Abstract: A laser diode drive system for generating a drive current for a laser diode is described. The laser diode drive system comprises a first laser diode driver connected to the laser diode by a first cable to provide a drive current source for the laser diode. A second laser diode driver is then connected to the laser diode by a second cable to provide a low current sink for the laser diode. A feedback control loop is employed to provide a feedback signal for the second laser diode driver from to sample of an output field of the laser diode. The laser diode drive system exhibits low power consumption while being capable of creating sufficient feedback bandwidth to reduce the excess optical noise by at least an order of magnitude at 1 MHz compared with laser diode drive systems comprising just a first laser diode driver.

Abstract: A control system for monitoring a motor and wheel drive gearbox of an irrigation system drive train. The control system includes a motor sensor for sensing an operating state of the motor and a gearbox sensor for sensing an operating state of the wheel drive gearbox. If the motor operating state exceeds a motor operating state threshold or changes too quickly, or if the wheel drive gearbox operating state exceeds a wheel drive gearbox operating state threshold or changes too quickly, the control system operates the drive train at a reduced capacity or in a modified mode such that the operating state is not exceeded or does not change too quickly.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting the presence of a substance of interest in a sample is described. The device can include a data store comprising executable instructions for at least one convolutional neural network, CNN, configured to process images: and a processor coupled to the data store and configured to execute the instructions to operate the at least one CNN. The detection device can be configured to: obtain spectrometry data, operate a first one of the CNNs to process the spectrometry data to obtain a first CNN output; apply a mask to the spectrometry data to obtain masked data; operate a second one of the CNNs to process the masked data to obtain a second CNN output; and determine if the substance of interest is present in the sample based on both the first CNN output and the second CNN output.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system includes, among other things, a grille that extends across an opening in a vehicle. The system also includes a light bar assembly having lights that are disposed aft the grille relative to a general orientation of the vehicle. The lights are configured to be activated to emit light through grille openings.

Abstract: An irrigation system broadly comprising a number of irrigation spans, an end gun, an end gun booster pump assembly having a booster pump and a booster pump motor, and a control system including a system controller and a variable frequency drive (VFD) for controlling the end gun pump motor. The system controller determines a desired end gun throw magnitude according to sensor inputs, irrigation system location information, user inputs, and/or other data and sends to the VFD a signal representative of an instruction to increase or decrease an electrical motor input for the booster pump motor. The VFD effects a booster pump motor speed via the electrical motor input so that the booster pump steps up water pressure to the end gun according to the desired end gun throw magnitude.

Abstract: Surgical plating systems, devices, and related methods for stabilizing and immobilizing portions of a body for surgical procedures, e.g., spinal surgery, are disclosed herein. The plating systems can have narrow profiles that minimize trauma to the patient. An exemplary bone plating system can include a bone plate having one or more holes for receiving attachment members to couple the bone plate to a bony structure. The plating system can provide multipoint fixation to anatomical structures of the patient to prevent unwanted migration of the bone plate and/or unintentional back-out of the attachment members. In some embodiments, the attachment members can be disposed at various trajectories and angles relative to plating structures and can include a mesh construct and/or additional locking features. In some embodiments, the plating system can be introduced into the patient via an access tube to further limit the invasiveness of the procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed as including a first material volume with at least a hardened portion and a second material volume that includes at least two layers. The first material volume is composed of at least a hardenable alloy of steel. The at least two layers is located adjacent to a first surface comprising the hardened portion of the first material volume. The at least two layers includes a first layer composed of at least a ductile low-carbon alloy of steel and a second layer composed of at least a cobalt-based hardfacing over the first layer. The apparatus is applicable in preparing shear ram blocks and shear ram blades to provide a hardened blade edge with an adjacent hardfacing surface.

Abstract: Formulations of praziquantel are used to locally treat female genital schistosomiasis. The formulations can be applied to the upper or lower female genital tract, depending on the location of the infection. Thick or viscous formulations can be used advantageously in the vagina. Solutions of active ingredient can be instilled in the uterus.

Abstract: Cable node transition assemblies are provided. A cable node transition assembly includes an outer nut extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the outer nut including an outer thread at the second end. The cable node transition assembly further includes a fiber optic cable. The cable node transition assembly further includes a cable positioning assembly connected to the outer nut and extending from the first end of the outer nut. A portion of the cable is disposed within the cable positioning assembly. The cable positioning assembly is operable to alternately fix the cable in a first position and a second position. In the first position the portion of the cable disposed within the cable positioning assembly extends along the longitudinal axis. In the second position the portion of the cable disposed within the cable positioning assembly extends away from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Arcuate fixation members with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided fixation systems and intervertebral implant systems. The arcuate fixation members may be of varying lengths, cross sectional geometries, and/or cross sectional areas, and may be configured with various features such as heads configured to accept other fixation system components, tabs to allow arcuate fixation member-in-arcuate fixation member or fixation anchor-in-arcuate fixation member configurations. Applications of fixation systems and intervertebral implants systems utilizing arcuate fixation members are particularly suitable when a linear line-of-approach for delivering fixation members is undesirable.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of mobile agricultural devices that includes establishing electronic communication with a plurality of transceivers mounted to the mobile agricultural devices. The method also includes building a three-dimensional model including a virtual representation of each of the mobile agricultural devices and displaying the three-dimensional model at a user interface having a display. The method further includes receiving location data regarding the mobile agricultural devices via the transceivers and adjusting at least one of the virtual representations of the mobile agricultural devices within the model to reflect the location data.

