Abstract: A system and method for regulating vendible media products is provided. A database stored information corresponding to a plurality of digital video discs within a vending apparatus at a vending location. A central server, having a memory, stores the database. An interface application interfaces with the central server and the database, and selects from the database a subset of the digital video discs. A vending processor within the vending apparatus receives a first signal from the central server, wherein the first signal comprises a list of digital video discs identifying the subset of digital video discs. The vending processor also generates a second signal to place the subset of digital video discs into a portable vending management module.

Abstract: A system and method for vending digital video discs is provided. A request is received from a user to complete a rental transaction for a first digital video disc. A database is queried to determine whether a quantity of a set of second digital video discs in a vending inventory exceeds a predetermined threshold. A discount offer notification is presented to the user to rent one of the set of second digital video discs, upon determining that the quantity of the set of second digital video discs exceeds the predetermined threshold. A second request from the user to rent one of the second set of digital video discs is received, and one of the set of second digital video discs is vended to the user.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided with a latching system for latching the connector to a mating connector. The electrical connector includes an interior terminal module having a dielectric body which mounts a plurality of conductive terminals and a pair of latch arms for latching engagement with the mating connector. A pair of hermaphroditic housing halves at least partially surround the terminal module. Each housing half includes a latch actuator engageable with a respective one of the latch arms to move the latch arm out of engagement with the mating connector.

Abstract: Methods and devices for retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel are disclosed. A catheter for retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate shaft and a housing fixed to the elongate shaft proximate a distal end thereof. A tip member is slidingly disposed within a cavity defined by the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the tip member is configured such that the housing is substantially centered about the guidewire. In another preferred embodiment, the tip member is slidingly disposed within the housing, and the tip member may be moved between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A buffer memory status detection circuit has a binary logic gate (e.g. an OR gate) coupled to a comparator output signal that is asserted when a sum of a first address pointer of a FIFO memory array plus a first offset equals a second address pointer, and to a reset signal. Binary logic provides a binary output (i.e. “0” or “1”) in a first clock domain to two synchronization registers in series that convert the output to a second clock domain. An optional pipeline register improves timing of the output in the second clock domain, and is particularly desirable for use with high-speed clocks.

Abstract: A system for gray-code counting in an integrated circuit such as a programmable logic device uses a binary adder coupled to a binary counter output and to a selected binary offset value. The binary adder provides a binary sum that is converted to a gray code value by a binary-to-gray converter. The gray code value represents the binary sum output.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having an embedded first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) memory system uses an embedded block random access memory (“BRAM”). Counters operate in both the read and write clock domains. A binary adder adds a first selected offset value and to a first pointer address, and the sum is converted to a first gray code value. The first gray code value is compared to a second gray code value that represents a second pointer address. If the first gray code value equals the second gray code value, the output of the comparator is provided to a logic block that produces a status flag (e.g. ALMOST FULL or ALMOST EMPTY) in the correct clock domain.

Abstract: Anchoring mechanisms for limiting travel of an intravascular device along an elongated member such as a guidewire or guide catheter are disclosed. The anchoring mechanism may include a leaf spring that can be actuated between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the leaf spring is slidably and rotationally disposed along the elongated member. In the locked position, the leaf spring is releasably secured to the elongated member, preventing movement thereon. The leaf spring can be attached directly to the intravascular device, or can be formed as a separate member and used as a stopper mechanism to limit travel of the intravascular device along the elongated member.

Abstract: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and trackability characteristics, for example, imparted by manufacturing the cartridge to include notches or a spiraling groove, or a coil disposed along the length of the cartridge. The filtering device may be advanced through a blood vessel to a target location, and expanded followed by advancing a therapeutic device over the guidewire and filtering debris generated by the therepeutic device with the filter.

Abstract: A biocatalytic method for preparing para-hydroxystyrene from para-hydroxycinnamic acid is described. The method uses an enzyme source having para-hydroxycinnamic acid decarboxylase activity to catalyze the decarboxylation of para-hydroxycinnamic acid in a biphasic reaction medium to produce para-hydroxystyrene, which is extracted into the organic phase of the biphasic reaction medium. The method results in a high yield of para-hydroxystyrene due to the decreased exposure of the enzyme source to the inhibitory product. The product is readily recovered from the extractant, or may be chemically derivatized directly in the extractant before recovery.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production and recovery of multifunctional aromatic compounds from a fermentation medium. Preferred multifunctional aromatic compounds include para-hydroxycinnamic acid (pHCA), cinnamic acid (CA), and para-hydroxystyrene (pHS). The multifunctional aromatic compounds may be produced in a biphasic growth medium comprising a fermentation medium having a specified volume of an extractant. The multifunctional aromatic compounds are extracted into the extractant and recovered by standard means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bioprocess engineering solution for a product removal process for use in a biofermentation. The invention discloses a process for withdrawing an aliquot of broth from a biofermentation vessel during at least a portion of the biofermentation, removing biocatalyst and water, chromatographically separating biofermentation products from the withdrawn broth using water as an eluent, and returning the remaining components of the broth back to the biofermentation vessel. Process chromatography permits highly selective separation of the target molecule, preventing feedback inhibition of the biofermentation.

Abstract: Anchoring mechanisms for limiting travel of an intravascular device along an elongated member such as a guidewire or guide catheter are disclosed. The anchoring mechanism may include a leaf spring that can be actuated between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the leaf spring is slidably and rotationally disposed along the elongated member. In the locked position, the leaf spring is releasably secured to the elongated member, preventing movement thereon. The leaf spring can be attached directly to the intravascular device, or can be formed as a separate member and used as a stopper mechanism to limit travel of the intravascular device along the elongated member.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter assembly and method of making the same. In at least some embodiments, the present invention relates to embolic protection filters having at least one radiopaque component.

Abstract: An improved embolic protection filtering device. In at least some embodiments, an embolic protection filtering device includes a filter wire assembly. The filter wire assembly may include an elongate shaft, a tubular member, and an embolic protection filter.

Abstract: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and trackability characteristics.

Abstract: Embolic protection sheath and method of using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention includes an elongate shaft, an embolic protection filter coupled to the shaft, and a sheath disposed over at least a portion of the shaft.

Abstract: Embolic protection filter assembly and method of using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises an embolic protection filter slidably disposed over an elongate shaft.

Abstract: A dedicated distal protection guidewire having proximal and distal stops disposed about an elongated core wire is disclosed. A guidewire in accordance with the present invention includes an elongated core wire having a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section, a distal stop disposed about a portion of the elongated core wire, and a proximal stop disposed about a portion of the elongated core wire proximal the distal stop. The distal stop may be formed from an enlarged outer diameter portion on the elongated core wire, or may be formed from an object disposed about and secured to a portion of the elongated core wire. The proximal stop may include an O-ring disposed within a recessed surface on the elongated core wire, or an annular ring having several circumferentially disposed notches.

Abstract: A filter disposed at the distal end of an elongate guidewire. Catheters are provided for delivering the filter to, and retrieving the filter from, a treatment site. The catheters can be over-the-wire or single operator exchange. The catheters include a housing for receiving the filter therein. The housing has an atraumatic distal end.