Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a die, a lead, and an electrically-conductive structure that is arranged to facilitate electrical communication between the die and the lead. The device also includes a potting material, in which the electrically conductive structure, the die, and at least part of the lead are embedded. An electrically-conductive housing encases the potting material and forms exterior packaging of the device. During manufacturing, the electrically-conductive structure, the die, and at least part of the lead may be arranged within the electrically-conductive housing either before or after the potting material is disposed in the housing. When the integrated circuit device is operating, heat is removable from the die via a thermal conduction path formed by the electrically-conductive structure, the potting material, and the electrically-conductive housing.

Abstract: An adjustable surfboard transporter that protects the most fragile parts of a surfboard whether in transit or for storage. The surfboard protector or transporter can be adjusted in size to accommodate several different surfboard lengths. The transporter may focus on the most vulnerable parts of the surfboard protecting the nose, tail, and rails. In particular, an adjustable protective cover for the fragile outer perimeter of a surfboard is described. The light and durable form of protection cushions the surfboard to prevent damage from impacts. The system may be easy to use, quick to assemble, and may be broken down to an easily-transportable or storable size.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, the invention provides medical devices that comprise an elongated drug delivery member, which is adapted to take on a radially expanded configuration upon actuation in vivo.

Abstract: Medical copolymers are provided which comprise (a) a polymer backbone comprising (i) a plurality of —C?C— groups within the polymer backbone, (ii) a plurality of —R9— groups within the polymer backbone, wherein R9 comprises a radical-substituted C2-C10 cyclic or heterocyclic group, or (iii) both a plurality of —C?C— groups and a plurality of —R9— groups within the polymer backbone, (b) a plurality of hydrocarbon-based pendant groups along the polymer backbone that comprise a saturated or unsaturated carbon chain of at least four carbons in length, and (c) a plurality of zwitterionic pendant groups along the polymer backbone that comprise a positively charged quaternary ammonium group and a negatively charged phosphate group. Methods of forming such copolymers, medical products that contain such copolymers, and methods of making such medical products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for at least partially automating generation of video clips chronicling a character's interaction with a video game. The same may combine automatic video clip generation with automatic or user-generated and/or user-edited or created narrative. Multiple video clips may be combined into a video reel prior to or subsequent to uploading the same to a file-sharing site. The video game may be a massive multiplayer online role-playing game.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided which include a substrate, at least one porous reservoir containing at least one therapeutic agent disposed over the substrate, at least one nanoporous layer disposed over the at least one porous reservoir, and at least one plugged aperture, which may be located within the substrate, within the nanoporous layer, or both. According to another aspect of the invention, a method of forming a medical device is provided which includes (a) forming a porous reservoir over a substrate, (b) forming a nanoporous layer over the porous reservoir, (c) forming an aperture within the substrate or the nanoporous layer, (d) filling the porous reservoir with therapeutic agent through the aperture, and (d) plugging the aperture.

Abstract: A method for forming a valve-like mechanism in a body of a mammal having an esophagus extending through a lower esophageal sphincter to a stomach and formed by a wall having a muscle layer and a mucosal layer. The method comprises the step of forming at least one implant in the muscle layer of the wall in the vicinity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The at least one implant inhibits opening of esophagus at the lower esophageal sphincter and causes the mucosal layer to appose in the vicinity of the implants.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a medical device is provided which comprises a metallic substrate and polymeric region disposed over and in contact with the metallic substrate. The polymeric region comprises (a) a block copolymer that comprises (i) a hard polymer block that comprises a high Tg monomer and (ii) a soft polymer block that comprises a low Tg monomer, (b) an adhesion promoting copolymer that comprises (i) a first monomer that covalently or non-covalently bonds with the metallic substrate and (ii) a second monomer that is compatible with the low Tg monomer and/or the high Tg monomer and (c) a therapeutic agent. The polymeric region may further comprise an optional polymer that is used to tailor the release rate of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Methods are provided for loading polymeric regions of medical devices with therapeutic agents. In these methods, a polymeric region of a medical device is first pretreated with a solvent system. Subsequently, therapeutic-agent-containing particles are impacted into the pretreated polymeric region at a velocity that is effective to at least partially embed the particles within the pretreated polymeric region. The pretreatment step parameters (e.g., the particular solvent system employed, amount of time that the solvent system contacts the polymeric region, etc.) are typically selected such that the surface tack of the polymeric region is increased. Consequently, the depth, the amount, or both the depth and the amount of the particles that become at least partially embedded in the polymeric region is/are typically increased, relative to what would be achieved in the absence of the pretreatment step. Also provided are medical devices made by such methods.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method is provided in which post-surgical adhesions at a surgical site in a patient are inhibited. The method includes topically applying a liquid composition comprising a hydrophobic species, which has a melting point above normal body temperature, to tissue at the surgical site in an amount effective to inhibit the formation of adhesions during healing.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to internal (e.g., implantable, insertable, etc.) drug delivery devices which contain the following: (a) one or more sources of one or more therapeutic agents; (b) one or more first electrodes, (c) one or more second electrodes and (d) one or more power sources for applying voltages across the first and second electrodes. The power sources may be adapted, for example, to promote electrically assisted therapeutic agent delivery within a subject, including electroporation and/or iontophoresis. In one aspect of the invention, the first and second electrodes are adapted to have tissue of a subject positioned between them upon deployment of the medical device within the subject, such that an electric field may be generated, which is directed into the tissue. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent sources are adapted to introduce the therapeutic agents into the electric field.

