Abstract: A method and apparatus for pneumatic powder transfer from a powder supply container to applications such as laser sintering systems. The method and apparatus use both constant and cyclic flows of a pressurized gas to fluidize and convey powders without the need for any tilting unloading stands, vibration or other mechanical working of the powder.

Abstract: Embolectomy catheters, rapid exchange microcatheters, systems and methods for removing clots or other obstructive matter (e.g., thrombus, thromboemboli, embolic fragments of atherosclerotic plaque, foreign objects, etc.) from blood vessels. This invention is particularly useable for percutaneous removal of thromboemboli or other obstructive matter from small blood vessels of the brain, during an evolving stroke or period of cerebral ischemia. In some embodiments, the embolectomy catheters of this invention are advanceable with or over a guidewire which has been pre-inserted through or around the clot. Also, in some embodiments, the embolectomy catheters include clot removal devices which are deployable from the catheter after the catheter has been advanced at least partially through the clot. The clot removal device may include a deployable wire nest that is designed to prevent a blood clot from passing therethrough.

Abstract: An exemplary morphable ceramic composite structure includes a flexible ceramic composite skin and a truss structure attached to the skin. The truss structure can morph shape of the skin from a first shape to a second shape that is different than the first shape. The flexible ceramic composite skin may include a single-layer of three-dimensional woven fabric fibers and a ceramic matrix composite. The truss structure may include at least one actuatable element or an actuator may move a portion of the truss structure from a first position to a second position. A cooling component may be disposed in thermal communication with the skin. The cooling component may include thermal insulation or a cooling system that circulates cooling fluid in thermal communication with the skin. The morphable ceramic composite structure may be incorporated into any of an air inlet, combustor, exhaust nozzle, or control surfaces of a hypersonic aircraft.

Abstract: A self-transpiring hot skin for a hypersonic or reusable space vehicle that can provide protection to the vehicle during short periods of abnormally high heat flux (either planned in the flight profile or an off-nominal event). The hot skin includes a ceramic composite structure having an internal cavity that is coupled either to the insulating layer or directly to the support structure of the hypersonic vehicle. The internal cavity includes a material system that vaporizes, sublimes or decomposes into a gas when the temperature exceeds the upper temperature capability of the composite material. The gas transpires through the outer layer of the composite material to provide cooling to the outer layer below the upper temperature capability. Cooling may occur both by conduction of heat from the composite material to the transpiring gas and by the interaction of the transpiring gas with the boundary layer of hypersonic flow over the outer surface, leading to a reduction of the heat flux entering the surface.

Abstract: A bridge associated with a broadcast aperture facilitates the transfer of rendering commands and data between a processor and multiple graphics devices. The bridge receives data written by the processor to the broadcast aperture and forwards it to multiple graphics devices, eliminating the need for the processor to perform duplicative(?) write operations. During system initialization, a broadcast aperture is allocated to the bridge in address space based on an aperture size value set using a system configuration utility and stored in system configuration memory. A graphics driver activates the broadcast aperture by sending unicast aperture parameters associated with the multiple graphics devices to the bridge via a bridge driver. Upon activating the broadcast aperture, multiple graphics devices can be operated in parallel to improve rendering performance. Parallel rendering techniques include split-frame, alternate frame, and combined split- and alternate frame rendering.

Abstract: An audio speaker contains a tweeter capable of continuous rotation, where the audio speaker contains the tweeter and an axis mount assembly. The tweeter is removably connected to the axis mount assembly. The audio speaker also contains a first connection member capable of maintaining electrical communication with the axis mount assembly throughout continuous rotation of the axis mount assembly. The axis mount assembly contains a terminal plate connected to a bottom portion of the tweeter, where the terminal plate maintains electrical communication with the tweeter. The axis mount assembly also contains an axis mount faceplate capable of receiving the terminal plate and tweeter within an indented portion of a top portion of the axis mount faceplate. The axis mount assembly further contains an axis mount spacer and a second connection member that maintains electrical communication with the first connection member throughout continuous rotation of the axis mount assembly.

Abstract: A vascular implant formed of a compressible foam material has a compressed configuration from which it is expansible into a configuration substantially conforming to the shape and size of a vascular site to be embolized. Preferably, the implant is formed of a hydrophilic, macroporous foam material, having an initial configuration of a scaled-down model of the vascular site, from which it is compressible into the compressed configuration. The implant is made by scanning the vascular site to create a digitized scan data set; using the scan data set to create a three-dimensional digitized virtual model of the vascular site; using the virtual model to create a scaled-down physical mold of the vascular site; and using the mold to create a vascular implant in the form of a scaled-down model of the vascular site. To embolize a vascular site, the implant is compressed and passed through a microcatheter, the distal end of which has been passed into a vascular site.

