Abstract: A stethoscope disinfection system comprising a guide member comprising a body member, a rotation-imparting member, a slide guide track, a spring guide track, and a trolley guide track, and a trolley comprising a lower housing member, a cam member, a lock head, a spring apparatus, a brush member, an upper housing member configured to receive at least a portion of a head of a stethoscope, and a dispersing member positioned in the dispersing mechanism chamber. The system may further comprise a slide guide configured to engage with each of the arm of the lock head and the slide guide track and to translate along a length of the slide guide track.

Abstract: A stethoscope disinfection system comprising a guide member comprising a body member, a rotation-imparting member, a slide guide track, a spring guide track, and a trolley guide track, and a trolley comprising a lower housing member, a cam member, a lock head, a spring apparatus, a brush member, an upper housing member configured to receive at least a portion of a head of a stethoscope, and a dispersing member positioned in the dispersing mechanism chamber. The system may further comprise a slide guide configured to engage with each of the arm of the lock head and the slide guide track and to translate along a length of the slide guide track.

Abstract: A method of forming polymer composites having transition metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed therein includes mixing a transition metal oxide precursor including at least one transition metal, a polymer as a binder, a solvent for the polymer, and water to form a first solution including polymer-transition metal complexes. The polymer-transition metal complexes are hydrolyzed to produce a plurality of transition metal oxide nanoparticles, wherein water is added in the mixing in a stoichiometric excess for the hydrolyzing. The solvent and residual of the water remaining after the hydrolyzing are removed. A polymer composite including a plurality of transition metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed in the polymer results after the removing, where some of the polymer is chemically conjugated to a surface of the transition metal oxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: A symptom database may associate vehicle parameters indicative of vehicle issues with software updates correcting the issues. A diagnostic server may receive vehicle parameters from a vehicle responsive to vehicle generation of a diagnostic code, utilize the symptom database to identify a software update corresponding to an issue indicated by the vehicle parameters, and provide a response identifying the software update for automatic installation by the vehicle to correct the issue. A processor of a vehicle may send, to a diagnostic server responsive to vehicle generation of a diagnostic code, vehicle parameters including the diagnostic code and an identifier of the vehicle, receive, from the diagnostic server, a response identifying a software update corresponding to an issue indicated by the vehicle parameters, receive the software update responsive to the response identifying the software update, and automatically install the software update.

Abstract: Systems for nerve and tissue modulation are disclosed. An example system may include an intravascular nerve modulation system including an elongated shaft having a proximal end region and a distal end region. The system may include an expandable frame having one or more electrodes positioned on or about the frame. An actuation assembly including a biasing element, a central shaft, and a piston may be configured to provide for controlled expansion of the expandable frame. The system may further include a control element for controlling the actuation assembly.

Abstract: A system including a magnetic tape processing system that includes a read/write head to write to a top surface of a magnetic tape. The read/write head provides a write head field gradient of at least 40 Oersteds per nanometer at the top surface of the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape processing system and the read/write head provide a track density of greater than 8000 tracks per inch, a bit density of greater than 440 kilo-bits per inch, and an aspect ratio of less than 70.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a navigation system, a communication interface, and a processing device. The navigation system is configured to store location information. The communication interface is configured to receive a message containing a purge command from a remote server. The processing device is configured to purge the location information from the navigation system in response to receiving the purge command.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength laser apparatus and methods for laser ablation of tissue are described. The apparatus and methods utilize a laser source emitting at two or more wavelengths coupled to a fiberoptic laser delivery device and a laser driver and control system with features for protection of the laser delivery device, the patient, the operator and other components of the laser treatment system. A fiber tip protection system limits damage to the fiberoptic laser delivery device, thereby allowing the multi-wavelength laser to be operated in a tissue contact mode. The invention, which has broad medical and industrial applications, is described in relation to a method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by contact laser ablation of the prostate (C-LAP) using a technique of touch and pullback laser ablation of the prostate (TapLAP).

Abstract: Balloon catheters and stent delivery systems including bifurcated stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example bifurcated stent delivery system may include an elongate shaft including a proximal section, a midshaft section, and a distal section. The proximal section may include a tubular member having a plurality of slots formed therein. The slots may be arranged in one or more sections having differing slot densities. The midshaft section may include a guidewire port in fluid communication with a guidewire lumen formed in the shaft. A main branch balloon may be coupled to the shaft. A side branch balloon may be disposed adjacent to the main branch balloon. A stent may be disposed on the main branch balloon and on the side branch balloon.

