Abstract: A compressible F-connector and method for interconnection with coaxial cable that includes a biasing member for promoting electrical continuity.

Abstract: An artificial cardiac valve is disclosed, which includes an outer stent; an inner stent nested within and connected to the outer stent; leaflets disposed inside the inner stent; and membranes attached to walls of the outer and inner stents. The inner stent is a cylindrical mesh tube, and the outer stent includes a first stent segment, a second stent segment and a third stent segment which are connected sequentially. The first stent segment is a mesh tube. The second stent is a mesh tube having a substantially D-shaped cross-section, and the third stent segment is a flared mesh tube. The first stent segment has a maximum diameter that is equal to a diameter of the second stent segment and to a minimum diameter of the third stent segment. In this stent design, the inner stent can withstand traction forces from the leaflets, and the outer stent is adapted to match the anatomy of the native valve.

Abstract: An electronic parking lock actuator includes a driving motor configured to generate a driving force, an output mechanism including an emergency unlocking feature, a reduction transmission mechanism connected between the driving motor and the output mechanism to transfer a driving force generated by the driving motor to output mechanism, a control device electrically connected to the power mechanism for controlling the power mechanism, and a casing receiving all of the driving motor, the output mechanism, the reduction transmission, the controller therein. The casing defines an opening configured to expose the emergency unlocking feature.

Abstract: An electronic parking lock actuator includes a driving motor and a gearbox coupled to the driving motor. The gearbox includes a casing which comprises a base and a cover mounted on the base, a gear housed in the casing and engaged with the driving motor for outputting a driving force generated by the driving motor, and a controller fixed in the casing. The base includes a bottom plate, and a plurality of peripheral walls extending upward from edges of the bottom plate. The bottom plate defines at one or more cavities. The controller includes a printed circuit board and a plurality of electronic components disposed on a side of the printed circuit board facing the bottom plate. The electronic components are accommodated in the cavities.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a traction surface and methods for forming the traction surface. The traction surface may comprise a compound material comprising glass fibers oriented orthogonal to the surface of the compound material extending from the compound material, wherein when the traction surface contacts an icy surface, the glass fibers are operable to penetrate a liquid-like top layer of the icy surface to provide grip with an ice layer below the liquid-like top layer. The method for forming the traction surface may comprise integrating glass fibers into a compound material; orienting the glass fibers within the compound material such that the glass fibers are oriented approximately orthogonal to the surface of the compound material; splitting the compound material to expose the glass fibers, wherein the glass fibers extend from the surface of the compound material; and forming the split compound material into a traction surface.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for detecting DNA or RNA using single molecules array or other techniques. DNA or RNA from the sample may be fragmented and exposed to a first type of binding ligand and a second type of binding ligand that comprise nucleic acid sequences complimentary at least a portion of a sequence contained in the target DNA or RNA. At least a portion of the fragmented DNA or RNA associates with at least one of the first type of binding ligand and/or the second type of binding ligand, wherein the first type of binding ligand and second type of binding ligand comprises nucleic acid sequences complimentary to a different portions of a sequence contained in the DNA or RNA. A portion of the sample exposed to the binding ligands is analyzed to determine the number of fragmented DNA or RNA sequences.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to absorbing elements in respiratory face masks. Applicants have developed a structure for respiratory masks that can both absorb moisture from the face (such as perspiration, as well as from condensed moisture in the breath), and maintain a low breath resistance (won't increase the breath resistance significantly). The structure may comprise an annular structure added to the respiratory masks for moisture management, wherein the annular structure comprises moisture absorbent materials. This structure may also be known as an absorbing element operable to absorb moisture effectively, provide a respiratory mask with improved moisture control characteristics, reduce fogging of a face shield or eyeglasses of the wearer, and reduce the amount of uncomfortable moisture buildup on the face of the wearer.

Abstract: A method for imaging three-dimensional topography with high precision, which overcomes the disadvantage and deficiency of low precision in observing three-dimensional topography of hydraulically fractured cracks of rocks, improve the precision in observing three-dimensional topography of cracks in rock hydraulic fracturing test, and benefit for scientifically understanding regular pattern of development of hydraulically fractured cracks of rocks.

Abstract: A multicomponent photocatalyst includes a reactive component optically, electronically, or thermally coupled to a plasmonic material. A method of performing a catalytic reaction includes loading a multicomponent photocatalyst including a reactive component optically, electronically, or thermally coupled to a plasmonic material into a reaction chamber, introducing molecular reactants into the reaction chamber, and illuminating the reaction chamber with a light source.

