Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a control device and method for estimating a drivable space in a surrounding environment of a vehicle. In particular, the disclosure relates to a “free space estimation” solution with reduced validation effort. The control device includes one or more processors adapted to obtain sensor data, determine a surface flatness MF and a surface texture MR of at least one portion of the surrounding environment by means of two independent algorithms, and defining a drivable space based on obtained values.

Abstract: A retention device for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) may comprise an elongate body including a configured to receive the lead of the IMD. The retention device may also include securing mechanisms coupled to the elongate body and configured to push against tissue of a patient. The securing mechanisms may also include linking elements coupled to the elongate body and a portion of the securing mechanisms.

Abstract: Rotor systems and methods for improved performance with extended range to stall fabricated through the use of additive manufacturing. A rotor has blades that extend to tips and rotates about an axis. A casing fits over the rotor so that the tips are configured to pass proximate the casing when the rotor rotates. The casing channels a flow stream across the rotor. Grooves are defined in the casing and extend longitudinally at an acute angle relative to the axis. The grooves extend a distance upstream from a leading edge of the blades and over at least a portion of the blade tips so that the blade tips are configured to pass across the grooves when the rotor rotates.

Abstract: A turbine nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes an outer endwall, and an inner endwall spaced apart from the outer endwall. The turbine nozzle includes at least one airfoil coupled between the inner endwall and the outer endwall, and a compliant joint defined in at least one of the outer endwall and the inner endwall. The compliant joint includes at least one partially-fused seal that is configured to restrict a flow of fluid through the at least one of the outer endwall and the inner endwall and to form a slip-joint above a predetermined threshold stress. The slip-joint is configured to maintain a radial position of the at least one of the outer endwall and the inner endwall.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a control device and method for estimating a drivable space in a surrounding environment of a vehicle. In particular, the disclosure relates to a “free space estimation” solution with reduced validation effort. The control device includes one or more processors adapted to obtain sensor data, determine a surface flatness MF and a surface texture MR of at least one portion of the surrounding environment by means of two independent algorithms, and defining a drivable space based on obtained values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tracking system and method comprising: a first and second tracking units comprising a satellite signal receiver, a microprocessor, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver; and an indicator means; and in which upon activation of the first unit, the first unit satellite signal receiver is arranged to receive satellite signals and to determine a location of the first unit. The first unit microprocessor is arranged in operation to receive the location from the first unit satellite signal receiver and generate a first unit location signal in dependence upon said location; and the first unit RF transmitter is arranged to transmit said signal; the second unit is arranged to receive satellite signals and calculate a second unit location; the second unit microprocessor is arranged in operation to receive the second unit location from the second unit satellite receiver.

Abstract: A retention device for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) are disclosed. An illustrative retention device may comprise an elongate body including a configured to receive the lead of the IMD. The retention device may also include securing mechanisms coupled to the elongate body and configured to push against tissue of a patient. The securing mechanisms may also include linking elements coupled to the elongate body and a portion of the securing mechanisms.

Abstract: A fan structure having integrated rotor impeller, and methods of producing the same are provided. The fan structure includes a fan housing that encircles a longitudinal axis, and defines an airflow direction from an inlet side to an exit side. The integrated rotor impeller structure is disposed to rotate within the fan housing. The integrated rotor impeller structure includes (a) a cylindrical rotor shell being annular about the longitudinal axis, and having a shell length, and (b) an axis rod coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and having an axis rod length of less than or equal to the shell length. An airflow annulus is created therebetween. A blade is disposed within the airflow annulus to extend radially from the external surface of the axis rod to the inside surface of the the cylindrical rotor shell. One or more magnets are integrated within the integrated rotor impeller structure.

Abstract: Retention devices for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) are disclosed. An illustrative retention device may comprise an elongate body including a hollow lumen configured to receive a lead of the IMD and an outer surface configured to receive a suture. The retention device may also include a securing mechanism configured to push against tissue of a patient.

Abstract: A retention device for use with an implantable medical device (IMD) are disclosed. An illustrative retention device may comprise an elongate body including a configured to receive the lead of the IMD. The retention device may also include securing mechanisms coupled to the elongate body and configured to push against tissue of a patient. The securing mechanisms may also include linking elements coupled to the elongate body and a portion of the securing mechanisms.

Abstract: A turbine nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes an outer endwall, and an inner endwall spaced apart from the outer endwall. The turbine nozzle includes at least one airfoil coupled between the inner endwall and the outer endwall, and a compliant joint defined in at least one of the outer endwall and the inner endwall. The compliant joint includes at least one partially-fused seal that is configured to restrict a flow of fluid through the at least one of the outer endwall and the inner endwall and to form a slip-joint above a predetermined threshold stress. The slip-joint is configured to maintain a radial position of the at least one of the outer endwall and the inner endwall.

