Abstract: The present invention disclosed a method of producing a three-dimensional porous tissue in-growth structure. The method includes the steps of depositing a first layer of metal powder and scanning the first layer of metal powder with a laser beam to form a portion of a plurality of predetermined unit cells. Depositing at least one additional layer of metal powder onto a previous layer and repeating the step of scanning a laser beam for at least one of the additional layers in order to continuing forming the predetermined unit cells. The method further includes continuing the depositing and scanning steps to form a medical implant.

Abstract: A system for election document processing is disclosed. Image data representative of a scanned election document is matched with a template for processing and consideration of a new elections record. The template defines areas of interest and rules for processing the image data. Data associated with picture elements defining the areas of interest is applied to predetermined validation functions to validate whether the image data includes sufficient information for populating predefined fields and accepting the scanned election document. Additional functions are applied to the image data to compare the image data with information of a voter registration database in order to verify a voter associated with the election document. The scanned election document is further processed for validation sampling.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a hollow anatomical structure of interest for percutaneous implantation. The method comprises acquiring image data of an anatomical region of interest that includes the anatomical structure of interest, and generating a segmented model of the anatomical region of interest using the acquired image data. The method further comprises obtaining image(s) of the anatomical structure of interest by sectioning out intervening anatomical structures from the segmented model thereof, identifying one or more pertinent landmarks of the anatomical structure of interest in the acquired image(s), and measuring at least one of a circumference, a maximal diameter, or a minimal diameter of one or more features of the anatomical structure of interest contained in the acquired image(s) to determine an anatomical structure size. The method still further comprises reconciling the anatomical structure size and an implant size.

Abstract: A method for selecting a medical device for use in the performance of a medical procedure. The method comprises acquiring image data relating to an anatomical region of interest of a patient's body and generating a multi-dimensional depiction of the anatomical region of interest using the acquired image data. The method further comprises defining a plurality of points relative to the multi-dimensional depiction, determining one or more measurements based on the defined plurality of points, and then selecting a medical device to be used based on the determined measurements.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a hollow anatomical structure of interest for percutaneous implantation. The method comprises acquiring image data of an anatomical region of interest that includes the anatomical structure of interest, and generating a segmented model of the anatomical region of interest using the acquired image data. The method further comprises obtaining image(s) of the anatomical structure of interest by sectioning out intervening anatomical structures from the segmented model thereof, identifying one or more pertinent landmarks of the anatomical structure of interest in the acquired image(s), and measuring at least one of a circumference, a maximal diameter, or a minimal diameter of one or more features of the anatomical structure of interest contained in the acquired image(s) to determine an anatomical structure size. The method still further comprises reconciling the anatomical structure size and an implant size.

Abstract: An improved medicant delivery system is disclosed wherein the carrier for the medicant is a fluid that can be atomized or vaporized by exposure to heat. The system provides for repeatable dose of medicant, can be stored in any orientation, and/or has an ability to maximize energy efficiency.

Abstract: A method for selecting a medical device for use in the performance of a medical procedure. The method comprises acquiring image data relating to an anatomical region of interest of a patient's body and generating a multi-dimensional depiction of the anatomical region of interest using the acquired image data. The method further comprises defining a plurality of points relative to the multi-dimensional depiction, determining one or more measurements based on the defined plurality of points, and then selecting a medical device to be used based on the determined measurements.

Abstract: A seat track covering system and method are configured to cover a seat track and one or more cables within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The seat track covering system and method include a seat track cover that securely couples to the seat track, and at least one cover adjustment member moveably coupled to the seat track cover. The seat track cover and the cover adjustment member(s) cover at least a portion of the seat track and at least a portion of the cable(s).

