Abstract: Embodiments of delivery systems, devices and methods for delivering a prosthetic heart valve device to a heart chamber for expanded implementation are disclosed. More specifically, methods, systems and devices are disclosed for delivering a self-expanding prosthetic mitral valve device to the left atrium, with no engagement of the left ventricle, the native mitral valve leaflets or the annular tissue downstream of the upper annular surface during delivery, and in some embodiments with no engagement of the ventricle, mitral valve leaflets and/or annular tissue located downstream of the upper annular surface by the delivered, positioned and expanded prosthetic mitral valve device.

Abstract: A hybrid engine including features to meet aircraft thrust, passenger airflow, and fuel cell requirements. The engine includes a combustor burning the same fuel as the fuel cell. The engine has electric motors to utilize the power output of the fuel cell. The engine shafts have sprags to allow motors to drive the compressors and over run the turbines. The engine has variable flowpath geometry to bypass the combustor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an improved Internet search engine are provided. According to one embodiment, a search request includes (i) one or more initial constraints to constrain a search of real-time Internet content to a domain name space and (ii) one or more user-specified search terms or phrases. A subset of potential outcomes is provided as feedback to a user by generating a search query to be applied to the content within the domain name space by: (i) identifying company records matching the initial constraint(s) and satisfying one or more sampling criteria by searching a company database; and (ii) incorporating into the search query: (a) domain names of matching company records; and (b) the user-specified search terms or phrases. The subset of potential outcomes are then displayed to the user by performing a limited search of the real-time Internet content based on the structured search query.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an improved Internet search engine are provided. According to one embodiment, a search request is received from an end user via a browser based interface. The search request includes (i) initial constraint(s) to be used by the Internet search engine to constrain a search of real-time Internet content and (ii) user-specified search terms. A structured search query is generated based on company records of a company database matching the initial constraint(s). The search of real-time Internet content is performed and search results are returned by, for each web site domain specified in the structured search query, applying the search term(s) to a predetermined number of web pages for the domain. The search results, including a list of companies associated with the search results, is locally stored and presented to the end user. Interactive filtering and/or ranking of the locally stored search results is then facilitated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an improved Internet search engine are provided. According to one embodiment, a search request is received from an end user via a browser based interface. The search request includes (i) initial constraint(s) to be used by the Internet search engine to constrain a search of real-time Internet content and (ii) user-specified search terms. A structured search query is generated based on company records of a company database matching the initial constraint(s). The search of real-time Internet content is performed and search results are returned by, for each web site domain specified in the structured search query, applying the search term(s) to a predetermined number of web pages for the domain. The search results, including a list of companies associated with the search results, is locally stored and presented to the end user. Interactive filtering and/or ranking of the locally stored search results is then facilitated.

Abstract: A server device is provided that may format generated data packets to be compatible with network requirements for sending the data packets to a client device via a network. For example, the server device may generate the data packets for delivery to a client device via a network. The server device may determine downstream network requirements for delivering the data packets via the network. The downstream network requirements may indicate compliance with a particular network standard. The server device may identify a non-compliant data packet of the data packets that does not comply with the downstream network requirements. The server device may generate a formatted data packet by automatically formatting the non-compliant data packet to comply with the downstream network requirements. The formatted data packet may be generated based on the particular network standard. The server device may send the data packets, including the formatted data packet, to the client device via the network.

Abstract: Apparatus for coordinating a rule-based relationship between a bank, a vendor and a merchant is provided. The apparatus may include a vendor data platform, a vendor payment platform and a vendor clearing platform. The vendor data platform may receive a vendor name, a vendor identification number and vendor banking information and may this information into a third party database maintained by a third party. The vendor payment platform may receive the vendor identification number and a payment amount electronically associated with the vendor identification number without the banking information and transmit, to the third party, the vendor identification number and the payment amount. The vendor clearing platform may receive, from the third party, the payment amount and the banking information, and may transmit information to a clearing house. The information may initiate a transfer of funds into a vendor bank account.

Abstract: Apparatus for coordinating a rule-based relationship between a bank, a vendor and a merchant is provided. The apparatus may include a vendor data platform, a vendor payment platform and a vendor clearing platform. The vendor data platform may receive a vendor name, a vendor identification number and vendor banking information and may this information into a third party database maintained by a third party. The vendor payment platform may receive the vendor identification number and a payment amount electronically associated with the vendor identification number without the banking information and transmit, to the third party, the vendor identification number and the payment amount. The vendor clearing platform may receive, from the third party, the payment amount and the banking information, and may transmit information to a clearing house. The information may initiate a transfer of funds into a vendor bank account.

