Abstract: This provides an improved process for making a flexible, porous, dissolvable solid sheet article with improved pore structures.

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: In various embodiments, a targeting guide is disclosed. The targeting guide includes a handle defining a targeting hole and a targeting tower configured to be coupled to the handle. The targeting tower defines at least a first guide hole and a second guide hole. Each of the first and second guide holes are sized and configured to receive a respective first guide pin and second guide pin therethrough. The first and second guide pins are configured to indicate alignment of a k-wire inserted through the targeting hole defined by the handle. Methods of using a targeting guide are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for associating electronic devices together based on received audio commands are described. Methods for associating an audio-controlled device with a physically separate display screen device such that information responses can then be provided in both audio and graphic formats using the two devices in conjunction with each other are described. The audio-controlled device can receive audio commands that can be analyzed to determine the author, which can then be used to further streamline the association operation.

Abstract: A blood pump assembly has a balloon disposed at a distal region and a driveline disposed at a proximal region and is capable of being employed to provide mechanical circulatory support (e.g., counterpulsation). A blood pump support apparatus has a support structure with a head region and a tail region that is removably disposable in the blood pump assembly. When the support structure is disposed in the blood pump assembly, the head region is disposed within the balloon. When the blood pump assembly is implanted in the descending aorta and the support structure is disposed in the blood pump assembly, forces act on the balloon that would cause the balloon to roll or fold upon itself along an angle with respect to the balloon's longitudinal axis. The head region of support structure opposes these forces.

Abstract: A blood pump assembly comprises a balloon defining an elongated inflatable chamber with an opening at the proximal end. The proximal region of the balloon is substantially cylindro-conically shaped, and tapering toward the proximal end of the balloon, the central region of the balloon is substantially cylindrically shaped with a substantially uniform exterior diameter. The distal region of the balloon is substantially cylindro-conically shaped, the distal region of the balloon tapering toward the distal end of the balloon. The length of the distal region of the balloon is greater than approximately 15% of the combined length of the proximal and central regions of the balloon. A driveline may be coupleable to the opening and have a connection element disposed at a proximal end of the driveline. A radio opaque marker may be integrated into the driveline at a distal end of the driveline.

Abstract: An optical connector module having a plurality of discrete optical benches inputting/outputting optical signals, each including: a base defining an array of reflective surfaces and supporting an array of optical fiber array defining optical channels with inputs/outputs in optical alignment with corresponding reflective surfaces, thereby forming optical inputs/outputs of the corresponding optical bench. A carrier commonly supports the optical benches, with the optical benches fixedly mount thereon in a desired spatial arrangement with the optical inputs/outputs of the optical benches matching optical inputs/outputs of the external optical component. The carrier is structured to physically connect to the external component.

Abstract: Disclosed are various approaches for workflow service back end integration. In some examples, a workflow service identifies a workflow action and a user account that is responsible for the workflow action. A command to present the workflow action for user authorization is transmitted to a client device associated with the user account. The workflow service transmits a command to perform the workflow action based on an identification of the user authorization.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing processes, apparatuses, software, and systems for controlling and/or treating gas borne debris in an atmosphere of a 3D printing system.

Abstract: A custom oral device is provided that fits on the maxillary or mandibular arch of a wearer. The oral device comprises a tray that corresponds with the shape and size of a wearer's oral anatomy. A soft liner is disposed within an occlusal channel of the tray having an upper surface that comprises an impression having features that correspond to at least a portion of the wearer's dentition and in which the wearer's teeth align. An apparatus and a method for making the custom oral device are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to communicate via a weld cable are disclosed. An example welding accessory includes a first port to receive input power via a first weld cable, a power converter to convert the input power to output power, a second port to output the input power via a second weld cable, and one or more output switches to selectively divert the input power from the power converter to the second port.

Abstract: A running bike is to be operated selectively with and without power. The running bike includes a front fork rotatably engaged with a front wheel, a rear fork rotatably engaged with a rear wheel, a handlebar coupled to the front fork for steering the running bike, a frame extending between and connecting the front fork and the rear fork, an electronic controller coupled to the frame, and a drivetrain assembly coupled to the frame and in communication with the electronic controller. The drivetrain assembly includes an electric motor configured to selectively drive the rear wheel. A battery selectively provides power to the drivetrain assembly. A clutch is coupled to the handlebar and is in communication with the electronic controller. The clutch is configured to be actuated by an operator to proportionally increase or decrease power to the drivetrain assembly electronically.

