Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for lead extraction using a lead locking device are provided. The apparatus includes a lead extraction assistance device for use with a lead locking device (LLD) in a lead extraction procedure, the apparatus includes a lead locking device (LLD); a lead locking assist device coupled to the LLD wherein the lead locking assist device includes an assembly configured with a center shaft that has an inlet that for entry of the lead (10) and configured with an outlet for exiting the LLD wherein the assembly clamps both an entered lead and an exited LLD; and a module disposed in the assembly and coupled to both the entered lead and the exited LLD, the module configured to apply, a first action by a rotational motor (60) to twist the entering lead and a second action by a hammering device (87) for hammering the entered lead to assist in pulling out the lead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a protein hydrolysate using a polypeptide having endopeptidase activity and a polypeptide having carboxypeptidase activity and the use of these enzymes for hydrolysing a protein substrate. In addition, the present invention relates to polypeptides having carboxypeptidase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Various techniques facilitate the development of an image library that can be used to train and/or validate an automated visual inspection (AVI) model, such an AVI neural network for image classification. In one aspect, an arithmetic transposition algorithm is used to generate synthetic images from original images by transposing features (e.g., defects) onto the original images, with pixel-level realism. In other aspects, digital inpainting techniques are used to generate realistic synthetic images from original images. Deep learning-based inpainting techniques may be used to add, remove, and/or modify defects or other depicted features. In still other aspects, quality control techniques are used to assess the suitability of image libraries for training and/or validation of AVI models, and/or to assess whether individual images are suitable for inclusion in such libraries.

Abstract: A leaflet resection catheter apparatus and system for a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure including a catheter configured at a distal end with a guidewire to deploy the catheter within a vessel lumen to a situs of an aortic valve for leaflet resection; an accessory tool configured with a set of grasping elements attached at a catheter's distal end to enable the accessory tool to travel down the vessel lumen to the situs of the aortic valve to exert a pulling action to draw the aortic valve leaflet in a direction towards the catheter's distal end to draw a portion of the aortic valve leaflet into a protective sleeve of the catheter at the catheter's distal end; and one or more fibers of a ring of fibers surrounding the catheter's distal end to resect tissue that includes a portion of the aortic valve leaflet drawn into the protective sleeve.

Abstract: A medical device assembly is disclosed. The medical device assembly includes a therapeusis delivery portion and an algometer portion. The therapeusis delivery portion includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The algometer portion includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body of the therapeusis delivery portion defines a therapeusis-delivering passage and an algometer-receiving passage. The algometer-receiving passage may be sized to receive a portion of the algometer portion for connecting the algometer portion to the therapeusis delivery portion. A portion of medical device assembly is also disclosed. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for computer network infrastructure provisioning are provided. In one illustrative implementation, a base server is sent to and physically installed at a remote site by field technicians, the base server automatically and securely connects back to a central site, and then becomes the platform to logically provision all other network elements to start a remote network infrastructure, wherein this process may be accomplished without intervention by network engineers at the remote site. The connection and communication between the central and remote site can be implemented over various networks, such as over the Internet, over a private IP network, over a cellular network, and/or other networks. According to implementations herein, the base server can ensure physical and logical integrity even if the environment or the chain of custody of the equipment involved is not trusted.

Abstract: A medical device assembly is disclosed. The medical device assembly includes a therapeusis delivery portion and an algometer portion. The therapeusis delivery portion includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The algometer portion includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body of the therapeusis delivery portion defines a therapeusis-delivering passage and an algometer-receiving passage. The algometer-receiving passage may be sized to receive a portion of the algometer portion for connecting the algometer portion to the therapeusis delivery portion. A portion of medical device assembly is also disclosed. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for stacking media items, comprising a base member for supporting a stack of media items, at least one first registration member extending generally upwardly with respect to the base member, and at least one further registration member extending generally upwardly with respect to the base member and spaced apart from the first registration member, wherein at least a one of the first and further registration members is selectively moveable towards or away from a remainder one of the first and further registration members in an input direction of the media items. A method of stacking media items is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for stacking media items, comprising a base member for supporting a stack of media items, at least one first registration member extending generally upwardly with respect to the base member, and at least one further registration member extending generally upwardly with respect to the base member and spaced apart from the first registration member, wherein at least a one of the first and further registration members is selectively moveable towards or away from a remainder one of the first and further registration members in an input direction of the media items. A method of stacking media items is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a multiple server based interactive voice response (IVR) system in which individual IVR strings on an index computer are associated with connections to external servers, the IVR system index computer accessible by each individual IVR string's self-identification telephone number either from Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) information, Automatic Number Identification (ANI) service information, item ID information provided by a caller or a combination thereof. When a call is received to the IVR system index computer, it uses DNIS, ANI and/or item ID information to route the call to string information (outgoing messages, menu options, etc) which might be located the index computer or on a clientele computer. In embodiments, the client business might be able to easily access the information associating options to messages and the message files themselves and change their IVR string without technical support.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for making temporary changes to business logic implemented in a software program. In the preferred embodiment, business logic is stored in rules that are associated together in a series of tests. Changes to the business logic are stored in overrides, which contain one or more instructions for altering the rules. These instructions can either add or delete a business rule, or can create a new test that contains multiple business rules. The overrides themselves are grouped together into negotiations. Since the changes to the rule set are stored in overrides, no changes are made to the base rule set. Thus, updates to the base rule set are immediately effective in implementations using one or more overrides. When an evaluation is conducted in situations requiring a variation from the standard business process, the base rule set is still utilized as a starting point.

