Abstract: An apparatus configured to couple to an electrical penetration assembly is disclosed in which the apparatus comprises a connector comprising an inorganic seal to seal an inorganic flange and/or housing to an electrical penetration assembly.

Abstract: A method for forming a membrane includes a step of dissolving a lithium salt in a solution including an ionomer that includes protogenic groups to form a modified solution. A membrane is formed from the solution containing the lithium salt and the ionomer that includes protogenic groups. The membrane is dried and then contacted with water to form a plurality of pores therein.

Abstract: A firearm support system (FSS) includes a buffer tube mount (BTM) having a first complementary component and a receiver comprising a second complementary component configured to selectively receive the first complementary component. The BTM comprises a shelf that extends from a ring of the BTM.

Abstract: Analytical instruments are provided that can include a sample inlet component with the sample inlet component including a first sampling port; a plurality of sample capturing assemblies; and a first valve assembly in fluid communication with both the sampling port and the sample capturing assemblies. The instrument can further include a sample analysis component in fluid communication with the first valve assembly of the sample inlet component; and an instrument control component in controlling communication with both the sample inlet component and the analysis component. Instrumental analysis methods are provided that can include continuously providing sample to at least one of a plurality of sample capturing assemblies; and selectively analyzing the contents of at least one of the plurality of sample capturing assemblies.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for filling a therapeutic substance or drug within a hollow wire that forms a stent. The stent is placed within a chamber housing a fluid drug formulation. During filling, the chamber is maintained at or near the vapor-liquid equilibrium of the solvent of the fluid drug formulation. To fill the stent, at least a portion of the stent is placed into contact with the fluid drug formulation until a lumenal space defined by the hollow wire is at least partially filled with the fluid drug formulation via capillary action. After filling is complete, the stent is retracted such that the stent is no longer in contact with the fluid drug formulation. The solvent vapor pressure within the chamber is reduced to evaporate a solvent of the fluid drug formulation. A wicking means may control transfer of the fluid drug formulation into the stent.

Abstract: A firearm support system includes a receiver that has a back wall comprising a strap slot and a flexible strap extending from the back wall.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and detecting the gait and other health related parameters of a user. One such parameter is monitoring of medication compliance and treatment session attendance done by a medication and liquid dispensing apparatus, which combines mechanical dispensing of medication. These parameters are provided in standard of care summaries to care providers, and are continually reported by the Optimum Recognition Blueprint as Standard of Care Summaries to care providers, as well as communicated to the end-user by the Virtual Caregiver Interface.

Abstract: A stent is formed from a wire having an outer member, a radiopaque member lining at least a portion of the outer member inner surface, and a lumen defined by the outer member inner surface or the radiopaque member inner surface. A substance is disposed in the lumen to be eluted through at least one opening disposed through the outer member to the lumen. The radiopaque member may be substantially continuous along the length of the wire or disposed only along portions of the wire such as crowns. In a method for making the stent, a composite wire including an outer member, a radiopaque intermediate member, and a core member is shaped into a stent pattern and processed to remove the core member and optionally portions of the radiopaque intermediate member, without damaging the outer member.

Abstract: Delivery devices for delivery of a stented prosthetic heart valve. Various delivery devices include an outer sheath assembly including an outer sheath connected to a capsule that is advanced proximally to retain the prosthetic valve, which is secured over an inner shaft assembly of the delivery device. The delivery device further includes a bumper to provide a smooth transition of the capsule over the prosthetic valve during loading and recapture procedures. The bumper is expandable from a first position to a second position in which a distal end of the bumper is expanded to increase its diameter. The bumper can be biased in the second, expanded position so that the bumper automatically transitions to the expanded position upon retraction of the outer sheath.

Abstract: A method for making a fibrous layer for fuel cell applications includes a step of combining a perfluorocyclobutyl-containing resin with a water soluble carrier resin to form a resinous mixture. The resinous mixture is then shaped to form a shaped resinous mixture. The shaped resinous mixture includes perfluorocyclobutyl-containing structures within the carrier resin. The shaped resinous mixture is contacted (i.e., washed) with water to separate the perfluorocyclobutyl-containing structures from the carrier resin. Optional protogenic groups and then a catalyst are added to the perfluorocyclobutyl-containing structures.

