Abstract: A TANK filter is provided for a lead wire of an active medical device (AMD). The TANK filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the lead wire of the AMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the TANK filter is resonant at a selected frequency. The Q of the inductor may be relatively maximized and the Q of the capacitor may be relatively minimized to reduce the overall Q of the TANK filter to attenuate current flow through the lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the TANK filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode for an active implantable medical device.

Abstract: The resistance exercise trainer includes an adjustable strap wearable by a user, a leash attached to the strap at a first end and a bag attached to a second end of the leash and configured for removable reception of at least one weight. When wearing the strap and pulling the bag and the weight with the leash, the weighted bag impedes user movement thereby providing resistance exercise training. As part of the resistance exercise training, the leash may be disconnected from the strap and used individually as a jump rope and the weight may be removed from the bag and used individually in strength training exercises. Together, the strap, the leash, the bag and the weight may be used in a speed training triangle.

Abstract: A method to determine real time image complexity in video streaming, IPTV and broadcast applications using a statistical model representing channel bandwidth variation and image complexity that considers scene content changes. Available channel bandwidth is distributed unevenly among multiple video streams in proportion to bandwidth variation and image complexity of the broadcast video stream. The distribution of available channel bandwidth is determined based upon an image complexity factor of each video stream as determined from probability matrices considering bandwidth variations and image complexity.

Abstract: A closure mechanism receiving aperture presents a substantially contiguous, uninterrupted planar surface on a flexible medium, primarily for use with identification devices, i.e., wristbands. The aperture does not interrupt the printable area so that printer ink may be printed over the aperture without passing through. The inventive aperture also does not produce waster material or chads which can jam or foul-up a printer. An inventive wristband includes both snap closure and adhesive closure mechanisms that can be used at the same time.

Abstract: A system for hydraulically managing fluid pressure between selected set points includes a pilot control system operably coupled to a main valve. The pilot control system includes at least one fluid conduit, a variable orifice assembly, and a control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through a fixed orifice and into a first chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through the variable orifice of the variable orifice assembly and into a second chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. The main valve is hydraulically opened or closed in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers of the control pilot valve apparatus so as to manage fluid pressure downstream of the main valve between the selected upper and lower set points.

Abstract: The rudder arrangement for ships comprises a twisted and balanced rudder blade having a slender profile and a low profile thickness and comprising a propeller facing the rudder blade. A rudder pipe is located in the upper region of the rudder blade with rudder post located therein, wherein the rudder blade comprises two superposed rudder blade sections having different heights whose front nose strips facing the propeller are offset in such a manner that one nose strip is offset to port or starboard and the other nose strip is offset to starboard or port. The two side wall surfaces of the rudder blade converge into an end strip facing away from the propeller and have different arc profiles.

Abstract: A rope-less jump rope exercise device includes a handle and a flexible, elongated lash having a first end associated with the handle and a second end. A ball-and-socket assembly interconnects the first end of the lash and the handle in order to provide rotary movement of the lash relative to the handle in all directions. The handle, lash and ball-and-socket assembly form one half of a pair of identical jump rope exercise assemblies which jointly comprise the jump rope exercise device. Alternatively, a rope-less jump rope exercise device includes a handle defining an inner cavity and a flexible, elongated lash having a first end at partially disposed within the inner cavity and a second end. A spring disposed within the inner cavity is configured to interconnect the handle and the lash and resist movement of the lash out of the inner cavity.

Abstract: A rose pruning and stripping device includes first and second jaws pivotally connected between handle and cutting portions thereof. An inner edge of the cutting portion of the first jaw sharpened into a cutting edge, and the opposite inner edge of the cutting portion of the second jaw defines a dull edge. A multi-faceted notch is formed in each cutting portion of the first and second jaws between the pivotal connection and the sharpened edge. A leaf and thorn stripping aperture is formed as the handles of the first and second jaws, and particularly the cutting portions thereof, are brought towards one another.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine includes an outer housing having a front shell and a rear shell, a prechamber in which exhaust gas from the combustion chamber enters, and an intermediate shell having a front and back as well as a catalytic converter holder. A catalytic converter element is arranged on the catalytic converter holder where an exhaust port directs exhaust gas from the catalytic converter element. To place the center of gravity of the exhaust system near the internal combustion engine or cylinder, the intermediate shell forms the prechamber and the exhaust port.

Abstract: A multi-part form includes a wristband with related tags and labels. The tags are configured for mounting on the wristband after the wristband has been secured to a person of object to be identified. The multi-part form is also configured with a wristband portion separate from a plurality of utility groups, each of which is separate from the other, by a street devoid of media layer. The layers that comprise the multi-part form are preferably solvent resistant so as to make the identification products more durable and longer lasting.

Abstract: A device for capturing an individual's breath as a keepsake includes a hollow blow-pipe insertable through an aperture through a neck fitted into an aperture of the vessel. After introducing one or more individual's breath into the vessel, the vessel is sealed, such as by using a plug removably attached to an end of the blow-pipe disposed within the vessel and configured to engage the neck as the blow-pipe is removed from the vessel and disengaged from the plug.