Abstract: A system for augmenting a bone structure. A shape memory device includes a deflectable distal segment including temperature-dependent memory metal material. The shape memory device is slidably received within a guide cannula. The deflectable distal segment may include a substantially longitudinally straightened form, such as when subjected to a force from the guide cannula. The deflectable distal segment forms a first deflected shape having a first bend away from said straight longitudinal axis at a first elevated temperature greater than an initial temperature, and forms a second deflected shape having a second bend away from said straight longitudinal axis at a second elevated temperature greater than said first elevated temperature. The shape memory device may create voids within the bone structure with the deflectable distal segment at the first and/or second bends. Methods for positioning a shape memory device within a bone structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: System and components for inducing pleurodesis or other sclerosis or desired adhesion conditions to treat a patient, while minimizing likelihood of tissue damage from direct application of sclerosis-enhancing materials. A tube device is provided that is configured to elute sclerosis-enhancing material and/or other medicaments including autologous or otherwise patient compatible blood and/or blood component(s) via an assembly including fenestrated drainage tube which may be a multi-lumen assembly allowing simultaneous infusion/elution and drainage. The assembly of tube device with outer (typically drainage) tube may include one or more features configured to enhance delivery of medicament and/or drainage through the same assembly.

Abstract: In a computer-implemented method for using an application platform to design an application, an interface for developing an application is displayed at a computer system, the interface including a plurality of components for use in visually designing the application. A selection of a component is received at the interface. A placement of the component in the application is received within the interface. The application is compiled such that the application executes natively on a target processor, and where the application is bound directly to a native graphics library associated with the target processor. A style selection for the component of the application is received, the style selection modifying an appearance of the component. The application including the style selection is executed within the interface during design time such that the component is rendered according to the style selection without re-compiling the application.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, apparatuses and methods for detecting one or more nucleic acid targets present in a sample. Methods of the invention include utilizing two or more ligation probes that reversibly bind a target nucleic acid in close proximity to each other and possess complementary reactive ligation moieties. When such probes have bound to the target in the proper orientation, they are able to undergo a spontaneous chemical ligation reaction that yields a ligation product that is directly detected or that is amplified to produce amplicons that are then detected. The present invention also provides methods to stabilize sample RNA so that degradation does not significantly affect the results of the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quilting machine and more specifically a long-arm stitching machine, or stitcher. The stitcher includes handles that are used to trace a laser dot on a pantograph pattern located in front of the fabric being quilted. Tracing the laser dot ensures that the needle and thread associated with the sewing machine head duplicates the pattern being traced. In the present invention, the handles are placed to one side of the sewing machine head to allow an operator to remain upright when watching the laser trace the pattern or the needle and thread quilting the fabric.

Abstract: A computer-usable storage medium having instructions embodied therein that when executed cause a computer system to perform a method for using an application platform for designing an application. An interface for developing an application is provided at a computer system. A plurality of components are provided at the interface for use in visually designing the application. A selection of a component from the plurality of components is received at the interface. A placement of the component in the application is received within the interface. The application is compiled with the component and the placement of the component such that the application executes natively on a target processor, and wherein the application is bound directly to a native graphics library associated with the target processor.

Abstract: A method and network for transmitting a message from a sender to a recipient wherein the sender has no previous knowledge of the recipient's identity. A method is provided for registering a user with a web-enabled database service by providing correlating data on the user's identity and vehicle license plate number and/or other vehicle identifying information. A sender observing a vehicle can send a message to the recipient by logging onto the service and sending a message including the license plate number of the vehicle or other vehicle identifying information. The service will forward the message to the recipient by looking up the vehicle information, discerning the most appropriate communications method(s), and causing the message to be transmitted to the recipient or stored for later delivery.

