Abstract: Among other things, there are shown embodiments of locking mechanisms for holding sutures in tension. Such devices may be used with implants that use or require sutures, and are easily locked remotely. In particular embodiments, a lock includes a housing member, a pin member at least partially within the housing member, and a spring biasing the pin member into the housing member. The pin member includes a gripping portion, and has a retracted condition and a locked condition. When retracted, a suture can move through the housing member and around the gripping portion of the pin member. When locked, the gripping portion of the pin member engages the suture and presses it against the interior of the housing member.

Abstract: An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva.

Abstract: A method includes removing a section of electrical insulation proximate an end of a tubing-encased conductor (TEC) to form an end of electrical insulation that is axially recessed relative to the end of the TEC. The method includes welding an end member to an outer surface of the outer tube at a weld joint that is axially between the end of the TEC and the end of the electrical insulation to protect the electrical insulation from heating damage from welding. The method includes replacing the section of electrical insulation proximate the end of the TEC by inserting a spacer into the end of the TEC between the outer tube and the electrical conductor after welding the end member to the outer surface of the TEC. A tool can be electrically connected to the electrical conductor and the tool can be welded to the end member.

Abstract: Presented herein are methodologies for securing BIOS/bootloader function including booting a computer system from a BIOS image stored in a first boot flash device, detecting an indication of a pending BIOS upgrade, in response to detecting the indication of a pending BIOS upgrade, accessing an upgraded BIOS image stored on a second boot flash device, validating a version of the upgraded BIOS image, authenticating the upgraded BIOS image using a signature stored in a first region of the second boot flash device, when the version of the upgraded BIOS image is validated, and the upgraded BIOS image is authenticated, writing the signature to a second region of the second boot flash device that is different from the first region, locking the second region of the second boot flash device, and rebooting the computer system from the second boot flash device.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening.

Abstract: A system for determining an energy requirement of a vehicle for a journey. The system may comprise a predictor mechanism to predict, using an energy prediction algorithm, a vehicle energy requirement for the journey. The system comprises an updater mechanism configured to refine the energy prediction algorithm for the vehicle by determining for each of a number of historical journeys undertaken by the vehicle, an error between an actual vehicle energy usage for the historical journey and a predicted energy usage derived using the energy prediction algorithm for the historical journey. An aggregate error is calculated from the errors of the number of historical journeys. The updater is arranged to adjust the energy prediction algorithm to reduce the aggregate error.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a videogame for a first user includes: performing a calibration test using a physical input device to evaluate at least a first physical input capability of the first user with respect to that physical input device; evaluating at the at least first physical input capability exhibited with respect to that physical input device during reference play of the videogame by one or reference users other than the first user; comparing the at least first physical input capability exhibited during reference play with that of the first user; and providing an evaluation of the videogame's suitability for play by the first user, based upon the comparison.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method of igniting an air/fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine includes receiving an air/fuel mixture into a pre-combustion chamber, the pre-combustion chamber enclosing a portion of an igniter, igniting the air/fuel mixture in in the pre-combustion chamber with the igniter to produce a flame, directing the flame to eject the pre-combustion chamber through a collection of passages in a wall of the pre-combustion chamber, toward a peripheral wall of a main combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, igniting, by the flame, air/fuel mixture in the main combustion chamber adjacent the peripheral wall, and then igniting air/fuel mixture in the main combustion chamber in a central region of the main combustion chamber with a propagating flame front of the ignited air/fuel mixture or a portion of the directed flame adjacent the peripheral wall.

Abstract: A product distribution system mounting assembly includes at least one bracket that is rigidly coupled to a frame of an air cart and at least one crossbar that supports at least one component of a product distribution system of the air cart. The at least one crossbar is slidingly coupled to the at least one bracket, thereby enabling the product distribution system of the air cart to move along a vertical axis relative to the at least one bracket and relative to the frame of the air cart as the air cart moves in a direction of travel through a field.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed, for use with delivery of respiratory gases to a patient. The breathing assistance apparatus includes a patient interface, having a body section adapted to cover the nose, or nose and mouth of a patient and a sealing interface. The sealing interface includes at least an outer sealing member. The outer sealing member is adapted to attach to the body section in a sealing manner and has a substantially thin section in at least its nasal bridge region. The thin section is substantially thinner than the rest of the outer sealing member. The patient interface comprises a mask body and a seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a flexible seal, and a rigid seal clip, the seal assembly being removably attached to the mask body via the rigid seal clip. The mask body and rigid seal clip are profiled to match the contours of a user's face so that the seal has a substantially constant wall depth.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed, for use with delivery of respiratory gases to a patient. The breathing assistance apparatus includes a patient interface, having a body section adapted to cover the nose, or nose and mouth of a patient and a sealing interface. The sealing interface includes at least an outer sealing member. The outer sealing member is adapted to attach to the body section in a sealing manner and has a substantially thin section in at least its nasal bridge region. The thin section is substantially thinner than the rest of the outer sealing member. The patient interface comprises a mask body and a seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a flexible seal, and a rigid seal clip, the seal assembly being removably attached to the mask body via the rigid seal clip. The mask body and rigid seal clip are profiled to match the contours of a user's face so that the seal has a substantially constant wall depth.

