Abstract: A transparent conductor includes a film of a conductive ceramic. Additives are at least partially incorporated into the film. The additives are at least one of electrically conductive and semiconducting, and at least one of the additives has an aspect ratio of at least 3.

Abstract: A patterned transparent conductor includes a substrate and additives at least partially embedded into at least one surface of the substrate and localized adjacent to the surface according to a pattern to form higher sheet conductance portions. The higher sheet conductance portions are laterally adjacent to lower sheet conductance portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical detection system for a thermal cycling device including at least one light source, a light detection device for detecting light received from a plurality of biological samples, and a lens having first and second surfaces formed on the lens, the second surface substantially opposed to the first surface. The first surface may be configured to collimate light and the second surface may be configured to direct light into each of the plurality of biological samples.

Abstract: An insulation sleeve, also known on a koozy, is adapted to fit on a one-gallon jug to keep its contents insulated. The insulation sleeve can wrap about the one-gallon jug, keeping warm liquids inside the jug warmer longer than without the insulation sleeve, and keeping cold liquids inside the jug colder longer that without the insulation sleeve. The insulation sleeve could be made of a insulation material, such as neoprene. The insulation sleeve could be made out of a single material, or multiple materials. For example, the insulation sleeve could include a rubber base to help minimize wear through the base of the insulation sleeve.

Abstract: A transparent conductor includes a film of a conductive ceramic. Additives are at least partially incorporated into the film. The additives are at least one of electrically conductive and semiconducting, and at least one of the additives has an aspect ratio of at least 3.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying and retrieving a self-expanding intravascular stent includes an intravascular delivery wire and floating marker band movably retained over the intravascular stent delivery wire and releasably mounting the self-expanding intravascular stent. The floating marker band is movably retained to a fixed marker band, and a distance between the fixed marker band and the floating marker band is variable and self-adjusting. One or more struts of the self-expanding intravascular stent are releasably constrained between a catheter wall and one or more sides of the floating marker band.

Abstract: Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods.

Abstract: Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods.

Abstract: Active or functional additives are embedded into surfaces of host materials for use as components in a variety of electronic or optoelectronic devices, including solar devices, smart windows, displays, and so forth. Resulting surface-embedded device components provide improved performance, as well as cost benefits arising from their compositions and manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods.

Abstract: A portable, personal apparatus for treating drinking water comprises a generally tubular or cylindrical filter housing containing filtration media and water-permeable screen or mesh or felt or membrane or netting layer at the top and bottom ends of the filter. The design of the apparatus involves the bottle exterior and interior contouring to the filter and enables the efficient and rapid gravity flow of water in through the filter. The apparatus may be configured such that water is first passed through a top reservoir designed to receive water, followed by a porous mesh, followed by granular filtration and antimicrobial media agitated by turbulent motion of influent water, followed by a porous mesh before reaching a durable and reusable water containment vessel.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen is provided. The endoprosthesis includes an annular element defined by a set of interconnected strut members, each strut member including a first end and a second end. The first end of selected pairs of circumferentially-adjacent strut members of the annular element are interconnected to define apices proximate a first longitudinal side of the annular element and the second end of selected pairs circumferentially-adjacent strut members are interconnected to define apices proximate a second longitudinal side of the annular element. At least one of the selected pairs of circumferentially-adjacent strut members has a modulator disposed proximate the apex defined there between, the modulator having a first mode to allow expansion of the annular element from an unexpanded configuration toward an expanded configuration and a second mode to resist contraction of the annular element from the expanded configuration toward the unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: Electrically conductive or semiconducting additives are embedded into surfaces of host materials for use in a variety of applications and devices. Resulting surface-embedded structures exhibit improved performance, as well as cost benefits arising from their compositions and manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for incorporating additives, such as chemically active particles, into the surfaces of articles or into coatings disposed atop articles. The disclosed methods are also applicable to conventional molding techniques, and can be performed in batch or continuous fashion.

Abstract: A lacing system for footwear includes a plurality of elastic strips each secured between a different one of a plurality of paired eyelets of the footwear. A pair of hooks is coupled to each of the plurality of strips at opposite ends of each strip. Each of the pair of hooks has a hook end. At least one of the pair of hooks is selectively attacheable along a length of the strip at an end of the strip to increase or decrease the spring force between the corresponding pair of eyelets.

Abstract: The present invention describes a non-rotating bicycle wheel display assembly that remains absolutely upright in relation to the rotation of a bicycle wheel and in relation to a parked bicycle wheel. The invention consists of a pair of disk assemblies mounted to both sides of a conventional bicycle wheel and in turn, to the front and rear of a bicycle frame. The disk assemblies are manufactured of a light weight inexpensive material that is formed to the convex shape of an outer surface of the bicycle wheel and includes a bearing assembly made of a high density, self lubricating plastic. A plastic retaining mechanism is secured to an outer disk and a bicycle frame member to hold the outer disk in an upright position at all times whether the bicycle is in motion or stationary.

Abstract: A hitch assistance system including a tow ball position indicator; wherein the tow ball position indicator includes a base member having a gripping member, a bias member, and an extension member. The tow ball position indicator also includes a telescoping staff coupled to the extension member and an indicating member. The system includes a hitch position indicator configured to facilitate knowing a position of a hitch, wherein the hitch position indicator includes a base member configured to couple to a hitch. The base member includes a coupling member, a flared extension extending upwardly and outwardly, and a bias member, wherein the bias member is configured to bias the arms against contraction such that the flared extensions of the coupling member is disposed within an interior of a hitch and thereby couple thereto. The base member includes an extension member, a telescoping staff, and an indicator includes an indicating member.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A delivery system incorporating a belt for accomplishing relative movement between components of the system. In one aspect, a handle assembly of the delivery system includes a trigger as well as a thumbwheel assembly each configured to activate longitudinal movement of the belt.