Abstract:
A metadata browse system supports the capture of metadata from multiple sources and formats, its conversion to a standard format, the linking of concepts from disconnected namespaces, discovery of hidden information, and the display of this data.
Abstract:
A staple housing includes an array of staples each in a staple delivery position or “ready position” ready to be fired into target tissue. A staple driver is advanceable to drive the ready-position staples from the staple head into the tissue using staple pushers. During use, the staples in the ready positions are simultaneously fired into the target tissue using the staple pushers, forming an array of staples in the target tissue. After the array has been fired, one or more feed mechanisms within the staple housing advance a second group of staples from one or more staple storage locations into the ready positions in preparation for firing of the second group of staples.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for measuring the percentage natural of a cleaning composition using radiocarbon dating data. The percentage natural of a cleaning composition is defined as the amount of material that comes from non-petroleum based or derived products. By using radiocarbon data for the entire composition or its individual components one can determine the percentage of materials which are from non-petroleum based or derived products, and calculate the percent Renewable Carbon Index (RCI). The percent RCI can be used to calculate the percent natural of the cleaning composition as defined by the methods of the present invention.
Abstract:
Described herein are endoscopic staplers used to apply one or more fasteners to body tissue. In one embodiment, a fastener-applying device, which is preferably a stapler, is passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed staplers allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver staples for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications are formed, medical devices may optionally be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.
Abstract:
Implantable prosthetic valve systems and methods for implanting them are provided. Magnets are employed within one or more components of the valve systems to facilitate anchoring of the prosthetic valve at a target implant site, delivery of the prosthetic valve to the target implant site or both.
Abstract:
Mask (10, 10′, 21, 22, 30) for use in coating a carbon-carbon composite brake disc (25) with anti-oxidant. The mask is composed of carbon-carbon composite material or nonreactive ceramic material. The mask is configured with edge ridges (11, 13, 34, 36) that are aligned with the outer and inner annular diameters of the carbon-carbon composite brake disc, a gas flow channel (12, 32) between the ridges, and a gas access port (18, 40) that allows gas to enter the gas flow channel. The mask may also include a gas exit port (16) having a valve (17) operatively connected thereto, so that gas flow may be restricted when pressure within the mask and carbon-carbon composite brake disc falls below a specified minimum value. Also, a method of avoiding application of liquid antioxidant material to a friction surface of a carbon-carbon composite brake disc, by: covering the friction surface with a mask configured to deliver compressed gas to the friction surface, and directing compressed gas across the friction surface and through pores in the carbon-carbon composite brake disc and/or in the mask while the masked brake disc is in the presence of the antioxidant material in a liquid state.
Abstract:
This invention discloses novel gamma secretase inhibitors of the formula: R2 and R3, or R2 and R4, or R3 and R4, together with the atoms to which they are bound, can form a fused cycloalkyl or fused heterocycloalkyl ring. The cycloalkyl ring or the heterocycloalkyl ring can be optionally substituted with one or more substitutents. One or more compounds of formula (I), or formulations comprising such compounds, may be useful, e.g. in treating Alzheimer's Disease.
Abstract:
Systems and methods prevent magnetic implant migration and extrusion in the upper airway. The systems and methods relate both to surgical techniques as well as structural features to address the problem of magnetic implant migration.
Abstract:
Implantable prosthetic valve systems and methods for implanting them are provided. Magnets are employed within one or more components of the valve systems to facilitate anchoring of the prosthetic valve at a target implant site, delivery of the prosthetic valve to the target implant site or both.
Abstract:
A candle including regions made up of fuels which produce differing flame heights and/or flame levels when burned, and a method of making such a candle, are disclosed.