Abstract: A system and method provides active propulsion of endoscopes along body lumens. The propulsion system can be attached to a commercially available endoscope, or be provide affixed together, and moves the endoscope in a lumen by pulling it forward. A rotatable toroidal wall, e.g. annular invaginated balloon, provides the propulsion. A drive assembly rotates the toroid while maintaining the toroid's position along the endoscope. The toroid is radially extended or inflated within the lumen to engage its outer surface to the lumen. The toroidal rotation tracks the lumen wall for propulsion. Stops maintain the rotating toroid's position on the endoscope. A helical screw within the toroid engages patterned protrusions around the toroid; screw rotation advances the protrusions to rotate the toroid wall. A fitted belt coupled to a groove in the toroid provides alternative actuation. Colonoscopy is substantially improved, reducing anesthesia and other requirements and costs, and improving safety.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 27, 2005
Date of Patent:
May 4, 2010
Inventors:
M. Jonathan Bern, James C. Peacock, III
Abstract: The Simplified Internet Payment, Security, & Tax Administration Protocol (SIPSTAP) is designed to simplify the payment procedure on the World Wide Web to enable uniform, easier, and secured access to buying and selling on the web. The invention overcomes the limitations of geographical location, currency and, non- possession of credit cards which deter most would- be users, by involving a third party whose major role is to generate Internet System of Values which can be purchased anywhere on the globe. It envisages that user access to the web may be through their email address, and by attaching electronic accounts to email addresses, Internet users will be able to purchase as many units as desired to credit their accounts while, online purchases are debited. The third party playing the role of an intermediary transfers the transaction sums to the merchants on the buyer's behalf.
Abstract: Damage to tissue, such as ischemic damage, can cause the release of mitochondrial proteins. The released proteins can be detected in a sample taken from a subject, indicating that the subject has suffered damage.
Abstract: Antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind interleukin-22 (IL-22), in particular, human IL-22, and their uses in regulating IL-22-associated immune responses are disclosed. The antibodies disclosed herein are useful in diagnosing, preventing, or treating IL-22-associated immune disorders, e.g., autoimmune disorders (e.g., arthritis).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 22, 2004
Date of Patent:
December 29, 2009
Assignee:
Genetics Institute, LLC
Inventors:
Jing Li, Xiang-Yang Tan, Kathleen N. Tomkinson, Debra D. Pittman, Geertruida M. Veldman, Lynette Fouser
Abstract: An Internet traffic redirection architecture is disclosed that allows for directing of trash traffic to specified sites. The system or method allows a controller, such as an ISP, to benefit from mistyped Internet addresses so that participating partners of the ISP are presented to the customer when the requests a web site that is not found or does not exist. The system decreases lost traffic by means of capturing unresolved “trash” traffic on the Internet and redirecting said traffic to a search engine partner and/or other partners.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 1, 2006
Date of Patent:
December 8, 2009
Assignee:
Paxfire, Inc.
Inventors:
Alan T. Sullivan, Mark Lewyn, Phillip Gross