Abstract:
Nerve regeneration devices are provided with improved rates of axonal regeneration, and methods for their manufacture are also disclosed. The devices are formed from a biocompatible, absorbable polymer, known as poly-4hydroxybutyrate. Growth factors, drugs, or cells that improve nerve regeneration may be incorporated into the devices. The devices are administered by implantation preferably without the use of sutures. In one aspect, the device is in the form of a wrap that can be used easily to capture the severed nerve bundle ends during surgery, and formed into a conduit in situ. If desired, the edges of the wrap can be melted together to seal the conduit, and hold it in place. A major advantage of the device is that it does not need to be removed after use since it is slowly degraded and cleared by the patient's body, yet remains functional in situ beyond the time required for nerve regeneration, and helps exclude scar tissue. The device also degrades in a cell-friendly manner, and does not release highly acidic or inflammatory metabolites. Furthermore, the device is flexible, strong, does not crush the regenerating nerve, is easy to handle, reduces surgical time by eliminating the need to harvest an autologous graft, and allows the surgeon to repair the nerve without a prolonged delay.
Abstract:
A system and method for simulating a stress or failure in a network of a plurality of simulated networked program logic controllers includes simulating a plurality of networked program logic controllers in a network, the networked program logic controllers each having network information defining a node, the network information being selected from a type of program logic controller, an I/O connected to the program logic controller and a type of connection for the program logic controller; providing an interface in communication with each of the networked program logic controllers for simulating a network error; and activating the interface for inducing one of a stress or failure in the network.
Abstract:
A system and method of establishing a multi-party dispatch communication session is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of a method of the present invention, the method includes receiving an invitation to join a multi-party dispatch communication session directed to a called party at a dispatch network. The invitation is transmitted to the called party by the dispatch network and an option is provided to the called party to either accept the invitation, decline the invitation, or defer the invitation. In accordance with an embodiment of a system of the present invention, the system includes a dispatch network where the network transmits an invitation option to a plurality of called parties to either accept an invitation to join a multi-party dispatch communication session, decline the invitation, or defer the invitation. The dispatch network establishes a multi-party dispatch communication session between a set of the plurality of called parties that accept the invitation.
Abstract:
A system and method of conducting a dispatch multi-party communication session is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of a method of the present invention, the method includes establishing a dispatch multi-party communication session in a dispatch network and identifying the dispatch multi-party communication session to a subscriber of the dispatch network. A join request is received at the dispatch network from the subscriber in response to identifying the dispatch multi-party communication session and the subscriber is joined to the session in response to the received join request. In accordance with an embodiment of a system of the present invention, the system includes a dispatch network wherein the network establishes a dispatch multi-party communication session and identifies the dispatch multi-party communication session to a subscriber of the dispatch network. The dispatch network joins the subscriber to the dispatch multi-party communication session in response to a join request received at the dispatch network from the subscriber.
Abstract:
A new and improved method for optimizing state guarantee fund coverage for insurance transactions is herein disclosed. An insurance product includes at least two primary insurance policies written on a quota share basis, the policies having a combined coverage value, the percentage of the combined coverage value covered by each policy being between about 1% and about 99%. An insurance product includes a combined coverage value, wherein approximately 50% or more of the combined coverage value is protected by a jurisdictional guarantee association.
Abstract:
A pressure compensated tubing injector for injecting coiled tubing into a subsea wellhead or flowline. A traction device including grippers carried on respective opposing chain loops provides gripping engagement with the coiled tubing to longitudinally move the coiled tubing. A plurality of sealed outboard bearing assemblies guide movement of the chain loops. A drive unit powers the chain loops and includes a sealed gear case. One or more pressure compensators are placed in communication with the sealed gear case and one or more of the bearing assemblies, to compensate for subsea pressure and prevent intrusion of seawater. The bearing assemblies may include self-contained pressure compensators.
Abstract:
A filler neck for a fuel tank used on busses achieves higher filling rates by varying the geometry and cross sectional size of the filler neck depending on local slope of the neck and available space to fit the neck, particularly between a bus chassis frame rail and the bus body floor.
Abstract:
A clothes dryer has a heat source, preferably a heat pump, a rotating drum, and means to generate flow of air from the heat source to an inlet in the drum. At least two outlets are separated from each other in the drum to enable higher air flow rates without increase in pressure drop, resulting in reduced drying time.
Abstract:
A system for providing programmable logic data on demand includes a portion for receiving a plurality of data requests at the programmable logic controller and a portion for processing the plurality of data requests asynchronously. An interface enables asynchronous processing to enhance and extend capabilities of the programmable logic controller.