Abstract: This specimen collection tool can include a handle including a core manufactured by injecting a first material into a mold; wherein the core includes a flat portion, a protrusion and a proximal portion; a distal end having a cavity for receiving the core manufactured by injecting a second material into the mold wherein the second injection is performed without removing the handle from the mold and the second material surrounds the core; a first set of microfeatures disposed on the distal end having a second set of microfeatures disposed on the first set of microfeatures; a demolding pin included in the distal end; a support surface included on the core to support the core in the mold; and, a tapered tip included in the core operatively associated with a narrowing portion of the distal end to hinder removal of the distal end from the handle.

Abstract: A method of repairing a light emitting device assembly includes providing a light emitting device assembly including a backplane and light emitting devices, where a predominant subset of pixels in the light emitting device assembly includes an empty site for accommodating a repair light emitting device, generating a test map that identifies non-functional light emitting devices in the light emitting device assembly, providing an assembly of a repair head and repair light emitting devices, wherein the repair light emitting devices are located only on locations that are mirror images of empty sites within defective pixels that include non-functional light emitting devices, and transferring the repair light emitting devices from the repair head to the backplane in the empty site in the defective pixels.

Abstract: A method of repairing a light emitting device assembly includes providing a light emitting device assembly including a backplane and light emitting devices, where a predominant subset of pixels in the light emitting device assembly includes an empty site for accommodating a repair light emitting device, generating a test map that identifies non-functional light emitting devices in the light emitting device assembly, providing an assembly of a repair head and repair light emitting devices, wherein the repair light emitting devices are located only on locations that are mirror images of empty sites within defective pixels that include non-functional light emitting devices, and transferring the repair light emitting devices from the repair head to the backplane in the empty site in the defective pixels.

Abstract: An integrated back light unit can include a light guide plate having a non-uniform distribution of extraction features. The non-uniform distribution of the extraction features can be provided by an extraction-feature-free region in proximity to a light emitting device, and/or by a variable density of the extraction features that changes with distance from the light emitting device. Additionally or alternatively, the light guide unit can include a heterogeneous reflectivity surface that has a different reflectivity at proximity to the light emitting device assembly than at a distal portion of the light guide unit. The different reflectivity may be provided by a specular reflective material, diffusive reflective material, or a light absorbing material. The non-uniform distribution of extraction features and/or the heterogeneous reflectivity surface can be employed to enhance brightness uniformity of the reflective light and/or to control the temperature distribution within the light guide unit.

Abstract: An arteriovenous access valve system may generally include a first valve tube extending lengthwise between an arterial end and a first joint end, with the first valve tube including a first valve device. The system may also include a separate second valve tube extending lengthwise between a venous end and a second joint end, with the second valve tube including a second valve device. In addition, the system may include at least one tube connector coupled between the first and second valve tubes.

Abstract: A method for patterning a thin film photovoltaic panel on a substrate characterized by a compaction parameter. The method includes forming molybdenum material overlying the substrate and forming a first plurality of patterns in the molybdenum material to configure a first patterned structure having a first inter-pattern spacing. Additionally, the method includes forming a precursor material comprising at least copper bearing species and indium bearing species overlying the first patterned structure. Then the substrate including the precursor material is subjected to a thermal processes to form at least an absorber structure.

Abstract: A method for patterning a thin film photovoltaic panel on a substrate characterized by a compaction parameter. The method includes forming molybdenum material overlying the substrate and forming a first plurality of patterns in the molybdenum material to configure a first patterned structure having a first inter-pattern spacing. Additionally, the method includes forming a precursor material comprising at least copper bearing species and indium bearing species overlying the first patterned structure. Then the substrate including the precursor material is subjected to a thermal processes to form at least an absorber structure.

Abstract: A surgical fastener having a first and a second end for securing at least two surfaces together. The surgical fastener has a first configuration where the fastener is coupled to a restraining device that holds the fastener and a second configuration wherein the fastener is released from said restraining device. The second configuration has a substantially spiral shape and is spring biased along an axis perpendicular to the surfaces that it is securing. The surgical fastener also includes a rib that extends along the longitudinal axis of the fastener.

