Abstract: A method of modifying the force of contraction of at least a portion of a heart chamber, including providing a subject having a heart, comprising at least a portion having an activation, and applying a non-excitatory electric field having a given duration, at a delay after the activation, to the portion, which causes the force of contraction to be increased by a least 5%.

Abstract: This system is characterized in that it comprises a radio remote control, with transmission protocol, and a modulator-receiver decoding the radio signal and modulating the network voltage to thus transmit the information to the light source being installed inside the spotlight, said modulator-receiver thus controlling the illumination being performed by the diodes (LEDs). This system does as well comprise a transformer being apt to power the light sources with 12 Vac, the modulator-receiver being inserted into the primary winding of said transformer. The light sources rectify and filter the secondary voltage, and by means of two auxiliary diodes they recover the information corresponding to the two half-waves, in such a way that the microcontroller can analyze the half-waves thus detecting those having been trimmed in the primary winding; the transmission protocol decoding the commands and thus allowing the microcontroller to operate the diodes (LEDs) according to the command being received.

Abstract: A robotic system, and corresponding method, performs the function of a human scrub technician in an operating room. A device, and associated method for using the device, performs one, or more, of the following functions: instrument identification, instrument localization, instrument handling, interaction with a human, and integration of functions through a cognitive system. A method for movement of the device comprises the steps of modeling the arm of the robot to create a model comprising elements of finite mass joined by junctions, using an algorithm to calculate results of the effect of applying force to the elements of the model, using attractive, replusive and postural forces in the algorithm, and using the results of the model to direct motion of the device.

Abstract: A method and system for the megasonic cleaning of one or more substrates that reduces damage to the substrate(s) resulting from the megasonic energy. The substrates are supported in a process chamber and contacted with a cleaning solution comprising a cleaning liquid having carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the cleaning liquid in such amounts that the carbon dioxide gas is at a supersaturated concentration for the conditions within the process chamber. Megasonic energy is then transmitted to the substrate. The cleaning solution provides protection from damage resulting from the application of megasonic/acoustical energy. In another aspect, the invention is a system for carrying out the method. The invention is not limited to carbon dioxide but can be used in conjunction with any gas that, when so dissolved in a cleaning liquid, protects substrates from being damaged by the application of megasonic/acoustical energy.

Abstract: Seat structure designed to reduce weight and improve various functions such as impact absorbency, vibration absorbency. A torsion bar arranged along a width direction, and an arm connected to the torsion bar and enforced in a direction of falling backwards in a normal state are provided in the rear of a seat cushion, and a cushioning member is arranged between a supporting frame supported by the arm and a front frame provided at the front of the seat cushion, whose front edge is vertically movable rotationally. When working a pedal or standing up, since the front edge of the front frame is forced to move in a downward direction by a leg portion, a haunch supporting portion of the cushioning member is relatively lifted upward, so that support force to lift up the haunches works.

Abstract: A modular step system for in-ground swimming comprising a bottom central hub, a brace assembly, a top central hub, a tread support assembly, a step form and a liner. The components of the modular step system interlock and snap together without fasteners. Also, the components of the modular step system are obtained by molding plastic material or curing of a curable material. The modular step system is installed on a level concrete floor of a swimming pool and designed to be rigidly fixed from behind to adjacent pool walls. The modular step system is adaptable to a pool having a vinyl liner, structurally sound regardless of size, easy to assemble, consistent in size, and cost-effective.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a transfer cask to a receiving cask. In one aspect, the system comprises a below grade opening adapted for receiving a cask; a platform positioned within the opening, the platform capable of vertical movement; and at least two jacks for vertically moving the platform; wherein the platform is capable of lowering the cask within the opening. In another aspect, the invention is a method of transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel to a cask comprising the steps of: lowering a receiving cask having a height into a below grade opening so that a portion of the receiving cask's height is below grade level; and transferring the canister to the receiving cask.

Abstract: The armchair comprises a seat where an armchair user is seated and at least one armrest that can be folded between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position, that is characterized in that the at least one armrest describes a downward trajectory when moved from the substantially horizontal position to the substantially vertical position. The armrest does not bother the armchair user when it is in its substantially vertical position, thus enabling manufacturers to exploit the maximum width allowed for this type of armchairs.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for destroying or disabling an information or data storage device comprising a first layer and a second layer bonded together. A mechanical device or energy form is inserted into the information or data storage device to cause the first and second layers to separate from each other.