Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a posterior shell with ankle and foot receiving portions, and first and second wing portions forming an opening over a dorsal aspect of the posterior shell. A dorsal shell is contoured to substantially correspond to the opening of the posterior shell. The dorsal shell includes a proximal member and a distal member hingedly connected to the proximal member via a hinge mechanism. A pump assembly receiving opening is defined in the proximal member of the dorsal shell and a raised portion extends longitudinally along an exterior surface of the dorsal shell. A plurality of clearance holes are defined in the first and second wing portions. An inflatable bladder is disposed at least in the ankle receiving portion of the posterior shell. A pump assembly is inserted through the pump assembly receiving opening and is in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: Embodiments of an integrated method for step-wise conversion of 2,3-butanediol to 2-butanol, and optionally to hydrocarbons, are disclosed. The method includes providing an acidic catalyst, exposing a composition comprising aqueous 2,3-butanediol to the acidic catalyst to produce an intermediate composition comprising methyl ethyl ketone, providing a hydrogenation catalyst that is spatially separated from the acidic catalyst, and subsequently exposing the intermediate composition to the hydrogenation catalyst to produce a composition comprising 2-butanol. The method may further include subsequently exposing the composition comprising 2-butanol to a deoxygenation catalyst, and deoxygenating the 2-butanol to form hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbons comprise olefins, such as butenes, and the method may further include subsequently exposing the hydrocarbons to a hydrogenation catalyst to form saturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: There are provided semiconductor packages having corner pins and methods for their fabrication. Such a semiconductor package includes a leadframe and a die paddle, the leadframe having first and second edge sides meeting to form a first corner. The semiconductor package also includes edge pins arrayed substantially parallel to the first edge side and edge pins arrayed substantially parallel to the second edge side. In addition, the semiconductor package includes a first corner pin situated at the first corner, the first corner pin being electrically isolated from the die paddle.

Abstract: Containers and methods are provided for dispensing a liquid concentrate utilizing one or more desirable properties including a generally consistent discharge across a range of squeeze forces, a generally consistent discharge with the same force without significant dependence on the amount of liquid concentrate in the container, a substantially dripless or leak proof outlet opening, a jet that minimizes splashing when the liquid concentrate impacts a target liquid, and a jet that maximizes mixing between the liquid concentrate and the target liquid to produce a generally homogenous mixture without the use of extraneous utensils or shaking Also provided are liquid beverage concentrates that can be cold filled during packaging while maintaining shelf stability for at least about three months at ambient temperatures. Concentrates are provided having low pH, with or without alcohol, and with buffers to allow for increased acid content at a selected pH.

Abstract: A composition comprising 2,3-butanediol is dehydrated to methyl vinyl carbinol and/or 1,3-butadiene by exposure to a catalyst comprising (a) MxOy wherein M is a rare earth metal, a group IIIA metal, Zr, or a combination thereof, and x and y are based upon an oxidation state of M, or (b) M3a(PO4)b where M3 is a group IA, a group IIA metal, a group IIIA metal, or a combination thereof, and a and b are based upon the oxidation state of M3. Embodiments of the catalyst comprising MxOy may further include M2, wherein M2 is a rare earth metal, a group IIA metal, Zr, Al, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, 2,3-butanediol is dehydrated to methyl vinyl carbinol and/or 1,3-butadiene by a catalyst comprising MxOy, and the methyl vinyl carbinol is subsequently dehydrated to 1,3-butadiene by exposure to a solid acid catalyst.

Abstract: Processes and bi-functional catalysts are disclosed for hydrotreating bio-oils derived from biomass to produce bio-oils containing fuel range hydrocarbons suitable as feedstocks for production of bio-based fuels.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has at least one flexible or rigid frame member contoured to generally correspond to an anatomical limb. The device also includes a tightening system having a dial tensioning device and at least one cable and/or strap connected to the dial tensioning device. The dial tensioning device has a rotary ratchet permitting incremental adjustment of the cable and/or strap. Adjustment of the dial tensioner in a first direction secures the frame member to the limb.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises an antimonide-based compound semiconductor (ABCS) stack, an upper barrier layer formed on the ABCS stack, and a gate stack formed on the upper barrier layer. The upper barrier layer comprises indium, aluminum, and arsenic. The gate stack comprises a base layer of titanium and tungsten formed on the upper barrier layer.

Abstract: A dynamic tension system connects to an orthopedic device having a frame and a hinge connected to the frame. The dynamic tension system includes a cable, an adjustment mechanism connected to the cable and arranged to incrementally wind or release the cable, and a tension control device connected to the adjustment mechanism and arranged to limit the adjustment mechanism from winding of the cable past a predetermined tension level.

