Abstract: An encapsulated stent including a stent or structural support layer sandwiched between two biocompatible flexible layers. One preferred embodiment has a stent cover which includes a tubular shaped stent that is concentrically retained between two tubular shaped grafts of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Another preferred embodiment has a stent graft which includes at least one stent sandwiched between the ends of two tubular shaped grafts wherein at least a portion of the grafts are unsupported by the stent. Still another embodiment includes an articulating stented graft which includes a plurality of stents spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance wherein each stent is contained between two elongated biocompatible tubular members. The graft/stent/graft assemblies all have inseparable layers.

Abstract: An independent memory architecture is provided which includes a plurality of multi-line channels each capable of carrying either data or address information to a plurality of independent memory clusters. The channels operate independently to access and store data in separate ones of the memory clusters. The independent operation enables faster and more efficient utilization within a memory device over any prior art memory architecture. Each of the clusters have one or more independently addressable memory banks respectively having a plurality of data storage locations organized into respective arrays with each of the storage locations having a distinct column and row address.

Abstract: A method for preparing a film suitable for use as the light-modulating unit of an SPD light valve, which film comprises a cross-linked polymer matrix having droplets of a liquid light valve suspension distributed in the cross-linked polymer matrix. The light valve suspension comprises particles suspended in a liquid suspending medium. The method comprises admixing a UV cross-linkable liquid oligomer or polymer and the liquid light valve suspension, emulsifying the resulting admixture to form an emulsion of the liquid light valve suspension in the UV cross-linkable liquid oligomer or polymer, and cross-linking the UV cross-linkable liquid oligomer or polymer while the mixture is in the form of a thin layer of the emulsion by exposing the layer to UV radiation or to an electron beam, such that the film is not damaged due to such exposing. The oligomer or polymer and the particles are free of deleterious effects on one another.

Abstract: An automatic player piano has a released key velocity estimator for modifying the constant released key velocity of a piece of music data information to a target released key velocity; a memory stores relation between the target key velocity estimator and other key-touch factors such as a final hammer velocity and a time interval between an impact timing and a key release timing, the released key velocity estimator supplies the key-touch factors to the memory so as to read out the target key velocity estimator, and modifies the piece of music data information so as to indicate the target released key velocity.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator includes a base member including a plurality of laminated piezoelectric layers and internal electrodes. The adjacent piezoelectric layers are polarized in different directions with an internal electrode disposed therebetween. A groove is provided on one lateral surface of the base member, and every other internal electrode is exposed at both sides of the groove. Insulating films are disposed on unexposed portions of the internal electrodes. External electrodes are provided on both sides of the groove in the base member and are connected to the internal electrodes. As a result of this structure, the piezoelectric resonator prevents a reduction in the difference .DELTA.F between the resonant frequency and the anti-resonant frequency.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator having a small spurious resonance and a large difference .increment.F between the resonant frequency and the antiresonant frequency is constructed that a resonant frequency or antiresonant frequency can be easily and accurately adjusted to a low frequency. The piezoelectric resonator has a base member which includes a plurality of laminated piezoelectric layers and a plurality of inner electrodes disposed substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the base member. The plurality of piezoelectric layers are polarized in the longitudinal direction of the base member. A first external electrode and a second external electrode are located on a surface of the base member and connected to the plurality of electrodes. The resonant frequency of the piezoelectric resonator is adjusted by cutting an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the base member.

Abstract: A thickness extensional piezoelectric resonator includes a substantially rectangular piezoelectric strip, first and second excitation electrodes disposed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric strip, and an internal electrode disposed inside the piezoelectric strip. The first and second excitation electrodes are located on opposite sides of the piezoelectric strip. The internal electrode is located opposite to the first and second excitation electrodes. Assuming that the piezoelectric plate has a width W and a thickness t, the piezoelectric plate is constructed such that W/d is less than about 6.1 if d=t/n.

Abstract: A speaker has a substantially reduced overall size while producing a complete low frequency sound range at high output amplitude. The speaker includes a main body having open sections at both ends thereof. A sounding body pinched by ringed first dampers is secured to each of the open sections of the main body so that the inside of the main body is kept air-tight except for one opening. A first opening is provided at the middle part of the side of the main body. Lid members are secured on the outside of the two sounding bodies via a ringed second damper so as to keep the inside of the lid member air-tight. A second opening is created around the middle of the bottom of each of the lid members.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a game machine having communication terminals wherein an integrated circuit portion is reliably protected from static electricity or a surge voltage input through the communication terminals without using communication terminals in a special configuration or providing an openable cap while reducing the overall cost. There is provided an integrated circuit portion 3 which includes communication terminals TA1 and TA2 provided such that they are exposed at one side of a game machine main body 1 and which transmits and receives data to and from another game machine through the communication terminals when the communication terminals TA1 and TA2 are connected to the communication terminals of another game machine. A protection circuit is provided between the integrated circuit portion 3 and communication terminals TA1 and TA2.

Abstract: The present invention permits a dual mode use of a display screen of which in one mode the display screen is accessible and in the second mode has placed in front of the display screen videoconferencing eye contact components. The invention utilizes a uniquely hinged folded eye contact component apparatus which permits in the major embodiment of the present invention all of the eye contact components including the partially silvered mirror to fold with more than a one-half rotational turn entirely over to the back side of the flat panel display completely out of view. The folded eye contact components are attachable to existing flat panel displays and also are illustrated built in as a part of the flat panel housing. The same hinged folding function is also demonstrated as being suspended separate from the monitor so that no attaching to the display is required.

