Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing documents is provided. The documents may be conveyed to a feeder for feeding documents to a scanner. The scanner scans each document to obtain image data and then discharges the document to one or more output or sort locations. The system may include a skew reduction assembly for reducing skew in the documents as the documents are fed to the scanner. The system may also include elements for improving image quality and reducing document damage while the document is scanned. The system may further include features for improving the stacking of the discharged documents.

Abstract: A tube holding microplate including a plate frame; a predetermined array of tube holding receptacles formed in the plate frame, the tube holding receptacles of the predetermined array having a SBS standard pitch corresponding to the predetermined array, and being configured for holding therein sample store and transport tubes that are separate and distinct from the predetermined array of tube holding receptacles, each tube holding receptacle being disposed so as to contain sample specimen in a sample storage array, of the tube holding microplate and to effect, with the sample store and transport tube, delivery of the sample specimen from the sample storage array to a workstation, the predetermined array of tube holding receptacles defining a volume capacity of the tube holding microplate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to transcatheter stented prosthesis delivery devices including a handle assembly connected to a shaft assembly on which a stented prosthesis is loaded and compressively retained with a plurality of elongate tension members. The delivery devices include a cutting assembly that can sever the elongate tension members after the stented prosthesis is expanded at a target site so that the delivery device can be withdrawn from the patient. Certain embodiments position the cutting assembly at least within the shaft assembly and others position the cutting assembly over the shaft assembly. Various disclosed cutting assemblies are actuated with the handle assembly or the like, which draw the tension members across the blade or vice versa.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus for treating tissue may include an elongate tube. The elongate tube may include a slot extending longitudinally along a first side of the elongate tube, a first elongate jaw member on a first side of the slot, and a second elongate jaw member on a second side of the slot. The apparatus may also include a shaft coupled to the elongate tube along a second side of the elongate tube. The first elongate jaw member may be movably coupled to the shaft, such that the first elongate jaw member may be movable toward the second elongate jaw member to converge tissue walls within the slot and cut the tissue walls within the slot.

Abstract: A modular system is provided for assembling a structure to secure to opposite sides of a fracture in a bone of a subject. The modular system includes a plate with a perimeter including a plurality of openings. The perimeter defines an interior area within the plate. The modular system also includes a link with one or more openings along a linear axis defining the link. The one or more openings of the link include a connector to receive a fastener to be secured in the bone. The plurality of openings of the plate includes a first opening with an inner diameter configured to removably receive an outer diameter of the connector of the link so that the link is rotatably received within the first opening. A method is also provided for assembling the structure using the modular system and securing the assembled structure to opposite sides of the bone fracture.

Abstract: A landing station guidance-and-security system can include an environmental cover and/or a guide-and-security bar. In some embodiments, the landing station guidance-and-security system is integrated into a parcel-receiving device. In some embodiments, the landing station guidance-and-security system is configured to attach to a parcel-receiving device. In some embodiments, the guide-and-security bar includes a precision rod. In some embodiments, a drone landing station includes: a magnetic centering mechanism configured to center a drone and/or a package; sliding dovetail doors; a plow bar; at least one roll-up door; a first storage locker; a second storage locker; and/or a solid rear door configured to block access to the second storage locker from the first storage locker when the first storage locker is being accessed by a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing fluid communication between body lumens. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for establishing a controlled flow or access passage between body lumens. For example, a device may include an elongate tubular body defining a lumen along a length thereof. The elongate tubular body may have an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, a proximal portion of the elongate tubular body may expand into a proximal retention member and a distal portion of the elongate tubular body may expand into a distal retention member, leaving a cylindrical saddle region extending therebetween. The cylindrical saddle region may include a constricted portion configured to move between a first diameter configuration and a second diameter configuration larger than the first diameter configuration.

Abstract: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) electronics that employ selective solid-state isolation of circuit elements can include solid-state switches, such as back-to-back Field Effect Transistor (FET) pairs, and isolated gate drive electronics adapted to operate the solid-state switches in order to selectively decouple induction coils from receive electronics. The solid-state switches can be placed in series to achieve higher standoff voltages, and can be configured for low on resistance and short switching times. The gate drive electronics can include electrical isolation components adapted to enhance standoff voltages and reduce electrical noise at the selectively isolated receive electronics.

