Abstract: A loader and method for loading a transcatheter heart valve into a delivery sheath or catheter is described that is also configured to facilitate retrieval of the heart valve back through the delivery sheath while protecting the delivery sheath from damage. Another loader provides for easier crimping and loading of a THV into a delivery sheath or catheter from a storage jar or container. A method for crimping a THV facilitates easier end user preparation of the valve for implantation and reduces the likelihood of tissue deformation in the valve during storage. These devices and methods for deploying THVs simplify the valve replacement procedure.

Abstract: A device preferably for use in an inertial navigation system the device having a single IC wafer; a plurality of sensors bonded to bond regions on said single IC wafer, at least one of said bond regions including an opening therein in gaseous communication with a pressure chamber associated with at least one of the plurality of said sensors; and a plurality of caps encapsulating said plurality of sensors, at least one of said plurality of caps forming at least a portion of said pressure chamber. A method of making the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A MEMS resonator comprising a baseplate wafer; a piezoelectric HF-VHF resonator that comprises a monolithic piezoelectric member having at least two separate spring piezoelectric support members integrally extending therefrom, each spring piezoelectric support member having at least a rounded corner; said piezoelectric resonator being attached to the baseplate wafer by said support members; wherein said monolithic piezoelectric member comprises first and second main surfaces joined by side edges; at least one of said side edges forming an angle of between 90 and 105 degrees with one of the first and second main surfaces.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and systems that enable autocalibration for multiple cameras using near-infrared (NIR) illuminators. The techniques and systems include a user device that uses NIR images, including dot images and flood images, captured by the multiple cameras. The user device implements an autocalibration module that normalizes the contrast of each image. Then, the autocalibration module detects dot features in the dot images and detects flood features in the flood images. The autocalibration module uses the flood features to disambiguate the dot features in the dot images. Then, the autocalibration module uses the disambiguated dot features to determine new calibration parameters for recalibration of the multiple cameras. In some aspects, the autocalibration module uses the dot images, rather than the flood images, to detect the flood features for disambiguating the dot features.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the right atrium, which allow tricuspid valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant.

Abstract: A method for generating an output of a downhole inertial measurement unit (IMU) includes: generating a trajectory between a plurality of survey points of a planned well data as a function of time, wherein the planned well data includes a plurality of three-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the survey points of an underground planned well are used to generate a trajectory comprising a plurality of trajectory coordinates between the consecutive ones of the survey points; generating sensor data for each of the trajectory coordinates as a function of time based on the geodetic reference parameters, the generated sensor data comprising: generated accelerometer output; generated gyroscopic output; and generated magnetometer output; and outputting the generated accelerometer output; the generated gyroscopic output; and the generated magnetometer output as a function of time as a generated output of the downhole IMU.

Abstract: Dimensions of a disk resonator gyroscope along the radial line of a resonator can be varied to engineer radial stiffness. An apparatus may comprise: a resonator comprising a plurality of concentric circumferential segments and a plurality of slots formed between the concentric circumferential segments; and at least one support supporting the resonator, wherein a width, in a radial direction, of each of the concentric circumferential segments is varied depending on a distance from the at least one support to the each of the concentric circumferential segments. The apparatus may further comprise radial segments connecting between the concentric circumferential segments. The concentric circumferential segments may have a ring shape.

Abstract: A method for preparing a prosthetic valve and a delivery system for an implantation procedure. The method comprises (a) obtaining a tray, the tray containing the delivery system, the prosthetic valve coupled to the delivery system, and a valve cover in which the prosthetic valve is disposed. The tray comprises a storage cavity comprising an open end, a floor, and a peripheral side wall defining the depth of the cavity, wherein the prosthetic valve and the valve cover are disposed in the storage cavity; and a mounting surface that substantially immobilizes and maintains the valve cover and prosthetic valve within the storage cavity. The method further comprises (b) at least partially filing the storage cavity with a first hydrating fluid to completely immerse the prosthetic valve; and (c) removing the delivery device with the prosthetic valve from the tray, including disengaging the prosthetic valve from the mounting surface.

Abstract: A loader and method for loading a transcatheter heart valve into a delivery sheath or catheter is described that is also configured to facilitate retrieval of the heart valve back through the delivery sheath while protecting the delivery sheath from damage. Another loader provides for easier crimping and loading of a THV into a delivery sheath or catheter from a storage jar or container. A method for crimping a THV facilitates easier end user preparation of the valve for implantation and reduces the likelihood of tissue deformation in the valve during storage. These devices and methods for deploying THVs simplify the valve replacement procedure.

Abstract: A diffuser includes a housing with at least one inlet and at least one vent outlet, and a microblower carried by the housing. The microblower has an inlet side to receive air from the at least one inlet, and an outlet port. A bottle adapted to carry essential oil is included and has a neck opening. A tube directs air from the microblower outlet port into the neck opening to generate oil-laden air. A fan draws ambient air in from the at least one inlet and exhausts ambient air and oil-laden air through the at least one vent outlet.

