Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a prosthetic anchor (36) including a central layer (1) through which embedded fibers (2), such as artificial tendons, pass in defined pathways (4), a ‘deep’ surface membrane (7) which interfaces with a hard structure, whether that is a prosthesis, a bone, or other hard tissue, and a ‘superficial’ surface membrane (8) which interfaces adjacent tissue and may be configured to adhere or not to adhere to that tissue. The central layer (1) is positioned intermediate the surface membranes (7, 8) which are mechanically and/or adherently attached thereto. Also, non-limiting examples of methods of fabrication and of affixing the anchor (36) to a relatively rigid structure, natural or prosthetic, in a human or animal body with improved stress distribution in the fixed tension member end are taught.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.

Abstract: A method for making mononitrobenzene using a plug flow reactor train. Benzene, nitric acid and sulfuric acid are introduced into the reactor and produced mononitrobenzene is removed at an outlet end. All of the benzene and at least part of the sulfuric acid are introduced at the inlet end of the reactor. A first portion of the nitric acid is introduced by a first nitric acid feed into the inlet end and a second portion of the nitric acid is introduced at one or more additional feeds that are spaced between the inlet end and the outlet end. The method results in reduced formation of by-product dinitrobenzene, improving the reaction yield of mononitrobenzene while avoiding the need for a distillation step.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that provide heat, via at least Photon-Electron resonance, also known as excitation, of at least a particle utilized, at least in part, to initiate and/or drive at least one catalytic chemical reaction. In some implementations, the particles are structures or metallic structures, such as nanostructures. The one or more metallic structures are heated at least as a result of interaction of incident electromagnetic radiation, having particular frequencies and/or frequency ranges, with delocalized surface electrons of the one or more particles. This provides a control of catalytic chemical reactions, via spatial and temporal control of generated heat, on the scale of nanometers as well as a method by which catalytic chemical reaction temperatures are provided.

Abstract: The invention consists of a cushioned active cyclically deforming cushion or jacket (39) that surrounds the outer or epicardial surface of at least one chamber (2, 3, 4, 5) of the natural heart, including its base, configured so that internal components may be suspended from the jacket (39) by heart wall-penetrating cords to complete a restraining harness over the entire 3-dimensional boundary of the chamber or chambers. The cushion or jacket (39) provides protective and stabilizing openings (8, 9, 10) for atria and their inflow valves as well as for great vessels and their outflow valves. It is equipped with one or more actuator mechanisms (37, 38) that cyclically change shape at one or more sites, thus altering heart wall shape and chamber volume.

Abstract: A method, system and computer product for analyzing and monitoring business volume is provided. A database is linked with a database management utility. Business data is loaded on the database. The business data include data related to accounts, hierarchical account/product relationships, and hierarchical account/customer relationships. The database support relational data queries to the business data. A plurality of threshold changes is defined regarding the business data, and is associated with the database A plurality of threshold tests for detecting changes throughout a selected set of the business data is performed in accordance with the threshold change values. The results of the tests are combined to obtain a classification of data that produces business volume data. The business volume data permits the analysis and monitoring of flows of business into, out of and among account, customer and products groups of a business. The business volume data also provide customer behaviour data.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for providing media playback in a networked environment. In one embodiment, a networked media playback device is configured to provide a web server for delivering data indicative of a browser-renderable control interface for the networked media playback device, or for a related networked media playback system. In overview, the user of a networked device, such as a wireless web enabled device, is able to render the control interface in a web browser, and in this manner control playback of digital media via the networked media playback device or networked media playback system.

Abstract: A method of microfluidic control via localized heating includes providing a microchannel structure with a base region that is partially filled with a volume of liquid being separated from a gas by a liquid-gas interface region. The base region includes one or more physical structures. The method further includes supplying energy input to a portion of the one or more physical structures within the volume of liquid in a vicinity of the liquid-gas interface region to cause localized heating of the portion of the one or more physical structures. The method also includes transferring heat from the portion of the one or more physical structures to surrounding liquid in the vicinity of the liquid-gas interface region and generating an interphase mass transport at the liquid-gas interface region or across a gas bubble while the volume of liquid and the gas remain to be substantially at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Electrical oscillations are supplied to electrodes of a diathermal heating chamber. A liquid is passed through the diathermal heating chamber so as to be heated. The liquid has a minimum level of dissolved solids, which is replenished over time or when the dissolved solids in the liquid fall below a predetermined minimum level. Alternatively, when the level of dissolved solids is excessive, current input or liquid temperature is reduced.

Abstract: Actuator mechanisms on the heart are of several types. In preferred embodiments, they are generally simple, durable, mechanical assemblies and are driven by power delivered from a remote location, generally outside the chest, by a variety of mechanisms. The invention teaches physical mechanisms (1) for transfer of cyclic power from outside the chest to the region of the heart for that purpose, either as translational or rotary motion. Also taught are electromechanical converting mechanisms suitable for delivering power to those transfer devices. The embodiments described herein for either transmission of energy from a site of generation to a conduit (2, 10, 22), and of conduits that then deliver energy to heart actuators, have contours and interfaces designed to promote a favorable biologic response similar to the pseudosynovial capsules that surround artificial joints. Further, design features are chosen to avoid both non-vented gas-filled chambers and static collections of tissue fluid.

