Abstract: Medical breathing tubes have a tubular body that defines a lumen extending between open terminal ends of the tubular body. An internal form is enclosed within the lumen and supportive of the tubular body. The internal form may be a coated encapsulated internal form where the coating secures the internal form to the tubular body. The internal form may provide for a series of alternative crests and troughs of the tubular body. A patient interface and/or a securement system may be attached to the tubular body.

Abstract: Light emitting displays can be used in cinemas for cinema presentations that integrate a sound system to achieve immersive conditions in cinema theatres. The cinema screen can include a matrix of light emitters and a diffuser sheet. The matrix of light emitters is configured to form a light-emitting area of the cinema screen. The diffuser sheet includes one or more perforations, and can be positioned between the matrix of light emitters and an audience area in the theatre. The diffuser sheet is positioned with respect to the matrix of light emitters such that the one or more perforations are configured to prevent light outputted by the light emitters from being viewable in the audience area.

Abstract: An adjustable T-square device and method of use is shown and described herein. The adjustable T-square has a plurality of apertures with at least one locking detent to set precise angles. The adjustable T-square has a locking pin to further engage a ruler portion to a head portion to minimize error when using the device.

Abstract: Implantable devices for fixation of curved bone such as the pelvic ring pubic symphysis and acetabulum, and methods for the use of the devices are disclosed. The implantable devices are convertible between a flexible state and a rigid state, and include an elongate structure having a proximal bone interface, a main body, and a distal bone interface. In a flexible state, the devices may be inserted along, and conform to a curved pathway, and in the rigid state, the devices may support the mechanical loads required to fixate a fracture.

Abstract: An elastomeric feed port and a bird feeder having a seed reservoir with a seed opening fitted with such an elastomeric feed port is provided. The feed port has an elastomeric seed control membrane with a cutout that forms at least one aperture through which birds can access seed in the reservoir. The cutout is shaped to create flexible flaps or fingers adjacent the aperture in the membrane that partially cover the seed opening to reduce seed spillage but that can be pushed aside or temporarily deformed by a bird when the bird inserts its beak into the cutout aperture to access seed therethrough.

Abstract: A method for processing a guaranteed electronic transaction, includes: storing account profile, each include an account number and balance; receiving a transaction message from an acquiring financial institution via a payment network, the message including a specific account number, transaction amount, and payment guarantee data; identifying a specific account profile that includes the specific account number; deducting the transaction amount from the account balance in the specific account profile; generating a record of payment guarantee that includes the transaction amount and data associated with the payment guarantee data; generating a return message including a response code indicating transaction approval and data associated with the generated record; transmitting the generated record to a computing system via a communication network; and transmitting the generated return message to the acquiring financial institution via the payment network.

Abstract: A portable item reporting device (PIRD) automatically learns a use of a portable item which is selected by an owner or authorized user of the portable item, where the PIRD is configured to be attached to and in substantial collocation with the selected portable item, or to be integrated into the portable item. The PIRD includes environmental monitors which monitor item location, item movement, and/or other environmental factors. The PIRD detects obtains and analyzes environmental data during usage of the portable item by the authorized user, or during user-designated storage of the portable item in a storage location. The PIRD further identifies and/or learns, based on the detected environmental data, one or more repeated patterns and/or context-determined patterns of usage or physical storage of the user's portable item. The PIRD then stores the past, learned pattern(s) of usage data as indicative of expected and/or normal, future use/storage by the authorized user of the portable item.

Abstract: Light emitting displays can be used in cinemas for cinema presentations that integrate a sound system to achieve immersive conditions in cinema theatres. In an example, a theatre includes a viewer seating area, an active display, and one or more sound wave emitters. The active display includes light emitting elements configured to output, toward the viewer seating area, light representing a visual presentation. The one or more sound wave emitters can be positioned proximate to the viewer seating area. The one or more sound wave emitters are configured to output, toward the active display, sound waves corresponding to at least a portion of sound for the visual presentation. The active display can be positioned to reflect, toward the viewer seating area, the sound waves from the one or more sound wave emitters.

Abstract: A method for conducting an offline data exchange associated with a blockchain includes: storing a structured data set associated with a blockchain network, the data set including a network identifier, unspent output hash, output index, output value, and key pair; receiving the network identifier and a transaction amount from a point of sale; validating the structured data set as including the network identifier and an output value greater than or equal to the transaction amount; transmitting the unspent output hash and output index to the point of sale; receiving a destination address from the point of sale; generating transaction data including the destination address and a payment amount based on the transaction amount; and transmitting the transaction data to the point of sale.

Abstract: A projection system includes a projection lens to project image light along an image light path towards a port window and to redirect a portion of the image light away from the image light path as result of being scattered or reflected away from the image light path. The projection system includes a port window for transmitting projected image light from the projection lens. The port window has a surface for redirecting a portion of the projected image light as result of being scattered or reflected away from the image light path. The projection system includes an enclosure positioned between the port window and the projection lens to surround the image light path between the port window and the projection lens. The enclosure absorbs the portion of the image light redirected by the projection lens and absorbs the portion of the projected image light redirected by the surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices, systems, and methods that precisely identify a minimum of one predetermined spot which is hidden under a skin. The system comprises a locator device and corresponding implanted target device. The port locator device preferably comprises one magnet with north and south magnetic pole, a body and a suspending component. The body may utilize specific geometry which improves accuracy. The implanted target device may include at least one magnet and at least one target or a plurality of targets and at least one magnet. Various configurations can be provided that precisely identify a single spot or a plurality of spots which are hidden under a skin.

