Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to electronic devices having speakers such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) speakers. A MEMS speaker can include cylindrical corrugated MEMS structure. The cylindrical corrugated MEMS structure may include a contiguous MEMS structure with corrugations that run around an open cylindrical core that is defined, in part, by interior folds of the corrugations. The cylindrical corrugated MEMS structure may be deformed, responsive to an applied voltage, such that a portion of the cylindrical corrugated MEMS structure bends into and/or out of the open cylindrical core to push air out of and/or pull air into the open cylindrical core. In one or more implementations, a MEMS speaker may include an array of cylindrical corrugated MEMS structures.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms—including novel strains of the microorganisms—microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same, in methods for imparting beneficial properties to target plant species. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable plant traits in agronomically important crop species.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to electronic devices having speakers such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) speakers. A MEMS speaker can include an electrostatically driven, corrugated MEMS structure to move air without a magnet, coil, or traditional speaker membrane, and thus provide a low-power, compact speaker with a large acoustically active area in a small volume. Neighboring folds in the corrugated MEMS structure may form pairs of MEMS electrodes that can be pushed together and/or pulled apart to deform the MEMS structure in a breathing motion that generates pressure differentials on opposing sides of the corrugated MEMS structure to generate sound. Additional modes of operation are described.

Abstract: A method of detecting a mineral or metal in ground includes capturing an image of a target region of the ground and processing the image to determine a location of a candidate rock or plant of interest that is known to be usable for the detection of a mineral or element of interest. Once located, electromagnetic radiation, such as a laser, is directed to the candidate rock or plant to create a light signature, such as by vaporization. The method analyzes the light signature for the presence of the mineral or metal in the target region and determines if the light signature indicates the mineral or metal is present in the ground. The light signature can be analyzed with a spectroscope to detect the mineral or element as an indication of the present of the mineral or element in the ground around or below the candidate rock or plant.

Abstract: A method of detecting a mineral or metal in ground includes illumination a target region of the ground with electromagnetic radiation to produce a light signature. The method also analyzes the light signature for the presence of the mineral or metal in the target region and determines if the light signature indicates the mineral or metal is present in the ground.

Abstract: A method of detecting a mineral or metal in soil causes at least a portion of a plant to burn to produce a light signature. The method also analyzes the light signature for the presence of the mineral or metal in the plant and determines if the light signature indicates the mineral or metal is present in the plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around an occlusion or stenosis in a coronary artery. The conduit is a tube adapted to be positioned in the heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a heart chamber and a coronary artery, at a site distal to the occlusion or stenosis. The conduit has a section of blood vessel attached to its interior lumen which preferably includes at least one naturally occurring one-way valve positioned therein. The valve prevents the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.

Abstract: A process for electrochemical stripping of components is disclosed. An operating point of the electrochemical stripping is determined under actual process conditions prior to the actual electrochemical stripping and is determined anew continuously, i.e., monitored and optionally adjusted during the electrochemical stripping.

Abstract: A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a tubular member, a ring made of flexible material, a resilient membrane, and a pusher member. The ring is disposed in a collapsed insertion configuration inside the tubular member and has an expanded configuration surrounding or defining an aperture, the resilient membrane being connected to the ring along an entire circumference thereof so that the membrane is at least coextensive with the aperture, thereby closing or blocking the aperture. The membrane is also disposed in a folded configuration inside the tubular member. The pusher member extends into the tubular member from a proximal end thereof for ejecting the collapsed ring and the folded membrane from a distal end of the tubular member. The ring has internal spring forces or stresses tending to open the ring from the collapsed insertion configuration to the expanded configuration upon an ejection of the ring from the tubular member.

Abstract: A surgical closure method utilizes a surgical closure device having an elongate tubular shaft, an elongate rod extending longitudinally through the shaft, and a disk attached to a distal end of the rod. The method comprises (a) inserting a distal end portion of the shaft into a patient, (b) thereafter shifting the rod relative to the shaft so that the disk is located distally of a distal end of the shaft, (c) manipulating the rod to insert the disk through a hole in a wall of a hollow internal organ of the patient, (e) pulling the rod in a proximal direction to bring the inserted disk into contact with the organ wall, (f) thereafter ejecting a plurality of fasteners from the distal end of the shaft through the wall and at least partially through the disk while the disk is maintained in contact with the wall, and (g) after the ejecting of the fasteners, separating the disk from the rod, thereby completing a closure of the hole.