Abstract: An orthopedic device and method for using the same are provided for applying a dynamic load on a leg of a user. The orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame including lower and upper frames, and a hinge assembly connecting the lower and upper frames. A dynamic loading component is used to urge the load on the user's leg on the basis of flexion of the hinge assembly on the basis of tension in an elongate element connecting the dynamic loading component and at least one of the lower and upper frames. A peak load is generated at a flexion angle between extension and flexion of the hinge assembly.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has at least one flexible or rigid frame member contoured to generally correspond to an anatomical limb. The device also includes a tightening system having a dial tensioning device and at least one cable and/or strap connected to the dial tensioning device. The dial tensioning device has a rotary ratchet permitting incremental adjustment of the cable and/or strap. Adjustment of the dial tensioner in a first direction secures the frame member to the limb.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to remote control of dialysis machines. In certain aspects, a method includes receiving a request for a network connection from a dialysis machine and establishing the network connection with the dialysis machine. The method also includes receiving, from a client device, a request to access the dialysis machine, authorizing the client device to access the dialysis machine, receiving, from the dialysis machine, information pertaining to an operation of the dialysis machine, and providing, to the client device, the received information.

Abstract: A coupling device for an orthopedic brace includes an anchoring member for securing to a frame and protruding therefrom, and a subshell arranged to connect to the frame by the anchoring member. The subshell has a locking element for selectively positioning the subshell on the frame at a plurality of locations. The subshell may include an end portion or contoured edge extending beyond a portion of the frame so as to flex relative to the frame.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is arranged to apply a dynamic load on a leg of a user. The orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame including lower and upper frames, and a hinge assembly connecting the lower and upper frames. A dynamic loading component is used to urge the load on the user's leg on the basis of flexion of the hinge assembly on the basis of tension in an elongate element connecting the dynamic loading component and at least one of the lower and upper frames. A peak load is generated at a flexion angle between extension and maximum flexion of the hinge assembly.

Abstract: An orthopedic device in the form of a circumferential walker includes a first member (posterior shell) and a second member (dorsal shell) corresponding to the first member. An outsole or plantar shell portion is attached to, or formed on or with the posterior shell. A hinge mechanism is provided between the posterior and dorsal shells to allow the dorsal shell to be swung away from the posterior shell in order to accommodate an anatomical limb therein. Inflatable bladders having perspiration wicking channels and/or openings are provided within a liner for insertion between the posterior and dorsal shells. Quick-connecting buckle and retaining assemblies can be provided to allow a user to quickly don and doff the orthopedic device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to remote control of dialysis machines. In certain aspects, a method includes receiving a request for a network connection from a dialysis machine and establishing the network connection with the dialysis machine. The method also includes receiving, from a client device, a request to access the dialysis machine, authorizing the client device to access the dialysis machine, receiving, from the dialysis machine, information pertaining to an operation of the dialysis machine, and providing, to the client device, the received information.

Abstract: A coupling device for an orthopedic brace includes an anchoring member for securing to a frame and protruding therefrom, and a subshell arranged to connect to the frame by the anchoring member. The subshell has a locking element for selectively positioning the subshell on the frame at a plurality of locations. The subshell may include an end portion or contoured edge extending beyond a portion of the frame so as to flex relative to the frame.

Abstract: There are provided semiconductor packages having corner pins and methods for their fabrication. Such a semiconductor package includes a leadframe and a die paddle, the leadframe having first and second edge sides meeting to form a first corner. The semiconductor package also includes edge pins arrayed substantially parallel to the first edge side and edge pins arrayed substantially parallel to the second edge side. In addition, the semiconductor package includes a first corner pin situated at the first corner, the first corner pin being electrically isolated from the die paddle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to making medical solutions. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes introducing liquid into a container that contains a dissolvable solid concentrate in a manner so that a layer of solution above the solid concentrate is maintained at a depth that allows the liquid introduced into the container to agitate the solution adjacent to the solid concentrate to cause mixing of the solid concentrate with the solution.

Abstract: Containers and methods are provided for dispensing a liquid concentrate utilizing one or more desirable properties including a generally consistent discharge across a range of squeeze forces, a generally consistent discharge with the same force without significant dependence on the amount of liquid concentrate in the container, a substantially dripless or leak proof outlet opening, a jet that minimizes splashing when the liquid concentrate impacts a target liquid, and a jet that maximizes mixing between the liquid concentrate and the target liquid to produce a generally homogenous mixture without the use of extraneous utensils or shaking. Also provided are liquid beverage concentrates that can be cold filled during packaging while maintaining shelf stability for at least about three months at ambient temperatures. Concentrates are provided having low pH, with or without alcohol, and with buffers to allow for increased acid content at a selected pH.