Abstract: A component positioning system and method are configured to facilitate positioning of a component (such as a seat assembly) on a seat track within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The component positioning system and method include a component, and a position indicator coupled to a portion of the component. The position indicator emits a proper position indication when the component is in a proper position in relation to the seat track. The position indicator emits a remedial position indication when the component is not in the proper position with respect to the seat track.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the placement of a prosthetic heart valve in a structure of interest. The method comprises acquiring one or more depictions of an anatomical region of interest that includes the structure of interest, wherein each depiction shows the structure of interest and/or the blood pool volume of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) of the patient's heart. The method further comprises designating one or more positions in at least one of the one or more depictions wherein each position corresponds to a respective position in the structure of interest at which the prosthetic valve may be placed. The method still further comprises predicting, for each of the one or more designated positions, an amount of blood flow obstruction through the LVOT of the patient's heart that would occur if the prosthetic valve was to be placed at a corresponding position in the structure of interest.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a method of producing a three-dimensional porous tissue in-growth structure. The method includes the steps of depositing a first layer of metal powder and scanning the first layer of metal powder with a laser beam to form a portion of a plurality of predetermined unit cells. Depositing at least one additional layer of metal powder onto a previous layer and repeating the step of scanning a laser beam for at least one of the additional layers in order to continuing forming the predetermined unit cells. The method further includes continuing the depositing and scanning steps to form a medical implant.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the placement of a prosthetic heart valve in a structure of interest. The method comprises acquiring one or more depictions of an anatomical region of interest that includes the structure of interest, wherein each depiction shows the structure of interest and/or the blood pool volume of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) of the patient's heart. The method further comprises designating one or more positions in at least one of the one or more depictions wherein each position corresponds to a respective position in the structure of interest at which the prosthetic valve may be placed. The method still further comprises predicting, for each of the one or more designated positions, an amount of blood flow obstruction through the LVOT of the patient's heart that would occur if the prosthetic valve was to be placed at a corresponding position in the structure of interest.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a method of producing a three-dimensional porous tissue in-growth structure. The method includes the steps of depositing a first layer of metal powder and scanning the first layer of metal powder with a laser beam to form a portion of a plurality of predetermined unit cells. Depositing at least one additional layer of metal powder onto a previous layer and repeating the step of scanning a laser beam for at least one of the additional layers in order to continuing forming the predetermined unit cells. The method further includes continuing the depositing and scanning steps to form a medical implant.

Abstract: In a method for treating carbon nanotube-based material, the carbon nanotube-based material is suspended in an oxidative atmosphere. An illumination portion is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation to heat the illumination portion, the illumination portion being out of direct contact with any supporting surface. Heat is continuously conducted away from the illumination portion to a non-illumination portion of the carbon nanotube-based material. This heating in the oxidative atmosphere causes at least partial oxidation and at least partial removal of amorphous carbon, partly ordered non-tubular carbon, and/or defective nanotubes in the carbon nanotube-based material, leaving a treated material comprising an arrangement of remaining carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A component is fabricated in an additive manufacturing process. Only a portion of a first layer of a first material is at least partially melted to define a first component layer of the component. Only a portion of the second layer of a second material is at least partially melted to define a second component layer of the component in which the entirety of the second component layer is formed simultaneously, and the second component layer is attached to the first component layer.

Abstract: A system for election document processing is disclosed. Image data representative of a scanned election document is matched with a template for processing and consideration of a new elections record. The template defines areas of interest and rules for processing the image data. Data associated with picture elements defining the areas of interest is applied to predetermined validation functions to validate whether the image data includes sufficient information for populating predefined fields and accepting the scanned election document. Additional functions are applied to the image data to compare the image data with information of a voter registration database in order to verify a voter associated with the election document. The scanned election document is further processed for validation sampling.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for on-screen ballot duplication is disclosed, that may be deployed for generating a revised ballot that satisfies predetermined rules or thresholds for further processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multiple beam additive manufacturing use multiple beams of light (e.g., laser light) simultaneously to expose layers of powder material in selected regions until the powder material fuses to form voxels, which form build layers of a three-dimensional structure. The light may be generated from selected light sources and coupled into an array of optical fibers having output ends arranged in an optical head such that the multiple beams are directed by the optical head to different locations on each of the powder layers. The multiple beams may provide distributed exposures forming a distributed exposure pattern including beam spots that are spaced sufficiently to separate the fused regions formed by each exposure. The multiple beams may be moved using various techniques (e.g., by moving the optical head) and according to various scan patterns such that a plurality of multiple beam distributed exposures form each build layer.

Abstract: The present application is directed to compositions and methods of preparing carbon materials. The carbon materials prepared according to compositions and methods described herein comprise enhanced electrochemical properties and find utility in any number of electrical devices, for example, as electrode material in ultracapacitors.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for the deposition of a layer of a first material onto a substrate of a second material. Powder particles of the first material are entrained into a carrier gas flow to form a powder beam directed to impinge on the substrate. This defines a powder beam footprint region at the substrate. The powder beam and the substrate are moved relative to each other to move the powder beam footprint relative to the substrate, thereby to deposit the layer of the first material. A laser is operated to cause direct, local heating of at least one of a forward substrate region and a powder beam footprint region. The laser beam direction is defined with reference to a plane coincident with or tangential to a surface of the substrate at the center of the laser beam footprint in terms of an elevation angle from the plane to the laser beam direction and in terms of an acute azimuthal angle from the movement direction to the laser beam direction.