Abstract: The invention generally describes learning solutions and related methods for managing the learning and training needs of an organization in a manner that is responsive to dynamic business timelines, goals and strategic objectives. Business goals are determined through examination of existing business data sources, so as to tailor learning solutions to business impacts. Accurate computations of return on training investment are provided to allow accurate assessment of the effectiveness of training programs. Also disclosed are networks of learning platforms that together implement the learning solution by providing electronic tools and information sharing capabilities needed by a learning solution services provider to efficiently implement and manage learning efforts according to the business desires of a complex learner organization, while receiving organization performance data in order to compute and report performance measurements.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating an insurable risk and providing an immediate, binding insurance offer to cover that risk, includes the collection of self-reported and objective information relating to the risk. The information is provided to an automated underwriting program that evaluates and rates the insurable risk and produces a binding insurance quote. Certain embodiments of the system and method utilize an automated application form and information gathering apparatus to collect the self-reported information. Objective information is obtained by a variety of means, including the direct measurement of certain physical and medical parameters. Certain embodiments may provide for the collection of information relating to payment for the insurance product, and the obtaining of an electronic signature from an applicant.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle safety system having a source of inflating gas and an inflatable bag in which a flat, woven hose connects the gas source to the inflatable bag using minimal connecting hardware.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes an attached door cover (150) having a speaker (160) with an integral speaker magnet (165) that is used as an actuator for a magnetically enable switch (130) positioned within the housing (115) of the electronic device (100). The door cover (150) is movable between a first position adjacent to the housing (115), and a second position having at least a portion of the door cover (150) away from the housing (115) and the switch (130) is actuated magnetically by the speaker magnet (165) when the door cover (150) is in the first position. Preferably, the speaker magnet (165) helps to latch the door cover (150) closed. Additionally, the door cover (150) is preferably detachable from the housing (115) of the electronic device (100) and is user replaceable.

Abstract: A device used with a portable radio (10) and associated carrying case (30) which can automatically adjust radio control functions such as audio output, DTMF tone level mode telephone hang-up or illumination levels of the radio depending on the radio's position in relation to the carrying case. The radio (10) includes a hall effect switch (14) used to signal the a microprocessor within the radio when actuated. A magnet (38) located within the case (30) actuates the hall effect switch (14) when the radio (10) is placed within the case (30). The microprocessor is then signaled to change radio function aiding the user in the operation of the radio (10) depending on the its position.

Abstract: The invention is a system for dispensing and tracking the use of a plurality of different and discrete consumable items. A dispensing machine is provided which has a supply of the various items to be dispensed arranged in a selected pattern. A program and a memory are in the system to receive and identify data on the user of the machine and the item to be dispensed. The system responds to a request for an item by verifying the authority of the user, generating confirmation of the availability of the requested item, and executing the dispensing of the requested item. The system also generates recordable data regarding the dispensing operation to control the ordering, inventorying and tracking of the dispensed items. A printer can generate a hard copy of the data. Pneumatic matrix switching is also provided to control the selection and dispensing of the consumable items by the system.

Abstract: A subfloor electrical trench duct includes an elongated U-shaped body supported by adjustable support members and has an access cover. The cover is supported by one leg of each of a pair of identical, oppositely disposed L-shaped channels extending axially of the body. A first leg of each channel has a predetermined width such that it will extend to a position substantially flush with the outer surface of the cover when the cover is supported by the second leg. The second leg, in turn, has a predetermined width such that it extends a predetermined distance above the cover when the cover is supported by the first leg for accommodating placement of carpet or tile on the cover. Each channel includes an elastomeric sealing member disposed at the internal vertex area thereof to effect a seal with the cover. A seal member is also advantageously provided at the facing end areas of adjacent covers.

Abstract: A portable cooking apparatus comprises a container having a lower end part to be heated, and a tunnel member arranged to receive at its upper end region the lower end part of the container and to receive at its lower end region a burner; the container and the tunnel member are so shaped that the container is movable from an elevated position where it rests with its lower end spaced above the burner to be heated by the burner flame, to a lower position where its lower end will extinguish the burner flame.The apparatus may also comprise a base pan to receive the lower end region of the tunnel member and provided with a handle which is movable from a lowered position where it acts as a carrying handle to a raised position where it acts to hold the tunnel member securely sandwiched between the base pan and the container.

Abstract: A marker for an electric fence to warn persons of a long span of bare wire is preferably fabricated from insulating plastic that is stiffly elastic. A groove across a face of a piece of the plastic is somewhat deeper than the diameter of the wire to which the marker is to be attached and is somewhat more narrow so that the wire can be pressed firmly into the groove. The piece of plastic is therefore prevented from sliding along the wire by being gripped within the groove. A streamer is threaded over the plastic piece such that it cannot readily contact the wire.