Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided for provisioning an output device for use with a media device to produce synchronized audio and video portions of media content. An exemplary method involves a media device identifying a device type associated with the output device, obtaining synchronization settings for the device type from a server via a network, and presenting audiovisual content in accordance with the synchronization settings obtained from the server.

Abstract: The modular thermal insulating system based on a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds, constituted to reduce the transfer of heat between the interior and the exterior of a building. Said system, based on a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds, consists of a rigid planar container of prismatic form, formed of a plastic or metal material or a combination of both thereof, containing a first layer, in the form of a porous mixture of organic and inorganic compounds, being over a base and anchorage structure composed of at least a sheet of plastic resins installed above a thermal insulant, being the layer in contact with a rigid base, a set of anchorage elements and, a set of elements to increase the separation of the base element from the roof or wall.

Abstract: An integrated spa cover lifter system for a spa having a foldable cover includes a mounting bracket secured directly to the spa frame and a pivot bar having a first end pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket and a second end coupled to the spa cover such that the spa cover may be lifted from a closed position to an open position using the integrated spa cover lifter system. A portion of the mounting bracket may be recessed within a spa frame. A pneumatic or hydraulic piston is coupled to the mounting bracket and the pivot bar between the first end and the second end to provide assistance in raising the cover from a closed position and/or lowering the cover from an open position.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to antimicrobial hydrogel polymers, and dressings comprising one or more hydrogel-forming hydrophilic polymers, where the hydrogels and dressings further comprise one or more antimicrobial agents that are released from the hydrogel in a controlled manner. The hydrogels and dressings may be used for medical, veterinary, and/or cosmetic applications. The dressings may be applied, for example, as wound dressings, surgical dressings, and percutaneous site dressings. In certain aspects of the invention, the dressings may be beneficially used in methods of accelerating wound healing, preventing and/or reducing the incidence of wound infection, and reducing scarring associated with wounds.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, an applicator assembly suitable for application of a catheter patch about an insertion site of a percutaneous device includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and laterally extending right and left side gripping members, a pull tab member attached toward the proximal end of the body, and a release tab connected to the pull tab member, wherein the release tab is positioned toward the distal end of the body so that a lower surface of the release tab abuts an upper surface of the body. The release tab may have a securing mechanism for securing a catheter patch to a lower surface of the body toward the distal end of the body. A method of applying a catheter patch about an insertion site of a percutaneous device using an applicator assembly is provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of asthma may be prepared by drilling a hole in a coconut, adding about 1/4 pound of brown sugar (piloncillo) to an inside of the coconut, plugging the hole, wrapping the coconut in plastic, and allowing the coconut water and its contents to ferment 12 inches underground for 40 days. The resulting composition may have anti-inflammatory properties that can treat inflammation and asthma in users.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of asthma may be prepared by drilling a hole in a coconut, adding about 1/4 pound of brown sugar (piloncillo) to an inside of the coconut, plugging the hole, wrapping the coconut in plastic, and allowing the coconut water and its contents to ferment 12 inches underground for 40 days. The resulting composition may have anti-inflammatory properties that can treat inflammation and asthma in users.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism either within the anchor itself of positioned proximally of the anchor may allow for the uni-directional translation while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This unidirectional anchor locking mechanism facilitates the cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.

Abstract: An adjustable implantable medical device and adjustment device are described. In some embodiments, the adjustment device includes a lead with a distal end modified to permit better engagement and securement to the described implantable devices. In some embodiments, the contact of the lead is bent. Some embodiments include a coil that engages and secures the lead to the implantable device. Some embodiments include a suture line to aid in securing the lead to the implantable device.

Abstract: An adjustable annuloplasty device is described. In some embodiments, the device includes a body member having a surface that conforms at least partially to a cardiac valve annulus. The body member comprises a shape-memory member that transforms from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to an applied energy. In some embodiments, the device further includes a first electrode assembly, coupled to the shape-memory member, that transfers energy to the shape-memory member, and a second electrode assembly, coupled to the shape-memory member, that transfers at least a portion of the energy away from the shape-memory member.