Abstract: To provide a molding apparatus and a molding process which enable a primary product molded in a primary mold to be held in a secondary mold stably, so that the primary product may not be displaced by a synthetic resin material injected into the secondary mold. If a synthetic resin material is injected into a primary mold cavity 173 in a primary mold 85 into which molding protrusions 187 project, there is molded a primary product 340 having engaging holes 191 formed on its surface. Protrusions 227 projecting into a secondary mold cavity 225 in a secondary mold 87 are engaged in the engaging holes 191 of the primary product 340 to secure it in the secondary mold cavity 225, and a synthetic resin material is injected into the secondary mold cavity 225 to mold a secondary product 361 having through holes made by the engaging protrusions 227 formed on its surface through which the engaging protrusions 227 are removable.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator having a small spurious resonance and a large difference .DELTA.F between the resonant frequency and the antiresonant frequency has a compact size and an external electrode has a structure which prevents damage or breaking of the external electrode. The piezoelectric resonator has a substantially rectangular-parallelepiped base member which includes a plurality of laminated piezoelectric layers. A middle portion of the piezoelectric layers is polarized in opposite directions relative to each other. On main surfaces of the middle part of the piezoelectric layers, first and second groups of inner electrodes and are exposed alternately at both side surfaces of the base member. On both side surfaces of the base member, first and second external electrodes are arranged so as to alternately connect to the first and second groups of inner electrodes.

Abstract: A propeller shaft comprises two torque transmission members, a viscous fluid damper and a torsion bar which are arranged in parallel between the torque transmission members, and a stopper for restricting the maximum torsion angle of the torsion bar. Thus, torsional vibration characteristic is adjusted in a wide range. Accordingly, a vibration a and noise in a power transmission system can be prevented, and also, a starting acceleration performance of a vehicle can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of 4-(2-formyl-3-hydroxyphenoxymethyl) benzoic acid or physiologically acceptable salts thereof as an immunopotentiatory agent, compositions containing such a compound and their manufacture, combinations of such a compound with anti-tumor or anti-infective drugs and the use of such combinations in the prophylaxis or treatment of such diseases arising from tumors or infections.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a stent onto or into a catheter. A flexible sterile sleeve is provided to encase the stent as it is pulled through a loading device. The loading device is a simple design utilizing a tapered passageway. The passageway has first diameter at a proximal end which tapers to a second diameter, forming a funnel. The passageway continues at the second diameter forming a tube. The sleeved stent is pulled through the loading device from the proximal end to the distal end, smoothly compressing the stent. Depending on the type of stent and catheter being used, the stent is either crimped onto the catheter as it is pulled through the funnel, or is loaded into a catheter positioned at the distal end of the loading device. The sleeve acts to minimize the frictional forces to which the stent is subjected and to eliminate the longitudinal force that the stent would be subjected to if pushed or pulled directly. The sleeve may be close-ended to provide an additional sterility barrier about the stent.

Abstract: An active coloring concentrate can be prepared from the juice of cranberries and blueberries by treating juice or homogenate with an appropriate binding matrix. Assorted ion exchange resins such as cholestyramine are effective binding matrices, but the currently preferred material is a food grade of cross-linked polyvinyl pyrollidone. The binding matrices are used to concentrate active materials from cranberry and a colored solid is produced. This substance shows anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It can be readily consumed as a therapeutic or nutraceutical, used as a coloring agent, or it can be used topically. Significant amounts of active concentrate can be produced from cranberry presscake which is normally a waste material.

Abstract: Provided is a gate valve for opening and closing an aperture formed in a body of a chamber and designed so that an object is loaded into or unloaded from the chamber, comprising a lift mechanism provided on a side portion of the chamber body, a supporting portion supported by a lift mechanism for up-and-down motion, a valve plate supported by the supporting portion and movable between a closed position such as to close the aperture of the chamber body and an open position such that the valve plate is separated from the aperture to leave the aperture open as the supporting portion is moved up and down by the lift mechanism, and a separating mechanism for allowing the valve plate to move to a position ahead of the aperture so that the valve plate is separated from the aperture.

Abstract: A method for incorporating psychological effects into a demand model for pricing. First the original demand model is modified to include a mechanism to convert actual prices into perceived prices, thus causing the demand model to predict higher demand for certain prices. The user specifies the function that converts from real prices to perceived prices. This modified demand function is then fitted to a sales history to yield the parameters appropriate to its particular form. Also, the demand model can be modified to account for promotional effects. The user defines a visibility model, which gives the relative increase in demand for an item caused by a promotion, and the cost of the promotion. The demand model is modified to include the effect of increased demand based on the visibility, and a profit model is modified to account for the added cost due to the added visibility. The profit model is then optimized with respect to both prices and promotions.

Abstract: A surface mounting type piezoelectric component includes an insulating substrate, an external electrode disposed on the insulating substrate, and a piezoelectric element including an electrode. The piezoelectric element is fixed to the insulating substrate and the electrode of the piezoelectric element is connected to the external electrode. A metal cap is fixed to the insulating substrate via an adhesive agent and covers the piezoelectric element. A glass transition temperature of the adhesive agent in a cured state is about 120 degrees centigrade or more. A difference between absolute values of a thermal-expansion-coefficient of the metal cap and of the insulating substrate is about 8 ppm/degrees centigrade or less.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the thickness of a pair of dendrites in a dendritic silicon web growth process to improve dendritic silicon web production. An image of each dendrite in a web emerging from a silicon melt in a furnace is produced by a pair of cameras focused on the dendrite pair. The dendrite images are digitized, the average thickness of the dendrites is calculated, and compared to set point parameters. The average difference between the dendrite thicknesses and the set point parameters is used to control the overall furnace temperature, while the differences between the thickness of each pair are used to control the lateral temperature distribution in the furnace in order to maintain the dendrite thickness within predetermined limits.