Abstract: Electrosurgical systems and components thereof configured to deliver RF energy to a target site of a human or other animal patient with selectable RF energy delivery profiles, temperature sensors and controls, and/or electrodes configured to more uniformly or effectively delivery energy to target tissue.

Abstract: A polydiorganosiloxane is useful in a composition and a method for preparing a wood plastic composite article. The wood plastic composite article is useful as a building material. The polydiorganosiloxane may be added to the composition in liquid form or may form part of a solid carrier component used to make the wood plastic composite article.

Abstract: Methods and systems for intraoperatively determining alignment parameters of a spine during a spinal surgical procedure are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method of intraoperatively determining an alignment parameter of a spine during a surgical procedure includes receiving initial image data of the spine including multiple vertebrae and identifying a geometric feature associated with each vertebra in the initial image data. The geometric features each have a pose in the initial image data and characterize a three-dimensional (3D) shape of the associated vertebra. The method further comprises receiving intraoperative image data of the spine and registering the initial image data to the intraoperative image data. The method can then update the pose of each geometric feature based on the registration and the intraoperative image data, and determine the alignment parameter based on the updated poses of the geometric features associated with two or more of the vertebrae.

Abstract: A transaction card can be manufactured from rigid materials, such as glass, stone, or ceramics. First, a rigid layer of a transaction card can be placed within a first recess of a first metallic sheet. The first recess can comprise a lip and an opening. Next, a binding layer can be placed on top of the first rigid layer of the transaction card where the binding layer comprises a binding medium. A second rigid layer can be placed on top of the binding layer. A second metallic sheet can be placed on top of the first metallic sheet where the second metallic sheet has a second recess with a lip and an opening. Next, the first metallic sheet can be fused together with the second metallic sheet to form a fused metal sheet. The fused metal sheet can be cut along a border of the opening of the first recess.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a wind turbine is provided, wherein a control scheme is determined for the wind turbine, wherein the control scheme specifies for a future period of time at least a first operating period in which the wind turbine is operated to provide an output of electrical power to a power grid and at least one shutdown period in which the wind turbine is shut down, the shutdown period being arranged temporally after the first operating period. The wind turbine is operated in accordance with the control scheme. Determining the control scheme includes the obtaining of input data, wherein obtaining input data comprises at least monitoring operation of the wind turbine to obtain monitoring data related to the integrity of the wind turbine, and obtaining weather data indicating weather conditions, and the forecasting of two or more operating parameters.

Abstract: The present technology relates to processes for converting PBWO into light and medium distillate such as usable diesel fuel, the processes generally comprising the steps of: boiling the PBWO to dehydrate the PBWO, heating the PBWO to produce PBWO hydrocarbon vapor, contacting the PBWO hydrocarbon vapor with a catalyst, and cooling the resultant vapor to liquid form through heat exchangers to produce light and medium distillate.

Abstract: Described herein is a golf bag with a sub-assembly and a stand assembly that together form a carry bag. The sub-assembly can comprise a divider top, a base, a divider sleeve, one or more stays that secure the base to the divider top, and a flat. The stand assembly can comprise a pair of legs, a spring, a pair of brackets for attaching the spring to the legs, and a pair of leg end cap protectors. When strapped to a golf cart, a golf bag can rub against portions of the cart, wearing paint off the legs. The instant golf bag comprises leg end cap protectors that can prevent wear on an upper portion of the legs. Furthermore, the stand assembly can be shipped disconnected from the sub-assembly to allow the sub-assembly to collapse and reduce shipping box size.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of transaction cards incorporating aluminum or aluminum alloys. The aluminum can be extracted or recycled from a retired aircraft. Other materials can also be incorporated into the transaction card to provide sufficient weight and rigidity to the transaction card. Stainless steel can be incorporated into the construction of the card in combination with aluminum to provide a desired user experience.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a computer-implemented method comprising: generating a unique identifier associated with a digital electronic workspace, a project, a first account, and a second account; receiving, from the first account, input granting permissions to a second account; generating initial requirements data; receiving, a second input indicating a first set of one or more of the digital requirement objects to associate with the unique identifier; receiving, from the second account, a third input to generate and digitally store an additional digital requirement object and associating that object with the unique identifier; receiving input indicating consensus that the project should possess all the features described in natural language text summaries represented by the digital requirement objects; and changing a state value of a variable associated with the unique identifier to a new state and displaying an indication of the new state.

