Abstract: Disclosed herein a method of producing an ultrasound that includes defining a set of criteria for an ultrasound emitter comprising a plate. The set of criteria includes a power output criterion, a frequency criterion and number of nodes for a resonance mode of the plate, a focus criterion, and a durability criterion. The method includes determining an outline and a thickness range for the plate, based on the set of criteria. The method includes using topology optimization to determine internodal zone dimensions for the plate, based on the set of criteria, the outline, and the thickness range. The method includes manufacturing the plate according to the internodal zone dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a method of producing an ultrasound that includes defining a set of criteria for an ultrasound emitter comprising a plate. The set of criteria includes a power output criterion, a frequency criterion and number of nodes for a resonance mode of the plate, a focus criterion, and a durability criterion. The method includes determining an outline and a thickness range for the plate, based on the set of criteria. The method includes using topology optimization to determine internodal zone dimensions for the plate, based on the set of criteria, the outline, and the thickness range. The method includes manufacturing the plate according to the internodal zone dimensions.

Abstract: A Medical electrode is disclosed. It comprises a conductive adhesive, such as a polymer adhesive, that can switch from a high attachment phase to a low attachment phase when exposed to an initiator. The initiator can be electrical, chemical, mechanical, or photolytic in nature. The ability to switch phases allows the adhesiveness of the electrode to be changed depending upon whether the electrode is being attached to a patient, whether the electrode is operational, or whether the electrode is being detached. Use of such materials can allow less glue residue to be left by the electrodes, which allows for easier cleanup and in some cases much less painful electrode removal.

Abstract: A pigment and concrete mixer includes a pigment tank fluidly connected to a mixing auger by a hose. A pump is configured to pump pigment from the pigment tank to the mixing auger. A motor is operable to control the pump and adjust a flow rate of the pigment within the hose. The present invention adds color pigment to concrete in controlled flow for consistent color throughout concrete mix. The flow is adjusted to different rates for different color variation.

Abstract: Example systems and methods for nondestructive ultrasonic testing are provided. One example system includes at least one air-coupled ultrasonic transducer configured to emit primary ultrasound waves that interfere with each other. The primary ultrasound waves include fundamental frequency components that are multiples of each other and emitted simultaneously in locked phase. Further, the interference of the primary ultrasound waves generates a plurality of frequency harmonics in the air. The system also includes at least one receiver configured to receive ultrasonic waves emitted from an object under test.

Abstract: A system for leveling and distance-measuring, the system including a housing, a self-leveling-laser fixed to the housing, an electronic-stud-finder also fixed to the housing, a distance-measurer having distance-measuring-circuitry, a display detachably coupled to the housing, and an audio-output including variable-frequency-output and variable-tone-output. The system for leveling and distance-measuring also includes at least one mode-selector-switch, configured to select a mode-of-operation of the system from at least a leveling mode and a distance-measuring mode. The system is structured and arranged to determine level, plumb, measure distances, locate studs embedded within walls, and measure a width of the studs.

Abstract: Example systems and methods for nondestructive ultrasonic testing are provided. One example system includes at least one air-coupled ultrasonic transducer configured to emit primary ultrasound waves that interfere with each other. The primary ultrasound waves include fundamental frequency components that are multiples of each other and emitted simultaneously in locked phase. Further, the interference of the primary ultrasound waves generates a plurality of frequency harmonics in the air. The system also includes at least one receiver configured to receive ultrasonic waves emitted from an object under test.

Abstract: Systems and processes for contouring 2D shadow characters in 3D CGI scenes are provided. A simplified drawing surface may be added to a CGI scene and displayed from a first perspective to approximate a major surface where a shadow character may be located. A drawn shadow character may be received on the simplified drawing surface. A naturally-cast reference shadow of a corresponding 3D modeled character may be provided on the drawing surface to aid artists in developing the shadow character. An image of the drawn shadow character may be captured from a second perspective at the primary light source. The simplified drawing surface and drawn shadow character may be removed from the scene. The captured shadow character image may be projected into the scene from the second perspective, contouring naturally to object surfaces. The scene, including the shadow character, may be captured from a third perspective.

