Abstract: An apparatus and method is characterized by providing an optical transfer function between a predetermined illuminated surface pattern, such as a street light pattern, and a predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source, such as that from an LED. A lens is formed having a shape defined by the optical transfer function. The optical transfer function is derived by generating an energy distribution pattern using the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. Then the projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is generated. The projection is then compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern to determine if it acceptably matches. The process continues reiteratively until an acceptable match is achieved.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for managing contributions to an accruable health spending account in an employer-sponsored plan offering a member an employer-funded defined contribution, at least one insurance premium option and the ability to specify an allocation of the defined contribution for payment of option premiums and, in turn, a directed contribution amount designated to such accruable account are disclosed. The accruable account may be used to reimburse the member for qualified medical expenses, and the member may pay any premium shortfall using a tax-advantaged process such as a premium only payment plan. Also disclosed are techniques and apparatus directed to presenting member-specific out-of-pocket expenses for a selected procedure offered by at least one health-care provider.

Abstract: The present application describes an implant system useable for positioning an implant device such as a device useful for restricting passage of ingested food into the stomach. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a plurality of anchors that may be coupled to tissue within the stomach, or to a tissue tunnel formed by plicating stomach wall tissue. The anchor includes a loop. During use, the implant device is inserted through the loop and expanded such that it retains its position within the loop until removed. Instruments for implanting and explanting the implant device are also described.

Abstract: A light fixture includes a core member having a top end, a bottom end, and a body extending between the top and bottom ends. The core member includes a solid, single member or modular members. The body includes outer surfaces (“facets”) spaced along an outer perimeter thereof. Each facet can receive one or more light emitting diode (“LED”) packages in various different positions, with different electrical and other configurations. By rearranging and/or reconfiguring the LED packages, the light fixture can have different optical distributions, such as that traditionally provided by metal halide, high intensity discharge, quartz, sodium, incandescent, and fluorescent light sources. Heat pipes extending through the core member dissipate heat from the LEDs. Active cooling modules and/or fins may assist with this heat dissipation. The heat pipes and/or a separate elongated structure extending through the core member can secure the core member to the light fixture.

Abstract: A circuit for dimming a light emitting diode is provided. The circuit includes an alternating current input voltage that is delivered to a light emitting diode. The circuit also includes a correction circuit configured to monitor the input voltage, which also delivers a current to the light emitting diode, wherein the current delivered to the light emitting diode is commensurate with the input voltage. The circuit also includes a simulation circuit electrically coupled to the correction circuit and configured to deliver an additional voltage to the correction circuit to modify a setpoint voltage when the input voltage falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A composition is provided, wherein the composition comprises a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer, a blend of a hydrophilic polymer with a complementary oligomer capable of hydrogen or electrostatic bonding to the hydrophilic polymer. The composition also includes a backing member. Active ingredients, such as a whitening agent, may be included. The composition finds utility as an oral dressing, for example, a tooth whitening composition that is applied to the teeth in need of whitening. The composition can be designed to be removed when the degree of whitening has been achieved or left in place and allowed to erode entirely. In certain embodiments, the composition is translucent. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for performing biological reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of lipophilic, water immiscible, or hydrophobic barriers in sample separation, purification, modification, and analysis processes.

Abstract: A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversibly block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing message communication among multiple communication gateways. In particular, systems and methods for providing non-voice message delivery to intended recipients with increased speed and reliability to multiple users on multiple platforms. The systems and methods relate to non-voice messaging to multiple messaging gateways. In at least one embodiment, the systems and methods include Internet based electronic messaging using a messaging subsystem configured to optimize text message delivery to communication gateways.

Abstract: A test device and method for determining the presence or absence of an analyte in a fluid sample, the test device including a support bearing a mark thereon, and a matrix defining an axial flow path. In operation, an observation area in the test device becomes transparent, thereby allowing the user to view a mark that is present on a support that is disposed beneath the observation area. Typically, the mark on the underlying support is configured as a minus (?) sign. In the absence of analyte in the sample, the test device presents a negative result as a minus (?) signal. In the presence of analyte in the sample, however, the mark operates in concert with a perpendicular test line on the observation area to present a positive result as a plus (+) signal that is visible to the user.

