Improvements in or connected with the Front Under Carriage Framings of Four Wheeled Road Vehicles.

EQUIPMENT TO THE EDDY BODY FUSION

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING ELECTRICITY TO A METER BY THE HELP OF A READING DEVICE

Electronic circuits in a register associated with a commodity usage meter capture energy from a meter reading device when the device is coupled to the register (e.g., either electrically or inductively coupled) for the purpose of reading metered quantity data from the register. Electrical charge obtained from the reading device may be stored in a high-capacity storage capacitor. When the capacitor is sufficiently charged, it provides power to at least part of the register circuits, such as a controller, for at least the duration of the communication session with the reading device. In some embodiments, the capacitor may additionally supply sufficient power to operate the register until a subsequent reading device coupling.

Interbody device and plate for spinal stabilization and instruments for positioning same

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Improvements in Steering Gear for Cycles

... 16,497. Duncan, J. July 26. Steering - mechanism. - Consists of means whereby the steering- wheel of a cycle is normally kept in a straight - ahead position, and by which, by the sway or inclination of the rider's body without having to use the handlebars, the machine may be directed to either side of the road and the wheel returned to straight - ahead position, thus adapting the bicycle for use by messengers and military cyclists who have to use their hands while riding. A forked crosshead A, secured to the steering-tube, carries links D connected to a crossbar F by bolts which also secure socket links H. These links receive wire strands N connected at their rear ends to a lever I, Fig. 4, which, through a rod E, compresses a spring in a casing A' attached to the top tube of the machine. Nuts and sleeves are provided for the adjustment of the spring and of the strands. As applied to a lady's cycle, a clip, shown in Fig. 9, is secured to each branch of the front fork to carry the links ...

Improvements in Carburetters for Internal Combustion Engines.

... 12,193. Watson, A., and Duncan, J. May 18. Spray carburettors. - The mixture, air, and fuel are controlled simultaneously and some or all of the primary air passes to the mixing-chamber through a series of exhaust-heated tubes around the fuel - nozzle. The nozzle 4, Fig. 1, communicates with the mixing- chamber 11 through a passage controlled by the grooved needle valve 6 carried by the throttle valve 20. Air is supplied to the mixing chamber through a series of tubes 8, the lower ends of which open into the main air inlet 10. The tubes, mixing - chamber, a n d fuel-nozzle are enclosed in a casing 12 to which exhaust gases are admitted at 14. The larger portion of air passes through the annulus between the casings 12, 13 and is controlled by the choketube 18 moving with the throttle valve, and working in conjunction with the fixed cap 15 below which are air orifices 17. The outlet connexion 22 is rotatable and may be secured in any position by the nut 23. In the modification shown in Fig ...

BODY EXERCISE MACHINE

SYSTEMS AND TECHNIQUES FOR THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE THE INTERVERTEBRALEN ANATOMY

Improvements in the Steering Arrangement of Cycles.

Improvements in Carburetters for Internal Combustion Engines.

... 12,123. Watson, A., and Duncan, J. May 24. Spray. carburettors.-A carburettor comprises an annular chamber 22 adapted to be heated by the exhaust gases of the engine, an inner perforated tube 6 forming an annulus with the inner wall of the chamber, into which the fuel from the passage 4 is led through holes 7, a slidable plunger 9 fitting the bore of the tube 6 and adapted to control the amount of fuel entering the tube through the perforations, a valve seating 13 in the tube 6 adapted to be closed by a shoulder on the plunger 9, and a domed cap 14 mounted above the fuel outlet. Air entering the carburettor at a passes through holes in a perforated disk valve 28 which can be adjusted by a handle 29. A portion of the air is deflected by the domed cap 14 through holes 15 against the fuel jet issuing from the tube 6, a slight clearance for the passage of the fuel being left between the top of the tube and the rod 12 carrying the plunger 9. The main supply of air passes between the cap 14 and ...

Combination Comb and Brush for the Application of Dye or other Fluid to the Human Hair, or Furs and other Hair Bearing Skins.

Improvements in the Manufacture of Preparation of Extract of Coffee or the like.

... 25,510. Duncan, J. Dec. 23. Coffee chicory.-Extracts of coffee, chicory, &c. are made by mixing the coffee &c. with cold water to form a paste and expressing the liquid, which is then mixed with fresh coffee and again expressed, the operation being repeated till the extract has a specific gravity of 1À100.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING ELECTRICITY TO A METER BY THE HELP OF A READING DEVICE

Electronic circuits in a register associated with a commodity usage meter capture energy from a meter reading device when the device is coupled to the register (e.g., either electrically or inductively coupled) for the purpose of reading metered quantity data from the register. Electrical charge obtained from the reading device may be stored in a high-capacity storage capacitor. When the capacitor is sufficiently charged, it provides power to at least part of the register circuits, such as a controller, for at least the duration of the communication session with the reading device. In some embodiments, the capacitor may additionally supply sufficient power to operate the register until a subsequent reading device coupling.

Improved Ticket Holder specially useful for Destination Tickets of Railway Trucks.

... 14,308. Duncan, S., and Duncan, J. March 7, [Convention date]. Label holders.-Relates to destination-ticket holders for railway trucks of the kind in which an open toothed or roughened frame 4 is secured to the structure against which the ticket is to be held, the frame 4 pressing against the structure and being provided with a fingerloop 5 by which it may be pulled away. The frame 4 is made with loops 7 for the reception of a cross-rod 8 having grooves 9 for the reception of the loops 10 of eye-bolts 11. The rod 8 is surrounded by coiled springs 13, each having one end fastened to the structure by a staple 14, and the other formed as an arm 15 which bears against the upper part of the frame. The springs may be formed integral with the frame, and the tickets may be slid into guides on the structure.

Improvements in Apparatus for Raising Sunken Ships and other Submerged Bodies.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSPARENTLY OPTIMIZING WORKLOADS

Systems, methods, and media for transparently optimizing a workload of a containment abstraction are provided herein. Methods may include monitoring a workload of the containment abstraction, the containment abstraction being at least partially hardware bound, the workload corresponding to resource utilization of the containment abstraction, converting the containment abstraction from being at least partially hardware bound to being entirely central processing unit (CPU) bound by placing the containment abstraction in a memory store, based upon the workload, and allocating the workload of the containment abstraction across at least a portion of a data center to optimize the workload of the containment abstraction.

ANTRIEBSSYSTEM

Interbody device and plate for spinal stabilization and instruments for positioning same

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

AUSSENHAUTFORMEN FÜR GLEITENDE ODER HALBGLEITENDE WASSERFAHRZEUGE

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CAPTURING ENERGY FROM A METER READING DEVICE

Electronic circuits in a register associated with a commodity usage meter capture energy from a meter reading device when the device is coupled to the register (e.g., either electrically or inductively coupled) for the purpose of reading metered quantity data from the register. Electrical charge obtained from the reading device may be stored in a high-capacity storage capacitor. When the capacitor is sufficiently charged, it provides power to at least part of the register circuits, such as a controller, for at least the duration of the communication session with the reading device. In some embodiments, the capacitor may additionally supply sufficient power to operate the register until a subsequent reading device coupling. 1. A register associated with a meter and operative to record and report flow data for a commodity , comprising:one or more sensors, each operative to intermittently generate a signal related the flow rate of the commodity;a controller operative to receive and process the sensor signals to generate data indicative of a metered quantity of the commodity, and further operative to store the metered quantity data, and to output the metered quantity data to a reading device during a communication session according to a predetermined protocol;a reading device interface connected in data flow relationship with the controller;a detector connected to the interface and to the controller, the detector operative to detect the presence of a reading device; anda capacitor connected to the interface in power flow relationship, the capacitor operative to store charge provided by the reading device during at least part of the communication session;wherein the capacitor, when sufficiently charged, is further operative to power at least the controller for at least the duration of the communication session.2. The register of wherein the reading device interface comprises electrical contacts;3. The register of wherein the reading device interface comprises a coil ...

Dispositivo electronico para registro de datos que contiene: una interfaz de dispositivo de lectura, uno o mas sensores, un controlador en operacion para generar y almacenar los datos de cantidad medidos, y un capacitor de almacenamiento.

UN REGISTRADOR (14) ASOCIADO CON UN MEDIDOR (12) Y OPERATIVO PARA REGISTRAR E INFORMAR LOS DATOS DE FLUJO PARA UN PRODUCTO BASICO, QUE COMPRENDE UNA INTERFAZ DE DISPOSITIVO DE LECTURA (32) CONFIGURADA PARA ACOPLARSE EN OPERACIÓN UN DISPOSITIVO DE LECTURA (16) QUE ESTABLECE UNA SESIÓN DE COMUNICACIÓN EN FORMA INTERMITENTE CON EL REGISTRADOR (14) PARA LEER LOS DATOS DE CANTIDAD MEDIDOS A PARTIR DEL REGISTRADOR (14); UNO O MÁS SENSORES (24A, 24B) EN OPERACIÓN PARA GENERAR SEÑALES DEL SENSOR EN FORMA DINÁMICA, EN RESPUESTA AL FLUJO DEL PRODUCTO BÁSICO A TRAVÉS DEL MEDIDOR (12); UN CONTROLADOR (26) EN OPERACIÓN PARA GENERAR Y ALMACENAR LOS DATOS DE CANTIDAD MEDIDOS, BASADOS EN LA RECEPCIÓN Y EL PROCESAMIENTO DE SEÑALES DEL SENSOR A MEDIDA QUE OCURREN, Y QUE ADEMAS ESTÁ EN OPERACIÓN PARA DAR SALIDA A LOS DATOS DE CANTIDAD MEDIDOS A TRAVÉS DE LA INTERFAZ DEL DISPOSITIVO DE LECTURA (32), DURANTE CADA SESIÓN DE COMUNICACIÓN DE ACUERDO CON UN PROTOCOLO I PREDETERMINADO: Y UN CAPACITOR DE ...

Interbody device and plate for spinal stabilization and instruments for positioning same

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

KEHRFAHRZEUGE.

SPACE-TO-TIME CONVERSION TECHNIQUE USING REMOTELY SENSED VELOCITY FIELDS

A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for determining ABL wind field advection speed and direction comprising collecting at least two wind volumes from the ABL wind field, defining portions of the measurement domain within the at least two wind volumes for analysis, determining the advection of an isolated wind field between the at least two wind volumes, and iterating a process of correcting for intra-volume advection, objective analysis, and determining the inter-volume advective properties; wherein upon convergence of a measured advection profile, the advective properties of the ABL wind field have been appropriately derived.

REINIGENDE FAHRZEUGE.

Managing Workloads and Hardware Resources in a Cloud Resource

Systems and methods to manage workloads and hardware resources in a data center or cloud. In one embodiment, a method includes a data center having a plurality of servers in a network. The data center provides a virtual machine for each of a plurality of users, each virtual machine to use a portion of hardware resources of the data center. The hardware resources include storage and processing resources distributed onto each of the plurality of servers. The method further includes sending messages amongst the servers, some of the messages being sent from a server including status information regarding a hardware resource utilization status of that server. The method further includes detecting a request from the virtual machine to handle a workload requiring increased use of the hardware resources, and provisioning the servers to temporarily allocate additional resources to the virtual machine, wherein the provisioning is based on status information provided by one or more of the messages ...

AUSSENHAUTFORMEN FÜR GLEITENDE ODER HALBGLEITENDE WASSERFAHRZEUGE

ANTRIEBSSYSTEM

INTERBODY DEVICE AND PLATE FOR SPINAL STABILIZATION AND INSTRUMENTS FOR POSITIONING SAME

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned. 123-. (canceled)24. A system comprising:a plate including a body having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the body including a plurality of holes extending through the top and bottom surfaces, trajectories of each of the holes extending toward a common point above the plate, the plate including a retaining element comprising arms that are separated by gaps, the retaining element being rotatable between a first position where the gaps are aligned with the holes and a second position where the arms overlap the holes.25. A system as recited in claim 24 , wherein each of the holes is configured for disposal of a bone screw such that the bone screw extends obliquely through and away from the body.26. A system as recited in claim 24 , wherein:at least one of the holes is configured for disposal of a bone screw such that the bone screw extends obliquely through and away from the body in a lateral, cephalad direction; andat least one of the holes is configured for disposal of a bone screw such that the bone screw extends obliquely through and away from the ...

Pin header

A pin header for a transceiver comprises a frame comprising a rectangle that is indented on opposing sides of the rectangle, a first row of pins extending through the frame at a first angle to the rectangle, and a second row of pins extending through the frame at a second angle to the rectangle. The first row of pins is along a first side of the frame between the indented opposing sides and the second row of pins is along a second side of the frame between the indented opposing sides.

DETEKTOR FUER DIE RICHTUNG VON LUFTSTROEMEN

Interbody device and plate for spinal stabilization and instruments for positioning same

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Apparatus, system, and method for crimping a cable for bone fixation

Disclosed herein is a cannulated tool through which a cable is passable. The cannulated tool comprises a body. The cannulated tool also comprises a screw driving feature, rotatable relative to the body. The cannulated tool further comprises an anti-rotation feature, rotatable relative to the screw driving feature. The cannulated tool additionally comprises a cable tensioning feature, configured to tension the cable when passed through the cannulated tool.

APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CRIMPING A CABLE FOR BONE FIXATION

Disclosed herein is a cannulated tool through which a cable is passable. The cannulated tool comprises a body. The cannulated tool also comprises a screw driving feature, rotatable relative to the body. The cannulated tool further comprises an anti-rotation feature, rotatable relative to the screw driving feature. The cannulated tool additionally comprises a cable tensioning feature, configured to tension the cable when passed through the cannulated tool. 1. A cannulated tool through which a cable is passable , the cannulated tool comprising:a body;a screw driving feature, rotatable relative to the body;an anti-rotation feature, rotatable relative to the screw driving feature; anda cable tensioning feature, configured to tension the cable when passed through the cannulated tool.2. The cannulated tool according to claim 1 , wherein the cable tensioning feature comprises an actuator that is rotatable to tension the cable.3. The cannulated tool according to claim 2 , further comprising a tension quick-release mechanism that is selectively operable to release all tension in the cable independently of the cable tensioning feature.4. The cannulated tool according to claim 3 , wherein the quick-release mechanism comprises a handle that is rotatable to release all tension in the cable.5. The cannulated tool according to claim 4 , wherein the handle is rotatable claim 4 , at most claim 4 , a half turn to release all tension in the cable.6. The cannulated tool according to claim 3 , wherein the tension quick-release mechanism is integrated into the actuator.7. The cannulated tool according to claim 6 , wherein:the actuator comprises a handle; andthe tension quick-release mechanism is integrated into the handle of the actuator.8. The cannulated tool according to claim 1 , further comprising a central axis claim 1 , wherein:the screw driving feature comprises a drive gear and a driven gear;the driven gear is rotatable about a first axis that is concentric with the central axis ...

Interbody device and plate for spinal stabilization and instruments for positioning same

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Single width LC bi-directional transceiver

A bi-directional transceiver comprises a housing, a flange coupled to the housing, and only one LC receptacle coupled to the housing. A width of the housing is less than 9.2 mm, and a width of the flange is less than 9.5 mm.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for generating regions of interest from voxel mode based thresholds

The described implementations relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for generating regions of interest (214) from imaging data (212). Specifically, the regions of interest are generated for tracking treatment efficacy in a more consistent and repeatable manner. The regions of interest can be generated from contrast medium and non-contrast medium enhanced scans (102) of a patient. Voxel data derived from the scans can be collected and distributed according to respective intensity values in order to identify mode voxels (116, 118, 120) for particular ranges (128) of intensities. Regions of interest (110, 112, 114) can then be generated for each identified mode voxel, and standard deviations for the regions of interest can be determined. One or more thresholds can be derived from the determined standard deviations in order to further filter the intensity values and identify filtered groups of voxels to be the resulting regions of interest.

SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUSES FOR GENERATING REGIONS OF INTEREST FROM VOXEL MODE BASED THRESHOLDS

The described implementations relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for generating regions of interest (214) from imaging data (212). Specifically, the regions of interest are generated for tracking treatment efficacy in a more consistent and repeatable manner. The regions of interest can be generated from contrast medium and non-contrast medium enhanced scans (102) of a patient. Voxel data derived from the scans can be collected and distributed according to respective intensity values in order to identify mode voxels (116, 118, 120) for particular ranges (128) of intensities. Regions of interest (110, 112, 114) can then be generated for each identified mode voxel, and standard deviations for the regions of interest can be determined. One or more thresholds can be derived from the determined standard deviations in order to further filter the intensity values and identify filtered groups of voxels to be the resulting regions of interest.

Interbody device and plate for spinal stabilization and instruments for positioning same

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Method and apparatus for capturing energy from a meter reading device

Electronic circuits in a register associated with a commodity usage meter capture energy from a meter reading device when the device is coupled to the register (e.g., either electrically or inductively coupled) for the purpose of reading metered quantity data from the register. Electrical charge obtained from the reading device may be stored in a high-capacity storage capacitor. When the capacitor is sufficiently charged, it provides power to at least part of the register circuits, such as a controller, for at least the duration of the communication session with the reading device. In some embodiments, the capacitor may additionally supply sufficient power to operate the register until a subsequent reading device coupling.

Provisioning server resources in a cloud resource

In some embodiments, a method for managing resources in a data center includes a data center having a plurality of servers in a network. The data center provides a virtual machine for each of a plurality of users, each virtual machine to use a portion of hardware resources of the data center. The hardware resources include storage and processing resources distributed onto each of the plurality of servers. The method further includes sending messages amongst the servers, some of the messages being sent from a server including status information regarding a hardware resource utilization status of that server. The method further includes detecting a request from the virtual machine to handle a workload requiring increased use of the hardware resources, and provisioning the servers to temporarily allocate additional resources to the virtual machine, wherein the provisioning is based on status information provided by one or more of the messages.

CBCT TO MR REGISTRATION VIA OCCLUDED SHAPE RECONSTRUCTION AND ROBUST POINT MATCHING

In an image guidance method, a stream of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of an anatomical organ is acquire using a CBCT imaging device (). For each CBCT image (), the surface of the organ in the CBCT image is segmented to generate a segmented surface () of the anatomical organ in the CBCT image. Occluded shape reconstruction () using a statistical shape prior () may be used to reconstruct a missing or occluded surface portion. A pre-operative medical image () of the anatomical organ and the CBCT image are spatially registered by warping one of the images to the other of the images using point set registration of a segmented surface () of the organ in the preoperative medical image and the segmented surface of the organ in the CBCT image. A fused image () is displayed that combines the warped image and the other image. 1. An image guidance device comprising:a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging device;an electronic processor;a display; and segmenting the surface of the liver in the CBCT image to generate a segmented surface of the liver in the CBCT image;', 'spatially registering the pre-operative medical image and the CBCT image by warping one of the pre-operative medical image and the CBCT image to the other of the pre-operative medical image and the CBCT image using point set registration of a segmented surface of the liver in the pre-operative medical image and the segmented surface of the liver in the CBCT image; and', 'displaying, on the display, a fused image combining the warped one of the pre-operative medical image and the CBCT image and the other of the pre-operative medical image and the CBCT image., 'at least one non-transitory storage medium storing instructions readable and executable by the electronic processor to spatially register a liver imaged in a pre-operative medical image and the liver imaged in a CBCT image acquired by the CBCT imaging device by performing a spatial registration process including2. The image guidance ...

Systems and methods for transparently optimizing workloads

Systems, methods, and media for transparently optimizing a workload of a containment abstraction are provided herein. Methods may include monitoring a workload of the containment abstraction, the containment abstraction being at least partially hardware bound, the workload corresponding to resource utilization of the containment abstraction, converting the containment abstraction from being at least partially hardware bound to being entirely central processing unit (CPU) bound by placing the containment abstraction in a memory store, based upon the workload, and allocating the workload of the containment abstraction across at least a portion of a data center to optimize the workload of the containment abstraction.

INTERBODY DEVICE AND PLATE FOR SPINAL STABILIZATION AND INSTRUMENTS FOR POSITIONING SAME

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned. 143-. (canceled)44. A system for providing spinal stabilization , comprising:a plate including a body having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the body including a superior first pair of holes extending through the top and bottom surfaces at a cephalad end of the plate and an inferior second pair of holes extending through the top and bottom surfaces at a caudal end of the plate, the plate including a retaining element rotatably disposed on an outer surface of the plate, the retaining element comprising a plurality of arms separated by gaps, the retaining element being rotatable between a first position where the gaps are aligned with the holes and a second position where the arms overlap the holes.45. A system as recited in claim 44 , wherein each of the holes is configured for disposal of a bone screw such that the bone screw extends obliquely through and away from the body.46. A system as recited in claim 44 , wherein:each of the first pair of holes is configured for disposal of a bone screw such that the bone screw extends obliquely through and ...

Systems and methods for transparently optimizing workloads

Systems, methods, and media for transparently optimizing a workload of a containment abstraction are provided herein. Methods may include monitoring a workload of the containment abstraction, the containment abstraction being at least partially hardware bound, the workload corresponding to resource utilization of the containment abstraction, converting the containment abstraction from being at least partially hardware bound to being entirely central processing unit (CPU) bound by placing the containment abstraction in a memory store, based upon the workload, and allocating the workload of the containment abstraction across at least a portion of a data center to optimize the workload of the containment abstraction.

Small form factor transceiver front panel adapter

A transceiver with a housing, a transceiver receptacle, and a first and second adapter. The housing is configured for connection to a host. The transceiver receptacle is coupled to the housing, and the transceiver receptacle has a first side defining a first interface portion and a second side defining a second interface portion. The first adapter has a first connection portion configured to couple with the first interface portion. The second adapter has a second connection portion configured to couple with the second interface portion. The transceiver receptacle is configured to interface with a first front panel opening of a network device when the first and second adapters are not coupled with the transceiver receptacle. Also, the transceiver receptacle is configured interface with a second front panel opening of a network device when the first and second adapters are coupled with the transceiver receptacle. The first and second front panel openings on the network device are of different ...

INTERBODY DEVICE AND PLATE FOR SPINAL STABILIZATION AND INSTRUMENTS FOR POSITIONING SAME

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned. 1. A system for providing spinal stabilization , comprising:an implant including a body extending from a leading end to an opposite trailing end, said body including a superior bone engaging surface and an opposite inferior bone engaging surface, said superior and inferior bone engaging surfaces engaging respective endplates of upper and lower vertebrae when said implant is positioned in a spinal disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae;a plate for engagement with the upper and lower vertebrae, said plate including a body body extending between an upper end and an opposite lower end, said plate body including a top surface and an opposite bottom surface facing the upper and lower vertebrae when said plate is engaged therewith; andan insertion instrument including an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with said implant and said plate, wherein an angular orientation of said implant relative to said plate is adjustable when said implant and said plate are engaged by said instrument.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein rotation of said plate ...

Managing Hardware Resources by Sending Messages Amongst Servers in a Data Center

Systems and methods to manage workloads and hardware resources in a data center or cloud. In one embodiment, a method includes a data center having a plurality of servers in a network. The data center provides a virtual machine for each of a plurality of users, each virtual machine to use a portion of hardware resources of the data center. The hardware resources include storage and processing resources distributed onto each of the plurality of servers. The method further includes sending messages amongst the servers, some of the messages being sent from a server including status information regarding a hardware resource utilization status of that server. The method further includes detecting a request from the virtual machine to handle a workload requiring increased use of the hardware resources, and provisioning the servers to temporarily allocate additional resources to the virtual machine, wherein the provisioning is based on status information provided by one or more of the messages ...

SPINAL STABILIZATION SYSTEM WITH ADJUSTABLE INTERLAMINAR DEVICES

An adjustable spinal stabilization system for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes at least one interlaminar member positioned in the spaces intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned immediately above or immediately below and adjacent to the first vertebra. The interlaminar member is operatively connected to an adjustable support structure and cooperates therewith to maintain the preselected spacing between adjacent vertebrae and to provide overall stability to the spinal column.

INTERBODY SPINAL IMPLANTS WITH MODULAR ADD-ON DEVICES

An implant assembly for a spinal column includes at least an interbody element and an add-on element that is removably attachable to the add-on element to form an implant assembly. At least a portion of the add-on element is positionable in a space between vertebrae along with the interbody element to support the vertebrae. 1. An implant assembly for spinal stabilization , comprising:an interbody element including a body positionable in a space between first and second vertebrae, said interbody element extending from a leading end wall to an opposite trailing end, said body of said interbody element including a superior bone engaging surface and an opposite inferior bone engaging surface extending between said leading end wall and said trailing end, said superior and inferior bone engaging surfaces engageable with respective endplates of the first and second vertebrae when said interbody element is positioned between the first and second vertebrae; andan add-on element attachable to said trailing end of said body of said implant element, said add-on element including an outer facing surface and an opposite inner facing surface oriented toward said trailing end of said interbody element, said add-on element further including a superior bone engaging surface for engaging the first vertebra and an inferior bone engaging surface for engaging the second vertebra when said add-on element is attached to said interbody element, wherein one of said trailing end of said interbody element and said inner surface of said add-on element includes a receiving portion having a groove that opens superiorly or inferiorly and the other of said interbody element and said add-on element includes a mating element positionable through said groove opening so that said add-on element is attachable to said interbody element by rotating said add-on element relative to said interbody element to move said mating element along said groove until said add-on element is aligned with said interbody ...

Managing hardware resources by sending messages amongst servers in a data center

Systems and methods to manage workloads and hardware resources in a data center or cloud. In one embodiment, a method includes a data center having a plurality of servers in a network. The data center provides a virtual machine for each of a plurality of users, each virtual machine to use a portion of hardware resources of the data center. The hardware resources include storage and processing resources distributed onto each of the plurality of servers. The method further includes sending messages amongst the servers, some of the messages being sent from a server including status information regarding a hardware resource utilization status of that server. The method further includes detecting a request from the virtual machine to handle a workload requiring increased use of the hardware resources, and provisioning the servers to temporarily allocate additional resources to the virtual machine, wherein the provisioning is based on status information provided by one or more of the messages ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIZING RESOURCES IN A CLOUD-BASED ENVIRONMENT

Systems and methods for sizing resources in a cloud-based environment are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method includes receiving quality of service requirements and a functional description of a cloud architecture associated with the application, including application resources and relations between the application resources, performing latency analysis of data packets in a compute layer of the cloud architecture, with the latency analysis including comparing size per time metrics of the data packets, determining minimal resources to guarantee the quality of service requirements based on the latency analysis and the quality of service requirements, and providing to the data center the minimal resources. 1. A method for sizing resources in a cloud-based environment , the method comprising:receiving quality of service requirements and a functional description of a cloud architecture associated with a cloud application, the cloud architecture including application resources and relations between the application resources;performing latency analysis of data packets in a compute layer of the cloud architecture, the latency analysis including comparing size per time metrics of the data packets;based on the latency analysis and the quality of service requirements, determining a minimal cloud architecture for the application, the minimal cloud architecture including the application resources to guarantee the quality of service requirements; andproviding to a data center the minimal cloud architecture.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the application is running on a tablet-type client device.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the functional description includes tiers of the cloud architecture.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cloud architecture includes one or more of the following: a load balancer claim 1 , a firewall claim 1 , a web server claim 1 , an application server claim 1 , a database claim 1 , and a runtime environment.5. The method of claim 1 , ...

Spinal Stabilization System With Adjustable Interlaminar Devices

An adjustable spinal stabilization system for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes at least one interlaminar member positioned in the spaces intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned immediately above or immediately below and adjacent to the first vertebra. The interlaminar member is operatively connected to an adjustable support structure and cooperates therewith to maintain the preselected spacing between adjacent vertebrae and to provide overall stability to the spinal column. 1. An adjustable stabilization system for stabilizing multiple levels of a patient's spine , the patient having a head , a pelvis , and a spinal column operatively connected at a caudal end thereof to the patient's pelvis and operatively connected at a cephalad end thereof to the patient's head , the spinal column including a plurality of operatively interconnected vertebrae positioned at multiple levels intermediate the caudal and cephalad ends thereof , each of the plurality of vertebrae being separated from an adjacent vertebra by an intervertebral space formed between the adjacent vertebrae , the system comprising:an interlaminar member adapted to be positioned in an intervertebral space intermediate a first one of the plurality of operatively interconnected vertebrae and a second adjacent one of the plurality of operatively interconnected vertebrae, the first interlaminar member including a U-shaped body having a midsection, and two spaced apart end portions, and a pair of juxtaposed legs extending generally parallel to one another from one of the respective ends in a direction generally outwardly away from the spinal column when the first interlaminar member is implanted;a pair of spaced-apart support members or plates secured to an upper one of the pair of juxtaposed legs of the interlaminar support member and extending in a direction upwardly ...

Provisioning Server Resources in a Cloud Resource

Systems and methods to manage workloads and hardware resources in a data center or cloud. In one embodiment, a method includes a data center having a plurality of servers in a network. The data center provides a virtual machine for each of a plurality of users, each virtual machine to use a portion of hardware resources of the data center. The hardware resources include storage and processing resources distributed onto each of the plurality of servers. The method further includes sending messages amongst the servers, some of the messages being sent from a server including status information regarding a hardware resource utilization status of that server. The method further includes detecting a request from the virtual machine to handle a workload requiring increased use of the hardware resources, and provisioning the servers to temporarily allocate additional resources to the virtual machine, wherein the provisioning is based on status information provided by one or more of the messages ...

Managing workloads and hardware resources in a cloud resource

Systems and methods to manage workloads and hardware resources in a data center or cloud. In one embodiment, a method includes a data center having a plurality of servers in a network. The data center provides a virtual machine for each of a plurality of users, each virtual machine to use a portion of hardware resources of the data center. The hardware resources include storage and processing resources distributed onto each of the plurality of servers. The method further includes sending messages amongst the servers, some of the messages being sent from a server including status information regarding a hardware resource utilization status of that server. The method further includes detecting a request from the virtual machine to handle a workload requiring increased use of the hardware resources, and provisioning the servers to temporarily allocate additional resources to the virtual machine, wherein the provisioning is based on status information provided by one or more of the messages ...

INTERBODY DEVICE AND PLATE FOR SPINAL STABILIZATION AND INSTRUMENTS FOR POSITIONING SAME

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned, 123-. (canceled)24. A method for providing spinal stabilization , comprising:engaging an implant and a plate with an insertion instrument to retain the implant and the plate in a contiguous, uncoupled arrangement;inserting a leading end of the implant in a spinal disc space between first and second vertebrae with the insertion instrument; andadvancing the implant into the disc space with the insertion instrument until a bottom surface of the plate contacts extradiscal surfaces of the vertebrae.25. A method as recited in claim 24 , wherein the inserting and the advancing are part of a single surgical step.26. A method as recited in claim 24 , wherein the disc space is accessed from an anterior approach.27. A method as recited in claim 24 , wherein engaging the implant and the plate with the insertion instrument comprises inserting a tine of the insertion instrument into a groove of the plate and a groove of the implant.28. A method as recited in claim 24 , wherein engaging the implant and the plate with the insertion instrument comprises inserting tines of the ...

Modular wireless integrated network sensor (WINS) node with a dual bus architecture

A modular sensing station architecture that supports flexible power management includes one or more sensors connected to a WINS node. Each node includes power supply, data acquisition, programmable microprocessor and wireless transceiver modules that communicate data and instructions over a bus. The bus suitably includes a signal bus for communicating instructions and low bandwidth data and a high-capacity data bus for transferring high bandwidth data and executing high power tasks. The dual bus approach provides constant communications among the modules and low-capacity data transfer with the option to activate the high-power circuits or tasks only as needed.

Inhaler

An inhaler ( 1 ) including a blister strip ( 2 ) is proposed. The unused blister strip is stored in a spiral ( 16 ). After use, the blister strip is conveyed into another spiral ( 17 ). Both spirals share a common space within the inhaler and may be separated by a loose guiding element ( 18 ). The spirals and the guiding element may comprise protrusions ( 19 ) to reduce sliding friction. Additionally or alternatively, a lubricant ( 31 ) may be used to reduce friction.