Abstract: An actuable truss with ordered or disordered planar or strut elements or pore walls may be seeded with tissue cells, wherein application of a magnetic field may result in mechanical strain on the cells and increased fluid flow in and out of the truss structure. Modified polymers, such as ?-Fe2O3/PLGA, may be used to form actuable scaffolds suitable for tissue engineering. It is also disclosed a device with a trap-door that may be remotely actuated by applying a magnetic field. Such a device may be employed to deliver and control the release of other micro-devices or materials such as drugs to a specific location inside the body of a human or an animal.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of the same combination of lawn stencils, which combination is used to create an artistic work on a lawn, includes: simultaneously cutting a first predetermined pattern of one or more openings in each sheet of a first stack of sheets by applying a high pressure water jet, each sheet of the first stack representing a first lawn stencil of the combination; and simultaneously cutting a second predetermined pattern of one or more openings in each sheet of a second stack of sheets by applying a high pressure water jet, each sheet of the second stack representing a second lawn stencil of the combination. The first predetermined pattern corresponds to one or more design elements of the artistic work, and the second predetermined pattern corresponds to one or more additional design elements of the artistic work.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of the same combination of lawn stencils, which combination is used to create an artistic work on a lawn, includes: simultaneously cutting a first predetermined pattern of one or more openings in each sheet of a first stack of sheets by applying a high pressure water jet, each sheet of the first stack representing a first lawn stencil of the combination; and simultaneously cutting a second predetermined pattern of one or more openings in each sheet of a second stack of sheets by applying a high pressure water jet, each sheet of the second stack representing a second lawn stencil of the combination. The first predetermined pattern corresponds to one or more design elements of the artistic work, and the second predetermined pattern corresponds to one or more additional design elements of the artistic work.

Abstract: A method for creating an artistic work on a lawn includes: anchoring a first stencil to a lawn; applying paint of a first color in a first desired pattern on the lawn by applying paint over a first pattern of one or more openings in the first lawn stencil; anchoring a second stencil to the lawn; and applying paint of a second color in a second desired pattern on the lawn by applying paint over a second pattern of one or more openings in the second awn stencil. The pattern of one or more openings in each lawn stencil corresponds to one or more design elements of the artwork to be created on the lawn. Additional lawn stencils and containers of paint also may be included. Proper orientation of each lawn stencil is insured by proper orientation and alignment of an indication of orientation and alignment locations, which each lawn stencil includes.

Abstract: A kit for creating an artistic work on a residential lawn includes: first and second lawn stencils; first and second containers of paint of first and second colors; and a plurality of stakes. The stakes are used to anchor the lawn stencils to the lawn, and the paint is used to apply layers of paint over the lawn stencils, which in turn applies layers of the paint in desired patterns on the lawn. Each lawn stencil includes a pattern of openings therein, which pattern corresponds to one or more design elements of the artwork to be applied to the lawn using the paint. Additional lawn stencils and containers of paint also may be included in this aspect. Proper orientation of each lawn stencil of the kit is insured by proper orientation and alignment of an indication of orientation and alignment locations, which each lawn stencil includes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electroluminescent display device using dielectric spheres embedded in a flexible electrically conducting substrate. Each of the spherical dielectric particles has a first portion protruding through a top surface of the substrate and a second portion protruding through the bottom surface of the substrate. An electroluminescent phosphor layer is deposited on the first portion of each spherical dielectric particles and a continuous electrically conductive, substantially transparent electrode layer is located on the top surfaces of the electroluminescent phosphor layer and areas of the flexible electrically insulating substrate located between the top surfaces of the electroluminescent phosphor layer. A continuous electrically conductive electrode layer coated on the second portion of the spherical dielectric particles and areas of the flexible, electrically insulated substrate located between the second portions of the spherical dielectric particles.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I in salt or zwitterionic form wherein, wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating conditions that are mediated by the muscarinic M3 receptor. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and a process for preparing the compounds are also described.

Abstract: In a wireless LAN (WLAN) a method and system for dynamically assigning a configuration identity to a device being connected to the WLAN is provided. An access point (AP) or other device is plugged into a switch port of an Ethernet switch, and discovers its location and the location of a WLAN management module. The device can then request its configuration identity from the WLAN management module by providing its switch and/or port location. When a device in the WLAN needs to be replaced, the method and system enable dynamic assignment of configuration identity for the new device, to ensure that the configuration and identity of the new device matches that of the device it is replacing.

Abstract: A loudspeaker system designed for ceiling installation. The system includes a woofer, a midrange speaker and a tweeter commonly supported on a rotatable support member which in turn is supported on and is rotatable with respect to an annular rim that is designed to be fixed about an opening in the ceiling. The woofer is aligned at one acute angle and the midrange speaker and tweeter at another acute angle to the annular rim. The mid range speaker and tweeter are partially segregated from the woofer by a baffle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pneumatic powder transfer from a powder supply container to applications such as laser sintering systems. The method and apparatus use both constant and cyclic flows of a pressurized gas to fluidize and convey powders without the need for any tilting unloading stands, vibration or other mechanical working of the powder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional objects by laser sintering that includes the use of dense phase pneumatic conveying to internally recycle overflow powder, and to thoroughly blend overflow, recovered and virgin powder to provide a consistent powder feed mix to a laser sintering machine. Overflow powder from the laser sintering machine is recovered and recycled back into the laser sintering machine for reuse. The approach results in a compact and reliable powder recycle system with complete blending and minimum attrition to the handled powder.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary configuration-comprises a plurality of interconnected closed loops defining a plurality of discrete axes. In a second embodiment, the secondary configuration defines a wave-form like structure comprising an array of laterally-alternating open loops defining a plurality of separate axes. In a third embodiment, the secondary configuration forms a series of tangential closed loops, wherein the entire structure subtends a first angle of arc, and wherein each adjacent pair of loops defines a second angle of arc. In a fourth embodiment, the secondary configuration forms a logarithmic spiral.

Abstract: Systems and methods for augmenting an image sequence with content are disclosed. A system may include a character generator, a graphics frame buffer and a graphics insertion system. The character generator may generate pixel block content. The graphics frame buffer may be in communication with the character generator and store the pixel block content. The graphics insertion system may be in communication with the first graphics frame buffer. The graphics insertion system may be used to retrieve the pixel block content from the first graphics frame buffer and modify an image sequence with an insert graphic based on the pixel block content.