Abstract: Retainer devices and methods are configured for securing medical devices subcutaneously in a patient. The retainer device may include first and second arms connected by a bridge, the retainer clip configured to move between a first orientation in which lower surfaces of the first and second arms face each other, and a second orientation in which the first and second arms extend laterally from opposite sides of the bridge, wherein the clip is biased in the second orientation. Another example includes a coil and delivery device in which the delivery device holds the coil in a general straight configuration until release; when released the coil wraps about a medical device and holds the device to the subcutaneous tissue.

Abstract: Implantation of a cardiac stimulus system using the ITV. Superior, intercostal, and inferior access methods are discussed and disclosed. Superior access may be performed using the brachiocephalic vein to access the ITV, with access to the brachiocephalic vein achieved using subclavian vein, using standard visualization techniques. A positioning mechanism may be advanced to the ITV, a location of the positioning mechanism may then be obtained, and an external access may then be established. Inferior external access may be accomplished inferior to the lower rib margin via the superior epigastric or musculophrenic vein. Intercostal external access may be accomplished via an intercostal vein between two ribs. A lead may then be attached to the positioning mechanism and drawn into the ITV.

Abstract: Implantable leads of a cardiac stimulus system are disclosed, as well as methods for implanting leads of a cardiac stimulus system. The lead may be comprised of a proximal portion having a coupler for coupling to an implantable pulse generator, an intermediate portion comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon, and a distal portion. The intermediate portion may have a first diameter and the distal portion may have a second diameter. The distal portion may also have an attachment feature for attaching to a lead pulling tool for delivery to an ITV and an intercostal vein. Methods may include pulling a lead from a first position to a second position within the vasculature, exiting the vasculature at the second location, and attaching a portion of the lead that exits the vasculature to an electrode or implantable device for use with the lead.

Abstract: A stator attachment system couples a stator to a compressor case that is split to define a first half and a second half. The stator attachment system includes a plurality of retention slots defined in each of the first half and the second half of the compressor case. The plurality of retention slots is spaced apart about a perimeter of the first half and the second half such that at least one of the plurality of retention slots associated with the first half is vertically aligned with at least one of the plurality of retention slots associated with the second half. The stator attachment system includes a plurality of tabs defined on the stator that extend radially outward from the stator. Each of the plurality of tabs is configured to engage with one of the plurality of retention slots to couple the stator to the compressor case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tracking system and method comprising: a first and second tracking units comprising a satellite signal receiver, a microprocessor, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver; and an indicator means; and in which upon activation of the first unit, the first unit satellite signal receiver is arranged to receive satellite signals and to determine a location of the first unit. The first unit microprocessor is arranged in operation to receive the location from the first unit satellite signal receiver and generate a first unit location signal in dependence upon said location; and the first unit RF transmitter is arranged to transmit said signal; the second unit is arranged to receive satellite signals and calculate a second unit location; the second unit microprocessor is arranged in operation to receive the second unit location from the second unit satellite receiver.

Abstract: Variable vane devices containing rotationally-driven translating vane structures are provided, as are methods for fabricating variable vane devices. In one embodiment, the variable vane device includes a flow assembly having a centerline, an annular flow passage extending through the flow assembly, cam mechanisms, and rotationally-driven translating vane structures coupled to the flow assembly and rotatable relative thereto. The translating vane structures include vane bodies positioned within the annular flow passage and angularly spaced about the centerline. During operation of the variable vane device, the cam mechanisms adjust translational positions of the vane bodies within the annular flow passage in conjunction with rotation of the translating vane structures relative to the flow assembly.

Abstract: Implantation of a cardiac stimulus system using the intercostal veins. Superior, intercostal, and inferior access methods are discussed and disclosed. Superior access may be performed by entering the brachiocephalic vein from a jugular, subclavian, or other vein, and then accessing the internal thoracic vein, traversing a portion of the internal thoracic vein and then accessing an intercostal vein therefrom. Inferior access may be accomplished inferior to the lower rib margin via the superior epigastric vein, advancing superiorly into the internal thoracic vein and then accessing an intercostal vein therefrom. Intercostal access may include creating an opening in an intercostal space between two ribs and advancing a needle using ultrasound guidance to enter the intercostal vein directly.

Abstract: Rotor systems and methods for improved performance with extended range to stall fabricated through the use of additive manufacturing. A rotor has blades that extend to tips and rotates about an axis. A casing fits over the rotor so that the tips are configured to pass proximate the casing when the rotor rotates. The casing channels a flow stream across the rotor. Grooves are defined in the casing and extend longitudinally at an acute angle relative to the axis. The grooves extend a distance upstream from a leading edge of the blades and over at least a portion of the blade tips so that the blade tips are configured to pass across the grooves when the rotor rotates.

Abstract: Implantation of a cardiac stimulus system using the ITV. Access to the ITV may be performed using the intercostal vein as an access point, and entering the ITV through an ostium therebetween. The intercostal vein may be located on a costal groove on an inferior portion of a rib. Advancement from the intercostal vein to the ITV may then be performed in a superior direction, an inferior direction, or both.