Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating wounds in endoluminal spaces of a patient are disclosed. A device may include an elongate tube defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen, an expandable component adjustably positioned at the distal end of the elongate tube, and a tether coupled to the expandable component and extending proximal from the expandable component through the lumen to a location exterior of the elongate tube. The expandable component may be adjustable between a delivery position within the elongate tube and a fully deployed position at least partially exterior of the elongate tube. The expandable member may be absorbent. A proximal end of the elongate tube may couple to a vacuum source to apply a negative pressure at or proximate the expandable component. An inner member may extend through the elongate tube and be configured to adjustably engage the expandable component.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using data collected by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to generate insurance claim estimates that an insured individual may quickly review, approve, or modify. When an insurance-related event occurs, such as a vehicle collision, crash, or disaster, one or more UAVs are dispatched to the scene of the event to collect various data, including data related to vehicle or real property (insured asset) damage. With the insured's permission or consent, the data collected by the UAVs may then be analyzed to generate an estimated insurance claim for the insured. The estimated insurance claim may be sent to the insured individual, such as to their mobile device via wireless communication or data transmission, for subsequent review and approval. As a result, insurance claim handling and/or the online customer experience may be enhanced.

Abstract: Magazines of conducted electrical weapons (CEW) comprise a set of magnetic elements having positions, polarities, and magnitudes corresponding to a type of magazine. The CEW uses sensors to detect an indicator magnet indicating that a magazine is inserted into a bay of the CEW. The CEW additionally uses sensors to detect information about the set of magnetic elements and determines, based on the detected information, a type of the magazine.

Abstract: The Internet can be configured to provide communications to a large number of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. Devices can be designed to address the need for network layers, from central servers, through gateways, down to edge devices, to grow unhindered, to discover and make accessible connected resources, and to support the ability to hide and compartmentalize connected resources. Network protocols can be part of the fabric supporting human accessible services that operate regardless of location, time, or space. Innovations can include service delivery and associated infrastructure, such as hardware and software. Services may be provided in accordance with specified Quality of Service (QoS) terms. The use of IoT devices and networks can be included in a heterogeneous network of connectivity including wired and wireless technologies.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for generating a virtual gaming environment. Specifically, an instance of a virtual gaming environment is generated and hosted on a server. Responsive to communicatively connecting a first and second user computing devices, a virtual gaming environment is populated with at least a first virtual avatar, a virtual desktop, a second virtual avatar, and a second virtual desktop. It is determined that the first virtual avatar is within a first predetermined distance of the second desktop, and based on this, a resolution at which to render a visual representation of activities being executed by a second user computing device associated with the second desktop is determined. A bandwidth at which the visual representation is renderable in real time at the determined resolution is calculated. The visual representation is transmitted, utilizing the calculated bandwidth, to the first user computing device at the determined resolution.

Abstract: Distractor and retractor systems and methods of using the same. A pedicle-based distractor assembly may include a base supporting a distraction rack, a pair of moveable arms coupled to the distraction rack, a connector at the end of each arm, each connector having a through-opening, and a pair of distractor elements each configured to attach to a pedicle screw. Each distractor element may be positioned through the through-opening in the respective connector. The distractor elements are modular such that different types of distractor elements, such as headless posts, pre-assembled posts, or minimally invasive towers, are interchangeable with the connectors. The assembly may also include a retractor assembly with a medial retractor blade for retracting soft tissue.

Abstract: An inlet cover mechanism for an air launched vehicle includes a quick release pin, a chassis, a collar, and a piston pin. The inlet cover mechanism facilitates attachment and deployment of an inlet cover with the air launched vehicle. The quick release pin is connected to the inlet cover. The chassis is connected to the air launched vehicle. The collar is connected to the chassis and is releasably engageable with the quick release pin. The piston pin is slidably engaged within the chassis and is configured to contact the quick release pin.

Abstract: A flow cytometer of a blood analyzer including a transverse-electric (TE) laser diode, a flow cell, a quarter wave plate (QWP), a plurality of lenses, and a side scatter detector. The TE laser diode is configured to output a laser beam along an optical axis and has a fast axis full width at half maximum (FWHM) divergence of from about 16 degrees to about 25 degrees. The QWP is disposed along the optical axis between the TE laser diode and the flow cell and configured to circularly polarize the laser beam. The plurality of lenses is disposed between the TE laser diode and the flow cell and configured to focus the laser beam at the flow cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a device connectivity services system. A method for using the device connectivity services includes receiving a request to connect with a device to perform one or more tasks at the device, processing the request with respect to connectivity factors related to the request and the device, scheduling the request based on the connectivity factors, instantiating a controller to execute the one or more tasks at the device, sending commands to the device over a connection to perform the one or more tasks, and receiving responses from the device over the connection after completing the one or more tasks.

