Abstract: An active matrix array of electroactive polymer actuators is provided, each electroactive polymer actuator having a switching arrangement. The switching arrangement comprises a first circuit (90) connected to a first terminal of the electroactive polymer actuator, for selectively driving the first terminal of the electroactive polymer actuator to ground or connecting it to an open circuit. A second circuit (92) is connected to a second terminal of the electroactive polymer actuator, for selectively driving the second terminal of the electroactive polymer actuator to ground or connecting it to an open circuit. Furthermore, a pull-up component (50) is permanently connected between a drive voltage and the first terminal of the electroactive polymer generator. By controlling both terminals of the electroactive polymer actuator, it is possible to reduce static power consumption, at least when no voltage is to be stored across the electroactive polymer actuator.

Abstract: An active matrix array of electroactive polymer actuators (36) is provided, each electroactive polymer actuator (36) having a switching arrangement (34). The switching arrangement comprises an input which is connected to a respective data line (30) and an output which is connected to a first terminal of the associated electroactive polymer actuator (36), wherein a second terminal of each electroactive polymer actuator is connected to a control line (110). A driver provides drive signals which comprise at least first and second drive levels for application to the data lines and third and fourth drive levels for application to the control line. Use is made of of common electrode driving (i.e. the control line driving) to enable low transistor control voltages to be used to switch larger voltages across the electroactive polymer actuators.

Abstract: A specialized mortgage constant calculator may include at least four different modes, each mode associated with a graphical user interface tailored to the mode and displayed on an electronic display. In addition, the mortgage constant calculator may include an adjustable table with a persistent, adjustable frame of reference and other navigational tools that facilitate use of a table that may be far larger than a display area of the electronic display.

Abstract: A dual band horizontally polarized omnidirectional antenna is disclosed herein. The antenna comprises a dielectric, a top low band dipole arm, a narrow section of the arm, a capacitive extension of the arm, a top high band dipole arm, a narrow section of the high band arm, a first section of a transmission line, a second section of the transmission line, a feed pad, a coax center pin solder point, a bottom side array, a bottom side ground pad, and a hole for feed.

Abstract: Inflatable orthopedic implants and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for deploying such implants within an intervertebral space for use in spinal fusion surgery, other intervertebral surgical procedures, or other surgical procedures. The inflatable intervertebral implant can include a hollow inflatable body that can be configured in a compact state for insertion into a target intervertebral space between a pair of adjacent vertebral bodies. Once the vertebral bodies are separated or distracted, e.g., using one or more inflatable distractors, the hollow body of the inflatable implant can be inflated with bone cement or other curable material. When the curable material hardens, the inflated implant can form a rigid intervertebral support structure (e.g., a fusion cage) capable of maintaining the vertebral distraction and thereby enabling removal of the distractors.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor comprising a first shield and a second shield and a sensor stack between the first and the second shield, the sensor stack having a plurality of layers wherein at least one layer is annealed using in-situ rapid thermal annealing. In one implementation of the magnetic sensor a seed layer is annealed using in-situ rapid thermal annealing. Alternatively, one of a barrier layer, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer, and a cap layer is annealed using in-situ rapid thermal annealing.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a fall detection apparatus for detecting a fall by a user, the fall detection apparatus comprising a processing unit configured to: receive measurements of movements of the user over time from a first movement sensor that is to be worn or carried by the user; determine if any of one or more objects are being carried or used by the user; and determine whether the user has fallen by processing the received measurements of the movements of the user and measurements of movements of any object that is being carried or used by the user.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a bootie configured to enclose a wearer's foot, and a midsole secured to the bootie. The article of footwear further includes a knit upper secured on the bootie. The knit upper covers an exterior surface of the bootie and the midsole.

Abstract: An inspection system for detecting optical defects in a transparency includes a first rounded array of first elongated light elements, and a second rounded array of second elongated light elements. The second rounded array is positionable radially outboard of the first rounded array. The inspection system further includes a light-element-moving system configured to radially translate at least the first elongated light elements. The inspection system also includes an image recording device positionable on a side of the transparency opposite the first and second rounded arrays and configured to record images of the transparency during radial translation of at least the first elongated light elements during backlighting of the transparency. The inspection system includes a processor configured to analyze the images recorded during radial translation of at least the first elongated light elements, and detect optical defects in the transparency based on analysis of the images.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vital sign monitoring system. The system comprises a segmented electrode forming an in-plane electrode array, wherein the electrode comprise a skin contacting skin adhering contact layer mounted on an electrode backing material, a deformation sensor arranged for identifying deformation information of the electrode, a signal processor arranged to receive a vital sign signal from the electrode and process the deformation information to remove artefacts from the vital sign signal, wherein the electrode comprises multiple electrode segments and wherein the signal processor is arranged to select that electrode segment that has a lowest deformation of all electrode segments of the electrode.

