Abstract: A fishing lure having interchangeable segments. The fishing lure contains a head portion having a first component of a head-to-body locking unit and a body portion having a second component of a head-to-body locking unit. When locked together, the fishing lure is configured to replicate an intact sea creature or animal.

Abstract: A portable unit usable by a person when carrying out an exercise is described. The unit is programmable with details of a virtual athlete and their performance in a specific race, to enable the user to race against the virtual athlete. The unit informs the user through headphones of the progress of the virtual athlete during a race being carried out by a user. The unit may also be programmable with periodic encouragement messages for a user.

Abstract: A portable unit usable by a person when carrying out an exercise is described. The unit is programmable with details of a virtual athlete and their performance in a specific race, to enable the user to race against the virtual athlete. The unit informs the user through headphones of the progress of the virtual athlete during a race being carried out by a user. The unit may also be programmable with periodic encouragement messages for a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved spinal implant which is useful in bone fixation surgeries. The spinal implant as described herein provides a surgeon with a device that can easily and safely be inserted into the space previously occupied by the spinal disc. The spinal implant contains one or more magnets positioned on or within the device to self-align with one or more additional spinal implants inserted therein for the purpose of preventing misalignment of a plurality of implant devices during surgical procedures and preventing implant expulsion.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved spinal implant which is useful in bone fixation surgeries. The spinal implant as described herein provides a surgeon with a device that can easily and safely be inserted into the space previously occupied by the spinal disc. The spinal implant contains one or more magnets positioned on or within the device to self-align with one or more additional spinal implants inserted therein for the purpose of preventing misalignment of a plurality of implant devices during surgical procedures and preventing implant expulsion.

Abstract: A method for generating a prediction of a latency of a transaction processing system includes: sampling a first plurality of messages from a database that stores data indicative of messages previously processed by the transaction processing system including a characteristic and a processing time of each previously processed message; generating latency tables based upon the characteristics and the processing times of the sampled first plurality of messages; determining a characteristic of each of a second plurality of messages being processed by the transaction processing system; selecting, for each of the second plurality of messages, a latency table from the plurality of latency tables based upon the respective determined characteristic; simulating a processing time for each of the second plurality of messages based upon the respective selected latency table; and generating a latency prediction for the transaction processing system based upon the simulated processing times for the second plurality of message

Abstract: A portable unit usable by a person when carrying out an exercise is described. The unit is programmable with details of a virtual athlete and their performance in a specific race, to enable the user to race against the virtual athlete. The unit informs the user through headphones of the progress of the virtual athlete during a race being carried out by a user. The unit may also be programmable with periodic encouragement messages for a user.

Abstract: A portable unit usable by a person when carrying out an exercise. The unit is programmable with details of a virtual athlete and their performance in a specific race, to enable the user to race against the virtual athlete. The unit informs the user through headphones of the progress of the virtual athlete during a race being carried out by a user. The unit may also be programmable with periodic encouragement messages for a user.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system suitable for guiding a cross-connector to a target area, such as spinal implants including spinal implant rods, within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member being constructed of, or having a steering material, which can be coupled to the cross-connector. The system further includes one or more devices which are used to maneuver the targeting member into position prior to attachment of the cross-connector. The cross-connector is traversed into position through the passageway created by the targeting member and secured to one or more spinal implant members.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a chambered fishing lure having a releasable hook. The chambered fishing lure includes a main body; within the interior of the main body is a reloadable leader lure assembly chamber constructed and arranged to hold a reloadable leader lure assembly. A portion of the hook, as well as all the leader line, is housed within the internal chamber as well in the non-deployed state. Upon a fish strike and connection, the hook is released from the internal cavity, extending a desirable distance from the main body of the fishing lure and exposing the leader line to the external environment, defining the deployed state. The reloadable leader lure assembly is constructed and arranged to provide the user the ability to retract the leader line coupled to the hook back into the internal chamber of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining a volume of liquid in a sample tube, comprising the steps of capturing an image of the sample tube, determining a first region of interest within the sample tube based upon pre-stored information concerning dimensional properties of the sample tube, scanning the first region of interest to detect the position of a meniscus indicative of an upper extent of the liquid, and using said meniscus position together with certain pre-stored properties of the sample tube to determine a volume of liquid in the tube, and outputting said volume. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a fishing line and capable of shearing water to create a bubble trail along a length of the fishing line. The device is preferably mounted at the beginning of a leader line and, when pulled through the water at trolling speeds, causes water shear. The device is formed from a housing having at least one aperture constructed and arranged to cause the static pressure in water passing through the aperture while at a trolling speed, wherein water is reduced to below the vapor pressure forming a gaseous state of bubbles effective for concealing a length of the fishing line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular chambered fishing lure having an internal spool for providing compact storage for an extendable leader; weighted elements removably attached along various portions of the lure body for providing a desired motion, orientation, and depth in the water; and a plurality of interchangeable tail components to provide a variety of different lure types.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining a volume of liquid in a sample tube, comprising the steps of capturing an image of the sample tube, determining a first region of interest within the sample tube based upon pre-stored information concerning dimensional properties of the sample tube, scanning the first region of interest to detect the position of a meniscus indicative of an upper extent of the liquid, and using said meniscus position together with certain pre-stored properties of the sample tube to determine a volume of liquid in the tube, and outputting said volume. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a chambered fishing lure having a releasable hook. The chambered fishing lure of the instant invention includes a main body having a front end, a back end, a top side, a bottom side, and a hook. Within the interior of the main body is a reloadable leader lure assembly chamber constructed and arranged to hold a reloadable leader lure assembly. A portion of the hook, as well as all the leader line, is housed within the internal chamber as well as in the non-deployed state. Upon a fish strike and connection, the hook is released from the internal cavity, extending a desirable distance from the main body of the fishing lure and exposing the leader line to the external environment, defining the deployed state. The reloadable leader lure assembly is constructed and arranged to provide the user the ability to retract the leader line coupled to the hook back into the internal chamber of the device.

Abstract: The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area.

Abstract: The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area.

Abstract: The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area.