Abstract: A method of controlling a neural stimulus, the neural stimulus being defined by at least one stimulus intensity parameter. The method comprises, generating a stimulus intensity parameter to control a stimulator that generates a stimulus current for application to a tissue, measuring a response of the tissue, evoked by the stimulus current, determining a response parameter indicative of the measured response, in response to the response parameter being less than a first threshold, setting the stimulus intensity parameter to a desired stimulus intensity level; and in response to the response parameter being greater than a second threshold, adjust the stimulus intensity parameter according to a feedback variable derived from the measured response.

Abstract: A pointing controller enables interaction with virtual objects in a virtual or augmented reality environment. The pointing controller comprises a form factor that enables it to be securely positioned in the user's fingers during a pointing gesture. The pointing controller tracks a pointing direction in three-dimensional space based on motion of the pointing controller. The pointing controller furthermore includes one or more control elements such as buttons or touch interfaces to enable additional interactions.

Abstract: A transaction card can be manufactured from rigid materials, such as glass, stone, or ceramics. The transaction card can have a first rigid layer having a first external surface and a first internal surface, with a pocket within the first external surface of the first rigid layer. The transaction card can have a second rigid layer having a second external surface and a second internal surface. A binding layer can be located between the first rigid layer and the second rigid layer can affix the first rigid layer to the second internal layer. An integrated circuit chip can be affixed within the pocket of the first rigid layer. A rim can extend from the first external surface of first rigid layer around a first edge of the first rigid layer and a second edge of the second rigid layer and onto the second external surface of the second rigid layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to improving the movement of a target polynucleotide with respect to a transmembrane pore when the movement is controlled by a polynucleotide binding protein. The invention also relates to improved transmembrane pores and polynucleotide binding proteins.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to colloidal particles useful for photoacoustic imaging. The particles comprise a photoacoustic imaging agent with an absorbance maximum or plateau in the range of wavelengths 700-1100 nm. The imaging agent also displays low optical absorbance at some wavelength in the range 700-1100 nm. This combination of high and low optical absorbance enables background subtraction in photoacoustic imaging applications. The imaging agent is an organic compound having low aqueous solubility so that it is stably encapsulated in the hydrophobic core of the particle. The particle is stabilized by a polymeric surface coating, and the polymeric stabilizing layer on the surface of the particle may contain targeting ligands for targeted diagnostics or therapeutic delivery. The particle core may also contain therapeutic agents or other imaging agents.

Abstract: A method of applying a neural stimulus with an implanted electrode array involves applying a sequence of stimuli configured to yield a therapeutic effect while suppressing psychophysical side effects. The stimuli sequence is configured such that a first stimulus recruits a portion of the fibre population, and a second stimulus is delivered within the refractory period following the first stimulus and the second stimulus being configured to recruit a further portion of the fibre population. Using an electrode array and suitable relative timing of the stimuli, ascending or descending volleys of evoked responses can be selectively synchronised or desynchronised to give directional control over responses evoked.

Abstract: A support structure for a structured catalytic packing is disclosed. The support structure is in a fixed position relative to the reactor tube containing it. It supports catalyzed casings that are free to move relative to the support structure. The support structure and casings are inserted in the reactor tube such that the support structure is located proximate the longitudinal axis of the tube and the casings are located between the support structure and the reactor tube wall. The support structure comprises a central support tube or rod proximate to, and impervious or perforated discs perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the reactor tube, and may comprise spacers separating the discs.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of transaction cards incorporating aluminum or aluminum alloys. The aluminum can be extracted or recycled from a retired aircraft. Other materials can also be incorporated into the transaction card to provide sufficient weight and rigidity to the transaction card. Stainless steel can be incorporated into the construction of the card in combination with aluminum to provide a desired user experience.

Abstract: A system for separating cut food products includes a flow inlet, a flow outlet, and at least one drum connecting the flow inlet and the flow outlet. The flow inlet may be oriented to direct the cut food product tangentially into the at least one drum. The flow inlet may be oriented to direct the cut food product into the at least one drum at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the at least one drum. The at least one drum may be a plurality of drums including a first drum having the flow inlet and a second drum having the flow outlet. The system may include a passageway providing fluid communication from the first drum to the second drum. The passageway may include a tapered section. The flow inlet may be aligned with the flow outlet.

Abstract: A cable release comprises a control handle, at least one retractable latch pin, and cables connected from the handle to the latch pins. The handle assembly includes a cup with a non-round orifice at one end. A rod within the cup passes through the handle allowing it to spin, so twisting the handle does not cross up its attached control lines. The latch pin assembly includes another cup and a set screw so that a stop tube may be inserted adjustably to establish a gap length between the stop tube and the retractable latch pin in the cup. A spring between the stop tube and a flange of the pin extends the pin when not pulled into a retracted position by the handle. Varying pin lengths and stop tube gaps allows a single pull of the handle to effect simultaneous or sequential releases of articles retained by the pins.