Abstract: Vascular access assemblies for facilitating hemodialysis of a patient. The vascular access assembly may include a first tubular conduit and a bifurcated stent disposed in the superior vena cava. The vascular access assembly may further include a second tubular conduit that connects that couples an arm of the bifurcated stent to the first tubular conduit to create a blood flow pathway between two locations of a vasculature of a patient.

Abstract: Medical devices including vascular access kits and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a vascular access system may include a first conduit, a second conduit, and a connector that is reversibly or irreversibly coupled to both the first and second conduits such that there is a continuous lumen from the first conduit and the second conduit. In some embodiments the vascular access system may include a connector where the inside geometry of the connector enhances laminar flow. The vascular access system, when implanted and assembled, may be a fully subcutaneous surgical implant.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for flavoring a smokable article is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a sealable or re-sealable container configured to hold the smokable article and compositions containing flavors configured to be diffusible.

Abstract: Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure describe a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) application/service that is configured for NDE of a wooden specimen. The NDE application/service provides a user-friendly graphical user interface that enables inspectors to manage each phase of NDE of a wooden specimen through one or more computing devices. An exemplary NDE application/service is configured to analyze captured acoustic signal data (e.g., ultrasonic signal data) and transform that captured signal data into feature information that is used to more accurately assess the structural integrity of a wooden specimen. For instance, execution of a programmed NDE application/service employs a trained artificial intelligence (AI) classifier that evaluates waveform propagation (e.g., TOF and energy attenuation) through a wooden specimen to classify a condition and a quality the wooden specimen.

Abstract: Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems and methods of manufacture for an exemplary waveguide usable for acoustic signal transmission for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of a specimen (e.g., a wooden specimen) as well as apparatuses usable therewith. An exemplary waveguide comprises a mating portion for interfacing with a transducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer. The mating portion comprises at least a contact well configured to enable a connection between the transducer horn and the waveguide. The waveguide further comprises a body portion that comprises an upper body portion, that has a flat-faced distal end that is usable to establish contact with a surface of the specimen, and a lower body portion that is attached to and extends outwardly from the upper body portion and is further attached to the mating portion. Other technical examples are further described in the present disclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for flavoring a smokable article is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a sealable or re-sealable container configured to hold the smokable article and a composition containing a flavor configured to be diffusible.

Abstract: The technology disclosed relates to systems, methods, and devices for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of a wooden specimen. A computer-implemented method for non-destructive evaluation of a wooden specimen comprises receiving acoustic wave signal data from NDE of the wooden specimen; processing the acoustic wave signal data to determine signal characteristics, such as an arrival velocity and amplitude attenuation of an AW2 mode; determining, based in part on a characteristic of the AW2 wave, an estimated strength metric of the wooden specimen; and displaying, on a graphical user interface associated with the computing device, an indication of the estimated strength metric of the wooden specimen.

Abstract: Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems and methods of manufacture for an exemplary waveguide usable for acoustic signal transmission for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of a wooden specimen. An exemplary waveguide comprises a mating portion for interfacing with a transducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer. The mating portion comprises an impact surface and a contact well that is fabricated within the impact surface so that the contact well is not contacted during an impact that drives the waveguide into wood. The contact well is utilized to connect the waveguide to a transducer horn. The waveguide further comprises a body portion that comprises a radiating component optimized for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of wood and transmission of ultrasonic signal data.

Abstract: Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems and methods for conducting non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of a wooden specimen, where structural integrity of the wooden specimen is assessed without being compromised. A non-limiting example of a wooden specimen is a wooden utility pole. One or more NDE devices, attached to the wooden specimen, are configured to transmit and/or receive ultrasonic signals to execute NDE of the wooden specimen. An exemplary NDE device may be controlled by another computing device via a data transmission connection. Examples described herein pertain to a variety of coverages that comprise but are not limited to: coverage for a single NDE device; coverage for a system of two or more NDE devices that are utilized to conduct NDE of the wooden specimen; and coverage where one or more NDE devices interface with one or more computing devices to conduct NDE of the wooden specimen.

Abstract: Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure describe a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) application/service that is configured for NDE of a wooden specimen. The NDE application/service provides a user-friendly graphical user interface that enables inspectors to manage each phase of NDE of a wooden specimen through one or more computing devices. An exemplary NDE application/service is configured to analyze captured acoustic signal data (e.g., ultrasonic signal data) and transform that captured signal data into feature information that is used to more accurately assess the structural integrity of a wooden specimen. For instance, execution of a programmed NDE application/service employs a trained artificial intelligence (AI) classifier that evaluates waveform propagation (e.g., TOF and energy attenuation) through a wooden specimen to classify a condition and a quality the wooden specimen.

Abstract: Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems and methods of manufacture for an exemplary waveguide usable for acoustic signal transmission for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of a specimen (e.g., a wooden specimen) as well as apparatuses usable therewith. An exemplary waveguide comprises a mating portion for interfacing with a transducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer. The mating portion comprises at least a contact well configured to enable a connection between the transducer horn and the waveguide. The waveguide further comprises a body portion that comprises an upper body portion, that has a flat-faced distal end that is usable to establish contact with a surface of the specimen, and a lower body portion that is attached to and extends outwardly from the upper body portion and is further attached to the mating portion. Other technical examples are further described in the present disclosure.