Abstract: A database management engine provides a user interface that allows users to access and modify employee information in a database. The database includes entries for employees, and each database entry includes identifying information about the associated employee. A user can request to modify data within database entries, for instance in order to update information associated with an employee. Responsive to the request, the database management engine identifies liabilities associated with the database modification stemming from associated tax laws. Based on the identified tax liabilities, the engine computes the aggregate tax liability owed by the employer and/or employee. Before modifying a database entry, the engine modifies the user interface to include interface elements detailing the computed aggregate tax liability. The user explicitly can be required to confirm the database modification in view of the aggregate tax liability.

Abstract: A substrate for use in an aqueous slurry has a polymeric coating to provide a compliant and sticky surface. The polymer coating has a chemical to render the surface hydrophobic so as to attract hydrophobic or hydrophobized mineral particles in the slurry. The substrate can take the form of a conveyor belt, a bead, a mesh, an impeller, a filter or a flat surface. The substrate can also be an open-cell foam. The polymeric coating can be modified with tackifiers; plasticizers; crosslinking agents; chain transfer agents; chain extenders; adhesion promoters; aryl or alky copolymers; fluorinated copolymers and/or additives; hydrophobicizing agents such as hexamethyldisilazane; inorganic particles such as silica, hydrophobic silica, and/or fumed hydrophobic silica; MQ resin; and/or other additives to control and modify the properties of the polymer.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods, processes and devices that remove or release organics from ores, such as phosphate ores or secondary sources such as mine tailings or waste. The method comprises: preparing an ore to a pre-set size; mixing the ore with a reagent having an initial pH value in a slurry comprising the ore and the reagent; and while mixing the slurry, maintaining a pH level in the slurry to a pH range. While mixing the slurry, the slurry may produce a supernatant containing organic material removed from the ore and sediment containing refined ore. The method may also screen the slurry to create a first stream of materials that does not pass through the screen and a second stream of materials and refined ore that pass through the screen.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a plate that can couple with a non-conductive header of a battery pack. The plate can form a conductive path between the header and the battery pack.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to vaporization systems and interchangeable elements forming such systems. In particular, a plurality of control devices may be interchangeably combined with one or more cartridges to provide an overall vaporization system that provide customizable vaporization characteristics for a consumer. The vaporization system further can include at least one external connection device for charging and/or data communication.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing edge computing assisted vehicle alerts. A multi-access edge computing (MEC) server may be configured to obtain a plurality of messages from one or more vehicles, determine formation of a traffic queue based on the plurality of messages, determine a plurality of zone-based speed limits, determine when a vehicle approaching the traffic queue may be traveling faster than desired based on its location relative to an applicable zone-based speed limit, and generate one or more alerts.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an enclosure for a battery pack. The enclosure may include one or more casted portions, such as a casted front member and a casted rear member. The casted portions may provide benefits including reducing a number of seal paths on the enclosure, facilitating serviceability of various electrical components from a bottom of the battery pack, reducing a number of parts of the enclosure, facilitating efficient battery pack assembly, facilitating connector placement for ergonomics and/or damage protection, facilitating placement of vents, providing casted in lid, lung, and/or skid plate attachments, and/or improving strike reinforcement features.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, charging circuitry including an electrical connector configured to interconnect the one or more rechargeable batteries with a power supply, and a sensor configured to detect an action of using the aerosol delivery device by a user and output a signal. The aerosol delivery device also comprises a microprocessor coupled to the charging circuitry and the sensor, the microprocessor, in response to receiving the signal from the sensor, is configured to control the aerosol delivery device to allow vaping or puffing by a user while the aerosol delivery device is connected to a charger.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing roadside assistance services are described herein. The system may include network computing devices and computing devices associated with user vehicles and service vehicles. The system may predict incoming requests for roadside services, and may allocate service providers among various geographical regions and/or time slots to handle the incoming requests. The system may receive a request for a roadside service from a user. The system may select an appropriate service provider to assist the user, and may assign the service request to the selected service provider.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device comprising a control device that is connectable with a cartridge and that can include one or more additional elements for improving one or both of visible indications of use to a user and resistance to infiltration of liquid into the control device. More particularly, the control device may include a light guide configured for transmitting to a window from a light source that is off-set from the window and a controller configured to direct a varying level of light from the light source. The control device may include one or more elements that are configured to limit infiltration of liquids into the control device and thus may be consider to be water-resistant or water-proof.