Abstract: Surgical instrumentation and methods for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system incorporate laparoscopic techniques to minimize surgical trauma to the patient. The instrumentation includes an outer guide member dimensioned for insertion and passage through an esophagus of a patient and defining an opening therein extending at least along a portion of the length of the outer guide member, an elongate anvil delivery member at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member and being adapted for longitudinal movement within the outer guide member between an initial position and an actuated position and an anvil operatively engageable with the delivery member. The anvil includes an anvil rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head connected to the anvil rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing off a path in a fluid delivery system, comprising: a closing assembly providing a first fluid path between a first conduit and a second conduit, wherein the closing assembly comprises a remotely actuatable valve mechanism that closes the first fluid path and provides a second fluid path from either the first conduit or the second conduit to a third conduit, wherein the remotely acuatable valve mechanism closes the first fluid path when a predetermined condition is sensed in the fluid delivery system.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical forceps comprises an elongated tubular barrel having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between these two ends. A handle is provided at the proximal end of the barrel and includes an actuating member for opening and closing a pair of forceps jaws that are mounted at the distal end of the barrel. The forceps jaws include cam slots in a proximal head portion thereof. A coupling member extends between the actuating member on the handle and the pair of forceps jaws. The coupling member includes drive pins that cooperate with the cam slots whereby squeezing of the actuating mechanism first effects pivotal rotation of the pair of forceps jaws over a first range of motion of the actuating member and translation without rotation of the forceps jaws over a second range of motion of the actuating member.

Abstract: One can identify and quantify one or more glycosylation markers of cancer by utilizing quantitative HPLC analysis of glycans which have been released from unpurified glycoproteins. The unpurified glycoproteins can be total glycoproteins or a selection of the total glycoproteins. The identified glycosylation marker can be a native glycan or a digestion product which has been segregated and amplified by exoglycosidase digestions. One can utilize the identified glycosylation marker, for example, for diagnosing and/or monitoring cancer in a subject. One can also use the glycosylation marker to identify glycoprotein biomarkers that carry the glycosylation marker. Such biomarkers can also be used for monitoring and/or diagnosing cancer. The biomarker may also be a subset of glycoforms of a glycoprotein that are separated in trains of spots on 2D gel.

Abstract: Surgical instrumentation and methods for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system incorporate laparoscopic techniques to minimize surgical trauma to the patient. The instrumentation includes an outer guide member dimensioned for insertion and passage through an esophagus of a patient and defining an opening therein extending at least along a portion of the length of the outer guide member, an elongate anvil delivery member at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member and being adapted for longitudinal movement within the outer guide member between an initial position and an actuated position and an anvil operatively engageable with the delivery member. The anvil includes an anvil rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head connected to the anvil rod.

Abstract: Impending rollover events are detected based on differential z-axis (i.e., vertical) acceleration. Vertical or z-axis acceleration measured at laterally opposite sides of the vehicle are filtered and differenced, and the differential acceleration is processed and compared to a calibrated threshold to detect impending rollover. Separate algorithms are employed to detect different categories of rollover events, and a sum of the z-axis acceleration measurements is used as a safing signal.

Abstract: A programmable transparent display message center is formed from an array of rows and columns of light emitting diodes (LED's). A wire connects each row of LED's. Each column of LED's is connected to a conductive transparent layer. The transparent layer is electrically isolated from the rows of wires. A voltage drive is associated with each row and with each column. The LED's, the wires, the conductive transparent layer, and the voltage driver and sequenced controller do not obscure an object located on one side of the display message center to the observer located on the opposite side thereof. Transparency often is achieved when the display obscures less than about 20% of the light emitted from the scene toward the viewer. The message displays to the observer is one or more of alphanumeric characters or graphics.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is configured to display information related to diagnosis and/or repair of various objects, such as automobiles. The GUI displays relevant reference information, of any type, next to procedure steps of a selected diagnostic or repair procedure. Advantageously, reference information from multiple sources may be automatically selected for display in the GUI according to a current task that is selected by the user. Accordingly, a technician viewing the GUI does not need to access any other reference information, valuable man hours are spared, and efficiency increases. In one embodiment, the layout and immediate availability of relevant reference information may also increase the learning capabilities of the viewing technician. Thus, the layout of information in the GUI as described herein may facilitate increased employee productivity and increased employee learning.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the transport and isolation of particulate products to and from high pressure, for example supercritical, environments is described.