Abstract: A surgical method for removing a port element disposed in an incision or perforation in a wall of a hollow internal organ in a trans-organ surgical procedure. A distal end portion of a tubular member is inserted into the internal organ through a natural body opening. A capture member is ejected from the distal end portion of the tubular member and receives the port element.

Abstract: In a trans-organ or flexible endoscopic procedure, a surgical device including an annular frame member made of substantially rigid material and at least one cushion element connected to the frame member and disposed along an outer surface thereof on at least two opposing sides of the frame member is disposed in a patient's mouth between upper and lower teeth thereof so that at least some of the teeth are temporarily embedded in the cushion element and so that a hole in the frame member enables access to the patient's esophagus. Subsequently an elongate flexible shaft of a surgical instrument is inserted into the patient's esophagus and stomach through the hole on the frame member.

Abstract: A surgical method comprises inserting a distal end portion of a surgical instrument through a natural body opening of a patient into a natural body cavity of the patient, using the surgical instrument to form a temporary artificial opening through a wall of an organ defining the natural body cavity, and providing a surgical device including a membrane, a plurality of tubular members traversing the membrane, and means for attaching the membrane to a wall of an organ so that the tubular members traverse a perforation in the wall. The port device is inserted through the natural body opening into the natural body cavity, and subsequent to the inserting of the port device, the port device is disposed in the artificial opening to keep the same open.

Abstract: In a medical treatment method, magnetic elements are placed into contact with organic tissues of a patient. The magnetic elements are disposed, upon deployment, on opposite sides of tissues or a hole to be closed or collapsed. Owing to magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements, the organic tissues of the patient are held together to constrict tissues or to close or collapse a wound or vessel.

Abstract: A distal end portion of an endoscope insertion member is inserted into a hollow internal organ of a patient, the endoscope insertion member being at least partially encased by a sheath provided with at least one longitudinally extending tubular channel. An incision or perforation is formed in a wall of the organ. The distal end portion of the endoscope insertion member is moved through the incision or perforation into a hollow internal space inside the patient. Thereafter an insufflation gas is delivered through the channel of the endoscope sheath into the internal space.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is inserted into a patient's body to obtain a video image of internal body tissues in an internal space inside the patient's body, a signal encoding the image being transmitted over an electromagnetic signaling link to a remote location beyond a range of direct manual contact with the patient's body and the endoscopic instrument. An artificial opening or perforation is formed in a wall of a hollow internal organ of the patient, the organ communicating with a natural body opening, and a distal end portion of a surgical instrument is inserted through the natural body opening, through the organ and the artificial opening or perforation in the organ wall, and into the internal space. In response to actuator control signals from the remote location via the electromagnetic signaling link, the surgical instrument is automatically actuated to effect a surgical operation on the internal body tissues.

Abstract: A surgical method includes inserting a distal end portion of an endoscope into a patient along a given path and inserting a distal end portion of a flexible ultrasonic probe device into the patient along the given path. The ultrasound probe device is operated to generate an image of organic tissue structures internal to the patient. Subsequently, a surgical operation is conducted on the organic tissue structures.

Abstract: A surgical closure method utilizes a surgical device including an elongate tube, a flexible web member disposed in a collapsed configuration inside the tube, and a push rod disposed at least partially inside the tube for pushing the web member from the tube. A distal end portion of the tube is inserted through an opening or wound in a wall of a hollow body organ. The rod is pushed in a distal direction along the tube to eject the web member from the distal end of the tube. The ejected web member is expanded from the collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The expanded web member is placed in contact with the wall of the organ over the opening or wound. Subsequently the expanded web member is attached to the wall of the organ.

Abstract: A surgical method utilizes an instrument including elongate tube having a lumen, an elongate rod disposed in the lumen, and a screw thread disposed along at least a distal end portion of the rod. The method comprises inserting a distal end portion of the tube into an organ inside patient and thereafter rotating at least the distal end portion of the rod so that the screw thread draws material from the patient in a proximal direction along the lumen.