Abstract: A method for treating intractable pain via electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Remote, non-contact stimulation of a selected region of spinal cord is achieved by placement of a transceiver patch directly on the surface of that region of spinal cord, with said patch optionally being inductively coupled to a transmitter patch of similar size on either the outer or inner wall of the dura surrounding that region of the spinal cord. By inductively exchanging electrical power and signals between said transmitter and transceiver patches, and by carrying out the necessary electronic and stimulus signal distribution functions on the transceiver patch, the targeted dorsal column axons can be stimulated without the unintended stray stimulation of nearby dorsal rootlets. Novel configurations of a pliable surface-sheath and clamp or dentate ligament attachment features which realize undamaging attachment of the patch to the spinal cord are described.

Abstract: Arthroplasty components include an articular surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone-facing surface includes a concave arrangement of planar surfaces which converge as they approach a middle portion of the articular surface. Instruments and implantation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a media construction comprising a corrugated sheet secured to a flat sheet rolled into a coiled construction. A frame and a first seal member are provided. The frame secures the first seal member to the coiled construction. The first seal member is preferably oriented to form a radial seal with a housing. A second seal member is secured to the outer annular surface of the coiled construction. The second seal member includes a gasket extension having first and second opposite ends; an attachment portion; and a protrusion extending from the attachment portion. The second seal member is preferably oriented to form an axial seal with a housing. Air cleaners preferably utilizing filter arrangements as described herein operably installed within housings. Methods of installing, filtering, assembling, and servicing preferably include arrangements as described herein.

Abstract: A frame delineation method for a generic framing procedure (GFP) that includes: searching a serial data stream comprising GFP frames, octet by octet, to identify an eight octet sequence; and delineating GFP frames from the serial data stream in response to determining that a first group of four octets of the identified eight octet sequence comprises a valid Core Header, and in response to determining that a second group of four octets of the identified eight octet sequence comprises one of a valid Core Header and a valid descrambled Type Header.

Abstract: A keyboard may reduce the number of keys on a keyboard, minimize the distance between common letter strings, and improve typing speed and efficiency. In one embodiment, keys may be arranged in a primarily five-by-five grid, and letter keys may be configured with two letters each. A user may swipe a key in a direction of a letter displayed on that key to select that letter. A predictive dictionary engine may suggest words, and any letter key pressed may be a means to control the selection of suggested words on a prediction display. Border keys may integrate keyboard functions to edges of the keyboard. The keyboard may also work with a QWERTY keyboard or any other program.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for use during surgical procedures for cleaning tissue and debris from the in-vivo end of surgical instruments. The tool is used during various surgical procedures to clean debris from various surgical instruments. A substantially cylindrical, hollow shaft extends from one or both ends of the invention. An elastomeric suction tip coupler is configured at one or both ends of the hollow shaft to allow connection of commonly used suction tips. The invention includes a plurality of substantially parallel, elastomerized, concentric cleaning blades. The user of the invention may insert or swipe an instrument to be cleaned along cleaning blade edges configured at the peripheries of the cleaning blades, thereby causing the instrument to be cleaned. A hollow suction bulb, either integrated or stand-alone, is used to force fluid through clogged, commonly used suction tips in a backwash fashion, thereby clearing them of debris.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing degenerative joint disease in an animal by collecting a saliva sample from an animal; determining the amount of at least one diagnostic agent selected from the group consisting of interferon gamma, interferoninducible protein-10, interleukin-2, and total saliva protein in the saliva sample; comparing the amount of diagnostic agent found in the saliva sample to a corresponding amount of the same diagnostic agent found in a saliva sample from one or more comparable control animals that do not suffer from degenerative joint disease; and diagnosing that the animal is susceptible to or suffering from degenerative joint disease if the amount of diagnostic agent in the saliva sample from the animal is greater than the amount of same diagnostic agent found in the saliva sample from the one or more comparable control animals.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and dietary formulations useful for preventing or treating dermatitis, promoting healthy skin, and retarding skin aging. The methods comprise administering to an animal a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of at least two of one or more antioxidants; one or more anti-glycation agents; one or more body fat reducing agents; one or more insulin sensitivity enhancing agents; and one or more anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: A filter element, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The element generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration, and an axial seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: Arthroplasty components include an articular surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone-facing surface includes a concave arrangement of planar surfaces which converge as they approach a middle portion of the articular surface. Instruments and implantation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic device can be configured to enable a user to provide input via a tap of the device without the use of touch sensors (e.g., resistive, capacitive, ultrasonic or other acoustic, infrared or other optical, or piezoelectric touch technologies) and/or mechanical switches. Such a device can include other sensors, including inertial sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, or a combination thereof), microphones, proximity sensors, ambient light sensors, and/or cameras, among others, that can be used to capture respective sensor data. Feature values with respect to the respective sensor data can be extracted, and the feature values can be analyzed using machine learning to determine when the user has tapped on the electronic device. Detection of a single tap or multiple taps performed on the electronic device can be utilized to control the device.