Abstract: A tissue expander comprising: a port assembly including a drain port and a fill port, a magnet housing assembly fitted to the port assembly, the magnet housing assembly including a single magnet having a magnetic field that is detectable on an exterior surface of a biological tissue of a patient; a shell defining the interior cavity of the tissue expander; and a drain assembly in fluidic communication with the drain port via the drain tubing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for use for radio frequency ablation. The systems can include one or more of an ablation tool, power source for use with the ablation tool and a backstop for use in conjunction with the ablation tool during surgical procedures. Preferred ablation tools comprise a series of three or more blade-shaped electrodes disposed in a linear, curved, curvilinear or circular array. The backstops are useful for reducing direct physical and thermal heat transfer injuries to the patient or surgeon during procedures using radiofrequency (RF) ablation devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uplink power control based on power spectral density are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for use by a terminal in a satellite communication system, the terminal having an antenna, a modem and a controller, the method comprising: determining the scan and skew of the antenna; obtaining, using the controller, a value representing a maximum allowed Power Spectral Density (PSD) for the determined scan and skew; determining, using the controller, a maximum allowable modem power based on the value representing a maximum allowed PSD, where the maximum allowable modem power is that which ensures that transmissions from the terminal do not exceed the maximum allowed PSD if the maximum allowable modem output power is not exceeded by the modem; sending, using the controller, an indication of the allowable modem output power to the modem; and performing one or more transmissions from the terminal based on modem outputs in accordance with the maximum allowable modem output power.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a test article for additive manufacture and related methods. A test article formed may include a body having a forward face and a rearward face horizontally opposite the forward face. A first surface extending between the forward face and the rearward face of the body may include a plurality of protrusions for removable coupling of the body to a build plate. A second surface on the body may extend between the forward face and the rearward face of the body, and may include a plurality of angled flat surface portions. Each of the plurality of angled flat surface portions may have a distinct angle with respect to a horizontal plane of the body. An angular difference between each adjacent angled flat surface portion in the plurality of angled flat surface portions is substantially uniform.

Abstract: A portable item reporting device automatically learns a use of a portable item which is selected by an authorized user of the portable item, where the device is configured to be attached to and in substantial collocation with the selected portable item, or to be integrated into the portable item. The portable item reporting device monitors item location, item movement, and/or other environmental factors. The portable item reporting device detects and analyzes environmental data during usage of the portable item by the authorized user, or during user-designated storage of the portable item in a storage location. The device further identifies and/or learns, based on the detected enviromental data, one or more repeated patterns and/or context-determined patterns of usage or physical storage of the user's portable item. The device then stores the past, learned pattern(s) of usage data as indicative of expected and/or normal, future use/storage by the authorized user of the portable item.

Abstract: A method for generating motion-corrected medical images includes obtaining, via a processor, k-space data of a region of interest acquired by a magnetic resonance imaging system utilizing a 3D radial pulse sequence with ZTE acquisition including optional magnetization preparation pulses. The method also includes sampling, via the processor, the k-space data to obtain a plurality of interleaved k-space segments. The method further includes reconstructing, via the processor, one or more interleaved k-space segments of the plurality of interleaved k-space segments to generate a respective motion navigator volume. The method even further includes co-registering, via the processor, each respective motion navigator volume to estimate motion and performing motion correction on the one or more interleaved k-space segments and their corresponding k-space trajectories.

Abstract: Automated pipetting systems and methods are disclosed for aspirating and dispensing fluids, particularly biological samples. In one aspect, a liquid dispenser includes a manifold and one or more pipette channels. The manifold includes a vacuum channel, a pressure channel, and a plurality of lanes. Each lane includes an electrical connector, a port to the pressure channel, and a port to the vacuum channel. The pipette channels can be modular. Each pipette channel includes a single dispense head and can be selectively and independently coupled to any one lane of the plurality of lanes. In some aspects, a valve in the pipette channel is in simultaneous fluid communication with a pressure port and a vacuum port of the manifold. The valve selectively diverts gas under pressure and gas under vacuum to the dispense head in response to control signals received through the electrical connector of the manifold.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for the addition of a block to a permissioned blockchain using efficient consensus are disclosed. The methods and systems may include receiving transaction messages having transaction values from consensus nodes and generating a Merkle root for the transaction messages using transaction references and a proposed block header having the Merkle root and a hash of the header of the most recently added block in a blockchain. The proposed block header may be hashed and transmitted with a proposal message having a digital signature to auditing nodes. A response message accepting the digital signature may be received and an accept message may be transmitted to the auditing nodes and a confirmation message may be transmitted to the consensus-nodes. A new block may be written to the blockchain having the transaction values from the transaction messages and a header including the proposed block header and digital signature.

Abstract: A combined ball valve for compressor bleed air modulation is provided. The combined ball valve includes a housing defining an inlet, and first and second outlets. A metering element is positioned within the housing and within a flow path extending from the inlet to the first and second outlets. The metering element includes first and second flow ports and is rotatable within the housing to modulate compressor bleed air from the inlet to neither, one, or both of the first and second outlets. The combined ball valve utilizes high temperature materials in a relatively lightweight package.