Abstract: An apparatus and operational method are disclosed that use control hardware resident in a vehicle to enable a remote computing system to wirelessly communicate with the vehicle. The control hardware includes a processor configured to interface with a wireless network and the vehicle through, respectively, a wireless network interface and a vehicle interface. A plurality of CAN (control area network) bus transceivers may exist within the vehicle interface operable to allow the processor to interface with multiple vehicle types. The processor may then be configured to automatically detect an identifier for the vehicle though the vehicle interface and automatically select a CAN bus transceiver from the plurality of CAN bus transceivers based on the detected identifier. The processor can then communicate with the vehicle's CAN bus via the selected CAN bus transceiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and operational method are disclosed that use control hardware resident in a vehicle to enable a remote computing system to wirelessly communicate with the vehicle. The control hardware includes a processor configured to interface with a wireless network and the vehicle through, respectively, a wireless network interface and a vehicle interface. A plurality of CAN (control area network) bus transceivers may exist within the vehicle interface operable to allow the processor to interface with multiple vehicle types. The processor may then be configured to automatically detect an identifier for the vehicle though the vehicle interface and automatically select a CAN bus transceiver from the plurality of CAN bus transceivers based on the detected identifier. The processor can then communicate with the vehicle's CAN bus via the selected CAN bus transceiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and operational method are disclosed that use control hardware resident in a vehicle to enable a remote computing system to wirelessly communicate with the vehicle. The control hardware includes a processor configured to interface with a wireless network and the vehicle through, respectively, a wireless network interface and a vehicle interface. A plurality of CAN (control area network) bus transceivers may exist within the vehicle interface operable to allow the processor to interface with multiple vehicle types. The processor may then be configured to automatically detect an identifier for the vehicle though the vehicle interface and automatically select a CAN bus transceiver from the plurality of CAN bus transceivers based on the detected identifier. The processor can then communicate with the vehicle's CAN bus via the selected CAN bus transceiver.

Abstract: A number of techniques are disclosed for making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, techniques are disclosed for capturing and analyzing images of driver's licenses to assess a validity for the driver's licenses in support of various rental transactions.

Abstract: An apparatus and operational method are disclosed that use a control module installed in a vehicle to enable a remote computing system to wirelessly communicate with the vehicle. The control module includes a processor configured to interface with a wireless network and the vehicle through, respectively, a wireless network interface and a vehicle interface. A plurality of CAN (control area network) bus transceivers may exist within the vehicle interface operable to allow the processor to interface with multiple vehicle types. The processor may then be configured to automatically detect an identifier for the vehicle though the vehicle interface and automatically select a CAN bus transceiver from the plurality of CAN bus transceivers based on the detected identifier. The processor can then communicate with the vehicle's CAN bus via the selected CAN bus transceiver.

Abstract: A rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle access and management system and method, in some embodiments, utilizes barcodes, QR codes (or NFC/RFID), GPS, and a mobile app coupled with a wireless network to enable customers to bypass the reservation desk and pickup and drop off reserved RCS vehicles using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. The QR code, RFID, or NFC communication with the mobile application allows for identification of the vehicle by a mobile application, which, if authorized, can access the vehicle via a temporary access code issued by remote servers. The remote servers and/or mobile application communicates with a control module that plugs into the on-board diagnostics module of the rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle and includes a host processing unit with a processor, an accelerometer, data storage, a GPS with internal GPS antenna; a wireless modem with internal antenna, and CAN bus transceivers connected with the processor, and a USB programmable interface.

Abstract: The present invention is specifically directed to a heart occlusion device with a self-centering mechanism. The heart occlusion device includes two separate uniquely shaped wires 12, 14, each forming shapes that mirror the respective wire's shapes. Each wire forms half-discs or quarter-discs that together form a distal disc and a proximal disc. In other versions, the device includes four separate wires, each mirroring its neighboring wire and forming a proximal and a distal quarter-disc. In the versions with four wires, the quarter-discs of each wire together form proximal and distal discs. The distal disc and proximal disc are separated by a self-centering waist. The proximal disc is attached to a hub comprising a screw mechanism. A similar hub is optional on the distal disc. The discs further include coverings which form a sealant to occlude an aperture in a tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is specifically directed to a heart occlusion device with a self-centering mechanism. The heart occlusion device includes two separate uniquely shaped wires 12, 14, each forming shapes that mirror the respective wire's shapes. Each wire forms half-discs or quarter-discs that together form a distal disc and a proximal disc. In other versions, the device includes four separate wires, each mirroring its neighboring wire and forming a proximal and a distal quarter-disc. In the versions with four wires, the quarter-discs of each wire together form proximal and distal discs. The distal disc and proximal disc are separated by a self-centering waist. The proximal disc is attached to a hub comprising a screw mechanism. A similar hub is optional on the distal disc. The discs further include coverings which form a sealant to occlude an aperture in a tissue.

Abstract: A rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle access and management system and method, in some embodiments, utilizes barcodes, QR codes (or NFC/RFID), GPS, and a mobile app coupled with a wireless network to enable customers to bypass the reservation desk and pickup and drop off reserved RCS vehicles using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. The QR code, RFID, or NFC communication with the mobile application allows for identification of the vehicle by a mobile application, which, if authorized, can access the vehicle via a temporary access code issued by remote servers. The remote servers and/or mobile application communicates with a control module that plugs into the on-board diagnostics module of the rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle and includes a host processing unit with a processor, an accelerometer, data storage, a GPS with internal GPS antenna; a wireless modem with internal antenna, and CAN bus transceivers connected with the processor, and a USB programmable interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vent array comprising a plurality of venting regions comprising a porous PTFE matrix material and a nonporous material comprising a substrate material having a plurality of perforations, wherein the substrate material fills the pores of a porous PTFE matrix material to form nonporous regions, the nonporous regions interconnecting the plurality of venting regions.

