Abstract: Described herein is a system for promoting a user of a social network from a first discount level to a second discount level for purchasing a sponsor's product, comprising: a storage system for storing user records and sponsor records, each user record comprising a user identifier and a quantity of credits allocated to the user and each sponsor record comprising a sponsor identifier, a quantity of sponsor-purchased credits, criteria for allocating credits and a credit threshold for promotion from the first discount level to the second discount level; and a processor for receiving information relating to allocated credits from each user record and promoting the user from a first discount level to a second discount level for purchasing a sponsor's products by comparing the information relating to allocated credits to the credit threshold for the promotion, the second discount level providing a greater discount than the first discount level.

Abstract: Method for controlling the sterilization of products in an autoclave, in which products are placed in at least one closed, unsealed and confined container of any type, and according to which inside this same container there is a loaded and autonomous device for measuring in the container at least one sterilization parameter wherein during at least one part of the duration of the sterilization cycle and according to a predefined frequency, at least one representative value of the measurement of the at least one parameter is recorded in the loaded device and at least one of these representative values is transmitted directly through the container that remains closed, through wireless transmission by electromagnetic rays of waves with a frequency of less than 250,000 GHz.

Abstract: A prosthesis for stimulation of the inner ear, comprising means for excitation which generate vibrations which can excite the ear of a patient, and an implantable part comprising a rod which can transmit vibrations and which is configured in such a way that it can directly transmit vibrations generated by the means of excitation to the inner ear of a patient.

Abstract: A prosthesis for stimulation of the inner ear, comprising means of excitation (11) which generate vibrations which can excite the ear of a patient, and an implantable part (1) comprising a rod which can transmit vibrations and which is configured in such a way that it can directly transmit vibrations generated by the means of excitation (11) to the inner ear of a patient.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hearing aid comprising: an outer housing (1) containing a signal processing module (11) connected in input to at least a microphone (13) and in output to an earphone for transmitting a sound signal into the patient's external auditory canal (5); at least one first magnetic component (12) arranged in the outer housing (1); at least one second magnetic component (21) arranged in an implantable housing designed to be implanted under the patient's skin, at a site where the outer housing (1) can be maintained, the first magnetic component being arranged in the outer housing such that a magnetic attraction force is exerted with the second magnetic component when the outer housing (1) is placed at said site; and a device for delivering sound signals into the patient's external auditory canal comprising the earphone and a connection (4) between the outer housing (1) and the auditory canal.

Abstract: The technical field is that of instruments for medical examination of ducts in the body by visual examination using an illuminating device, and also making it possible, where appropriate, to act surgically in said ducts. The invention provides an instrument intended mainly for locating veins and simultaneously removing them, the elongate central body of the instrument having at least one optical fiber connected at one end to a light source; according to the invention, said instrument is such that said optical fiber is a fiber that diffuses light laterally and radially relative to its axis XX', and it is provided at its distal end that is not connected to the light source with a transparent head having an outside diameter greater than that of said central body.

Abstract: A device for extending living tissue includes at least two rigid supports that respectively have a plurality of hook-like barbs on one end thereof for attachment to the skin, each point of attachment corresponding to a respective edge of the areas of tissue to be treated, while the other end of each support includes at least one guide for receiving a flexible extendable elastic belt thereabout, the belt having a portion extending parallel along at least one of the rigid supports.

Abstract: A method for extending skin tissue involving an apparatus that it surgically implanted within the human body, and in particular, beneath the scalp area to extend hair producing tissue for reducing baldness. The apparatus is implantable through a temporary opening, and extends the living tissue over a period of time, wherein the apparatus is later removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending living tissue. The apparatus being surgically implanted in the human body, and in particular beneath the scalp to extend hair producing tissue for reducing baldness. The apparatus includes at least one resilient means with at least two fastening means secured thereto. The fastening means are engageable with the living tissue and extend the tissue under the action of the resilient means. The apparatus is implantable, through a temporary opening, below the surface of the tissue to be extended, and extends the living tissue over a period of time, wherein the apparatus is later removed.

Abstract: An intra-cochlea electrode carrier for implantation into a helically shaped tympanic canal has a plurality of segments. Each segment has opposite first and second surfaces, the first surface defining a length between opposite ends of the segment and a width between opposite sides of the segment, a height in cross section to the width being defined between the opposite first and second surfaces of the segment. Respective electrodes are on the first surfaces of the segments.