Abstract: A delivery cylinder for a prosthetic implant can include a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. The second tubular portion has a plurality of strut members coupled to the first tubular portion that define a volume for containing the prosthetic implant in a radially compressed state. The strut members can include respective flex regions configured such that application of force to the strut members causes deformation of the flex regions and corresponding radially inward or outward movement of the strut members relative to a longitudinal axis of the delivery cylinder between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration.

Abstract: A sensor includes an acceleration or magnetic field sensitive microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonator, configured to oscillate in at least a first normal mode and a second normal mode. The sensor further includes: a coarse readout circuit configured to drive the first normal mode, measure a motion of the first normal mode, and derive from the measured motion a coarse measurement of the true acceleration or true external magnetic field; and a fine readout circuit configured to drive the second normal mode, measure a motion of the second normal mode, and derive from the measured motion and the coarse measurement a measurement of the difference between the true acceleration or true external magnetic field and the coarse measurement.

Abstract: Anchors for securing an implant within a body organ and/or reshaping a body organ are provided herein. Anchors are configured for deployment in a body lumen or vasculature of the patient that are curved or conformable to accommodate anatomy of the patient. Such anchors can include deformable or collapsible structures upon tensioning of a bridging element in a lateral direction, or segmented tubes that can be adjusted by tightening of one or more tethers extending therethrough. Such anchors can be used as a posterior anchor in a blood vessel in implant systems having a tensioned bridging element extending between the posterior anchor and an anterior anchor deployed at another location within or along the body organ. Methods of deploying such anchors and use of multiple anchors or multiple bridging elements to a single anchor are also provided.

Abstract: An atomic defect sensor for measuring a magnitude of a physical parameter comprises an optical waveguide comprising an atomic defect site located within the optical waveguide, the optical waveguide being configured to guide an optical signal toward the atomic defect site, a first doped fin integrated with the optical waveguide at a first side of the optical waveguide, and a second doped fin integrated with the optical waveguide at a second side of the optical waveguide, wherein the atomic defect site is configured to be energetically stimulated by the optical signal in the presence of an RF signal, and to generate a photocurrent corresponding to the magnitude of the physical parameter and a voltage differential between the first and second doped fins.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that immunospecifically bind to a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen, which formulations exhibit stability, low to undetectable levels of aggregation, and very little to no loss of the biological activities of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, even during long periods of storage. In particular, the present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof which immunospecifically binds to a RSV antigen, which formulations are substantially free of surfactant, inorganic salts, and/or other common excipients. Furthermore, the invention provides method of preventing, treating or ameliorating symptoms associated with RSV infection utilizing liquid formulations of the present invention.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a vessel for holding replacement heart valves and associated positioning and installation apparatus which is configured and adapted to contain a biocidal sterilization fluid during and following exposure of a delivery system for the replacement heart valve to sterilization by ionizing radiation and methods of use therefor. The vessel includes a shield which limits exposure of biologically derived material therein to radiation. The vessel also provides a storage and shipping container for the replacement heart valve in which the biologically derived material is maintained in a sterile fluid environment.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a graphene-reinforced polymer matrix composite (G-PMC) is disclosed. The packaging material has improved barrier resistance to gas and liquid permeants. Also disclosed is a method of improving barrier resistance of a polymer to a permeant, the method comprising forming a graphene-reinforced polymer matrix composite within the polymer. The packaging material may be used for packaging food, drug, perfume, etc. and to make various containers.

Abstract: A diffuser includes a housing with at least one inlet and at least one vent outlet, and a microblower carried by the housing. The microblower has an inlet side to receive air from the at least one inlet, and an outlet port. A bottle adapted to carry essential oil is included and has a neck opening. A tube directs air from the microblower outlet port into the neck opening to generate oil-laden air. A fan draws ambient air in from the at least one inlet and exhausts ambient air and oil-laden air through the at least one vent outlet.

Abstract: A diffuser for multiple essential oils includes a housing that has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. At least two microblowers are carried by the housing to receive air though the at least one inlet. At least two bottles, each adapted to carry an essential oil, are associated with a corresponding one of the microblowers to generate a corresponding flow of oil-laden air. A controller selectively adjusts operation of each microblower to control the corresponding flows of oil-laden air to obtain a desired combination of oil-laden air exhausted through the at least one outlet.

Abstract: Anchors for securing an implant within a body organ and/or reshaping a body organ are provided herein. Anchors are configured for deployment in a body lumen or vasculature of the patient that are curved or conformable to accommodate anatomy of the patient. Such anchors can include deformable or collapsible structures upon tensioning of a bridging element in a lateral direction, or segmented tubes that can be adjusted by tightening of one or more tethers extending therethrough. Such anchors can be used as a posterior anchor in a blood vessel in implant systems having a tensioned bridging element extending between the posterior anchor and an anterior anchor deployed at another location within or along the body organ. Methods of deploying such anchors, and use of multiple anchors or multiple bridging elements to a single anchor are also provided.