Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic shelf label that is attached to a shelf rail at a position along the shelf rail and controlled by a local rail controller at the shelf rail, wherein the rail controller stores a list of display data, wherein an element of the list of display data is intended to be submitted to an electronic shelf label and represents the information that shall be displayed there, and detects the attachment of an electronic shelf label to the shelf rail or the removal of an electronic shelf label from the shelf rail, and triggers an action based on the detection of the attachment or the detection of the removal of an electronic shelf label under consideration of the list of display data.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, apparatuses, computer program products, and systems for seed quality analysis using computed tomography. One method can include obtaining computed tomography data representing a germination towel including seedlings; detecting likely seeds and candidate shoots and roots in the computed tomography data representing the germination towel; forming segments from the candidate shoots and roots; grouping the segments across a total volume of the computed tomography data into likely shoots and roots in accordance with relative proximity and alignment of the segments; assembling the likely seeds and the likely shoots and roots into likely seedlings; classifying the germination towel using a classifier trained to use at least the likely seedlings, as input; and providing a classification result from the classifying for the germination towel.

Abstract: Various aspects disclose an electrosurgical instrument designed for sealing or cutting tissue. The instrument features an instrument shaft with a transmission line to convey microwave or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. It includes a first jaw with a first surface and a distal end face, and a second jaw with a second surface, both attached to the shaft. The instrument is equipped with first and second electrodes for emitting microwave or radiofrequency energy. A first isolating portion electrically separates the two electrodes. The jaws can move between an open position, allowing tissue insertion between the surfaces, and a closed position, clamping the tissue. The first and second electrodes are exposed on the first surface and distal end face. In the closed position, the second jaw covers the exposed electrodes on the first surface and distal end face, ensuring effective tissue engagement and energy application for surgical procedures.

Abstract: Various aspects provide an electrosurgical instrument for sealing and cutting tissue, comprising an instrument shaft with a transmission line for microwave electromagnetic energy. The instrument includes a first and second jaw with respective surfaces, first and second electrode for emitting microwave energy, an isolating portion to electrically separate the electrodes, a cutting device. The jaws can move between an open position for tissue insertion and a closed position to clamp tissue. Both electrodes are located on the first jaw, with sections exposed on the first surface to form a first and second sealing area separated by a gap. This gap ensures the tissue between the sealing areas is not sealed during microwave emission. The sealing areas are designed to seal tissue on either side of the gap. The cutting device operates along a cutting line on the first surface, positioned over the gap, to cut tissue in the closed position.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, apparatuses, computer program products, and systems for volumetric difference analysis. One method can include obtaining sample computed tomography (CT) data of a first physical object; obtaining reference CT data of one or more second physical objects that correspond to the first physical object; identifying a first boundary of the first physical object in the sample CT data; identifying a second boundary of the one or more second physical objects in the reference CT data; aligning data points of the first boundary with data points of the second boundary to form a transformation matrix; registering the sample CT data with the reference CT data using the transformation matrix to form registered sample and reference CT data; generating difference data from the registered sample and reference CT data; and providing the difference data for processing.

Abstract: The electrosurgical instrument described herein is designed for sealing and cutting tissue using microwave and radiofrequency energy. The electrosurgical instrument features an instrument shaft with a transmission line to convey electromagnetic energy. The electrosurgical instrument further includes a first jaw with a first surface and a second jaw with a second surface, both attached to the shaft. The jaws can move between open and closed positions to allow tissue insertion and clamping. The electrosurgical instrument is further equipped with three electrodes: the first and second electrodes are positioned on the first jaw, with the first electrode protruding from an isolating portion that electrically isolates it from the second electrode. The third electrode is situated on the second jaw. The configuration enables efficient energy emission for tissue treatment during surgical procedures.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a torque transfer unit for rotating a flexible shaft. The torque transfer unit comprises an elongate track defining a track passage, and a key attachable to the flexible shaft and movable along the track passage. The key and the elongate track are configured to engage each other to inhibit relative rotation of the key and the track passage. The torque transfer unit is actuatable to selectively adjust an axial position of the key relative to the track passage. Some other embodiments provide a kit of parts.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic shelf label that is attached to a shelf rail at a position along the shelf rail and controlled by a local rail controller at the shelf rail, wherein the rail controller stores a list of display data, wherein an element of the list of display data is intended to be submitted to an electronic shelf label and represents the information that shall be displayed there, and detects the attachment of an electronic shelf label to the shelf rail or the removal of an electronic shelf label from the shelf rail, and triggers an action based on the detection of the attachment or the detection of the removal of an electronic shelf label under consideration of the list of display data.

Abstract: Various aspects provide an electrosurgical instrument for sealing and cutting tissue. The electrosurgical instrument is designed for sealing and cutting tissue, featuring an instrument shaft with a transmission line for microwave and radio frequency energy. It includes a first and second jaw, each with respective surfaces, which can move between open and closed positions to clamp tissue. The instrument also incorporates first and second blade elements. Each jaw has a recessed portion to receive the blade elements in a rest position. In the cutting position, the blade elements lie alongside each other. The blades consist of a longitudinally extending planar dielectric body with a first electrode on a laterally facing surface and a second electrode spaced apart, isolated by the dielectric body. The electrodes function as active and return electrodes for radiofrequency energy and as microwave electrodes for emitting microwave energy.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for applying radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) energy and/or microwave frequency EM energy to biological tissue. The instrument comprises an instrument tip comprising a planar body made of a first dielectric material separating a first conductive element on a first surface from a second conductive element on a second surface thereof, the second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface. The instrument also comprises a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor and a dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable for conveying an RF signal and/or microwave signal. The inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element. An edge of the instrument tip has a notch defining a recess.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a torque transfer unit for rotating a flexible shaft. The torque transfer unit comprises an elongate track defining a track passage, and a key attachable to the flexible shaft and movable along the track passage. The key and the elongate track are configured to engage each other to inhibit relative rotation of the key and the track passage. The torque transfer unit is actuatable to selectively adjust an axial position of the key relative to the track passage. Some other embodiments provide a kit of parts.