Abstract: Packaging for hydrated articles are generally provided. In some embodiments, packaged articles are provided. For example, in some embodiments, a container contains an article such as a catheter and/or polymeric material. The disclosed packaged articles may be useful for, for example, providing controlled humidity conditions for contained components, maintaining consistent hydration levels of the packaged articles, and/or improved sterilization conditions. Advantageously, the packaged articles described herein may, in some embodiments, create an environment with minimum relative humidity for long-term storage of a catheter or polymeric material, increase shelf life of the catheter or polymeric material, and/or facilitate hydration of a catheter such that e.g., the catheter hydrates to intended dimensions within a specified amount of time. Methods for preparing such packaged article are also provided.

Abstract: A system for evenly-scattered adaptable subject lighting for mobile device photography, comprising a case configured to enclose and securely fasten a mobile device and an illuminating portion, the illuminating portion configured to produce light based on input received from a plurality of sensors. The system further comprising a plurality of programming instructions stored in a memory and operating on a processor of a network-connected computing device, and configured to direct the operation of the illuminating portion comprising at least a sensor processor and an image capture device, wherein the sensor processor adjusts the illuminating portion based on preconfigured thresholds to provide evenly-scatter lighting for capturing images of subjects via the image capture device.

Abstract: A system for priming a pool pump includes piping that provides fluid communication to or from the pool pump. A valve is in fluid communication with the piping, and the valve has an open position that permits fluid flow through the valve and a shut position that prevents fluid flow through the valve. A priming pump is in fluid communication with the piping. The priming pump includes a suction and a discharge, and the suction of the priming pump connects to the piping upstream from the valve. A sensor generates a control signal reflective of time, fluid flow downstream from the priming pump, and/or fluid flow downstream from the pool pump. A controller receives the control signal, and when the control signal satisfies a predetermined criterion, the controller deenergizes the priming pump, repositions the valve to the open position, and/or energizes the pool pump.

Abstract: A connector and tubing combination includes a tubing segment with an end piece, such as a tubing flange. The tubing flange can be secured within the connector by an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve of the connector. Both of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are located outside of the tubing flange and the tubing segment. In addition, the inner sleeve, outer sleeve and the tubing flange are mechanically connected.

Abstract: A design application generates feasible engineering designs that satisfy criteria associated with a particular engineering problem. The design application receives input that outlines a specific engineering problem to be solved, and then synthesizes a problem specification based on this input. The design application then searches a database to identify different classes of approaches to solving the design problem set forth in the problem specification. The design application then selects one or more such classes of approaches, and generates a spectrum of potential design solutions for each such approach. The generated solutions may then be evaluated to determine the degree to which the problems specification has been met.

Abstract: There is provided a respiratory apparatus. The respiratory apparatus comprises a respiratory interface configured to aid a user in respiration and an attachment configured to hold the respiratory interface in position on the face of the user. The respiratory apparatus also comprises at least one electrode configured to provide electrical stimulation to one or more facial muscles of the user.

Abstract: An on-body sensing system (30) comprises a plurality of skin interface elements for coupling electrical signals to and from the body. The system is adapted to derive an indication of a position of at least one positionable interface unit (32) based on transmission of signals between the positionable unit and a set of spatially separated reference units (34), the reference units being positioned at a set of known locations on the body. Transmitted signals are sensed at multiple pairs (52) of electrodes on each reference unit and signal characteristics derived for each pair, and based on this a direction of arrival of the signal determined. By collating all of the measured arrival angles, and by reference to a reference dataset containing information indicative of known signal arrival angles when signals are transmitted internally between the reference units themselves, an indication of position of the positionable unit is derived.

Abstract: Techniques for updating blockchains using a proof of work determined serially include receiving a block of data for inclusion in a new block of a blockchain; deterministically determining an initial nonce, hashing a combination of the block of data and the initial nonce to create a hashed value; iteratively deterministically determining an updated nonce based on a combination of the hashed value and updating the hashed value by hashing the updated nonce until the updated hashed value satisfies a proof of work criteria; creating the new block based on the block of data, the initial nonce, and the updated hashed value that satisfies the proof of work criteria; and having the new block stored in the blockchain.