Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits for determining the magnification of an x-ray image of an object, or a portion of an object are described. An exemplary method comprises the steps of providing an object to be x-rayed, providing a first posterior x-ray marker having a pre-determined dimension, providing anteriorly to the object to be x-rayed, a second x-ray marker having predetermined dimensions, recording an x-ray image of the object, the first posterior x-ray marker, and second x-ray markers, and comparing a dimension of the first posterior x-ray marker recorded on the x-ray image, and a dimension of the second x-ray marker recorded on the image to a pre-determined value for the object x-rayed, to estimate a magnification of the x-ray image of the object.

Abstract: The disclosure of the present application provides for a system for measuring cross-sectional areas and pressure gradients in luminal organs. The disclosure of the present application also provides a method and apparatus for measuring cross-sectional areas and pressure gradients in luminal organs, such as, for example, blood vessels, heart valves, and other visceral hollow organs. In at least one embodiment, a method for measuring a cross-sectional area of a targeted treatment site comprises the steps of introducing a device, injecting two solutions, measuring a first conductance, moving the device, injecting two solutions, measuring a second conductance, and calculating cross-sectional areas based upon the two conductance measurements.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for accessing tissue, including the internal and external tissues of the heart, are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for localized delivery of leads to the heart tissue. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the pericardial space for removal of accumulated fluid. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide devices, systems, and methods for engaging a tissue, for removing fluid from a space within a body, and for the delivery of substances to a targeted site for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for effectively and efficiently adding sodium trimetaphosphate to a gypsum slurry. In one exemplary embodiment, the sodium trimetaphosphate is added at the same time as foam is added to the gypsum slurry through the foam waterline. In another exemplary embodiment, the sodium trimetaphosphate is added at the same time as additional water is added to the gypsum slurry through the gauging waterline. The sodium trimetaphosphate can be added to either or both waterlines in its dry form or in a diluted solution.

Abstract: A printable form comprising a printable face ply and a wristband releasably bonded to a surface of the printable face ply. In at least one embodiment the wristband may be detached from the surface of the printable face ply and secured to around a body part for use in identification. In at least one embodiment the printable face ply comprises one or more labels that may be detached therefrom and applied to the wristband.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a pair of busses connectable to the cells and a flying capacitor connectable to the busses. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process an accurate representation of the voltage of the cell being measured. In order to prevent electrical interference with the capacitor and the ADC, the charge on the busses is reduced prior to measurement by the ADC.

Abstract: A professional development registry system comprising a processor and a storage medium operably connected to the processor, wherein the storage medium is capable of receiving and storing data representative of a first career ladder, data representative of at least one participant, data representative of at least one scholarship request, and data representative of at least one training event, and wherein the processor is operable to process said data and generate at least one report comprising at least part of said data.

Abstract: Lithium-based materials and methods of forming the same. In at least one embodiment of a method of forming a lithium-based material of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of combining a first quantity of a first lithium-based component and a second quantity of a second lithium-based component with a titanium-based component to form a mixture, the first lithium-based component having a first melting point and the second lithium-based component having a second melting point higher than the first melting point of the first lithium-based component, and heating the mixture to a first temperature above the first melting point but below the second melting point for a period of time to form a resultant end product.

Abstract: The present application relates to a polymerizable dental primer/adhesive system comprising a primer component having a relatively hydrophilic monomer component in an amount that renders the system relatively hydrophilic before polymerization of the system and capable of penetrating a prepared dental surface such as etched tooth dentin or enamel, and a multi-functional cross-linking agent in an amount that renders the system relatively hydrophobic after polymerization. A polymerizable hydrophobic monomer component is also included in the primer. The inclusion of said hydrophobic polymerizable monomer and said multi-functional cross-linking agent improves the long term stability or durability of the polymerized primer system to the dental restoration and to the tooth, dentin, enamel and other dental surfaces. An additional hydrophobic resin can also be employed with the primer adhesive system.

Abstract: A method for producing stem cell conditioned media for treatment of neurological insults is provided herein. By providing for the culture of adipose stem cells, and collecting the supernatants thereof, the supernatants have been shown to effect biological activity in preventing neural death when the supernatants are administered to a patient that has or is about to be subjected to a neural insult.

