Abstract: A catheter interface protection device can include a shield. The shield can include an open bottom, a transparent upper surface, sidewalls, and a cavity at least partially defined by the bottom, the upper surface, and the sidewalls. The device can include a vent. The device can include a clip, a tether, and a latch. A non-therapeutic method of protecting a catheter interface can include extending a catheter in the subject through a slot in a catheter interface protection device, wrapping the catheter at least partially around a clip of the catheter interface protection device, and securing a latch of the catheter interface protection device around the clip. A device for positioning a subject in a prone position can include a padded area including an opening configured to accommodate a catheter interface protection device.

Abstract: A vehicular battery management system (BMS) comprises a battery controller, a set of battery cells, a primary network node coupled to the battery controller, and a secondary network node coupled to the set of battery cells. The primary and secondary network nodes are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other using frames that share a common frame format. The frame format includes one or more bits and a status of the one or more bits indicates whether the secondary network node is to communicate with the primary network node on behalf of another secondary network node.

Abstract: Described herein are multi-tool boring systems and methods of operating such systems for tunnel boring and/or underground pipe installation. A multi-tool boring system is specially configured for fast installation and replacement of various tools, such as a pneumatic rammer and a hydraulic drive, enabling different operating modes of the system, e.g., pilot tube installation, auger boring, pipe ramming, pilot pullback boring, static pipe bursting, and non-contact boring. In some examples, a multi-tool boring system comprises a track assembly, a jacking frame slidably supported on the track assembly, and an impact plate assembly, which is attached to the jacking frame and comprises an impact plate and shock absorbers between the impact plate and the jacking frame. The impact plate comprises an impact plate opening configured to engage and support a pneumatic rammer. The rammer can be replaced with a hydraulic drive with a shaft protruding through the opening.

Abstract: Described herein are multi-tool boring systems and methods of operating such systems for tunnel boring and/or underground pipe installation. A multi-tool boring system is specially configured for fast installation and replacement of various tools, such as a pneumatic rammer and a hydraulic drive, enabling different operating modes of the system, e.g., pilot tube installation, auger boring, pipe ramming, pilot pullback boring, static pipe bursting, and non-contact boring. In some examples, a multi-tool boring system comprises a track assembly, a jacking frame slidably supported on the track assembly, and an impact plate assembly, which is attached to the jacking frame and comprises an impact plate and shock absorbers between the impact plate and the jacking frame. The impact plate comprises an impact plate opening configured to engage and support a pneumatic rammer. The rammer can be replaced with a hydraulic drive with a shaft protruding through the opening.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions and an associated method for improving a Toll-like receptor (TLR)-related condition, including determining a set of peptide sequences associated with a microorganism-related modulator of a TLR, determining a first set of binding parameters for the set of peptide sequences in relation to the TLR, selecting a target subset of peptide sequences from the set of peptide sequences based on the first set of binding parameters, reengineering the target subset of peptide sequences based on mutating amino acid residues of the target subset of peptide sequences, determining a second set of binding parameters for the reengineered target subset of peptide sequences in relation to the TLR, and identifying a first peptide for use in a therapeutic composition for improving the TLR-related condition, based on the second set of binding parameters for the reengineered target subset of peptide sequences.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a substrate having electrical circuits and/or electronic devices disposed thereon. Metal traces are formed on the substrate and include feet on each side of the metal traces that flare outward in opposite directions from each other where the metal traces overlie the substrate. A dielectric layer is formed on the substrate and a portion of the metal traces, and an interconnect is disposed on the metal traces.

Abstract: Support blocks for printed circuit boards (PCB's) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA's), wherein the support blocks are produced from a 3D printing process. The support block including a bottom surface having a vacuum connection; a top surface having at least one vacuum hole; at least one recessed surface that is offset from the top surface; and at least one vacuum channel extending from the vacuum connection to the at least one vacuum hole.

Abstract: A vehicular battery management system (BMS) comprises a battery controller, a set of battery cells, a primary network node coupled to the battery controller, and a secondary network node coupled to the set of battery cells. The primary and secondary network nodes are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other using frames that share a common frame format. The frame format includes one or more bits and a status of the one or more bits indicates whether the secondary network node is to communicate with the primary network node on behalf of another secondary network node.

Abstract: Electronic device that allows controlling the route followed by an audio signal from one or more Audio Signal Input Sources through 2 or more Effects Units which modify said signal, and said signal is delivered to 1 or more Outputs, which allows selecting from which input the audio signal is originated, through which effects units is passed, in what order it does so, and to which outputs it is delivered, through a matrix of high-speed signal switching devices (analog or digital) with features of an audio signal that interconnects all possible combinations of Inputs and Outputs between ports to which Audio Signal Input Sources, External Effects Units and Outputs are connected, which is controlled by a digital device that allows the activation of the possible combinations at the User's choice; It further allows storing the desired combinations in a memory unit to be later retrieved and activated, through various embodiments of use such as the direct manipulation of the Device with physical controls, through an

Abstract: An integrated circuit for use in a wireless management system with a primary node and secondary nodes includes: a wireless transceiver; and a wireless management controller included with or coupled to the wireless transceiver. The wireless management controller is configured to: identify a first secondary node of the secondary nodes in communication with the primary node; identify a second secondary node of the secondary nodes not in communication with the primary node; and enable the first secondary node to operate as a proxy node that repeats downlink messages to or uplink messages from the second secondary node.