Abstract: This invention provides a transgenic mouse with a p16INK4a promoter sequence that controls expression of a protein such that it is expressed preferentially in senescent cells. The protein either directly induces apoptosis, or converts a prodrug to a cytotoxic compound. In addition, the mouse is injected with syngeneic tumor cells, or has second transgene that causes tumors to form. Removing senescent cells from the mouse may result in the formation of fewer tumors.

Abstract: This invention provides a transgenic mouse for studying the role of senescent cells on an age-related disorder or an age-sensitive trait. The transgene contains a p16 promoter sequence that controls expression of an enzyme so as to cause the enzyme to be expressed in senescent cells in the mouse. The enzyme converts a prodrug to a cytotoxic agent, so that treating the mouse with the prodrug results in the prodrug selectively killing the senescent cells. As a result, progression of an age-related disorder or an age-sensitive trait is delayed. Included is the 3MR mouse model, which also expresses bioluminescent and fluorescent markers under control of the p16 promoter so that senescent cells in the mice can be visualized.

Abstract: A firearm support system, has a stock unit configured to be carried by a firearm, the first unit having a first complementary component and a belt unit configured to be carried by a belt, the second unit having a second complementary component configured for selective engagement with the first complementary component.

Abstract: A stent is formed from a wire having an outer member, a radiopaque member lining at least a portion of the outer member inner surface, and a lumen defined by the outer member inner surface or the radiopaque member inner surface. A substance is disposed in the lumen to be eluted through at least one opening disposed through the outer member to the lumen. The radiopaque member may be substantially continuous along the length of the wire or disposed only along portions of the wire such as crowns. In a method for making the stent, a composite wire including an outer member, a radiopaque intermediate member, and a core member is shaped into a stent pattern and processed to remove the core member and optionally portions of the radiopaque intermediate member, without damaging the outer member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for filling a therapeutic substance or drug within a hollow wire that forms a stent. The stent is placed within a chamber housing a fluid drug formulation. During filling, the chamber is maintained at or near the vapor-liquid equilibrium of the solvent of the fluid drug formulation. To fill the stent, a portion of the stent is placed into contact with the fluid drug formulation until a lumenal space defined by the hollow wire is filled with the fluid drug formulation via capillary action. After filling is complete, the stent is retracted such that the stent is no longer in contact with the fluid drug formulation. The solvent vapor pressure within the chamber is reduced to evaporate a solvent of the fluid drug formulation. A wicking means may control transfer of the fluid drug formulation into the stent.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery separator includes a porous film of a polymeric chelating agent. The polymeric chelating agent includes a poly(undecylenyl-macrocycle), where the macrocycle is a chelating agent. A positive electrode includes a structure and a coating formed on a surface of the structure. The structure includes a lithium transition metal based active material, a binder, and a conductive carbon; and the coating includes a poly(undecylenyl-macrocycle), where the macrocycle is a chelating agent. The separator and/or positive electrode are suitable for use in a lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A latching device configured to secure a first piece of material to a second piece of material. For example, the first piece of material is a boat tarp and the second piece of material is a boat hull. The latching device includes a locking buckle and clasp assembly. The locking buckle has a main body portion and a release mechanism. The release mechanism has locking pawls with claw members. The locking pawls engage the clasp assembly to releasably retain the locking buckle on the clasp assembly.

Abstract: Mass separators are provided that can include at least one electrode component having a surface, in one cross section, defining at least two runs associated via at least one rise, the rise being orthogonally related to the runs. Mass selective detectors are provided that can include at least a first pair of opposing electrodes with each of the opposing electrodes having a complimentary surface, in one cross section, defining at least two runs associated via a rise. Methods for optimizing mass separation within a mass selective detector are also provided, including providing mass separation parameters; providing one set electrodes within the separator having a surface operatively aligned within the separator, the surface, in one cross section, defining at least two runs associated via a rise, the rise being orthogonally related to the runs; and modifying one or both of the rise and/or runs to achieve the mass separation parameters.