Abstract: An expandable stent is implanted in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen for treating an area of vulnerable plaque. The invention provides for a an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. A central section is positioned between distal and proximal sections and is aligned with the area of vulnerable plaque to enhance growth of endothelial cells over the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque to reinforce the area and reduce the likelihood of rupture.

Abstract: A capture device for removal of clots and foreign bodies from vasculature or filtering of particulate from blood flow. The parachute-like capture device is connected to an elongate wire located within a longitudinally elongated tubular member. The invention provides a capture device that is radially expandable and a method for refolding the capture device into a reduced profile during contraction. Thereby, providing an atraumatic retraction of the capture device from within the vasculature.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract: The variable stiffness heating catheter includes a heating catheter shaft including at least one electrically conductive member, a reinforcing tube with apertures formed around the surface of the reinforcing tube, and at least one coaxial outer layer of a polymer, metal, or both for providing desired variations in stiffness along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The apertures can be formed as axial or helical slits in the surface of the reinforcing tube, and the reinforcing tube can also be formed to be tapered at the point where the apertures are formed in the reinforcing tube to provide a heating catheter that is torqueable and pushable at the proximal end, yet soft and flexible at the distal end.

Abstract: A mooring apparatus for mooring first and second vessels, (1, 7) together in a heavy seaway ofFshore is described. The apparatus is for tandem mooring using soft yoke technology. The apparatus consists of a rigid arm (2) with a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. The arm is mountable to a first vessel (1) so that its longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to that of the vessel (1) and is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis (3) which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is located between the first and second ends. A tension member (4) is pivotally mounted to the second end of the arm (2) and can be connected to the second vessel (7). A ballast weight (8) is moveably mounted on the arm (2) and can be moved longitudinally along the arm by a drive means (9).

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring fluid between first and second floating vessels is described, comprising a submerged rigid transfer arm defining a fluid conduit for receiving fluid from a first vessel, a first end of the arm attached to the first floating vessel so as to allow the arm to pivot about at least two axes, and loading apparatus located at the second end of the arm and attachable to the second floating vessel for transferring fluid from the fluid conduit to the floating vessel. The apparatus is provided with draught regulating means operable to increase and decrease the draught of at least a part of the apparatus, and a support structure, such as an outrigger arm with a fender system projecting from the rigid arm and adapted to brace the apparatus against the second floating vessel.

Abstract: A portable lumbar traction device wherein a variable tension system allows the user to manually manipulate a level of tension using a ratcheting device while undergoing a traction procedure. The invention easily and quickly anchors to a door frame and includes one or more springs to create tension in the device. A belt or harness worn by the user couples to a cable or tether in tension with the spring, and the ratcheting device incrementally increases the tension when actuated by the user until the desired tension level is achieved.

Abstract: An amusement device in the form of an arcade game is disclosed that comprises a rotating playing field arrayed with targets at the perimeter. Using a projectile such as a token or coin, the player drops the projectile into a chute in an attempt to knock down the targets on the rotating playing field. If the player knocks over a target with the projectile, the target is recognized by a detector and then returned to its original position for subsequent play.

Abstract: An MCU 30 of a multi-band receiver detects signal input levels from level detection circuits 18 and 18? of receiver circuits 4a and 4b, respectively, and thereby determines and identifies to which frequency band a signal input has been performed or whether simultaneous signal inputs to frequency bands have been performed. The MCU 30 controls over drive circuits for LEDs 41g and 41r according to the signal input statuses, thereby causing a multi-colored light-emitting indicator 41 to illuminate in different colors. Further, in a single signal input, the illumination color of the multi-colored light-emitting indicator 41 can be changed within an identical color group according to the level of a received frequency, for display. Further, when the received frequency is the frequency stored in a memory channel, the illumination color can be made to be different from the colors emitted in the single signal input status.