Abstract: A one piece tongue stabilizing device formed of a resiliently flexible material and comprises a body having a hollow interior within which the end of a user's tongue fits and is held by negative pressure. The body of the device comprises an entry portion having an opening to the hollow interior of the device and a bulb portion connected by a narrower diameter neck portion. Tabs extend from the bulb portion which in use engage the exterior of the user's face around the user's mouth or between the user's teeth and lips, to hold the tongue forward to assist in opening user's airway and reducing snoring. A major benefit of the device of the invention is that it does not require specialist fitting or the taking of upper and lower jaw impressions of the patient to produce a tailored device for the patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for laser-based processing of materials are disclosed wherein a scalable laser architecture, based on planar waveguide technology, provides for pulsed laser micromachining applications while supporting higher average power applications like laser welding and cutting. Various embodiments relate to improvements in planar waveguide technology which provide for stable operation at high powers with a reduction in spurious outputs and thermal effects. At least one embodiment provides for micromachining with pulsewidths in the range of femtoseconds to nanoseconds. In another embodiment, 100 W or greater average output power operation is provided for with a diode-pumped, planar waveguide architecture.

Abstract: A nail module for nail attachment of metal tags to hot steel includes a nail and a fracturable carrier. The nail has a pointed shank and a head. The carrier houses the nail and has a delivery end and a female socket end. The carrier delivery end is adapted to receive said nail shank. The female socket end is adapted to receive said nail head. The female socket end also is adapted to receive a mandrel for carrying the module to a driving location in an orientation for driving the nail into a workpiece. The carrier is fractured and releases the nail when the mandrel drives the nail into a workpiece.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for oral delivery for oral delivery of CPAP treatment has a vestibular shield for location between the teeth and lips/cheeks of a wearer. The vestibular shield is formed from a very supple material and is dimensioned to extend laterally into the buccal vestibule and vertically to overlap the gums. A gases pathway is provided through the vestibular shield and may include a hard plastic insert through the shield. A connection for connecting the mouthpiece to a breathing circuit is provided which reduces the transfer of forces caused by movement therebetween.

Abstract: A nail module for nail attachment of metal tags to hot steel includes a nail and a fracturable carrier. The nail has a pointed shank and a head. The carrier houses the nail and has a delivery end and a female socket end. The carrier delivery end is adapted to receive said nail shank. The female socket end is adapted to receive said nail head. The female socket end also is adapted to receive a mandrel for carrying the module to a driving location in an orientation for driving the nail into a workpiece. The carrier is fractured and releases the nail when the mandrel drives the nail into a workpiece.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus includes a stationary stator having an internal cylindrical chamber. A rotor is rotatably mounted in the chamber. There are cam-like annular surfaces on the stator to each side of the rotor. A plurality of vane assemblies are slidably mounted on the rotor. The vane assemblies each have two outer ends. These slidingly engage the cam-like annular surfaces, whereby gases between the vane assemblies are compressed and expand between the cam-like surfaces and the rotor as the rotor and vanes rotate relative to the stator. Preferably each of the vane assemblies has two separate components, each outer end being on one of the components. The apparatus has a conduit for conducting compressed gases between the two components of each of the vane assemblies and thereby biasing each of the components towards one of the cam-like annular surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention regards methods and formulations for the treatment of diabetes and the prevention of autoimmune diabetes. The invention includes the administration of human recombinant GAD65 protein in a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant.

Abstract: A method of designing a manufacturing process line for a vehicle closure. A process is identified by specifying a set of discrete steps. A subset of steps is assigned to one of a plurality of standardized work cells. The work cells include a standardized workpiece presenter and a standardized processing tool. Additional subsets of discrete steps are assigned to a standardized work cell until the design for the manufacturing process is complete.

Abstract: The present invention regards methods and formulations for the treatment of diabetes and the prevention of autoimmune diabetes. The invention includes the administration of human recombinant GAD65 protein in a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant.

Abstract: A method of repairing a part, such as a rotating disk/drum rotor of a gas turbine engine. The method includes: heating a contact area of a wrought material and a contact area of a wrought part; and pressing the contact area of the material against the contact area of the part to bond the parts. A method of making a rotating part of a gas turbine engine, comprising: heating a contact area of a wrought material and a contact area of a wrought part; and pressing the contact area of the material against the contact area of the part to bond the parts. The methods may include a subsequent heat treatment to provide the desired strength properties to the joint between the material and the part.

Abstract: The present invention regards methods and formulations for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. More particularly, the present invention teaches methods and formulations for diagnosis, prevention and treatment with antigen in autoimmune disease, allergy, rejection of transplants and cancer. Examples illustrate how the methods and formulations of the invention may be used for diagnosis and amelioration of autoimmune diabetes in which the 65 kd isotype of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is a major antigen.