Abstract: An exhaust bypass valve assembly for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust bypass valve having valve structure coupled to a rotatable shaft such that rotation of the shaft moves the valve structure between opened and closed positions. An actuator is disposed remotely from the bypass valve for selectively causing rotation of the shaft associated with the valve structure in opposing directions. Linkage structure is connected between the actuator and the shaft to transfer motion of actuator to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a multiple server based interactive voice response (IVR) system in which individual IVR strings on an index computer are associated with connections to external servers, the IVR system index computer accessible by each individual IVR string's self-identification telephone number either from Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) information, Automatic Number Identification (ANI) service information, item ID information provided by a caller or a combination thereof. When a call is received to the IVR system index computer, it uses DNIS, ANI and/or item ID information to route the call to string information (outgoing messages, menu options, etc) which might be located the index computer or on a clientele computer. In embodiments, the client business might be able to easily access the information associating options to messages and the message files themselves and change their IVR string without technical support.

Abstract: A bypass valve cartridge (10) is provided for permitting exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow to bypass a cooler port of a cooler of a vehicle. The cartridge (10) includes housing structure (11) constructed and arranged to be inserted into and mounted in a portion of a cooler (30). Flapper structure (22) is disposed in the housing structure and movable between a first position permitting EGR flow to pass to a cooler port (34) and a second position substantially preventing EGR flow to pass to the cooler port.

Abstract: A method for relating multiple independent databases uses a graphical interface allowing market researchers to conveniently model different prototype forecast scenarios based on specific choices for ad campaign portfolio distributions among specific types of advertising vehicles, media vehicles or advertising media such as television or magazine print, for example. The method solves the classic regression-to-mean problem associated with the prior art fusion approach and requires less computer processing time and/or user expertise.

Abstract: A system and method for wrapping fabric around a mandrel including providing a drum of fabric and a mandrel, removing a portion of the fabric from the drum and securing the fabric to the mandrel, rotating the mandrel such that the fabric wraps around the mandrel, and applying pressure to the fabric as the fabric is being wrapped around the mandrel to consolidate the fabric about the mandrel.

Abstract: A connector or connector assembly having a signal array having at least one shielded conductor having opposite ends and including an axial conductive element and an outer conductive element surrounding the axial conductive element and a compressible interface element positioned at least one of the opposite ends of the signal array, the interface element including a layer of insulating material having a plurality of conductive elements extending through the insulating material layer. When compressed between the signal array and a signal-bearing component, the compressible interface element maintains the geometric arrangement of the axial conductive element and the outer conductive element to the signal-bearing component. A connector assembly may include a circuit board including land areas arranged in a shielded configuration, and corresponding to the shielded land areas on the component and a second compressible interface element.

Abstract: A text fixture (1) comprises apparatus (4) for verifying the color and brightness of light emitted from LEDs (5) of a printed circuit board (3). A base (6) of the fixture (1) supports the printed circuit board (3) during testing. A mounting panel (14) locates ends (15) of a plurality of optical fibers (10) adjacent the LEDs (5) on the printed circuit board (3), and ends (21) of ht optical fibers (10) are terminated in a terminating panel (20) adjacent an image sensing panel (11). The image sensing panel (11) comprises an array of individually addressable light and color sensitive pixels (25) onto which light from the optical fibers (10) is incident. An analysing circuit (12) scans the pixels (25) for determining the brightness values and the tristimulus values of the incident light, and a control circuit (9) compares the tristimulus values and brightness values with reference tristimulus and brightness values for verifying the color and brightness of the light emitted by the respective LEDs (5).

Abstract: A method and system for finishing windows uses a shim plate. The shim plate is fastened to a framing member and extends between the framing member and the periphery of the framed insert. Foaming material is expanded between the sill plate and the framing member to support the shim plate relative to the framing member. Finishing material may be placed against the shim plate and fastened in place to finish the window opening.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (20) for displaying public information notices is described. The terminal comprises a display (52) and a network connection (32). The terminal accesses a notice database (18) to retrieve a notice associated with the terminal (20), and incorporates the retrieved notice in a screen (130) for displaying on the display (52). The terminal (20) may be an ATM. A method of supplying a notice for displaying on a self-service terminal, and a system for controlling presentation of notices on a self-service terminal are also described.