Abstract: A simple unique tool designed to improve the technique, safety, limit damage, and create efficiencies to remove and/or replace spring-loaded electrical contacts in various connectors. The plier design utilizes a narrow upper jaw to easily fit between a contactor housing and the electrical contact. The lower jaw is cushioned with a protective element to not damage the housing. Effortlessly deployed, the cable plier depresses the spring, relieving tension on the contact for ease of contact removal. Unlike other removal methods and practices, the tool keeps the housing and springs intact.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for reducing user effort for sensor provisioning. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more processors and one or more memories including program instructions. The program instructions when executed are configured for receiving and storing initial sensor provisioning instructions from a graphical user interface (GUI) and provisioning a first plurality of sensors using the initial sensor provisioning instructions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for reducing user effort for sensor provisioning. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more processors and one or more memories including program instructions. The program instructions when executed are configured for receiving and storing initial sensor provisioning instructions from a graphical user interface (GUI) and provisioning a first plurality of sensors using the initial sensor provisioning instructions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for reducing user effort for sensor provisioning. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more processors and one or more memories including program instructions. The program instructions when executed are configured for receiving and storing initial sensor provisioning instructions from a graphical user interface (GUI) and provisioning a first plurality of sensors using the initial sensor provisioning instructions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for reducing user effort for sensor provisioning. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more processors and one or more memories including program instructions. The program instructions when executed are configured for receiving and storing initial sensor provisioning instructions from a graphical user interface (GUI) and provisioning a first plurality of sensors using the initial sensor provisioning instructions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for reducing user effort for sensor provisioning. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more processors and one or more memories including program instructions. The program instructions when executed are configured for receiving and storing initial sensor provisioning instructions from a graphical user interface (GUI) and provisioning a first plurality of sensors using the initial sensor provisioning instructions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for reducing user effort for sensor provisioning. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more processors and one or more memories including program instructions. The program instructions when executed are configured for receiving and storing initial sensor provisioning instructions from a graphical user interface (GUI) and provisioning a first plurality of sensors using the initial sensor provisioning instructions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for reducing user effort for sensor provisioning. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more processors and one or more memories including program instructions. The program instructions when executed are configured for receiving and storing initial sensor provisioning instructions from a graphical user interface (GUI) and provisioning a first plurality of sensors using the initial sensor provisioning instructions.

Abstract: Sound reproduction systems are described that have superior response to pure bass frequency signals from musical instruments such as electric bass guitar and string bass. A first amplifier drives a low frequency woofer and a second amplifier drives a full range speaker system. The bass component of the audio signal handled by the second amplifier is monitored and progressively compressed as the bass energy approaches a critical level that may damage one or more elements of the full range speaker. Speaker protection devices are also described that passively limit damaging pulses into speakers typically caused by plugging in equipment.

Abstract: Marching band string instruments and wearable string instruments are described that include a stiff waist band to prevent excessive side to side movement during use, while providing easy doff and don of the string instrument. String instruments also are provided with adjustable chest braces to allow accommodation for different player sizes and for minimization of back strain when playing the electric string instrument for extended time periods. Electric string instruments optionally have soft material interposed between bridge feet and a string instrument body, to allow a more resonant sound detection from a pickup located between the bridge feet and the body. Other advances include generation of a stereo signal from bridge vibrations, and electronic processing of sound that enhances the electric string instrument playing and learning experience.

Abstract: Rapid shaft stop devices and transmissions are described that utilize permanent magnets for coupling and/or braking and are useful for electronic propeller guards and other equipment. In an embodiment, one or more capacitive discharge pulses are used to rapidly stop a shaft. A magnetic transmission is provided having axially oriented magnets on each side of an air space junction that transmit torque across the junction with a torque/speed profile that particularly suits boat propellers. The junction may include a bearing and allows slippage when the propeller resistance exceeds a given value. This slippage acts as a variable gear reduction. One or more electromagnets may be energized and thereby add to or subtract from one or more magnetic fields and provide electronic control of torque and of gear reduction ratio for devices such as watercraft drive systems.