ACTIVE EXTERNAL CASING PACKER (ECP) FOR FRAC OPERATIONS IN OIL AND GAS WELLS

A zonal isolation device () in the form of an active external casing packer is provided which includes a tubular section such as a casing or liner () arranged to be run into and secured within a larger diameter generally cylindrical structure such as an open borehole (). At least one sleeve member () is positioned on the exterior of the casing or liner and is sealed thereto and at least two deformable band members () are provided around and are bonded to the outer circumference of the sleeve member. The sleeve member and the at least two deformable band members is/are expanded into place against the inner circumference of the open borehole by increasing the pressure within the sleeve member. The method detailed herein also provides zonal isolation by use of a pair of spaced apart sleeve members during a frac operation where frac fluid is supplied to a zone (in between the pair of sleeve members) requiring to be frac'd, where the frac pressure acts not only on the outside of the zonal isolation device but also on the interior of the sleeve member to enhance the seal provided thereby. 1. An apparatus comprising: a tubular section arranged to be run into and secured within a larger diameter generally cylindrical structure;at least one sleeve member wherein the sleeve member is positioned on the exterior of the tubular section and sealed thereto;wherein at least two deformable band members are provided around and are preferably bonded to the outer circumference of the sleeve member; andpressure control means operable to alter the pressure within the sleeve member such that an increase in pressure causes the sleeve and the at least two deformable band members to move outwardly and bear against an inner surface of the larger diameter structure.2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the sleeve member is located on the exterior of a mandrel or sleeve carrier in the form of casing or liner.3. An apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the mandrel or sleeve carrier ...

INACTIVATION OF PATHOGENS

A method of treating organic material including the steps of comminuting the material to achieve an average particle size of less than about 10 mm; drying the material to achieve a moisture content of less than about 40% (w/w); exposing the dried comminuted material to reduced pressure and contacting said dried comminuted material with gaseous hydrogen peroxide at reduced pressure. 1. A method of treating organic material including the steps of:comminuting said material, if required, to achieve an average particle size of less than about 10 mm;drying said material, if required, to achieve a moisture content of less than about 40% (w/w);exposing said dried comminuted material to reduced pressure;contacting said dried comminuted material with gaseous hydrogen peroxide at reduced pressure.2. A method according to wherein said organic material is reduced to a particle size of less than about 5 mm.3. A method according to wherein said organic material is dried to a moisture content of less than about 20% (w/w).4. A method according to wherein said drying is achieved by freeze drying.5. A method according to wherein said reduced pressure is below 10 kPa.6. A method according to wherein said reduced pressure constitutes a partial vacuum.7. A method according to wherein said dried comminuted material is contacted with gaseous hydrogen peroxide at a level of at least 7.5 g HOper kg of dried material.8. A method according to said dried comminuted material is contacted with gaseous hydrogen peroxide at a level of at least 10 g HOper kg of dried material.9. A method according to wherein said dried comminuted material is contacted with gaseous hydrogen peroxide at a rate of at least 0.1 g HOper kg of dried material per second.10. A method according to wherein said dried comminuted material is contacted with gaseous hydrogen peroxide at a rate of at least 0.5 g HOper kg of dried material per second.11. (canceled) The invention relates to improved methods for treating wet organic ...

Torsion Seat-Handle To Facilitate Learning Bicycle Riding

A bicycle riding training device, or torsion seat-handle, attaches directly to the seat frame of a bicycle allowing the rider to receive immediate physical feedback from the instructor. The rider can “feel” the instructor's corrections through the seat, allowing the rider to more quickly learn how to balance the bicycle. The torsion seat-handle extends rearwardly and upwardly from the seat of the bicycle, such that it may be grasped by an instructor to provide physical corrections the rider. Additionally, the angular deployment of the torsion seat-handle can be adjusted to account for the height of the instructor. 1. A seat torsioning device for direct connection to a flexible bicycle seat support frame comprising:a mounting bracket;an adjustable connection bar; andan adjustable torque handle;wherein the mounting bracket is mechanically affixed to said flexible bicycle seat support frame; said adjustable connection bar is mechanically affixed to said mounting bracket; and said adjustable handle is mechanically affixed to said adjustable connection bar, wherein said mounting bracket and said bicycle seat support frame are free to flex independently with respect to a frame of a bicycle that said mounting bracket and said bicycle seat support frame are mounted when torque is imparted from said torque imparting handle through said connection bar to said seat mounting bracket and the affixed said bicycle seat support frame.2. The seat torsioning device of wherein said mounting bracket further comprises:an upper jaw wherein said upper jaw comprises two downwardly opening longitudinal depressions; anda lower jaw wherein said lower jaw comprises two upwardly opening longitudinal depressions that matingly conform to said downwardly opening depressions; andwherein said seat support frame is engaged between said upper jaw and said lower jaw.3. The seat torsioning device of wherein said mounting bracket is mechanically fasted to said seat support frame by a least one nut and ...

Binding members-513

This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, specific for interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1). For example, isolated binding members specific for IL-1R1 which competes with IL-1 and IL-1Ra for binding to IL-1R1 and binds Il-1R1 with a K D of 10 pM or less when measured by Kinexa™. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IL-1R1 including rheumatoid arthritis, athma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DIRECT ACTION WINDOW LOCK

A window latch for a sliding window having a sliding sash including a latch plate and a housing. The housing includes an engagement element movable relative to the housing from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate. A handle is operatively coupled to the engagement element and movable from a first position to a second position in a first direction corresponding to the direction the sliding sash to which the handle is attached moves to an open position. The handle operatively moves the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved in the first direction toward the second position. 1. A window and latch comprising:a sliding sasha latch plate;a housing secured to the sliding sash, the housing including an engagement element, the engagement element movable from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate; anda handle operatively coupled to the engagement element and being movable from a first position to a second position in the same direction the sliding sash moves to an open position, the handle operatively moving the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved from the first position toward the second position;wherein the handle is biased toward the first position only when the sliding sash is in a closed position; andwherein the handle is biased toward and retained in the second position only when the sliding sash is in the open position.2. The window and latch of claim 1 , wherein the engagement element is biased to the locked position by a first spring claim 1 , the engagement element automatically moves from the unlocked position to the locked position when the sliding sash is moved to the closed position claim 1 , the handle being operatively biased to the first position as the engagement element moves from the unlocked to ...

SYSTEM FOR TRACKING DIFFUSION

A computer-implemented method tracks diffusion. The method includes receiving a tracking request from an initiating user to track diffusion of content located at a content address. A computer tracking system generates a first shortened content address for the content address, from which the content is provided to the initiating user. The method includes receiving content requests from one or more requesting users, and generating, for each requesting user, a unique subsequent shortened content address for the content address. Content is provided to each requesting user using the subsequent shortened content address generated for each requesting user respectively. Each content request from the requesting users is made using either the first shortened content address or one of the subsequent shortened content addresses. 1. A computer-implemented method of tracking diffusion , comprising:receiving a tracking request from an initiating user to track diffusion of content located at a content address;generating, with a computer tracking system, a first shortened content address for the content address, the first shortened content address configured to direct content requests made using the first shortened content address to the computer tracking system;providing the content to the initiating user using the first shortened content address;receiving content requests from one or more requesting users;generating, for each requesting user, a subsequent shortened content address for the content address, the subsequent shortened content address being different for each requesting user; andproviding the content to each requesting user using the subsequent shortened content address generated for each requesting user respectively;where the content requests from one or more requesting users are made using the first shortened content address or one of the subsequent shortened content addresses.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:creating and storing a first entry in a ...

INTERBODY DEVICE AND PLATE FOR SPINAL STABILIZATION AND INSTRUMENTS FOR POSITIONING SAME

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned. 123.-. (canceled)24. A system for providing spinal stabilization , comprising:an implant extending from a leading end to an opposite trailing end, the implant including a superior bone engaging surface and an opposite inferior bone engaging surface; anda plate engaging the implant and including a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the plate including a plurality of holes extending through the top and bottom surfaces and a retaining element rotatably disposed on an outer surface of the plate, the retaining element comprising a plurality of arms separated by gaps, the holes each having a radius of curvature that is substantially equivalent to a radius of curvature of each of the gaps, the retaining element being rotatable between a first position where the gaps are aligned with the holes and a second position where the arms overlap the holes.25. A system as recited in claim 24 , wherein the retaining element is positioned equidistant between upper and lower ends of the plate and equidistant between opposite sides of the plate extending between the upper ...

Sampling Assembly for a Well

A sampling assembly for taking single or multiphase production fluid samples from a subsea well. The sampling assembly includes a receiving structure that houses a saver sub and a retrievable skid. The sampling assembly allows for repeated retrieval of collected samples and replenishment of empty sample chambers using the retrievable skid. A releasable connection interface between the retrievable skid and the saver sub allows an ROV to connect the retrievable skid to the saver sub and provide electrical and hydraulic power to the sampling assembly for taking samples. 1. A sampling assembly for taking production fluid samples from a subsea well , including:a receiving structure positionable on a subsea structure of the well so as to be in fluid communication with the well production fluid;a saver sub positionable within the receiving structure so as to be in fluid communication with the well production fluid through the receiving structure;a retrievable skid removably positionable within the receiving structure so as to be in fluid communication with the well production fluid through the saver sub; andthe retrievable skid including a pump and a sample chamber operable to collect a sample of the well production fluids.2. The sampling assembly of further including a plurality of protection plates positionable on the receiving structure.3. The sampling assembly of claim 2 , wherein the saver sub and retrievable skid components are fully recessed below the level of the protection plates.4. The sampling assembly of further including a three port bottle attachably connected to the pump and operable to separate a more dense phase from a less dense phase of the production fluid.5. The sampling assembly of claim 4 , wherein the three port bottle can be removed.6. The sampling assembly of claim 4 , wherein the three port bottle can take single or multiphase fluid flow samples a plurality of times throughout the life of production flow.7. The sampling assembly of claim 1 , ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTROPLATING SEMICONDUCTOR WAFER WHEN CONTROLLING CATIONS IN ELECTROLYTE

Apparatus and methods for electroplating metal onto substrates are disclosed. The electroplating apparatus comprise an electroplating cell and at least one oxidization device. The electroplating cell comprises a cathode chamber and an anode chamber separated by a porous barrier that allows metal cations to pass through but prevents organic particles from crossing. The oxidation device (ODD) is configured to oxidize cations of the metal to be electroplated onto the substrate, which cations are present in the anolyte during electroplating. In some embodiments, the ODD is implemented as a carbon anode that removes Cu(I) from the anolyte electrochemically. In other embodiments, the ODD is implemented as an oxygenation device (OGD) or an impressed current cathodic protection anode (ICCP anode), both of which increase oxygen concentration in anolyte solutions. Methods for efficient electroplating are also disclosed. 1. An apparatus for electroplating a metal onto a substrate , the apparatus comprising: a cathode chamber for containing catholyte during electroplating;', 'a cathode electrical connection in the cathode chamber, the cathode electrical connection being able to connect to the substrate and apply a potential allowing the substrate to become a cathode;', 'an anode chamber for containing anolyte during electroplating;', 'an anode electrical connection in the anode chamber, the anode electrical connection being able to connect to an electroplating anode and apply a potential to the electroplating anode; and', 'a porous transport barrier placed between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, which transport barrier enables migration of ionic species in an electrolyte, including metal cations, across the transport barrier while substantially preventing organic additives from passing across the transport barrier; and, '(a) an electroplating cell comprising(b) at least one oxidation device (ODD) configured to oxidize cations of the metal to be electroplated onto the ...

EXERCISE MACHINE

An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members. 1a frame;right and left elongate stride members supported on the frame and each including first and second opposed ends and a foot engagement pad positioned therebetween;right and left crank arms operatively associated with the frame and configured to rotate about a crank axis, the right and left crank arms including right and left supports, respectively; andright and left engagement features adjacent the respective first ends of the right and left elongate stride members, the right and left engagement features riding on the right and left supports, respectively.. A striding exercise device, comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/108,704, filed on May 16, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,323,155, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/636,814, filed Dec. 14, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,787, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/767,873, filed Jun. 25, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,632,219, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/742,702, filed Dec. 19, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,341,542, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/823,362, filed ...

BICYCLE HELMET WITH VENT

A bicycle helmet can include at least one ventilation opening and an exhaust port such that airflow enters the helmet through the ventilation opening and exits through the exhaust port, providing ventilation for a user. The orientation and location of the ventilation openings can reduce the aerodynamic drag of the helmet by delaying flow separation from the surface of the helmet and prevent airflow stagnation around the user's shoulders and neck. 1. A bicycle helmet comprising:a main unit having a cavity configured to receive a user's head, said main unit comprising a shell and a body, said main unit defining a front surface and a rear surface which have a parabolic profile when viewed from above when the user is in an aerodynamic position with the user's head lowered;a ventilation mechanism comprising at least one ventilation opening formed in a side surface of said main unit rearward of a widest vertical cross section of the main unit, said ventilation opening having a height, a width, and a depth, and an exhaust port in a rear portion of the main unit wherein the height of the ventilation opening transverse to a local flow direction at said ventilation opening is the largest dimension of the ventilation opening;wherein said ventilation mechanism provides an airflow through said main unit due to airflow entering the main unit through the at least one ventilation opening and exiting the main unit through the exhaust port.2. The bicycle helmet of claim 1 , wherein the local flow direction at the ventilation opening is perpendicular to the height of the ventilation opening.3. The bicycle helmet of claim 1 , wherein said exhaust port comprises at least one opening in the rear of the main unit.4. The bicycle helmet of claim 1 , where said exhaust port is located below a trailing top edge of the helmet.5. The bicycle helmet of claim 1 , wherein said exhaust port is located below a trailing bottom edge of the helmet.6. The bicycle helmet of claim 1 , wherein said ...

Systems and Methods for Transparently Optimizing Workloads

Systems, methods, and media for transparently optimizing a workload of a containment abstraction are provided herein. Methods may include monitoring a workload of the containment abstraction, the containment abstraction being at least partially hardware bound, the workload corresponding to resource utilization of the containment abstraction, converting the containment abstraction from being at least partially hardware bound to being entirely central processing unit (CPU) bound by placing the containment abstraction in a memory store, based upon the workload, and allocating the workload of the containment abstraction across at least a portion of a data center to optimize the workload of the containment abstraction. 1. A method for transparently optimizing a workload of a containment abstraction , comprising:determining if an at least partially hardware bound containment abstraction should be converted to an entirely central processing unit (CPU) bound containment abstraction based upon the workload of the at least partially hardware bound containment abstraction;converting the at least partially hardware bound containment abstraction to being an entirely (CPU) bound containment abstraction by placing the containment abstraction in a memory store, based upon the workload;allocating the workload of the entirely CPU bound containment abstraction across at least a portion of a data center to optimize the workload of the entirely CPU bound containment abstraction; andautomatically reverting the CPU bound containment abstraction back to being at least partially hardware bound when another containment abstraction having a higher priority is determined to require conversion.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein a containment abstraction includes any of a virtual computing machine claim 1 , an application claim 1 , a program claim 1 , an operating system virtualization claim 1 , a virtual environment claim 1 , a jail claim 1 , a virtual private server claim 1 , or any ...

System and Method to Enable Communication Group Identification

Methods, system and computer readable medium for discovering social groups include extracting activity related data associated with a user's social interactions from a source. The activity related data identifies information related to social contacts used during the social interactions at the source. The activity related data of the user is analyzed to identify co-occurrences of the social contacts. The co-occurrences determine a set of related contacts. The set of related contacts identified from the activity related data are clustered into distinct social groups. The social groups are used by a user to facilitate subsequent interactions. 1. A computer-implemented method for discovering social groups , comprising:extracting activity related data associated with a user's social interactions from a source, by a processor, the activity related data identifying information related to social contacts used in the social interactions;analyzing the activity related data of the user, by the processor, to identify co-occurrences of the social contacts, wherein the co-occurrences determine a set of related contacts; andclustering the set of related contacts identified from the activity related data into distinct social groups by the processor, the social groups used to facilitate subsequent interactions.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the activity is an email activity and the activity related data relates to email chains exchanged between the user and the social contacts.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein when a social contact is associated with multiple social groups the extracting further includes claim 1 , generating tokens for the subject matter and content of the social interaction; and', 'adding the generated tokens to activity related data for analysis., 'extracting subject matter and content of the social interaction;'}4. The method of claim 3 , wherein analyzing the activity related data includes analyzing the generated tokens claim 3 , wherein the tokens are ...

APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR EXPERT IDENTIFICATION TO ANSWER USERS QUERIES

Embodiments disclosed herein may relate to determining individual experts to answer user queries utilizing computing platform in a communication system. 1. A method , comprising:receiving one or more signals indicative of a query from a user computing platform at a server computing platform;determining whether an answer to the query is stored in a record in a non-transitory memory;transmitting one or more signals indicative of a message to a first client computing platform associated with a first recipient at least in part in response to a determination that the answer to the query is not stored in the record, the message comprising the query; andtransmitting one or more signals indicative of one or more subsequent messages to one or more subsequent client computing platforms associated with one or more subsequent recipients at least in part in response to receiving an indication from the first recipient to forward the query to an additional recipient.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising selecting the first recipient based at least in part on one or more labels stored in the record identifying the first recipient as an expert with respect to one or more previous queries.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the one or previous queries comprise one or more previous queries having subject matter related at least in part to a subject matter of the query received from the user.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said transmitting the one or more signals indicative of the one or more subsequent messages comprises transmitting a first subsequent message from the first recipient to a first subsequent recipient at least in part in response to said receiving the indication from the first recipient to forward the query to the additional recipient.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said transmitting the one or more signals indicative of the one or more subsequent messages comprises repeatedly transmitting messages from one of the one or more subsequent recipients to ...

INTERBODY DEVICE AND PLATE FOR SPINAL STABILIZATION AND INSTRUMENTS FOR POSITIONING SAME

Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned. 123-. (canceled)24. A method for providing spinal stabilization , comprising:positioning a plate such that trajectories of a first pair of holes of the plate intersect a first vertebra and trajectories of a second pair of holes of the plate intersect an adjacent second vertebra;inserting a first pair bone screws through the first pair of holes and into the first vertebra;inserting a second pair bone screws through the second pair of holes and into the second vertebra; androtating a retaining element of the plate comprising a plurality of arms separated by gaps from a first position in which the gaps are aligned with the holes to a second position in which the arms overlap the holes to prevent the bone screws from backing out of the holes.25. A method as recited in claim 24 , wherein the retaining element is coupled to the plate as the retaining element rotates from the first position to the second position.26. A method as recited in claim 25 , wherein the bone screws are inserted through the holes and into the vertebrae when the retaining element is in the ...

ELECTROPLATING AND POST-ELECTROFILL SYSTEMS WITH INTEGRATED PROCESS EDGE IMAGING AND METROLOGY SYSTEMS

Disclosed herein are electroplating systems for forming a layer of metal on a wafer which include an electroplating module and a wafer edge imaging system. The electroplating module may include a cell for containing an anode and an electroplating solution during electroplating, and a wafer holder for holding the wafer in the electroplating solution and rotating the wafer during electroplating. The wafer edge imaging system may include a wafer holder for holding and rotating the wafer through different azimuthal orientations, a camera oriented for obtaining multiple azimuthally separated images of a process edge of the wafer while it is held and rotated (the process edge corresponding to the outer edge of the layer of metal formed on the wafer), and image analysis logic for determining an edge exclusion distance, wherein the edge exclusion distance is a distance between the wafer's edge and the process edge.

LAYERED INTERACTIVE VIDEO PLATFORM FOR INTERACTIVE VIDEO EXPERIENCES

In various embodiments, methods and systems for generating interactive videos based on a layered interactive video platform are provided. An interactive graphics track is received using a layered video platform that supports interactive graphics tracks functionality on interactivity content editor components, content management components, and interactivity components on end-user media devices. The interactive graphics track comprises interactivity instructions that initialize cloud-based interactivity services. An interactivity content editor component can be used to generate interactive graphics tracks and develop interactivity instructions for composing the interactive graphics elements. Composing the interactive graphics elements is based on executing the interactivity instructions that define features of the interactive graphics elements. Composing the interactive graphics elements comprises accessing cloud-based interactivity services corresponding to the interactivity instructions. The interactive graphics tracks can be maintained separately from the video content. The interactive graphics elements are supported using the cloud-based interactivity services and layered over the video content. 1. A system for generating interactive videos based on layered interactive video platforms , the system comprising: accessing video content;', 'generating interactivity instructions based on a layered interactive video platform, wherein the layered video platform supports communicating interactive graphics tracks between interactive content editor components, cloud interactivity components, and client interactivity components, wherein the interactivity instructions initialize integrated cloud-based interactivity services based on interactive graphics elements in interactive graphics tracks;', 'generating an interactive graphics track, wherein the interactive graphics track comprises the interactive graphics elements, the interactive graphic elements programmatically ...

SPINAL IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHOD

A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed. 120-. (canceled)21. A spinal implant comprising:an implant body extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite proximal and distal walls, the implant body comprising opposite anterior and posterior walls that each extend from the proximal wall to the distal wall, the proximal wall comprising an outer surface that extends at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis to define an oblique surface; anda plate connected with the implant body such that the plate is translatable along the oblique surface.22. A spinal implant as recited in claim 21 , wherein the posterior wall has a maximum length along the longitudinal axis from the distal wall to the proximal wall that is greater than that of the anterior wall.23. A spinal implant as recited in claim 21 , wherein the oblique surface extends at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis from an outer surface of the posterior wall to an outer surface of the anterior wall.24. A spinal implant as recited in claim 21 , wherein the implant body has a maximum length along the longitudinal axis defined by a distance between outer surfaces of the proximal and distal walls that is greater than a maximum width of the implant body along a transverse axis that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis claim 21 , the maximum width being defined by a distance between outer surfaces of the anterior and posterior walls.25. A spinal implant as recited in claim 21 , wherein the posterior wall comprises an outer surface having a first planar portion and the anterior wall comprises an outer surface having a ...

SPINAL IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHOD

A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed. 120-. (canceled)21. A spinal implant comprising:an implant body extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite proximal and distal walls, the implant body comprising opposite anterior and posterior walls each extending from the proximal wall to the distal wall, the proximal wall comprising an outer surface extending at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis, the outer surface defining an opening;a connecting member movably disposed within the opening; anda plate coupled to the connecting member such that the plate is translatable along the outer surface.22. The spinal implant recited in claim 21 , wherein the walls each extend between opposite first and second vertebral engaging surfaces claim 21 , the implant body including an aperture extending through one of the vertebral engaging surfaces such that the aperture is in communication with the opening claim 21 , a first portion of the connecting member being positioned in the aperture and a second portion of the connecting member being positioned in the opening.23. The spinal implant recited in claim 22 , wherein the aperture has an arcuate configuration.24. The spinal implant recited in claim 21 , wherein the walls each extend between opposite first and second vertebral engaging surfaces claim 21 , the plate comprising a first end positioned above the first vertebral engaging surface and an opposite second end positioned below the second vertebral engaging surface.25. The spinal implant recited in claim 21 , wherein the walls each extend between opposite first and second vertebral engaging ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTROPLATING SEMICONDUCTOR WAFER WHEN CONTROLLING CATIONS IN ELECTROLYTE

Apparatus and methods for electroplating metal onto substrates are disclosed. The electroplating apparatus comprise an electroplating cell and at least one oxidization device. The electroplating cell comprises a cathode chamber and an anode chamber separated by a porous barrier that allows metal cations to pass through but prevents organic particles from crossing. The oxidation device (ODD) is configured to oxidize cations of the metal to be electroplated onto the substrate, which cations are present in the anolyte during electroplating. In some embodiments, the ODD is implemented as a carbon anode that removes Cu(I) from the anolyte electrochemically. In other embodiments, the ODD is implemented as an oxygenation device (OGD) or an impressed current cathodic protection anode (ICCP anode), both of which increase oxygen concentration in anolyte solutions. Methods for efficient electroplating are also disclosed. 1. An apparatus for electroplating a metal onto a substrate , the apparatus comprising: a cathode chamber for containing catholyte during electroplating;', 'a cathode electrical connection in the cathode chamber, the cathode electrical connection being able to connect to the substrate and apply a potential allowing the substrate to become a cathode;', 'an anode chamber for containing anolyte during electroplating;', 'an anode electrical connection in the anode chamber, the anode electrical connection being able to connect to an electroplating anode and apply a potential to the electroplating anode; and', 'a porous transport barrier placed between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, which transport barrier enables migration of ionic species in an electrolyte, including metal cations, across the transport barrier while substantially preventing organic additives from passing across the transport barrier; and, '(a) an electroplating cell comprising(b) at least one oxidation device (ODD) configured to oxidize cations of the metal to be electroplated onto the ...

APPLICATOR ATTACHMENT HAVING CAMS TO CONVERT OSCILLATING ROTATIONAL MOTION TO ORTHOGONAL RECIPROCATING MOTION

An infuser tip can be used to assist penetration of cosmetic formulas through the outer layer of human skin. Generally described, the infuser tip includes a concave surface or a similarly structured area that retains formula for application to the skin. The infuser tips described herein generally apply cosmetic formula to the skin with a reciprocating (e.g., tapping) motion. Converter assemblies for generating such reciprocating motion from an oscillating motor are provided. Embodiments of converter assemblies generally include an outer housing, a follower having a cam following surface, and a cam rotatably couplable to the outer housing. In general, the follower is configured for reciprocating motion and the cam is configured for oscillating motion, both with respect to the outer housing. In this regard, interaction of the cam and the cam following surface causes the follower to reciprocate when the cam oscillates. 1. A converter assembly for converting oscillating motion to orthogonal reciprocating motion , the converter assembly comprising:an outer housing having a central axis;a follower movably associated with the outer housing and configured for reciprocating motion along the central axis, the follower including a cam following surface; anda cam rotatably couplable to the outer housing and configured for oscillating motion about the central axis with respect to the outer housing, wherein the interaction of the cam and the cam following surface causes the follower to reciprocate along the central axis when the cam oscillates about the central axis.2. The converter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer housing includes an aperture configured to receive an applicator tip.3. The converter assembly of claim 2 , wherein the follower further includes an applicator tip mounting portion.4. The converter assembly of claim 3 , wherein the applicator tip is couplable to the applicator tip mounting portion.5. The converter assembly of claim 4 , wherein the applicator tip ...

APPLICATOR ATTACHMENT HAVING A FLEXIBLE MEMBRANE TO CONVERT OSCILLATING ROTATIONAL MOTION TO ORTHOGONAL RECIPROCATING MOTION

An infuser tip can be used to assist penetration of cosmetic formulas through the outer layer of human skin. Generally described, the infuser tip includes a concave surface or a similarly structured area that retains formula for application to the skin. The infuser tips described herein generally apply cosmetic formula to the skin with a reciprocating (e.g., tapping) motion. Converter assemblies for generating such reciprocating motion from an oscillating motor are provided. Embodiments of converter assemblies generally include an outer housing, a follower elastically coupled to the outer housing, and a contact point configured to slidingly interface a following surface on the follower. In general, the follower is configured for reciprocating motion and the contact point is configured for oscillating motion, both with respect to the outer housing. In this regard, interaction of the contact point and the following surface causes the follower to reciprocate when the contact point oscillates. 1. A converter assembly for converting oscillating motion to orthogonal reciprocating motion , the converter assembly comprising:an outer housing having a central axis;a follower elastically coupled to the outer housing and configured for reciprocating motion along the central axis, the follower having a following surface; anda contact point configured to slidingly interface the following surface and exhibit oscillating motion about the central axis with respect to the outer housing, wherein the sliding interface of the contact point and the following surface causes the follower to reciprocate along the central axis when the contact point oscillates about the central axis.2. The converter assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer housing includes an aperture configured to receive an applicator tip.3. The converter assembly of claim 2 , wherein the follower further includes an applicator tip mounting portion.4. The converter assembly of claim 3 , wherein the applicator tip is ...

System and methods for organizing and inter-relating hierarchical data files using a distributed database

A processor-implemented method for the ownership transfer and tracking of tangible assets using a blockchain is described. In an embodiment, the method includes generating a root node associated with a tangible asset via a processor. The root node has a first hash value that represents a storage location of the root node, data associated with a tangible asset, and a second hash value that represents a storage location of the subsidiary node. The method also includes storing a hierarchical hash-linked tree structure in a non-transitory, processor-readable memory. The hierarchical hash-linked tree structure can include multiple nodes. The multiple nodes include the root node and the subsidiary node. The subsidiary node has the second hash value, and data associated with a tangible sub-asset of the tangible asset.

CONFIGURATION AND METHOD OF OPERATION OF AN ELECTRODEPOSITION SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED PROCESS STABILITY AND PERFORMANCE

In one aspect, an apparatus includes a plating cell, a degassing device configured to remove oxygen from the plating solution prior to the plating solution flowing into the plating cell; an oxidation station configured to increase an oxidizing strength of the plating solution after the plating solution flows out of the plating cell; and a controller. The controller includes program instructions for causing a process that includes operations of: reducing an oxygen concentration of the plating solution where the plating solution contains a plating accelerator; then, contacting a wafer substrate with the plating solution having reduced oxygen concentration and electroplating a metal such that the electroplating causes a net conversion of the accelerator to a less-oxidized accelerator species within the plating cell; then increasing the oxidizing strength of the plating solution causing a net re-conversion of the less-oxidized accelerator species back to the accelerator outside the plating cell. 1. An apparatus for electroplating a metal , comprising:(a) a plating cell, the plating cell being configured to hold a plating solution;(b) a degassing device coupled to the plating cell, the degassing device being configured to remove oxygen from the plating solution prior to the plating solution flowing into the plating cell;(c) an oxidation station coupled to the plating cell, the oxidation station being configured to increase an oxidizing strength of the plating solution after the plating solution flows out of the plating cell; and (i) reducing an oxygen concentration of the plating solution using the degassing device, wherein the plating solution includes about 100 parts per million or less of an accelerator;', '(ii) after operation (i), contacting, in the plating cell, a wafer substrate with the plating solution, wherein the oxygen concentration of the plating solution in the plating cell is about 1 part per million or less;', '(iii) electroplating a metal with the ...

