Abstract: The high-voltage and/or high-frequency pulse dielectric breakdown strength (DBS) of an implantable medical device is increased by strategically positioning insulation materials on or adjacent to the external surfaces of a filter capacitor. Dielectric breakdown strength is further increased by adding polymeric or ceramic nanoscale metal oxide insulative powders to the insulation materials.

Abstract: A self-centering washer is positioned between the feedthrough and filter capacitor of a filtered feedthrough. The washer has openings through which first and second terminal pins extend. A first opening has an inner arcuate portion contacting the first terminal pin and an outer perimeter portion exposing the braze sealing the terminal pin to the insulator. A second opening has an inner arcuate portion contacting the second terminal pin and an outer perimeter portion exposing the braze sealing the terminal pin to the insulator. In an imaginary configuration with the first and second washer openings superimposed one on top of the other, the cumulative arcuate distance of the inner arcuate portions about one of the terminal pins, subtracting overlap, results in a gap between the superimposed washer openings that is less than a diameter of the first and second terminal pins so that the washer is prevented from lateral movement.

Abstract: A system, device and method for nail care is provided. The nail care system includes a shaping system, a polish removal system and/or a cuticle management system; a vision system; a nail polish application system; and a mobility system. The nail system may further include an accelerated drying system, a hand massage system, a nail identification/diagnosis/estimation of conditions system, an enclosure, a hand/foot rest system, a computer software system, a computer hardware system, a cartridge/pod system, and a multi-tool system. Related apparatuses, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A continuous flow treatment apparatus comprises a heating fluid management portion and a feces treatment portion. The heating fluid management portion is configured to heat heating fluid and provide the heated heating fluid to a heat exchanger. The feces treatment portion comprises the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is configured to receive feces at a first position of the heat exchanger, indirectly heat the feces via the heated heating fluid as the feces are transported from the first position to a second position of the heat exchanger, and provide the heated feces at the second position. The feces are maintained at a minimum temperature for a predetermined amount of time such that the feces exiting the feces treatment portion have been rendered sanitary for at least one of storage or further processing.

Abstract: A system provides on a graphical user interface user-selectable options corresponding to a first type and a second type of enhanced coverage options, available for a covered property, each of the enhanced coverage options providing one or more improvements to a property covered under a property insurance policy, in accordance with universal design principles, in the event of an incurred loss to the covered property. Responsive to user selection of a type, alternating images including an image of a damaged property and an image of the damaged property after repair and an improvement in accordance with universal design principles corresponding to the selected type of enhanced coverage option, are displayed.

Abstract: A continuous flow treatment apparatus comprises a heating fluid management portion and a feces treatment portion. The heating fluid management portion is configured to heat heating fluid and provide the heated heating fluid to a heat exchanger. The feces treatment portion comprises the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is configured to receive feces at a first position of the heat exchanger, indirectly heat the feces via the heated heating fluid as the feces are transported from the first position to a second position of the heat exchanger, and provide the heated feces at the second position. The feces are maintained at a minimum temperature for a predetermined amount of time such that the feces exiting the feces treatment portion have been rendered sanitary for at least one of storage or further processing.

Abstract: A system provides on a graphical user interface user-selectable options corresponding to a first type and a second type of enhanced coverage options, available for a covered property, each of the enhanced coverage options providing one or more improvements to a property covered under a property insurance policy, in accordance with universal design principles, in the event of an incurred loss to the covered property. Responsive to user selection of a type, alternating images including an image of a damaged property and an image of the damaged property after repair and an improvement in accordance with universal design principles corresponding to the selected type of enhanced coverage option, are displayed.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for providing fuel briquettes from human feces. In an example embodiment, feces are treated to inactivate pathogens resident therein and to cause the cellulose material in the feces to undergo a phase transition. The treatment of the feces comprises heating the feces. Briquettes are formed from a mixture comprising the treated feces and carbonized agricultural waste product. The treated feces acts a binder such that the mixture may be formed into briquettes.

Abstract: A system provides on a graphical user interface user-selectable options corresponding to a first type and a second type of enhanced coverage options, available for a covered property, each of the enhanced coverage options providing one or more improvements to a property covered under a property insurance policy, in accordance with universal design principles, in the event of an incurred loss to the covered property. Responsive to user selection of a type, alternating images including an image of a damaged property and an image of the damaged property after repair and an improvement in accordance with universal design principles corresponding to the selected type of enhanced coverage option, are displayed.

Abstract: A system provides on a graphical user interface user-selectable options corresponding to a first type and a second type of enhanced coverage options, available for a covered property, each of the enhanced coverage options providing one or more improvements to a property covered under a property insurance policy, in accordance with universal design principles, in the event of an incurred loss to the covered property. Responsive to user selection of a type, alternating images including an image of a damaged property and an image of the damaged property after repair and an improvement in accordance with universal design principles corresponding to the selected type of enhanced coverage option, are displayed.