Abstract: A hermetic optical fiber alignment assembly includes a ferrule portion having a plurality of grooves receiving the end sections of optical fibers, wherein the grooves define the location and orientation of the end sections with respect to the ferrule portion. The assembly includes an integrated optical element for coupling the input/output of an optical fiber to the opto-electronic devices in the opto-electronic module. The optical element can be in the form of a structured reflective surface. The end of the optical fiber is at a defined distance to and aligned with the structured reflective surface. The structured reflective surfaces and the fiber alignment grooves can be formed by stamping.

Abstract: A demountable connection of an optical connector using a foundation having features for integrated optical coupling and demountable coupling. The foundation provides for demountable passive alignment connection to an optical connector. The foundation is permanently attached and aligned to a PIC chip. The foundation includes optical elements that redirect and reshape incident light to follow a desired light beam shape and path between the optical connector and the optoelectronic device. The foundation may include a combination of different optical elements having optical properties that produces the desired light beam quality and direction. The foundation also includes passive alignment features that matches the passive alignment features on the facing side of the optical connector. The foundation has a unitary, monolithic body that is provided with the optical elements and the passive alignment features.

Abstract: A refuse body adapter includes a sub-frame assembly, a sub-frame adapter, and a spacer. The sub-frame assembly is configured to be coupled to a cargo body. The sub-frame adapter is configured to be coupled to a chassis of a vehicle. The spacer is coupled to both the sub-frame assembly and the sub-frame adapter. The spacer is disposed in a gap formed between the sub-frame assembly and the sub-frame adapter. A thickness of the spacer may be adjusted to accommodate different gap sizes between the sub-frame assembly and the sub-frame adapter.

Abstract: A gate driver circuit comprises an auxiliary winding, a voltage summer, an auxiliary voltage bus, a gate driver integrated circuit (IC), and a controller. The auxiliary winding is positioned adjacently to the inductor and configured to inductively couple with the inductor. The voltage summer comprises a pair of diodes coupled to the auxiliary winding and a pair of capacitors coupled to the pair of diodes. The auxiliary voltage bus is configured to receive a summed voltage from the voltage summer based on a sum of voltages stored in the pair of capacitors. The gate driver IC is configured to receive a voltage from a positive rail of the auxiliary voltage bus and to output a gate control signal to control a switching device based on the received voltage and based on a pulse signal generated by the controller.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for cleaning equipment, such as golf clubs, golf balls, or cleats. The apparatus includes a towel and an integrated brush having bristles, wherein the integrated brush is durably attached to the towel along an edge of the towel, and the bristles extend away from the edge of the towel. The apparatus offers many benefits, including the ability to clean articles more quickly and efficiently, as well as providing convenience to users by combining multiple cleaning implements into a single apparatus. Also disclosed are methods of cleaning equipment with the apparatus described herein.

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 LBM package and method for packaging an LBM using a stamped metallic mirror array that folds light beams, correct beam shapes, fold and/or redirect beam propagations. The mirror array can be integrated or assembled inside an LBM to provide beam shaping and redirection of the high-power beams near the laser diode. The LBM incorporates a stamped metallic freeform mirror or reflector with an off-axis parabolic shape is configured to fold and collimate laser beam. A precision stamping process is deployed to produce an array of miniature, freeform mirrors in high volume applications. The mirror array simplifies the optical path and eliminates passive components such as refractive lenses and dichroic filters that combine RGB beams. Stamped metallic optical components with micro-scale freeform mirrors in the LBM are tolerant of high temperatures and can thermally diffuse heat away from the reflective surface for high power applications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to communicate via a weld cable are disclosed. An example welding accessory includes a first port to receive input power via a first weld cable, a power converter to convert the input power to output power, a second port to output the input power via a second weld cable, and one or more output switches to selectively divert the input power from the power converter to the second port.