Abstract: An ankle replacement prosthesis comprising a cannulated tibial prosthetic stem component formed by a plurality of cannulated modular stem component pieces and tibial prosthetic instrumentalities and methods for installing the cannulated modular stem component pieces into a distal tibia and removing the cannulated modular stem component pieces from a distal tibia.

Abstract: A method of concealing errors in picture header information within H.263-encoded video compares current group-of-block frame identification (GFID) information to GFID information from the previous frame. If the GFID values are equal, the picture header information from the previous frame is used to decode the current frame. Otherwise, a selected parameter in the previous picture header information (for example, “picture type”) is altered and decoding proceeds with the altered picture header information. Preferably, only a portion of the current frame is initially decoded and validated prior to decoding the remainder of the frame. If the decoded portion is error-free, the decoding continues with the selected picture header information. If errors are found in the decoded portion, the picture header information is modified and the decoding process continues accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method of making nanoparticles and uses thereof. In particular, the invention relates to methods of making metal nanoparticles (MNPs). The invention also relates to antimicrobial uses of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of treating waste water is disclosed which comprises placing a porous container such as a mesh bag containing a gelatinous culture of vegetative bacteria into waste water. The gelatinous culture dissolves over time and releases the bacteria contained therein. In some embodiments, the porous container may be reclaimed at any time. Treatment with the method eliminates a substantial portion of organic waste found in waste water and reduces or eliminates the need for used to eliminate organic waste build up in waste water facilities.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for transmitting a broadband interference signal and allowing communication through the transmitted interference signal. The system includes an interference transmitter for transmitting the interference signal, the interference transmitter having a transmitter feeder and a first antenna; a radio receiver for receiving a radio signal, the radio receiver having a radio feeder and a second antenna collocated with the first antenna of the interference transmitter; a steering signal generator for introducing at least one steering signal into the interference signal at the transmit feeder; a first directional coupler for sampling a portion of the interference signal that includes at least one of the steering signals; a negative feedback loop for adjusting the amplitude and phase of the sampled portion of the interference signal; and a second directional coupler for coupling the adjusted sampled portion of the interference signal into the radio feeder.

Abstract: A method for preparing hydro/organo gelators from disaccharide sugars by biocatalysis and their use in enzyme-triggered drug delivery. Controlled delivery of an anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive drug is achieved by an enzyme-triggered drug release mechanism via degradation of encapsulated hydrogels. The hydro- and organo-gelators are synthesized in high yields from renewable resources by using a regioselective enzyme catalysis and a known chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory drug, curcumin, is encapsulated in the gel matrix and released by enzyme triggered delivery. The release of the drug occurs at the physiological temperature and control of the drug release rate is achieved by manipulating the enzyme concentration and temperature. The by-products formed after the gel degradation clearly demonstrated the site specificity of degradation of the gelator by enzyme catalysis.

Abstract: A garment hanger that will accommodate a large range of sizes and designs of shirts, coats, pants, and dresses while providing an infinite number of shoulder positions within its minimum and maximum range. The garment hanger of the present invention comprises a pair of stationary shoulder bars and a pair of adjustable shoulder bars which are attached to the stationary shoulder bars. The tubular contoured shape of the garment hanger prevents dimples, bumps and creases on the shoulder section of any garment by simply and easily sliding the adjustable shoulder bars into the desired width using only friction to adjust and remain in position. Moreover, the garment hanger further comprises a horizontal section for pants which has a broader contour shape and is completely covered by a thin non-slip material such as a rubber thin layer to secure pants in position without causing lines or creases.

Abstract: A solder bump support structure and method of manufacturing thereof is provided. The solder bump support structure includes an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer formed over a silicon substrate. The ILD layer has a plurality of conductive vias. The structure further includes a first insulation layer formed on the ILD layer. The solder bump support structure further includes a pedestal member formed on the ILD layer which includes a conductive material formed above the plurality of conductive vias in the ILD layer coaxially surrounded by a second insulation layer. The second insulation layer is thicker than the first insulation layer. The structure further includes a capping under bump metal (UBM) layer formed over, and in electrical contact with, the conductive material and formed over at least a portion of the second insulation layer of the pedestal member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aryl glycolipid gels as control release devices and uses thereof in agriculture. In an exemplary embodiment, mannitol dioctanoate (M8) is used to prepare controlled release devices for pheromones.

Abstract: A power converter assembly is provided. The power converter assembly includes first, second, and third power modules. The second power module is coupled to the first power module such that the second power module is separated from the first power module by a first distance. The third power module is coupled to the first and second power modules such that the third power module is separated from the second power module by a second distance and is separated from the first power module by a third distance. The first, second, and third distances are substantially the same.

Abstract: A system comprised of custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guides, a tibial reaming guide and bit, and instrumentalities for use in total ankle replacement surgery and a computer-based system and method for making the custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guides.

Abstract: A subcomponent is provided for a power inverter module. The apparatus comprises a capacitor having a terminal and integrated into a housing. A substrate is mounted on the housing. The substrate incorporates a power semiconductor switch and has at least one direct current (DC) tab. The direct current tab is directly connected to the terminal of the capacitor.

Abstract: A system comprising instrumentalities and methods for removing intramedullary stem component pieces of a tibial implant from a distal tibia.

Abstract: A solder bump support structure and method of manufacturing thereof is provided. The solder bump support structure includes an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer formed over a silicon substrate. The ILD layer has a plurality of conductive vias. The structure further includes a first insulation layer formed on the ILD layer. The solder bump support structure further includes a pedestal member formed on the ILD layer which includes a conductive material formed above the plurality of conductive vias in the ILD layer coaxially surrounded by a second insulation layer. The second insulation layer is thicker than the first insulation layer. The structure further includes a capping under bump metal (UBM) layer formed over, and in electrical contact with, the conductive material and formed over at least a portion of the second insulation layer of the pedestal member.

Abstract: A system comprised of custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guides, a tibial reaming guide and bit, and instrumentalities for use in total ankle replacement surgery and a computer-based system and method for making the custom radiographically designed tibial and talar cutting guides.

Abstract: A method of treating waste water is disclosed which comprises placing a porous container such as a mesh bag containing a gelatinous culture of vegetative bacteria into waste water. The gelatinous culture dissolves over time and releases the bacteria contained therein. In some embodiments, the porous container may be reclaimed at any time. Treatment with the method eliminates a substantial portion of organic waste found in waste water and reduces or eliminates the need for used to eliminate organic waste build up in waste water facilities.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system adapted to transport two fluids and a gas comprising a nozzle comprising a first nozzle portion comprising the first fluid and the gas, and a second nozzle portion comprising the second fluid, wherein the second nozzle portion has a larger diameter than and is about the first nozzle portion; and a tubular fluidly connected to and downstream of the nozzle, the tubular comprising the first fluid and the gas in a core, and the second fluid about the core.

Abstract: A shock and vibration damping handlebar mounting assembly, for vehicles that utilizes handlebar assisted steering, where the handlebar and its clamping components are suspended by shock and vibration damping springs and materials. The suspended components are allowed to travel along a guide, in a predetermined beneficial path, while maintaining the rider preferred handlebar angles, as the vehicle encounters shock due to rough terrain. Springs dampen the motion of the suspended components reducing the effects of the rough terrain to the rider's hands. The suspended components are isolated from the vehicle's steering mechanism by isolation components made of deadening materials thus reducing the transfer of vibration from the vehicle to the rider's hands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reversible oral adhesive gel. The reversible oral adhesive gel is suitable for application to lips to inhibit oral (mouth) breathing and to promote nasal breathing and thereby prevent or ameliorate snoring and to correct other respiratory problems.