be requested from members for the quorum control. If a policy for the quorum control is satisfied by approval responses, then approval to perform the access control operation may be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively heating or cooling a food product includes a housing including a shell and a thermally-conductive liner coupled to the shell. The shell defines a housing cavity, and the thermally-conductive liner defines a receptacle. The apparatus also includes a removable tray and a plurality of thermoelectric heating/cooling devices disposed within the housing cavity. The removable tray is sized and shaped to be received within the receptacle such that the removable tray is coupled in thermal communication with the thermally-conductive liner. Each of the thermoelectric heating/cooling devices is selectively operable in a heating mode and a cooling mode and is coupled in thermal communication with the thermally-conductive liner such that the liner draws heat away from the removable tray when the thermoelectric devices are operated in the cooling mode, and the liner transfers heat to the removable tray when the thermoelectric devices are operated in the heating mode.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein, inter alia, receive telematics data collected over a period of time, wherein the telematics data is indicative of operation of a vehicle by a potential renter during the period of time; identify, upon analyzing the telematics data, driving behavior(s) of the renter during the period of time; determine, for each driving behavior, a corresponding state of an environment of the vehicle when the driving behavior occurred; determine renter eligibility value(s) for the renter based on the driving behavior(s) and the corresponding state of an environment of the vehicle; compare the renter eligibility value(s) to user preference value(s) of a profile of a vehicle owner, wherein the user preference value(s) define one or more criteria for vehicle renters with whom the vehicle can be shared; and cause an indication of the vehicle associated with the profile to be displayed only if the renter satisfies the criteria.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe apparatuses, optical systems, and methods for utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable optical transmitter. A laser array outputs a plurality of laser signals (which may further be modulated based on electrical signals), each of the plurality of laser signals having a wavelength, wherein the wavelength of each of the plurality of laser signals is tunable based on other electrical signals. An optical router receives the plurality of (modulated) laser signals at input ports and outputs the plurality of received (modulated) laser signals to one or more output ports based on the tuned wavelength of each of the plurality of received laser signals. This reconfigurable transmitter enables dynamic bandwidth allocation for multiple destinations via the tuning of the laser wavelengths.

Abstract: A surgical guide includes a first guide arm extending from a first end to a second end on a first longitudinal axis. The first guide arm defines a first plurality of openings sized and configured to receive a first guide element therethrough. A second guide arm extends from a first end to a second end on a second longitudinal axis. The second guide arm defines a second plurality of openings sized and configured to receive a second guide element therethrough. A pivot element couples the first end of the first guide arm to the first end of the second guide arm such that an angular distance between the first guide arm and the second guide arm can be adjusted in a first plane.

Abstract: A collapsible container having a base, an upper frame, and a pair of opposed side walls pivotably connected to side edges of the upper frame. Each of the side walls including an upper panel hingeably connected to a lower panel. The lower panel is hingeably connected to the base. A pair of opposed end walls are pivotably connected to end edges of the upper frame. The end walls are pivotable between an upright position extending from the upper frame to the base between the side walls and a retracted position within the upper frame. A lid is pivotably secured to the upper frame. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A media system comprises one or more non-wearable playback devices, a gateway device, and a wearable playback device. The one or more non-wearable playback devices are configured to receive media content and to play the media content in synchrony with one another. The gateway device is commutatively coupled with at least one of the non-wearable playback devices and is configured to receive the media content. The wearable playback device comprises a microphone and a transducer and is commutatively coupled to the gateway device. The wearable playback device is configured to receive the media content and to simultaneously play ambient audio received via the microphone and the media content via the transducer while the one or more non-wearable playback devices play the media content.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner system includes a housing with a fluid delivery pathway and a fluid recovery pathway. A suction source is disposed within the housing and is fluidly connected to the fluid recovery pathway. The suction source is configured to create a fluid pressure vacuum. A liquid source is carried by the housing and is fluidly connected to the fluid delivery pathway. The liquid source is configured to contain and dispense a liquid. A suction nozzle is fluidly connected to the fluid recovery pathway upstream from the suction source. The suction nozzle is configured to draw therethrough the liquid dispensed from the liquid source. The suction nozzle defines a pad compartment located within the fluid recovery pathway and an absorbent pad is removably stored inside the pad compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for extended horizon scheduling that includes a time-sequence interpretation circuit, a target interpretation circuit, a horizon target analysis circuit, and a promotive action provisioning circuit. The time-sequence interpretation circuit interprets time-sequence data, the target interpretation circuit interprets target data, and the time-sequence trend analysis circuit extracts a trend from the time-sequence data. The horizon target analysis circuit: determines whether the extracted trend furthers or impedes a target defined, in part, by the target data, and responsive to a determination that the extracted trend impedes the target, generates a promotive action command value structured to trigger an adjustment to the time-sequence data. The adjustment is structured to mitigate the extracted trend from impeding the target. The promotive action provisioning circuit transmits the promotive action command value.