Abstract: A large-scale Ethernet mesh network is provided, which includes a group connectivity association (CA) including at least thirty-one authenticated supplicant nodes. An authenticator module authenticates each of the authenticated supplicant nodes, and distributes a shared group encryption key to each of the authenticated supplicant nodes. Each of the authenticated supplicant nodes encrypt data using the shared group encryption key, and exchange the encrypted data with any other remaining authenticated supplicant node.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. In certain aspects, with the customer's permission, a computer-implemented method for updating an autonomous operation feature may be provided. An indication of a software update associated with the autonomous operation feature may be received, and several autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles having the feature may be identified. The update may be installed within the several vehicles, such as via wireless communication. Also, a change in a risk level associated with the update to the autonomous operation feature may be determined, and an insurance discount may be determined or adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, methods and surgical procedures for altering and/or correcting the alignment of adjacent bones, including bones of the spine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, the operating status of the features, the identity of a vehicle operator, risk levels for operation of the vehicle by the vehicle operator, or damage to the vehicle may be determined based upon sensor or other data. According to further aspects, decisions regarding transferring control between the features and the vehicle operator may be made based upon sensor data and information regarding the vehicle operator. Additional aspects may recommend or install updates to the autonomous operation features based upon determined risk levels. Some aspects may include monitoring transportation infrastructure and communicating information about the infrastructure to vehicles.

Abstract: A method for propagating configuration data using a blockchain includes: storing a blockchain comprised of a plurality of blocks, each being comprised of a block header having a timestamp and one or more configuration transactions; receiving one or more configuration data items; generating a new configuration transaction for each configuration data item; hashing a most recent block identified based on the timestamp included in the respective block header to generate a previous block hash value; hashing a combination of the new configuration transactions and/or data associated therewith to generate a current block hash value; generating a new block header, the new block header including a current timestamp, the previous block hash value, the current block hash value, and a digital signature; generating a new block comprised of the new block header and each new configuration transaction; and updating the blockchain by appending the new block.

Abstract: A touch sensor for controlling intensity of lighting electrically connected thereto, the touch sensor including a touch sensor interface for detecting a touch of a user, a power supply connected to the touch sensor for controlling the intensity of the lighting, and a backlight behind the touch sensor interface, and including a plurality of light sources for illuminating different portions of the touch sensor interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing awareness of emergency vehicles are provided. Sensors located around a vehicle may detect moving objects that pose potentially dangerous situations for the vehicle occupants and for the object. This can cause the doors to lock automatically in order to make the situation safer. Additionally, electromagnetic radiation sensors located around the vehicle may detect the lights and sounds of emergency vehicles. If the electromagnetic data from the electromagnetic radiation sensors match a known pattern of electromagnetic data emitted by emergency vehicles stored in a library an alarm may be sounded through the speakers of the vehicle in order to alert the vehicle occupants of an emergency vehicle in the vicinity.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and method for effecting the total and partial occlusion of a blood vessel, e.g., the aorta. The systems include a balloon catheter, a reservoir for an inflation fluid, a switch, and a pressure regulator/accumulator. The systems are configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode as established by the switch. During the first mode the balloon is fully inflated by the inflation fluid to completely occlude the blood vessel. During the second mode the balloon is partially inflated so that blood can flow past the balloon in the blood vessel. The pressure regulator/accumulator includes a chamber for receipt of the inflation fluid during the second mode to automatically regulate the pressure within the balloon to a desired operating pressure. The system is configured to operate in a third mode to prime the pressure regulator/accumulator to establish a desired operating pressure in the second mode.

Abstract: A panoramic imaging system includes a plurality of separated video cameras that may be distributed around an object. A series of images captured by at least one of the separated video cameras is stored in a predetermined file format. The panoramic system further includes a viewer module that may render the series of images using the first file format. Moreover, the panoramic system includes a calibration module capable of modifying information associated with at least one of the series of images, where the modification results in calibration data stored in a configuration file and/or in the predetermined file format. The viewer module may also be capable of rendering the series of images in accordance with the predetermined file format.

Abstract: A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a source of electromagnetic radiation that operates to emit electromagnetic radiation into an active playing area. The system also includes a sensing device that operates to receive the electromagnetic radiation after being reflected from a retro-reflective material of an article positioned in the active playing area and operable to generate data based on receiving reflected electromagnetic radiation from a series of article positions. Further, the system includes a controller that operates to process the data generated by the sensing device to determine whether the series of article positions correlate to a stored gesture and output a control signal to actuate an effect when the series of article positions correlate to the stored gesture.

