Abstract: In certain embodiments, a device is configured to be compressed and inserted into the distal end of an endoscope. The delivery device can be configured to deliver the delivery catheter to the site of one or more fistulas in the wall of a body cavity or lumen within a patient. The delivery catheter is configured to deliver the device to the site of the one or more fistulas. The device is configured to expand at the site of the one or more fistulas and substantially seal the fistula in one or more directions. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the device is coated with and/or constructed of biocompatible material. In some configurations, the device is configured to be implanted for an extended period of time or even permanently. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the device is constructed of biodegradable, dissolvable and/or bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: Webpage content is sent to a user's web browser in a neutral format. On the user's web browser the webpage content is translated by a transformation application into the appropriate language and locale. A Language template file that contains the internationalization and localization data and processing components is loaded onto a browser and is used by the transformation application to render the final data to the user. The transformation application can render a new language and locale by loading an appropriate language template file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decoys for heat-seeking missiles and methods of producing and using the same. The decoys axe designed to be kinematic or pseudo-kinematic, producing one or more infra-red radiation emitting clouds that give the appearance of a moving infra-red target in the airspace in which the decoy has been released.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a device is configured to be compressed and inserted into the distal end of an endoscope. The delivery device can be configured to deliver the delivery catheter to the site of one or more fistulas in the wall of a body cavity or lumen within a patient. The delivery catheter is configured to deliver the device to the site of the one or more fistulas. The device is configured to expand at the site of the one or more fistulas and substantially seal the fistula in one or more directions. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the device is coated with and/or constructed of biocompatible material. In some configurations, the device is configured to be implanted for an extended period of time or even permanently. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the device is constructed of biodegradable, dissolvable and/or bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decoys for heat-seeking missiles and methods of producing and using the same. The decoys axe designed to be kinematic or pseudo-kinematic, producing one or more infra-red radiation emitting clouds that give the appearance of a moving infra-red target in the airspace in which the decoy has been released.

Abstract: Webpage content is sent to a user's web browser in a neutral format. On the user's web browser the webpage content is translated by a transformation application into the appropriate language and locale. A Language template file that contains the internationalization and localization data and processing components is loaded onto a browser and is used by the transformation application to render the final data to the user. The transformation application can render a new language and locale by loading an appropriate language template file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decoys for heat-seeking missiles and methods of producing and using the same. The decoys are designed to be kinematic or pseudo-kinematic, producing one or more infra-red radiation emitting clouds that give the appearance of a moving infra-red target in the airspace in which the decoy has been released.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise devices, systems and methods associated with making and/or using a fabric. The fabric can comprise a hydrophobic coating. The fabric can comprise a microporous sub-layer. Certain exemplary embodiments comprise fuel cells and/or fuel cell structures adapted to utilize the fabric for one or more gas permeable electrically conductive layers.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise devices, systems and methods associated with making and/or using a fabric. The fabric can comprise a hydrophobic coating. The fabric can comprise a microporous sub-layer. Certain exemplary embodiments comprise fuel cells and/or fuel cell structures adapted to utilize the fabric for one or more gas permeable electrically conductive layers.

Abstract: A modular friction drive system and method for use with a palletized conveyor. The drive system includes drive assemblies located at opposite sides of both a load end and unload end of the palletized conveyor. Each drive assembly comprises at least one drive unit and at least on take-up unit, which are connected by a drive belt. One or more idler units may reside between the drive unit(s) and take-up unit(s). Each drive assembly is provided with an actuating means for pressing the drive belt tightly against the side walls of the conveyor pallets. Each of the drive unit, take-up unit, and idler unit is preferably modular in nature and can, therefore, be added to or removed from a drive assembly independently of the other unit(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to decoys for heat-seeking missiles and methods of producing and using the same. The decoys are designed to be kinematic or pseudo-kinematic, producing one or more infra-red radiation emitting clouds that give the appearance of a moving infra-red target in the airspace in which the decoy has been released.