Abstract: Support blocks for printed circuit boards (PCB's) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA's), wherein the support blocks are produced from a 3D printing process. The support block including a bottom surface having a vacuum connection; a top surface having at least one vacuum hole; at least one recessed surface that is offset from the top surface; and at least one vacuum channel extending from the vacuum connection to the at least one vacuum hole.

Abstract: Support blocks for printed circuit boards (PCB's) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA's), wherein the support blocks are produced from a 3D printing process. The support block including a bottom surface having a vacuum connection; a top surface having at least one vacuum hole; at least one recessed surface that is offset from the top surface; and at least one vacuum channel extending from the vacuum connection to the at least one vacuum hole.

Abstract: A tactile feedback platform includes a main body having a flat top wall and a plurality of sidewalls that define an interior space. An amplifier is positioned along the main body and includes jacks for connecting to an external entertainment system. The amplifier is connected to a plurality of tactile transducers that are located within the main body. The transducers function to vibrate the top wall of the platform in response to signals received from the entertainment system connected to the amplifier. A system controller is connected to the amplifier, the transducers and a plurality of that are located lights along the main body. The controller functions to communicate wirelessly with a smartphone using a mobile application to control the operation of the platform.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for use in a wireless management system with a primary node and secondary nodes includes: a wireless transceiver; and a wireless management controller included with or coupled to the wireless transceiver. The wireless management controller is configured to: identify a first secondary node of the secondary nodes in communication with the primary node; identify a second secondary node of the secondary nodes not in communication with the primary node; and enable the first secondary node to operate as a proxy node that repeats downlink messages to or uplink messages from the second secondary node.

Abstract: A communication circuit includes network formation circuitry configured to establish a wireless network between a primary wireless transceiver and a secondary wireless transceiver. The communication circuit also includes data transfer circuitry configured to perform data transfers between the primary wireless transceiver and the secondary wireless transceiver. The communication circuit further includes resynchronization circuitry configured to resynchronize the secondary wireless transceiver with the established wireless network within a target time interval.

Abstract: Wearable systems and methods to allow for a two-way communication to convey ASL signing to a deaf person and translate the ASL to sound for communication to people with normal hearing. The system will also display signs to a deaf-mute person to communicate by having signs displayed visually from the corresponding sound or text input. The input can be captured on the device or streamed to the device using short range radio and the on-board computer will translate the different lingual inputs to a final output via a wireless device speaker or display. The LIDAR sensor on the device is able to sense the depth of the signs and should work in the low-light settings.

Abstract: In examples, a vehicular battery management system (BMS) comprises a set of battery cells and a secondary network node coupled to the set of battery cells. The secondary network node is configured to measure a parameter in the set of battery cells and generate a packet containing the parameter. The packet indicates a number of super frame slots that have elapsed from a start time of a super frame to the generation of the packet. The secondary network node is configured to wirelessly transmit the packet within the super frame to a primary network node. The primary network node is configured to wirelessly receive the packet and to determine a time at which the secondary network node generated the packet based on the indication, a time duration of each slot in the super frame, and the start time of the super frame.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are described for a wireless battery system. An example apparatus includes at least one memory, instructions, and processor circuitry to at least one of instantiate or execute the instructions to identify a first battery node to transmit an uplink command during a first superframe interval, transmit a downlink command to the first battery node and a second battery node, the first battery node to switch in the first superframe interval from a receive state to a transmit state in response to the downlink command, the first battery node to transmit the uplink command in the transmit state, and receive the uplink command from the first battery node in the first superframe interval.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for use in a wireless management system with a primary node and secondary nodes includes: a wireless transceiver; and a wireless management controller included with or coupled to the wireless transceiver. The wireless management controller is configured to: identify a first secondary node of the secondary nodes in communication with the primary node; identify a second secondary node of the secondary nodes not in communication with the primary node; and enable the first secondary node to operate as a proxy node that repeats downlink messages to or uplink messages from the second secondary node.

Abstract: A vehicular battery management system (BMS) comprises a battery controller, a set of battery cells, a primary network node coupled to the battery controller, and a secondary network node coupled to the set of battery cells. The primary and secondary network nodes are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other using frames that share a common frame format. The frame format includes one or more bits and a status of the one or more bits indicates whether the secondary network node is to communicate with the primary network node on behalf of another secondary network node.