Abstract: An intraoperative adjustment device is described. In some embodiments, the device includes an elongate body including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end configured to penetrate an outer surface of an adjustable cardiac implant implanted in a patient's heart, and the proximal end and the distal end connected by at least one energy-transfer member. In some embodiments, the distal end includes at least one electrode coupled to the energy-transfer member and configured to deliver an activation energy to the adjustable cardiac implant. In some embodiments, the proximal end is configured to attach to an energy source that provides the activation energy. In some embodiments, the proximal end is configured to be located outside the patient's body while the distal end is coupled to the adjustable cardiac implant that is implanted in the patient's heart.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, an applicator assembly suitable for application of a catheter patch about an insertion site of a percutaneous device includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and laterally extending right and left side gripping members, a pull tab member attached toward the proximal end of the body, and a release tab connected to the pull tab member, wherein the release tab is positioned toward the distal end of the body so that a lower surface of the release tab abuts an upper surface of the body. The release tab may have a securing mechanism for securing a catheter patch to a lower surface of the body toward the distal end of the body. A method of applying a catheter patch about an insertion site of a percutaneous device using an applicator assembly is provided.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, an applicator assembly suitable for application of a catheter patch with one hand comprises an upper arm with a proximal end and a distal portion, a lower arm with a proximal end and a distal portion, and a hinge member fixedly joining the proximal ends of the upper arm and the lower arm, wherein an upper surface of the upper arm distal portion abuts a lower surface of the lower arm distal portion. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a catheter patch assembly may be secured against a lower surface of the upper arm distal portion. The distal portion of the lower arm may include a securing mechanism for securing the catheter patch assembly to the applicator assembly. A method of applying a catheter patch is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism either within the anchor itself of positioned proximally of the anchor may allow for the uni-directional translation while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates the cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.

Abstract: An applicator for reducing the concentration of unwanted chemicals such as para-chloroaniline (PCA) from an antiseptic solution includes an antiseptic solution in amount sufficient to have an antimicrobial effect on a surface and at least one hydrophobic or hydrophilic material. The hydrophobic or hydrophilic material selectively removes undesired by-products from the antiseptic solution when the antiseptic solution contacts the hydrophobic or hydrophilic material. A method for selectively removing unwanted by-products from an antiseptic solution includes the steps of providing an antiseptic solution in amount sufficient to have an antimicrobial effect on a surface and contacting the antiseptic solution with at least one hydrophobic or hydrophilic material that selectively removes the unwanted by-products from the antiseptic solution.

Abstract: Applicators and a method for reducing the concentration of unwanted chemicals, such as para-chloroaniline (PCA) from an antiseptic solution. More specifically, the applicator includes antiseptic solution in amount sufficient to be applied to a desired surface and to have an antimicrobial effect on the desired surface and a porous element. The porous element selectively removes undesired by-products from the antiseptic solution when the antiseptic solution contacts the at least one porous element.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to applicators and a method for reducing the concentration of unwanted chemicals, such as para-chloroaniline (PCA) from an antiseptic solution. More specifically, the applicator includes antiseptic solution in amount sufficient to be applied to a desired surface and to have an antimicrobial effect on the desired surface and a porous element. The porous element selectively removes undesired by-products from the antiseptic solution when the antiseptic solution contacts the at least one porous element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning and securing anchors are disclosed herein. The anchors are adapted to be delivered and implanted into or upon tissue, particularly tissue within the gastrointestinal system of a patient. The anchor is adapted to slide uni-directionally over suture such that a tissue plication may be cinched between anchors. A locking mechanism either within the anchor itself of positioned proximally of the anchor may allow for the uni-directional translation while enabling the anchor to be locked onto the suture if the anchor is pulled, pushed, or otherwise urged in the opposite direction along the suture. This uni-directional anchor locking mechanism facilitates the cinching of the tissue plication between the anchors and it may be utilized in one or several anchors in cinching a tissue fold.

Abstract: An adjustable implantable medical device and adjustment device are described. In some embodiments, the adjustment device includes a lead with a distal end modified to permit better engagement and securement to the described implantable devices. In some embodiments, the contact of the lead is bent. Some embodiments include a coil that engages and secures the lead to the implantable device. Some embodiments include a suture line to aid in securing the lead to the implantable device.