Abstract: System and components for inducing pleurodesis or other sclerosis or desired adhesion conditions to treat a patient, while minimizing likelihood of tissue damage from direct application of sclerosis-enhancing materials. A tube device is provided that is configured to elute sclerosis-enhancing material and/or other medicaments via a fenestrated drainage tube. The assembly of tube device with outer (typically drainage) tube may include one or more features configured to enhance delivery of medicament and/or drainage through the same assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quilting machine, or stitcher, further including a centrally located swiveling tablet mount for securing a tablet that is used in the quilting process. The mount is positioned such that a user may access the mount from either side of, or the rear or front of the stitcher. The mount is one capable of swiveling so that the user does not have to move the tablet between front and rear mounts of the stitcher or buy separate tablets for a front and rear mount.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automatically controlling the tension of thread sewn while operating a sewing machine The system for controlling the tension of thread being used includes a wheel or other gripping mechanism that is in mechanical communication with a motor. When voltage and/or current is provided to the motor via electronic circuitry, the motor “pulls” on the thread with the desired force in a direction opposite to how the thread normally flows. The voltage and/or current delivered to the motor may be adjusted by a user. When the motor pulls on a thread to provide tension, the tension may be maintained independently of the sliding friction of the thread. As such, the tension is very accurate and repeatable, and provides for a tension that cannot be achieved with currently existing sewing machines.

Abstract: A method and network for transmitting a message from a sender to a recipient wherein the sender has no previous knowledge of the recipient's identity. A method is provided for registering a user with a web-enabled database service by providing correlating data on the user's identity and vehicle license plate number and/or other vehicle identifying information. A sender observing a vehicle can send a message to the recipient by logging onto the service and sending a message including the license plate number of the vehicle or other vehicle identifying information. The service will forward the message to the recipient by looking up the vehicle information, discerning the most appropriate communications method(s), and causing the message to be transmitted to the recipient or stored for later delivery.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a superior vertebra relative to an inferior vertebra includes a plate having a first surface for mating with the superior and inferior vertebra and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plate has a first hole configured for overlying the superior vertebra and a second hole configured for overlying the inferior vertebra. An alignment instrument has a leading portion and a trailing portion. The leading portion has a securing mechanism configured for removable attachment to a fastening mechanism of the plate. The alignment instrument also includes an alignment prong extending past the first surface of the plate when the plate is attached to the fastening mechanism. The alignment prong provides tactile information to the trailing portion of the alignment instrument for use in positioning the plate with respect to the superior and inferior vertebra.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method of improving the wellbeing, as herein defined, of an animal comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of a composition containing: vitamin K1, vitamin K2 or a mixture of vitamin K1 and vitamin K2, together with a physiologically acceptable carrier, excipient and/or diluent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quilting machine, or stitcher, further including a centrally located swiveling tablet mount for securing a tablet that is used in the quilting process. The mount is positioned such that a user may access the mount from either side of, or the rear or front of the stitcher. The mount is one capable of swiveling so that the user does not have to move the tablet between front and rear mounts of the stitcher or buy separate tablets for a front and rear mount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quilting machine and more specifically a long-arm stitching machine, or stitcher. The stitcher includes handles that are used to trace a laser dot on a pantograph pattern located in front of the fabric being quilted. Tracing the laser dot ensures that the needle and thread associated with the sewing machine head duplicates the pattern being traced. In the present invention, the handles are placed to one side of the sewing machine head to allow an operator to remain upright when watching the laser trace the pattern or the needle and thread quilting the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of operating a quilting or sewing machine. In the method, an operator may switch the modes in which the sewing machine is operating. The modes may be switched when the sewing machine is in operation or when the machine is stopped. The modes to which the sewing machine may be switched to and from may be pre-set modes as defined by an operator. The modes that may be switched to and from may include settings for stitch mode and stitch speed. The buttons may be physical buttons associated with the sewing machine's handles, or they may be digital buttons associated with a tablet device.

Abstract: A method and network for transmitting a message from a sender to a recipient wherein the sender has no previous knowledge of the recipient's identity. A method is provided for registering a user with a web-enabled database service by providing correlating data on the user's identity and vehicle license plate number and/or other vehicle identifying information. A sender observing a vehicle can send a message to the recipient by logging onto the service and sending a message including the license plate number of the vehicle or other vehicle identifying information. The service will forward the message to the recipient by looking up the vehicle information, discerning the most appropriate communications method(s), and causing the message to be transmitted to the recipient or stored for later delivery.

Abstract: System and components for inducing pleurodesis or other sclerosis or desired adhesion conditions to treat a patient, while minimizing likelihood of tissue damage from direct application of sclerosis-enhancing materials. A tube device is provided that is configured to elute sclerosis-enhancing material and/or other medicaments via a fenestrated drainage tube. The assembly of tube device with outer (typically drainage) tube may include one or more features configured to enhance delivery of medicament and/or drainage through the same assembly.