Abstract: A broadband electrical substitution radiometer includes a substrate, an isolation layer disposed on the substrate, an electrical thermometer-heater disposed on the isolation layer, an electrical lead in electrical communication with the electrical thermometer-heater, selective removal of the substrate to form a suspended isolation layer, and an optical absorber disposed on the isolation layer. The isolation layer comprises a thermal isolation platform, a thermal isolation support beam, and a thermal isolation island. The electrical thermometer-heater is disposed on the thermal isolation island and detects a change in temperature and controllably heats the isolation layer. The electrical lead receives a signal from and provides power to the electrical thermometer-heater. The optical absorber absorbs radiation incident on the radiometer.

Abstract: Provided herein includes high-throughput methods for in vivo screening nanoparticles (e.g., lipid nanoparticles) for preferential delivery to a target tissue or cell type. Also provided are compositions used in the high-throughput nanoparticle screening method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasive and continuous measurement of respiratory chamber volume and associated parameters including respiratory rate, respiratory rhythm, tidal volume, dielectric variability and respiratory congestion. In particular, a non-invasive apparatus and method for determining dynamic and structural physiologic data from a living subject including a change in the spatial configuration of a respiratory chamber, a lung or a lobe of a lung to determine overall respiratory health comprising an ultra wide-band radar system having at least one transmitting and receiving antenna for applying ultra wide-band radio signals to a target area of the subject's anatomy wherein the receiving antenna collects and transmits signal returns from the target area.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein receives artifacts generated using a first set of models within a multi-model superstructure. The multi-model superstructure includes a second set of models to test the first set of models. The multi-model superstructure dynamically routes the artifacts of the first set of models to one or more models of the second set of models by (i) determining a set of dimensions of the artifacts against which to evaluate the artifacts and (ii) identifying the models in the second set used to test the particular dimension. The second set of models then assesses each artifact against a set of assessment metrics. If an artifact fails to meet one or more assessment metrics, the second set of models generates actions to align the artifact with the set of assessment metrics.

Abstract: A stair system for providing access to a cargo platform of a commercial vehicle is disclosed. The stair system is movable between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. The stair system comprises a mounting plate, a stair assembly, and a linkage assembly. The mounting plate is configured to be attached to the cargo platform of the commercial vehicle. The stair assembly includes a top platform that is slidably received within the mounting plate and a plurality of step platforms that is pivotally attached to the top platform. The linkage assembly comprising at least one slotted link that includes a slot and at least one first link that is slidable relative to the slot. When in the stowed configuration, the stair system is configured to be positioned beneath the cargo platform. When in the deployed configuration, the stair system is configured to extend outwardly from the cargo platform.

Abstract: A method of suturing a trocar path incision in a tissue of a patient with an obturator includes inserting the obturator through the tissue such that a shaft of the obturator extends through a tissue opening about the trocar path incision and a distal tip of the obturator is positioned within a cavity of the patient. The method also includes directing the suture via a suturing feature with the obturator inserted through the tissue in order to direct the suture relative to the tissue. Furthermore, the method includes closing the tissue opening about the trocar path incision with the suture.

Abstract: A compact utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include one or more lift arm assemblies, with each lift arm assembly including a first lift arm that telescopically receives a second lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes a telescoping actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its second lift arm relative to its first lift arm. A load-sensing system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a tool load applied at a tool supported by the boom.

Abstract: A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.

Abstract: A compact utility loader is operated by a standing operator at the rear of a frame. A loader arm assembly comprises a scissors linkage on either side of the frame nesting around the prime mover. Each scissors linkage has an upper loader arm that is pivoted at its rear end to rears ends of a pair of lower loader arms such that the pivot connections to the upper loader arm move upwardly and forwardly relative to the frame during elevation of the loader arm assembly to provide a high lift capability. The frame is self-propelled by a differential drive and steering system that is operated by dual levers. A hand grip extends between and unifies the operation of the levers to permit the operator to more easily move the levers in the ways that are needed to provide either straight motion of the frame or turns of the frame.

Abstract: A compact utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include one or more lift arm assemblies, with each lift arm assembly including a first lift arm that telescopically receives a second lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes a telescoping actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its second lift arm relative to its first lift arm. A load-sensing system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a tool load applied at a tool supported by the boom.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of processing and protecting ingredients in a beverage from the effects of photodegradation is provided. The method may include: providing a red coloured container having light transmission properties between about 630 and 700 nm in wavelength; filling the red coloured container with a beverage including water and at least one of the following beverage ingredients to be preserved: High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), Stevia, Aspartame, Sucralose or any other non-nutritive sweetener; capping and/or sealing the red coloured container; wherein the red coloured container is configured to filter an UV/visible light so as to reduce light degradation of the beverage ingredients.