Abstract: Systems and processes for contouring 2D shadow characters in 3D CGI scenes are provided. A simplified drawing surface may be added to a CGI scene and displayed from a first perspective to approximate a major surface where a shadow character may be located. A drawn shadow character may be received on the simplified drawing surface. A naturally-cast reference shadow of a corresponding 3D modeled character may be provided on the drawing surface to aid artists in developing the shadow character. An image of the drawn shadow character may be captured from a second perspective at the primary light source. The simplified drawing surface and drawn shadow character may be removed from the scene. The captured shadow character image may be projected into the scene from the second perspective, contouring naturally to object surfaces. The scene, including the shadow character, may be captured from a third perspective.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for wirelessly measuring liquid quantity in an enclosure. According to various aspects, an incident electromagnetic wave is transmitted within a conductive enclosure. One or more rebound electromagnetic waves that correspond to the incident electromagnetic wave are received. Using the rebound electromagnetic waves, a transfer function of the rebound electromagnetic waves is measured and a quantity of liquid stored in the enclosure is calculated based on the measured transfer function.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for wirelessly measuring liquid quantity in an enclosure. According to various aspects, an incident electromagnetic wave is transmitted within a conductive enclosure. One or more rebound electromagnetic waves that correspond to the incident electromagnetic wave are received. Using the rebound electromagnetic waves, a transfer function of the rebound electromagnetic waves is measured and a quantity of liquid stored in the enclosure is calculated based on the measured transfer function.

Abstract: A cutting guide for use in spinal surgery includes a body member with a first surface and an opposite, second surface. The cutting guide includes slots and corner holes to guide surgical instruments therethrough. The cutting guide can also include at least one fixation tab with a hole for receiving a fixation device therethrough. A scaffold device includes a sidewall defining an internal cavity. The scaffold device also includes at least one fixation tab with a hole for receiving a fixation device therethrough.

Abstract: A cutting guide for use in spinal surgery includes a sidewall defining an internal cavity. A chisel guide, for use with the cutting guide, includes a first block member to be inserted into the internal cavity of the cutting guide to position the first block member adjacent the vertebral body. The chisel guide also includes a second block member connected to the first block member. An apparatus for creating a cavity in a-vertebral body endplate and in an intervertebral disc may be a compressor or a distractor having at least one cutting implement thereon. A tensioner determines a proper elongation distance in a prosthesis implanted in a vertebral body.

Abstract: A cutting guide for use in spinal surgery includes a sidewall defining an internal cavity. A chisel guide, for use with the cutting guide, includes a first block member to be inserted into the internal cavity of the cutting guide to position the first block member adjacent the vertebral body. The chisel guide also includes a second block member connected to the first block member. An apparatus for creating a cavity in a vertebral body endplate and in an intervertebral disc may be a compressor or a distractor having at least one cutting implement thereon. A tensioner determines a proper elongation distance in a prosthesis implanted in a vertebral body.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring funds are disclosed that utilize a transfer card issued to a sender that enables the sender to transfer funds at independent host locations. The transfer card may be encoded with information about the sender and the intended receiver so that transfer forms are not required for each transaction. The receiver obtains the finds via a distribution center, wherein the personal identity of the receiver is verified before the funds are distributed.

Abstract: A cutting guide for use in spinal surgery includes a sidewall defining an internal cavity. A chisel guide, for use with the cutting guide, includes a first block member to be inserted into the internal cavity of the cutting guide to position the first block member adjacent the vertebral body. The chisel guide also includes a second block member connected to the first block member. An apparatus for creating a cavity in a vertebral body endplate and in an intervertebral disc may be a compressor or a distractor having at least one cutting implement thereon. A tensioner determines a proper elongation distance in a prosthesis implanted in a vertebral body.

Abstract: A cutting guide for use in spinal surgery includes a sidewall defining an internal cavity. A chisel guide, for use with the cutting guide, includes a first block member to be inserted into the internal cavity of the cutting guide to position the first block member adjacent the vertebral body. The chisel guide also includes a second block member connected to the first block member. An apparatus for creating a cavity in a vertebral body endplate and in an intervertebral disc may be a compressor or a distractor having at least one cutting implement thereon. A tensioner determines a proper elongation distance in a prosthesis implanted in a vertebral body.

Abstract: A cutting guide for use in spinal surgery includes a sidewall defining an internal cavity. A chisel guide, for use with the cutting guide, includes a first block member to be inserted into the internal cavity of the cutting guide to position the first block member adjacent the vertebral body. The chisel guide also includes a second block member connected to the first block member. An apparatus for creating a cavity in a vertebral body endplate and in an intervertebral disc may be a compressor or a distractor having at least one cutting implement thereon. A tensioner determines a proper elongation distance in a prosthesis implanted in a vertebral body.

Abstract: In order to handle bag configurations having extra layers in some portions, especially where thicker materials are used, the facings of the sealing jaws are relieved in the area of the extra layers, so that even pressure is applied to the material across the entire seal area. An improved transverse seal is obtained using this method.