Abstract: An angioplasty device for insertion into an artery having undesired deposits includes a guide wire for insertion into the artery; an elongated flexible catheter for insertion into the artery over the guide wire, the catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and one or more lumens extending longitudinally therethrough; an energizable ultrasonic transducer inside the distal end of the guide wire; an inflatable balloon overlying the catheter and the transducer such that when the transducer is energized, energy from the transducer is transmitted through the balloon to the deposits.

Abstract: A modulator includes input paths for audio information from an electronic audio channel; output paths for transmitting said audio information over a frequency-modulated radio frequency signal to a FM broadcast receiver; and one or more programs for measuring or estimating the spectrum environment of the frequency-modulated RF signal bearing the audio information through sampling and analysis to select an optimum radio signal level and signal transmission mode for transmission to the FM receiver in a near interference free manner.

Abstract: Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are taught. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as taught herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enclosing a palletized container of fresh containers of perishables inside a modified atmosphere-containing plastic bag/enclosure stretched over the containers and over upwardly-folded and sealed margins of a plastic sheet placed between the pallet and the containers to seal the containers of perishables inside the bag/enclosure and to facilitate forming and maintaining a modified atmosphere inside the bag/enclosure.

Abstract: Endosseous dental implants include external threads, and, within an internal passage inside the body of the implant, a lead-in bevel, 8-sided abutment-engaging surfaces, distally positioned 6-sided wrench-engaging surfaces, and internal threading distal to both the 8-sided and 6-sided surfaces, and fixture mounts and abutments including male projections to engage the 6-sided wrench-engaging surfaces inside the implants.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enclosing a palletized container of fresh containers of perishables inside a modified atmosphere-containing plastic bag/enclosure stretched over the containers and over upwardly-folded and sealed margins of a plastic sheet placed between the pallet and the containers to seal the containers of perishables inside the bag/enclosure and to facilitate forming and maintaining a modified atmosphere inside the bag/enclosure.

Abstract: A one-piece, screw-receiving, externally-threaded endosseous dental implant includes a body portion with external threading and, at its proximal end, an unthreaded, cylindrical portion including a retentive groove for engaging a complementary transfer component or comfort cap; a one- or two-piece screw-receiving implant abutment for attachment to a one or two-piece implant, including a retentive groove for engaging a complementary transfer component or comfort cap; and a fixture mount for insertion in a one-piece implant, that can be sectioned with the distal end used to extend the implant height.

Abstract: Endosseous dental implants tapered over at least part of their length, include two separate portions, a shorter proximal region with half the distance and half the depth between adjacent peaks of multiple lead threads as the longer distal region which has half the number of multiple lead threads as in the proximal region.

Abstract: An endosseous dental implants include a flared implant extender with an internal passage and with an unthreaded external surface that tapers downwardly from the proximal end of the extender toward its distal end that has a size and shape appropriate to cover the top surface of the implant.

Abstract: Walk-in refrigerator/freezers and walk-in refrigerator/wine coolers for home use include walk-in refrigerator sections, reach-in freezer sections, pullout pantries and pullout refrigerated drawers, and wine cooler/humidor sections that may include one or two separate interior temperature-controlled sections.

Abstract: A modular patch antenna includes a first module and a second module. The first module comprises a first metal or metal plated radiating layer, a second, middle dielectric layer, and a third metal or metal plated ground layer; the second module comprises a frame that attaches to or fits onto the periphery of the first module and comprises a dielectric layer, or the same three layers as the first module. The first module provides favorable satellite signal reception. By superimposing the second module around the first module, the antenna provides improved terrestrial signal reception. This capability could apply to Satellite Digital Audio Radio Systems systems. This provides capability of changing the antenna gain beam direction towards the desired signals at a user's location. Users of such systems can perform this function manually.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing geographic specific services to receivers in a satellite communications network utilizes specific position location and information tagging to provide manual or automatic delivery of such services to the receivers.

Abstract: A multi-part single-use toothbrush system includes an electric toothbrush such as a rotary electric toothbrush, a plurality of disposable toothbrush heads, some with one or more tooth-cleaning/preserving substances sufficient for a single use, and each with a connector for attachment to and detachment from the electric toothbrush, a dispenser for holding and dispensing such disposable toothbrush heads, and a plurality of sealed single use capsules each containing a brush head and one or more tooth-cleaning/preserving substances.

Abstract: Endosseous dental implants include an at least partly, externally-threaded body portion, an internal cavity or shaft with an opening to the cavity or shaft at the top surface of the implant, and, in the internal cavity or shaft, a threaded portion, and a two part interlock chamber contiguous to said threaded portion including multi-lobed surfaces in a first part, and a plurality of lobes, slots or grooves in a second part.

Abstract: A multi-part abutment for use with an endosseous dental implant includes a first part with a tapered portion at its proximal end adapted to accept a dental restoration and an optional transfer cap, a distally-positioned external multi-lobed or other wrench-engaging portion, an inwardly-projecting non-circular bevel extending partly or entirely around the first part, connecting the proximal and wrench-engaging portions. The first part has an internal through passage with an internal projection or threads or both. The second abutment part, a screw, has a proximal region to engage the internal projection(s) or threads or both of the first part, and a threaded shank to engage internal threads in an endosseous dental implant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing a plurality of cored lettuce heads as they are harvested in the field is disclosed. The apparatus incorporates a multi-segment hinged conveyer forming a loop, at least one support platform having an opening, at least one lettuce head guide connected to the support platform and an aqueous solution spraying system. Workers harvest lettuce heads, core the lettuce heads and then place them on the lettuce head guides which are moving along the conveyer. The lettuce heads are conveyed to an aqueous solution spraying system which washes the cored areas of the lettuce heads. The lettuce heads are then removed from the conveyer into a produce bin.

Abstract: A vehicle truck for supporting a ground contacting device, and an independent-suspension turnable skate vehicle truck which supports a wheel or wheels or a runner or ski, and a boot having in-line wheels or tandem wheels is provided. The independent-suspension turnable skate vehicle truck has one or more deflecting beams attached to a wheel axle hanger and the opposite end attached to a skate vehicle mounting structure. The deflecting beam has at least one horizontal component and/or at least one vertical component. The vertical components resist vertical deflection of the wheel axle hangers to restrict upward and downward movement of the wheels or other ground contacting portions. The horizontal component controls most twisting motions controlling turning of the deflecting beam and wobble of the wheel. The truck and mounting surface are adaptable to permit changes to the number of wheels or ground contacting portions, the position of the wheels, and the thickness of the wheels.

Abstract: Exercise Gets Personal® is a system and method for delivering personalized exercise and injury prevention information based on identification and analysis of user-specific health and fitness indicators. By providing instruction for safe and effective cardiovascular, muscle conditioning and flexibility exercises, this invention assists healthy users in improving their physical fitness through exercise. The users' exercise programs are designed for safe progressions through four-week program guidelines in different levels. The Exercise Gets Personal® system is accessed by the user directly through the Internet or licensed Intranet, or through the guidance of an intake coordinator, personal trainer, or other qualified health/fitness professional.