Abstract: The present invention offers some general specifications for the design, assembly, and adaptation of a rotating cylinder electrochemical cell into an autoclave, of a high temperature and pressure system for corrosion studies that simulate operating conditions in pipelines, as well as the operation and safety of an autoclave to evaluate the electrochemical process of metal surfaces exposed to aggressive aqueous solutions. The electrochemical cell consists of an array of three electrodes that include a rotating cylinder electrode designed to operate hermetically, a reference electrode and an auxiliary electrode. The rotating cylinder electrode is considered to be the working electrode, where the oxidation and electrochemical reduction processes are studied. However, the use of the method described in this work can be extended to other testing environments and materials by taking into account the physical and chemical properties of the fluids and materials to be used in order to avoid any risk for the operator.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) includes a first controlled oscillator (CO) for generating at least one phase signal, and wherein the at least one phase signal generates a first output signal of the ADC; and at least one first frequency-controlled resistor (FDR) for receiving the at least one phase signal generated by the first CO, wherein the first CO and the at least one first FDR are coupled together at a first subtraction node of the ADC, and wherein the first subtraction node receives a first input signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides at least one hemostasis valve, an introducer, and a retrieval device. The hemostasis valve may include a sealing member, a pressing assembly and a rotary motion assembly. The sealing member may be configured to define a sealing cavity which is transversely contractible. The pressing assembly is disposed at an outer periphery of the sealing member. The pressing assembly is configured for linear motion in a transverse direction of the sealing cavity to change a dimension of the sealing cavity. The rotary motion assembly is coupled to the pressing assembly, and the rotary motion assembly may be configured to convert rotary motion into the linear motion of the pressing assembly through the coupling. The hemostasis valve of the present disclosure can perform active hemostasis sealing for one or more medical devices and is convenient to use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an annuloplasty device configured for being implanted via a catheter, a cinching device applied in annuloplasty, and a method of implementing annuloplasty. The annuloplasty device comprises a shaping ring and a tissue anchoring element. The shaping ring includes a first bar member, a second bar member and a third bar member that are connected via an extendable and compressible element. The first bar member, the second bar member and the third bar member are each provided with a connection portion for anchoring the shaping ring to the physiological tissue by the tissue anchoring element. An adjustment wire is provided in an inner cavity of the extendable and compressible element, for adjusting the size of the shaping ring, thereby adjusting the size of the physiological annulus.

Abstract: The fluid dispensing system (100) comprises at least one fluid source (110), at least one pump (130-1, 130-2, 130-3, . . . , 130-N), at least one telescopic fluid dispenser (140?-1?, 140?-2?, 140?-3?, . . . , 140?-M?); a control unit (160) to operate the pump (130-1, 130-2, 130-3, . . . , 130-N) for supplying fluid (120) according to a received command of washing at least one target object (150-1, 150-2, 150-3, . . . , 150-O), a manifold (180), and at least one control valve assembly (V-1, V-2, . . . , V?-P?) comprising a fluid inlet for receiving fluid from the at least one fluid source (110), a first fluid outlet for discharging fluid into the at least one telescopic fluid dispenser (140?-1, 140?-2, 140?-3, . . . , 140?-M?), and a second fluid outlet for allowing fluid to flow back away from the telescopic fluid dispensers (140?-1, 140?-2?, 140?-3?, . . . , 140?-M?) when retracting from the extended position to the rest position.

Abstract: The present invention describes fusion proteins based on cytokines, called bi-cytokines (BC), specifically formed by the binding of an IL2 agonist mutein with a type I interferon (IFN), linked by an Fc region of a mutant human IgG1 and a connector peptide. The combination of an IL2 agonist mutein and a type I IFN in the structure of the bi-cytokines gives surprising immunoregulatory properties to these molecules and a superior therapeutic effect than that of parental cytokines, or their combination, which makes them attractive and novel molecules for the treatment of cancer. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising as an active ingredient the fusion proteins object of this patent are also described.

Abstract: A locking system for transcatheter annuloplasty may be provided with an implantable lock body, a movable member configured to be slidably received in a lock body slot, a tether abutting portion, a coupling element located on a proximal portion of the lock body, a pull wire having a coupling member configured to detachable mate with the coupling element, a flexible catheter configured to slidably receive a portion of the pull wire, and a collar located on a distal portion of the catheter and configured to slidably receive the lock body. The pull wire and the catheter may be pushed together in a distal direction to advance the lock body along a tether, and the pull wire may be pulled in a proximal direction relative to the catheter to move the movable member towards a locked position and lock the tether to the lock body. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled oscillator analog-to-digital converter (VCO-ADC) includes a first source follower coupled between a first input terminal and a first internal node; a first VCO having an input coupled to a second internal node; a first variable resistor coupled between the first internal node and the second internal node; and a digital signal processing component coupled between an output of the first VCO and a output terminal.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of surgical tissue reconstruction, such as for joint or ligament repair, and associated surgical constructs.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) includes a first controlled oscillator (CO) for generating at least one phase signal, and wherein the at least one phase signal generates a first output signal of the ADC; and at least one first frequency-controlled resistor (FDR) for receiving the at least one phase signal generated by the first CO, wherein the first CO and the at least one first FDR are coupled together at a first subtraction node of the ADC, and wherein the first subtraction node receives a first input signal.

