Abstract: A braided flange branch graft formed of a braided super elastic memory material includes a neck between an inner flange and an outer flange. The neck is positioned in a side opening in a sidewall of a main stent graft and the inner flange and outer flange are deployed on opposite sides of the sidewall. The inner flange and the outer flange have a diameter greater than a diameter of the side opening in the sidewall of the main stent graft. Thus, the sidewall of the main stent graft is sandwiched between the inner flange and the outer flange securely and simply mounting the braided flange branch graft to the main stent graft. The braided flange has a substantially unobstructed fluid communication passage therethrough. Further, when stretched into a substantially cylindrical shape for delivery, the braided flange branch graft has a small delivery profile and is extremely flexible.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for measurement of industrial chemical processes. The analyzer uses Raman scattering and performs measurement of chemical concentrations in continuous or batch processes. The analyzer operates at a standoff distance from the analyte (or analytes) and can measure concentrations through an optical port, facilitating continuous, non-destructive, and non-invasive analysis without extracting the analyte or analytes from the process. The analyzer can measure one or several solid, liquid, or gaseous analytes, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of obesity, hyperphagia, anxiety, depression and related disorders and diseases.

Abstract: A system for detecting interactions between charged targets and analytes. The system includes a fluid channel, and a waveguide associated with the fluid channel. A detection region is associated with the waveguide, and a biasing element is operatively coupled to the detection region. The biasing element is adapted to electrically bias a portion of the waveguide at the detection region, and the charged targets are electrostatically bound to the detection region when the portion of the waveguide is electrically biased. An optical detector is adapted to detect optical changes from the detection region.

Abstract: A side airbag module for use in a motor vehicle. The module includes a gas generator attached to a folded airbag. The folded airbag unfolds into an interior of the motor vehicle when the gas generator is activated. A large guide fin is disposed within an interior of the airbag such that the airbag is disposed around the guide fin. The guide fin is connected to a component attached to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A modular graft assembly includes a main graft, a lower extender cuff and an upper extender cuff. By rotating and/or telescoping the main graft, the lower extender cuff, and the upper extender cuff relative to one another, variations in the radial and longitudinal positions of branch vessels are readily accommodated by the modular graft assembly. Accordingly, an aneurysm in a main vessel is excluded while at the same time collateral flow to branch vessels is provided. Further, custom fabrication of a graft assembly to accommodate the vessel structure of a particular patient and the associated costs are avoided.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for reducing the video decoder processing requirements for rewinding a HITS stream are presented herein. During rewind of a HITS stream, the video decoder builds a clean reference picture. The clean reference picture is built by decoding each of the P-pictures in the EP-EP segment. However, because the P-pictures are not displayed, the decoder does not decode the portion of the P-picture below the last intracoded slice. The decoder can build the clean reference picture without decoding the portions of the P-pictures below the last intracoded slice because the subsequent pictures do not use the said portions for prediction.

Abstract: A tool having a drilling portion and a tapping portion may be used to form female threaded holes in bone. The tool may include a shaft having a drill tap portion on one end. In the drill tap portion, a tap section may be located adjacent to a drill section. The drill section may be configured to form an opening in bone while the tap section may be configured to form female threads in the walls of a hole in bone. The drill tap portion may further include a spiral flute to aid in the removal of debris. The tool may further include a stop portion configured to limit the depth of the tapped hole to a predetermined maximum depth that may correspond to the length of a particular fastener such as a bone screw. A handle attachment portion may be provided to facilitate the use of a drill.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for making, using, implanting, and visualizing portions of a medical implant are provided. One such implant includes a bone plate comprising a radiolucent material having at least one aperture. The implant includes a fastener comprising a radiolucent material adapted to extend through the aperture. The fastener has a distal end and a proximal end, with at least a portion of the proximal end comprising a radiopaque material. A fastener lock is included, adapted to engage the fastener proximal end to maintain the fastener position relative to the bone plate. At least a portion of the fastener lock comprises a radiopaque material. In this manner, at least a portion of the implant is adapted to be visible on a radiographic image.