EXERCISE MACHINE

An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members. 1. (canceled)2. A striding exercise device , comprising:a frame;first and second stride members supported on the frame, each stride member including a foot engagement pad;first and second crank arms that rotate about a crank axis, each crank arm operatively associated with the frame; andfirst and second linear bearings operatively associated with the first and second stride members, respectively, the first linear bearing attached to the first crank arm, and the second linear bearing attached to the second crank arm.3. The striding device of claim 2 , wherein the first linear bearing further comprises spaced-apart rearward and forward springs claim 2 , and the second linear bearing further comprises spaced-apart rearward and forward springs.4. The striding device of claim 3 , wherein the first stride member comprises a stop positioned between the rearward and forward springs of the first linear bearing claim 3 , and the second stride member comprises a stop positioned between the rearward and forward springs of the second linear bearing.5. The striding device of claim 2 , further comprising first and second support links rotatably attached ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENHANCING PRIVACY AND EFFICIENCY ON DISTRIBUTED LEDGER-BASED NETWORKS

One or more embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems that are directed at providing enhanced privacy, efficiency and security to distributed ledger-based networks (DLNs) via the implementation of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in the DLNs. ZKPs allow participants of DLNs to make statements on the DLNs about some private information and to prove the truth of the information without having to necessarily reveal the private information publicly. As such, the disclosed methods and systems directed at the ZKP-enabled DLNs provide privacy and efficiency to participants of the DLNs while still allowing the DLNs to remain as consensus-based networks. 1. A method , comprising:receiving a request that is configured to cause a transfer of a combined asset from a sender to a recipient, the combined asset including a first non-fungible asset and a second non-fungible asset, the first non-fungible asset and the non-fungible second asset represented on a distributed ledger-based network (DLN) by a first token commitment and a second token commitment, respectively;generating, upon receiving the request, a combined asset token that includes a combination of: 1) a first asset token obtained via an application of a first hashing function on a first identifying parameter of the first non-fungible asset, and 2) a second asset token obtained via an application of a second hashing function on a second identifying parameter of the second non-fungible asset; (1) the first asset token, the first token commitment obtained via an application of a third hashing function on the first asset token;', '(2) the second asset token, the second token commitment obtained via an application of a fourth hashing function on the second asset token; and/or', '(3) the combined asset token, a third token commitment representing the combined asset on the DLN obtained via an application of a fifth hashing function on the combined asset token; and, 'providing, by a provider and to a self-executing ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENHANCING PRIVACY ON DISTRIBUTED LEDGER-BASED NETWORKS

One or more embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems that are directed at providing enhanced privacy and security to distributed ledger-based networks (DLNs) via the implementation of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in the DLNs. ZKPs allow participants of DLNs to make statements on the DLNs about some private information and to prove the truth of the information without having to necessarily reveal the private information publicly. As such, the disclosed methods and systems directed at the ZKP-enabled DLNs provide privacy to participants of the DLNs while still allowing the DLNs to remain as consensus-based networks. 1. A method , comprising:receiving a request that is configured to cause a registration of a token commitment on a distributed ledger-based network (DLN), the token commitment representing an asset on the DLN and the request including an identifying parameter of the asset;providing by a provider, in response to the request and to a self-executing code segment on the DLN, a zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) that the provider has knowledge of an identity of an asset token where when a hashing function is applied to the asset token, the token commitment is generated; andreceiving, after verification of the ZKP by the self-executing code segment, a confirmation confirming the registration of the token commitment on the DLN including an addition of the token commitment onto a token commitments data structure on the DLN.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the hashing function is a first hashing function;the asset token is obtained via an application of a second hashing function on the identifying parameter of the asset.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein:the hashing function is a first hashing function;the ZKP includes the ZKP that the provider of the ZKP has knowledge of the identity of the asset token that when a second hashing function is applied to the asset token, a first hash value is generated;the token commitment is registered after the self- ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPLEMENTING ZERO-KNOWLEDGE PROOFS IN TRANSFERRING PARTITIONED TOKENS ON DISTRIBUTED LEDGER-BASED NETWORKS

One or more embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems that are directed at providing enhanced privacy, efficiency, convenience and security to distributed ledger-based networks (DLNs) via the implementation of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in the DLNs. ZKPs allow participants of DLNs to make statements on the DLNs about some private information and to prove the truth of the information without having to necessarily reveal the private information publicly. As such, the disclosed methods and systems directed at the ZKP-enabled DLNs provide privacy, ease and efficiency to participants of the DLNs while still allowing the DLNs to remain as consensus-based networks. 1. A method , comprising:receiving a request that is configured to cause a transfer of a first asset from a sender to a recipient, the first asset being part of a combined asset that includes the first asset and a second asset;obtaining, upon receiving the request, a first asset token of the first asset, a combined asset token of the combined asset including a combination of the first asset token and a second asset token of the second asset;generating, on a distributed ledger-based network (DLN), a token commitment representing the first asset and not the second asset via an application of a hashing function on the first asset token of the first asset;providing, from a provider and to a self-executing code segment on the DLN, a zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) that the provider has knowledge of an identity of the first asset token of the first asset; andreceiving, after verification of the ZKP by the self-executing code segment, a confirmation confirming an addition of the token commitment onto a commitments data structure of the DLN.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hashing function is a first hashing function claim 1 , the first asset token obtained via an application of a second hashing function on an identifying parameter of the first asset.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the combined ...

SPINAL IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHOD

A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed. 120-. (canceled)21. A spinal implant system comprising:a spinal construct comprising an implant body, a connecting member and a plate, the implant body defining an opening, the connecting member being movably disposed within the opening, the connecting member comprising a first engagement feature, the plate being coupled to the connecting member such that the plate is translatable along the implant body, the plate comprising a second engagement feature; andan instrument comprising a third engagement feature configured for engagement with the first engagement feature and a fourth engagement feature configured for engagement with the second engagement feature to connect the instrument with the spinal construct.22. The spinal implant system recited in claim 21 , wherein the implant body extends along a longitudinal axis between opposite proximal and distal walls claim 21 , the implant body comprising opposite anterior and posterior walls each extending from the proximal wall to the distal wall claim 21 , the proximal wall comprising an outer surface extending at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis claim 21 , the outer surface defining the opening.23. The spinal implant system recited in claim 22 , wherein the opening extends through an inner surface of the proximal wall and the outer surface claim 22 , the opening having opposite first and second rounded ends claim 22 , the opening having a uniform height from the first end to the second end.24. The spinal implant system recited in claim 21 , wherein the instrument comprises a first arm claim 21 , a ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE PLASMA TREATMENT FOR REDUCING METAL OXIDES ON A METAL SEED LAYER

Method and apparatus for reducing metal oxide surfaces to modified metal surfaces are disclosed. By exposing a metal oxide surface to a remote plasma, the metal oxide surface on a substrate is reduced. A remote plasma apparatus can treat the metal oxide surface as well as cool, load/unload, and move the substrate within a single standalone apparatus. The remote plasma apparatus includes a processing chamber and a controller configured to provide a substrate having a metal seed layer in a processing chamber, move the substrate towards a substrate support in the processing chamber, form a remote plasma of a reducing gas species, expose a metal seed layer of the substrate to the remote plasma, and expose the substrate to a cooling gas. In some embodiments, the remote plasma apparatus is part of an electroplating apparatus. 1. A remote plasma apparatus for treating a substrate with a metal seed layer , the remote plasma apparatus comprising:a processing chamber;a substrate support for holding the substrate in the processing chamber;a remote plasma source over the substrate support;a showerhead between the remote plasma source and the substrate support;one or more movable members in the processing chamber configured to move the substrate to positions between the showerhead and the substrate support; and (a) providing the substrate in the processing chamber;', '(b) moving the substrate towards the substrate support via the one or more movable members;', '(c) forming a remote plasma of a reducing gas species in the remote plasma source, wherein the remote plasma comprises radicals of the reducing gas species;', '(d) exposing the metal seed layer of the substrate to the radicals of the reducing gas species; and', '(e) exposing the substrate to a cooling gas., 'a controller with instructions for performing the following operations2. The remote plasma apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller further comprises instructions for moving the substrate towards the showerhead ...

BINDING MEMBERS-513

This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, specific for interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1). For example, isolated binding members specific for IL-1R1 which competes with IL-1 and IL-1Ra for binding to IL-1R1 and binds Il-1R1 with a Kof 10 pM or less when measured by Kinexa™. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IL-1R1 including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 125-. (canceled)26. An isolated antibody or fragment thereof specific for IL-R11 comprising a set of CDRs: HCDR1 , HCDR2 , HCDR3 , LCDR1 , LCDR2 and LCDR3 wherein:HCDR1 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NO: 63;HCDR2 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NO: 64;HCDR3 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NO: 65;LCDR1 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NO: 68;LCDR2 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NO: 69;LCDR3 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ. ID. NO: 70.27. An isolated antibody or fragment thereof specific for IL-1R1 which binds the same epitope as the isolated antibody of claim 26 , wherein the epitope is comprised within one or more of the following sequences of IL-1R1: (i) N123-V134; (ii) L140-K157; and/or (iii) K178-R180 of SEQ. ID. NO: 137.28. An isolated antibody or fragment thereof specific for IL-1R1 according to which binds a discontinuous epitope comprised within the following sequences of IL-1R: (i) N123-V134; (ii) L140-K157; and (iii) K178-R180 of SEQ. ID. NO:137.29. The isolated antibody according to claim 26 , wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody claim 26 , a human antibody claim 26 , a chimeric antibody claim 26 , a bi-specific antibody claim 26 , a multi-specific antibody claim 26 , or an antibody fragment thereof.30. The antibody fragment of claim 29 , wherein the antibody fragment is a Fab fragment claim 29 , a Fab′ fragment claim 29 , a F(ab′)2 fragment claim 29 , a Fv fragment claim 29 , a diabody claim 29 , a triabody claim 29 , a ...

SPINAL IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHOD

A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed. 1. A spinal implant comprising:an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface, the implant body further including an outer surface that defines an oblique surface; anda wall connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface.2. A spinal implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein the oblique surface defines an elongated opening configured for disposal of the wall.3. A spinal implant as recited in claim 2 , wherein the opening defines a pathway for translation of the wall along the oblique surface.4. A spinal implant as recited in claim 3 , wherein the pathway has an arcuate configuration.5. A spinal implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein the wall is connected to the implant body via a spheroidal joint such that the wall is translatable relative to the implant body in a plurality of axial orientations.6. A spinal implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein the wall is translatable along the oblique surface and rotatable about an oblique axis of the implant body.7. A spinal implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein the wall is translatable along an arcuate pathway and pivotable about the oblique surface.8. A spinal implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein the wall is rotatable about an oblique axis of the implant body into a zero profile alignment with the implant body.9. A spinal implant as recited in claim 1 , wherein the oblique surface defines a range of movement of the wall between a lateral axis and an oblique axis ...

SPINAL IMPLANT SYSTEM AND METHOD

A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed. 118-. (canceled)19. A method for treating a spine , the method comprising the steps of:providing a spinal implant including an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and including an oblique surface;providing a wall of the spinal implant having a first portion and a second portion;connecting the wall with the implant body such that the wall is disposed in a zero profile alignment with the implant body;delivering the spinal implant adjacent a first vertebra and a second vertebra; andselectively rotating and/or translating the wall relative to the oblique surface such that the first portion is aligned with the first vertebra and the second portion is aligned with the second vertebra.20. A method as recited in claim 19 , wherein the oblique surface defines an opening configured for disposal of the wall claim 19 , the opening defining a range of movement of the wall for the selective translation between a lateral axis and an oblique axis of the implant body.21. A method as recited in claim 19 , wherein selectively rotating and/or translating the wall relative to the oblique surface comprises rotating the wall about a connection mechanism having a head that is disposed in an opening in the oblique surface and a shaft that extends through an opening in the wall.22. A method as recited in claim 21 , wherein the shaft extends through opposite inner and outer surfaces of the wall.23. A method as recited in claim 21 , wherein the head is spheroidal.24. A method as recited in claim 21 , wherein the opening has an oblong shape.25. A ...

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF DIALKYL TEREPHTHALATE

A process for preparing dialkyl terephalate comprising the following steps:—i) providing furan-2,5-dicarboxylate; ii) esterifying the furan-2,5-dicarboxylate with alcohol to form furan-2,5-carboxylic acid dialkyl ester; iii) reacting the furan-2,5-carboxylic acid dialkyl ester with ethylene under Diels Alder conditions, elevated temperature and pressure and in the presence of a catalyst such that dialkyl terephthalate is produced; wherein the Diels-Alder reaction is free from solvent; wherein the catalyst comprises a clay comprising metal ions and having Lewis acidity. 2. The process as claimed in further comprising converting the dialkyl terephthalate into a product selected from the group consisting of a) terephthalate polyesters claim 1 , b) poly(butyleneterphalate-co-butyleneadipate and c) terephthalate plasticizers claim 1 , which are terephthalate diesters where the alkyl groups are longer carbon chains selected from straight and branched.3. The process as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the dialkyl terephthalate is diethyl terephthalate.4. The process as claimed in claim 2 , comprising converting the dialkyl terephthalate into polyalkylene terephthalate.5. The process as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the alcohol is a bioalcohol.6. The process as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the alcohol is selected from an aliphatic alcohol claim 1 , a benzyl alcohol and a phenolic alcohol.7. The process as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the alcohol is selected from the group consisting of bio-methanol claim 1 , bio-ethanol claim 1 , bio-propanol claim 1 , and mixtures thereof.8. The process as claimed in claim 1 , wherein an intermediate is formed during the Diels-Alder reaction claim 1 , which is a bi-cyclic oxo-adduct.9. The process as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the Diels-Alder reaction is carried out in a solvent free environment.10. The process as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the clay is a smectite clay selected from the classes of the montmorillonites claim 1 , hectorites ...

DIRECT ACTION WINDOW LOCK

A window latch for a sliding window having a sliding sash including a latch plate and a housing. The housing includes an engagement element movable relative to the housing from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate. A handle is operatively coupled to the engagement element and movable from a first position to a second position in a first direction corresponding to the direction the sliding sash to which the handle is attached moves to an open position. The handle operatively moves the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved in the first direction toward the second position. 1. A window and latch comprising:a sliding sasha latch plate;a housing secured to the sliding sash, the housing including an engagement element, the engagement element movable from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate; anda handle operatively coupled to the engagement element and being movable from a first position to a second position in the same direction the sliding sash moves to an open position, the handle operatively moving the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved from the first position toward the second position;wherein the handle is biased toward the first position only when the sliding sash is in a closed position; andwherein the handle is biased toward and retained in the second position only when the sliding sash is in the open position.2. The window and latch of claim 1 , wherein the engagement element is biased to the locked position by a first spring claim 1 , the engagement element automatically moves from the unlocked position to the locked position when the sliding sash is moved to the closed position claim 1 , the handle being operatively biased to the first position as the engagement element moves from the unlocked to ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING AIR SAMPLES FOR ILLICIT DRUGS

A colorimetric sensor for drugs and an associated method provide for delivery of particles to the sensor and a colorimetric reagent containing element having a plurality of dyes structured to provide a color change when the airborne particles indicate the presence of fentanyl or fentanyl analogues. The color change may be monitored by an optical identifier which delivers responsive information to a programmable controller which, in turn, may activate a visual alarm or an audible alarm. 1. A colorimetric sensor for drugs comprisinga housing,a plurality of openings in said housing for receiving airborne particles,a colorimetric reagent containing element for receiving said particles,said colorimetric reagent containing element surface having a plurality of colorimetric reagent structured to provide a color change when particles contain fentanyl or fentanyl analogues contact them.2. The colorimetric sensor of includingsaid colorimetric reagent element containing at least five said reagents.3. The colorimetric sensor of includingan optical identifier for sensing said color change,said sensor having a programmable controller for receipt of color information, andan optical identifier for sensing said color change and responsively delivering said color identifying information to said program controller.4. The colorimetric sensor of includingsaid sensor having a visual alarm and an audible alarm,said programmable controller responsive to receipt of color information indicating the presence of fentanyl or fentanyl analogues above a predetermined level emitting an alarm signal to at least one of said visual alarm and said audible alarm.5. The colorimetric sensor of includingsaid colorimetric reagent containing element having dyes printed thereon.6. The colorimetric sensor of includingsaid colorimetric reagent containing element being established through a conveyer belt that dips into a reservoir of said colorimetric reagent.7. The colorimetric sensor of includingsaid sensor ...

BINDING MEMBERS-513

This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, specific for interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1). For example, isolated binding members specific for IL-1R1 which competes with IL-1 and IL-1Ra for binding to IL-1R1 and binds Il-1R1 with a Kof 10 pM or less when measured by Kinexa™. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IL-1R1 including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 125-. (canceled)26. An isolated antibody or fragment thereof that binds IL-1R1 , comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) having at least 90 , 95 , 98 or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 62 and a light chain variable region (VL) having at least 90 , 95 , 98 or 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 67.27. An isolated antibody or fragment thereof that binds IL-1R1 , comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising SEQ ID NO: 62 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising SEQ ID NO: 67.28. An isolated antibody of fragment thereof that binds IL-1R1 claim 27 , which competes or cross-competes for binding to IL-1R1 with the antibody of .29. An isolated antibody or fragment thereof that binds IL-1R1 at the same epitope as the antibody of claim 27 , wherein the epitope comprises one or more of the following sequences of IL-1R1:(i) N123-V134;(ii) L140-K157; and/or(iii) K178-R180of SEQ ID NO:137.30. The isolated antibody or fragment thereof of which binds a discontinuous epitope comprising the following sequences of IL-1R1:(i) N123-V134;(ii) L140-K157; and(iii) K178-R180of SEQ ID NO:137.31. The antibody of claim 27 , wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody claim 27 , a human antibody claim 27 , a chimeric antibody claim 27 , a bi-specific antibody claim 27 , a multi-specific antibody claim 27 , or an antibody fragment thereof.32. The antibody fragment of claim 31 , wherein the antibody fragment is a Fab fragment claim 31 , a Fab′ fragment claim 31 , a F(ab′)fragment claim 31 ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VERIFYING TOKEN-BASED ACTIONS ON DISTRIBUTED LEDGER-BASED NETWORKS THROUGH THE USE OF ZERO-KNOWLEDGE PROOFS

In an embodiment, a method comprises receiving a request that is configured to cause a transfer of a combined asset from a sender to a recipient, the combined asset including a first asset and a second asset. The method includes generating and sending to a self-executing code segment on a distributed ledger-based network (DLN) a zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) that a plurality of leaf nodes of a hierarchical tree structure representing the combined asset includes the plurality of leaf nodes of the hierarchical tree structure representing the first asset and the plurality of leaf nodes of the hierarchical tree structure representing the second asset. The method also includes receiving, in response to verification of the ZKP by the self-executing code segment, a confirmation confirming a representation of the combined asset on the DLN by a third token associated with the root node of the third hierarchical tree structure. 1. A method , comprising: the first root node being hash-linked to a first plurality of leaf nodes of the first hierarchical tree structure, and', 'the second root node being hash-linked to a second plurality of leaf nodes of the second hierarchical tree structure;, 'receiving a request that is configured to cause a transfer of a combined asset from a sender to a recipient, the combined asset including a first asset and a second asset, the first asset and the second asset represented on a distributed ledger-based network (DLN) by a first token associated with a first root node of a first hierarchical tree structure and a second token associated with a second root node of a second hierarchical tree structure, respectively,'}generating, via a processor and after receiving the request, a third root node of a third hierarchical tree structure, the third root node being hash-linked to a third plurality of leaf nodes of the third hierarchical tree structure that include the first plurality of leaf nodes and the second plurality of leaf nodes;generating and ...