Abstract: A system for detecting acoustic events comprising a wearable sensor comprising: a microprocessor; a microphone communicating with the microprocessor; a GPS module; a wireless network system; and a display screen; wherein: the microphone is in communication with the microprocessor allowing the microprocessor to detect the acoustic event; the GPS functions to determine the location of the wearable sensor; the wireless network system allows for the interfacing and sharing of data between the sensor and other components of the system for detecting acoustic events; and the system for detecting acoustic events functions to triangulate the location and time of the acoustic event, may be used to detect gunshots. Other acoustic events such as a patient alarm may also be detected using the system.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one methodology of the present disclosure, an excavating machine (e.g., excavator, backhoe, bulldozer, etc.) moves an excavating apparatus (e.g., a bucket, blade, etc.) such that the excavating apparatus skims the underwater surface of a beach close to the shoreline to gather sand thereby forming a shallow trench in such surface. The depth of trench is small so that the effects of the sand removal to the contour of the beach is quickly compensated by the wave action of the ocean. Although the depth of the removed layer of sand is small, a significant amount of sand can be gathered by continuing the skimming operation over a much longer horizontal distance relative to the vertical depth of the removed sand. Moreover, by repeating the skimming operation along a shoreline, large amounts of sand can be gathered from the underwater surface of a beach close to the shoreline without a significant prolonged impact to the beach's underwater surface contour.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus comprises an introducer sheath, a surgical component, at least two attachment wires, and a longitudinal wire. The insertion apparatus is used for deploying a surgical component to a site in a vessel. The introducer sheath has a lumen, a proximal opening and a distal opening with an appropriate diameter and length allowing fro insertion and navigation through the vessel. The surgical component has a tube portion with a top and at least one limb. The surgical component corresponds to the site in the vessel and fits within the lumen of the introducer sheath. The attachment wires have a first and a second end. The first end is releasably connected to the top of the surgical component and the second end converges above the top of the surgical component. The activation of a releasing mechanism releases the first end from the top of the surgical component.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to methods for performing a surgical procedure. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for performing a surgical procedure, using a delivery catheter containing a laser fiber assembly. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of performing a surgical procedure comprises the steps of: advancing a delivery catheter to a procedure specific area; activating a laser fiber assembly disposed within the delivery catheter; and advancing the laser fiber assembly to create a treatment specific hole at the procedure specific area.

Abstract: A surgical fastener having a first and a second end for securing at least two surfaces together. The surgical fastener has a first configuration where the fastener is coupled to a restraining device that holds the fastener and a second configuration wherein the fastener is released from said restraining device. The second configuration has a substantially spiral shape and is spring biased along an axis perpendicular to the surfaces that it is securing. The surgical fastener also includes a rib that extends along the longitudinal axis of the fastener.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a remote generator to a bus, whether or not power from the bus is available at the generator. The system includes: a first clock at a host site; a host timing processor for determining the time of a synchronizing event; a communication channel for transmitting the time to a remote site; a second clock at a remote site synchronized to the first clock; and a remote timing processor for receiving the time of a synchronizing event, comparing the time of the event to the time of a similar event at the generator, and adjusting the speed of the generator to synchronize the generator to the bus.

Abstract: A flash programmable microprocessor-based control module is operated in a manner to protect the integrity of event data stored in the programmable memory of the module while permitting authorized manufacturing and field alteration of the programmable memory with a Download and Execute routine. The Download and Execute routine is resident in a designated sector of the module's read-only memory, and download access to the module's random access memory after module manufacture has been completed is denied. During manufacture of the module, and during field programming of the controller prior to the writing of event data, the programmable memory may be externally altered by an authorized service tool by transferring the Download and Execute routine from read-only memory to random access memory for execution by the module's microprocessor, and downloading the new data or code over a data link coupling the service tool to the module.

Abstract: The present invention provides an occlusive system and method of use at a surgical procedure. The occlusive system comprises a fastener and an occlusive device in cooperation with the fastener. An embodiment of the invention may further comprise a fastener tip and a penetration apparatus. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing the loss of fluid at a surgical site comprises the steps of: advancing an occlusive system comprising a fastener having an occlusive device to the surgical site; and deploying the surgical fastener having the occlusive device at the surgical site.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, identifying, and fixing the location of the source of an acoustic event. The inventive system includes: a plurality of sensors dispersed at somewhat regular intervals throughout a monitored area; a communication network adapted to deliver information from the sensors to a host processor; and a process within the host processor for determining, from the absolute times of arrival of an event at two or more sensors, a position of the source of the event. Acoustic events are detected and analyzed at each sensor so that the sensor transmits over the network: an identifier for the sensor; an identifier for the type of event; and a precise absolute time of arrival of the event at the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the system also identifies the type of weapon firing a gunshot.

Abstract: A new and distinct Zantedeschia plant named ‘Edge of Night’, having striking, extremely dark purple, almost black, spathe, leaf margins and petioles.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a remote generator to a bus, whether or not power from the bus is available at the generator. The system includes: a first clock at a host site; a host timing processor for determining the time of a synchronizing event; a communication channel for transmitting the time to a remote site; a second clock at a remote site synchronized to the first clock; and a remote timing processor for receiving the time of a synchronizing event, comparing the time of the event to the time of a similar event at the generator, and adjusting the speed of the generator to synchronize the generator to the bus.

Abstract: A new and distinct Zantedeschia plant named ‘Edge of Night’, having striking, extremely dark purple, almost black, spathes, leaf margins and petioles.