Abstract: A direct current (DC) inductive shorted patch antenna includes a direct current inductive (DCL) frequency selective surface (FSS) forming the radiating element, a ground plane, a feed, and a radio frequency (RF) short to the ground plane positioned between the feed and the radiating element.

Abstract: A roadway-powered electric vehicle system includes an all-electric vehicle and a roadway network over which the vehicle travels. The vehicle has one or more onboard energy storage elements or devices that can be rapidly charged or energized with energy obtained from an electrical current, such as a network of electromechanical batteries. The electric vehicle further includes an on-board controller that extracts energy from the energy storage elements, as needed, and converts such extracted energy to electrical power used to propel the electric vehicle. The energy storage elements may be charged while the vehicle is in operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting electronic commerce in an environment in which multiple service providers each have associated vendors and in which a user may maintain an account at a service provider that is different from the service provider associated with the vendor from which a user makes an on-line purchase. Both tangible products and electronic content products may be sold using the system. A bridge computer may be used to facilitate interactions between service providers. The bridge computer may be used to implement service charge fees, to reimburse service providers for credit card transaction fees, to reimburse service providers with appropriate referral fees, and to otherwise support operation of the system.

Abstract: A method of making a stent delivery system is provided in which a delivery catheter has a balloon that extends non-uniformly into interstices of a stent. In accordance with the method a balloon/stent/crimping tube assembly is placed in a crimping tool, the balloon is inflated, and the crimping tool is actuated to compress the stent on the outside of the balloon without application of heat or chemicals, thereby causing creases of the balloon to extend non-uniformly into the interstices of the stent. Optionally, pillows may be formed in the balloon to prevent longitudinal movement of the stent with respect to the balloon during intravascular delivery. One or more secondary crimpings also may be performed to achieve a smoother delivery profile.

Abstract: An lens for correcting human vision, for example an IOL, contact lens or corneal inlay or onlay, that carries and interior phase or layer comprising a pattern of individual transparent adaptive displacement structures. In one embodiment, the displacement structures are actuated by a shape memory polymer (SMP) material or other polymer that is adjustable in shape in response to applied energy. The SMP can be designed to be selectively adjustable in volumetric dimension, modulus of elasticity and/or permeability. The adaptive optic means of the invention can be used to create highly localized surface corrections in the lens to correct higher order aberrations-which types of surfaces cannot be fabricated into and IOL and then implanted. The system of displacement structures also can provide spherical corrections in the lens.

Abstract: An accelerator directs an electron beam to a scanner which operates under microprocessor control to convert the beam into two (2) sets of spaced electron beamlets. A magnetic lens deflects the sets of beamlets to a spaced and substantially parallel relationship. A first dipole directs the first set of beamlets in a first direction to a first side of an article. A second dipole directs the second set of beamlets, in a second direction opposite to the first direction, to a second side of the article opposite to the first side of the article. In this way, a single accelerator irradiates two (2) opposite sides of the article with an enhanced precision, simplified controls, a significantly reduced number of components and reduced costs relative to the systems of the prior art. The electron beam may be converted to an x-ray beam which is then processed in the manner described above.

Abstract: A method and a system for operating a revolving credit program utilizing a table of tiered interest rates in which one of the interest rates is applied as a finance charge to a remaining outstanding balance (20) of an account depending upon the percentage that payments made during a billing cycle (12) comprise of an account parameter, such as the outstanding balance, a highest balance or a beginning balance. In the preferred embodiment the applied interest rate (34) is determined by the percentage the outstanding balance (32) is reduced by payments on the balance during a billing cycle. Also in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tiered interest rate table is structured to apply progressively reduced interest rates to outstanding balances reduced by progressively greater payment percentages from the previous billing cycle, thereby encouraging a credit customer to make larger payments and pay down the outstanding balance faster.

Abstract: A lens is provided that having optical parameters that may be adjusted in-situ, and is particularly useful as an IOL for use in cataract patients that require an adjustment in the optical power of the lens post-implantation. In one embodiment, the lens body carries an array of interior fluid-filled cells in which fluid is controllably moved upon application of energy from an external source to move a fluid media into or out of the cells to thereby alter the lens surface shape.

Abstract: It is a purpose of this invention to provide a simulation for breeding a virtual creature for growing the virtual creature while disciplining or training the virtual creature by treatments in respect of breeding applied by a player to the virtual creature in a screen. The apparatus is provided with mark display units 17 and 19 individually displaying a plurality of kinds of the treatments in respect of breeding the virtual creature individually by marks 17a, 17b, 17c . . . , 19a, 19b, 19c, . . . and is provided with key switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 for inputting a corresponding one of the treatments by selecting a specific mark from the plurality of marks.