Methods and systems for retrieving zero-knowledge proof-cloaked data on distributed ledger-based networks

One or more embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems that are directed at facilitating access to and retrieval of data concealed on a distributed ledger-based network (DLN) with the use of zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) techniques. The methods and systems allow for the encryption, using an encryption key, of data related to a transaction between participants of the DLN, the encryption of the encryption key using a public key of an auditor of the transaction, and the generation of a ZKP that the encryption key used to encrypt the data corresponds to the encryption key encrypted using the public key such that the encrypted encryption key and/or the encrypted data are available to the auditor after the ZKP is verified by a self-executing code segment of the DLN. The ZKP also includes a proof that the encrypted data includes the transaction data.

MONOLITHIC LTCC SEAL FRAME AND LID

A method for forming a monolithic seal frame and lid for use with a substrate and electronic circuitry comprises the steps of forming a mandrel from a ceramic and glass based material, forming a seal frame and lid block from a ceramic and glass based material, creating a seal frame and lid by forming a compartment and a plurality of sidewalls in the seal frame and lid block, placing the seal frame and lid on the mandrel such that the mandrel fits within the compartment, and cofiring the seal frame and lid block. 1. A method for forming a monolithic seal frame and lid for use with a substrate and electronic circuitry , the method comprising the steps of:forming a mandrel from a ceramic and glass based material;forming a seal frame and lid block from a ceramic or ceramic and glass based material;creating a seal frame and lid by forming a compartment and at least one sidewall in the seal frame and lid block;placing the seal frame and lid on the mandrel such that the mandrel fits within the compartment; andcofiring the seal frame and lid.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mandrel is formed to have roughly the same footprint as the electronic circuitry and a greater height than the sidewalls of the seal frame and lid.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mandrel is formed by stacking a plurality of sheets of ceramic and glass based material one on another.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the seal frame and lid block is formed by stacking a plurality of sheets of ceramic and glass based material one on another.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sidewall is formed by removing ceramic and glass based material from the seal frame and lid block.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sidewall is formed by routing the ceramic and glass based material of the seal frame and lid block.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sidewall is formed to have an inner surface with a draft angle which ranges from approximately 0 degrees to ...

EXERCISE MACHINE

An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members. 1. An exercise apparatus comprising:a frame;a first foot link operatively associated with the frame, and a second foot link operatively associated with the frame;a first foot engagement pad fixedly coupled to the first foot link, and a second foot engagement pad fixedly coupled to the second foot link; andfirst and second crank arms operatively associated with the first and second foot links, respectively, wherein:the first and second crank arms reciprocally lift and lower rearward end portions of the first and second foot links, respectively, during a striding exercise by a user, and the rearward end portions of the first and second foot links are movable in forward and rearward directions relative to the first and second crank arms, respectively, to permit the first and second foot links to move relative to the first and second crank arms, respectively, with a variable forward-rearward motion determined by the user's striding steps during the striding exercise.2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first and second crank arms are coupled together and lift and lower the rearward end portions of the first and second foot links ...

SYSTEM FOR TRACKING DIFFUSION

A tracking system comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein data representing instructions executable by a programmed processor for monitoring a database is provided. The storage medium includes instructions for storing a plurality of link identifiers in a database, each link identifier associated with a content address identifier and instructions for receiving a current shortened content address with an appended link identifier from a requesting user. The storage medium further includes instructions for determining a requested content address identifier associated with the current shortened content address and instructions for determining if the tracking system has previously received any previous shortened content address associated with the requested content address identifier from the requesting user. The storage medium also includes instructions for creating a new link identifier for the requesting user only when the tracking system has not previously received any previous shortened content address associated with the requested content address identifier from the requesting user. 1. A tracking system comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein data representing instructions executable by a programmed processor for monitoring a database , the storage medium comprising:instructions for storing a plurality of link identifiers in a database, each link identifier associated with a content address identifier;instructions for receiving a current shortened content address with an appended link identifier from a requesting user;instructions for determining a requested content address identifier associated with the current shortened content address;instructions for determining if the tracking system has previously received any previous shortened content address associated with the requested content address identifier from the requesting user; andinstructions for creating a new link identifier ...

SYSTEM FOR TRACKING DIFFUSION

A tracking system comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein data representing instructions executable by a programmed processor is provided. The storage medium of the tracking system includes instructions for receiving a request for content from a device using a first shortened content address, the first shortened content address including a shortened content address base and a first link identifier. The storage medium further includes instructions for determining a content address identifier associated with the first shortened content address and instructions for searching the device for a cookie associated with the content address identifier, the cookie including a cookie link identifier. The storage medium also includes instructions for providing the content to the device using the first shortened content address when the cookie is found on the device and the cookie link identifier is the first link identifier and instructions for providing the content to the device using a second shortened content address when the cookie is found on the device and the cookie link identifier is not the first link identifier, the second shortened content address including the shortened content address base and the cookie link identifier. The storage medium further includes instructions for generating a new link identifier when the cookie is not found on the device and instructions for providing the content to the device using a third shortened content address when the cookie is not found on the device, the third shortened content address including the shortened content address base and the new link identifier. 1. A tracking system comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein data representing instructions executable by a programmed processor , the storage medium comprising:instructions for receiving a request for content from a device using a first shortened content address, the first shortened content ...

Expandable Spacers

The technical description relates to expandable spacer configured to engage an intervertebral disk. An example expandable spacer includes a main body, a first endplate, a second endplate, a driving member, a plurality of pins, and an actuation member. The expandable member is also configured to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. Additionally, various expandable spacers are described and illustrated herein. 1. An expandable intervertebral spacer having a first configuration and a second configuration , comprising:a main body having a main body first lateral wall, a main body second lateral wall having a threaded opening, a main body inner surface, a main body outer surface, a main body third lateral wall connecting the main body first lateral wall to the main body second lateral wall and including at least one opening extending entirely through the main body third lateral wall, a main body fourth lateral wall connecting the main body first lateral wall to the main body second lateral wall and including at least one opening extending entirely through the main body fourth lateral wall, the main body first lateral wall, the main body second lateral wall, the main body third lateral wall, and the main body fourth lateral wall defining a main body interior chamber;a first endplate having a first endplate first end, a first endplate second end, a first endplate inner surface, a first endplate outer surface, at least one first endplate slot extending between the first endplate inner surface and the first endplate outer surface, and at least one first endplate extension extending from the first endplate inner surface towards the main body and including at least one opening;a second endplate having a second endplate first end, a second endplate second end, a second endplate inner surface, a second endplate outer surface, at least one second endplate slot extending between the second endplate inner surface to the second endplate outer surface, and ...

MULTIPLEXED KINASE INHIBITOR BEADS AND USES THEREOF

This invention is directed to a multi-analyte column comprising two or more layers with a first solid support having specific binding affinity for kinases and a second solid support having non-specific binding affinity for kinases. Methods are also provided, including methods of detecting low abundance kinases, predicting resistance to chemotherapy, determining cancer prognosis, and improving the effectiveness of a treatment regimen. 1. A multi-analyte column comprising a first and a second layer wherein:(a) the first layer comprises a first solid support having at least two different affinity ligands with specific kinase binding affinity; and(b) the second layer comprises a second solid support having at least two different affinity ligands with non-specific kinase binding affinity.2. The multi-analyte column of claim 1 , wherein the first solid support has specific binding affinity for one or more tyrosine kinases.3. The multi-analyte column of claim 1 , wherein the first solid support has specific binding affinity for one or more serine/threonine kinases.4. The multi-analyte column of claim 1 , wherein the specific binding affinities are for kinases selected from the group consisting of Abl claim 1 , ATK claim 1 , BRAF claim 1 , c-KIT claim 1 , COT claim 1 , EGFR claim 1 , FLT-3 claim 1 , HER1 claim 1 , HER2 claim 1 , HER3 claim 1 , HER4 claim 1 , IGF-1R claim 1 , InsR claim 1 , LYN claim 1 , MEK claim 1 , MET claim 1 , P38 claim 1 , PDGFRβ claim 1 , PKC/GSK3β claim 1 , Src claim 1 , and VEGFR.5. The multi-analyte column of claim 4 , wherein the specific binding affinities are for kinases selected from the group consisting of Abl claim 4 , EGFR claim 4 , HER2 claim 4 , LYN claim 4 , P38 claim 4 , and PKC/GSK3β.6. The multi-analyte column of claim 1 , wherein each affinity ligand of the first solid support binds 20 or fewer kinases.7. The multi-analyte column of claim 6 , wherein the affinity ligands are selected from the group consisting of a bisindoylmaleimide-X ...

Support Arm

A support arm includes a generally elongated support arm housing having first and second ends; an arm mounting member pivotally carried by the first end of the support arm housing, the arm mounting member pivotal throughout a first range of rotation; a device mounting member pivotally carried by the second end of the support arm housing, the device mounting member pivotal throughout a second range of rotation; a position equalizing assembly engaging the arm mounting member and the device mounting member, the position equalizing assembly pivoting the arm mounting member and the device mounting member in opposite directions throughout the first range of rotation and the second range of rotation; anda counterbalance adjusting assembly carried by the arm mounting member and engaging the device mounting member, the counterbalance adjusting assembly applying counterbalance force to the device mounting member. 1. A support arm , comprising:a generally elongated support arm housing having first and second ends;an arm mounting member pivotally carried by the first end of the support arm housing, the arm mounting member pivotal throughout a first range of rotation;a device mounting member pivotally carried by the second end of the support arm housing, the device mounting member pivotal throughout a second range of rotation;a position equalizing assembly engaging the arm mounting member and the device mounting member, the position equalizing assembly pivoting the arm mounting member and the device mounting member in opposite directions throughout the first range of rotation and the second range of rotation; anda counterbalance adjusting assembly carried by the arm mounting member and engaging the device mounting member, the counterbalance adjusting assembly applying counterbalance force to the device mounting member.2. The support arm of wherein the support arm housing comprises a pair of mating housing portions.3. The support arm of further comprising a pair of proximal ...

Active External Casing Packer (ECP) For Frac Operations In Oil And Gas Wells

A zonal isolation device in the form of an active external casing packer is provided which includes a tubular section such as a casing or liner and at least one sleeve member positioned on the exterior of the casing or liner and sealed thereto. The method detailed herein provides zonal isolation by use of a pair of spaced apart sleeve members during a frac operation where frac fluid is supplied to a zone (in between the pair of sleeve members) requiring to be frac'd, where the frac pressure acts not only on the outside of the zonal isolation device but also on the interior of the sleeve member to enhance the seal provided thereby.” 1. A method of performing zonal isolation during a frac operation with a casing/liner string that has been pre-perforated , the method comprising the steps of:a) drilling the borehole;b) run in completion which may be in the form of a casing/liner string and which is to be permanently installed in the open hole borehole, wherein at least one zonal isolation device is provided on or associated with the casing/liner string, the zonal isolation device comprising a sleeve member defining a chamber into which pressurised fluid can be inserted, through an aperture in the casing/liner string that is surrounded by the sleeve member, to permanently expand the sleeve member outwards towards the open hole borehole;c) run a tool into the throughbore of the casing/liner string into the vicinity of the pre-perforated liner and operate the tool to introduce fluid under pressure into the throughbore of the casing/liner string section to expand and thereby activate the zonal isolation device(s) such that the at least one zonal isolation device provides a seal against the open hole, and repeat step c) for any other required zonal isolation device(s) and once step c) is completed, withdraw tool of step c) from the borehole;d) close the inner bore of the casing/liner string at some point vertically below the lower most zonal isolation device;e) supply frac ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE PLASMA TREATMENT FOR REDUCING METAL OXIDES ON A METAL SEED LAYER

Method and apparatus for reducing metal oxide surfaces to modified metal surfaces are disclosed. By exposing a metal oxide surface to a remote plasma, the metal oxide surface on a substrate can be reduced to pure metal and the metal reflowed. A remote plasma apparatus can treat the metal oxide surface as well as cool, load/unload, and move the substrate within a single standalone apparatus. The remote plasma apparatus includes a processing chamber and a controller configured to provide a substrate having a metal seed layer in a processing chamber, form a remote plasma of a reducing gas species where the remote plasma includes radicals, ions, and/or ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the reducing gas species, and expose a metal seed layer of the substrate to the remote plasma to reduce oxide of the metal seed layer to metal and to reflow the metal.

Improved Filling Mechanism For A Morphable Sleeve

Apparatus and method for filling and sealing a chamber with fluid at a predetermined pressure in a well bore. In a downhole assembly ( 10 ) comprising a tubular body ( 14 ) having a cylindrical throughbore ( 18 ) and a chamber ( 16 ) to be filled on an outer surface ( 26 ) of the body, a fill mechanism is provided to control fluid flow between the throughbore and the chamber. The fill mechanism includes a sliding seal ( 72 ) arrangement at the outer surface which is operated by the fluid flow in the throughbore to allow fluid flow into the chamber and then seal the chamber. Embodiments are described where the chamber is between a morphable sleeve ( 64 ) and the outer surface of the tubular, filling of the chamber morphs the sleeve and sealing the chamber at a predetermined fluid pressure secures the tubular within a borehole, creates an annular seal across an annulus or centralises the tubing within a wellbore.

Isolation Barrier

An apparatus and method for securing a tubular within another tubular or borehole, creating a seal across an annulus in a well bore, and centralising or anchoring tubing within a wellbore. A sleeve is arranged on a tubular body to create a chamber therebetween. A port provides fluid access through the body to the chamber. A support frame of bow springs on mounts is located within the chamber. When fluid is introduced into the chamber the sleeve is morphed to secure it to a well bore wall, an end of the sleeve will move along the body and compress the frame and bow springs. The compressed springs support the sleeve to maintain a seal between the sleeve and well bore wall to form an isolation barrier. 1. An assembly , comprising:a tubular body arranged to be run in and secured within a larger diameter generally cylindrical structure;a sleeve member positioned on the exterior of the tubular body, to create a chamber therebetween;the sleeve member having a first end which is affixed and sealed to the tubular body and a second end which includes a sliding seal to permit longitudinal movement of the second end over the tubular body;the tubular body including a port to permit the flow of fluid into the chamber to cause the sleeve member to move outwardly and morph against an inner surface of the larger diameter structure; andcharacterised in that:a support frame is located within the chamber;the frame comprising a plurality of springs supported between a plurality of mounts; andthe frame being compressed by movement of the second end towards the first end as the sleeve member is moved outwardly by fluid pressure and the compressed springs supporting the morphed sleeve member against the inner surface of the larger diameter structure.2. An assembly according to wherein the springs are bow springs claim 1 , each arranged longitudinally on the frame.3. An assembly according to wherein the mounts are annular rings and wherein an end of a bow spring is affixed to a respective ...