Abstract: An asphalt mix tracking system having a data collection system adapted to determine at least one characteristic of the asphalt mix, a data control system adapted to receive data from the data collection system, a lot tracking system adapted to track a lot of the asphalt mix, a truck tracking system adapted to track a truck, and a pavement injection system adapted to identify the lot of the asphalt mix. The preferred asphalt mix tracking system is adapted to substantially continuously track the asphalt mix from a mixing site to a paving site. A method for tracking an asphalt mix including determining the at least one characteristic of the asphalt mix, communicating the at least one characteristic of the asphalt mix to the data control system, transporting the asphalt mix from the mixing site to the paving site, and injecting an identification means at the paving site.

Abstract: Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems and methods for conducting non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of a wooden specimen, where structural integrity of the wooden specimen is assessed without being compromised. A non-limiting example of a wooden specimen is a wooden utility pole. One or more NDE devices, attached to the wooden specimen, are configured to transmit and/or receive ultrasonic signals to execute NDE of the wooden specimen. An exemplary NDE device may be controlled by another computing device via a data transmission connection. Examples described herein pertain to a variety of coverages that comprise but are not limited to: coverage for a single NDE device; coverage for a system of two or more NDE devices that are utilized to conduct NDE of the wooden specimen; and coverage where one or more NDE devices interface with one or more computing devices to conduct NDE of the wooden specimen.

Abstract: Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems and methods of manufacture for an exemplary waveguide usable for acoustic signal transmission for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of a wooden specimen. An exemplary waveguide comprises a mating portion for interfacing with a transducer horn of an ultrasonic transducer. The mating portion comprises an impact surface and a contact well that is fabricated within the impact surface so that the contact well is not contacted during an impact that drives the waveguide into wood. The contact well is utilized to connect the waveguide to a transducer horn. The waveguide further comprises a body portion that comprises a radiating component optimized for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of wood and transmission of ultrasonic signal data.

Abstract: A sealing ring is usable in a valve, and has an inner diameter defining a shape of the sealing ring. The shape may be configured to match the shape of a flow bore of the valve. A first side of the sealing ring is configured to abut a body wall of the valve. A profiled face is on a second side opposite the first side, and the profiled face is configured to match a closure member. An outer radial groove cutout is on an outer side between the first side and the second side, and an inner radial groove cutout is on an inner side between the first side and the second side. The outer radial groove cutout and the inner radial groove cutout are configured to elastically deform.

Abstract: A system for assessment of irregularity in wooden material below the surface of a substrate, from above the surface of the substrate. The wooden material extending from below to above the surface of the substrate and surrounded by the substrate below the surface of the substrate. The system comprising at least one transmitter and receiver or transducer arranged to transmit energy through the material from above the surface of the substrate towards the part of the material below the surface, and to receive energy reflected from the material back through the surface, and a processor arranged to analyse the reflected energy and provide an indication of irregularity in the material below the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, disclosed is a sealing ring usable in a valve, having an inner diameter defining a shape of the sealing ring. The shape may be configured to match the shape of a flow bore of the valve. Certain embodiments may also include a first side configured to abut a body wall of the valve, a profiled face on a second side opposite the first side, wherein the profiled face is configured to match a closure member, an outer radial groove cutout on an outer side between the first side and the second side, and an inner radial groove cutout on an inner side between the first side and the second side, wherein the outer radial groove cutout and the inner radial groove cutout are configured to elastically deform.

Abstract: An asphalt mix tracking system having a data collection system adapted to determine at least one characteristic of the asphalt mix, a data control system adapted to receive data from the data collection system, a lot tracking system adapted to track a lot of the asphalt mix, a truck tracking system adapted to track a truck, and a pavement injection system adapted to identify the lot of the asphalt mix. The preferred asphalt mix tracking system is adapted to substantially continuously track the asphalt mix from a mixing site to a paving site. A method for tracking an asphalt mix including determining the at least one characteristic of the asphalt mix, communicating the at least one characteristic of the asphalt mix to the data control system, transporting the asphalt mix from the mixing site to the paving site, and injecting an identification means at the paving site.

Abstract: Connector assembly and methods usable to block fluid flow therethrough. The connector comprises a female hub having an axial bore, internal threads, and an internal shoulder. The hub is adapted to connect to a fluid container, valve, or conduit and to receive a male connector adapted to block fluid flow through the connector assembly. The male connector comprises external threads and a face comprising a front seal adapted to engage the shoulder. The face comprises a ring-shaped surface adapted to contact the shoulder and form a fluid seal. The face comprises an outer seal that is positioned outwards from the ring-shaped surface and adapted to engage a circumferential surface of the hub. Embodiments of the current invention relate to fluid connectors and methods usable to form a sealed fluid connection between a female connector and a male connector, wherein the male connector comprises an axial bore extending therethrough.

Abstract: Connector assembly and methods usable to block fluid flow therethrough. The connector comprises a female hub having an axial bore, internal threads, and an internal shoulder. The hub is adapted to connect to a fluid container, valve, or conduit and to receive a male connector adapted to block fluid flow through the connector assembly. The male connector comprises external threads and a face comprising a front seal adapted to engage the shoulder. The face comprises a ring-shaped surface adapted to contact the shoulder and form a fluid seal. The face comprises an outer seal that is positioned outwards from the ring-shaped surface and adapted to engage a circumferential surface of the hub. Embodiments of the current invention relate to fluid connectors and methods usable to form a sealed fluid connection between a female connector and a male connector, wherein the male connector comprises an axial bore extending therethrough.