Abstract: A compression device is used to increase intra-luminal pressure within the upper esophageal sphincter of a patient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective upper esophageal sphincter anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, the compression device is used in conjunction with an external pressure sensing device to determine the external pressure that is to be applied to the cricoid for a specific patient. The compression device can be a means for the management and/or treatment of abnormal upper esophageal sphincter functionality, or a means for strengthening an esophageal sphincter of a subject, or a means for curing esophageal reflux disease of a subject, or a means for improving vocal function in a subject, or a means for managing lung aspiration, or a means for applying cricoid pressure during anesthesia intubation, or a means for stabilizing body structures such as during medical imaging or radiation treatment.

Abstract: As part of a start-up sequence, a controller of a machine causes one or more activation components of a battery of the machine to be enabled, then causes one or more electrical components associated with the battery to be enabled, then causes one or more non-accumulator components of a hydraulic system to be enabled, then causes one or more accumulator components of the hydraulic system to charge, and then causes one or more propulsion components to be enabled. As part of a shut-down sequence, the controller causes the one or more propulsion components to be disabled, then causes the one or more accumulator components of the hydraulic system to bleed, then causes the one or more non-accumulator components of the hydraulic system to be disabled, and then causes the one or more electrical components associated with the battery to be disabled.

Abstract: Compounds of the present invention and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient using quick-connect sleeve assemblies. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly can be coupled to a bone fastener assembly in a fast and intuitive way. In one embodiment, a quick-connect sleeve assembly has a detachable member and a movable member. Both members engage a collar of the bone fastener assembly. In one embodiment, the engagement can be locked via one or more locking features to facilitate screwing a bone fastener of the bone fastener assembly onto a vertebral body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Each quick-connect sleeve assembly has a low profile and is particularly shaped for minimally invasive entry.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include minimally invasive methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of the rod relative to the wire. A rod or a segment of the rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled to bone fastener assemblies which are anchored in vertebrae. The rod is then securely seated in collars of the bone fastener assemblies to stabilize the spine.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include minimally invasive methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of the rod relative to the wire. A rod or a segment of the rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled to bone fastener assemblies which are anchored in vertebrae. The rod is then securely seated in collars of the bone fastener assemblies to stabilize the spine.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include minimally invasive methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of the rod relative to the wire. A rod or a segment of the rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled to bone fastener assemblies which are anchored in vertebrae. The rod is then securely seated in collars of the bone fastener assemblies to stabilize the spine.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of a rod relative to the wire. A surgical system can comprise a first sleeve advanced via a first incision to a vertebra, a second sleeve advanced via a second incision to another vertebra, a wire having a non-circular cross-sectional profile advanced via a third incision to the vertebrae and passed through the collars of bone fastener assemblies to extend from a fourth incision. A rod or a segment of a rod having a corresponding non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled with the vertebrae to stabilize the spine. After the rod is securely seated in the collars, the wire may be withdrawn from the body.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of a rod relative to the wire. A surgical system can comprise a first sleeve advanced via a first incision to a vertebra, a second sleeve advanced via a second incision to another vertebra, a wire having a non-circular cross-sectional profile advanced via a third incision to the vertebrae and passed through the collars of bone fastener assemblies to extend from a fourth incision. A rod or a segment of a rod having a corresponding non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled with the vertebrae to stabilize the spine. After the rod is securely seated in the collars, the wire may be withdrawn from the body.

Abstract: A slave processor for controlling environments has a microprocessor coupled to digital inputs and outputs, to an analog-to-digital convertor connected to analog outputs, to an interface connected, and to a decoder, to a carrier current transmitter, and to a switch. The interface is connected to the serial input of the microprocessor and the switch is connected to the serial output of the microprocessor.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an ink jet recording device or printer for cleaning or protecting the nozzles in a writing head is disclosed. The apparatus comprises rotatably mounted supply and take-up reels; a movable absorbent cleaning belt extending from the supply reel to the take-up reel, the belt including a plurality of embossed elements and a plurality of openings positioned in sequence along the belt for being brought into contact with the nozzles; and a sensor for sensing the positioning of openings in said belt over said nozzles and thereby controlling movement of the belt to permit the embossed elements to be drawn across the nozzles to clean ink and impurities therefrom until the next openings are positioned over the nozzles whereby the sensors cause the belt to cease movement and permit the ink jet writing heads to print through the openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ink supply system for an ink jet printer comprising a primary ink supply source and a secondary or temporary ink supply reservoir connected in series to an ink transfer conduit which delivers the ink upon demand to the ink jets of the print heads. The secondary ink supply reservoir comprises a thin flexible membrane which serves as the upper surface and which expands or contracts depending upon the amount of ink present in the reservoir. The presence of a proximity device senses the movement of the flexible membrane so as to monitor the quantity of ink present in the reservoir. The secondary reservoir acts as a static pressure regulator for ink entering the ink jets.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an ink jet recording device or printer for cleaning a writing head having at least one orifice therein through which ink flows is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a manifold movable in a horizontal direction and including an internal reservoir and a brush formed of a plurality of fiber elements extending from the reservoir through the manifold, the fiber elements being urged into contact with the writing head upon sufficient movement of the manifold; a vacuum system communicating in fluid flow with the reservoir for forming a negative air pressure along the fibers; and an ink collecting chamber for containing discharged ink from the writing head, the chamber communicating in fluid flow with both the manifold and the vacuum system, whereby upon the fibers being urged into contact with the writing head the vacuum system causes ink to flow from the writing head along the fibers and into the collecting chamber.