POLYSACCHARIDE DERIVED MATERIALS

A mesoporous material is derived from a polysaccharide by thermally assisted partial carbonisation after expansion. The polysaccharide is an acid containing polysaccharide or mixture of polysaccharides. 165.-. (canceled)66. A method of preparing a mesoporous carbonised material comprising subjecting an expanded polysaccharide which possesses acidic functionality to a thermal treatment.67. The method of claim 66 , wherein the acidic functionality comprises an acidic functional group which is covalently bound to the expanded polysaccharide.68. The method of claim 66 , wherein the acidic functionality comprises a carboxyl or sulfate group.69. The method of claim 66 , wherein the expanded polysaccharide possessing acidic functionality is selected from the group consisting of alginic acid claim 66 , pectin claim 66 , carageenan and polysaccharides chemically modified to include an acidic functional group.70. The method of claim 66 , wherein the resulting mesoporous carbonised material comprises pores in the mesoporous and microporous size distribution ranges.71. The method of claim 66 , wherein the resulting mesoporous carbonised material has a Vgreater than 0.2 cm/g.72. The method of claim 66 , wherein the thermal treatment is such that the resulting mesoporous carbonised material is partially carbonised.73. The method of claim 66 , wherein the thermal treatment is such that the resulting mesoporous carbonised material is substantially carbonised.74. The method of claim 66 , wherein the thermal treatment comprises heating at a temperature in the range of from room temperature to about 1200° C.75. The method of claim 74 , wherein the thermal treatment comprises heating at a temperature in the range of from room temperature to about 700° C.76. The method of claim 74 , wherein the thermal treatment comprises heating at a temperature in the range of from room temperature to about 600° C.77. The method of claim 74 , wherein the thermal treatment comprises heating at a ...

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SYSTEMS FOR AND METHODS OF PREPARING AND FUSING A SACROILIAC JOINT DURING INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES

A system for performing a minimally invasive interventional fusion procedure on a sacroiliac joint of a patient. The system may include a disposable sterile packed implant and kit including access, bone cutting, accessory and extraction instruments. 1a working cannula comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a tubular body extending between the proximal and distal ends, a cannula passageway defined within the tubular body and having a cannula axis extending therethrough;a guide rail assembly comprising a pair of guide rails extending generally parallel to each other from a ring structure, wherein the ring structure is configured to engage the proximal end of the working cannula and the pair of guide rails is configured to fit within the cannula passageway;an implant having a body extending between a distal end and a proximal end; andwherein the pair of guide rails are arranged, configured and sized to guide the implant along an implantation trajectory while maintaining a predetermined implant orientation.. A system for performing a fusion procedure on a sacroiliac joint defined between a sacrum and an ilium, the system comprising: The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/822,997 filed Mar. 18, 2020, which application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/133,605 filed Sep. 17, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,603,055, which application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/559,386 filed Sep. 15, 2017; 62/608,476 filed Dec. 20, 2017; 62/609,095 filed Dec. 21, 2017; 62/632,635 filed Feb. 20, 2018; and 62/640,026 filed Mar. 8, 2018. All of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into the present application.The present application also claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/938,344 filed Nov. 21, 2019 and 63/134,971 filed Jan. 8, 2021.The present application incorporates by reference the ...

SYSTEM FOR TRACKING DIFFUSION

A tracking system is provided comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein data representing instructions executable by a programmed processor for monitoring a database. The storage medium comprises instructions for receiving a current shortened content address from a requesting user, the current shortened content address including a shortened content address base and an appended link identifier, and instructions for determining a content address associated with the current shortened content address. The storage medium further comprises instructions for storing the shortened content address base and the appended link identifier in a database and instructions for determining if the tracking system has previously received a request for a shortened content address associated with the content address from the requesting user. The storage medium also comprises instructions for generating a new link identifier when the system has not previously received a request for a shortened content address associated with the content address from the requesting user and instructions for recording a chain of relationships of appended link identifiers with any new link identifiers in the database. 1. A tracking system comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein data representing instructions executable by a programmed processor for monitoring a database , the storage medium comprising:instructions for receiving a current shortened content address from a requesting user, the current shortened content address including a shortened content address base and an appended link identifier;instructions for determining a content address associated with the current shortened content address;instructions for storing the shortened content address base and the appended link identifier in the database;instructions for determining if the tracking system has previously received a request for a shortened content address ...

VEHICLE ADJUSTMENT

Disclosed is a vehicle comprising a frame component having an adjustable physical property; and a controller configured to receive data relating to the vehicle in use and, based on received data, determine a value of the physical property of the frame component. A method, a computer program and a control system are also disclosed. 1. A vehicle comprising:a frame component having an adjustable physical property; anda controller configured to receive data relating to the vehicle in use and, based on received data, determine a value of the physical property of the frame component.2. A vehicle in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to compare a current value of the physical property to the determined value claim 1 , and if different claim 1 , determine an adjustment of the frame component to cause it to have substantially the determined value.3. A vehicle in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the controller is configured to generate instructions relating to the determined adjustment claim 2 , the vehicle further comprising an actuator arranged to adjust the frame component based on the instructions.4. A vehicle in accordance with any preceding claim claim 2 , wherein the received data relates to properties of any one of: the vehicle; a terrain on which the vehicle is being used; a terrain ahead of the vehicle; a user of the vehicle; and data from another vehicle which is crossing the terrain generally ahead of the vehicle.5. A vehicle in accordance with any preceding claim claim 2 , wherein the data is received in real-time and/or uploaded to the controller prior to use of the vehicle.6. A vehicle in accordance with any preceding claim claim 2 , further comprising one or more sensors arranged to gather information during use of the vehicle claim 2 , use the information to generate data and provide data to the controller in real-time.7. A vehicle in accordance with claim 6 , wherein one or more of the sensors is a terrain sensor claim 6 ...

INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL USING AN OFF-CHAIN ISOMORPHIC DATABASE AND A DISTRIBUTED LEDGER

A processor-implemented method for the ownership transfer and tracking of tangible assets using a blockchain is described. In an embodiment, the method includes generating a root node associated with a tangible asset via a processor. The root node has a first hash value that represents a storage location of the root node, data associated with a tangible asset, and a second hash value that represents a storage location of the subsidiary node. The method also includes storing a hierarchical hash-linked tree structure in a non-transitory, processor-readable memory. The hierarchical hash-linked tree structure can include multiple nodes. The multiple nodes include the root node and the subsidiary node. The subsidiary node has the second hash value, and data associated with a tangible sub-asset of the tangible asset. 1. A method for information storage and retrieval using an off-chain isomorphic database and a distributed ledger , the method comprising:storing, in the off-chain isomorphic database, a first hierarchical hash-linked tree data structure representing tangible asset data of a first tangible asset, the off-chain isomorphic database not including any block of the distributed ledger;causing storage, in the distributed ledger, of a first hash value representing a first off-chain storage location of the off-chain isomorphic database in which a root node of the first hierarchical hash-linked tree data structure is stored, the first hash value associated with a state of a smart contract that includes a second hash value of the root node of the first hierarchical hash-linked tree data structure;modifying the tangible asset data in response to receipt of a private cryptographic key from a user;generating a subsidiary node in response to the modification of the tangible asset data, the modification in the tangible asset data at least partially associated with a second tangible asset;modifying the first hierarchical hash-linked tree data structure to include the ...

DIRECT ACTION WINDOW LOCK

A window latch for a sliding window having a sliding sash including a latch plate and a housing. The housing includes an engagement element movable relative to the housing from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate. A handle is operatively coupled to the engagement element and movable from a first position to a second position in a first direction corresponding to the direction the sliding sash to which the handle is attached moves to an open position. The handle operatively moves the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved in the first direction toward the second position. 1. A window and latch comprising:a sliding sasha latch plate;a housing secured to the sliding sash, the housing including an engagement element, the engagement element movable from a locked position operatively engaged with the latch plate to an unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate; anda handle operatively coupled to the engagement element and being movable from a first position to a second position in the same direction the sliding sash moves to an open position, the handle operatively moving the engagement element from the locked position to the unlocked position as the handle is moved from the first position toward the second position;wherein the handle is biased toward the first position only when the sliding sash is in a closed position; andwherein the handle is biased toward and retained in the second position only when the sliding sash is in the open position.2. The window and latch of claim 1 , wherein the engagement element is biased to the locked position by a first spring claim 1 , the engagement element automatically moves from the unlocked position to the locked position when the sliding sash is moved to the closed position claim 1 , the handle being operatively biased to the first position as the engagement element moves from the unlocked to ...

DEVICE CONTROL

A device for use by a user, the device comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with at least one sensor device; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver, the processor being configured to: cause the device to implement a set of predefined functions, receive user pose data and/or sensor movement data from the at least one sensor device, and modify the implementation of one or more of the predefined functions in response to at least one of the user pose data and the sensor movement data. 1. A device for use by a user , the device comprising:a transceiver configured to communicate with at least one sensor device; anda processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver, the processor being configured to: cause the device to implement a set of predefined functions, receive user pose data and/or sensor movement data from the at least one sensor device, receive positioning data that indicates that the device is travelling at a speed greater than running pace, modify the implementation of one or more of the predefined functions in response to at least one of the user pose data and the sensor movement data, and modify the implementation of one or more of the predefined functions in response to the user pose data indicating that the user is sitting or standing.2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate wirelessly with at least one sensor device.3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with at least one sensor device using a wired communication link.4. (canceled)5. The device according to claim 1 , the device comprising a satellite positioning sensor claim 1 , communicatively coupled to the processor claim 1 , for receiving positioning data.6. The device according to claim 1 , wherein one predefined function is a power saving mode and the processor is configured to enable the power saving mode in response to the user pose data indicating that the user ...

SYSTEM FOR TRACKING DIFFUSION

A tracking system is provided comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein data representing instructions executable by a programmed processor for monitoring a database. The storage medium comprises instructions for receiving a current shortened content address from a requesting user, the current shortened content address including a shortened content address base and an appended link identifier, and instructions for determining a content address associated with the current shortened content address. The storage medium further comprises instructions for storing the shortened content address base and the appended link identifier in a database and instructions for determining if the tracking system has previously received a request for a shortened content address associated with the content address from the requesting user. The storage medium also comprises instructions for generating a new link identifier when the system has not previously received a request for a shortened content address associated with the content address from the requesting user and instructions for recording a chain of relationships of appended link identifiers with any new link identifiers in the database 1. A tracking system comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored therein data representing instructions executable by a programmed processor for monitoring a database , the storage medium comprising:instructions for receiving a current shortened content address from a requesting user, the current shortened content address including a shortened content address base and an appended link identifier;instructions for determining a content address associated with the current shortened content address;instructions for storing the shortened content address base and the appended link identifier in the database;instructions for determining if the tracking system has previously received a request for a shortened content address ...

ESTIMATION OF A MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF ANATOMY FROM MEDICAL SCAN DATA

A mechanical property of anatomy is estimated from a patient in vivo, such as estimating a patient-specific material property of a valve. A morphological model is used to determine anatomy dynamics. A biomechanical model, using the anatomy dynamics, predicts the dynamics, based, at least in part, on one or more material properties. Using an inverse solution based on comparison of dynamics predicted by the biomechanical model and the dynamics determined from the morphological model, values for the material properties are determined. 1. A method for estimating a mechanical property of anatomy , the method comprising:estimating, by a processor, first anatomy locations of a valve of a patient from first medical imagedata of the patient at a first time;estimating, by the processor, second anatomy locations of the valve of the patient from second medical image data of the patient at a second time different than the first time, the second anatomy locations being for a same anatomy of the valve as the first anatomy locations;modeling, by the processor, the valve with a biomechanical model, which is a function of the mechanical property and a displacement of the first anatomy locations to the second anatomy locations; andinversely solving, by the processor, for a value of the mechanical property of the valve as a function of the biomechanical model and a similarity of the displacement with displacement output by the biomechanical model.2. The method of wherein estimating the first and second anatomy locations comprises estimating from ultrasound data representing a volume including the valve over time.3. The method of wherein estimating the first and second anatomy locations comprises estimating by application of the first and second medical image data claim 1 , respectively claim 1 , as input features to a machine-learning algorithm.4. The method of wherein estimating the first and second anatomy locations comprises estimating as a function of a discriminative probabilistic ...

MONOLITHIC LTCC SEAL FRAME AND LID

A method for forming a monolithic seal frame and lid for use with a substrate and electronic circuitry comprises the steps of forming a mandrel from a ceramic and glass based material, forming a seal frame and lid block from a ceramic and glass based material, creating a seal frame and lid by forming a compartment and a plurality of sidewalls in the seal frame and lid block, placing the seal frame and lid on the mandrel such that the mandrel fits within the compartment, and cofiring the seal frame and lid block. 1. A microelectronic circuit package comprising:a substrate configured to retain one or more electronic circuits, the substrate formed from ceramic and glass material; and at least one sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a compartment, and', 'a lid with a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the at least one sidewall is monolithically connected to the bottom surface at the perimeter thereof and the at least one sidewall and the lid are each formed from ceramic and glass material., 'a seal frame and lid attached to an upper surface of the substrate, the seal frame and lid comprising2. The microelectronic circuit package of claim 1 , wherein the at least one sidewall and the lid of the seal frame and lid include a layer of metal applied to exterior surfaces thereof.3. The microelectronic circuit package of claim 2 , wherein the seal frame and lid is attached to the upper surface of the substrate with a solder bond.4. The microelectronic circuit package of claim 1 , wherein the seal frame and lid is attached to the upper surface of the substrate with an epoxy bond.5. The microelectronic circuit package of claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the at least one sidewall of the seal frame and lid has a draft angle which ranges from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees.6. The microelectronic circuit package of claim 1 , wherein the seal frame and lid includes one or more divider walls positioned in ...

Computer Implemented Methods For Enhancing Word Processor Software with Third-Party Electronic Forms Design Software

The invention describes technical methods that enable word processor software to be enhanced by third-party electronic forms software, that facilitates the use of the word processor software for the design of feature-rich, interactive electronic forms that are then rendered outside of the word-processor software by the third-party software, for example as online forms within unmodified web-browsers. 1. A computer implemented method of using a custom programming object representing a form field that is inserted into a document being edited within a word processor running embedded third-party eForms design software. The object is inserted in the exact position and of the size of the user's choice , where the object then behaves as an integral part of the document. The field object's position and size within the on-screen document appears precisely where the field will appear on an interactive electronic form that is subsequently rendered by the third-party electronic forms software , both on screen and when printed.2. A computer implemented method whereby the user can select a custom programming object representing a field within a word processing document (as in ) with a mouse-click or key-press. On selection claim 1 , the full range of properties it will have when rendered as a feature rich electronic form by third-party software claim 1 , can be viewed claim 1 , and edited within a third-party forms design interface that is integrated into the word processor interface.3. A computer implemented method whereby a word processor document with fields (as in and ) can be saved claim 1 , with data that encodes third-party form claim 1 , page and field properties being saved within the word-processor document file claim 1 , so that editing of the enhanced form document can continue when the document is reopened.4. A computer implemented method whereby a custom programming object representing a field within a word processing document (as in ) has properties claim 1 , set by ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENHANCING PRIVACY AND EFFICIENCY ON DISTRIBUTED LEDGER-BASED NETWORKS

One or more embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems that are directed at providing enhanced privacy, efficiency and security to distributed ledger-based networks (DLNs) via the implementation of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in the DLNs. ZKPs allow participants of DLNs to make statements on the DLNs about some private information and to prove the truth of the information without having to necessarily reveal the private information publicly. As such, the disclosed methods and systems directed at the ZKP-enabled DLNs provide privacy and efficiency to participants of the DLNs while still allowing the DLNs to remain as consensus-based networks. 1. A method , comprising:receiving a request that is configured to cause a first non-fungible asset and a second non-fungible asset to be combined into a combined non-fungible asset; the first non-fungible token obtained via an application of a first hashing function on a first identifying parameter of the first non-fungible asset, and', 'the second non-fungible token obtained via an application of a second hashing function on a second identifying parameter of the second non-fungible asset;, 'generating, in response to the request, a combined non-fungible token identifying a combined non-fungible asset, the combined non-fungible token including a combination of a first non-fungible token representing the first non-fungible asset and a second non-fungible token representing the second non-fungible asset,'}providing, by a provider and to a self-executing code segment on a distributed ledger-based network (DLN), a zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) that the provider has knowledge of an identity of the first non-fungible token, the second non-fungible token and/or the combined non-fungible token; andreceiving, upon verification of the ZKP by the self-executing code segment, a confirmation of a registration of the combined non-fungible asset on the DLN.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving the confirmation occurs after ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENHANCING NETWORK PRIVACY OF MULTIPLE PARTY DOCUMENTS ON DISTRIBUTED LEDGER-BASED NETWORKS

