Abstract: The disclosure discloses methods, devices, systems and kits for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. An implantable facet joint device of one embodiment comprises a cephalad facet joint element and a caudal facet joint element. The cephalad facet joint element includes a member adapted to engage a first vertebra, and an artificial cephalad bearing member. The caudal facet joint element includes a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebra at a fixation point and an artificial caudal bearing member adapted to engage the cephalad bearing member. The artificial caudal bearing member is adapted for a location lateral to the fixation point.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting a pipe of a set diameter comprises an annular support body defining an axial space into which a pipe to be cut can be inserted. The annular support body is formed of a rigid material and comprises a blade-bearing portion and a non-blade-bearing portion. The blade-bearing portion is secured to the non-blade-bearing portion by a hinge mechanism allowing the two portions to be movable between an open position, in which the pipe can be inserted and removed from the body, and a closed position, in which the pipe, once inserted, is engaged by and axially aligned with the annular support body. A part of the blade-bearing portion spaced from the hinge mechanism comprises a blade that protrudes radially inwards of the annular body, such that in use the urging of the two portions towards the closed position urges the pipe against the blade so that rotation of the cutting device around the pipe cuts the pipe.

Abstract: An extended release formulation is provided for use in a method for the treatment of Central Precocious Puberty (CPP) in pediatric patients 2 years of age or older. The extended release formulation comprises leuprolide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a biodegradable polymer, and a biocompatible organic solvent. The biodegradable polymer is comprised of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) copolymer segments, poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) copolymer segments, poly(lactide) (PL) polymer segments, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymer segments, or a combination thereof. The extended release formulation is administered as a subcutaneous injection of a flowable composition that forms a solid in situ depot. The extended release formulation releases leuprolide for a period of about 6 months for the effective treatment of CPP within a pediatric patient.

Abstract: A sealed hydraulic stop valve for caliper guide system of an air disk brake system provides a means of continuous maintenance and lubrication. The system includes a tubular guide pin, a cap, a sealed hydraulic stop valve, and a plurality of lubricating grooves. The tubular guide pin attaches a caliper head to a carrier of the air disk brakes. The lubricating grooves inject grease into the system and are radially distributed about the tubular guide pin. Each lubricating groove normally and externally traverses into the tubular guide pin. The cap and the stop valve seal off the tubular guide pin and allow for grease injection to the lubricating grooves. The cap is concentrically positioned about the tubular guide pin. The stop valve is adjacently integrated into the cap, opposite to the tubular guide pin. Resultantly, the stop valve is in fluid communication with each of the lubricating grooves.

Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a controller, a processor, and a memory that causes the processor to receive, via a sensor assembly, sensor signals and convert the sensor signals into a plurality of entries of a full measurement vector. The memory devices causes the processor to determine a first state vector using IMU Kalman filter, update a first subset of entries the full state vector, determine a second state vector using a spatial positioning Kalman filter, update a second subset of entries the full state vector based on the second state vector, determine a third state vector using a vehicle Kalman filter, update a third subset of entries of the plurality of entries of the full state vector based on the third state vector, and control movement of the work vehicle based on at least one of the first state vector, the second state vector, the third state vector, and the full state vector.

Abstract: Strands of material may be intertwined using weaving techniques, knitting techniques, non-woven or entanglement techniques, or braiding techniques. Fabric that is formed from the strands of material may be used in forming a fabric-based item. The fabric based item may include electrical components. The strands may include conductive strands that form signal paths. The signal paths can carry electrical signals associated with operation of the electrical components. Each strand may have an elongated core and a coating. Strands may also include intermediate layers between the cores and coatings. The cores, intermediate layers, and coatings may be formed from polymer without conductive filler, polymer with conductive filler, and/or metal. A polymer core may be provided with recesses to help retain subsequently deposited layers such as a metal coating layer. The recesses may be grooves that extend along the longitudinal axis of the core.

Abstract: A chiller plant is disclosed. The chiller plant includes a chiller circuit including a chiller, a first process fluid circuit, and a first heat exchanger. The chiller is configured to provide a first process fluid at a first temperature. The chiller plant also includes an air handling circuit including a plurality of ice storage tanks and an air handling unit. The chiller plant further includes a terminal cooling circuit including a plurality of terminals, the terminal cooling circuit providing a second process fluid to the plurality of terminals at a second temperature that is different from the first temperature. The terminal cooling circuit is fluidly separate from, but thermally communicates with, the chiller circuit via the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for the coaching of users through successful calibration of a myoelectric prosthetic controller. The systems and methods are comprised of, and/or utilize, hardware and software components to input and analyze electromyography (EMG) based signals in association with movements, and to calibrate and output feedback about the signals. The hardware is further comprised of an apparatus for the detection of EMG signals, a prosthesis, an indicator, and a user interface. The software is further comprised of a user interface, a pattern recognition component, a calibration procedure, and a feedback mechanism. The systems and methods facilitate calibration of a myoelectric controller and provides the user with feedback about the calibration including information of the signal inputs and outputs, and messages about connected hardware and how to optimize signal data.

Abstract: A system of connecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin using a stud bolt having a first threaded end, a second threaded end and a feature positioned between the first end and a second end. A sealing member is positioned over the first end of the stud bolt, which in one case is a metallic washer with an affixed compressible sealing member. The first end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the sidewall and an inner nut is placed over the first end inside the sidewall. As the inner nut is tightened, the feature is pulled toward the exterior surface of the grain bin thereby causing the sealing member to form a seal with the exterior surface of the grain bin. The second end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the stiffener which is tightened onto the stud bolt.