Abstract: Techniques for improved efficiency of sintering in additive fabrication are described. According to some aspects, mechanisms for depositing and leveling source material are combined with a mechanism for heating the material. In some embodiments, one or more heating elements may be arranged to lead and/or follow a material deposition mechanism such that heat may be applied to the build region in concert with deposition of material. As a result of this technique, the heating and depositing steps may be performed closer together in time and/or heat may be applied more directly to the material than in conventional systems. As a result, greater control over material temperature may be achieved, thereby avoiding excess temperature exposure and subsequent undesirable changes to the material.

Abstract: Through-holes are formed at a constant pitch along a side-edge portion of a fastener tape where a tape base fabric is covered by a waterproof layer, the through-holes piercing the fastener tape. Plasma treatment or corona treatment is applied to the side-edge portion of the fastener tape so as to form an activation region on a surface of the waterproof layer on one or both sides of the fastener tape. Injection molding of fastener elements is performed to attach the fastener elements to the side-edge portion of the fastener tape. Melted resin adheres to the activation region and fills the through-hole before solidifying into the fastener element.

Abstract: Techniques for improved efficiency of sintering in additive fabrication are described. According to some aspects, mechanisms for depositing and leveling source material are combined with a mechanism for heating the material. In some embodiments, one or more heating elements may be arranged to lead and/or follow a material deposition mechanism such that heat may be applied to the build region in concert with deposition of material. As a result of this technique, the heating and depositing steps may be performed closer together in time and/or heat may be applied more directly to the material than in conventional systems. As a result, greater control over material temperature may be achieved, thereby avoiding excess temperature exposure and subsequent undesirable changes to the material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for planning and/or delivering radiation treatment and controlling a radiation delivery system are described. Apparatus for delivering radiation treatment includes a radiation source, a drive connected to move the radiation source along a trajectory, a stored radiation treatment plan specifying a plurality of beam ON segments and beam OFF portions of the trajectory interleaved with the plurality of beam ON segments, and a monitor connected to detect progress of a physiological cycle of the patient, the physiological cycle has cycles that include quiescent periods.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic shelf label that is attached to a shelf rail at a position along the shelf rail and controlled by a local rail controller at the shelf rail, wherein the rail controller stores a list of display data, wherein an element of the list of display data is intended to be submitted to an electronic shelf label and represents the information that shall be displayed there, and detects the attachment of an electronic shelf label to the shelf rail or the removal of an electronic shelf label from the shelf rail, and triggers an action based on the detection of the attachment or the detection of the removal of an electronic shelf label under consideration of the list of display data.

Abstract: Techniques for improved efficiency of sintering in additive fabrication are described. According to some aspects, mechanisms for depositing and leveling source material are combined with a mechanism for heating the material. In some embodiments, one or more heating elements may be arranged to lead and/or follow a material deposition mechanism such that heat may be applied to the build region in concert with deposition of material. As a result of this technique, the heating and depositing steps may be performed closer together in time and/or heat may be applied more directly to the material than in conventional systems. As a result, greater control over material temperature may be achieved, thereby avoiding excess temperature exposure and subsequent undesirable changes to the material.

Abstract: A slide fastener chain includes first and second rows of coupling elements mounted on first and second longitudinal edges of the first and second fastener tapes. When the first and second rows of coupling elements are interdigitated, the first and second longitudinal edges remain spaced apart, and a first coupling element of the first row is received between two adjacent coupling elements of the second row such that: the groove of the first coupling element receives, in a first contact region, a portion of the second longitudinal edge, one of the grooves of the adjacent coupling elements receives, in a fourth contact region, a first portion of the first longitudinal edge, and another of the grooves of the adjacent coupling elements receives, in a fifth contact region, a second portion of the first longitudinal edge.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a method of additive fabrication is provided wherein a plurality of layers are formed on a build platform, each layer contacting a container in addition to the build platform and/or a previously formed layer, the method comprising calculating, using at least one processor, one or more forces to be applied to a first layer of the plurality of layers subsequent to the first layer being formed, said calculating being based at least in part on a determined area of at least one portion of the first layer that overhangs a second layer of the plurality of layers, forming the first layer, the first layer being in contact with the container and in contact with a previously formed layer of the plurality of layers, and separating the first layer from the container by applying the calculated one or more forces to the first layer.

Abstract: Through-holes are formed at a constant pitch along a side-edge portion of a fastener tape where a tape base fabric is covered by a waterproof layer, the through-holes piercing the fastener tape. Plasma treatment or corona treatment is applied to the side-edge portion of the fastener tape so as to form an activation region on a surface of the waterproof layer on one or both sides of the fastener tape. Injection molding of fastener elements is performed to attach the fastener elements to the side-edge portion of the fastener tape. Melted resin adheres to the activation region and fills the through-hole before solidifying into the fastener element.