Abstract: A hypodermic interface assembly is disclosed. The hypodermic interface assembly includes a hub; a cannula; a core member; and a cannula carrier. The core member is non-removably connected to the cannula. The cannula carrier is non-removably connected to the attachment member. The cannula carrier is controllably separable from the hub. A subassembly is also disclosed. The subassembly includes a hub; a cannula; and a core member. A proximal end surface of the core member is arranged at a predetermined hub-core distance away from a distal end surface of the hub.

Abstract: An instrument monitoring apparatus includes a guide and sensing component configured to be attached to an ultrasound probe. The guide and sensing component includes a source of illumination configured to project a light beam into a light plane; and a light receiver aligned with the light plane and configured to quantify an amount of light reflected from an object in the light plane to the light receiver by receiving the amount of reflected light and converting it to an electrical signal. A control component includes a processor configured to receive the electrical signal from the light receiver, and based on a magnitude of the amount of light represented by the electrical signal, determine whether the object is sufficiently within the light plane. The processor instructs output of a first signal when it is determined that the object is sufficiently within the light plane.

Abstract: An instrument monitoring apparatus includes a guide and sensing component configured to be attached to an ultrasound probe. The guide and sensing component includes a source of illumination configured to project a light beam into a light plane; and a light receiver aligned with the light plane and configured to quantify an amount of light reflected from an object in the light plane to the light receiver by receiving the amount of reflected light and converting it to an electrical signal. A control component includes a processor configured to receive the electrical signal from the light receiver, and based on a magnitude of the amount of light represented by the electrical signal, determine whether the object is sufficiently within the light plane. The processor instructs output of a first signal when it is determined that the object is sufficiently within the light plane.

Abstract: A visual attractant for attracting a target insect include a substrate having a pixelated pattern portion defined by a plurality of blocks having a characteristic dimension that is within an order of magnitude of the size of the target insect. The plurality of blocks are colored to be highly reflective in a wavelength range selected to attract the target insect. A background portion is lighter in color than the pixelated pattern, to contrast sharply therewith. The blocks are clustered on the substrate such that most of the plurality of blocks define one or more irregular elongate streaks on the substrate. The pixelated pattern may be applied to a strip or to a pillar device, which may be adhesive.

Abstract: A visual attractant for attracting a target insect include a substrate having a pixelated pattern portion defined by a plurality of blocks having a characteristic dimension that is within an order of magnitude of the size of the target insect. The plurality of blocks are colored to be highly reflective in a wavelength range selected to attract the target insect. A background portion is lighter in color than the pixelated pattern, to contrast sharply therewith. The blocks are clustered on the substrate such that most of the plurality of blocks define one or more irregular elongate streaks on the substrate. The pixelated pattern may be applied to a strip or to a pillar device, which may be adhesive.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using broadcast bandwidth for updating firmware of digital televisions may include identifying a portion of unused bandwidth corresponding to a television station; selecting at least one update module, the update module comprising an update to firmware of a digital television; transmitting, via the unused bandwidth of the television station, the at least one update module; and receiving by a digital television, the at least one update module.