Abstract: An isolator system for a pressure transmitter includes a port internal to the transmitter, a sensor tube, and a fill tube. The sensor tube is connected to the port to fluidly connect a passageway through a transmitter body to a pressure sensor. The sensor tube includes a first end disposed in the port. The first end has a first cross-sectional area. The fill tube is internal to the transmitter and connected to the port to fluidly connect to the passageway. The fill tube includes a second end disposed in the port. The second end of the fill tube has a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area of the sensor tube.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack including a plurality of SOFCs and a plurality of interconnects. Each interconnect is located between two adjacent SOFCs, and each interconnect contains a Mn or Co containing, electrically conductive metal oxide layer on an air side of the interconnect. The SOFC stack also includes a barrier layer located between the electrically conductive metal oxide layer and an adjacent SOFC. The barrier layer is configured to prevent Mn or Co diffusion from the electrically conductive metal oxide layer to the adjacent SOFC.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack including a plurality of SOFCs and a plurality of interconnects. Each interconnect is located between two adjacent SOFCs, and each interconnect contains a Mn or Co containing, electrically conductive metal oxide layer on an air side of the interconnect. The SOFC stack also includes a barrier layer located between the electrically conductive metal oxide layer and an adjacent SOFC. The barrier layer is configured to prevent Mn or Co diffusion from the electrically conductive metal oxide layer to the adjacent SOFC.

Abstract: A method for implanting a stent includes contracting a self-expanding/forcibly-expanding stent of a shape-memory material set to a given shape to a reduced implantation size with a delivery system having drive wires. The stent has a selectively adjustable assembly with adjustable elements operatively connected to the drive wires such that, when the adjustable elements are adjusted by the drive wires, a configuration change in at least a portion of the self-expanding stent occurs. The contracted stent is inserted into a native annulus in which the stent is to be implanted. The drive wires are rotated with the delivery system to forcibly expand the stent into the native annulus. While rotating the drive wires, a torque applied to the drive wires is determined with the delivery system. Rotation of the drive wires is stopped based upon a value of the determined torque.

Abstract: An integrated catheter and powered injector system includes a pump housed in a self-contained unit, a contrast media supply removably connected to the pump by a fluid supply line, an extension line removably connecting an arterial catheter to the pump, and a control device sending user control signals to the pump. The pump comprises a motorized pump drive sub-system operating the pump, and a battery electrically connected to and powering the pump drive sub-system. In response to signals received from the control device, the pump drive sub-system drives the pump to draw contrast media fluid from the supply into the pump through the fluid supply line and inject the contrast media fluid from the output of the pump through the extension line and into the arterial catheter at a controlled flow rate and/or pressure.

Abstract: Nanoparticles can be embedded into a medical device by accelerating them to a speed of between 100 m/s and 1,000 m/s and embedding the particles into a polymer surface of a medical device or a precursor thereof. In some cases, the nanoparticles can be embedded until the nanoparticles accumulate in sufficient number to adhere together to form a coating over the polymer surface. The nanoparticles can provide a conductive pathway, an abrasion resistant surface, a pro-healing surface, and/or an anti-bacterial surface.

Abstract: Systems for nerve and tissue modulation are disclosed. An example system may include an intravascular nerve modulation system including an elongated shaft having a proximal end region and a distal end region. The system may include an expandable frame having one or more electrodes positioned on or about the frame. An actuation assembly including a biasing element, a central shaft, and a piston may be configured to provide for controlled expansion of the expandable frame. The system may further include a control element for controlling the actuation assembly.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, and an anode electrode having a first portion and a second portion, such that the first portion is located between the electrolyte and the second portion. The anode electrode comprises a cermet comprising a nickel containing phase and a ceramic phase. The first portion of the anode electrode contains a lower porosity and a lower ratio of the nickel containing phase to the ceramic phase than the second portion of the anode electrode. The nickel containing phase in the second portion of the anode electrode comprises nickel and at least one other metal which has a lower electrocatalytic activity than nickel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to magnetic recording tape. One or more ion emitters are disposed in non-contacting proximity to a passing recording tape. Static electric charges born on the tape are neutralized prior to passing the tape in contact with a read-write head. Migration of chemical constituency from the tape to the head is prevented or significantly reduced with a corresponding elimination or reduction of related problems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to magnetic recording tape. One or more ion emitters are disposed in non-contacting proximity to a passing recording tape. Static electric charges born on the tape are neutralized prior to passing the tape in contact with a read-write head. Migration of chemical constituency from the tape to the head is prevented or significantly reduced with a corresponding elimination or reduction of related problems.

Abstract: Provided are alternative hybrid transmission systems for vehicles, as well as, propulsion systems and vehicles comprising such transmission systems, to improve various propulsion systems using a combination of at least two power sources with the option for simultaneous or alternating power input from two or more power sources, while providing desired characteristics or components. Such characteristics or components can include, but are not limited to: power, torque, acceleration, cruising speed or power, fuel efficiency, battery charging, endurance, power sizing, weight, capacity, efficiency, speed, mechanically and/or electrically added system requirements, design, fuel selection, functional design, structural design, lift to drag ratio, weight, and/or other desired characteristic or component.