Abstract: A moisture resistant housing assembly is provided, the housing defining an internal space and an ambient space surrounding said internal space, the housing constructed at least partially of a polymeric material and a moisture barrier layer covering a portion of the polymeric material, the moisture barrier layer having a moisture permeation coefficient that is lower than the moisture permeation coefficient of the polymeric material.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an improved top rail for a container body, e.g. a truck body, are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, a support structure is disposed at least partially within a channel of the top rail to provide increased strength to the top rail and to protect the top rail and container body from damage. Examples of support structures include support blocks, such as composite blocks, and support rails, such as metal rails. In an exemplary embodiment, a low-profile light source can be installed on the top rail and/or the support structure.

Abstract: Compositions are provided, derived from chemical treatment of carbonaceous fiber felt forms or other carbonaceous substrates, that exhibit both high efficiency and capacity for mercury capture from flue gases and the like. These compositions are superior to known compositions, particularly with regard to their performance under severely deactivating conditions. The compositions result from the pyrolysis of certain specific sulfur bearing compounds while in contact with activated carbon powders, activated carbon fibers, or with other carbonized forms. Precursor compounds to these novel mercury-binding compositions contain structural moieties that may be represented as: where X, Y are individual atoms or are functional groups consisting of several atoms, such that the atom bonding to sulfur is not hydrogen. X and Y can be linked in cyclic structures, either directly or through other atoms.

Abstract: A thin, biocompatible, high-strength, composite material is disclosed that is suitable for use in various implanted configurations. In one aspect, the composite material maintains flexibility in high-cycle flexural applications, making it particularly applicable to high-flex implants such as heart pacing lead or heart valve leaflet. The composite material includes a porous expanded fluoropolymer membrane and an elastomer, wherein the elastomer fills substantially all of the pores of the porous expanded fluoropolymer, and the composite material comprising less than about 80% fluoropolymer by weight.

Abstract: A polymerization process for producing a tetra-fluoroethylene copolymer, and the copolymer produced thereby, are provided. The copolymer is of the dispersion/fine powder type and contains polymerized tetrafluoroethylene monomer units and co-polymerized higher homologous comonomer units having the formula (CnF(2n+1))CH?CH2, wherein 6?n<10, in which the primary particles are believed to have a core and shell structure and the polymerized comonomer units are present in an amount from 0.01 mol % to 0.3 mol %, based upon total copolymer composition. The copolymer has a raw dispersion primary particle size (RDPS) of less than 0.210 microns coupled with a standard specific gravity (SSG) of less than 2.143. Preferably the copolymer has comonomer units present in an amount from 0.05 mol % and 0.25 mol % and the RDPS is within the range between 0.178 microns and 0.200 microns, coupled with a SSG of less than 2.140.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an improved top rail for a container body, e.g. a truck body, are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, a support structure is disposed at least partially within a channel of the top rail to provide increased strength to the top rail and to protect the top rail and container body from damage. Examples of support structures include support blocks, such as composite blocks, and support rails, such as metal rails. In an exemplary embodiment, a low-profile light source can be installed on the top rail and/or the support structure.

Abstract: Improved expanded PTFE materials and improved gasket materials made therefrom, the gaskets being capable of forming a seal with greater bolt load retention than is possible with existing PTFE gaskets. The expanded PTFE membranes of the invention can be tailored to exhibit a matrix tensile strength in at least one direction of at least 25,000 psi, a matrix tensile strength ratio in two orthogonal directions of between 0.25 and 4, an orientation index of 50° or less, and a density of 2.0 g/cc or less. The improved gaskets exhibit improved mechanical properties such as high bolt load retention, low creep, high tensile strength, low stress to seal and high crystallinity index.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an improved top rail for a container body, e.g. a truck body, are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, a support structure is disposed at least partially within a channel of the top rail to provide increased strength to the top rail and to protect the top rail and container body from damage. Examples of support structures include support blocks, such as composite blocks, and support rails, such as metal rails. In an exemplary embodiment, a low-profile light source can be installed on the top rail and/or the support structure.

Abstract: An imaging catheter is provided having a distal end portion selectively rotatable relative to a catheter body. A transducer array is supported by the distal end portion so that a corresponding imaging field may be selectively panned about an axis extending distally from the catheter body. The catheter may be advanced within a patient to a desired location. Optionally, the catheter may then be steered, or curved to position the transducer array. Optionally, the catheter may be rotated to further position the transducer array. Then, the imaging field may be panned without manipulation of the catheter body.

Abstract: Actuators employable for oscillating movement of a load. An improved actuator may include at least a first shape memory member that is actuatable to affect at least a portion of the oscillating movement of the load. The actuator may further include a second shape memory member actuatable to affect at least a second portion of the oscillating movement of the load. The utilization of one or more shape memory members facilitates the realization of controllable and reliable oscillating movement of a load in a compact manner. Such actuators may be used in imaging catheters having an ultrasound transducer disposed for oscillating movement to scan across an internal region of interest. Such imaging catheters may be used in generating three dimensional and/or real-time three dimensional (4D) images.