Abstract: A MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) includes a MEMS device; a feature extraction component coupled to an output of the MEMS device, wherein the feature extraction component is configured to provide a plurality of features of an output signal of the MEMS device; and a low data rate interface coupled to the feature extraction components, wherein the low data rate interface is configured to transmit the plurality of features of the output signal of the MEMS device, and wherein a low data rate of the low data rate interface is determined by a number of the plurality of features transmitted, wherein the MEMS device, the feature extraction component, and the low data rate interface are packaged together in a semiconductor package.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods related to a wireless tracking system: The wireless tracking system having a plurality of beacons, each of the plurality of beacons having at least one antenna and at least one power source. When the at least one antenna is supplied with power via the power source, a local ping is transmitted from the beacon. A wireless tracking device then receives the ping via its own antenna. Once the wireless tracking device has received a locational ping from at least two of the plurality of beacons, it can then calculate a direct connection path between the at least to beacons. Based on this known path, the wireless tracking device can then determine a distance between the wireless tracking device and connection path. Based on the determined distance, the wireless tracking device may then issue a corrective measure.

Abstract: The subject invention provides pest repellent compositions and methods of using these repellent compositions for repelling pests, in particular, insect pests that are harmful for crops. Advantageously, the repellent compositions and methods of the subject invention are environmentally-friendly, non-toxic and cost-effective. Specifically, the repellent poses no harm to those insects that are beneficial for agricultural needs.

Abstract: A line-type auto glass cutout tool for use with a vacuum cup device having a vacuum cup and a base connected to the vacuum cup. The tool includes a tool body with a first winding spool mounted on the tool body for rotation about a first spool axis relative to the tool body. A first drive element is coupled to the first winding spool to rotate with the first winding spool about the first spool axis. The auto glass cutout tool also includes an attachment arrangement for releasably securing the tool body to the vacuum cup device in a tool operating position.

Abstract: A virtual containment zone system is provided. The virtual containment zone system includes a plurality of beacons, a plurality of joining segments, and a tracking device. Each of the plurality of beacons employ ultra-wideband and define a vertex of a virtual containment zone boundary that forms the perimeter of a virtual containment zone. Each of the plurality of joining segments define the virtual containment zone boundary between two of the plurality of beacons. The tracking device comprises a processing device. The processing device is configured to determine the virtual containment zone boundary, enable one or more of the plurality of joining segments to take an action in response to a location of the tracking device, determine the location of the tracking device, determine, based on the location of the tracking device, an action to take, and send, to the tracking device, a signal to perform the action.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled oscillator analog-to-digital converter (VCO-ADC) includes a first source follower coupled between a first input terminal and a first internal node; a first VCO having an input coupled to a second internal node; a first variable resistor coupled between the first internal node and the second internal node; and a digital signal processing component coupled between an output of the first VCO and a output terminal.

Abstract: A novel sorghum variety designated XS7318 and seed, plants, plant parts and plant cells thereof are produced from a cross of inbred sorghum varieties. Methods for producing a sorghum plant comprise crossing hybrid sorghum variety XS7318 with another sorghum plant. Sorghum variety XS7318, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of sorghum variety XS7318 are provided. Methods for producing a sorghum plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into sorghum variety XS7318 include one or both of backcross conversion and transformation of one or both inbred parents. The sorghum seed, plants and plant parts produced thereby are described.

Abstract: An electrical fuse includes a housing, first and second terminal assemblies coupled to the housing, and at least one fuse element assembly extending internally in the housing and coupled between the first and second terminal assemblies. A filler surrounds the at least one fuse element assembly, and the filler includes sodium silicate sand and at least one reinforcing structure suspended within the filler.

Abstract: Disclosed here is an extended use mask hat. The principal components are a hat member, a mask member and an attachment means. Under conditions where there is no desire for protection, the mask member can be easily stored against the interior surface of the hat member. When there is a desire for protection, the mask member can be easily and quickly donned. The service period of the mask hat is extendable by washing. Several technological problems are overcome, including, individual and community protection from the airborne spread of infectious disease in a manner that is effective, not noxious to human sensibility and not overly bearing.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter includes a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) having an input for receiving an analog input signal; a double binary counter having a first input coupled to a first output of the VCO, a second input coupled to a second output of the VCO; a first set of registers coupled to the first output of the double binary counter; a second set of registers coupled to the second output of the double binary counter; sense amplifiers coupled to the outputs of the VCO; and a correction component coupled to the first set of registers, the second set of registers, and the sense amplifiers, wherein the correction component generates a coarse count, a fine count, and combines the coarse count and the fine count to provide a digital output signal representative of the analog input signal.