Abstract: A graphical text entry system for an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may be, for example, a portable or hand-held electronic device such as a cellular telephone, PDA, or the like. The system includes a graphical text entry screen and a graphical text entry ring displayed on the graphical text entry screen. A plurality of characters such as letters or numbers is positioned on the graphical text entry ring. The system also includes a touch sensor ring located on the graphical text entry screen for selecting individual characters from among the plurality of characters located on the text entry ring.

Abstract: Endoluminally delivered tissue patches and related systems and methods for delivering the tissue patches for treating lesions of the alimentary tract are disclosed. A tissue patch includes a substrate, a tissue implant attached to the substrate, and a protective liner covering at least a portion of the tissue implant. A method includes providing a tissue patch having a tissue implant attached to a substrate and a protective liner covering at least a portion of the tissue implant. The tissue patch is formed into a contracted state and inserted into a lumen containing the lesion. The tissue patch then is positioned in the vicinity of the lesion. After removing the protective liner to reveal the tissue implant, the tissue implant is placed in the lesion.

Abstract: Implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which comprises: (a) a biocompatible polymer; and (b) at least one therapeutic agent selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an analgesic agent, an anesthetic agent, and an antispasmodic agent. The medical devices are adapted for implantation or insertion at a site associated with pain or discomfort upon implantation or insertion. In many embodiments, the therapeutic will be selected from at least one of (i) ketorolac and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (e.g., ketorolac tromethamine) and (ii) 4-diethylamino-2-butynylphenylcyclohexyl glycolate and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (e.g., oxybutynin chloride). Also provided are uses for the implantable or insertable medical devices, which uses comprise reducing pain or discomfort accompanying the implantation or insertion of such devices. Further uses may comprise reducing microbial buildup along the device.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention provides implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise a substrate and a coating over the substrate that comprises at least one type of conductive polymer and at least one type of additional polymer.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent delivery system and method are provided for an antimicrobial agent-bearing intervention device. A delivery tube contains the intervention device, where the delivery tube facilitates handling of the intervention device. In one example, the intervention device is a rod, and a hub is coupled to the rod. Longitudinal movement of the hub ejects the rod from the delivery tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices, preferably a stent, having a drug eluting surface coated or covered with a coating of particles comprising at least an outer layer, an inner layer, and a core comprising a therapeutic agent. Specifically, the invention relates to medical devices having a hydrophilic coating comprising particles with a hydrophilic outer layer, a hydrophobic inner layer, and a core comprising a hydrophobic therapeutic agent, as well as medical devices having a hydrophobic coating comprising particles with a hydrophobic outer layer, a hydrophilic inner layer, and a core comprising a hydrophilic therapeutic agent. The coating, outer layer, and inner layer are preferably biodegradable and capable of providing sustained release of the therapeutic agent over a time period. The invention also relates to methods of making and methods of using the coated or covered medical device.

Abstract: A lead frame facilitates the handling, positioning, attachment, and/or continued integrity of multiple dies, without the use of multiple separate parts, such as jumpers. The lead frame includes a number of structures, each of which is attached to at least one lead. At least one receiving surface, arranged to receive a die, is associated with each structure. When dies are disposed on the receiving surfaces, anodes are similarly-oriented. A number of fingers are attached to the lead frame, and one or more electrode contact surfaces are attached to each finger. Each electrode contact surface can be positioned (for example, bent) with respect to one receiving surface, to facilitate electrical connection between the anode of a die and a lead. The lead frame may be used in connection with surface- and through-hole-mountable electronic devices, such as bridge rectifier modules.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, at least one ionic therapeutic agent is delivered from an implantable or insertable medical device that comprises an ion-conductive polymeric region that is disposed on a metallic region. The metallic region is in electrical contact with a dissimilar metallic region, such that a galvanic current is generated by the dissimilar metals when the device is implanted or inserted into a patient. Delivery of the ionic therapeutic agent from the ion-conductive polymeric region may be, for example, either accelerated or retarded by the galvanic current.