Abstract: A medical device such as a stent (10) or medical balloon (40) is at least partially coated with a saturated carboxylic acid layer in order to enhance biocompatibility, reduce thrombogenesis and increase endothelialisation. The coating is preferably of citric acid in non-crosslinked form and preferably non-porous so as to mask the underlying structure of the medical device. The acid coating forms an outer surface of at least a part of the medical device, that is has no other layer or material overlying it, save for in some embodiments a partial coating of a bioactive material.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and/or methods for immobilizing a patient's head and simultaneously providing emergency respiration for the patient includes, in some embodiments, a head immobilizer, a bag valve mask (BVM), an endotracheal tube (ET) bracket, and/or an oxygen face mask. In some embodiments where head immobilization is not needed, a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) board may be used in lieu of the head immobilizer. Each such embodiment is configured to require reduced manual intervention by a caregiver without reducing the effectiveness of each medical device and/or system. An adjustable BVM holder integrated into the head immobilizer secures the BVM on the patient. In embodiments with a BVM, only a single hand is necessary to provide emergency respiration, freeing the caregiver's other hand for other caregiving tasks. Such a head immobilizer may secure an ET bracket and/or face mask to a patient, allowing for hands-free operation during patient treatment, movement, and transportation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing sealed plastic containers having a first headspace pressure. The apparatus may include: an open entry port or tunnel for continuously receiving containers; a sanitizer configured to sanitize outside surfaces of the received containers; a perforator configured to perforate or open a cap or seal of the containers within the apparatus; a sealer configured to seal the perforation or opening formed in the cap or seal of the containers; an open exit port of tunnel for continuously exiting the processed containers; and a conveyor system configured to transporting or convey the containers from the open entry port or tunnel, through and within the apparatus, to the open exit port or tunnel and away from the sanitized environment of the apparatus. The apparatus may be further configured to maintain a sanitized environment within the apparatus, perforator, and/or sealer.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for processing containers. The system may include an apparatus for processing sealed plastic containers having a first headspace pressure. The apparatus may include: an open entry port or tunnel for continuously receiving containers; a sanitizer configured to sanitize outside surfaces of the received containers; a perforator configured to perforate or open a cap or seal of the containers within the apparatus; a sealer configured to seal the perforation or opening formed in the cap or seal of the containers; an open exit port or tunnel for continuously exiting the processed containers; and a conveyor system configured to transport or convey the containers. The system may further include a production line including a filler for filling empty blow-moulded containers with a heated liquid to pasteurize inside surfaces of the containers and a capper for sealing the filled blow moulded containers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of diagnostic testing to confirm the presence of target pathogens in a test sample, typically obtained from a human or animal. The test has particular application in testing for viruses, but could include cancer cells or other particulate pathogens, including bacteria.

Abstract: A medical device such as a stent or medical balloon is functionalised prior to coating with a bioactive material, specifically by carboxylic acidification of the contact surface or surfaces of the medical device. The preferred process involves washing a stent or other medical device in a washing solution which may be sodium hydroxide, soaking in a carboxylic acid solution, rinsing in water to remove excess carboxylic acid, allowing to dry before applying a bioactive agent layer. It has been found that washing after functionalisation removes excess carboxylic acid and enhances the retention of bioactive agent on the contact surface or surfaces of the medical device leading to a more uniform and consistent layer of bioactive agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for updating data in a computer network. An exemplary method includes: scanning to capture a first set of signals; identifying from the first set of received signals a second set of signals having on times longer than a specified minimum dwell time; providing a plurality of signal profiles associated with a plurality of pulsed patterns of a signal of interest; identifying from the second set of signals a third set of signals that match at least one of the signal profiles; receiving demodulated data regarding the third set of signals; obtaining characteristic information for each of the third set of signals; verifying for each of the third set of signals their relevant information; determining whether the verification of the third set of signals produced a match; and upon determining of the match, providing an indication of a signal of interest.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of improving the reliability of coating an implantable medical device, such as a stent, with bioactive material in the absence of a carrier material such as a matrix or polymer layer. The method involves cleaning volatile components from the exposed surfaces of the medical device, removing carbon deposits and then applying a uniform carbon layer in a controlled environment. The deliberately applied carbon layer masks impurities of the underlying native oxide layer and leads to more uniform bioactive material coating not only a over the surfaces of a single medical device but also from device to device within a batch and between batches of devices. This improves production as well as optimising the amount and release of drug on the medical device without the need for a carrier material.