Abstract: A quantitative method of validating at least one candidate imaging method or candidate imaging reagent for use in evaluating a biological sample for the presence of one or more targets is described relying upon cross-correlation calculations.

Abstract: A system, device and method for nail care is provided. The nail care system includes a shaping system, a polish removal system and/or a cuticle management system; a vision system; a nail polish application system; and a mobility system. The nail system may further include an accelerated drying system, a hand massage system, a nail identification/diagnosis/estimation of conditions system, an enclosure, a hand/foot rest system, a computer software system, a computer hardware system, a cartridge/pod system, and a multi-tool system. Related apparatuses, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved indwelling urinary catheter of the inflatable type having a unique, low profile device by which to retain the catheter within the bladder, so that urine can be removed therefrom while avoiding obstruction to the descending fetal vertex during the process of labor and delivery. Thus, making it better suited for obstetrical applications. The retaining device consumes less obstructing volume in the bladder than that which would ordinarily be consumed by a conventional Foley-style balloon, whereby both the frequency and severity of fetal vertex obstruction and its resulting increased time of labor, operative delivery and injury to maternal urologic tissue can be reduced. The obstetrical foley retains the tradition Foley-style balloon distal to the improved low-profile laboring balloon for insufflation in the event a surgical delivery by cesarean section is indicated.

Abstract: A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) activation system for activating PRP contained in a container includes a housing, a power supply, a piezoelectric transducer array, a support structure, and a coupling medium. The power supply is located in the housing. The piezoelectric transducer array is operably connected to the power supply and is located in the housing. The piezoelectric transducer array is configured to generate a focused shock wave using power from the power supply. The support structure is operably connected to the housing and is configured (i) to receive the container, and (ii) to position the container at least partially within the housing, such that at least a portion of the PRP is located at a focal volume formed by the focused shock wave. The coupling medium is located in the housing and is positioned between the piezoelectric transducer array and the container.

Abstract: A method of generating a focused shock wave with a handheld focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (f-ESWT) device includes driving a plurality of piezoelectric elements to generate a focused shock wave based on a first plurality of time delays when a first standoff structure is removably connected to a handheld housing of the f-ESWT device, and driving the plurality of piezoelectric elements to generate the focused shock wave based on a second plurality of time delays when a second standoff structure is removably connected to the handheld housing of the f-ESWT device, the second plurality of time delays different from the first plurality of time delays, and the second standoff structure different from the first standoff structure.

Abstract: A handheld focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (f-ESWT) device includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements, a power supply circuit, and a plurality of driver circuits. The piezoelectric elements are each configured to generate an individual shock wave. The power supply circuit is configured to output a first DC voltage and a second DC voltage. The first DC voltage greater than the second DC voltage. The driver circuits are each operably connected to the first DC voltage, the second DC voltage, and to a corresponding piezoelectric element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. Each driver circuit includes a switching element electronically configurable in an open state and in a closed state. When the switching element is in the open state, the first DC voltage and the second DC voltage are applied to the corresponding piezoelectric element to pre-charge the corresponding piezoelectric element with a DC pre-charge voltage having a first polarity.

Abstract: A focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (f-ESWT) system includes an f-ESWT device and a plurality of interchangeable standoff structures. The f-ESWT device includes a housing. The f-ESWT device is configured to generate a focused shock wave as a combination of a plurality of individual shock waves. Each standoff structure is configured for removable connection to the housing to receive and to transmit the plurality of individual shock waves. Each standoff structure of the plurality of interchangeable standoff structures includes a rigid exterior shell defining a shell space, and an elastomeric interior at least partially located in the shell space. The plurality of individual shock waves is transmitted through the rigid exterior shell and the elastomeric interior of a selected standoff structure of the plurality of interchangeable standoff structures that is removably connected to the housing.

Abstract: A focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (f-ESWT) device includes a handheld housing, a battery, and a transducer assembly. The battery is located in the handheld housing. The transducer assembly is located in the handheld housing and is operably connected to the battery. The transducer assembly is configured to generate a focused shock wave using electrical energy from the battery.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved indwelling urinary catheter of the inflatable type having a unique, low profile device by which to retain the catheter within the bladder, so that urine can be removed therefrom while avoiding obstruction to the descending fetal vertex during the process of labor and delivery. Thus, making it better suited for obstetrical applications. The retaining device consumes less obstructing volume in the bladder than that which would ordinarily be consumed by a conventional Foley-style balloon, whereby both the frequency and severity of fetal vertex obstruction and its resulting increased time of labor, operative delivery and injury to maternal urologic tissue can be reduced. The obstetrical foley retains the tradition Foley-style balloon distal to the improved low-profile laboring balloon for insufflation in the event a surgical delivery by cesarean section is indicated.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for measuring real-time athletic performance. It provides runners or other endurance athletes with a real-time training metric. Rather than attempt to measure the athlete's real-time power output, which is a complicated measurement unproven outside the laboratory, an athlete's performance and environmental conditions (speed, acceleration, incline, running surface, and wind) are measured and used to predict virtual power in real-time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for fire suppression. One method of fire suppression may include sensing initial environmental parameters in an area of interest, and determining whether or not to enable the fire suppression system, based at least in part on the sensed initial parameters. Then subsequently sensing subsequent environmental parameters, and determining whether to enable or disable the fire suppression system, based at least in part on the sensed subsequent environmental parameters.

Abstract: Methods for multicolor multiplex imaging are provided herein in order to increase the number of targets that may be imaged given the number of fluorophores available or desired for use.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a set of instruments associated or in contact with an image plate readout device, as well as to a readout device that includes the cleaning system. The cleaning system includes a disinfecting element, which emits electromagnetic radiation and/or ultrasonic radiation capable of destroying disease carriers, and which is adapted to emit said radiation towards an image plate conveyor mechanism encompassed by the image plate readout device.

Abstract: A quantitative method of validating at least one candidate imaging method or candidate imaging reagent for use in evaluating a biological sample for the presence of one or more targets is described relying upon cross-correlation calculations.

Abstract: A modular structural support system, having: a plurality of vertically disposed frame support beams, a plurality of horizontally disposed frame support beams, a plurality of fastener devices, fastener devices rigidly connected to the ends of the horizontally disposed support beams and rotatably and selectively lockingly attachable to one of the vertically disposed support beams.

Abstract: Described are techniques for performing data storage system management of a data storage system. Using an active element manager component, a data storage system management operation in connection with a data storage device of the data storage system is performed, and context information is collected and provided to a target location in an external environment having connectivity to the data storage. The active element manager component provides for automatically connecting a current session associated with the data storage system management operation to the target location and receives one or more communications from the external environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning system for a set of instruments associated or in contact with an image plate readout device, as well as to a readout device comprising the cleaning system. The cleaning system comprises a disinfecting element, which emits electromagnetic radiation and/or ultrasonic radiation capable of destroying disease carriers, and which is adapted to emit said radiation towards an image plate conveyor mechanism encompassed by the image plate readout device.