Abstract: A motion tracking system for dynamic tracking of and compensation for motion of a patient during a magnetic resonance scan comprises a first camera positioned to view an optical marker along a first line of sight; a second camera positioned to view the optical marker along a second line of sight; and a computer system configured to analyze images generated by the first and second cameras to determine changes in position of the optical marker, and to generate tracking data for use by a magnetic resonance scanner to dynamically adjust scans to compensate for the changes in position of the optical marker, wherein the computer system is configured to dynamically adapt its image analysis to utilize images from all cameras that are currently viewing the optical marker.

Abstract: The technology disclosed provides systems and methods that display database objects representing entities, placement channels and workflow status in an insurance or other risk transfer program. Specially coded distribution trees and graphs of nodes represent the overall flow and, optionally, status of placement workflows. Node and edge data generated for display depicts multiple risk placements on behalf of at least one requesting party through intermediaries to responding parties. Line width of edges represents calculated relative size of placements, and pattern, style, and color of edges can depict statuses of the risk placements. Another geo-coded map display also depicts as nodes a requesting party, intermediaries and responding parties, connected by edges that represent communication channels.

Abstract: A method of controlling a discharge air reset in an heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR system includes determining, by a controller, a space temperature in a conditioned space, a setpoint temperature of the conditioned space, and an operating mode of a variable-air-volume (VAV) box for the conditioned space. The controller determines whether the operating mode of the VAV box matches an operating mode of an HVACR unit. A deviation from the setpoint temperature of the conditioned space for the VAV box for the conditioned is calculated in response to determining the VAV box is in a same mode as the HVACR unit. A statistical deviation from the setpoint temperature of the conditioned space is calculated. A discharge air setpoint temperature is determined based on the statistical deviation from the setpoint temperature of the conditioned space. The controller sets the discharge air setpoint temperature of the HVACR unit using the determined discharge air setpoint temperature.

Abstract: A thin-film coating applicator assembly is disclosed for coating substrates in outdoor applications. The innovative thin-film coating applicator assembly is adapted to apply performance enhancement coatings on installed photovoltaic panels and glass windows in outdoor environments. The coating applicator is adapted to move along a solar panel or glass pane while applicator mechanisms deposit a uniform layer of liquid coating solution to the substrate's surface. The applicator assembly comprises a conveyance means disposed on a frame. Further disclosed are innovative applicator heads that comprise a deformable sponge-like core surrounded by a microporous layer. The structure, when in contact with a substrate surface, deposits a uniform layer of coating solution over a large surface.

Abstract: A method of controlling a discharge air reset in an heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR system includes determining, by a controller, a space temperature in a conditioned space, a setpoint temperature of the conditioned space, and an operating mode of a variable-air-volume (VAV) box for the conditioned space. The controller determines whether the operating mode of the VAV box matches an operating mode of an HVACR unit. A deviation from the setpoint temperature of the conditioned space for the VAV box for the conditioned is calculated in response to determining the VAV box is in a same mode as the HVACR unit. An average deviation from the setpoint temperature of the conditioned space is calculated. A discharge air setpoint temperature is determined based on the average deviation from the setpoint temperature of the conditioned space. The controller sets the discharge air setpoint temperature of the HVACR unit using the determined discharge air setpoint temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for carrying out an ion exchange process which involves providing two interacting sets of banks of continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTR's) each containing a bed of ion exchange resin and causing the resin to move in one direction through each bank of reactors and the feed solution and/or or eluant in the opposite direction. In carrying out the process, a feed solution is introduced in a first reactor causing dissolved ions to be captured on the resin, eluant is introduced into a reactor upstream of the first reactor in the direction of resin movement causing ions captured on the resin to be removed into the eluant and eluant rich in ions removed from the resin will be taken from a reactor upstream of the reactor in which the eluant was introduced, for further processing.

Abstract: A novel composite diamond film comprising of a relatively thick layer of UNCD (Ultrananocrystalline Diamond) with a Young's modulus of less than 900 GPa and a relatively thin MCD (microcrystalline diamond) outermost layer with a Young's modulus of greater than 900 GPa, has been shown to exhibit superior delamination resistance under extreme shear stress. It is hypothesized that this improvement is due to a combination of stress relief by the composite film with a slightly “softer” UNCD layer, a disruption of the fracture mechanism through the composite layer(s), and the near ideal chemical and thermal expansion coefficient match between the two diamond layers. The combination of a thick but “softer” underlying UNCD layer with a thin but harder overlying MCD layer provides an excellent compromise between the low deposition cost and smoothness of UNCD with the extreme hardness and unparalleled chemical, electrochemical and immunological inertness of even a thin layer of MCD.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved host strain for production of desired protein.

Abstract: An anthropomorphic test device includes a spine assembly, a pair of clavicle assemblies coupled to the spine assembly, a pair of arms with a respective one arm coupled to a respective one clavicle assembly, and at least one pad assembly having a clavicle portion mounted to a respective one of the clavicle assemblies and positioned onto a respective one arm. Each pad assembly includes a clavicle portion, which includes an arm portion and a clavicle base region, and a neck portion, which includes a raised neck region and a neck base region. The neck portion and clavicle portion are each formed from thermosetting materials, with the neck portion being stiffer than the clavicle portion, and with the neck and clavicle portions coupled together with mechanical locking features. The pad assembly is configured to provide a human-like response while reducing or eliminating entrapment of a shoulder belt during a crash test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugation-competent albumins and albumin-related polypeptides, and their conjugates with at least one moiety, and to polynucleotides encoding them.