Abstract: A meter pit tile extension assembly is provided. Illustratively, an inner ring is attachable to a pit tile. The inner ring includes a first set of a plurality of outwardly extending ribs. A first space located adjacent the first set of the plurality of outwardly extending ribs. An outer ring is provided that is telescopingly positioned over, and vertically movable with respect to, the inner ring. The outer ring includes a first set of a plurality of inwardly extending ribs. The first set of the plurality of inwardly extending ribs of the outer ring are selectively positionable in a first position in the first space between the first set of the plurality of outwardly extending ribs. The outer ring is also rotatable with respect to the inner ring.

Abstract: Methods for producing an enriched reference data map useful for identifying critical factors for the development of a condition of interest are disclosed. The reference data map may be used to assess the risk or likelihood of a condition of interest being realized. In the context of medicine or genetics, the methods of the invention may be used to produce a risk assessment roadmap useful for identifying elements (biomolecular constructs, biological interactions, and biological pathways) that are critical to the development of a particular disease or syndrome. The roadmap may be consulted to design treatment methods having the greatest likelihood of successfully treating or preventing the development of a disease or syndrome. Also disclosed are methods for using such a risk assessment roadmap to evaluate a specific configuration of elements for determining the changes in the configuration of elements that will result in the achievement or the avoidance of a defined condition of interest.

Abstract: A meter pit tile extension assembly is provided. The meter pit tile extension assembly includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The outer ring is telescopingly positioned over, and movable with respect to, the inner ring. The outer ring includes a rim located at an outer periphery of a bore disposed through the outer ring. The outer ring includes at least one gusset, at least a portion of which is located adjacent the rim.

Abstract: A meter pit tile extension assembly is provided. Illustratively, an inner ring is attachable to a pit tile. The inner ring includes a first set of a plurality of outwardly extending ribs. A first space located adjacent the first set of the plurality of outwardly extending ribs. An outer ring is provided that is telescopingly positioned over, and vertically movable with respect to, the inner ring. The outer ring includes a first set of a plurality of inwardly extending ribs. The first set of the plurality of inwardly extending ribs of the outer ring are selectively positionable in a first position in the first space between the first set of the plurality of outwardly extending ribs. The outer ring is also rotatable with respect to the inner ring.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the heading of a mining machine while the mining machine performs a cutting operation. One system includes a cutting system and a set of left and right tracks of the mining machine. The system also includes a lidar sensor mounted to the mining machine. The system also includes an electronic processor configured to receive the data from the lidar sensor. The electronic processor is also configured to determine a current heading of the mining machine based on the data received from the lidar sensor and compare the current heading to a target heading of the mining machine. In response to the current heading not being different from the target heading of the mining machine by a predetermined amount, the electronic processor is configured to control the mining machine to adjust the current heading of the mining machine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the heading of a mining machine while the mining machine performs a cutting operation. One system includes a cutting system and a set of left and right tracks of the mining machine. The system also includes a lidar sensor mounted to the mining machine. The system also includes an electronic processor configured to receive the data from the lidar sensor. The electronic processor is also configured to determine a current heading of the mining machine based on the data received from the lidar sensor and compare the current heading to a target heading of the mining machine. In response to the current heading not being different from the target heading of the mining machine by a predetermined amount, the electronic processor is configured to control the mining machine to adjust the current heading of the mining machine.

Abstract: An apparatus preventing hearing loss having a body made of soft compliant material having first and second ends and a channel extending therethrough, an acoustically limp material adjacent one end of the body with the acoustically limp material having a hole therein aligned with the channel extending through the body, component film, or other structure covering or sealing the opening in the acoustically limp material. The film may be a high-strength polymer less than 10 micrometers thick. A plurality of channels may extend through the body and a plurality of corresponding holes may be provided in the acoustically limp material. The film covers or seals the holes in the acoustically limp material. The film may behave like a flap to close in response to high energy sound waves. The flap shuts from the high intensity shock wave. The body may have shape to fit in an ear canal.

