Abstract: A braking system for safely collecting brake dust produced by operation of a braking mechanism. The braking system comprises a collector apparatus coupled with a braking mechanism. The collector apparatus is able to include a shroud that surrounds the braking mechanism and a catch element coupled with the shroud for collecting brake dust exiting the shroud. As a result, when coupled with the braking mechanism, the collector apparatus is able to ensure that most or all brake dust, such as copper or other particles from the braking mechanism that break off from the breaking mechanism during operation of the braking mechanism, are removed from the braking mechanism and collected by the filter/catch of the collector mechanism.

Abstract: A bodiless bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bodiless bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates, one or more extending blocks in communication with the extendable plates, one or more positioning elements for adjusting the extendable plates by manipulating the extending blocks, and one or more support panels for holding the positioning elements and guiding the extendable plates. The plates are able to be advantageously positioned in the confined space between the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

Abstract: During the charging of lithium-ion batteries, comprising graphite anode particles, the goal is to intercalate lithium into the anode materials as LiC6. But it is possible to conduct the charging process at a rate that lithium is undesirably plated, undetected, as lithium metal on the particles of graphite. During an open-circuit period of battery operation, immediately following such a charging period, the presence of lithium plating can be detected, using a computer-based monitoring system, by continually measuring the cell potential (Vcell) over a brief period of open-circuit time, fitting the open-circuit voltage data to a best cubic polynomial fit, and then determining dVcell/dt (mV/s) from the polynomial fit over a like period of time. It is found that the presence of a maximum or a minimum in the derivative curve (a local minimum) reliably correlates with plated lithium on the graphite particles of the anode.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together in order to replace degenerated discs and/or bones, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device includes a frame and one or more extendable plates. The bone fusion device is able to be inserted between or replace the vertebrae by using a minimally invasive procedure wherein the dimensions and/or other characteristics of the bone fusion device are selectable based on the type of minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed are battery management systems with control logic for battery state estimation (BSE), methods for making/using/assembling a battery cell with a reference electrode, and electric drive vehicles equipped with a traction battery pack and BSE capabilities. In an example, a battery cell assembly includes a battery housing with an electrolyte composition stored within the battery housing. The electrolyte composition transports ions between working electrodes. A first working (anode) electrode is attached to the battery housing in electrochemical contact with the electrolyte composition. Likewise, a second working (cathode) electrode is attached to the battery housing in electrochemical contact with the electrolyte composition. A reference electrode is interposed between the first and second working electrodes, placed in electrochemical contact with the electrolyte composition.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together in order to replace degenerated discs and/or bones, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises a frame and one or more extendable plates that are able to be angled, rotatable, adjustable, and have top profiles designed to correct and/or match the replaced discs/bones. The bone fusion device is able to be inserted between or replace the vertebrae by using a minimally invasive procedure wherein the dimensions and/or other characteristics of the bone fusion device are selectable based on the type of minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: An anatomical sensing system-guided prostate procedure device that includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The housing may be divided into a distal housing section, a mid housing section, and a proximal housing section, wherein the distal housing section is configured for insertion into the anus and retention in the rectum of a subject. The device further includes an instrument convergence point disposed between the proximal end and the distal end, the convergence point configured to allow an instrument pass though the instrument convergence point at a variable angle; and an instrument angle orienting system at the proximal end of the housing, the angle orienting system directing an orientation of the variable angle about the convergence point. Methods of the using an anatomical sensing system-guided prostate procedure device and system including the same.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together in order to replace degenerated discs and/or bones, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises a frame and one or more extendable plates that are able to be angled, rotatable, adjustable, and have top profiles designed to correct and/or match the replaced discs/bones. The bone fusion device is able to be inserted between or replace the vertebrae by using a minimally invasive procedure wherein the dimensions and/or other characteristics of the bone fusion device are selectable based on the type of minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: A number of variations include a method, which may include using at least a segment of voltage-based Battery State Estimation data, and using real-time linear regression, which may be a method of estimating future behavior of a system based on current and previous data points, to provide a robust and fast-adapting impedance response approximator. Linear regression may be performed by forming an RC circuit which is “equivalent” to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data and processing the runtime values of that RC circuit using any number of known real-time linear regression algorithms including, but not limited, to a weighted recursive least squares (WRLS), Kalman filter or other means.

