Abstract: A laser crafting apparatus for directing electromagnetic radiation toward a workpiece may include various features. For example, the laser crafting apparatus may include a material support tray that is removably supported within an internal volume of the laser crafting apparatus. Further, the apparatus may include pre-filter disposed in a ventilation pathway between a workspace region of the internal volume and an extractor fan. The laser crafting apparatus may include a laser carriage assembly that houses a laser module and the assembly may include a lens tray detachably coupled to the support structure of the laser carriage assembly. In various embodiments, the laser crafting apparatus includes a lid having a radiation attenuation layer and a fire suppression layer.

Abstract: A method of using a sterilization wrap system including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the exterior panel being substantially opaque or having a first level of translucence, and an interior panel including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the interior panel having a level of translucence that is higher than the translucence of the exterior panel, the panels being joined together over at least a portion of their surfaces. Also disclosed is inspection of the sterilization wrap system for exterior panel breaches by looking for light passing through a panel facing the viewer.

Abstract: Systems and methods to generate predicted variances of an operation based on data from one or more connected databases.

Abstract: Systems and methods to generate predicted variances of an operation based on data from one or more connected databases.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve prosthesis is loaded onto a balloon mounted onto a balloon shaft of a catheter system. The balloon shaft is rotatably engaged with an actuator on the handle of the catheter system. Rotation of the actuator by a first amount in a first direction permits rotation of the heart valve prosthesis by a known amount during the procedure so that alignment of the commissures of the replacement valve with the commissures of the existing valve can be predictably achieved.

Abstract: Various examples are directed to computer-implemented systems and methods for providing a unique market offer code and validation. A method includes generating an offer customized for an intended recipient, and sending the offer electronically to the intended recipient. The method further includes receiving a user selection of the offer, and displaying a landing web page on a graphical user interface (GUI) of a user device. A user selection of an action button on the landing web page is received, and a validation web page is displayed on the GUI, the validation web page including prompts for input of user information. The user information is evaluated to determine authenticity of the offer and to confirm identity of the user as the intended recipient. Upon determining that the user is not approved for the offer, access is provided to the user to an additional offer tailored to the user.

Abstract: A rotor includes a plurality of rotor cores arranged in a vertical stack, an end plate having a specified roughness on a surface engaging the vertical stack, and a binder material bonding the end plate to the vertical stack of rotor cores. The specified roughness is configured to allow venting of air beyond the end plate and to prevent passage of resin beyond the end plate.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition that includes a mutant Clostridium difficile toxin A and/or a mutant Clostridium difficile toxin B. The mutant toxin may include a glucosyltransferase domain having at least one mutation and a cysteine protease domain having at least one mutation, relative to the corresponding wild-type C. difficile toxin. The mutant toxins may include at least one amino acid that is chemically crosslinked. In another aspect, the invention relates to methods and compositions for use in culturing Clostridium difficile and in producing C. difficile toxins.

Abstract: Examples of synchronization of a gyroscope in a virtual-reality (VR) environment are described. In some examples, gyroscopic feedback for VR application content may be predicted. In some examples, a time shift corresponding to a physical system lag of a gyroscope may be added to synchronize the gyroscopic feedback with the VR application content. In some examples, the gyroscopic feedback may be applied based on the time shift.

Abstract: A tire inflation valve having anti-rotation features has an external valve seat, and includes a valve body, a valve stem extending through the length of the valve body, and anti-rotation features disposed interior to the valve body. The valve stem is configured to move relative to the valve body, such that a resilient seating surface disposed at a proximal end of the valve stem is displaced relative to a valve seat formed by an exterior surface of a proximal end of the valve body. The anti-rotation features may include a complementary slot and protrusion, a keyway and complementary protruding ridge, and/or complementary channels and lateral protrusions.

Abstract: A diffuser assembly includes a first blade pivotably coupled to a housing and configured to rotate about a first axis and includes second blade pivotably coupled to the housing and configured to rotate about a second axis. The diffuser assembly includes a linkage mechanism coupled to the first blade and the second blade and configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the linkage mechanism is configured to induce rotation of the second blade about the second axis in a first direction in response to rotation of the first blade about the first axis in the first direction. In the second configuration, the linkage mechanism is configured to induce rotation of the second blade about the second axis in a second direction, opposite the first direction, in response to rotation of the first blade about the first axis in the first direction.

Abstract: A stacked plurality of alternating laminations and adhesive layers of a rotor are arranged such that each of the adhesive layers bonds an outer periphery of an adjacent pair of the laminations together. Each of the laminations includes a plurality of interlocks, disposed about a central region of the lamination radially inside the outer periphery and lacking presence of any of the adhesive layers, that engage a same adjacent one of the laminations.

Abstract: A technology is described for a repeater. The repeater can comprise a first antenna port, a second antenna port, one or more first direction amplification and filtering paths, one or more second direction amplification and filtering paths, and a controller. The first antenna port can be configured to be coupled to a first antenna. The second antenna port can be configured to be coupled to a second antenna. The one or more first direction amplification and filtering paths can be coupled between the first antenna port and the second antenna port. The one or more second direction amplification and filtering paths can be coupled between the first antenna port and the second antenna port. The controller can be configured to switch the repeater between a radio frequency (RF) mode or a fiber optic mode.

Abstract: Presented are techniques of identifying, processing and displaying data point clusters associated with map information in an efficient manner Methods and systems are disclosed which process map information to identify clusters of requested data points for display, based on iterative clustering and filtering of the data points. Methods and systems are also disclosed which generate polygons representing the clusters. The amount of data to be processed and/or displayed can be reduced, without loss of any associated information content in a displayed map.

Abstract: A framing tool supports one end of beam member while the other end of the beam is secured to another beam or structure. The framing tool includes a support portion, a receiving portion and a strap. The strap wraps around a beam member to secure the beam member within the receiving portion. The support portion holds one end of the beam member in place so that an installer may secure the other end of the beam member without the aid of another installer.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve prosthesis is loaded onto a balloon mounted onto a balloon shaft of a catheter system. The balloon shaft is rotatably engaged with an actuator on the handle of the catheter system. Rotation of the actuator by a first amount in a first direction permits rotation of the heart valve prosthesis by a known amount during the procedure so that alignment of the commissures of the replacement valve with the commissures of the existing valve can be predictably achieved.

Abstract: A process for protecting an article from thermal damage includes anodizing a metallic surface of the article to form an anodic layer containing a metal oxide; annealing the anodic layer; introducing a phase change material to pores defined by the anodic layer; and applying a seal layer to seal the phase change material within the pores.

Abstract: A vehicle charging adapter including a connector configured to engage with a charging port of a vehicle, and a receiver coupled to the connector. The receiver includes a receiver charging surface, an indicator provided on the receiver charging surface, an inner radial wall extending from the receiver charging surface and defining a receiver cavity extending along an insertion axis, and one or more receiver electrical contacts provided on the inner radial wall within the receiver cavity. The one or more receiver electrical contacts are electrically connected to the connector.

Abstract: An waveguide on access tube (WOAT) system measures soil moisture by sensors placed at various depths of a medium, such as soil. The WOAT system includes a rigid tube into which an inflatable tube with various sensors bonded to it is inserted. Once in place, the rigid tube is removed and the inflatable tube and its sensor are inflated to the diameter of the hole or channel in which it is positioned. The ability to inflate the inflatable tube allows for the sensors on the inflatable tube to be force fit against the interior wall of the hole or channel for proper soil or ambient environment measurements.