Abstract: A pet toy includes a ring shaped peripheral body and an interior dispenser. An interior curved engaging surface of the peripheral body engages an exterior spherical surface of the dispenser. A curvature of the interior engaging surface allows the dispenser to continuously roll or rotate, yet maintain engagement with the peripheral body when the peripheral body is displaced by contact. The dispenser is hollow thereby defining a chamber to receive treats. One or more dispensing openings are provided on the dispenser to selectively dispense treats. The openings can be sized to selectively dispense treats of various sizes and shapes. The invention further includes a method of dispensing treats from a pet toy and a combination comprising the pet toy and selected treats loaded within the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrodepositable coating composition comprising an electrodepositable binder comprising an ionic salt group-containing film-forming polymer comprising active hydrogen functional groups, and a blocked polyisocyanate curing agent; a solubilized bismuth catalyst; and a guanidine; wherein the electrodepositable coating composition has a weight ratio of bismuth metal from the solubilized bismuth catalyst to guanidine of from 1.00:0.071 to 1.0:2.1 and/or a molar ratio of bismuth metal to guanidine of from 1.0:0.25 to 1.0:3.0. Also disclosed are methods of treating electrodepositable coating compositions, methods for making electrodepositable coating compositions, systems for coating a metal substrate, coatings, coated substrates, and methods of coating a substrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods described in this application are directed to hatch lid actuation systems. Actuation systems of the inventive subject matter are configured to effect the opening and closing of lids that are hingedly coupled with an opening. An embodiment featuring a rotational actuator, e.g., a motor, as well as an embodiment featuring a linear actuator are described. Embodiments having rotational actuators can additionally feature a gearbox. Embodiments of the inventive subject matter can also include sensor packages that can determine various hatch lid conditions (e.g., whether a lid is open, closed, wet, etc.).

Abstract: Components for valve treatment systems are disclosed. Valve treatment systems can include a delivery system for an implantable device. The delivery system can include one or more of clasp control components slidably disposed on a catheter handle, a control element for opening and closing the implantable device, a catheter assembly with features to reduce friction with another catheter assembly, grips for attaching catheter assemblies to clamps, catheter assemblies with features that stiffen or provide variable stiffness, and catheter assemblies with one or more steering control lumens incorporated into a reinforcement layer.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for generating radionuclides for use in production of radiopharmaceuticals; synthesizing the radionuclides generated and removing any unwanted products; measuring the quantity and activity level of the synthesized radionuclides; distributively delivering the radionuclides in appropriate quantities to modular cassette synthesis units in a modular cassette subsystem for contemporaneous/parallel production of radiopharmaceutical output and that allow reuse and/or quick, safe, and disposable replacement of portions of the subsystem; delivering non-radionuclide components to the modular cassette synthesis units as part of production of radiopharmaceutical output; measuring the quantity and activity level of each stream of radiopharmaceutical output; purifying the radiopharmaceutical output; dispensing individual doses in sterile vial(s); automatically producing labeling and dose related information; performing automated quality control on extracted samples of produced radiopharmaceuti

Abstract: A method of receiving a live videoconference stream from a server is provided. The live videoconference stream comprises a plurality of participants each receiving the live videoconference stream using a client device. The method comprises receiving, by a client device of a first participant of the plurality of participants via the server, a foreground image from the client devices of at least some of the other participants, and outputting for display, by the client device of the first participant, the foreground images from the at least some of the other participants overlaid on a common background image in accordance with a position mapping received from a client device of an organiser of the live videoconference stream via the server. The position mapping is for distribution via the server to the client devices of all of the plurality of participants.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting an aircraft for defects. The system comprises a plurality of cameras and projectors mounted on a structural inspection frame for imaging substantially the entire exterior surface of the aircraft. The projectors can project structured light patterns onto an exterior surface of the aircraft so that the camera system can capture a three-dimensional map of the exterior surface of the aircraft. Image processing systems can compare the captured three-dimensional map with an approved reference model of the aircraft to determine if there are defects or damage to the surface of the aircraft. The system may be configured for use with a particular aircraft model or a plurality of aircraft models. If exterior defects or damage is found, the system can project reference patterns or data onto the surface of the aircraft to aid in visual inspection of the potentially damaged portions of the aircraft.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods to aid in the manipulation of cells. The devices, methods, and systems disclosed herein can be applied towards, for example, automation of the in vitro fertilization process.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for animal health monitoring. Load data can be obtained from a plurality of load sensors associated with a platform carrying contained litter thereabove, wherein individual load sensors of the plurality of load sensors are separated from one another and receive pressure input from the platform independent of one another. If the load data is determined or not to be from an animal interaction with the contained litter, an animal behavior property associated with an animal is recognized if a determination is made based on load data that the interaction with the contained litter was due to the animal interaction. The animal behavior property is classified into an animal classified event using a machine learning classifier. A change in the animal classified event is identified as compared to a previously recorded event associated with the animal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for animal health monitoring. Load data can be obtained from an animal monitoring device including three or more load sensors associated with a platform carrying contained litter thereabove, wherein individual load sensors of the three or more load sensors are separated from one another and receive pressure input from the platform independent of one another, wherein the three or more load sensors individually sample loads at from 2.5 Hz to 110 Hz. An animal behavior property associated with the animal can be recognized if it is determined based on load data that the interaction with the contained litter was due to the animal interaction with the contained litter. The animal behavior property can be classified into an animal classified event using a machine learning classifier.