Abstract: A insurance policy management system for administering and managing insurance policies having enhanced coverages for providing property upgrades based on universal design principles. In the event of a loss to an insured property, the enhanced coverage will provide for enhanced property improvements under universal design guidelines to provide lifestyle upgrades for the insured. The enhanced coverage may apply to residential homes and businesses to help increase the quality of life and living environment for occupants.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for providing fuel briquettes from human feces. In an example embodiment, feces are treated to inactivate pathogens resident therein and to cause the cellulose material in the feces to undergo a phase transition. The treatment of the feces comprises heating the feces. Briquettes are formed from a mixture comprising the treated feces and carbonized agricultural waste product. The treated feces acts a binder such that the mixture may be formed into briquettes.

Abstract: A pet toy device and method therefore to mentally and physically exercise and entertain pets that live indoors that may include a fabric material with at least one pocket, at least one non-pocketed area and a tether with an attaching mechanism or member that temporarily attaches to a pet's favorite object. The method of using the device includes attaching a pet's favorite object to the tether using the toy holding mechanism such as a double sided single hook and loop or Velcro strap, then hiding the tethered pet object in at least one of the pockets. Once provided to the pet, the pet digs through the device to uncover the pet's favorite object. Moreover, the design provides for a pet's physical exercise, mental stimulation and entertainment while not allowing the attached favorite object to be lost under furniture or to be thrown across the room by the pet.

Abstract: A insurance policy management system for administering and managing insurance policies having enhanced coverages for providing property upgrades based on universal design principles. In the event of a loss to an insured property, the enhanced coverage will provide for enhanced property improvements under universal design guidelines to provide lifestyle upgrades for the insured. The enhanced coverage may apply to residential homes and businesses to help increase the quality of life and living environment for occupants.

Abstract: A insurance policy management system for administering and managing insurance policies having enhanced coverages for providing property upgrades based on universal design principles. In the event of a loss to an insured property, the enhanced coverage will provide for enhanced property improvements under universal design guidelines to provide lifestyle upgrades for the insured. The enhanced coverage may apply to residential homes and businesses to help increase the quality of life and living environment for occupants.

Abstract: A pet toy device and method therefore to mentally and physically exercise and entertain pets that live indoors that may include a fabric material with at least one pocket, at least one non-pocketed area and a tether with an attaching mechanism or member that temporarily attaches to a pet's favorite object. The method of using the device includes attaching a pet's favorite object to the tether using the toy holding mechanism such as a double sided single hook and loop or Velcro strap, then hiding the tethered pet object in at least one of the pockets. Once provided to the pet, the pet digs through the device to uncover the pet's favorite object. Moreover, the design provides for a pet's physical exercise, mental stimulation and entertainment while not allowing the attached favorite object to be lost under furniture or to be thrown across the room by the pet.

Abstract: Methods for pre-registering a participant in a program database using a participant smart card and biometric data in a verification process to manage fraud and enhance security and privacy protection are disclosed. The methods include pre-registering, or alternatively registering, individual information including biometric data in the program database, forming a secured registered account for the participant, and assigning the participant smart card to the participant with the secured registered account. The methods continue by determining risk factors for the participant, assigning at least one program with program risk factors to the participant, authenticating identity of the participant at a program access point, receiving eligibility verification or denial of the participant to access and use assigned programs, and updating the database data for exit verification.

Abstract: A method for controlling fraud using a personal hybrid card and a verification process is disclosed. The method includes registering personal information of an individual in a database forming a registered account for the individual, and assigning a personal hybrid card to the individual with the registered account. The personal hybrid card includes a data storage and a copy of the personal information, including first biometric data stored in the data storage. The method continues by verifying, at an access point, that the individual with the personal hybrid card matches the first biometric data of the individual, that is stored on the personal hybrid card. Next, the individual's personal information is transmitted from the access point to the database for requesting verification of the individual to use the personal hybrid card, and receiving eligibility verification or denial of the individual for accessing services, benefits, programs, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An adapter for an implantable cardiac lead, the adapter having a housing with an interior axial opening and an outer surface. The interior axial opening is configured to receive a mating terminal end of the implantable cardiac lead. A plurality of inner contacts are positioned within the interior axial opening and a plurality of outer contacts are positioned on the outer surface. Each of the inner contacts is electrically connected to an outer contact. The inner contacts are configured to electrically link with contacts on the mating terminal end of the implantable cardiac lead when the mating terminal end of the implantable cardiac lead is positioned within the interior opening. The outer surface is configured for connection of the outer contacts to a testing cable, the testing cable providing electrical connectivity with a device for testing the electrical continuity of the cardiac lead. An assembly including an adapter may be used to connect implanted cardiac leads with a testing device.