Abstract: An apparatus for a mmWave RF scanner system is described that enables multiple modes of operation. The disclosed RF scanner may be configured to perform a variety of independent tasks, including antenna measurement in far-field or near-field mode, active array characterization, radome measurements, and material characterization. To achieve all proposed measurements, a nine-axis RF scanner system is disclosed. For all modes, the system may use a two-port vector network analyzer (100 kHz to 9 GHz) connected to a plurality of frequency extenders that increases the operating range from 75 GHz to 110 GHz. The system may also include a graphical user interface for autonomous operation in each mode.

Abstract: A probe is described. The probe includes a probe antenna, a transmitter, a receiver and circuitry including hardware. The probe antenna is constructed of a dielectric material connected to a waveguide, the probe antenna has a far field region. The transmitter is coupled to the probe antenna. The receiver is coupled to the probe antenna. The hardware is configured to communicate with the transmitter to enable the transmitter to direct a pulse of electromagnetic energy to the probe antenna and to receive a reflection signal from the receiver, the hardware is configured to determine a material property of a material within the far-field region of the probe antenna by analyzing the reflection signal.

Abstract: The lighted surgical access system is provided that includes a circumferential retractor/protector and a light emitter system attached thereto. The circumferential retractor/protector retracts and protects a patient's body opening while the light emitter system illuminates the internal surgical site, body cavity or body opening.

Abstract: The lighted surgical access system is provided that includes a circumferential retractor and a plastic optical fiber (POF) attached thereto. The circumferential retractor retracts and protects a patient’s body opening while the POF illuminates the internal surgical site, body cavity and/or body opening.

Abstract: A search query may be expanded using one or more dictionaries from different knowledge domains or user intent. A search query may be analyzed to find keywords for which an expanded definition may exist, and a user may be able to select an expanded definition of that keyword to better hone their intent. A query may be expanded using Boolean AND, OR, or NOT statements for an expanded definition of the highlighted keyword. Results may be presented that may include the expanded definition. In some cases, different dictionaries may be selected by the user to match their search intent. Dictionaries may be professionally curated or may be developed from a user's history of search or other work product.

Abstract: A writing assistant may compare the context and structure of a document being written with a preexisting knowledge graph. The comparison may highlight overlaps, differences, and other comparisons that may assist an author. A document graph may be extracted from the author's words and other context, so that a search of the knowledge graph has a deep, rich context for the search. A document graph may include hierarchies, topics, and relationships between different elements. The document graph may identify elements as nodes and relationships as edges of the graph. In some cases, the document graph may include additional contextual information, such as information about the author, external organizations associated with the document, other context about the document itself. The comparison of the document graph with other knowledge graphs may be presented alongside an editing window, such that the comparisons may assist the author during document creation and editing.

Abstract: A system may monitor the voice state of a person speaking and may give immediate, real time feedback, as well as track the speaker's voice state during a verbal interaction alone, with one or many individuals. A system may have a set of pre-built analyzers, which may be generated for different languages, regions or dialects, gender, subgroups or other factors, as well as use cases such as public speaking, sales, caregiving, teaching or counseling among others. The analyzers may operate on a local device, such as a cellular telephone, wearable device or local computer, and may analyze a person's spoken voice to identify and classify the person's voice state and provide feedback or coaching to the individual based on certain defined parameters.

Abstract: The ecosystem for methane conversion and emissions reduction disclosed herein presents a low-cost solution to the global methane accumulation problem. Ruminants generate gases as part of their digestive process, including methane, and the negative effects of methane in our atmosphere are well known. Many attempts are underway to use diet modifiers to lessen the amount of methane created and therefore minimize the effect. The presented invention takes a different approach. A methane converter is used in conjunction with a closed system to first transform the methane into the less damaging CO2 and then to use the CO2 for feeding algae growth. Methane at concentration levels in the enclosed habitat are maintained low to minimize the possibility of explosion, and the conversion from methane to CO2 is triggered by heating the low concentration methane with a heated surface or small flame.

Abstract: A probe is described. The probe includes a probe antenna, a transmitter, a receiver and circuitry including hardware. The probe antenna is constructed of a dielectric material connected to a waveguide, the probe antenna has a far field region. The transmitter is coupled to the probe antenna. The receiver is coupled to the probe antenna. The hardware is configured to communicate with the transmitter to enable the transmitter to direct a pulse of electromagnetic energy to the probe antenna and to receive a reflection signal from the receiver, the hardware is configured to determine a material property of a material within the far-field region of the probe antenna by analyzing the reflection signal.

Abstract: A dual-polarized patch antenna, an dual-polarized patch antenna array, and a method for forming the same are provided. The dual-polarized patch antenna comprises a radome, a horizontal feed and a vertical feed, a first cross-shaped patch, and a ground plane including a cross aperture. The dual-polarized patch antenna may include a cross patch and a cross aperture to increase the isolation in a cross-polarization between a horizontal polarized signal and a vertical polarized signal in a first principle plane and to decrease a mismatch in co-polarizations between the horizontal polarized signal and the vertical polarized signal in a second principle plane.

