Abstract: A smart valve gas shut-off system for use in a building to detect the presence of natural gas and to shut off the supply of gas leading to the appliance from where the gas was detected. The smart valve gas shut-off system uses a sensor to detect the natural gas and a sensor alarm, in the form of a light indicator or other indicator, that while the sensor is in the alarm state, the valve controlling the supply of gas to the appliance is disabled as well as the reset button, meaning the valve that controls the flow of gas cannot be opened.

Abstract: In one aspect, a navigation device includes a plurality of link, wherein adjacent links are rotatably coupled. The navigation device includes a plurality of encoders. A base extends outwardly from a first link of the plurality of links, wherein a first encoder of the plurality of encoders is coupled to the base. A threaded bolt is rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the threaded bolt is configured to rigidly fix the base to an anatomy of a patient. A housing is coupled to a second link of the plurality of links, wherein the housing surrounds a processor, a memory, and a communications module.

Abstract: Methods of continuously dispersing catalyst inks for use in coating processes are described. The catalyst ink is continuously mixed in a high shear mixing unit, and the mixed ink is sonicated in a sonication unit. Part of the sonicated catalyst ink is returned to the high shear mixing unit. The method provides continuous mixing and sonicating of the catalyst ink. The mixed and sonicated ink can then be applied to a substrate in a defined pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for delivering a facet screw assembly to a facet joint. The system includes a facet screw assembly and a delivery device. The distal end of the delivery device includes a facet screw engagement feature, which is keyed to a corresponding delivery device engagement feature. In other embodiments, the system may include a facet screw assembly, a facet access guide, a washer sizer tool removably engaged with the facet access guide, a lateral mass decorticator guide slidably and removably engaged with the washer size tool, a washer implant delivery tool removably engaged with the facet access guide and detachably coupled to the facet screw assembly, and optionally an impact handle detachably coupled to the facet access guide, washer sizer tool, and washer implant delivery tool.

Abstract: Systems for distracting a facet joint and positioning a permanent implant in the joint are disclosed. The implants serve to retain a distracted position of the facet joint which is achieved with positioning of the leading end of a distraction tool in the facet joint and then distracting or enlarging the joint a desired amount. The permanent implant could be part of the distraction mechanism which can be separated from the delivery tool once the joint has been distracted or an auxiliary implant may be positioned before the distraction mechanism is removed from the distracted joint. The permanent implants can be solid, mechanical devices that may have fixation means thereon to hold them in place or injected fluids such as hydrogels or fluids confined within balloons.

Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system is disclosed and may include a driver assembly with a tubular shaft, a pair of implant holder arms, an implant distractor, an internal actuator, and a distractor knob, the system also including a delivery device with a tubular shaft, a receiving assembly, and a pair of forks, where the delivery device is adapted for slidable insertion of the driver assembly, the system also including an implant, a chisel, and an injector. Several embodiments of an implant are disclosed as well a method of placing an implant.

Abstract: A solar cell, and methods of fabricating said solar cell, are disclosed. The solar cell can include a first emitter region over a substrate, the first emitter region having a perimeter around a portion of the substrate. A first conductive contact is electrically coupled to the first emitter region at a location outside of the perimeter of the first emitter region.

Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.

Abstract: A system for packaging a kit for a radiofrequency ablation procedure protects a radiofrequency ablation kit without compromising its sterile barrier system through the hazards of handling, distribution, and storage. The system includes: an introducer tray configured to hold at least one introducer; a probe tray configured to hold at least one radiofrequency ablation probe; an outer carrier tray, a pouch configured to hold a tubing kit; and a dispenser carton. The introducer tray and the probe tray are held within the outer carrier tray, and the outer carrier tray and the pouch are configured to be held within the dispenser carton. A method of packaging a radiofrequency ablation kit is further described.

Abstract: A thoracostomy device that may be used for the placement of a chest tube is disclosed. The thoracostomy device is adapted to be extended into an incision in a patient, and comprises: (a) a handle portion; (b) an insertion portion extending from the handle portion, and having a linear portion and a curved terminal portion, the insertion portion having opposed substantially continuous first inner and second outer lateral surfaces, the device defining a central axis extending therethrough; and (c) a continuous channel extending through the handle and insertion portions and open to the first inner lateral surface, the channel having a medial axis offset from and parallel to the central axis, the channel adapted to guide a tube along the central axis while being adapted to allow a tube to be removed laterally of the channel. The present invention also includes a method of preparing a chest tube for insertion and for inserting a chest tube such as through the use any of the devices of the present invention.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein provide lateral mass and facet fixation implants, which may be inserted and applied via a posterior approach, using minimally invasive or less invasive techniques. The embodiments described below generally include an intrafacet implant (or “facet implant”) and a lateral mass fixation member attached to or attachable to the facet implant. The lateral mass fixation member can include one or more tabs extending from a middle portion and configured to secure the lateral mass fixation member to lateral masses of adjacent vertebrae. The tabs may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, and may be collapsible to facilitate insertion of the device. Methods for delivering the lateral mass and facet fixation implants are also described.

Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system is disclosed and may include a delivery device, a driver assembly, and an internal actuator, where the driver assembly is adapted to be hold an implant and be sleevably inserted into the delivery device and the internal actuator is adapted to advance an implant distractor to distract the implant, the system also including an implant, a chisel, an injector, a gripping tool, and a dilator set. Several embodiments of an implant are disclosed as well as a method of placing an implant.

Abstract: An electronic device with a microphone, a speaker, a processor, and a power tool battery pack connectable to and powering the speaker and the processor. The electronic device has software that can cause the processor to perform operations which can cause the electronic device to operate in first and second modes. While the electronic device is operating in the first mode, the device can generate first audio data representing user speech captured by the microphone which can be analyzed by the electronic device or a remote server. The electronic device can switch from operating in the first mode to operating in a second mode, where the electronic device can receive, second audio data from another electronic device. The electronic device can then output, using the speaker, audible content represented by the second audio data.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a tubular structure may include a base and a wrap. The base may have a first surface and second surface opposite one another, the first surface defining an elongate cavity, and the base having a tubular shape defining a longitudinal axis extending along the elongate cavity. The wrap may be supported on the second surface of the base, the wrap including a plurality of layers, and each layer having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge coupled to one another along a respective spiral seam associated with the given layer and extending about the longitudinal axis of the base.

Abstract: A display system for sensing a finger of a user applied to the display system includes a display panel; a sensor for sensing the finger; a sensing light source configured to emit a first light having a first wavelength W1; and a reflective polarizer disposed between the display panel and the sensor. For a substantially normally incident light, an optical transmittance of the reflective polarizer versus wavelength for a first polarization state has a band edge such that for a first wavelength range extending from a smaller wavelength L1 to a greater wavelength L2 and including W1, where 30 nm?L2?L1?50 nm and L1 is greater than and within about 20 nm of a wavelength L3 corresponding to an optical transmittance of about 50% along the band edge, the optical transmittance has an average of greater than about 75%.

Abstract: A shunt for a charging contact assembly may include an elongate elastic support substrate and a conductor disposed of the elongate elastic support substrate for transferring electrical current. A charging contact assembly may include a connector to connect to a source of electrical energy for receiving electrical current and a brush coupled with the connector for contacting a conducting surface to transfer the electrical current. The charging contact assembly may also include a shunt fixedly connected to the connector and the brush for transferring the electrical current from the connector to the brush, where the shunt includes an elongate arcuate elastic support substrate fixedly connected to the connector and the brush, and a conductor disposed of the elongate arcuate elastic support substrate and extending between the connector and the brush.

Abstract: Methods for quantifying DNA methylation that may be utilized for screening for diseases (e.g., cancer), diagnosing diseases (e.g., cancer type), monitoring progression of a disease, and monitoring response to a therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are chip packages and electronic devices that utilized an active silicon bridge having a memory controller to interface between a logic device having at least one compute die and one or more memory stacks within a singular chip package. In one example, a chip package is provided that includes a substrate, a logic device, a memory stack, and an active silicon bridge. The logic device is disposed over the substrate. The logic device includes one or more compute dies. The memory stack is disposed over the substrate adjacent the logic device. The active silicon bridge has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed between the substrate and the logic device, while the second portion is disposed between the substrate and the memory stack.

Abstract: A vertebral body replacement device, dimensioned for implantation between a first and second vertebral bone is described. The vertebral body replacement device includes a superior endcap, an inferior endcap and a central core between the superior and inferior endcaps. The vertebral body replacement device further includes a fusion aperture extending through the superior and inferior endcaps and central core. The vertebral body replacement device is made of radiolucent material and can be implanted from a lateral or anterior approach to the spine.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, kits, and methods for performing an apoA1 exchange assay to determine the risk of MACE and/or for conducting an action based on the assay results. In some embodiments, methods are provided for generating, or receiving, a report that graphically displays: i) the subjects ApoA1 exchange rate in a sample as lower than a control or threshold value, and ii) the subjects risk of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) and/or cardiovascular disease as being higher than normal.