Abstract: A tissue segmentation device, controller, and methods therefore are disclosed. The device has an active electrode, a return electrode, a mechanical force application mechanism, voltage and current sensors, and a controller. The controller has a processing component, configured to assign a circuit status to a circuit comprising the at least one electrode. IF (PF?0) and ((Vrms/Irms)?T), THEN the circuit status is “open”. IF (PF?0) and ((Vrms/Irms)<T), THEN the circuit status is “short”. PF is a power factor of power applied to the electrosurgical device. T is a threshold value.

Abstract: There are disclosed therapies and preventions of prion protein complex infections. The transcription of the amyloid precursor protein gene and PrP gene and the RNA transcript are the rate-limiting steps and are most susceptible for blockage and control of the process of amyloid protein formation and PrPsc formation. Thus, therapies and prevention regimes for prion protein complex infections interrupt this process at the level of DNA transcription to RNA, RNA transport to the mitochondrion for protein synthesis and deposition in the cerebral cortex neurons.

Abstract: A housing including a plurality of openings for receiving fiber optic connectors and protecting the polished end face of the connectors from damage while the connectors are stored within a telecommunications connection cabinet. A module with a plurality of optical fiber cables connected to a first optical fiber cable and terminated by a fiber optic connector. Each of the connectors are inserted within openings in a connector holder for storage and protection until the cables need to be connected to a customer equipment cable.

Abstract: A knitted structure is configured for heat generation and distribution. In some embodiments, the knitted structure includes a knitted fabric including a first knitted layer and a second knitted layer opposite the first knitted layer. The first knitted layer has a first thermal conductivity. The second knitted layer has a second thermal conductivity. The second thermal conductivity is greater than the first thermal conductivity to facilitate heat transfer toward the first knitted layer. The knitted structure may further include a plurality of electrodes at least partially disposed inside the knitted fabric. Each of the plurality of electrodes is configured to generate heat within the knitted fabric upon receipt of electrical energy in order to distribute heat along the knitted structure and toward the first knitted layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for producing an extruded protein product. In particular, a system for making an extruded protein product using a system that includes a die including channel having a transverse cross section that is a continuous loop along at least a portion of the length of the die is disclosed.

Abstract: Wave energy conversion systems are provided utilizing a mass of water entrained in a collapsible water mass enclosure that is suspended beneath a float (e.g., a vehicle, buoy, platform, etc.) to provide an inertial force in opposition to the rising heave-induced acceleration of the float. The water mass enclosure is communication with a generator, such as by tethering one end of a tethering means to the generator and the other to the enclosure. The enclosure may be placed in communication with an intermediary hydraulic system, which is also in communication with the generator. In certain embodiments, the system will include a reel system for deploying and retrieving the water masse enclosure.

Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, and a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of the buffer, the second diameter portion positioned between the first diameter and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end to the second diameter portion. A hub holds the ferrule. A method of assembling a terminated fiber optic cable is also provided.

Abstract: An automated analyzer that receives samples prepared for analysis in an automated pre-analytical module and a method of operation of such automated analyzer. The automated analyzer includes a shuttle transfer station that receives a shuttle carrier from the automated pre-analytical system. The shuttle transfer station has a clamping assembly for the shuttle. The clamping assembly has jaws that advance engagement members into contact with a bottom portion of sample containers disposed in the shuttle. The clamping assembly secures the sample containers in the shuttle when sample is aspirated from the sample containers. The automated analyzer also has a multichannel puncture tool that is adapted to be carried by a robotic gripper mechanism. The multichannel puncture tool has multiple puncture members that each defines a channel. Each channel is in communication with a different trough in the consumable. A pipette can pass through the channel in the puncture tool.

Abstract: An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. Rack label information is read and communicated to a processor. From the rack label information, the processor determines where to route the rack. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a housing having a heat exchanger core and a precooling flow structure disposed therein. The heat exchanger core is configured for exchanging heat between a first fluid and a second fluid. The precooling flow structure is coupled to each of the housing and an inlet end of the heat exchanger core with respect to a flow of the first fluid. An interior of the precooling flow structure is configured to convey the first fluid therethrough, The precooling flow structure includes at least one precooling tube extending through the interior of the precooling flow structure with each of the at least one precooling tubes configured to convey the second fluid therethrough in order to precool the first fluid before the first fluid enters the inlet end of the heat exchanger core.