Abstract: A device includes a handle coupled with an activated textured surface that can be implemented using a repetitive movement mechanism and a treatment energy source, such as an electromagnetic radiation source. The handle may be used to provide detection, treatment and/or management of sundry conditions including, for example, tooth discoloration, tissue damage, periodontal disease, tumors, pain, halitosis, and bronchitis. The activated textured surface may include a surface topography including corrugations, bristles, protuberances, or pits, or other surfaces for facilitating agitation, cleaning or other surface treatments.

Abstract: An illumination device is described containing optical fibers that transmit electromagnetic energy from a source to a target. Additional optical fibers return reflected electromagnetic energy from the target. High-level electromagnetic energy can be used for cutting, reforming, or treating a surface. Low-level electromagnetic energy illuminates the surface.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.

Abstract: A syringe-like device (hereinafter “syringe”) that is operable by a single hand, wherein the syringe includes a plunger for ejecting and then retracting a fiber or filament used for the collection of solids, solids in suspensions and liquids, wherein the syringe includes a microchip embedded in the syringe housing, and wherein the microchip enables electronic chain of custody tracking of a sample from a point of origin through final analysis.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.

Abstract: Polyethylene compositions having improved printability are provided. The compositions which are comprised of a polyethylene base resin, polyethylene glycol and polyethylene modified with carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid derivative functionality are melt blended under conditions of mixing and shear to increase their melt elasticity.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a fiber optic end having a non-cylindrical shape and further including a reflector surrounding a portion of the fiber optic end. The reflector is shaped to direct laser energy emitted from the fiber optic end in a direction away from the laser handpiece and toward a treatment site.

Abstract: A skinning card game. The game includes a marked playing surface, one or more standard decks of playing cards, a spinning wheel, and chips. The marked playing surface is provided with several identical player grids and a dealer grid. Each player and dealer grid contains a total of thirteen chip positioning spaces, one chip positioning space for each of the playing cards in each suit. Each grid may be arranged in a 4×3 array with a single space centered at the top of the array. Each chip positioning space is designated with a designation representing a playing card, such as for instance: A=ace, 1=one, 2=two, 3=three, 4=four, 5=five, 6=six, 7=seven, 8=eight, 9=nine, 10=ten, J=jack, Q=queen, and K=king. The spinning wheel has a spinnable pointer and thirteen card designation sections each designated in no particular order with the card values of ace, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods are presented that may be used to enable operation of a command line having an upstream command and a downstream command where the upstream command may output data of a type that may be unacceptable as input to the downstream command.

Abstract: A method, system, computer program product, and related business methods are described for providing streamlined integration of upsell features into a web-based business application. In one preferred embodiment, upsell source criteria are conveniently submitted by the user in a wizard-based process. The user can select from several upsell actions to be automatically executed based upon the presented results, thereby facilitating workflows associated with the upselling process. In another preferred embodiment, responsive to a single-click or no-click user command into a web page displaying a customer information record, a pre-computed list of upsell items is presented to the user for convenient and timely viewing. In another preferred embodiment, responsive to any of a variety of user activity that instantiates a listing of items, an upsell option is also provided in relation to that listing of items.

Abstract: An efficient schema and related methods, systems, computer program products, and business methods are described for supporting upsell features of a web-based business application. A single database of the web-based business application can support a plurality of enterprises, each enterprise selling its respective items to its respective customers. As transactions are received, transaction information including an enterprise identifier, a customer identifier, and one or more item identifiers is stored across at least two tables in the database including a first table and a second table. At predetermined intervals the first and second tables are processed to compute third and fourth tables comprising precomputed values from which upsell information requests can be readily accommodated.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention may include a combination of real-time packet detection, processing and routing. When implemented in a distributed architecture, such systems can yield a low cost, high availability and/or secure network capable of switching real-time data and delivering the quality of service expected in mission critical systems.