Abstract: A kit and method for supporting a pelvic floor of a person with stress urinary incontinence or other symptoms. The method involves using barbed sutures as part of a sling for supporting the pelvic floor or urethra of a person experiencing stress urinary incontinence or other symptoms. A surgeon implants the sling along with the barbed sutures, using one of several known methods. The barbed sutures may be interwoven with the sling and the supports for the sling, so that once the sling and its supports are placed into the patient, barbs of the sutures will resist movement. The sutures may also be woven into the supports to resist movement.

Abstract: A Foley catheter with a retention balloon includes an elongated inflation tube so that the inflation port used to inflate and deflate the balloon may be maneuvered away from the drainage port of the Foley catheter. If the Foley catheter was placed using a urethral access sheath, the elongated inflation tube allows the surgeon to easily remove the access sheath from the patient.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a catheter with a controlled-release outer layer including a pharmacologically active ingredient for helping to relieve pain associated with the implantation of the device. The device includes a base material with an outer bioactive material layer including, for example, an analgesic or a local anesthetic.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a catheter includes an outer controlled-release layer with a pharmacologically active ingredient for helping to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of cancer, or an immunosuppressive drug. The outer layer includes a bioactive material such as paclitaxel or other drug known to help reduce the incidence of formation of tumors or other cancerous items within the body of a patient.

Abstract: An implantable medical device 10 such as a catheter with a controlled-release pharmacologically active ingredient for minimizing the risk of infection or other physiological afflictions associated with the implantation thereof. The device includes a base material and a controlled-release outer layer containing a bioactive material, for example, paclitaxel.

Abstract: A retrieval device for use in renal, biliary, vascular or other systems of a body includes a collapsible basket in a narrow sheath. A surgeon advances the device beyond an object to be removed from a body, such as a kidneystone, a gallstone, or a thrombus. The surgeon then retracts the sheath or advances the basket from the sheath. The basket deploys only to one side of the sheath. In some embodiments, the periphery of the basket has a flex point to enable the basket to easily collapse into the sheath. If the sheath is adjacent a body vessel, such as a blood vessel or a ureter, the sheath remains adjacent the wall, while the device deploys in such a manner as to seal against the walls of the vessel and block the flow of fragments, emboli, thrombi, or other undesirable objects.

Abstract: A delivery device for placing an implant or prosthesis inside a body is described. The device is useful for placing a variety of stents or implants when used with a cystoscope or other visualization or placement device. An inner sheath is relatively stiff and an outer sheath is relatively pliable or soft compared to the inner sheath. The sheaths are assembled to a connector and a positioner is then inserted through the center of the assembly, the inner sheath. The implant is placed near the distal end of the outer sheath, and the assembled device with the implant is backloaded onto a cystoscope or endoscope for placement. The inner sheath may be used to tailor the stiffness or rigidity of the assembled delivery device.

Abstract: High speed electric watercraft of various configurations are provided that utilize at least one submerged enclosed hull containing an electric motor and at least one other parallel float positioned higher that the enclosed hull to provide buoyancy for a platform that can carry one or more individuals above a water surface. The watercraft optionally include features of (1) a rounded front end on the platform, (2) a platform length that is shorter than the float for stability against tipping, (3) entryways that do not require stepping over a vessel hull, (4) dimensions fore and aft that minimize spray onto the rear of the platform, (5) shock absorbers to provide a smoother ride, and (6) adjustable struts that connect floats with the platform to allow control of the platform height above the water surface. These and other features are made possible by a fast electric design that avoids certain problems of vessel type watercraft.

Abstract: High speed electric watercraft of various configurations are provided that utilize at least one submerged enclosed hull containing an electric motor and at least one other parallel float positioned higher that the enclosed hull to provide buoyancy for a platform that can carry one or more individuals above a water surface. The watercraft optionally include features of (1) a rounded front end on the platform, (2) a platform length that is shorter than the float for stability against tipping, (3) entryways that do not require stepping over a vessel hull, (4) dimensions fore and aft that minimize spray onto the rear of the platform, (5) shock absorbers to provide a smoother ride, and (6) adjustable struts that connect floats with the platform to allow control of the platform height above the water surface. These and other features are made possible by a fast electric design that avoids certain problems of vessel type watercraft.