Abstract: A dual-polarized patch antenna, an dual-polarized patch antenna array, and a method for forming the same are provided. The dual-polarized patch antenna comprises a radome, a horizontal feed and a vertical feed, a first cross-shaped patch, and a ground plane including a cross aperture. The dual-polarized patch antenna may include a cross patch and a cross aperture to increase the isolation in a cross-polarization between a horizontal polarized signal and a vertical polarized signal in a first principle plane and to decrease a mismatch in co-polarizations between the horizontal polarized signal and the vertical polarized signal in a second principle plane.

Abstract: A fresh donor tissue valve isolation annulus size comprising a handle and trigger or crank knob manipulated by the user moves a movable probe into proximity with a stationary probe so that the probes can be inserted into the tissue valve lumen. The user releases the trigger or crank, and a biasing mechanism urges the movable probe away from the stationary probe until the resistance presented by the valve annulus equals the biasing force. A gage coupled to the movable probe displays a measure of the valve annulus diameter as a function of the distance that the movable probe moves away from the stationary probe until restrained from further movement by the fresh tissue valve annulus.

Abstract: Suturing rings and methods of use thereof facilitating initial implantation of new and replacement of dysfunctional tissue or mechanical heart valve mechanisms supported by the suturing ring are disclosed. The suturing ring annulus is adjustable to receive and engage the valve frame of the heart valve mechanism within the annulus. An interlocking mechanism applies restraint to fix the adjusted suturing ring annulus engaged against the valve frame to support the heart valve mechanism during chronic implantation. Sutures affixing the suturing ring to the valvar rim can be routed and entrapped between the suturing ring annulus and the valve frame when the suturing ring is restraint is applied. The restraint is released to replace a dysfunctional heart valve mechanism and reapplied when a new heart valve mechanism is fitted into the annulus.

Abstract: Methods and products relating the preservation of cultured mammalian epithelial or mesenchymal cells are provided. The methods involve the pre-treatment of epithelial cells with a solution containing a cryoprotectant amount of monosaccharides and/or disaccharides. The treated cells then are frozen, dried or freeze-dried in a minimum volume of solution and stored for later use. The invention avoids the use of materials that must be washed away from the preserved tissue prior to application of the tissue to a wound bed. The invention also permits the storage of epithelial tissue in a dry state.

Abstract: A fresh donor tissue valve isolation annulus sizer comprises a handle and trigger or crank knob manipulated by the user moves a movable probe into proximity with a stationary probe so that the probes can be inserted into the tissue valve lumen. The user releases the trigger or crank, and a biasing mechanism urges the movable probe away from the stationary probe until the resistance presented by the valve annulus equals the biasing force. A gage coupled to the movable probe displays a measure of the valve annulus diameter as a function of the distance that the movable probe moves away from the stationary probe until restrained from further movement by the fresh tissue valve annulus.

Abstract: Suturing rings and methods of use thereof facilitating initial implantation of new and replacement of dysfunctional tissue or mechanical heart valve mechanisms supported by the suturing ring are disclosed. The suturing ring annulus is adjustable to receive and engage the valve frame of the heart valve mechanism within the annulus. An interlocking mechanism applies restraint to fix the adjusted suturing ring annulus engaged against the valve frame to support the heart valve mechanism during chronic implantation. Sutures affixing the suturing ring to the valvar rim can be routed and entrapped between the suturing ring annulus and the valve frame when the suturing ring is restraint is applied. The restraint is released to replace a dysfunctional heart valve mechanism and reapplied when a new heart valve mechanism is fitted into the annulus.

Abstract: Methods and products relating the preservation of cultured mammalian epithelial or mesenchymal cells are provided. The methods involve the pre-treatment of epithelial cells with a solution containing a cryoprotectant amount of monosaccharides and/or disaccharides. The treated cells then are frozen, dried or freeze-dried in a minimum volume of solution and stored for later use. The invention avoids the use of materials that must be washed away from the preserved tissue prior to application of the tissue to a wound bed. The invention also permits the storage of epithelial tissue in a dry state.

Abstract: Methods of cryopreserving sheets of cultured epithelial cells are disclosed. The sheets of cultured epithelial cells are used for wound repair. The invention permits the use of preserved tissue without the need to wash away cryopreservation components. The sheets are frozen in contact with a cryoprotectant solution containing a cryoprotectant such as a monosaccharide or a disaccharide.

Abstract: Methods and products relating the preservation of cultured mammalian epithelial or mesenchymal cells are provided. The methods involve the pre-treatment of epithelial cells with a solution containing a cryoprotectant amount of monosaccharides and/or disaccharides. The treated cells then are frozen, dried or freeze-dried in a minimum volume of solution and stored for later use. The invention avoids the use of materials that must be washed away from the preserved tissue prior to application of the tissue to a wound bed. The invention also permits the storage of epithelial tissue in a dry state.

Abstract: Methods and products relating the preservation of cultured mammalian epithelial or mesenchymal cells are provided. The methods involve the pre-treatment of epithelial cells with a solution containing a cryoprotectant amount of monosaccharides and/or disaccharides. The treated cells then are frozen, dried or freeze-dried in a minimum volume of solution and stored for later use. The invention avoids the use of materials that must be washed away from the preserved tissue prior to application of the tissue to a wound bed. The invention also permits the storage of epithelial tissue in a dry state.