Abstract: A work vehicle having an optical system responsive to implement movements is disclosed. The implement-responsive optical system includes an optical device, such as a worklight or camera, which is coupled to the vehicle body and which produces an optical field when active. An adjustment mechanism, such as a closed loop actuation subsystem or a mechanical linkage, is coupled to the vehicle body and to the optical device. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust at least one operational characteristic of the optical field in response to movement of the work implement relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting and treating disease states, including cancer, diabetes, fibrosis, and autoimmune diseases, by detecting increased mechanical modulus, or stiffness, or targeting tissues having increased mechanical modulus, or stiffness. Practicing these methods provides specific and localized detection assays and therapies for these disease states. Provided are mechano-responsive cell systems that can selectively detect and treat cancer metastases by targeting the unique biophysical and mechanical properties in the tumor microenvironment. Provided are methods for making mechano-sensitive CAR T cells by using mechano-responsive promoter logic. Provided are blood tests using engineered stem cells that express reporters after the cells home to a specific niche and secrete the reporter into the blood, which can be then be detected with a blood test.

Abstract: A compressible F-connector and method for interconnection with coaxial cable that includes a biasing member for promoting electrical continuity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for assessing copy number of a target polynucleotide in a sample, methods and compositions for establishing a standard curve for a target polynucleotide, and the uses of the methods and compositions for detecting a pathogen, e.g., human papillomavirus (HPV).

Abstract: A compressible F-connector and method for interconnection with coaxial cable that includes a biasing grommet for promoting electrical continuity despite inadequate nut tightening. Each connector has a rigid nut, a post penetrating the nut, a tubular body, and an end cap. The conductive post coaxially extends through the connector, linking the nut and body. A post end penetrates the coaxial cable. Each connector body comprises a frontal annular groove in which is seated a biasing grommet with projections extending from one or both grommet ends that bias the nut to insure mechanical and electrical contact with the post. In one embodiment of the invention the projections are semicircular. In alternative embodiments the projections may be triangular or square, and projections on one grommet end may be radially offset from projections on the opposite end.

Abstract: There is provided a method of operating a pedal cycle and a pedal cycle incorporating the same. The pedal cycle has an electro-mechanical drive arrangement including a continuously variable ratio transmission system having an input which is mounted to rotate about the axis and an output connected to rotate with a hub member, the transmission system comprising an epicyclic gear set including a sun gear in mesh with a plurality of planet gears mounted to rotate about respective planet shafts carried by a common carrier, which is mounted to rotate with the input about the axis, the planet gears being in mesh with an annulus gear, which is connected to rotate with the hub member. Only the sun gear may be connected to rotate a rotor of an electrical machine or an additional machine may be provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for detecting DNA or RNA using single molecules array or other techniques. DNA or RNA from the sample may be fragmented and exposed to a first type of binding ligand and a second type of binding ligand that comprise nucleic acid sequences complimentary at least a portion of a sequence contained in the target DNA or RNA. At least a portion of the fragmented DNA or RNA associates with at least one of the first type of binding ligand and/or the second type of binding ligand, wherein the first type of binding ligand and second type of binding ligand comprises nucleic acid sequences complimentary to a different portions of a sequence contained in the DNA or RNA. A portion of the sample exposed to the binding ligands is analyzed to determine the number of fragmented DNA or RNA sequences.

Abstract: Anti-reflective (AR) coatings and methods for applying AR coatings to substrates, such as optical lenses. The coating may include a polyurethane base layer and a fluoropolymer top layer. The base layer may protect the underlying substrate, promote adhesion between the top layer and the underlying substrate, and achieve index-matching with the underlying substrate. The method may involve an inexpensive and efficient solution coating process.

Abstract: Ultrasensitive and quantitative assays for detecting toxins of Clostridium difficile, which may involve digital ELISA, are provided. Also provided herein are differential detection assays that allow for distinguishing toxin B of highly virulent Clostridium difficile strains from toxin B of less virulent strains.

Abstract: A bimodal metal nanocomposite of ceramic nanoparticles in a metal or metal alloy matrix has a microstructure showing a first “hard” phase containing the ceramic nanoparticles in the metal or metal alloy matrix, and a second “soft” phase comprising only the metal or metal alloy with few or no ceramic nanoparticles. The stiffness and yield strength of the bimodal metal nanocomposite is significantly increased compared to the metal or metal alloy alone, while the ductility of the metal or metal alloy is retained. A process for making the bimodal metal matrix nanocomposite includes milling a powder mixture of micrometer-size metal flakes and ceramic nanoparticles for a time sufficient to embed the ceramic nanoparticles into the metal flakes.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (“PV”) module may comprise an array of freeform micro-optics and an array of PV cells. The PV module may be a flat panel with a nominal thickness smaller than the length and width of the flat panel. An array of lenses may be embedded in an array substrate. The lenses may be coupled to light pipes. The lenses may concentrate light through the light pipes to multi-junction cells. Diffuse light may be transferred through the array substrate to a silicon cell. The lenses and light pipes may be manufactured using a molding and drawing process.