Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide deployment optimization service. A network device in a network receives an order for virtual network function (VNF) deployments at network edge locations. The network device maps a radio access network (RAN) topology for the network edge locations. The network device identifies time windows to perform the VNF deployments, based on the order, historical transport and RAN utilization data, and the RAN topology. The network device selects an optimal time window to perform the VNF deployments based on stored policy rules and pushes software images for the VNF deployments to an image repository in a geographical region near the network edge locations. The network device analyzes, for the optimal time window, real-time network data for a pre-emptive condition. The network device pre-empts the VNF deployments when a pre-emptive condition is identified and initiates the VNF deployments when no pre-emptive condition is identified.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide deployment optimization service. A network device in a network receives an order for virtual network function (VNF) deployments at network edge locations. The network device maps a radio access network (RAN) topology for the network edge locations. The network device identifies time windows to perform the VNF deployments, based on the order, historical transport and RAN utilization data, and the RAN topology. The network device selects an optimal time window to perform the VNF deployments based on stored policy rules and pushes software images for the VNF deployments to an image repository in a geographical region near the network edge locations. The network device analyzes, for the optimal time window, real-time network data for a pre-emptive condition. The network device pre-empts the VNF deployments when a pre-emptive condition is identified and initiates the VNF deployments when no pre-emptive condition is identified.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an internally threaded tube of virtually limitless length that can be easily and reliably constructed. In one aspect, the invention provides an internally threaded tube that includes a tube casing and a coil. A ratio of the length of the tube casing to the inner diameter of the tube casing can be greater than 5:1. The coil can be positioned coaxially within the tube casing. In this position, the coil can exert a radially outward force on the inner surface of the tube casing, which can aid in bonding. A portion of the coil can be specially adapted to be bonded to the tube casing. Methods of creating internally threaded tubes and methods of spirally delivering surgical components with internally threaded tubes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A twine cutting apparatus in combination with an automated grass baler having a twine holding reel for feeding wrapping twine to the baled grass. The apparatus has a pivoted knife arm with a first end structured to cooperate with a cam surface for actuating the knife arm to a cutting position and an opposite end for mounting a twine cutting knife. The twine cutting knife is formed with an elongated, serrated cutting edge extending a distance greater than the radius of the twine holding disc presenting an elongated cutting surface to said twine.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for growing cells in vitro in an enclosed device that allows for a three-dimensional measurement over time of both their proliferative and/or invasive properties. By growing the cells in an enclosed matrix that resembles the environment that the cells confront in vivo, the cells can divide, invade, and form branched networks as they do in living tissue, e.g., in an individual. The devices of the invention include a test chamber in which cells, e.g., tumor cells, are placed and permitted to divide and/or invade. Cells can be placed within an insert within a chamber of the device. A delivery chamber that connects to the test chamber enables the delivery of agents that can be studied, e.g., for their therapeutic potential. The assay devices of the invention can be used as model systems to study cancer biology and to evaluate the efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: A steerable stylet for use within a lumen of an intravascular device includes a stylet assembly and a handle. The stylet assembly has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and includes a stylet wire having a lumen and a core wire positioned within the lumen with the distal end portion secured to the stylet wire proximate the distal end portion of the stylet wire. The handle includes a hand-held housing structure connected to one of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire. In one embodiment, an adjustable tensioner is connected to the other of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire to adjust a relative tension force applied between the stylet wire and the core wire. A tension limiter is arranged to limit the tension force to a limit force that is less than a breaking stress force of the stylet wire when the stylet wire is positioned within the lumen of the intravascular device.

