Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds which are antagonist or inverse agonists at an opioid receptor. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of obesity and related diseases and/or conditions in mammals, particularly humans. Methods of making and using such compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-steroidal compounds that are modulators of androgen, glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and progesterone receptors, and also to the methods for the making and use of such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel fused heterocyclic ring system compounds and methods for their use in the treatment and prevention of diseases or conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for image processing are provided. A method for processing images of a scene includes receiving image data of a reference and a current frame; generating N motion vectors that describe motion of the image data within the scene by computing a correlation function on the reference and current frames at each of N registration points; registering the current frame based on the N motion vectors to produce a registered current frame; and updating the image data of the scene based on the registered current frame. Optionally, registered frames may be oversampled. Techniques for generating the N motion vectors according to roll, zoom, shift and optical flow calculations, updating image data of the scene according to switched and intermediate integration approaches, re-introducing smoothed motion into image data of the scene, re-initializing the process, and processing images of a scene and moving target within the scene are provided.

Abstract: A driver module is provided for controlling operation of a fuel pump of a vehicle. The driver module includes switching circuitry for switching transmission of electrical power to the fuel pump, and a processor for executing a series of programmable instructions for controlling the switching circuitry in accordance with at least one signal received from a restraint control module (RCM) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-propelled amusement ride apparatus has a base with a frame mounted on wheels. A motor is coupled to the wheels for transmitting power thereto for moving the apparatus over a non-tracked support surface. A riding body is coupled to the base and has a seating surface for supporting a rider. The body is shaped to resemble an animal, character, vehicle, vessel, aircraft, architectural structure or other recognizable object selected to provide an amusing or entertaining appearance. A controller of the apparatus is positioned for operation by the rider while being supported on the seating surface for controlling speed and direction of movement of the apparatus. A human rider may be moved over a support surface by actuating the amusement ride apparatus. The rider directs the movement of the apparatus over a non-tracked support surface using the controller.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A connector assembly (2) includes and arc prevention shunt (20) in one of two mating electrical connectors (10, 30). The shunt (20) engages a terminal (34) when the connectors (10) and (20) are in a partially mated configuration. If the terminal (34) is hot, current will pass from the shunt (20) to a relay coil (62) to close contacts (64) in a Form C relay (60). When the normally open switch contacts (64) are closed a bypass circuit (52) disconnects the terminals (14, 34) in the connectors (10, 30) so arcing will not occur when the connectors (10, 30) are mated or unmated under load. When the connectors (10, 30) are in the fully mated or fully unmated, the shunt (20) is electrically isolated from the terminals (14, 34).

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A software/hardware system which provides immediate, on-going interaction between an institution and its customers. The system communicates with customers/subscribers over numerous, different communication channels and actively screens market conditions for situations that could potentially impact its customers, based on the customers' unique situation and prearranged instructions. The system and method interacts with the institution's processing centers which handle incoming customer transactions and the system creates outgoing messages. The system has a decision making component used to make the decision in each case as to which information to push to the customer in the form of a message. The message is delivered to the customer via any communication channels presently known.

Abstract: A connector assembly (2) includes and arc prevention shunt (20) in one of two mating electrical connectors (10, 30). The shunt (20) engages a terminal (34) when the connectors (10) and (20) are in a partially mated configuration. If the terminal (34) is hot, current will pass from the shunt (20) to a relay coil (62) to close contacts (64) in a Form C relay (60). When the normally open switch contacts (64) are closed a bypass circuit (52) disconnects the terminals (14, 34) in the connectors (10, 30) so arcing will not occur when the connectors (10, 30) are mated or unmated under load. When the connectors (10, 30) are in the fully mated or fully unmated, the shunt (20) is electrically isolated from the terminals (14, 34).

Abstract: Electronic commerce transaction messages are processed over a network between a client and a server in a highly reliable fashion by establishing a secure or un-secure communications connection between the network client and the network server at an electronic transaction assurance (eTA) system, which is located in a communication path between the network client and the network server. The transaction type is identified in the message and the progress of the transaction is tracked using transaction models. Any failure in the back-end server system or in the network connections is detected and the failure is recovered from using an outcome determination technique. The failure of a node within the eTA system is masked from the network client by formulating an appropriate response and sending it back to the client such that the network client and network server that were using the selected node do not see any interruption in their communications.

Abstract: A shunt for draining cerebral spinal fluid from the brain is provided. In an embodiment, the shunt includes a master control unit that is located in the abdomen, which interconnects a ventricular catheter and a second catheter, typically located in the peritoneal cavity. In a specific embodiment, the master control unit includes a variety of ‘smart’ features including at least one access port to allow the injection of solutions for the prevention or removal of blockages in the catheter, and/or antibiotics. The access port can have other uses, such as allowing a point of access for physical navigation of a catheter or the like within the shunt, thereby providing another option for breaking-up blockages, and/or allowing an access point for repairing the shunt's components. Additionally, the master control unit includes a diagnostic unit that transmits, either wirelessly or through a wired connection via the access port, diagnostic information about the status of the patient and/or the shunt.

Abstract: A family of compounds having the general structural formula where W is a reverse hydroxamic acid group, and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as described in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, biohydrolyzable ester, biohydrolyzable amide, affinity reagent, or prodrug thereof.

Abstract: A family of compounds having the general structural formula where W is a reverse hydroxamic acid group, and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as described in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, biohydrolyzable ester, biohydrolyzable amide, affinity reagent, or prodrug thereof.

Abstract: A family of compounds having the general structural formula where W is a reverse hydroxamic acid group, and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as described in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, biohydrolyzable ester, biohydrolyzable amide, affinity reagent, or prodrug thereof. Also described are methods for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds and their use in medicine.

Abstract: A manual can crusher for crushing a can having a housing with a top opening for receiving a can to be crushed, a bottom opening for discharging a crushed can, and an interior crushing wall with a creasing block mounted thereon. A crushing ram is disposed within the housing and is pivotable between an open position where the ram is opposite the crushing wall and a closed position where the ram is adjacent to the crushing wall. A longitudinally extending handle is rotatably mounted on the housing, and linkage couples the handle to the ram. A can to be crushed is placed into the top opening and the handle is rotated to move the ram between the open and closed positions via the linkage. The can is crushed against the interior crushing wall until is is sufficiently crushed to be discharged through the bottom opening.