Abstract: Embodiments of break off screws are disclosed, configured so that when one head or screw portion is broken off, a complete screw with head remains.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for contouring an implant. The implant is constructed of a material that is moldable when heated above a glass transition temperature. The devices and methods provide for applying heat while the implant is within the patient. The temperature of the implant or a section of the implant is elevated above the glass transition temperature to contour the implant to the desired shape. Once contoured, the devices and methods include removing the heat causing the implant to cool below the glass transition temperature to a substantially solid state. In various embodiments, the devices generally include a body, a contact section positioned on the body, and a heater that heats the contact section.

Abstract: The present application is directed to screwdrivers and methods of use for applying a controlled amount of torque to a fastener. In one embodiment, the screwdriver includes a shaft constructed of a material that is deformable upon the application of an excessive amount of torque. The deformation may cause the screwdriver to disengage from the fastener. In one embodiment, the tip of the shaft that engages the fastener is constructed of a material that deforms when an excessive amount of torque is applied to the fastener. The deformation causes the tip to disengage from the fastener. The deformation prevents the screwdriver from applying an amount of torque above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: An image display device includes an image processing unit, a light source assembly, an optical modulator assembly, and a projection lens assembly. The image processing unit is configured to receive a video signal and generate image data and control signals. The light source assembly and optical modulator assembly are each controlled by the control signals such that the light source assembly generates illumination in a spatial distribution pattern that is coupled to optical modular assembly via a homogenizing device. The projection lens assembly is configured to project an image from the optical modulator assembly onto a viewing surface. The optical modular assembly is configured to maximize the amount of illumination coupled from the light source assembly, and includes at least one optical modulator surface configured to have a substantially 1:1 aspect ratio.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for reducing the video decoder processing requirements are presented herein. During a rewind operation, a reference picture for a group of pictures is decoded and stored into a reference frame buffer. By storing a reference picture for the group, the reference picture need not be decoded to display each picture in the group during the rewind operation.

Abstract: Various radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are described that dynamically vary their resonant frequency to reduce or eliminate the potential effects of electromagnetic “tag-to-tag” coupling. An RFID tag, for example, includes a main antenna tuned to a first resonant frequency, and switching circuitry that dynamically changes the resonant frequency of the main antenna. The switching circuitry may selectively couple electrical elements, such as capacitive elements, inductive elements, or combinations thereof, to vary the resonant frequency of the RFID tag. The RFID tag may include a sensing circuit that determines when to selectively couple the electrical element to the main antenna to adjust the resonant frequency of the main antenna.

Abstract: Modular branch vessel stent-graft assemblies for the treatment arterial or vascular disease at the branch of two or more arteries or blood flow passageways, including, for example, abdominal aortic aneurysms are assembled in a patient's trunk/parent artery, from at least two components; a first component and a second component. The first and second components each include a first and second window, or fenestration. The second component couples with the first component by fitting at least partially in the first component to form the modular branch vessel stent-graft assembly with two selectively locatable branch openings. As the first and second components are deployed, the second component is selectively position able relative to first component so that the first and second component first and second windows overlap to form two branch openings whose longitudinal and angular positions are selectable within a range.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems that facilitate conference calls between a host and participants which comprises conferencing bridge units operably connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network and a communications system which can transfer information to an administrative operator, where the bridge units are located in more than one location. The invention also provides for a method to use the system to create a reliable reservationless conference call service.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for reducing the video decoder processing requirements are presented herein. During a rewind operation, a reference picture for a group of pictures is decoded and stored into a reference frame buffer. By storing a reference picture for the group, the reference picture need not be decoded to display each picture in the group during the rewind operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and n are as defined in the description and claims, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases which are associated with the antagonism of the glucagon receptor, such as diabetes.

Abstract: A polymer coating/ring is employed to aid in the sealing and connection of modular elements used in body flow lumens for the exclusion and bypass of diseased regions of the flow lumen, such as where aneurysm occurs adjacent to branching blood vessels.