Abstract: A steerable stylet for use within a lumen of an intravascular device includes a stylet assembly and a handle. The stylet assembly has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and includes a stylet wire having a lumen and a core wire positioned within the lumen with the distal end portion secured to the stylet wire proximate the distal end portion of the stylet wire. The handle includes a hand-held housing structure connected to one of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire. In one embodiment, an adjustable tensioner is connected to the other of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire to adjust a relative tension force applied between the stylet wire and the core wire. A tension limiter is arranged to limit the tension force to a limit force that is less than a breaking stress force of the stylet wire when the stylet wire is positioned within the lumen of the intravascular device.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for growing cells in vitro in an enclosed device that allows for a three-dimensional measurement over time of both their proliferative and/or invasive properties. By growing the cells in an enclosed matrix that resembles the environment that the cells confront in vivo, the cells can divide, invade, and form branched networks as they do in living tissue, e.g., in an individual. The devices of the invention include a test chamber in which cells, e.g., tumor cells, are placed and permitted to divide and/or invade. Cells can be placed within an insert within a chamber of the device. A delivery chamber that connects to the test chamber enables the delivery of agents that can be studied, e.g., for their therapeutic potential. The assay devices of the invention can be used as model systems to study cancer biology and to evaluate the efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for growing cells in vitro in an enclosed device that allows for a three-dimensional measurement over time of both their proliferative and/or invasive properties. By growing the cells in an enclosed matrix that resembles the environment that the cells confront in vivo, the cells can divide, invade, and form branched networks as they do in living tissue, e.g., in an individual. The devices of the invention include a test chamber in which cells, e.g., tumor cells, are placed and permitted to divide and/or invade. Cells can be placed within an insert within a chamber of the device. A delivery chamber that connects to the test chamber enables the delivery of agents that can be studied, e.g., for their therapeutic potential. The assay devices of the invention can be used as model systems to study cancer biology and to evaluate the efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: A steerable stylet for use within a lumen of an intravascular device includes a stylet assembly and a handle. The stylet assembly has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and includes a stylet wire having a lumen and a core wire positioned within the lumen with the distal end portion secured to the stylet wire proximate the distal end portion of the stylet wire. The handle includes a hand-held housing structure connected to one of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire. In one embodiment, an adjustable tensioner is connected to the other of the proximal end portion of the stylet wire or the core wire to adjust a relative tension force applied between the stylet wire and the core wire. A tension limiter is arranged to limit the tension force to a limit force that is less than a breaking stress force of the stylet wire when the stylet wire is positioned within the lumen of the intravascular device.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for growing cells in vitro in an enclosed device that allows for a three-dimensional measurement over time of both their proliferative and/or invasive properties. By growing the cells in an enclosed matrix that resembles the environment that the cells confront in vivo, the cells can divide, invade, and form branched networks as they do in living tissue, e.g., in an individual. The devices of the invention include a test chamber in which cells, e.g., tumor cells, are placed and permitted to divide and/or invade. Cells can be placed within an insert within a chamber of the device. A delivery chamber that connects to the test chamber enables the delivery of agents that can be studied, e.g., for their therapeutic potential. The assay devices of the invention can be used as model systems to study cancer biology and to evaluate the efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: A centerless grinding method of finishing feedthrough pins and corresponding devices for use in implantable medical devices and for components such as batteries in implantable medical devices is disclosed. The method provides certain advantages, including the elimination of longitudinal anomalies in drawn wire to thereby improve the hermeticity of implantable medical devices. In one of the preferred methods, the surface of an over-size medical grade wire having a known anomaly depth is centerless ground using an abrasive wheel and suitable coolant to a layer past which those anomalies disappear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to centerless grinding methods and corresponding devices such as feedthroughs for implantable medical devices and for batteries for implantable medical devices. The present invention provides certain advantages, including the elimination of longitudinal anomalies in drawn wire and increasing the reliability of implantable medical devices. In a method of the present invention, the surface of an over-size medical grade wire having a known anomaly depth is centerless ground to a depth past which those anomalies disappear. Centerless grinding of the present invention may be accomplished using an abrasive wheel and suitable coolant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to centerless grinding methods and corresponding devices such as feedthroughs for implantable medical devices and for batteries for implantable medical devices. The present invention provides certain advantages, including the elimination of longitudinal anomalies in drawn wire and increasing the reliability of implantable medical devices. In a method of the present invention, the surface of an over-size medical grade wire having a known anomaly depth is centerless ground to a depth past which those anomalies disappear. Centerless grinding of the present invention may be accomplished using an abrasive wheel and suitable coolant.

Abstract: An open-channel flowmeter is calibrated by the use of local velocity and level characteristics existing at a given site, as measured by the flowmeter itself. Stored reference relationships that have been either theoretically or experimentally derived are compared to the velocity level relationships at any particular site so as to determine a correction factor which is valid at that site so as to modify the sensed velocity to be an accurate approximation of the average velocity under those site conditions. A local velocity signal is modified so as to make it an accurate approximation of the mean velocity for open-channel flowmeters of the level/velocity type.

Abstract: A pump station flowmeter is disclosed including a sudden high inflow change detection circuit for eliminating from a series of emptying characteristic calculations taken over a period of time those measurements which are outside of a predetermined acceptance range. The wet well dimensions, level detector signals, clock signals and pump status signals are supplied as inputs to both a volume rate of change calculator and to the sudden high inflow change detector. In the event of an undesirable measurement, the sudden high inflow changes detection circuit operates a gate to isolate the volume rate of change calculator from the emptying characteristic calculator that calculates outflow. A flow integrator is provided for calculating volume per cycle from the volume rate of change signal, and an inflow calculator serves to produce inflow from the volume per cycle signal.

Abstract: A pump station flowmeter is disclosed including a sudden high inflow change detection circuit for eliminating from a series of emptying characteristic calculations taken over a period of time those measurements which are outside of a predetermined acceptance range. The wet well dimensions, level detector signals, clock signals and pump status signals are supplied as inputs to both a volume rate of change calculator and to the sudden high inflow change detector. In the event of an undesirable measurement, the sudden high inflow change detection circuit operates a gate to isolate the volume rate of change calculator from the emptying characteristic calculator that calculates outflow. A flow integrator is provided for calculating volume per cycle from the volume rate of change signal, and an inflow calculator serves to produce inflow from the volume per cycle signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for imparting to a living culture of cells biaxial mechanical forces which approximate the mechanical forces to which cells are subjected in vivo. The apparatus includes a displacement applicator which may be actuated to contact and stretch a membrane having a living cell culture mounted thereon. Stretching of the membrane imparts biaxial mechanical forces to the cells. These forces may be uniformly applied to the cells, or they may be selectively non-uniformly applied.

Abstract: A progressive batch hydrolysis process for producing sugar from a lignocellulosic feedstock, comprising passing a stream of dilute acid serially through a plurality of percolation hydrolysis reactors charged with said feedstock, at a flow rate, temperature and pressure sufficient to substantially convert all the cellulose component of the feedstock to glucose; cooling said dilute acid stream containing glucose, after exiting the last percolation hydrolysis reactor, then feeding said dilute acid stream serially through a plurality of prehydrolysis percolation reactors, charged with said feedstock, at a flow rate, temperature and pressure sufficient to substantially convert all the hemicellulose component of said feedstock to glucose; and cooling the dilute acid stream containing glucose after it exits the last prehydrolysis reactor.

Abstract: A system designed to enable persons incapable of manipulating a writing implement to sign papers and/or documents comprising a holder for the document to be signed, a holder for a transfer sheet for holding the transfer sheet adjacent that portion of the document to be signed and an implement defining the signature to be applied to the document for pressing the transfer sheet into transferring engagement with the document.