Abstract: A curved battery cell may include (1) a positive terminal, (2) a negative terminal, (3) one or more curved electrodes, and (4) an outer case encasing the one or more curved electrodes that includes at least one curved surface having a non-uniform radius of curvature. A curved battery pack may include (1) a first curved battery cell with a first outer surface having a first non-uniform curvature and (2) a second curved battery cell with a second outer surface having a second non-uniform curvature. Various other apparatus, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Illuminated top furniture including an illuminated top portion and a support portion. The illuminated top portion includes a support layer, at least one light source, a light diffusion layer and an upper protective layer. The at least one light source is mounted to the support layer. The light diffusion layer is positioned on a side of the at least one light source that is opposite the support layer. The upper protective layer is positioned on a side of the light diffusion layer that is opposite the support layer. At least a portion of the upper protective layer is transparent such that light emitted by the at least one light source is visible through the upper protective layer while the light diffusion layer obscures the at least one light source so that the at least one light source is not visible through the upper protective layer. The support portion is attached to the illuminated top portion to support the illuminated top portion above a ground surface.

Abstract: Provided is a metal organic framework (MOF) comprising copper ions. Also provided are resin powders, granules or pellets comprising the MOF. In some embodiments, the resin powders, granules or pellets are antimicrobial. Also provided are fibers or sheets comprising the MOF. In some embodiments, the fibers or sheets are antimicrobial. Processes for preparing the MOF are also provided.

Abstract: Illuminated top furniture including an illuminated top portion and a support portion. The illuminated top portion includes a support layer, at least one light source, a light diffusion layer and an upper protective layer. The at least one light source is mounted to the support layer. The light diffusion layer is positioned on a side of the at least one light source that is opposite the support layer. The upper protective layer is positioned on a side of the light diffusion layer that is opposite the support layer. At least a portion of the upper protective layer is transparent such that light emitted by the at least one light source is visible through the upper protective layer while the light diffusion layer obscures the at least one light source so that the at least one light source is not visible through the upper protective layer. The support portion is attached to the illuminated top portion to support the illuminated top portion above a ground surface.

Abstract: A platform-based observation system that is in communication with a substrate. The system is configured to identify a condition in, on, or within the substrate. The system has components selected from the group consisting of: inputs, processing, and outputs. The inputs may include a visual scanning sensor, an infrared scanning sensor, at least one GPS receiver, and a means for image collection. Processing includes the processing of measurements and image collection data to define conditions and organizing them according to file formatting associated with geographic systems. The outputs include recording the conditions and outputting the conditions on a monitor.

Abstract: A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system.

Abstract: A surface scanning apparatus attached to a movable highway vehicle, mobile equipment or a drone (collectively, “platform”) that passes over a substrate, at least some of the features of which are to be sensed and characterized. The apparatus includes a variously adaptable, complete, and ready to operate packaged kit including configured sensor suites with components selected from the group consisting of a visual scanning sensor; an infra-red scanning sensor; a ground-penetrating radar unit; a laser range finder for sensing elevation of the apparatus above the substrate; a distance sensor for measuring displacement of the apparatus from a point of origin; a position sensing unit for determining a position of the apparatus; a simultaneous trigger mechanism; a structural boom assembly attached to the platform; and a processor for digitally processing measurements and signals collected by one or more of the group of components.

Abstract: A platform-based observation system that is in communication with a substrate. The system is configured to identify a condition in, on, or within the substrate. The system has components selected from the group consisting of: inputs, processing, and outputs. The inputs may include a visual scanning sensor, an infrared scanning sensor, at least one GPS receiver, and a means for image collection. Processing includes the processing of measurements and image collection data to define conditions and organizing them according to file formatting associated with geographic systems. The outputs include recording the conditions and outputting the conditions on a monitor.

Abstract: A method and system for selectively varying the performance of a test chamber are disclosed. According to one aspect, the performance is affected by a variable absorbing structure of the test chamber. The absorbing structure enables selective exposure of absorbing material to achieve a specific performance.

Abstract: A surface scanning method and apparatus attached to a highway vehicle, mobile equipment, or the like, that traverses existing roadways and bridges. The apparatus has at least one of a variously adaptable, complete, and ready to operate packaged kit including configured sensor suites with one or more of a visual scanning sensor; an infra-red scanning sensor; and an elevation measuring sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for selectively varying the performance of a test chamber are disclosed. According to one aspect, the performance is affected by a variable absorbing structure of the test chamber. The absorbing structure enables selective exposure of absorbing material to achieve a specific performance.

Abstract: A method and system for selectively varying the performance of a test chamber are disclosed. According to one aspect, the performance is affected by a variable absorbing structure of the test chamber. The absorbing structure enables selective exposure of absorbing material to achieve a specific performance.

Abstract: A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system.

Abstract: A surface scanning apparatus attached to a movable highway vehicle, mobile equipment or a drone (collectively, “platform”) that passes over a substrate, at least some of the features of which are to be sensed and characterized. The apparatus includes a variously adaptable, complete, and ready to operate packaged kit including configured sensor suites with components selected from the group consisting of a visual scanning sensor; an infra-red scanning sensor; a ground-penetrating radar unit; a laser range finder for sensing elevation of the apparatus above the substrate; a distance sensor for measuring displacement of the apparatus from a point of origin; a position sensing unit for determining a position of the apparatus; a simultaneous trigger mechanism; a structural boom assembly attached to the platform; and a processor for digitally processing measurements and signals collected by one or more of the group of components.

Abstract: A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system.

Abstract: A surface scanning method and apparatus attached to a highway vehicle, mobile equipment, or the like, that traverses existing roadways and bridges. The apparatus has at least one of a variously adaptable, complete, and ready to operate packaged kit including configured sensor suites with one or more of a visual scanning sensor; an infra-red scanning sensor; and an elevation measuring sensor.

Abstract: Filarial parasites Brugia, Wuchereria, Loa Loa and Onchocerca cause over 20 million infections worldwide and pose a significant social and economic burden in endemic areas. The invention provides compositions and methods to treat parasitic infections in animals and plants, and to kill and inhibit the replication of parasites in infected hosts. The methods can include administering to a host in need of treatment an effective antiparasitic amount of a composition comprising biodegradable polyanhydride microparticles or nanoparticles that encapsulate antiparasitic agents, optionally in combination with antibacterial agents. Through co-encapsulation of antiparasitic and antibacterial agents into the particles, the invention provides the ability to effectively kill parasitic helminthes, worms, and flukes, with up to a 40-fold reduction in the amount of drug used.

Abstract: A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a bottle defining two separate closed compartments for separately carrying a consumable liquid and a solid. Liquid is held in the first compartment by a cap, and a solid (such as medication, pill, or other solid) is held in the second compartment by a closure member such as a sheet or film. The system facilitates injections of the solid by providing sufficient liquid to permit swallowing the solid. A related method includes storing two related products, one solid and one liquid, in a single container so that a user can use one of the products to facilitate injections of the other.

Abstract: A method and system for selectively varying the performance of a test chamber are disclosed. According to one aspect, the performance is affected by a variable absorbing structure of the test chamber. The absorbing structure enables selective exposure of absorbing material to achieve a specific performance.