Abstract: A set of available investment assets is evaluated for inclusion in an efficient portfolio by treating certain asset characteristics as a probabilistic random variable, and averaging the resultant portfolios at each risk level. Next, each candidate portfolio at each risk level is modified to more nearly match a preset industry sector/investment style profile thus producing a well diversified efficient portfolio well matched to a user's desired risk level.

Abstract: A garment hanger attachment is presented that is formed of a unitary, elongated, flexible body. The body has a partial slit running lengthwise from a point proximal to one end of the body to a point proximal to the other end of the body. In the center of the body, the slit traverses through the entire diameter of the body to allow the hook of the hanger to pass through. The overall shape of the body is formed length-wise along a single axis, with the slit being molded or cut into the body. The garment hanger attachment is attached to a garment hanger through frictional engagement in the slit or through elastic stretching from one end of the hanger to the other. The attachment is elongated in a straight-line before being attached to the garment hanger, but conforms to the shape of the hanger when attached.

Abstract: A topical preparation comprising nystatin and hydrocortisone to satisfactory treat fungus infections of the skin in the ear canal.

Abstract: A single pass lead system for defibrillating the heart is shown. Portion of the lead is relatively stiff and holds the lead in the SVC. This stiff section extends into the atrium where good contact with the electrodes on the lead are maintained by the lead stiffness. A very flexible distal portion carries defibrillation leads into the ventricle.

Abstract: A hydraulic catheter which uses a deflected jet to entrain thrombus into a discharge lumen. Multiple energy sources including ultra sonic mechanical and optical energy may be used with the deflected jet energy.

Abstract: A removable table spans and rests upon adjoining guard rails on a deck, particularly at a corner of the deck. In use, the table is precluded from sliding out of position by lip members and stop members attached to the table surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for removing gas from blood, comprising drawing blood through a non-rotating centrifuge chamber, the chamber having an inlet above and an outlet below with the chamber narrowing like a funnel between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet is oriented for directing the flow tangentially into the blood inlet and around the centrifuge chamber. The outlet is connected to a suction source for drawing off blood without reversal of the direction of rotation of the stream of blood in the chamber. The blood is further directed in the direction of flow of blood obliquely downward into the centrifuge chamber with an upwardly open angle to the axis rotation that is less than 90.degree.. An additional chamber communicates with the centrifuge chamber above the blood inlet and defines a gas base that is larger in cross-section than the gas outlet for providing a gas base for separation of the gas and blood.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lamphead having a multi-positional base and removably mountable reflector flashtube assembly. The lamphead base is configured to detachably mount to a flashtube assembly such that the flashtube assembly may be interchanged with a second flashtube assembly. The flashtube assembly defines an opening and an inner chamber having a reflective surface. A flashtube is mounted within the inner chamber between the reflective surface and the opening, wherein the reflective surface extends behind the flashtube, thereby increasing the intensity of the light emitted thereby. The lamphead base may be adapted for pivotable mounting on a stand to a full vertical position without interfering with the stand.

Abstract: A display package for a bottle is presented having a relatively short base section and a folded wrap-around section. The base section has a top with a hole adapted for receiving the bottom of the bottle. The wrap-around section extends from the back of the base section over the top of the bottle and down to the front of the base. The top of the wrap-around section is shorter in length than the largest diameter of the bottle displayed in the packaging. A window in the front of the wrap-around section allows the upper-front portion of the bottle to extend through the window. In addition, the wrap-around section leaves majority of the bottle exposed through the open sides of the tent-like structure formed by the wrap-around section.

Abstract: A garment hanger attachment is presented that is formed of a unitary, elongated, flexible body. The body has a partial slit running lengthwise from a point proximal to one end of the body to a point proximal to the other end of the body. In the center of the body, the slit traverses through the entire diameter of the body to allow the hook of the hanger to pass through. The overall shape of the body is formed length-wise along a single axis, with the slit being molded or cut into the body. The garment hanger attachment is attached to a garment hanger through frictional engagement in the slit or through elastic stretching from one end of the hanger to the other. The attachment is elongated in a straight-line before being attached to the garment hanger, but conforms to the shape of the hanger when attached.

Abstract: Surgical instrument, particularly a surgical retractor, for use in harvesting saphenous veins for use in coronary bypass operations. The retractor includes a handle, a retractor blade member including first and second limbs which define a view area axis, and a light source coupled to the retractor blade member for directing light away from the handle and away from the view area. The retractor may be inserted into a surgical wound to illuminate the surgical field. In use, the surgical retractor may be manipulated by a physician and can be used to expose sections of the vein and to facilitate blunt dissection along the length of the vein.

Abstract: A computational model for simulating and predicting the electrical and chemical dynamics of the heart. The model consists of a computerized representation of heart anatomy and a system of mathematical equations that describe the spatio-temporal behavior of biophysical quantities such as voltage at various locations throughout the heart. The computer process can present the temporal evolution of the biophysical quantities throughout the computerized anatomical model.

Abstract: A stylized insulator and heating device for an electrically heated container. The heating device is adapted for positioning about the container. The insulator comprises a conformable and stylized body, which is removable attached to the heating unit and which removably covers at least the top of the container. The present invention increases the efficiency of the heated container by retaining the heat emitted thereby while still allowing access to the container.

Abstract: A transparent curved surface is illuminated and view along an orthogonal axis to generate a cross-section image of the subject surface. This image is processed to extract the first and second surfaces which are then mathematically characterized and displayed to a user.

Abstract: A transvalvular impedance measurement made between an atrium and a ventricle electrode of a standard implanted electro-catheter may be used to provide information indicative of the mechanical state of the heart. This information may be used, for example, to control the pacing rate of a rate responsive pacemaker, stimulation intensity self adjust or pacing mode switching. Other uses are also possible in defibrillators.