Abstract: Disclosed are battery management systems with control logic for battery state estimation (BSE), methods for making/using/assembling a battery cell with a reference electrode, and electric drive vehicles equipped with a traction battery pack and BSE capabilities. In an example, a battery cell assembly includes a battery housing with an electrolyte composition stored within the battery housing. The electrolyte composition transports ions between working electrodes. A first working (anode) electrode is attached to the battery housing in electrochemical contact with the electrolyte composition. Likewise, a second working (cathode) electrode is attached to the battery housing in electrochemical contact with the electrolyte composition. A reference electrode is interposed between the first and second working electrodes, placed in electrochemical contact with the electrolyte composition.

Abstract: A bodiless bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bodiless bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates, one or more extending blocks in communication with the extendable plates, one or more positioning elements for adjusting the extendable plates by manipulating the extending blocks, and one or more support panels for holding the positioning elements and guiding the extendable plates. The plates are able to be advantageously positioned in the confined space between the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.

Abstract: During the charging of lithium-ion batteries, comprising graphite anode particles, the goal is to intercalate lithium into the anode materials as LiC6. But it is possible to conduct the charging process at a rate that lithium is undesirably plated, undetected, as lithium metal on the particles of graphite. During an open-circuit period of battery operation, immediately following such a charging period, the presence of lithium plating can be detected, using a computer-based monitoring system, by continually measuring the cell potential (Vcell) over a brief period of open-circuit time and then determining dVcell/dt (mV/s) over a like period of time. It is found that the presence of a discontinuity in the derivative curve (a local maximum) reliably correlates with plated lithium on the graphite particles of the anode.

Abstract: A method for determining a state of charge (SOC) of a rechargeable battery cell includes determining a rate-invariant charge/discharge relationship between an open-circuit voltage (OCV) and a state of charge (SOC). This includes a first finite-rate voltage scan following a reduction branch of a relationship between OCV and the SOC, and executing a second finite-rate voltage scan following an oxidation branch of a relationship between OCV and the SOC. A rate-dependent charge/discharge relationship between the OCV and the SOC is determined during scanned voltage transitions between the reduction and oxidation branches. A present SOC state is determined based upon an electrical potential, the rate-invariant charge/discharge relationship between the OCV and the SOC, and the rate-dependent charge/discharge relationship between the OCV and the SOC during a voltage-scan reversal that occurs when the scanned voltage transitions between the reduction and oxidation branches.

Abstract: A bodiless bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bodiless bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates, one or more extending blocks in communication with the extendable plates, one or more positioning elements for adjusting the extendable plates by manipulating the extending blocks, and one or more support panels for holding the positioning elements and guiding the extendable plates. The plates are able to be advantageously positioned in the confined space between the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.

Abstract: An implantation tool for implanting a medical device subcutaneously includes a core extending along a longitudinal axis. The core is formed with a longitudinal recess extending along the longitudinal axis. A shell protrudes from an end of the core in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The shell defines a compartment for carrying the medical implant. The compartment is connected to the longitudinal recess. A rod that extends along the longitudinal axis is arranged in the longitudinal recess.

Abstract: A bone fusion device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises at least one extendable tab and one or more tab extension assemblies. Each tab extension assembly is able to be adjusted in order to individually control the extension or contraction of a side of the tab thereby enabling adjustment of the height and/or angle of the tab with respect to the body of the bone fusion device. Each tab extension assembly is able to be individually adjusted such that the side controlled by each assembly is raised or lowered until the desired tab angle is achieved. The tab is advantageously positioned and angled to correspond to the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

Abstract: A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and/or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and extending blocks. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.