Abstract: Molecules compounds are provided having the structure in Formula I, or a salt thereof, wherein n1 is independently 0, 1, 2, or 3; n2 is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20; n3 is from 0, 1, 2, or 3; n4 is 0 or 1; and n5 is 0, 1, 2, or 3; and wherein X is O, N, or S; Y, Z, XX, and YY are the same or different and are independently O or S; ZZ comprises nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, or selenium; and wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 are as described herein. Methods are also provided for the synthesis of and use of the provided molecules in applications for diagnostic testing.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base and a robotic arm operatively coupled to the base via a connector. The robotic arm includes a set of links interconnected by a set of joints. A first link from the set of links is operatively coupled to the connector. Each joint from the set of joints includes a brake from a set of brakes, each brake from the set of brakes configured to be enabled or disabled. The apparatus further comprises an end effector operatively coupled to the robotic arm via a second link from the set of links different from the first link. The apparatus further comprises a controller, communicably coupled to at least one of the base, the robotic arm, or the end effector. The controller is configured to cause the robotic arm to perform a task, and determine, during the task, that movement of the robotic arm is to be restricted.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an improved process to prepare prostacyclin derivatives. One embodiment provides for an improved process to convert benzindene triol to treprostinil via salts of treprostinil and to purify treprostinil.

Abstract: An in vitro tissue plate may include a well plate, a fluidic plate disposed on a bottom surface of the well plate, and a media manifold disposed on a bottom surface of the fluidic plate. The well plate may have at least two wells, including a tissue well and a waste well. The fluid plate may include a fluid channel extending between and fluidly connecting the tissue well to the waste well. The media manifold may include a one or more media outlets fluidly connected to the fluid channel. A tissue layer may be deposited in the tissue well. The tissue layer may include human cells such as neurovascular cells.

Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented methods may include detecting malicious usage based on a user's behavior in connection with a wearable computing device. Similarly, another method may detect a bystander within range of a sensor, in which the device may determine if capturing information associated with a bystander is authorized. Another method may also include performing a segmentation of the media content and detecting a privacy portion of the media content. Furthermore, a method may include identifying a set of image frames and designating an optimal frame for storing. Additionally, a method may include a visibility-based subscription for video streams to determine a subset of the registered participant tiles to be subscribed to and displayed via the display device. Lastly, a system may include a processor that detects the difference of mutual capacitance between a first and second wire. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer assembly may include a first intervertebral spacer with a superior surface configured to engage a superior vertebral body, an inferior surface configured to engage an inferior vertebral body, and a proximal surface with a first fastener channel. The assembly may further include a first fastener and a locking member with a first anti-backout member. The first intervertebral spacer or the locking member may have a locking member channel. The other may have a compressible collet insertable into the locking member channel to couple the locking member to the first intervertebral spacer such that the locking member is rotatable relative to the first intervertebral spacer between an unlocked position in which the first anti-backout member does not obstruct the first fastener channel, and a locked position in which the first anti-backout member obstructs the first fastener channel to retain the first fastener in the first fastener channel.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an improved process to prepare prostacyclin derivatives. One embodiment provides for an improved process to convert benzindene triol to treprostinil via salts of treprostinil and to purify treprostinil.

Abstract: Circuits that employ selective solid-state isolation of circuit elements can include solid-state switches, such as back-to-back Field Effect Transistor (FET) pairs, and isolated gate drive electronics adapted to operate the solid-state switches in order to selectively decouple certain circuit elements. The isolated solid-state switches can be placed in series to achieve higher standoff voltages, and can be configured for low on resistance and short switching times. The gate drive electronics can include electrical isolation components adapted to enhance standoff voltages and reduce electrical noise at the selectively isolated circuit elements.

Abstract: Switched gradient field measurement techniques for SNMR are disclosed, as well as hardware and software that implements the disclosed techniques. The disclosed techniques allow directly imaging groundwater and hydrogeologic parameters at high resolution in the near subsurface. The resulting technology redefines practical capabilities for hydrogeologic imaging and shallow groundwater mapping, ultimately improving our ability understand, manage, and respond to critical zone processes.

Abstract: A grill brush includes a brush head with brush-head upper and lower surfaces, the brush-head lower surface having a plurality of bristles protruding therefrom. An elongated handle extends between handle proximate and distal ends. The handle distal end is defined in part by a brush-head mount including a mounting surface configured to retain the brush-head upper surface. A grill-cleaning implement plate is situated at least partially between the brush-head upper surface and the brush-head mount and extends longitudinally between plate back and front ends. At least one of the plate back and front ends has depending therefrom a grate-cleaning implement. The implement plate is rotatably retained between the brush-head upper surface and the brush-head mount such that, with the brush head stationary relative to the brush handle, the implement plate can be rotated with respect to the brush handle and brush head between mutually opposed first and second angular orientations.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides regioselective methods for synthesizing intermediates useful in making prostacyclin derivatives, such as treprostinil.