Embodiments of the instant disclosure include methods and systems directed at providing enhanced security and privacy to multiple party communications that occur on zero knowledge proof (ZKP)-enabled distributed ledger-based networks (DLNs). In particular, the methods and systems include subject matter related to the deployment, and approval, of a multi-party document or instrument for consideration and approval by multiple participants of the DLN. 1. A method , comprising:generating, via a processor, a commitment to facilitate an approval, by a party of a plurality of parties, of a document to be approved by the plurality of parties on a distributed ledger-based network (DLN), the commitment generated by hashing a public identifier on the DLN of the party and a random nonce;generating, via the processor, a hierarchical tree structure that includes the commitment as a leaf node of the hierarchical tree structure;providing, via the processor and to a self-executing code segment on the DLN, the commitment, a hash of a content of the multi-party document and a root of the hierarchical tree structure; andproviding, via the processor, a duplicate of the content of the multi-party document to the party.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hashing the public identifier and/or the random nonce includes hashing a result of an application of a combining operator on the public identifier and the random nonce.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hashing the public identifier and/or the random nonce includes hashing a result of an application of a combining operator on the public identifier and the random nonce claim 1 , the combining operator being a concatenation operator.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hierarchical tree structure is a Merkle tree.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the public identifier is a public key of the party on the DLN.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein (1) the providing the commitment claim 1 , the hash of the content of the multi-party ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE PLASMA TREATMENT FOR REDUCING METAL OXIDES ON A METAL SEED LAYER

Method and apparatus for reducing metal oxide surfaces to modified metal surfaces and cooling the metal surfaces are disclosed. By exposing a metal oxide surface to remote plasma, the metal oxide surface on a substrate can be reduced to pure metal. A remote plasma apparatus can treat the metal oxide surface as well as actively cool, load/unload, and move the substrate within a single standalone apparatus. The remote plasma apparatus can be configured to actively cool the substrate during and/or after reducing the metal oxide to pure metal using an active cooling system. The active cooling system can include one or more of an actively cooled pedestal, an actively cooled showerhead, and one or more cooling gas inlets for delivering cooling gas to cool the substrate. 1. A remote plasma apparatus comprising:a processing chamber;a substrate support for holding a substrate with a metal seed layer in the processing chamber, wherein a portion of the metal seed layer of the substrate has been converted to oxide of the metal;a remote plasma source over the substrate support;a showerhead comprising a plurality of through-holes and positioned between the remote plasma source and the substrate support; and form a remote plasma of a reducing gas species in the remote plasma source;', 'expose the metal seed layer of the substrate to the remote plasma in the processing chamber under conditions that reduce the oxide of the metal; and', 'move the substrate away from the substrate support and towards the showerhead to position the substrate closer to the showerhead, wherein the showerhead is actively cooled to a temperature below about 30° C. so that a temperature of the substrate is lower when closer to the actively cooled showerhead than when further away from the actively cooled showerhead., 'a controller configured with instructions for performing the following operations2. The remote plasma apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising one or more cooling gas inlets for delivering ...

Modification of feeding behavior

Methods are disclosed for decreasing calorie intake, food intake, and appetite in a subject. The methods include peripherally administering PYY or an agonist thereof and GLP-1 or an agonist thereof to the subject, simultaneously or sequentially, thereby decreasing the calorie intake of the subject.

SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUSES FOR GENERATING REGIONS OF INTEREST FROM VOXEL MODE BASED THRESHOLDS

The described implementations relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for generating regions of interest () from imaging data (). Specifically, the regions of interest are generated for tracking treatment efficacy in a more consistent and repeatable manner. The regions of interest can be generated from contrast medium and non-contrast medium enhanced scans () of a patient. Voxel data derived from the scans can be collected and distributed according to respective intensity values in order to identify mode voxels () for particular ranges () of intensities. Regions of interest () can then be generated for each identified mode voxel, and standard deviations for the regions of interest can be determined. One or more thresholds can be derived from the determined standard deviations in order to further filter the intensity values and identify filtered groups of voxels to be the resulting regions of interest. 1. A method implemented by one or more processors , the method comprising:{'b': 212', '102, 'receiving imaging data () corresponding to three-dimensional scans () of organ tissue, the imaging data based on a comparison between one or more contrast medium enhanced scans of a patient and one or more non-contrast medium enhanced scans of the patient;'}{'b': 130', '132', '134', '122', '124', '126', '128, 'processing voxels of the imaging data to identify one or more modes (, , ) from the imaging data, wherein the one or more modes are identified from one or more distributions (, , ) of enhancement values of the voxels over ranges () of the enhancement values;'}{'b': 110', '112', '114', '116', '118', '120, 'generating a region of interest (, , ) for a mode voxel (, , ) corresponding to the determined one or more modes, wherein the region of interest identifies a volume of data corresponding to a region surrounding the mode voxel;'}generating a tissue threshold value for the enhancement values based on standard deviations of the enhancement values for particular voxels ...

Asphalt modifiers for "warm mix" applications including adhesion promoter

The present invention generally relates to an additive package for warm-mix asphalt formulations for the pavement of road surfaces, said additive package comprising a) surfactant component, and b) an asphalt rheology modifying component, wherein said asphalt rheology modifying component comprises at least one of a i) a wax component and ii) a resin component. The invention also relates to a warm mix asphalt having improved compaction at lower temperatures, and to a pavement made from said warm mix asphalt.

Adhesion and cohesion modifiers for asphalt

The present invention relates to a bitumen or asphalt formulation for the pavement of road surfaces, said formulation comprising a mixture of bitumen and aggregates, and an additive package evenly distributed therein, said additive package comprising from about i) 10 to 60% by weight of an amine or modified amine surfactant, ii) from about 20 to 90% of an asphalt rheology modifying component.

Asphalt modifiers for “warm mix” applications including adhesion promoter

The present invention generally relates to an additive package for warm-mix asphalt formulations for the pavement of road surfaces, said additive package comprising a) surfactant component, and b) an asphalt rheology modifying component, wherein said asphalt rheology modifying component comprises at least one of a i) a wax component and ii) a resin component. The invention also relates to a warm mix asphalt having improved compaction at lower temperatures, and to a pavement made from said warm mix asphalt.

Asphalt modifiers for "warm mix" applications including adhesion promoter

The present invention generally relates to an additive package for warm-mix asphalt formulations for the pavement of road surfaces, said additive package comprising a) surfactant component, and b) an asphalt rheology modifying component, wherein said asphalt rheology modifying component comprises at least one of a i) a wax component and ii) a resin component. The invention also relates to a warm mix asphalt having improved compaction at lower temperatures, and to a pavement made from said warm mix asphalt.

Adhesion and cohesion modifiers for asphalt

The present invention relates to a bitumen or asphalt formulation for the pavement of road surfaces, said formulation comprising a mixture of bitumen and aggregates, and an additive package evenly distributed therein, said additive package comprising from about i) 10 to 60% by weight of an amine or modified amine surfactant, ii) from about 20 to 90% of an asphalt rheology modifying component.

Adhesion and cohesion modifiers for asphalt

The present invention relates to a bitumen or asphalt formulation for the pavement of road surfaces, said formulation comprising a mixture of bitumen and aggregates, and an additive package evenly distributed therein, said additive package comprising from about i) 10 to 60% by weight of an amine or modified amine surfactant, ii) from about 20 to 90% of an asphalt rheology modifying component.

Adhesion and cohesion modifiers for asphalt

The present invention relates to a bitumen or asphalt formulation for the pavement of road surfaces, said formulation comprising a mixture of bitumen and aggregates, and an additive package evenly distributed therein, said additive package comprising from about i) 10 to 60% by weight of an amine or modified amine surfactant, ii) from about 20 to 90% of an asphalt rheology modifying component.

Asphalt modifiers for “warm mix” applications including adhesion promoter

The present invention generally relates to an additive package for warm-mix asphalt formulations for the pavement of road surfaces, said additive package comprising a) surfactant component, and b) an asphalt rheology modifying component, wherein said asphalt rheology modifying component comprises at least one of a i) a wax component and ii) a resin component. The invention also relates to a warm mix asphalt having improved compaction at lower temperatures, and to a pavement made from said warm mix asphalt.

Emission control device for a motor

Es wird eine Schadstoffbegrenzungseinrichtung offenbart, bei welcher ein Abgaskühler 13 stromaufwärts eines Mager-NOx-Speichers 15 angeordnet ist, um die Temperatur der durch den Mager-NOx-Speicher 15 strömenden Abgase zu senken. Der Abgaskühler 13 kann in einem Ladedruckregel-Kanal 16 für einen Turbolader 20 angeordnet sein und ermöglicht das Positionieren des Mager-NOx-Speichers 15 nahe einem Auslass eines Motors 10. In einer bevorzugten Ausführung sind ein Dreiwegekatalysator 14 und ein Mager-NOx-Speicher 15 in einem einzigen Gehäuse 22 untergebracht.

Antibodies to IL-1R1

This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, specific for interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1). For example, isolated binding members specific for IL-1R1 which competes with IL-1 and IL-1Ra for binding to IL-1R1 and binds Il-1R1 with a K D of 10 pM or less when measured by Kinexa™. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IL-1R1 including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Inhaler

An inhaler (1) including a blister strip (2) is proposed. The unused blister strip is stored in a spiral (16). After use, the blister strip is conveyed into another spiral (17). Both spirals share a common space within the inhaler and may be separated by a loose guiding element (18). The spirals and the guiding element may comprise protrusions (19) to reduce sliding friction. Additionally or alternatively, a lubricant (31) may be used to reduce friction.

Devices and techniques for a minimally invasive disc space preparation and implant insertion

Methods and instruments are provided for performing spinal disc space preparation and implant insertion in minimally invasive procedures. The instruments include cutting instruments and implant insertion instruments adapted for insertion through a minimally invasive access portal to a spinal disc space. The proximal portions of the instruments are adapted to facilitate viewing through a proximal end opening of the access portal with the instruments positioned through the access portal while also enhancing the surgeon's control of the distal working end of the instruments while in the disc space.

Binding members against il-1r1

This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, specific for interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1). For example, isolated binding members specific for IL-1R1 which competes with IL-I and IL-1Ra for binding to IL-1R1 and binds I1-1R1 with a KD of 10pM or less when measured by KinexaTM. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IL-1R1 including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Modification of feeding behavior using PYY and GLP-1

Methods are disclosed for decreasing calorie intake, food intake, and appetite in a subject. The methods include peripherally administering PYY or an agonist thereof and GLP-1 or an agonist thereof to the subject, simultaneously or sequentially, thereby decreasing the calorie intake of the subject.

Nucleic acid molecule encoding a specific IL-1R1 antibody

This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, specific for interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1). For example, isolated binding members specific for IL-1R1 which competes with IL-1 and IL-1Ra for binding to IL-1R1 and binds Il-1R1 with a K D of 10 pM or less when measured by Kinexa™. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IL-1R1 including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Antibodies to IL-1 R1 and methods of making them

This invention relates to binding members, especially antibody molecules, specific for interleukin 1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1). For example, isolated binding members specific for IL-1R1 which competes with IL-1 and IL-1Ra for binding to IL-1R1 and binds Il-1R1 with a K D of 10 pM or less when measured by Kinexa™. The binding members are useful for, inter alia, treatment of disorders mediated by IL-1R1 including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Combination Therapy For Treatment Of Cancer

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising: one or more bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) (BET-PROTAC) therapeutic agents or one or more cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) PROTAC (CDK9-PROTAC) therapeutic agents; and one or more kinase inhibitors, one or more KRAS inhibitors, or one or more autophagy inhibitors; and methods of treating cancer in a human patient by administering such pharmaceutical compositions are described herein.

Nonlinear optical switch utilising organic conjugated material and four wave mixing techniques

An object of this invention is to provide a nonlinear all-optical switching device (Fig.1) comprising of a waveguide (1) of organic conjugated material forming the nonlinear optical medium. The nonlinear material exhibits an index of refraction which is a function of the local intensity of light passing through the material. Light beams (2) passing through the waveguide intersect and interact causing scattering of light out of the beams and into secondary beams (3), providing a spatial switching function. Such an all-optical switch is capable of routing light signals in an optical fibre communication system at rates approaching 1 THz and can be used as an amplifier or modulator and can also form the switch components in optical multiplexers/demultiplexers.

PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF ALCOHOL / KETONE MIXTURES

L'invention concerne un procédé de préparation d'un mélange alcools/ cétones par décomposition d'un hydropéroxyde d'alkyle.Elle se rapporte plus particulièrement à la préparation d'un mélange cyclohexanol/cyclohexanone par décomposition d'hydropéroxyde de cyclohexyle en présence d'une catalyse hétérogène. Selon l'invention, la réaction est réalisée en présence d'un catalyseur hétérogène comprenant un segment organométallique fixé sur la surface d'un composé solide poreux comme de la silice. Le segment organométallique peut correspondre à la formule générale suivante : (CF DESSIN DANS BOPI) The invention relates to a process for the preparation of an alcohol / ketone mixture by decomposition of an alkyl hydroperoxide. It relates more particularly to the preparation of a cyclohexanol / cyclohexanone mixture by decomposition of cyclohexyl hydroperoxide in the presence of 'a heterogeneous catalysis. According to the invention, the reaction is carried out in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst comprising an organometallic segment attached to the surface of a porous solid compound such as silica. The organometallic segment can correspond to the following general formula: (CF DRAWING IN BOPI)

Conduit overheating detection system

-16- This invention relates to respiratory humidifiers and heated breathing conduits used to couple a patient to the humidifier. A conduit overheating detection system for a conduit having heating wire or element is disclosed. The overheating detection system may be utilised with a in a single limb conduit system or dual limb system. In each of these systems the conduit overheating detection system monitors the current in the heating element(s) and alters the power to the heating element(s) to prevent the occurrence the heating element(s) and/or conduit from overheating.

COMPOSITE MANUFACTURE PRODUCT IN BETA-ALUMINUM

L'invention concerne un procédé de fabrication d'un tube séparateur d'électrolyte solide 10 en béta-alumine pour une pile électrochimique rechargeable à haute température, ledit tube comprenant une portion de tube intérieure 12 logée à l'intérieur et s'étendant le long de l'intérieur d'une portion de tube extérieure 14, les portions de tube étant scellées hermétiquement ensemble à une extrémité du tube séparateur et définissant entre elles un compartiment d'électrode 28 à section transversale annulaire. Conformément à l'invention, on utilise pour les portions de tube intérieure 12 et extérieure 14 des poudres et une disposition telles que la portion de tube extérieure 14 se contracte en rayon à un degré suffisant pour éliminer le jeu résiduel entre les portions de tube 12, 14 de sorte qu'elles deviennent scellées hermétiquement et frittées ensemble dans ladite zone conformée. Application aux piles électrochimiques rechargeables à haute température. The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a solid beta-alumina electrolyte separator tube 10 for a high temperature rechargeable electrochemical cell, said tube comprising an inner tube portion 12 housed therein and extending therethrough. along the inside of an outer tube portion 14, the tube portions being hermetically sealed together at one end of the separator tube and defining between them an electrode compartment 28 of annular cross section. According to the invention, for the inner 12 and outer 14 tube portions, powders are used and an arrangement such that the outer tube portion 14 contracts in radius to a sufficient degree to eliminate the residual play between the tube portions 12. , 14 so that they become hermetically sealed and sintered together in said shaped area. Application to rechargeable electrochemical cells at high temperature.

WINDSCREEN WIPER MECHANISM AND APPARATUS COMPRISING SAME.

Inhaler

An inhaler is disclosed. It comprises a housing to receive an elongate strip of blisters each containing a dose of medicament and being sequentially movable into alignment with means for breaching a blister to enable a user to inhale said dose contained therein. The device comprises a spiral wound element (50) within the housing that receives and coils said strip of blisters that have been breached.