Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.

Abstract: A synovial prosthetic member includes a body having an articulating surface and an anchor surface, the articulating surface being configured for articulation with another articulating surface of a synovial joint, the anchor surface being configured for cementing to bone, the body being composed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), the anchor surface having been subjected to treatment by either ion implantation, ion beam assisted deposition, or sputter deposition.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A mic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. t can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to bidding by all bidders.

Abstract: Knee prosthetic, incorporating a prosthetic femoral component designed to be fixed to the furthest or nearest extremity, of the femur, a tibial prosthetic component designed to be fixed to the nearest or upper extremity of the tibia and at least one intermediary mobile meniscoid prosthetic involving a lower surface working together by sliding with the complementary upper surface of the tibial component, and at least one upper concave surface working together by sliding with a lower condyloid convex surface of the femoral component, characterised by the fact that the upper surface of the tibial component and the lower surface of the meniscoid component are flat and sloped in the same angle from the top at the rear towards the front.

Abstract: A combination face mask and dental device for improved breathing during sleeping is provided in which a face mask (10) is connected through an air tube (14) to a gas supply system (16). The face mask (10) is connected through a connector (20) to a dental device (18).

Abstract: A prosthetic bone filler including ceramic granules for use in a living body, the ceramic granules being bonded to each other with a polymeric substance, and having ventilation pores produced as a result of the presence of gaps between the adjacent granules. The prosthetic bone filler is produced by adding the polymeric substance in two portions to the ceramic granules. In addition to good flexibility, the prosthetic bone filler exhibits excellent bio-compatibility.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoluminal prosthesis for deployment in a body lumen of a patient body, the prosthesis comprising a tubular fabric liner and a radially expandable frame supporting the liner. A plurality of imagable bodies are attached to the liner, the imagable bodies providing a sharp contrast so as to define a pattern which indicates the prosthesis position when the prosthesis is imaged within the patient body. Preferably, each imagable body comprises a plate having first and second opposed major surfaces and a passage therebetween to facilitate stitching the imagable body to the liner. Advantageously, the imagable bodies can be aligned with the openings of a perforate frame structure so that at least some of the imagable bodies are visible through associated openings, but need not actually be attached to the frame directly.

Abstract: A multiple-sided medical device comprises a closed frame of a single piece of wire or other resilient material and having a series of bends and interconnecting sides. The device has both a flat configuration and a second, folded configuration that comprises a self-expanding stent. The stent is pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel. One or more barbs are attached to the frame of the device for anchoring or to connect additional frames. A covering of fabric or other flexible material such as DACRON, PTFE, or collagen, is sutured or attached to the frame to form an occlusion device, a stent graft, or an artificial valve such as for correcting incompetent veins in the lower legs and feet. A partial, triangular-shaped covering over the lumen of the device allows the valve to open with normal blood flow and close to retrograde flow.

Abstract: An external penile prosthesis comprises a support including an expandible bladder having at least first and second elastic layers. The first and second layers are secured together to include an interior expandible bladder chamber between the first and second surfaces. The support is secured into a tube shape. The length of the support is substantially equal to the length of a male penis from the base to the coronal ridge of the glans. The tube is selectively dimensioned for a snug but not tight fit on the penis which does not cause restriction of blood flow through the veins beneath the skin of the penis. The prosthesis includes a valve for insertion of a fluid into the expandible bladder chamber of the support.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supplying retrograde perfusion of chronically ischemic myocardium by forming one or more transmural passageways between a cardiac chamber and the coronary venous vasculature. The placement, size and number of the passageways are selected, and portions of the venous vasculature or coronary ostium optionally partially or completely occluded, to maintain a parameter related to the pressure attained in the venous vasculature to a value less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An implant is provided as a bone replacement having an open-meshed, three-dimensional structure which at least partially covers its surface and which is constructed from particles which are connected to a base structure (1) of the implant. The particles have four to eight studs (3) extending radially outward from each other, at least three of which are connected directly to the base structure. At least the ends (7) of the studs (3) projecting out freely from the base structure (1) form undercuts (8) and have a surface which is outwardly rounded off.

Abstract: A stent-graft assembly and method of preparing the same are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the assembly comprises a stent and a graft, wherein the graft has a delivery configuration and a treatment configuration in relation to the stent. In the delivery configuration, the graft material is longer than the stent, covers the outer diameter of the stent, and is folded under and into the inner diameter of the stent. In the treatment configuration, the graft is shorter in length than the stent, such that the graft is no longer folded under the ends and the end regions of the stent are uncovered. The graft is sufficiently affixed to the stent to prevent migration of the graft, yet sufficiently free of the stent such that it can assume a second configuration upon deployment of the device.