Abstract: A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversibly block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures.

Abstract: A method of treatment for epilepsy and other disease states is described, which comprises the delivery of gabapentin in a gastric retained dosage form.

Abstract: Measuring, controlling, and automating inventory of product stored in a collapsible tank. An interface device can interact with a sensor installed at the collapsible tank and a metering device, such as a flow meter, to generate a strap table for the collapsible tank. The strap table can include entries that correlate a process value measured by the sensor to a volume of product corresponding to that process value. Current volume of product stored in the collapsible tank can be determined by comparing a current process value to entries in the strap table or by an interpolation process. The interface device can generate an updated strap table based on a relaxation curve to account for settling of the collapsible tank. The interface device can synchronize data with a host device, such as a personal computer or handheld computer, that includes software for tracking inventory in collapsible tanks.

Abstract: Lanyard connectors for release of an ordinance are provided. The lanyard connectors include a coupling sleeve and locking ring movable between a first position and a second position. The lanyard connectors also include a latching spring and a reset spring. The latching spring is partially disposed within a groove in the locking ring in the first position, and removed from the groove in the second position. The reset spring is held in place by a connector cover and interfaces with a second groove in the locking ring. The reset spring is compressed in the second position. The lanyard connectors allow for release of an ordinance receptacle when in the second position. Methods of using the connectors are also provided.

Abstract: A method creates cover pages for news themes, topics, and stories, with elements to allow viewing more information from the theme, topic, or story. A database of stories is provided, comprising text, images, and possibly other web-accessible content. For a theme-based cover page, a theme is selected, and topics relevant to that theme are chosen. Search strings generated from the topics are used to search the database for matching stories. Representative images for the matching stories are then chosen from the database, and headlines are created based on the story content. For a topic-based cover page, a topic is selected and is used to search the database for matching stories. The cover page, comprising the image and information about the theme, topic, or story, is then created and displayed, with clickable elements to view more information about the theme, topic, or story.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for performing biological reactions. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of lipophilic, water immiscible, or hydrophobic barriers in sample separation, purification, modification, and analysis processes.

Abstract: An information distribution method includes: gathering all-hazards information into an information exchange from a first information source; gathering all-hazards information into the information exchange from a second information source; distributing the all-hazards information from the information exchange to a first independently-controlled alert network; distributing the all-hazards information from the information exchange to a second independently-controlled alert network.

Abstract: A lighting fixture can dispose a light source in a recess of a ceiling or another surface while providing at least one of three adjustments that facilitates installation or post-installation setup. The first adjustment can support mounting the fixture to surfaces of differing thicknesses while maintaining the light source at a uniform recess depth. The second possible adjustment can facilitate rotating a visible portion of the fixture, typically an aperture or hole through which light transmits from the light source into a room or some other illuminated space. After the lighting fixture is attached to the ceiling, a user can rotate the aperture for alignment with another fixture or another object. The third possible adjustment can provide an illumination pattern that can be tilted to various angles or oriented in various directions according to user preference or to establish a desired lighting effect.

Abstract: The connector between the patient electrode pads and the base unit of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) system can be formed by capturing a printed circuit board (PCB) within a connector housing. The PCB can have conductive metal traces that serve as the contact points between the wires from the patient electrodes and the electronics within the AED base unit. The PCB in combination with the conductive metal traces can be shaped similar to a conventional two-prong or two-blade connector. Employing such a PCB-based connector may result in AED pads which are less complex and less costly to manufacture. The PCB can also support a configuration circuit that is positioned between the conductive metal traces and that allows the AED to read and store information about the attached pads. For example, the AED can use this data storage feature to check the expiration date of the pads.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.