Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device is provided, including a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a single button or lever that may be used to release or defeat a ratchet engagement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydraulic tool user interface. The hydraulic tool user interface includes a rocker section, a drain trigger section, and an activation trigger section. The rocker section includes a first end, a second end, and a first contact portion. The first contact portion is between the first end and the second end. The first contact portion is configured to contact a drain pin. The drain trigger section is at the first end. The activation trigger section is between the first end and the second end. The activation trigger section is configured to contact the second end. The activation trigger section is configured to contact an electrical switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences, including expressed sequence tags (ESTs), oligonucleotide probes, polypeptides, antibodies, vectors and host cells expressing, immunoadhesins, agonists and antagonists to patched-2.

Abstract: A shock tube apparatus may include a plenum to hold a volume of gas. The plenum may include a hollow chamber having a first end and a second end located opposite one another along a longitudinal axis, the first end of the chamber defining a shock egress opening. A valve assembly may be positioned at the first end of the chamber to seal the shock egress opening. A piston may be positioned within a recess located at the second end of the chamber. The piston may separate a first volume located between the piston and the first end of the chamber from a smaller second volume located between the piston and the second end of the chamber. A tension supporting rod may connect the valve assembly to the piston. A release valve may be in fluid connection with the second volume and a switch may be operable to open the release valve to release gas from the second volume and trigger opening of the valve assembly to generate a shock wave through the shock egress opening.

Abstract: A method of maximizing profits based on internet advertisement frequency modeling is provided herein. In the method, user data, and reach and frequency data are subjected to a modeling equation, and then coordinated and used to determine a rate at which an advertisement produces a sale of a product advertised in the advertisement for predicting an optimal advertisement frequency at which profits can be maximized in order to minimize wasted investment costs in diminishing returns from internet advertising.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided having articulating, distal end rotation and tip rotational functions. The articulating function includes a wheel rotatable relative to a handle of the surgical instrument and operable to move an articulating section of the surgical instrument from a neutral or straight position to an articulated or bent position. The wheel incorporates a groove in the form of an Archimedes spiral to drive the articulating section between the neutral and bent positions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydraulic tool user interface. The hydraulic tool user interface includes a rocker section, a drain trigger section, and an activation trigger section. The rocker section includes a first end, a second end, and a first contact portion. The first contact portion is between the first end and the second end. The first contact portion is configured to contact a drain pin. The drain trigger section is at the first end. The activation trigger section is between the first end and the second end. The activation trigger section is configured to contact the second end. The activation trigger section is configured to contact an electrical switch.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image is generated using global or local coordinate, 3-D spatial data, and image data gathered from one or more locations relative to a scene. The global or local position of 3-D spatial data points on the image is determined. The position of a point of interest on the three-dimensional image is determined by creating a three-dimensional polygon using adjacent 3-D spatial data points. The global or local position of these points may then be calculated using, for example, a ray tracing algorithm. The global or local position of a point of interest may alternatively be approximated, for example, by interpolating the global or local coordinates of the 3-D spatial data point(s) closest to the point of interest. Furthermore, a distance, bearing, or other measurement between two points of interest may also be calculated.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device is provided, including a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism includes a single button or lever that may be used to release or defeat a ratchet engagement.

Abstract: A wheel balancer for balancing a wheel having a rim and tire. The wheel balancer comprises a chassis and a driven shaft extending away from the chassis for rotating the wheel. An A&D arm, pivotal and axially extendible with respect to the chassis, is also provided. A first laser device is operable to produce a laser spot at a desired weight placement location on an inner surface of the rim. The first laser device is manipulable by an operator to move the laser spot to the desired weight placement location. A second laser device is attached to the A&D arm and movable therewith. The second laser device produces a visible marker on the inner surface of the rim for determining when the A&D arm is in a plane of the desired weight placement location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences, including expressed sequence tags (ESTs), oligonucleotide probes, polypeptides, antibodies, vectors and host cells expressing, immunoadhesins, agonists and antagonists to patched-2.

Abstract: An interchangeable blade scissors assembly is provided. The interchangeable blade scissors assembly has a pair of scissors frame members each having a blade receiving portion and a handle, a pivot connection of the pair of scissors frame members, and a plurality of pairs of cutting blades. Each of the cutting blades has a mounting plate and a latch. Each of the blade receiving portions has a channel for receiving the cutting blade mounting plate and a latch receiving area for securing the cutting blade to the blade receiving portions. The cutting blades are easily removed from the blade receiving portions by telescopic movement along the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a desired cut in a workpiece and a method of using the same is provided. The apparatus has a base with a cutting member moveably coupled thereto. A scanner is coupled with the base for scanning the profile of the workpiece desired to be cut. A computing device may use information from the scanning process to control transverse and longitudinal stepper motors to move the cutting member through a desired cutting path to achieve a cut based on the profile of the workpiece, such as a cope cut. A user can store profiles of previously scanned workpieces in a memory component of the computing device.

Abstract: By providing a movable, separate, and independent blade member which is normally maintained in a stowed and hidden position, a combined, integrated, multi-purpose scissors and box cutting product is achieved. In the present invention, the combined, integrated, scissors and box cutting product incorporates two arm members pivotally mounted to each other, with each arm member incorporating a blade portion and a handle portion. In the preferred construction, the movable blade member is retained within one handle portion of one arm member of the combined, integrated, scissors and box cutting product, with the movable blade member being deployed for use only upon activation by the user. In this way, the blade member remains concealed and hidden within the handle portion of the arm member in order to prevent unwanted or accidental contact of the blade member when not desired.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions.

Abstract: An offshore liquefied natural gas floating storage regasification unit that may receive, store, and process liquefied natural gas from carriers. A floating storage regasification unit may include transfer equipment to offload liquefied natural gas from a carrier, a first mooring system to provide for mooring of a floating storage regasification unit at a location in a body of water, a second mooring system to provide for mooring a carrier to the floating storage regasification unit, and combinations thereof. A portion of the floating storage regasification unit may be composed of a double-hull containment structure.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions.

Abstract: A tasteful milk drink includes mixing together in specific proportions chocolate syrup and caramel syrup until they are blended together, and then adding thereto milk, preferably 2% milk, and continuing with the stirring and mixing until the chocolate syrup and the caramel syrup are thoroughly diluted and dispersed throughout the milk, whereupon the flavored milk drink is ready for consumption by children and adults.