Abstract: Provided herein are expandable endoscopic devices. In accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention, an endoscopic expandable device is disclosed that comprises an expandable jaw at the distal tip, a control wire connected to the jaw, a sheath enclosing the control wire, and a handle connected to the sheath or wire having an actuating trigger. The expandable jaw is configured to allow its delivery in a retracted configuration to a target site within a patient's body through the working channel of an endoscope, after which the jaw may reconfigure to an expanded configuration that is larger than the retracted configuration. This allows the expandable jaw to be easily delivered to the target site while allowing an operable jaw size that is larger than would be allowed if limited to size of the working channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (“SATA”) affiliation transfers between a requesting controller and a granting controller of a storage system. After receiving an affiliation request from the requesting controller, the granting controller queries a number of commands that are queued locally at the granting controller. The granting controller grants the affiliation to the requesting controller after a period of time that is determined based on the queried number of commands that are queue locally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided relating to a secure bag assembly to secure cash in transit (“CIT”). In some implementations, the secure bag assembly is installed in a lockable, removable cassette that is fitted to a bill validator. The cassette and bill validator can be installed in an enclosure like those found in retail kiosks, self-checkout terminals, retail safes or gaming machines. In such an implementation, bank notes are deposited in the bill validator and once identified and validated, are securely stacked in the bag assembly within the cassette. The bag assembly can be used for capacities of one banknote up to the maximum capacity allowed by the cassette. The bag assembly is secured in place when installed and is sealed automatically upon removal from the cassette.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (“SATA”) affiliation transfers between a requesting controller and a granting controller of a storage system. After receiving an affiliation request from the requesting controller, the granting controller queries a number of commands that are queued locally at the granting controller. The granting controller grants the affiliation to the requesting controller after a period of time that is determined based on the queried number of commands that are queue locally.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided relating to a secure bag assembly to secure cash in transit (“CIT”). In some implementations, the secure bag assembly is installed in a lockable, removable cassette that is fitted to a bill validator. The cassette and bill validator can be installed in an enclosure like those found in retail kiosks, self-checkout terminals, retail safes or gaming machines. In such an implementation, bank notes are deposited in the bill validator and once identified and validated, are securely stacked in the bag assembly within the cassette. The bag assembly can be used for capacities of one banknote up to the maximum capacity allowed by the cassette. The bag assembly is secured in place when installed and is sealed automatically upon removal from the cassette.

Abstract: A mount apparatus for mounting a measurement device on a rail car above a track surface of a railroad track including a securement member adapted to be secured to the unsprung component of the rail car, a pivot arm pivotably connected to the securement member, the pivot arm including a lever arm extending therefrom, and a swing arm connecting the lever arm of the pivot arm to the sprung component of the rail car. The swing arm rotates the pivot arm so that a distal end of the pivot arm is maintained at a substantially fixed height distance above the track surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transcavital needle insertion device that incorporates a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe; a support sheath incorporated with, but mechanically decoupled from the TRUS probe to substantially stabilize the target tissue being imaged; and a needle guide sheath that moves relative to the TRUS probe. The device substantially enables a practitioner to more accurately and precisely insert a therapeutic needle into a target tissue, such as a prostate, in a decoupled three degree of freedom coordinate space that is registered to the imagery generated from the TRUS probe. The support sheath may enable the practitioner to move the TRUS probe, and independently position and insert the needle, without problems brought about by variable deformation of the target tissue, which would otherwise result from motion of the TRUS probe and the needle.

Abstract: A mount apparatus for mounting a measurement device on a rail car above a track surface of a railroad track including a securement member adapted to be secured to the unsprung component of the rail car, a pivot arm pivotably connected to the securement member, the pivot arm including a lever arm extending therefrom, and a swing arm connecting the lever arm of the pivot arm to the sprung component of the rail car. The swing arm rotates the pivot arm so that a distal end of the pivot arm is maintained at a substantially fixed height distance above the track surface.