Abstract: Methods for producing an enriched reference data map useful for identifying critical factors for the development of a condition of interest are disclosed. The reference data map may be used to assess the risk or likelihood of a condition of interest being realized. In the context of medicine or genetics, the methods of the invention may be used to produce a risk assessment roadmap useful for identifying elements (biomolecular constructs, biological interactions, and biological pathways) that are critical to the development of a particular disease or syndrome. The roadmap may be consulted to design treatment methods having the greatest likelihood of successfully treating or preventing the development of a disease or syndrome. Also disclosed are methods for using such a risk assessment roadmap to evaluate a specific configuration of elements for determining the changes in the configuration of elements that will result in the achievement or the avoidance of a defined condition of interest.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a probe-type imaging device useful to visualize interior surfaces, e.g., the lumen of blood vessels. Specifically, the probe-type device is particularly useful for direct tissue imaging in the presence or absence of molecular imaging agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing hearing loss having a body made of a soft compliant material having first and second ends and a channel extending therethrough, an acoustically limp material adjacent one of the ends of the body with the acoustically limp material having a hole therein aligned with the channel extending through the body, and a component film, disc or other structure covering or sealing the opening in the acoustically limp material. The film or disc may be formed of a high-strength polymer material and may be less than 10 micrometers in thickness. Rather than having a single channel extending through the body, a plurality of channels may extend therethrough and a plurality of corresponding holes may be provided in the acoustically limp material. The film, disc or other structure covers or seals the plurality of holes in the acoustically limp material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a probe-type imaging device useful to visualize interior surfaces, e.g., the lumen of blood vessels. Specifically, the probe-type device is particularly useful for direct tissue imaging in the presence or absence of molecular imaging agents.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a probe-type imaging device useful to visualize interior surfaces, e.g., the lumen of blood vessels. Specifically, the probe-type device is particularly useful for direct tissue imaging in the presence or absence of molecular imaging agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing hearing loss having a body made of a soft compliant material having first and second ends and a channel extending therethrough, an acoustically limp material adjacent one of the ends of the body with the acoustically limp material having a hole therein aligned with the channel extending through the body, and a component film, disc or other structure covering or sealing the opening in the acoustically limp material. The film or disc may be formed of a high-strength polymer material and may be less than 10 micrometers in thickness. Rather than having a single channel extending through the body, a plurality of channels may extend therethrough and a plurality of corresponding holes may be provided in the acoustically limp material. The film, disc or other structure covers or seals the plurality of holes in the acoustically limp material.

Abstract: Irradiation methods and apparatus configured to deliver power, via electromagnetic fields at a variety of frequencies and power levels, in a localized fashion to a target area. In one example, an electromagnetic field generator is disposed on a substrate and configured to deliver power via electromagnetic energy to a thin region proximate to (above) a surface of the substrate, wherein electromagnetic field intensity decreases significantly beyond the thin region. Such methods and apparatus are particularly useful in a wide variety of processes involving chemical and/or physical interactions in connection with a sample of interest located in the thin region. In different aspects, irradiator apparatus may be configured as disposable devices, and/or used in combination with one or more microfluidic or sensing components, for a variety of medical/laboratory/diagnostic methods and instrumentation implementations.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a probe-type imaging device useful to visualize interior surfaces, e.g., the lumen of blood vessels. Specifically, the probe-type device is particularly useful for direct tissue imaging in the presence or absence of molecular imaging agents.

Abstract: A billiards game having at least one set of cards for directing game play, wherein the cards include picture-based depictions and/or descriptions for a given shot to be attempted by the game player(s). Scoring related to each shot is included on the respective card. Also, a method for playing a billiards game having at least one set of cards for directing game play, wherein the cards include picture-based depictions and/or descriptions for a given shot to be attempted by the game player(s) until the ball(s) are sunk into pocket(s) on the table.

Abstract: The present invention clarifies and contrasts stain intact biological tissue samples for microscopic analysis. A biological specimen is depigmented and then contacted with a fluorescent dye, wherein the dye stains the specimen nonspecifically. The depigmented, non-specifically stained specimen is equilibrated in a clearing solution, wherein the refractive index of the clearing solution approximates that of the specimen, thereby preparing the biological specimen for visual analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to clarify and contrast stain intact biological tissue samples for microscopic analysis. Biological specimens are prepared for visual analysis by depigmenting specimen, staining the specimen non-specifically with fluorescent dye, and equilibrating the depigmented, non-specifically stained specimen in a clearing solution, wherein the refractive index of the clearing solution approximates that of the specimen. Visual analysis of the specimen can include, for example, determination of distribution, quantity and size of foreign material in the biological specimen. Also, the morphology of tissue surrounding foreign material can be assessed.

Abstract: A slide snap-in bobbin for a flex cable assembly on a portable computer is described. In one embodiment, the slide snap-in bobbin includes a tubular portion in which the flex cable is housed and a C-shaped portion connected to the tubular portion via a fin that holds the C-shaped portion past one end of the tubular portion. An elongated slot in the tubular portion is provided for permitting one end of the flex cable to be passed out of the tubular portion for connection to an LCD. The C-shaped portion includes a small, e.g., 1 millimeter, opening having arcuate lead-in features disposed on either side thereof for entry access to a mounting screw boss disposed on the display housing. The opening enables the bobbin to deflect the width of the boss until the opening is wide enough to accommodate the entire diameter of the boss, at which point the bobbin is snapped onto the boss and the C-shaped portion returns to its normal state.