Abstract: A skewed end assembly for connection to an arch culvert structure is provided. The assembly may generally include an arch-shaped inner skewed panel and a wedge member having a partially arch-shaped profile adapted for engagement with the inner skewed panel. The inner skewed panel may include a ledge that may include a plurality of threaded anchors. The wedge member may include a lip adapted for engagement with the ledge. The lip may include a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of threaded connectors adapted for threadable engagement with the corresponding threaded anchors in the ledge. Two assemblies, each comprising an inner skewed panel and a wedge member, are placed at opposed ends of an arch-shaped bridge or culvert structure to provide generally co-planar skewed ends to the structure such that it may be positioned at an angle in relation to a roadway such that the skewed ends are generally parallel to the roadway.

Abstract: A transportable cooler comprises a bottom panel having lateral and transverse edge portions and a plurality of upright panels attached thereto and extending upward therefrom forming a vessel with an interior adapted to hold fluid. The plurality of upright panels includes a front panel having a front surface and plurality of pockets extending from the front surface to the interior of the vessel. A lid provides access to the interior for filling the cooler with ice. The ice cools each pocket to chill a beverage container inserted in the pocket.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a DC-to-DC converter and at least one capacitor. The fuel cell stack provides a stack voltage, and the DC-to-DC converter receives the stack voltage. The capacitor(s) are coupled between the fuel cell stack and the DC-to-DC converter.

Abstract: A method of making a hotel reservation includes receiving a reservation request from a booking source, wherein the reservation request is based on an allocation to the booking source from a hotel and wherein the reservation request is price-blind; transmitting the reservation request to the hotel; receiving a confirmation from the hotel; and transmitting the confirmation to the booking source. The booking source can be a consolidator, a travel agent, a tour operator, a Global Distribution System or a wholesaler. The method also includes connecting to the hotel using a web service to transmit the reservation to the hotel. If the reservation request exceeds the allocation, the hotel has an option of accepting the reservation request or declining the reservation request. The method also includes receiving polling inquiries from the booking source prior to transmitting the hotel's confirmation to the booking source. The confirmation from the hotel can be received using a web service.

Abstract: A shelf device for an inside surface of a cooler door has a tray with a bottom panel, opposed front and rear panels connected to the bottom panel, and opposed end panels connected to the bottom, front and rear panels. The front panel has a rear face opposite the rear panel and a front face. A front display panel has an embellished front surface and has a rear surface attached to the front surface of the front panel of the tray. Openings in tray flanges receive suction cup protrusions for attaching the tray to the inside surface of the cooler door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suturing instrument for performing a surgical procedure, such as passing a suture through tissue, and methods thereof. The suturing instrument is a low profile device that includes an elongate body member, a needle exit port, a needle catch, and a needle deployment mechanism. The needle deployment mechanism drives the needle distally between the needle exit port and the needle catch.

Abstract: A process for continuous refining of steel via multiple distinct reaction vessels for melting, oxidation, reduction, and refining for delivery of steel continuously to, for example, a tundish of a continuous caster system, and associated apparatus.

Abstract: A medical device can be used to drain fluids from the body during a medical procedure that requires the insertion of a medical instrument into an anatomical lumen or cavity. The device generally allows the simultaneous introduction of the medical instrument into the body and drainage of fluid out of the body during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A pump bottle flow control apparatus consists of a bottle and pump combination. The bottle has a bottom and a peripheral side wall that rises from the bottom terminating at its upper extremity in a top opening. The bottle has an interior sump, serving as a lowermost portion of the bottle into which liquid flows by force of gravity. The pump is secured to the top opening of the bottle. The pump has a manual actuator and a rigid supply tube that extends into the bottle and terminates within the interior sump.

Abstract: A cooler for a counter top has a bottom panel having lateral and transverse edge portions and a plurality of upright panels attached thereto and extending upward therefrom forming a vessel with an interior adapted to hold ice. The plurality of upright panels includes a front panel having a front surface and plurality of pockets extending from the front surface to the interior of the vessel. An access panel provides access to the interior for filling the cooler with ice. The ice cools each pocket to thereby chill a beverage container resting in the pocket.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules and peptides encoded by these molecules are used in the analysis of human norepinephrine (NE) transporter variants, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, relating to a human NE transporter polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from mRNA, it is possible to type a human NE transporter with regard to the human NE transporter polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating NE transport impairments, and disorders associated with NE transport impairments, such as orthostatic intolerance.