Abstract: Filled propylene polymer compositions having significantly improved melt strength are provided. The compositions are blends of propylene polymer, mineral filler with an ethylene polymer component consisting of an ethylene plastomer and a silane-containing ethylene polymer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that allow detection and authentication of multiple devices within a subscriber dwelling. A system is described generally comprising multiple devices, each adapted to receive a broadband signal and including a modem coupled to a telephone line. At least one of the devices is configured to receive entitlement information corresponding to the other devices via the broadband signal, and to use the entitlement information to periodically authenticate the other devices via the telephone line. Several methods are disclosed for detecting a device connected to a telephone line. A described method for authenticating a device connected to a telephone line includes receiving entitlement information corresponding to each of the devices via a broadband signal, and using the entitlement information to authenticate each of the devices via the telephone line.

Abstract: The system (2) includes a catheter drive unit (22) and a catheter (24) extending therefrom movably mounted to a catheter drive sled (26). The catheter drive unit rotates and translates the catheter core (34) within the catheter sheath (36). The sled has a serrated, conical drive unit interface (82), with a bag-piercing tip (86) mateable with a translator drive output (92) so that a sterile drape (112) enclosing the catheter drive unit is automatically pierced when the catheter drive unit is mounted to the sled. A control unit (6) is spaced apart from the catheter drive unit and provides power and commands to the catheter drive unit and receives information and data from the catheter drive unit. The rotator and translator drive motors (54, 90) are operated from both the control unit and the catheter drive unit. Both the control unit and catheter drive unit have translation displacement displays (10, 30).

Abstract: A statistical database system can improve error checking of quality control data used to measure the performance of quantitative analysis equipment. The quality control data can be delivered to a centralized database, wherein the database is linked to error checking functions. Data delivery can be flexible, allowing input via scanning, operator keyed summary data, operator keyed raw data, analyzer direct download, Internet-delivered summary data and Internet-delivered raw data. The received quality control data can be verified against specific lot and analyzer parameters, and data falling outside of these specified ranges can be excluded from a peer group. Excluded data can be verified against original submitted data, and excluded data can then appear on final reports. The quality control data can also be entered directly into the database and a peer group report can then be generated. The quality control data is processed in real time with the data entry and the reports are viewable in real time.

Abstract: A skinning card game. The game includes a marked playing surface, one or more standard decks of playing cards, a spinning wheel, and chips. The marked playing surface is provided with several identical player grids and a dealer grid. Each player and dealer grid contains a total of thirteen chip positioning spaces, one chip positioning space for each of the playing cards in each suit. Each grid may be arranged 4×3 array with a single space centered at the top of the array. Each chip positioning space is designated with a designation representing a playing card, such as for instance: A=ace, 1=one, 2=two, 3=three, 4=four, 5=five, 6=six, 7=seven, 8=eight, 9=nine, 10=ten, J=jack, Q=queen, and K=king. The spinning wheel has a spinnable pointer and thirteen card designation sections each designated in no particular order with the card values of ace, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King.

Abstract: A charging unit for charging a battery of a power tool containing a base with a cavity defined by a side wall and a top wall, at least one protrusion extending from one of the side wall or the top wall, a cord, and a strain relief positioned around the cord and located within the cavity. The cord may be wrapped around the at least one protrusion, thereby providing flexibility in the direction of the cord and a means for eliminating excess cord between the charging unit and the electrical outlet when the unit is in operation. The base may also include a slot to receive and stabilize the cord. In addition, a method is provided for providing flexibility in the direction of the cord in a charging unit. The method includes providing an article having a cord, a cavity with a top wall, and at least one protrusion extending from one of the side wall or the top wall; and wrapping the cord around the at least one protrusion.

Abstract: A combined trim panel and water shield includes a water shield having opposite first and second surfaces, and is of a size and shape to generally conform to a door panel and a trim panel to be protected. The trim panel is configured to cover a vehicle door panel and has a first surface configured to face an interior compartment of the vehicle and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the first surface of the water shield and the second surface of the trim panel. A second sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the second surface of the water shield. In a further aspect, a sealing system is provided for application to a vehicle interior trim panel to prevent the entry of water or dust into an interior compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning system is adapted to condition the fluid used in medical and dental cutting, irrigating, evacuating, cleaning, and drilling operations. The fluid may be conditioned by adding flavors, antiseptics and/or tooth whitening agents such as peroxide, medications, and pigments. In addition to the direct benefits obtained from introduction of these agents, the laser cutting properties may be varied from the selective introduction of the various agents.