Abstract: A seller of blockchain-based media of value for fiat currency is matched to a buyer of the blockchain-based media of value. Terms or conditions of a transaction are agreed to between the parties. A transaction identifier for the transaction is created and blockchain-based media of value of the seller is obtained from the seller's wallet. Instructions for a smart contract are created; the smart contract controls release of the blockchain-based media of value based on its terms. The buyer visits a Self-Service Terminal (SST) deposits fiat currency in an amount dictated by the terms and the SST verifies the deposit and notifies the smart contract. The instructions of the smart contract cause the crypto currency to be transferred to the seller's wallet. The deposited fiat currency can be withdrawn at an SST by the seller or credited automatically to a financial account associated with the seller.

Abstract: The magnetic characteristics of a magnetoresistive device are improved by rendering magnetic debris non-magnetic during processing operations. Further improvement is realized by annealing the partially- or fully-formed device in the presence of a magnetic field in order to eliminate or stabilize magnetic micro-pinning sites or other magnetic abnormalities within the magnetoresistive stack for the device. Such improvement in magnetic characteristics decreases deviation in switching characteristics in arrays of such magnetoresistive devices such as those present in MRAMs.

Abstract: The magnetic characteristics of a magnetoresistive device are improved by rendering magnetic debris non-magnetic during processing operations. Further improvement is realized by annealing the partially- or fully-formed device in the presence of a magnetic field in order to eliminate or stabilize magnetic micro-pinning sites or other magnetic abnormalities within the magnetoresistive stack for the device. Such improvement in magnetic characteristics decreases deviation in switching characteristics in arrays of such magnetoresistive devices such as those present in MRAMs.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having an ultrasound transducer 22 and an acoustic waveguide 24 facilitating the transmission of ultrasonic acoustic energy to fluids in the oral cavity is disclosed. Preferred ultrasound operating parameters for operation in aqueous environments and in dental slurries are disclosed. Devices may incorporate a drive motor 16 for oscillating a device head 23, acoustic waveguide 24 and one or more bristle tuft(s) 26 at sonic frequencies, and preferred sonic operating parameters are also provided. Multi-element piezoelectric transducer assemblies 30, 40, and various control and communications features are disclosed. Oral hygiene devices disclosed herein achieve improved plaque and stain removal from the teeth as well as interproximal and subgingival regions, while enhancing the user experience, massaging the gums, stimulating dental tissue, and disrupting biofilm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter system. The system comprises a catheter body having a chamber containing a low acoustic impedance medium. The catheter body includes an elongated body with an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having an external side between a first end and a second end. The ultrasound transducer is positioned over the external surface of the elongated body such that the first end is adjacent to the chamber.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having an ultrasound transducer 22 and an acoustic waveguide 24 facilitating the transmission of ultrasonic acoustic energy to fluids in the oral cavity is disclosed. Preferred ultrasound operating parameters for operation in aqueous environments and in dental slurries are disclosed. Devices may incorporate a drive motor 16 for oscillating a device head 23, acoustic waveguide 24 and one or more bristle tuft(s) 26 at sonic frequencies, and preferred sonic operating parameters are also provided. Multi-element piezoelectric transducer assemblies 30, 40, and various control and communications features are disclosed. Oral hygiene devices disclosed herein achieve improved plaque and stain removal from the teeth as well as interproximal and subgingival regions, while enhancing the user experience, massaging the gums, stimulating dental tissue, and disrupting biofilm.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having an ultrasound transducer 22 and an acoustic waveguide 24 facilitating the transmission of ultrasonic acoustic energy to fluids in the oral cavity is disclosed. Preferred ultrasound operating parameters for operation in aqueous environments and in dental slurries are disclosed. Devices may incorporate a drive motor 16 for oscillating a device head 23, acoustic waveguide 24 and one or more bristle tuft(s) 26 at sonic frequencies, and preferred sonic operating parameters are also provided. Multi-element piezoelectric transducer assemblies 30, 40, and various control and communications features are disclosed. Oral hygiene devices disclosed herein achieve improved plaque and stain removal from the teeth as well as interproximal and subgingival regions, while enhancing the user experience, massaging the gums, stimulating dental tissue, and disrupting biofilm.

Abstract: A power toothbrush (10) is disclosed having a handle (15), battery (12), ultrasonic drive circuit (14), motor (16), control unit (18), and toothbrush head (20). The toothbrush head includes bristles (26) and a waveguide (24) that is operatively connected to an ultrasonic transducer (22). The waveguide facilitates the transmission of acoustic energy into the dental fluid to achieve improved cleaning and stain removal and improved cleaning in interproximal and subgingival regions. In one embodiment an ultrasound transducer module (30) includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements (32, 34) that may be mechanically connected in series, and electrically connected in parallel. One or more contacts (36) connect the elements, and a waveguide structure (50). An impedance matching layer (38) may be provided between the waveguide and the ultrasonic transducer module. The waveguide may be formed from an relatively soft material, for example, a polymer having a hardness between 10 and 65 Shore A.

Abstract: A catheter system is disclosed. The catheter system includes a catheter body having an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having a side between a first end and a second end. A first medium is positioned adjacent to the first end of the ultrasound transducer and a second medium is positioned adjacent to the external side of the ultrasound transducer. The second medium is harder than the first medium to encourage flexibility of the catheter body adjacent to the first end of the ultrasound transducer and efficient transmission of ultrasound energy from the external side of the ultrasound transducer.