Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present technology provide systems, methods and computer instructions for computer aided analysis of images. In certain embodiments, for example, such a method includes: isolating a motion area in an image; segmenting the image; utilizing a support vector machine to identify a region of interest in the image; utilizing a graph-cut algorithm to refine the region of interest; and verifying the region of interest. In certain embodiments, for example, such a method further includes: aligning a set of images and/or outputting a set of aligned images sequentially. In certain embodiments, the systems, methods and computer instructions disclosed herein can be used to aid analysis of cardiac images, for example. In certain embodiments, the systems, methods and computer instructions disclosed herein can be used to aid analysis of four dimensional images, for example.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (14) is described The terminal is associated with an organization (18) having individuals (36) under its supervision, each individual having a sponsor, whereby the terminal provides the individuals with access to financial services provided by a financial institution in accordance with rules established by the sponsor and the organization. A method of providing financial transactions via a self-service terminal (14) is also described, the method comprising the steps of: maintaining a financial account for an organization, providing a self-service terminal in premises used by the organization, maintaining a financial account for an individual under the supervision of the organization, allowing a sponsor and/or the organization to establish rules governing use of the financial account by the individual, and only fulfilling a transaction requested by the individual at the terminal if the transaction is consistent with the established rules for that individual.

Abstract: An apparatus meant to be incorporated into a suspension system suspending a plant (i.e., an overall plant that includes a physical plant and possibly a load that the physical plant supports) of a vehicle acts to alter the spring constant of at least one spring of the suspension system in response to changes in the weight of the plant so that a resonant frequency of the at least one spring isolating the plant from a jolt encountered by the vehicle during travel remains substantially unchanged despite changes to the weight of the plant.

Abstract: An apparatus meant to be incorporated into a suspension system of a suspended seat of a vehicle acts to slow movement of the seat or to stop and hold the seat against movement along at least one axis in response to an indication of the vehicle traveling at a relatively slow speed or an indication of the vehicle's speed of travel being decreased. The indication may be received from various sources including manually-operated controls, sensors and/or controller devices within the vehicle relaying their status.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum tissue having the potential to support cells of and/or differentiate to cells of a soft tissue lineage, and methods of preparation and use of those postpartum tissue-derived cells, are provided by the invention. The invention also provides methods for the use of such postpartum-derived cells and products related thereto in therapies for conditions of soft tissue.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum umbilicus and placenta are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, devices and methods for the regeneration or repair of neural tissue using the postpartum-derived cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cells derived from human umbilical cords are disclosed along with methods for their therapeutic use. Isolation techniques, culture methods and detailed characterization of the cells with respect to their cell surface markers, gene expression, and their secretion of trophic factors are described.

Abstract: An intramedullary bone device comprises a distal outer member having at least one opening in a wall thereof, a proximal outer member for positioning in substantial axial alignment with the distal outer member, the proximal outer member having at least one opening in a wall thereof. The distal outer member and the proximal outer member each have a passage therein. The device also has a distal inner member sized to be slideably received within the passage of the distal outer member and a proximal inner member sized to be slideably received within the passage of the proximal outer member. An extender/retractor is selectively operable to selectively alter the relative longitudinal positioning between the distal inner member and the proximal inner member. The extender/retractor is able to selectively extend or retract to selectively lengthen or shorten, respectively, the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting, collimating and redirecting light from a point-like source to produce a collimated optical signal in a substantially planar form are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus is manufactured as a unitary transmissive body comprising a collimation element and a redirection element, and optionally a transmissive element. In another embodiment, the apparatus is assembled from one or more components. The apparatus and method are useful for providing sensing light for an optical touch input device or for providing illumination for a display.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum umbilicus and placenta are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions, devices and methods for the regeneration or repair of ocular tissue using the postpartum-derived cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tissue-engineering scaffolds containing both a microporous scaffold made from a biocompatible material suitable for use in tissue-engineering scaffolds and a nanofiberous, nanoporous hydrogel formed from a self-assembling peptide, where at least a portion of the hydrogel is disposed within the pores of the microporous scaffold, thus providing tissue-engineering scaffolds having average pore diameters in the nanometer range and that provide both mechanical properties suitable for implantation into a body of a mammal and excellent tissue response once implanted in the body.