Abstract: Interfaces for positive pressure therapy having a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly are disclosed herein. The connection port assembly has a ball joint connection with the mask assembly and includes a quick release button for easily disconnecting the gases source conduit from the mask assembly. The mask assembly may include a bias flow vent that is formed separately and attached to the mask assembly. The headgear assembly encircles the rear region of the user's head and may include at least some portions that are substantially non-stretchable.

Abstract: A mask assembly for use as part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user is disclosed. The mask assembly includes a mask body having an inlet through which said flow of respiratory gases are provided to the interior of said mask body. A mask seal assembly comprising a seal of flexible material and a clip of rigid material is attached to the body. The seal has a first side and a second side. The first side of the seal is shaped to approximately match the contours of a user's face and in use substantially seal against a user's face. The second side is attached to the clip. The clip provides an interface extending substantially the full perimeter or periphery of the mask seal assembly for releasably attaching the mask seal assembly to the mask body. The clip comprises a bridging portion spanning outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body to space at least a portion of the second side of the seal outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body.

Abstract: A respiratory mask for providing positive pressure therapy and a bias-flow venting system configured to reduce discernable draft generated by exhausted air are disclosed herein. The respiratory mask has a ball jointed elbow, one or more detachable forehead pieces and a headgear with a spacer fabric region. The elbow is configured to be removable when oriented to a predetermined position. The forehead pieces are provided in one or more sizes. The spacer fabric region having two or more layers wherein the raw edges are turned to the inside of the layers. The seal having improved seal performance and accommodating a wider variety of facial geometries. The bias-flow system having a tube and exhaust holes radially aligned on a bead of the tube. The bias-flow system also having an annular component exhaust holes and a shroud having a plenum chamber around the exhaust holes.

Abstract: A computing system includes a processor and a non-volatile memory storing executable instructions that, in response to execution by the processor, cause the processor to execute an inspection classifier including at least a first artificial intelligence model, the inspection classifier being configured to receive run-time event input data from a plurality of data sources associated with an aircraft, the data sources including structural health monitoring sensors instrumented on the aircraft; extract features of the run-time event input data; determine a predicted inspection classification based upon the extracted features, the predicted inspection classification being one of a plurality of candidate inspection classifications; and output the predicted inspection classification.

Abstract: This disclosure presents an apparatus to improve the position sensing of a moving mechanism, such as a fluid valve located within a borehole. The apparatus can utilize a light beam or an optical fiber to measure changes in the position sensor. The smaller and lighter apparatus can improve the accuracy of the sensing mechanism. In addition, three systems are presented. The first system utilizes a vibration sensor, such as a MEMS, and an accelerometer to calculate changes in the mechanism position of the moving mechanism. The second system utilizes a radiation source and detector combination, along with a moving radiation shield to provide more accurate position sensing than conventional techniques. In addition, a lens-based system is presented, that when combined with a radiation source, can calculate position information by detecting the diffusion or dispersal of the radiation against a radiation detector.

Abstract: In an electrode assembly for a catheter system, a plurality of struts extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the electrode assembly. Each strut has a longitudinally extending proximal leg, a longitudinally extending distal leg, and a center segment extending between and interconnecting the proximal leg and the distal leg. Each strut includes at least one electrode thereon, as well as one or more hinged aspects.

Abstract: A bypass door assembly for a retail display fixture has two or more door panels each with a wheel assembly coupled to a top of the door panel and an adjustable drop rail that extends from a bottom of the door panel, a first coupling member having a first track and a second track for receiving the respective wheel assemblies of a first door panel and a second door panel, and a second coupling member having one or more guides for receiving the adjustable drop rail of one of the two or more door panels.