Abstract: An apparatus for obstructing the passage of debris and providing ventilation through a region between a first object and a second object, the apparatus comprising: a body; and a plurality of tines extending from the body, wherein the tines are arranged in use such that when the body is connected to the first object, the tines extend across the region and flex against the second object leaving channels between the tines in the region allowing for ventilation.

Abstract: A method of targeting, which involves capturing a first video of a scene about a potential targeting coordinate by a first video sensor on a first aircraft; transmitting the first video and associated potential targeting coordinate by the first aircraft; receiving the first video on a first display in communication with a processor, the processor also receiving the potential targeting coordinate; selecting the potential targeting coordinate to be an actual targeting coordinate for a second aircraft in response to viewing the first video on the first display; and guiding a second aircraft toward the actual targeting coordinate; where positive identification of a target corresponding to the actual targeting coordinate is maintained from selection of the actual targeting coordinate.

Abstract: Fiber optic cable assemblies having a construction suitable for a first deployment scenario where the optical connection is made to the device externally that may be transformed for a second deployment scenario where the optical connection is disposed within an internal cavity of the device are disclosed. The cable assembly has one or more cable legs disposed within a profile support element and are disposed under the heat shrink. The fiber optic connectors are exposed and suitable for optical connection with the heat shrink intact on the cable assembly and the profile support element further provides further flexibility using different outer housings with the cable assembly when making external optical connections to the device Thus, the concepts disclosed advantageously allow a single cable assembly to support multiple deployment scenarios in the field, thereby reducing complexity.

Abstract: The invention relates to bismuth-thiol compounds and pharmaceutical preparations thereof. The invention further relates to methods for treating a topical wound, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a bismuth-thiol compound, wherein the composition is applied to the infection. Methods for treating microbial infections such as diabetic foot infections are also provided.

Abstract: Automated cold storage unit and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and/or other products in compliance with regulatory requirements are provided. Such units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more controlled temperature zones fitted with temperature sensors. The units include a reader to track product information and status. Product movement within the unit is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with secure access to the contents of the unit and associated product data and information.

Abstract: A method of treating a calculi mass can include using an ultrasonic probe to produce acoustic energy and fragment the mass. The method can include varying the frequency at which fragmentation occurs to treat the mass with a resonant frequency. The ultrasonic probe can have a distal tip for contact with the mass, where the tip has a morphology for concentrating stress on the mass. The ultrasonic probe can have two or more ultrasonic horns to allow for higher voltage and power levels.

Abstract: A distributed, transactional database uses timestamps, such as logical clock values, for entry versioning and transaction management in the database. To write to the database, a service requests a timestamp to be inserted into the database with a new version of data. During a backup procedure, a cleanup process is paused, issuing new timestamps is paused, and a backup timestamp is generated, which results in an effective backup copy. During a restore of a backup, a snapshot of the database is loaded and any entries older than the backup timestamp are deleted, which ensures that a consistent restore has occurred.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for measuring the nose gap of a centrifugal pump may include using an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a suction liner of the centrifugal pump to measure the nose gap of a slurry pump for pumping a slurry mixture, which can include sand, rock, and other particulates. A signal analyzer may be used to determine the size of the nose gap based on scatterings and reflections of an ultrasonic pulse passing into or through the adjustable liner, through the medium being pumped, and reflected from the impeller. The assemblies and methods may provide an ability to obtain a real-time measurement of the nose gap during operation of the centrifugal pump, which may result in an ability to adjust nose gap to provide more efficient operation of the pump and reduced wear rates.

Abstract: A patient containment system for securing a patient to a patient transport apparatus, comprising a first lower strap and a second lower strap. Each of the first lower strap and the second lower strap have a thigh region, a waist region, and a connection region arranged between the thigh region and the waist region. A first connector is coupled to the connection region of the first lower strap. A second connector is coupled to the connection region of the second lower strap, and is configured to releasably attach to the first connector to at least partially limit movement of the first lower strap relative to the second lower strap. The connection region defines a connection width, and the thigh region defines a thigh width larger than the connection width.

Abstract: One or more embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems that are directed at providing enhanced privacy and security to distributed ledger-based networks (DLNs) via the implementation of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in the DLNs. ZKPs allow participants of DLNs to prove ownership of accounts on the DLNs without having to necessarily reveal private information such as the private key of the account publicly. As such, the disclosed methods and systems directed at the ZKP-enabled DLNs provide privacy to participants of the DLNs while still allowing the DLNs to remain as consensus-based networks.

