Abstract: Apparatuses and methods can be used to install a catheter or trocar in a patient to gain access to an internal region of the patient, such as the peritoneal cavity. For example, the devices described herein provide a non-electric, mechanical means to access the peritoneal space. The devices are designed for safe and reliable placement of a peritoneal access catheter even in austere conditions, such as on the battlefield or in another type of emergency setting. The devices are designed with safety being paramount, and are therefore capable of providing low enough pressure to allow access without causing pre-peritoneal insufflation, yet high enough to separate abdominal viscera from the parietal peritoneum. The devices are designed to be straightforward to use, and only require minimal training for use.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a solid state drive (SSD) comprises a plurality of non-volatile memory dies communicatively arranged in one or more communication channels, each of the plurality of non-volatile memory dies comprising a plurality of physical blocks, one or more channel controllers communicatively coupled to the one or more communication channels, respectively, and a memory controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of non-volatile memory dies via the one or more channel controllers, wherein the memory controller is configured to assign (i) the plurality of physical blocks of a first die of the plurality of non-volatile memory dies to only a first region and (ii) the plurality of physical blocks of a second die of the plurality of non-volatile memory dies to only a second region, perform only read operations on the first region in a first operation mode, and perform write operations or maintenance operations on the second region in a second operation mode concurrently with read operations on the fir

Abstract: The SNAP MOBILE PAYMENT APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“SNAP”) transform real-time-generated merchant-product Quick Response codes via SNAP components into virtual wallet card-based transaction purchase notifications. In one embodiment, the SNAP obtains a snapshot of a QR code presented on a display screen of a point-of-sale device from a mobile device. The SNAP decodes the QR code to obtain product information included in a checkout request of the user, and merchant information for processing a user purchase transaction with a merchant providing the QR code. The SNAP accesses a user virtual wallet to obtain user account information to process the user purchase transaction with the merchant. Using the product information, merchant information and user account information, the SNAP generates a card authorization request, and which the SNAP provides to a payment network for transaction processing. Also, the SNAP obtains a purchase receipt confirming processing of the user purchase transaction.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for handling and/or authorizing payment requests by a consumer for a transaction are provided. Challenge questions may be presented from the non-merchant to the consumer after receiving the payment information, thereby allowing a judicious determination of when to ask such challenge questions and allowing complex and probative questions. The time limit for such challenge questions may advantageously be unconstrained, while still preserving security. Also, a risk analysis may be started prior to the consumer submitting payment information, thus allowing an efficient and complex risk analysis. Information about an access device used by the consumer may be obtained at the non-merchant from the access device with code sent to the access device from the merchant, and the device information may be used in the risk analysis.

Abstract: The present invention includes an embolic protection device comprising a catheter having a self-expanding embolic filter that is disposed around the catheter proximal to a distal portion, wherein the embolic filter comprises a frame, and the frame defines an opening of the embolic filter that faces the distal end of the catheter; a deployment mechanism that is disposed around at least a portion of the catheter, wherein the deployment mechanism is longitudinally movable with respect to the catheter, the deployment mechanism is configured to contain the embolic filter in a collapsed configuration, and the embolic filter is configured to self-expand upon the longitudinal retraction of the deployment mechanism; and a wire coupled to the frame for expanding the size or diameter of the embolic filter opening.

Abstract: Multifunctional hydrogels and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to a self-positioning, quick-deployment low profile transvenous electrode system for sequentially pacing both the atrium and ventricle of the heart in the “dual chamber” mode having an atraumatic tip comprising a domed head connected to a cylindrical sidewall, said cylindrical sidewall having a sloped proximal edge connected to a tapered coupling, said tapered coupling forming a smooth transition to an outer diameter of the insulated wire, and methods for deploying the same.

Abstract: The present invention includes an embolic protection device comprising a catheter having a self-expanding embolic filter that is disposed around the catheter proximal to a distal portion, wherein the embolic filter comprises a frame, and the frame defines an opening of the embolic filter that faces the distal end of the catheter; a deployment mechanism that is disposed around at least a portion of the catheter, wherein the deployment mechanism is longitudinally movable with respect to the catheter, the deployment mechanism is configured to contain the embolic filter in a collapsed configuration, and the embolic filter is configured to self-expand upon the longitudinal retraction of the deployment mechanism; and a wire coupled to the frame for expanding the size or diameter of the embolic filter opening.

Abstract: Tissue access devices and methods of using the same are disclosed. The devices can have a sensor configured to occlude a flow path by deflecting a membrane into the flow path when the devices become dislodged from tissue. The sensor can be configured to partially or fully occlude the flow path. The sensor can have a spring. The spring can be biased to move the sensor from a sensor first configuration to a sensor second configuration when a force applied by the sensor first surface against a non-sensor surface changes from a first force to a second force less than the first force. The membrane can be deflected into the flow path when the sensor is in the sensor second configuration.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to a self-positioning, quick-deployment low profile transvenous electrode system for sequentially pacing both the atrium and ventricle of the heart in the “dual chamber” mode having an atraumatic tip comprising a domed head connected to a cylindrical sidewall, said cylindrical sidewall having a sloped proximal edge connected to a tapered coupling, said tapered coupling forming a smooth transition to an outer diameter of the insulated wire, and methods for deploying the same.