Abstract: A conveyor system incorporating a plurality of lift assemblies, wherein the lift assembly includes a platform for supporting an article during manufacture. A cylinder assembly is used for vertically supporting the platform and for moving the platform vertically between any one of a plurality of vertical height positions. A control system is used for actuating the cylinder assembly. The control system monitors the movement of the article along the assembly line, and includes predetermined height/position routines that are used to actuate the cylinder assembly and thereby move the platform vertically to a predetermined platform height corresponding to the location of the article on the line. In this way, the platform heights are selected to provide an ergonomic benefit in performing each operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for measuring an inside diameter of a body lumen, such as an air passageway. The device includes a flexible catheter having an inflation lumen, a fluid dispenser in fluid communication with the inflation lumen and operable to communicate a measurable fluid volume change with the inflation lumen, and an expandable member in fluid communication with the inflation lumen and having a known relationship between volume and a changeable transverse dimension, the transverse dimension being changeable in response to fluid volume changes of the fluid dispenser and arranged for placement adjacent to opposing portions of an interior wall of the air passageway. The expandable member may be dimensioned for transoral placement into the air passageway, and may comprise a balloon that includes a complaint material.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation kit comprises a flexible implant and an insertion tool for the implant. The implant is formed of a flexible biocompatible material and a rigid bone biocompatible fixation device. The insertion tool carries the implant percutaneously for insertion into selected soft tissue and bone. When the insertion tool is removed the implant is left in the selected tissue and anchored to the bone.

Abstract: The two-payload decoy device has a square outer case, containing a manifold/delay body assembly, a round payload assembly, and a square payload assembly. The square outer case is closed with an end cap. The manifold/delay body assembly is attached to the round payload assembly, which rests against the square payload assembly. Firing a standard impulse cartridge ignites a booster pellet and delay element in the manifold/delay body assembly. Gases flow through openings in the manifold/delay body assembly and down the corner cavities between the round payload assembly and the square case, pushing the square piston against the square payload, which separates the end cap from the case and ejects the square payload. The delay element burns for a specific time, and then ignites a round payload expulsion charge, which creates gases that push the round piston against the round payload, which dislodges a retaining ring, and ejects the round payload.

Abstract: An intra-bronchial device placed and anchored in an air passageway of a patient to collapse a lung portion associated with the air passageway. The device includes a support structure, an obstructing member carried by the support structure that reduces ventilation to the lung portion by preventing air from being inhaled into the lung portion, and at least one anchor carried by the support structure that anchors the obstruction device within the air passageway. The anchor may engage the air passageway wall by piercing or friction, include a stop dimensioned for limiting the piercing of the air passageway wall, and may be releasable from the air passageway for removal of the intra-bronchial device. The anchors may be carried by a peripheral portion of the support structure, or by a central portion of the support structure. The obstructing member may be a one-way valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining bulk material constants such as Poisson's ratio and the ratio of shear modulus to bulk modulus for elastomeric materials, including, but not limited to elastomers, rubbers, gels and sealants is disclosed. The bulk material properties are determined by measuring the pressure change of the elastomeric material when the elastomeric material is subjected to an applied pressure. The changes in the bulk material property due to temperature or a the addition of a diluent may also be determined. The apparatus includes a container that holds the elastomeric material. A pressure sensor is located in the container and is positioned to measure the pressure of the elastomeric material. The signal from the pressure sensor along with the applied pressure is used to determine a bulk material property such as Poisson's ratio or the ratio of shear modulus to bulk modulus for the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining bulk material constants such as Poisson's ratio and the ratio of shear modulus to bulk modulus for elastomeric materials, including, but not limited to elastomers, rubbers, gels and sealants is disclosed. The bulk material properties are determined by measuring the pressure change of the elastomeric material when the elastomeric material is subjected to an applied pressure. The changes in the bulk material property due to temperature or a the addition of a diluent may also be determined. The apparatus includes a container that holds the elastomeric material. A pressure sensor is located in the container and is positioned to measure the pressure of the elastomeric material. The signal from the pressure sensor along with the applied pressure is used to determine a bulk material property such as Poisson's ratio or the ratio of shear modulus to bulk modulus for the elastomeric material.

Abstract: An atherectomy device that may reduce the risk of damage to a vessel wall. One rotatable atherectomy burr has a recessed material removal portion lying between less abrasive proximal and distal shoulders. The shoulders can have a straight, rounded or elliptical taper. The shoulders can perform a cam action when the burr is canted is a vessel, as when passing the burr and guide wire through a tortuous, stenosed vessel path. The shoulders act to align the burr with the path through the vessel, presenting the less abrasive shoulders to the vessel wall while presenting the abrasive portion to a stenosis.

Abstract: An atherectomy device that may reduce the risk of damage to a vessel wall. One rotatable atherectomy burr has a recessed material removal portion lying between less abrasive proximal and distal shoulders. The shoulders can have a straight, rounded or elliptical taper. The shoulders can perform a cam action when the burr is canted is a vessel, as when passing the burr and guide wire through a tortuous, stenosed vessel path. The shoulders act to align the burr with the path through the vessel, presenting the less abrasive shoulders to the vessel wall while presenting the abrasive portion to a stenosis.