Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide an implant configured to utilize at least two different scar-generating mechanisms that are generated in sequential or overlapping stages. For example, in one embodiment the present invention provides an expandable device that can be positioned at a desired target location within a patient to generate mechanical ablation damage. After a predetermined amount of mechanical ablation has occurred, additional ablation damage is generated by a different source, such as energy delivery, drug delivery, or inflammatory material delivery. In this respect, the overall ablation scarring can be better controlled by utilizing the ablation techniques that are most appropriate at specific phases of a technique or locations within a patient.

Abstract: Reclosable gusseted packages or bags have improved resistance to leaking or spilling through the gussets by sealing the gussets together through apertures in the gusset walls, by sealing the zipper flanges together through apertures passing through the gussets in the package or bag, by folding portions of the gussets, or by sewing the gussets shut in areas proximate to the zipper.

Abstract: An embodiment is directed to a marketing method that includes analyzing a customer contact database to identify action contacts. A marketing plan is generated for the action contacts. The marketing plan including a proposed action for each action contact. User interface content having controls for implementing the marketing plan is communicated. Selections entered using the user interface content are received and analyzed to identify marketing actions selected to be implemented. Marketing jobs are assembled for the selected marketing actions. Each marketing job is communicated to a fulfillment vendor.

Abstract: A surge suppression device includes a bus bar that extends along a length of the surge suppression device. Multiple surge suppression modules each have an attachment device that attaches and detaches to the bus bar without disrupting connections of other surge suppression modules coupled to the same bus bar.

Abstract: A low cost, sealed contactor comprises a hermetically sealed housing with a flat header having internal components for changing the state of said contactor. Terminals are electrically connected to the internal components for connection to internal circuitry and applying an electrical signal to control the state of the contactor. A solenoid-driven plunger with a hollow shaft is included. Power-reducing electronics located within the hermetically sealed housing are also included. Two contact springs are also included to improve electrical performance. O-rings are added to help seal the contactor and keep it hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A surge suppression unit comprises connection circuitry for coupling the surge suppression unit in a communication cable. Surge suppression circuitry uses Silicon Avalanche Diodes (SADs) that couple power surges on the communication cable to ground. In one embodiment, the surge suppression unit includes multiple surge suppression modules configured for inserting into different slots in a same enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of airborne microorganisms and gaseous effluvia is disclosed. The apparatus includes an air intake mechanism capable of drawing an air sample and an air intake chamber operatively coupled to the air intake mechanism so that the air sample passes therethrough. A reservoir containing a liquid is provided disposed relative to the air intake chamber such that the air sample passes through the reservoir and is percolated through the liquid so that airborne microorganisms or gaseous effluvia within the air sample becomes suspended in the liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for improving the medical care of patients. The apparatus includes an input device, a medical risk database, a data processor, and a communication device. Data entered in the input device, usually by a health care professional, defines a patient data record. The medical risk database associates certain patient data entered into the data record, which increases the risk of a missed medical care opportunity, with additional medical care to address the risk. The communication device responds to the identification of patient data presenting a medical risk by communicating to a health care professional additional medical care selected to identify and take advantage of a medical care opportunity.

Abstract: A method to substantially eliminate carry-over contamination due to electrical contacts in a device, wherein the electrical contacts are in contact with one or more macromolecules during a procedure and wherein an amount of said one or more macromolecules remains on said electrical contacts after contact is completed, the method comprising heating said electrical contacts and/or said amount of one or more macromolecules remaining on said electrical contacts such that said one or more macromolecules remaining thereon are rendered substantially unable to interact with macromolecules of subsequent procedures and are rendered substantially unable to adversely participate in reactions of subsequent procedures in which said electrical contacts later are used.

Abstract: A body tissue graft for use in a patient includes a frame structure made of a first elastic material, a covering of a second elastic material on the frame structure, the covering substantially filling openings in the frame structure, and a connector connected to the frame structure. Projections are secured to the connector structure. The projections facilitate attachment of the tubular graft in a patient by securing the graft to the body tissue with which the graft is employed. The connector selectively circumferentially expands and the projections selectively circumferentially expand. This may be done using an inflatable balloon to circumferentially expand the projections. A restraining member may be provided to restrain the projections in a cone shape so that an end of the graft may be used to open an aperture through a side wall of existing body organ tubing and a portion of the projections may enter the aperture.