Abstract: Hybrid aerogels comprising nanofibers and microfibers are provided as well as methods of use thereof and methods of making.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a solid state drive (SSD) comprises a plurality of non-volatile memory dies communicatively arranged in one or more communication channels, each of the plurality of non-volatile memory dies comprising a plurality of physical blocks, one or more channel controllers communicatively coupled to the one or more communication channels, respectively, and a memory controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of non-volatile memory dies via the one or more channel controllers, wherein the memory controller is configured to assign (i) the plurality of physical blocks of a first die of the plurality of non-volatile memory dies to only a first region and (ii) the plurality of physical blocks of a second die of the plurality of non-volatile memory dies to only a second region, perform only read operations on the first region in a first operation mode, and perform write operations or maintenance operations on the second region in a second operation mode concurrently with read operations on the fir

Abstract: An electronic device included a first energy storage device coupled to a second energy storage device by a conductor. A charging node is coupled to the first energy storage device. Another conductor couples the charging node to the second energy storage device. A switch is electrically coupled between the conductor and the second energy storage device. A control circuit opens the switch, thereby allowing a first charging current to flow from the charging node to the first energy storage device through the conductor and a second charging current to flow from the charging node to the second energy storage device through the other conductor and closes the switch when a difference between a voltage of the first energy storage device and a voltage of the second energy storage device is within a predefined voltage difference threshold.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a solid state drive (SSD) comprises a plurality of non-volatile memory dies communicatively arranged in one or more communication channels, each of the plurality of non-volatile memory dies comprising a plurality of physical blocks, one or more channel controllers communicatively coupled to the one or more communication channels, respectively, and a memory controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of non-volatile memory dies via the one or more channel controllers, wherein the memory controller is configured to assign (i) the plurality of physical blocks of a first die of the plurality of non-volatile memory dies to only a first region and (ii) the plurality of physical blocks of a second die of the plurality of non-volatile memory dies to only a second region, perform only read operations on the first region in a first operation mode, and perform write operations or maintenance operations on the second region in a second operation mode concurrently with read operations on the fir

Abstract: A biostimulator, such as a leadless cardiac pacemaker, including a fixation element and an electrode mounted on a resilient scaffold, is described. The fixation element and the resilient scaffold are coupled to a housing of the biostimulator. The resilient scaffold can support the electrode against a target tissue at a location that is radially offset from a location where the fixation element anchors the housing to the target tissue. A flexibility of the resilient scaffold allows the electrode to conform to a shape and movement of the target tissue when the housing is rigidly fixed to the target tissue by the fixation element. The resiliently supported electrode that is radially offset from the anchor point can reliably pace the target tissue without piercing the target tissue. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a consumer. The method includes receiving an authorization request message associated with a consumer conducting a transaction with a portable consumer device. A challenge message is sent to the consumer, where the challenge message is dynamic or semi-dynamic. A challenge response message is received from the consumer, and an authorization response message is sent to the consumer. The authorization response message indicates whether or not the transaction is authorized.

Abstract: Coated and expanded, nanofiber structures are provided and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes an embolic protection device comprising a catheter having a self-expanding embolic filter that is disposed around the catheter proximal to a distal portion, wherein the embolic filter comprises a frame, and the frame defines an opening of the embolic filter that faces the distal end of the catheter; a deployment mechanism that is disposed around at least a portion of the catheter, wherein the deployment mechanism is longitudinally movable with respect to the catheter, the deployment mechanism is configured to contain the embolic filter in a collapsed configuration, and the embolic filter is configured to self-expand upon the longitudinal retraction of the deployment mechanism; and a wire coupled to the frame for expanding the size or diameter of the embolic filter opening.

Abstract: Tissue access devices and methods of using the same are disclosed. The devices can have a sensor configured to occlude a flow path by deflecting a membrane into the flow path when the devices become dislodged from tissue. The sensor can be configured to partially or fully occlude the flow path. The sensor can have a spring. The spring can be biased to move the sensor from a sensor first configuration to a sensor second configuration when a force applied by the sensor first surface against a non-sensor surface changes from a first force to a second force less than the first force. The membrane can be deflected into the flow path when the sensor is in the sensor second configuration.

Abstract: A biostimulator, such as a leadless cardiac pacemaker, including a fixation element and an electrode mounted on a resilient scaffold, is described. The fixation element and the resilient scaffold are coupled to a housing of the biostimulator. The resilient scaffold can support the electrode against a target tissue at a location that is radially offset from a location where the fixation element anchors the housing to the target tissue. A flexibility of the resilient scaffold allows the electrode to conform to a shape and movement of the target tissue when the housing is rigidly fixed to the target tissue by the fixation element. The resiliently supported electrode that is radially offset from the anchor point can reliably pace the target tissue without piercing the target tissue. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.