Abstract: An electronic device can be configured to enable a user to provide input via a tap of the device without the use of touch sensors (e.g., resistive, capacitive, ultrasonic or other acoustic, infrared or other optical, or piezoelectric touch technologies) and/or mechanical switches. Such a device can include other sensors, including inertial sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, or a combination thereof), microphones, proximity sensors, ambient light sensors, and/or cameras, among others, that can be used to capture respective sensor data. Feature values with respect to the respective sensor data can be extracted, and the feature values can be analyzed using machine learning to determine when the user has tapped on the electronic device. Detection of a single tap or multiple taps performed on the electronic device can be utilized to control the device.

Abstract: Molds and methods for forming molds used to make retroreflective articles are disclosed. The mold includes a plurality of shims joined together wherein each of the shims comprises a plurality of alternating cube corners. Each of the cube corners includes three facets each comprising a planar surface, four exterior sides, and three interior edges. The three interior edges meet at an apex, wherein each of the cube corners shares, with an adjacent one of the cube corners, at least one exterior side intersected by a respective one of the interior edges of each of the adjacent cube corners. A retroreflective article is formed using the mold and the retroreflective article includes goemetric structures corresponding to the cube corners of the plurality of shims of the mold.

Abstract: A method for treating intractable pain via electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Remote, non-contact stimulation of a selected region of spinal cord is achieved by placement of a transceiver patch directly on the surface of that region of spinal cord, with said patch optionally being inductively coupled to a transmitter patch of similar size on either the outer or inner wall of the dura surrounding that region of the spinal cord. By inductively exchanging electrical power and signals between said transmitter and transceiver patches, and by carrying out the necessary electronic and stimulus signal distribution functions on the transceiver patch, the targeted dorsal column axons can be stimulated without the unintended stray stimulation of nearby dorsal rootlets. Novel configurations of a pliable surface-sheath and clamp or dentate ligament attachment features which realize undamaging attachment of the patch to the spinal cord are described.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to data storage devices employing file-aware drivers. In one example, a device may comprise a driver configured to retrieve file system information related to an input/output (I/O) command, select priority attributes identifying whether the I/O command originated from a user-level application based on the file system information, and prioritize execution of the I/O command based on the priority attributes. Another embodiment may be a method comprising inspecting characteristics of a data input/output (I/O) request, choosing priority attributes for the I/O request based on the characteristics and a program initiating the I/O request, and executing operations in an order based on the priority attributes.

Abstract: A filter pack includes a filter construction and a sealing system for sealing the construction within a duct or housing. The filter construction has first and second opposite flow faces and is configured for a straight-through flow. The sealing system includes a frame construction and a compressible seal member. The compressible seal member is molded around a portion of the frame construction. The compressible seal member is sufficiently compressible to form a radial seal between and against the frame construction and a surface of a housing when the filter pack is inserted within the housing.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a filter element, a frame construction secured to the filter element, and a handle member secured to the filter element. In preferred embodiments, the handle member is secured to the frame construction. Preferably, the filter element includes a central core member, wherein fluted filter media is coiled around the central core member. Preferably, the central core member includes a plurality of corrugations, wherein the corrugations mateably engage at least some flutes. Preferably, the handle member is integral with the central core member, and also includes a fastening member for connection to a frame construction on the filter element. Methods for cleaning air and servicing an air cleaner preferably include constructions as described herein.

Abstract: A multi-panel sterilization assembly includes a barrier panel formed of a permeable material, a fold protection panel, and at least one panel attachment means. The barrier panel has a first end, an opposed second end, and a midpoint delineating the barrier panel into a content receiving region and a content covering region. Panel attachment means are located at or near edges of the barrier panel to identify the content receiving region. The fold protection panel has a proximal end and an opposed distal end. After the barrier panel is folded at or near the midpoint to bring its second end near its first end and its edges are brought together and secured by the panel attachment means to form a package, the fold protection panel folds at or near a pre-determined fold line to cover at least a portion of the edges of the folded barrier panel.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for displaying information related to an in-trail procedure (ITP) on a ITP display aboard a host aircraft. Current flight status data of the host aircraft and at least a second aircraft is obtained, and a vertical traffic scenario including at least the host aircraft ant the second aircraft is rendered on the display. A textual representation of a negotiation between ATC and the host aircraft is also rendered on the ITP display.

Abstract: A pressure-mounted gate includes a first panel extending horizontally. A second panel is slidably coupled to the first panel. The second panel extends horizontally. A locking mechanism is coupled to the first panel and the second panel. The locking mechanism facilitates a widening of the gate by a ratcheting structure. The locking mechanism locks a position of the first panel and the second panel at a desired gate width.