Abstract: A device and corresponding method for converting the contractile work of skeletal muscles into transportable energy. The device may comprise a converter having a mobile end adapted to be connected to a skeletal muscle, a relatively stationary end opposite the mobile end; one or more energy processing units operatively connected to the mobile and stationary ends of the converter, with each energy processing unit adapted to convert tensile forces generated by contraction of the skeletal muscle into transportable energy; and one or more energy conduits such as electrical wires associated with the relatively stationary end of the converter for delivering the transportable energy to power-consuming devices implanted in a body. The device may further comprise a relatively stationary end that is operatively connected to a body structure that is stationary relative to the skeletal muscle.

Abstract: An actuation system for assisting the operation of the natural heart includes a framework for interfacing with a natural heart and which is coupled with tissue of the heart. An actuator element is adapted to be coupled to the framework and is configured for extending along a portion of a heart wall exterior surface. The actuator element is operable for deforming the portion of the heart wall to effect a reduction in the volume of the heart. A protective sheath is configured to extend along the heart wall between the actuator element and the heart wall portion for protecting the heart wall portion from damage by the actuator element. The protective sheath is flexible and operable to transmit, to the heart wall portion, a force thereon by the actuator element for indenting the heart wall portion.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for assisting the operation of the natural heart has a varying shape for deforming the heart. In one embodiment, a plurality of links articulates with respect to each other for varying the shape of the actuation mechanism. The plurality of links is configured for being positioned proximate to an outer surface of the heart for deforming the heart by varying the shape of the actuation mechanism. In another embodiment, a jacket for coupling with an outer surface of the heart has a tether coupled to successive sections of the jacket. The tether is operable to be translated with respect to the jacket sections to vary the shape of the jacket for deforming the heart. In another embodiment, a plurality of concentric ring structures are coupled together to move with respect to each other in a concentric fashion. A movement mechanism coupled to the rings is operable to vary their positions with respect to each other to vary the overall shape for deforming the heart.

Abstract: In a method and system for fabricating a thermally enhanced semiconductor device (200, 300) is packaged as a through hole single inline package (SIP). A leadframe (210, 310, 410) having a die pad (220, 320, 420) to attach an IC die (230, 330), a first plurality of conductive leads (240, 340, 430) formed from a first portion of metal sheet (432), and a second portion of metal sheet (440) disposed on an opposite side of the IC die (230, 330) as the first plurality of conductive leads is stamped from a metal sheet. The first plurality of conductive leads (240, 340, 430) are arranged in a single line and are capable of being through hole mounted in accordance with the SIP. The second portion of metal sheet (440) includes the die pad (420) to form a heat spreader (260, 360) in the form of the metal sheet. The heat spreader (260, 360) provides heat dissipating for the heat generated by the IC die (230, 330).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for a wind diverter at least partially encircling a wind turbine support column to direct the wind from an area around a wind turbine to the rotor blades of the wind turbine. The wind diverter may also reduce turbulence and increases the laminar flow of the airstream delivered to the rotor blades. Additionally, the wind diverter increases both the volume of air and the velocity of the airstream reaching the rotor so as to increase the rotor speed. Increasing the rotor speed increases the energy available to the wind turbine. Energy increases as the cube of the rotor speed and the increased energy produces an increase in the power generated by the wind turbine. The wind diverter also allows a wind turbine to begin producing energy at lower initial wind speeds due to the concentration of air.

Abstract: In a method and system for fabricating a thermally enhanced semiconductor device (200, 300) is packaged as a through hole single inline package (SIP). A leadframe (210, 310, 410) having a die pad (220, 320, 420) to attach an IC die (230, 330), a first plurality of conductive leads (240, 340, 430) formed from a first portion of metal sheet (432), and a second portion of metal sheet (440) disposed on an opposite side of the IC die (230, 330) as the first plurality of conductive leads is stamped from a metal sheet. The first plurality of conductive leads (240, 340, 430) are arranged in a single line and are capable of being through hole mounted in accordance with the SIP. The second portion of metal sheet (440) includes the die pad (420) to form a heat spreader (260, 360) in the form of the metal sheet. The heat spreader (260, 360) provides heat dissipating for the heat generated by the IC die (230, 330).

Abstract: A device and method for achieving load-bearing living-tissue-to-living-tissue coupling comprises a myriad of fine fibers extending directly from within the substance of one tissue to within the substance of the other tissue. Fibers are similar in cross-sectional area to, or smaller than, host tissue cells. This enables fibers to provide a scaffolding into which proliferating cells of each tissue may grow to form a collagenous matrix enveloping individual fibers and transferring mechanical loads between each tissue's extracellular matrix and the fibers. Also taught are devices and methods (1) for delivering bundles of independent fibers into soft or hard tissue, (2) for transiently reducing tissue drag during insertion, (3) for temporarily stabilizing position during tissue ingrowth, and (4) for spatial distribution of fiber bending stress in the event of a hard tissue.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) package that comprises a lead frame. The lead frame has a downset portion and leads. The downset portion has an exterior surface that is configured to face away from a mounting board, and an interior surface that is configured to face towards the mounting board. The leads are bent away from the exterior surface, and each of the leads have a first end coupled to an IC and a second end configured to pass through one of a plurality of mounting holes extending through the mounting board. The IC is coupled to the interior surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a beverage product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the beverage product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product.

Abstract: A method for generating heat includes passing a liquid between electrodes connected to an alternating current power supply. The liquid must have a sufficient level of electrolytes or dissolved minerals so as to be effectively heated. The level of current applied to the electrodes is preferably monitored and controlled. Exothermic, electrochemical reactions occur within the liquid and at the surface of the electrodes. More particularly, the electrodes are comprised of a material that can be oxidized, and the oxidation process during operation of the heater supplies additional current to heat the liquid.