Abstract: A device and method for remote-controlled explosive ordnance disposal using an explosive ordnance disposal device that includes a carriage adjustably attached to a device frame having a rotatable bar. The rotatable bar including at least a laser face, an x-ray face, and a disarm device face; the rotatable bar rotated by a servo motor, the servomotor being remotely operable. The laser face having a laser capable of a laser beam visible to a remote viewing device. The remote viewing device co-mounted to the laser face and remotely viewable. The x-ray face having an x-ray device attached to it. The disarm device face having a bomb disarming device attached; wherein the carriage and the rotatable bar may be remotely adjusted such that upon remote rotation the laser, x-ray and bomb disarming device share an aligned orientation and placement for operation.

Abstract: A roof panel comprising a rigid sheet (1) of material for forming a structural roof. The sheet is formed with a plurality of ridges (2), and a flexible solar material (6) attached along at least one of the ridges. The maximum height of at least one ridge (2) above the lowermost plane of the sheet is greater than 50 cm. A method of forming the roof panel comprises forming through holes (11) in the metal sheet, adhering a flexible solar material (6) along at least one of the ridges, and miming electrical connections (7) to the solar panel through the holes to the underside of the ridges (2).

Abstract: A backlight includes a substrate, a plurality of light sources proximate the substrate, a first reflective layer on the substrate, and a plurality of patterned reflectors over the plurality of light sources. Each light source includes a size measured in a plane parallel to the substrate. Each patterned reflector is aligned with a corresponding light source and includes a thickness profile. The thickness profile includes a substantially flat section and a curved section extending from and surrounding the substantially flat section. The substantially flat section varies in thickness by no more than plus or minus 20 percent of an average thickness of the substantially flat section. The substantially flat section includes a size in a plane parallel to the substrate equal to or greater than the size of each light source.

Abstract: To automate a pricing strategy for an otherwise unpriced service or item, prices may be generated through a plurality of different pricing models, via a pricing engine passing input data to a plurality of discrete pricing models. Those pricing models may pass data back to the pricing engine, which then adjudicates the results of the pricing models to identify a most-relevant pricing model for the particular unpriced service or item.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a query involving at least one dataset comprising a plurality of records, the query being submitted by a first user operating a computing device. An archetype policy that governs access to records of the at least one dataset can be determined, wherein the archetype policy includes at least one logical formula to be evaluated when determining whether a requesting user is permitted to access a given record, and wherein the at least one logical formula is satisfied based at least in part on a state associated with the requesting user and at least one first variable evaluated by the at least one logical formula. At least one record that the first user is permitted to access can be determined based at least in part on satisfaction of the at least one logical formula associated with the archetype policy.

Abstract: Systems and methods generate a first security node hash identifier by performing a first hash operation, such as a one-way hash, on a first data resource identifier associated with a first data resource, such as a data set, produced by a data resource platform. The systems and methods generate a dependent second security node hash identifier by performing a second hash operation on a second data resource identifier associated with a dependent second data resource produced by the data resource platform and on the first security node hash identifier, receive an access request for access to the dependent second data resource; and in response to the access request, grant permission to access the dependent second data resource to a user associated with the access request based on the dependent second security node hash identifier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a data structure which includes a sequence of events, each event associated with a sequence number indicating a temporal position of an event within the sequence of events; one or more read-offsets, each read-offset associated with a consumer, wherein each read-offset indicates a sequence number up to which a consumer has read events within the sequence of events; and at least one snapshot which represents events with sequence numbers smaller than the smallest read-offset in a compacted form. Disclosed herein is also a computer-implemented method of maintaining the data structure.

Abstract: A cable bundling system is disclosed. The cable bundling system includes a base having an opening extending through the base; a barb supported by the base and extending at least partially across the opening; and a strap adapted to be advanced through the opening in a first direction. When the strap is displaced in a second direction opposite the first direction, the barb pierces a medial portion of the strap such that the barb contacts the base. The strap can include a longitudinal groove extending a length of the strap, and the barb has a piercing portion opposite a supported portion. The piercing portion can pierce the medial portion of the strap.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner has a housing, an agitator mounted within the housing, and a drive mechanism for driving the agitator about a first axis A. The drive mechanism is mounted to the housing for rotation about a second axis R. The second axis R is offset from the first axis A. When the agitator is brought into contact with a surface to be cleaned, the surface exerts a reaction torque on the agitator that causes the drive mechanism to rotate about the second axis R.

Abstract: A solar electrical generator comprising an outer wall (1, 2) arranged to partially surround a cavity. A hub (3) is provided within the cavity wherein the outer face (4) of the wall is provided with solar cells (5). At least one of the hub (3) and the inner face (6) of the wall are provided with solar cells (5).