Abstract: The trap (42, 82) is based around a spring mechanism (24, 60) comprising a substantially rectangular sheet of spring material folded to be substantially C-shaped in cross-section. In one embodiment (FIG. 6), portions (64, 65) of the spring mechanism (60) are adapted to be killing surfaces. In another embodiment (FIG. 2), the spring mechanism (24) is provided with arms (28, 29) that support jaws (36, 37). A setting mechanism (53/54, 77) holds the spring mechanism (24, 60) in an armed position and the trap (42, 82) is triggered when a trigger mechanism (49, 75) is moved by an animal which in turn disengages the setting mechanism (53/54, 77) and allows the killing surfaces (portions 64, 65) or jaws (36, 37) to come together on the animal therebetween.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cell harvesting are disclosed. More particularly this invention relates to devices and methods for enabling the formation of a dispersion of cells from tissue for medical or research use. This invention provides a rapid method for cell isolation thereby reducing the time and costs associated with the production of autologous cells where required, for example, for tissue engineering in the operating theater or in research. Alternately this invention may be used to separate a cell dispersion containing cells of varying sizes or types from a predigested tissue dispersion. Also a kit is disclosed which provides the basic components of the device and instructions on how to accomplish the use of the device.

Abstract: An explosively actuated tool for driving a fastener into a substrate is of indirect acting type having a driving piston mounted within the barrel of the tool for driving the fastener. The tool is a single shot tool which receives an explosive charge, particularly a .22 cal×0.613 ins long unnecked charge capable of generating a piston kinetic energy of at least 260 joule. The piston has a recess in its rear face able to smooth-out sharp pressure spikes and reduce peak pressure generated during combustion of the high powered explosive charge.

Abstract: The trap (42, 82) is based around a spring mechanism (24, 60) comprising a substantially rectangular sheet of spring material folded to be substantially C-shaped in cross-section. In one embodiment (FIG. 6), portions (64, 65) of the spring mechanism (60) are adapted to be killing surfaces. In another embodiment FIG. 2), the spring mechanism (24) is provided with arms (28, 29) that support jaws (36, 37). A setting mechanism (53/54, 77) holds the spring mechanism (24, 60) in an armed position and the trap (42, 82) is triggered when a trigger mechanism (49, 75) is moved by an animal which in turn disengages the setting mechanism (53/54, 77) and allows the killing surfaces (portions 64, 65) or jaws (36, 37) to come together on the animal therebetween.

Abstract: A power actuated tool for driving a fastener such as a pin into a substrate such as steel or concrete comprises a driving piston (6) which is driven forwardly within the barrel (4) of the tool upon firing and is automatically reset in response to cocking of the tool prior to the subsequent firing. Resetting of the piston takes place by thrusting the piston (6) rearwardly during cocking by means of a spring-loaded gripper device (14) energized during cocking.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) includes a number of currency note holding cassettes 40. The notes are transferred to a dispensing slot 18 via paths 46 and 48. Mispicked notes are detected by multiple note detector 58 and diverted to reject bin 60 via diverter 56. When cassette contents reach a low level and require replenishment, notes are transferred from cassettes 40 via paths 45 and 91 by means of diverter 93 into a secure purge bin 90. Empty cassettes can be removed and replenished whilst the bin carrying the remaining notes is transferred for emptying by secure transportation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cell harvesting are disclosed. More particularly this invention relates to devices and methods for enabling the formation of a dispersion of cells from tissue for medical or research use. This invention provides a rapid method for cell isolation thereby reducing the time and costs associated with the production of autologous cells where required, for example, for tissue engineering in the operating theater or in research. Alternately this invention may be used to separate a cell dispersion containing cells of varying sizes or types from a predigested tissue dispersion. Also a kit is disclosed which provides the basic components of the device and instructions on how to accomplish the use of the device.

Abstract: The invention provides a grip for a handle or shaft including (a) core means (10) adapted to be fitted to the handle or shaft, and (b) a strip of material (22) to form the outer surface for the grip, to be wound around the handle or shaft and/or said core (10) to provide, in use, a wound grip. The core means (10) has a first end (16) and a second end (11) and a body (14) therebetween. The core means also has a peripheral flange at the second end (11) in the form of a skirt (12) which is adapted, in use, to be flexed over the wound strip (22) to prevent unwinding thereof from the handle or shaft and/or the core means (10).

Abstract: A fixation device comprises an outer hollow elongate member having a plurality of holes in its outer wall, and an inner member carrying a plurality of pins, such that the device is placed in a suitable cavity and the pins are extended through the respective holes.