Abstract: A method for resetting the phase of the human circadian clock and for enhancing alertness and performance in humans. The method involves the application of non-solar photic stimulation, in the range of 15 to 150,000 lux, to any non-ocular region of the human body during wakefulness or during sleep. Preferably, the photic stimulation has a wavelength within the visible spectrum (.about.400-750 nm). The method can be used to both delay and advance the circadian clock according to a phase response curve (PRC). The method may also be used for acute/immediate enhancement of alertness and performance. The method is applicable to alleviation of problems associated with "jet-lag", shift work sleep disturbance, and other sleep disturbances involving misalignment of circadian rhythms. The method provides a novel technique for shifting the phase of the circadian clock, and enhancing alertness and performance, using existing, or newly-developed devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides modular intraluminal tubular prostheses, particularly stents and stent-grafts, for the treatment of disease conditions, particularly aneurysms. Modular sections of the prostheses, or "prosthetic modules," may be selectively combined to form a composite prosthesis having characteristics which are tailored to the specific requirements of the patient. Each prosthetic module preferably includes one or more standard interface ends for engaging another module, the module/module interface typically comprising ends which overlap and/or lock within a predetermined axial range. Advantageously, the axial length, cross-section, perimeter, resilient expansive force, axial flexibility, liner permeability, liner extensibility, radial conformability, liner/tubal wall sealing and anchoring, and other prosthetic characteristics may be varied along the axis of the composite prosthesis, and also along the axis of each prosthetic module.

Abstract: A trading card capable of generating sounds comprises a thin housing having front and back surfaces, flexible sheets affixed to the front surface and to the back surface of the housing, a voice chip located in the housing for generating patterns of sounds, a battery located in the housing for supplying electrical power to the voice chip, and a switch located in the housing for activating the voice chip. The subject trading card may be activated by squeezing the flexible sheets between the thumb and forefinger at a selected switch location.

Abstract: A snorkelling device for supplying air to a person by unassisted lung function to a depth of approximately one meter. The device may be used upon or below the surface of the water. It comprises an air intake incorporating a float valve (14) for closing the air intake when it becomes submerged. A mouthpiece (16) is connected to the air intake by a flexible hose (18). The mouthpiece (16) has an inlet valve (20) to prevent the return of expelled gases up the flexible hose (18) during exhalation, and an outlet valve (22) to allow expelled gases to escape to ambient water during exhalation. A float (24) is provided adjacent the air intake to normally hold the air intake above the surface of the water. A weight (28) is provided in connection with the flexible hose (18) and is sufficiently heavy to exert a downward force on the flexible hose (18) so as to cause the float (24) and air intake to maintain a generally upright position.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to high opacity cigarette wrapping papers. The wrapping paper made according to the present invention contains a mixture of a white pigment and a black pigment. The white pigment, which can be, for instance, calcium carbonate, has a median particle size of from about 0.1 microns to about 0.5 microns, and particularly from about 0.2 microns to about 0.4 microns. It has been discovered that this particular particle size range, which is equal to one-half the wavelength of visible light, greatly increases the opacity, brightness and whiteness of the paper. Small amounts of a black pigment, such as carbon, are then added to further increase the opacity without significantly decreasing the whiteness or brightness of the paper relative to conventional cigarette paper.

Abstract: A plastic device that temporarily holds a cigar or cigarette for a golfer. The device attaches to a golf bag by a clip (13) (14) that the golfer easily slides on to his or her golf bag FIG. 5. Once attached the golfer simply puts his or her cigar into the cigar clamp (10) pushing down until the cigar fits snugly FIG. 2. If using the cigar holder for a cigarette the golfer would place the cigarette in the v-shaped cigarette slot (11) and push down until it is held in place FIG. 3. The holes in the top of the cigar holder (15) may be used to store golf tee's. The hole behind the cigar clamp (16) may be used to hang a towel.

Abstract: A sealer for the adhesive-containing seam of a tubular wrapper surrounding a running filler of tobacco or filter material for tobacco smoke has an at least partially ceramic heating device which contacts the moving seam and contains an electric conductor of ceramic material. The temperature of the heating device can be regulated to decrease, either stepwise or gradually, in the direction of movement of the seam. The heating device can consist of or contain silicon nitride and can be doped with titanium nitride to enhance its heat conductivity.

Abstract: A device for the orderly supply of cigarettes; the device presenting at least one channel defined by two lateral walls and for feeding a respective column of cigarettes at a given dropdown speed and in a given traveling direction to the bottom opening of the channel; and an ordering device being provided upstream from the bottom opening in the traveling direction, and presenting at least two engaging elements located at either end of one of the two lateral walls and movable inside the channel to accompany the cigarettes along a given portion of the channel and so feed the cigarettes in orderly manner to the bottom end.