Abstract: Methods are provided for predicting responsiveness of cancer cells to chemotherapy by measuring the level of phosphorylated Stat or the level of expression of Survivin in a cancer and comparing the level in the cancer cell to the respective level in a control. Also provided are methods of selecting a chemotherapeutic treatment for a subject diagnosed with cancer by measuring the level of phosphorylated Stat or the level of expression of Survivin in a cancer and comparing the level in the cancer cell to the respective level in a control. Kits for performing the methods are also provided. Methods for modulating Survivin-dependent apoptosis in a cancer cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a caliper extender, which fits over a tape measure blade, enabling accurate measurements to be taken of an inside dimension. Extender slides along blade and is positioned against one wall of the inside dimension. Blade is then repositioned flat against extender and a measurement reading is taken. A pointer may also be incorporated into extender to indicate a tape marking corresponding to an accurate measurement. In the alternative, a caliper extender is incorporated into a tape measure such that extender can be disengaged from a casing of tape measure, slid along a blade and a measurement reading taken through a window in a channel through which blade is installed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is delivered to and installed at the operative site primarily by working through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. This avoids the need for any significant surgery on the patient. The artificial grafts may have shapes other than tubular. Certain procedural and apparatus aspects of the invention have uses other than in connection with grafting in general or tubular grafting in particular.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide an implant configured to utilize at least two different scar-generating mechanisms that are generated in sequential or overlapping stages. For example, in one embodiment the present invention provides an expandable device that can be positioned at a desired target location within a patient to generate mechanical ablation damage. After a predetermined amount of mechanical ablation has occurred, additional ablation damage is generated by a different source, such as energy delivery, drug delivery, or inflammatory material delivery. In this respect, the overall ablation scarring can be better controlled by utilizing the ablation techniques that are most appropriate at specific phases of a technique or locations within a patient.

Abstract: Provided is a caliper extender (100), which fits over a tape measure blade (124), enabling accurate measurements to be taken of an inside dimension (142). Extender (100) slides along blade (124) and is positioned against one wall of the inside dimension (142). Blade (124) is then repositioned flat against extender (100) and a measurement reading is taken. A pointer (110) may also be incorporated into extender (100) to indicate a tape marking (202, 204, 206, 208 or 210) corresponding to an accurate measurement. In the alternative, a caliper extender (160) is incorporated into a tape measure (350) such that extender (160) can be disengaged from a casing (352) of tape measure (350), slid along a blade (190) and a measurement reading taken through a window (308) in a channel (304) through which blade (190) is installed.

Abstract: A web services user agent is automatically downloaded to a user's network device in response to a user's request for a login web page associated with a web site (e.g., a web site of a company associated with a customer service center). When the user presents his or her login information (e.g., a username and password), the web services user agent automatically uses the user's login information to generate a session initiation protocol registration message. The web services user agent then automatically transmits the SIP registration message to a SIP server associated with a customer service center. Information about the user, such as the identity of the user and the current URL being browsed by the user, can then be displayed on the devices of one or more customer service representatives.

Abstract: A customer service center or other facility receives session imitation protocol (SIP) messages transmitted from a web services user agent on behalf of a user network device. The customer service center is equipped with a session initiation protocol-enabled presence server that retrieves information about a SIP registered user, and adds information about the user (e.g., the user's name) on selected buddy lists subscribed to by customer service representatives. Customer service representatives are able to establish SIP media sessions with users appearing on their buddy lists by, for example, clicking on the user's name.

Abstract: A buffered meal component and a kit comprising the buffered meal component and a sauce are described. The sauce has an acidic pH that is increased by the buffered meal component during cooking to produce a fresh looking and tasting meal that can be prepared in under 40 minutes.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing metrology sampling rates in an advanced process control (APC) application. A method is provided for processing a run of workpieces, the method comprising the steps of: providing a database comprising subgroups of data representing characteristics from previously processed workpieces; selecting a first subgroup of data having characteristics that satisfy a predetermined criteria; determining processing conditions for a processing tool corresponding to said first subgroup of data; processing the run of workpieces with the process tool using the determined processing conditions; and measuring the run of workpieces according to a sampling rate determined from the first subgroup of data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is installed at the operative site primarily by providing at least one graft location with instrumentation inserted through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. Assistance in installing the new tubing may be provided by minimally invasive surgical access openings in the patient's chest. The tubing may be delivered through the patient's existing tubular body structure or, alternatively, through the surgical access openings.