Abstract: A coalescing additive is used in the manufacturing process for gypsum wallboard. Such an additive increases the surface area and density of the slurry at the paper to core interface by coalescing the foam cells away from the paper core interface. This permits a stronger paper to core bond to form and increases the compressive strength of the gypsum wallboard as compared to standard wallboards made from slurries with reduced water levels.

Abstract: A device for supporting a tissue, the device has a shaft having a longitudinal axis and at least two atraumatic clamps coupled to the shaft. Each atraumatic clamp may have at least two oppositely polarized magnets. An atraumatic clamp may also have a mounting structure for the magnets. In at least one embodiment, the atraumatic clamps are mounted along the shaft so that when the shaft is positioned relative to a tissue having a length, the clamps may clamp the tissue so that the length of tissue positioned between the clamps is maintained substantially constant.

Abstract: An elongated lighting strip is provided. The lighting strip is positioned inside of a shower or bathtub enclosure in order to both illuminate the enclosure as well as spray or diffuse and aqueous solution onto the enclosure.

Abstract: A fuse assembly includes a main component partially encased in a protective sheath. The main component includes a pair of connectors formed of an electrically conductive material to allow the fuse assembly to be electrically connected into an electric vehicle drive system. A fusible link is electrically connected between the connectors and is preferably encased in the protective sheath. The fusible link reacts to current flowing through the fuse assembly in excess of a predetermined current for a predetermined time, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: A method of the present invention is directed to recycling a battery that includes a plurality of lithium cells removable from one another. The battery is tested to measure internal resistance of the lithium cells to determine if the lithium cells present a predetermined level of operational capability. The lithium cells having the operational level less than the predetermined level of operational capability are replaced with new lithium cells as the battery is re-assembled. The removed lithium cells are recycled.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for measuring the size of gastric pouches. At least some embodiments include a catheter comprising an outer elongate tube, an inner elongate tube disposed within the outer elongate tube, a proximal balloon attached to the outer elongate tube, a distal balloon having a first end attached to the outer elongate tube and a second end attached to the inner elongate tube, at least two detection electrodes positioned on the outer elongate tube relative to at least two excitation electrodes, and a pressure transducer positioned on the outer elongate tube.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and delivering an electronic form to a user. One embodiment of the disclosed system comprises a file management sub-system for receipt and management of at least one standard form in electronic format. The system also includes a user sub-system for selection of a desired form. In addition, the system includes a mapper sub-system for mapping each of the at least one standard forms into a form file identifying the graphical and/or textual elements of the standard form, at least one data field to placed on the form and an indication of where the at least one data field is to be placed based on the identified graphical and/or textual elements. Also, the system includes a delivery sub-system operably connected to the file management sub-system, the user sub-system and the mapping sub-system and capable delivering an electronic form comprising the desired form into which data retrieved from the user sub-system is inserted.

Abstract: A multi-layer label with variable data and method for its manufacture. First indicia is printed on a first label face ply of a multi-ply label material in registration with an eventual location of at least one of a plurality of multi-layer labels. The first indicia may be variable between at least two of the plurality of multi-layer labels. A second label material is removably adhered to the multi-ply first label material, thereby covering the first indicia. Second indicia is printed on the face of the second label material.

Abstract: An improved integrated shipping label and packing list form. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, such a form comprises a first sheet material, a second sheet material, and a third sheet material. The sheet materials are joined together with the first sheet material between the other two sheet materials. Lines of weakness defining at least one shipping label and packing list label are cut into the joined together sheet materials.

Abstract: A process for physically bonding two parts to each other is disclosed. In addition, a process for forming electrical connections have a low resistance is disclosed. The process is generally applicable to the joining of two parts each formed from a metal, an alloy, or a combination thereof. The process finds special use in the formation of multi-celled batteries. The process involves placing two parts or electrical conductors in contact with each other and then bonding them to each other using a kinetic spray process and powder particles. In formation of a multi-celled battery the particles are preferably electrically conductive. The process enables for rapid and cost effective formation of a physical connection. In addition, the connection can have an electrical resistance of less than about 0.5 milli Ohms and strength equal or greater than ultrasonic welding.