Abstract: A method of communicating count value information in an Optical Transport Network (OTN) signal frame. The method comprises determining a count value indicating a number of payload bytes to be sent in a next OTN signal frame; determining that a change in the count value (?) with respect to a current count value is within a predetermined range; selecting an inversion pattern indicating the change in the count value; determining a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code associated with the inversion pattern; and, inserting the inversion pattern and the CRC code in a Generic Mapping Procedure (GMP) overhead of the OTN signal frame.

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 system, apparatus, and method may provide laser beams of two or more wavelengths from diode pumped solid-state laser sources (220, 222, 224). The beam paths of these laser beams with different wavelengths, which are generated by the laser sources (220, 222, 224), may be aligned along a common optical axis 280 by an optical configuration, to treat at least one target area. Frequency-doubled laser beams, output from a plurality of diode pumped solid state laser cavities, may be passed through fold mirrors (M2, M5, M8), and combined on a common optical axis 280, using one or more combiner mirrors (M10, M11, M12), to unify the beam paths. Selected laser beams may be delivered to a target using one or more delivery systems.

Abstract: A loopback card includes a connector configured to connect to an IO interface and emulate a storage device interface. The connector includes a port configured to receive a set of signals from the IO interface and transmit them to a redriver. The connector is configured to receive the set of signals from the redriver and transmit them from the redriver to the IO interface. The connector includes control signal inputs configured to receive control signals from the IO interface. The connector further includes one or more logic gates configured to receive the control signals. The one or more logic gates apply a logic operation on the control signals to generate an output and route the output to the IO interface through the connector. The redriver is operably connected to the port and configured to receive the set of signals from the port and transmit them back to the port.

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: Filter cartridge arrangements, features, and methods of construction are described. Also described are filter assemblies having the filter cartridge installed therein as a removable service component. The filter cartridge generally comprises a media pack having an end with an end piece positioned thereon. The end piece includes an end cap section and a seal support, defining a seal recess. A seal member is secured within the seal recess. Methods of assembly and use are described.

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 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 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: 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 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: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for automatically updating a software QA test repository in a database system. These mechanisms and methods for automatically updating a QA test repository can enable embodiments to quickly and accurately update a test repository without requiring a user to repeatedly enter test case documentation data. These mechanisms and methods for automatically updating a QA test repository can also enable embodiments to extract plain language descriptions of test cases in the test repository. The ability of embodiments to automatically update the test repository and provide descriptions for the test cases stored in the test repository allows developers to efficiently update and share the contents of the test repository.

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 pressure actuated valve assembly includes a valve body. The downstream end portion of a main spring is engaged with a downstream end portion of the valve body and the main spring is axially aligned with the valve body. A main spring guide is engaged with an upstream end portion of the main spring proximate an upstream end portion of the valve body. The main spring guide is mounted for movement toward the downstream end portion of the valve body by compression of the main spring. A hold-down sleeve is engaged with the downstream end portion of the valve body and includes a stop structure proximate the main spring guide. The stop structure is configured to engage the main spring guide to maintain a predetermined minimum clearance between the main spring guide and the upstream end portion of the valve body with the valve body in the closed condition.

Abstract: Signature circuits are used during testing of an integrated circuit. Test vectors are applied as inputs to a circuit under test. A signature circuit stores a “signature” for the circuit under test based on a combination of signals from the circuit under test in response to test vectors and a previous stored state of the signature register. The value contained in the signature register at the end of the test is the signature. A fault-free circuit generates a particular signature for the applied test vectors. Faults can be determined by detecting variances from the expected signature. In one embodiment, the signature circuit uses a combination of two error detection codes.

Abstract: A non-reusable, locking container for sterilizing and storing surgical materials and presenting surgical materials in a sterilized condition. The non-reusable, locking sterilization container includes a tray, a lid, a permeable filter, a non-reusable lock and a frangible release that limit the container to only a single sterilization cycle or single use.

Abstract: A deck deployment system is adapted to facilitate transfer of personnel between spaced elevations. The deck deployment system includes a deck defining a substantially flat and continuous deck surface for supporting personnel. A convertible stairway is hinged to the deck and adapted for movement between a stowed condition and a deployed condition. The convertible stairway includes an adjustable frame assembly and a series of articulating horizontally-disposed foot treads carried by the frame assembly. The foot treads remain substantially horizontal upon movement of the stairway between the stowed condition and the deployed condition. When the stairway is in the stowed condition, the foot treads integrate with the deck to form a substantially flat and continuous portion of the deck surface. When the stairway is in the deployed condition, the foot treads cooperate to form steps extending from the deck to an elevation spaced from the deck surface.

Abstract: A lap tapping instrument which takes the form of a guitar, has a main body, a top surface with a sound hold therethrough, a bottom surface, sidewalls extending between the surfaces, a neck section with a fingerboard, and guitar strings extending over the sound hold and neck section. A percussive member having a series of parallel extending upstanding ridges is permanently secured to the top surface of the main body and an opening located through the sidewall has a connection for interchanging a plurality of different percussive accessories and attaching the accessories to the body of the instrument. The main body also has an optional top side opening into which other percussive accessories can be attached. The accessories are connected to the main body and interchanged with other accessories as the musician's need arise.

Abstract: A pole is disclosed having a vertically extending support structure and a plurality of substantially planar solar cell panels for production of electric power, where the solar cell panels are arranged substantially vertically on the support structure. A plurality of holding members fixed to the support structure and extending along vertical edges of said solar cell panels are provided so as to secure the solar cell panels to the support structure, wherein the solar cell panels and the holding members are designed and arranged so that a horizontal clearance of e.g. 3.5 to 10 millimetres is provided along said vertical edges of the solar cell panels so as to allow for wind induced deflection of the support structure with respect to the solar cell panels when the pole is exposed to the environmental wind load.

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.