Abstract: A merchandising device displays a column of articles having a lead article with a front contour. The device includes a base member with first second and third columns of slots. A first side panel has a plurality of downwardly extending feet protruding through slots in the first column connecting the first side panel to the base member. A first post attached to the first side panel. A second side panel, spaced from the first side panel, has a plurality of downwardly extending feet protruding through slots in one of the second and third second columns to connect the second side panel to the base member. A second post is attached to the second side panel. A flexible front stop member is attached to the first and second posts. The front stop member is greater in length than the spacing between the first and second posts to adopt the contour of the lead article.

Abstract: A shelf device for mounting on an inside surface of a cooler door comprises a bottom panel and left and right mounting flanges connected to the bottom panel along left and right side edge portions thereof. Each flange has a pair of openings therein vertically spaced from one another and adapted to mount and support the shelf device. A partition panel is connected to the bottom panel and mounting flanges divides the bottom panel into a plurality of compartments. Vertically extending ribs are attached to the partition panel at junctions of adjacent compartments. A display panel is spaced from the bottom panel and attached to the ribs. The display panel includes top and bottom lips forming a slot for slidably receiving a display insert.

Abstract: A shelf device for an inside surface of a cooler door has a bottle neck-hanging device and a display panel. The bottle neck-hanging device has a sidewall with at least two slotted openings therein. The display panel is adjacent the sidewall and has slotted openings therein aligned with the openings of the sidewall. At least two suction cups attach the sidewall and display panel to the cooler door. Each of the suction cups has a protrusion extending through one of the openings in the display panel and a corresponding opening in the sidewall.

Abstract: A handle for attachment to a beverage receptacle defining an axis along its length, the handle being essentially a closed loop of thin material about one loop axis, said handle comprising an attachment means which enables attachment of said handle to said receptacle so as to orient the axis of the loop of said handle essentially perpendicular to the axis of the beverage container, the loop further having a width significantly larger than its thickness, and a circumferential length great enough to accommodate insertion of one or more human fingers, wherein upon insertion said handle fits firmly around the finger or fingers, thus securing the beverage container against rotation about the fingers when the beverage container exerts a moment about the fingers caused by movements of the user of the invention or by the force of gravity.

Abstract: An article holder for a barrel cooler has a lip for fitting on the top end of the barrel sidewall and a tray attached to the lip for holding containers which indicate the contents of the barrel.

Abstract: A cooler is composed of a number of stackable units. Each unit has inner and outer shells with an air space between them. The outer shell has bottom, side and end panels connected together forming an outer tub with a drain. An inner shell has bottom, side and end panels connected together forming an inner tub. Drain openings in the inner tub allow water to flow to the drain in the outer tub. The bottom panel of the inner shell is spaced from the bottom panel of the outer shell creating an air space therebetween. The bottom of one unit can nest in the top of another unit to stack the units one atop the other. Wheels are attached to the bottommost unit.

Abstract: A system and related methods for maintaining the patentcy of the ureter comprising a pusher tube having a pusher tube lumen and an inflate lumen disposed within a wall of the pusher tube and a urinary stent having a proximal and distal portions with an elongated body portion therebetween configured to fit the ureter of the patient and defining a lumen. The system further includes an end-effector that may comprise an inflatable balloon positioned at the proximal portion of the urinary stent for retaining the proximal portion in the urinary bladder. At the distal portion, a retention end-piece is positioned for retaining the distal portion of the stent in the renal pelvis. The end-effector and the retention end-piece of the stent maintain the elongated body portion in situ. The end-effector may also include an inflatable balloon and may contain pharmaceutical or biologic agents for controlled release into the bladder.

Abstract: A retaining wall is provided that may include a first/bottom mat, a second/top mat and a third/cap mat. Each of the mats may include a plurality of elongated members connected to form a grid and may have a generally flat section. Each of the first and second mats may also include an upstanding section extending upwardly from a forward edge of the generally flat section. The upstanding sections may be inclined backwardly toward the generally flat sections. The upstanding section of the first mat may also include a plurality of extension members extending upwardly from an upper end of the upstanding section at an angle in relation to the upstanding section of the first mat, and be adapted for engagement with the second mat. The third mat may include a face section extending downwardly from a forward edge of the generally flat section of the third mat, which face section may be adapted for engagement with the upstanding section of the second mat, such as by means of a hook.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.