Abstract: An irrigation system broadly comprising a number of irrigation spans, an end gun, an end gun booster pump assembly having a booster pump and a booster pump motor, and a control system including a system controller and a variable frequency drive (VFD) for controlling the end gun pump motor. The system controller determines a desired end gun throw magnitude according to sensor inputs, irrigation system location information, user inputs, and/or other data and sends to the VFD a signal representative of an instruction to increase or decrease an electrical motor input for the booster pump motor. The VFD effects a booster pump motor speed via the electrical motor input so that the booster pump steps up water pressure to the end gun according to the desired end gun throw magnitude.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for optimized spinal fixation using additive manufacturing techniques to create implants with optimized structure for various surgical approaches, anatomies, etc. One exemplary embodiment includes a cage having an X-shaped connection that can bear a load during cage impaction. The cage can be additively manufactured to incorporate features such as variable wall thickness or material density to adjust properties of the cage, including load bearing capability, flexibility, radiolucency, etc. The cage can further include one or more of the connectors disposed between upper and lower endplates. In some embodiments, the cage can include a feature for coupling an insertion device thereto for introducing the cage into the body of a patient. In some embodiments, a plate can be appended to or integrally formed with a proximal end of the cage to assist with securing the cage to vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of mobile agricultural devices that includes establishing electronic communication with a plurality of transceivers mounted to the mobile agricultural devices and building a model including a virtual representation of each of the mobile agricultural devices. The method also includes displaying the model at a user interface including a display and a gesture sensor. The method further includes receiving location data regarding the mobile agricultural devices via the transceivers and adjusting at least one of the virtual representations of the mobile agricultural devices within the model to reflect the location data.

Abstract: A 3 megawatt wind turbine generator having a rotor configured to efficiently extract power from low to moderate winds having an average speed of between about 7.5 and 8.5 meters/second is provided. The rotor includes three aerodynamic blades having an aspect ratio of 15 mounted on a modular hub. The relatively shorter and wider aerodynamic blades result in a rotor having a specific power of about 0.27, a specific power rating of about 260 watts/m2, and a solidity of about 6%. The modular hub is formed from three interconnected hub sections, each of which formed from a single plate of spring steel bent along its sides into a modular shape. The bends in the plates forming the hub sections act like corrugations that more strongly resist the larger stresses applied to the hub as a result of the relatively shorter and wider aspect of the aerodynamic blades.

Abstract: The pet leash base includes a suction cup assembly with a rubber suction cup to engage a flat smooth anchoring surface with suction. A rigid base over the suction cup defines a handle with an internal volume leading to an opening on the bottom cup surface. An exit valve through the handle wall to the internal handle volume. An air pump to the internal handle volume pumps air out of the internal volume. A release actuator is coupled to a release valve allows airflow into the internal handle volume. A releasable leash connector on the handle receives a portion of a leash to hold the leash. The cover completely surrounds the entire suction cup assembly such that a lower periphery of the cover is configured to rest against the flat smooth anchor surface when the suction cup is engaged with the flat anchoring smooth surface. The cover has an opening to access the leash connector.

Abstract: A plurality of mold sections include end caps and a plurality of inner members, some of which define features, such as projections. Inner members are fastened between the end caps and define an open channel such that the end caps and interposed inner members define a volume and opening for molding a container, i.e., a female mold. Material is placed on inner surfaces of the inner members and end caps to form a container portion, such as a base or lid. The end caps and inner members may be disassembled and reassembled with a different number of inner members and used to form a container of a different size.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of mobile agricultural devices that includes establishing electronic communication with a plurality of transceivers mounted to the mobile agricultural devices. The method also includes building a three-dimensional model including a virtual representation of each of the mobile agricultural devices and displaying the three-dimensional model at a user interface having a display. The method further includes receiving location data regarding the mobile agricultural devices via the transceivers and adjusting at least one of the virtual representations of the mobile agricultural devices within the model to reflect the location data.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of mobile agricultural devices that includes establishing electronic communication with a plurality of transceivers mounted to the mobile agricultural devices and building a model including a virtual representation of each of the mobile agricultural devices. The method also includes displaying the model at a user interface including a display and a gesture sensor. The method further includes receiving location data regarding the mobile agricultural devices via the transceivers and adjusting at least one of the virtual representations of the mobile agricultural devices within the model to reflect the location data.

Abstract: Arcuate fixation members with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided fixation systems and intervertebral implant systems. The arcuate fixation members may be of varying lengths, cross sectional geometries, and/or cross sectional areas, and may be configured with various features such as heads configured to accept other fixation system components, tabs to allow arcuate fixation member-in-arcuate fixation member or fixation anchor-in-arcuate fixation member configurations. Applications of fixation systems and intervertebral implants systems utilizing arcuate fixation members are particularly suitable when a linear line-of-approach for delivering fixation members is undesirable.