Abstract: A method of forming an imaging fibre apparatus comprises arranging rods to form a plurality of stacks each comprising a respective plurality of rods, wherein: for each stack, the respective plurality of rods comprises rods having different core sizes, the rods of different core sizes being arranged in a selected arrangement, and the rods of different core sizes being arranged such that each stack has a respective selected shape; wherein the selected shape or shapes are such that the stacks stack together in a desired arrangement; the method further comprising: drawing each of the plurality of stacks; stacking together the plurality of drawn stacks together in the desired arrangement to form a further stack; drawing the further stack; and using the drawn further stack to form an imaging fibre apparatus, wherein the selected arrangement of the rods in each stack and the selected shape or shapes of the stacks are such that the further stack comprises a repeating pattern of rods of different core sizes.

Abstract: A coupler including a fitting for mounting to externally threaded reinforcing bar for use in concrete construction, the fitting including a body having a portion with an internal thread for engagement with the thread of the reinforcing bar, wherein the internal thread has an asymmetric thread form having an outer ramped portion and an inner ramped portion, the outer ramped portion being inclined to a central axis of the coupler at a first angle, the inner ramped portion being inclined to the central axis of the coupler at a second angle, the first angle being smaller in magnitude than the second angle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions, tools, methods and devices to culture microorganisms and, in particular, to compositions, tools, methods and devices for the detection of microorganisms in biological samples.

Abstract: A method of forming an imaging fibre apparatus comprises arranging rods to form a plurality of stacks each comprising a respective plurality of rods, wherein: for each stack, the respective plurality of rods comprises rods having different core sizes, the rods of different core sizes being arranged in a selected arrangement, and the rods of different core sizes being arranged such that each stack has a respective selected shape; wherein the selected shape or shapes are such that the stacks stack together in a desired arrangement; the method further comprising: drawing each of the plurality of stacks; stacking together the plurality of drawn stacks together in the desired arrangement to form a further stack; drawing the further stack; and using the drawn further stack to form an imaging fibre apparatus, wherein the selected arrangement of the rods in each stack and the selected shape or shapes of the stacks are such that the further stack comprises a repeating pattern of rods of different core sizes.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods to facilitate cryopreservation of a cell or a mass of a plurality of cells such as oocytes or embryos. A device of the disclosure can, for example, store oocytes or embryos during the vitrification and/or warming processes of in vitro fertilization.

Abstract: A device to transmit an audio signal comprises at least one light source configured to transmit the audio signal with at least one wavelength of light. At least one detector is configured to detect the audio signal and generate at least one electrical signal in response to the at least one wavelength of light. A transducer is supported with and configured to vibrate at least one of an eardrum, an ossicle or a cochlea. Active circuitry is coupled to the transducer to drive the transducer in response to the at least one electrical signal, so as to provide the user with high quality sound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions, tools, methods and devices to culture microorganisms and, in particular, to compositions, tools, methods and devices for the detection of microorganisms in biological samples.

Abstract: A method of forming an imaging fibre apparatus comprises arranging rods to form a plurality of stacks each comprising a respective plurality of rods, wherein: for each stack, the respective plurality of rods comprises rods having different core sizes, the rods of different core sizes being arranged in a selected arrangement, and the rods of different core sizes being arranged such that each stack has a respective selected shape; wherein the selected shape or shapes are such that the stacks stack together in a desired arrangement; the method further comprising: drawing each of the plurality of stacks; stacking together the plurality of drawn stacks together in the desired arrangement to form a further stack; drawing the further stack; and using the drawn further stack to form an imaging fibre apparatus, wherein the selected arrangement of the rods in each stack and the selected shape or shapes of the stacks are such that the further stack comprises a repeating pattern of rods of different core sizes.

Abstract: A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first location to decrease occlusion and a second location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids.

Abstract: A method of forming an imaging fibre apparatus comprises: •arranging core rods 102 and cladding rods 104 to form at least one primary stack 100a, each primary stack 100a comprising a plurality of core rods 102 and cladding rods 104 arranged in a stack arrangement thereby to form a plurality of core regions within a cladding region; •performing a drawing process to form a plurality of drawn stacks from the at least one primary stack; •wherein the plurality of core rods and cladding rods are further arranged to have a selected shape such that the plurality of stacks stack together in a desired arrangement and wherein the stack arrangement comprises an at least partial outer layer of cladding rods thereby to provide separation between core regions of respective adjacent stacks when stacked in the desired arrangement, the method further comprising: •stacking the plurality of drawn stacks together in the desired arrangement to form a further stack; •drawing the further stack; and •using the drawn further stack to