Abstract: A programmable dopant fiber includes a plurality of quantum structures formed on a fiber-shaped substrate, wherein the substrate includes one or more energy-carrying control paths (34), possibly surrounded by an insulator (35), which pass energy to quantum structures. Quantum structures may include quantum dot particles (37) on the surface of the fiber or electrodes (30) on top of barrier layers (31) and transport layer (32) which form quantum dot devices (QD). The energy passing through the control paths (34) drives charge carriers into the quantum dots (QD), leading to the formation of “artificial atoms” with real-time tunable properties. These artificial atoms then serve as programmable dopants, which alter the behavior of surrounding materials. The fiber can be used as a programmable dopant inside bulk materials, as a building block for new materials with unique properties, or as a substitute for quantum dots or quantum wires in certain applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for wrapping a round bale pressed in a round bale press at least about its cylindrical surface area with an at least unilaterally adhesive film (12). With the inventive method, the film (12) is pulled off by means of a pulling-off device (6, 7) from a film roll (11) in its entire width. During a predetermined space o time of said pulling-off operation, a film rope (13) is formed from the film (12). Said film rope (13) is introduced into the gap between the round bales (3) to be wrapped and a device forming the circumferential press chamber wall (2). By setting the round bale (3) into rotation, the film rope (13) present in the gap is carried along. The round bale (3) is so long rotated until the desired number of film layers has formed on the surface area of the round bale.

Abstract: An ablation catheter used for treatment of, for example, atrial fibrillation by electrically isolating a vessel, such as a pulmonary vein, from a chamber, such as the left atrium. The ablation catheter has a virtual electrode and a catheter shaft. The virtual electrode comprises a porous conductor. The catheter shaft includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an active region, which is either a looped structure transverse to the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft, or a linear structure that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft. During use, the active region is directed into contact with, for example, the wall of a pulmonary vein and, upon energization, the virtual electrode creates a continuous lesion at or near the ostium of the pulmonary vein, thereby electrically isolating the pulmonary vein from the left atrium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating specific idiosyncrasies in tooth appearance to be replicated in the fabrication of tooth restorations, as well as a method for creating reference images of a tooth are disclosed. The apparatus contains images of a tooth, wherein categories of specific features are displayed in the images, and codes are assigned to the images according to variations within the categories. The method of communication utilizes the apparatus by allowing a first user to compare an actual tooth to the images, record the codes for images with features that most closely resemble the actual tooth, and transmit the codes to a second user who may reference the same selected images using the recorded codes. The reference images of a particular type of tooth are created by separating and enhancing specific features in photographs of an actual tooth.

Abstract: A modular railing system supports a plurality of rails in vertically-spaced configuration. The railing system includes a plurality of baluster units arranged between rail sets to support the rails. The baluster units include a plurality of rail supports grouped into double barrel support pairs or single barrel support pairs. The baluster units may include a short section of kick rail, and longer sections of kick rail may extend between adjacent baluster units. Also, additional rails may be joined to the modular railing system using baluster extensions or extender bars. A stair rail adjuster may be used, particularly when railing staircases, to permit adjustment of the relative vertical height of one end of a rail. To attach rails and balusters to stair treads, a finished-stair-tread adapter may be used.

Abstract: A rawhide pet chew is made by folding a first sheet of rawhide around a second sheet of rawhide. The second sheet of rawhide is flavored to be appetizing to a pet, and the flavoring may impregnate the second sheet of rawhide. An edge of the second sheet of rawhide protrudes from under the first sheet to entice chewing and consumption of the pet chew by the pet. The first sheet of rawhide reduces opportunities for contact between the second sheet of rawhide and a decorative surface upon which the pet chew may rest.

Abstract: A selectively configurable household accessory holder capable of being customized through adding and removing a variety of containers to a base. The containers may hold any number of items. The household accessory holder may be configured by removably attaching a variety of containers to the base. The base has a connection means capable of mating with an attachment means on a container bottom. The base has a series of regularly spaced holes drilled in its top while a container has one or more pegs sized to fit into a hole. The container may be aligned on the base so that the peg sits in a hole and secures the container to the base. A user may remove a container by pulling it up so that the peg is removed from the hole. The base is sized such that multiple containers of any shape may be affixed thereto simultaneously.

Abstract: A splittable occlusion balloon sheath includes a splittable sheath onto which an occlusion balloon has been secured near the distal end of the splittable sheath. A splittable hemostasis valve or a partitioned hemostasis valve system may also be secured within or to the splittable occlusion balloon sheath. This splittable occlusion balloon sheath is utilized to introduce a medical device, such as electrode leads, into the coronary sinus of the human heart. A dilator may also be used with the splittable occlusion balloon sheath for introduction of the medical devices. The splittable occlusion balloon sheath and/or the dilator may be precurved with a particular shape to assist in the introduction of the splittable occlusion balloon sheath and/or dilator into the coronary sinus. Also disclosed is a process of use of the splittable occlusion balloon system within the coronary sinus.