Abstract: A stent device includes generally cylindrical rings aligned along a longitudinal axis, and interconnected by interconnecting members. Each interconnecting member includes a first coupling end, a second coupling end, and an elongate portion therebetween. The first coupling end, the elongate portion, and the second coupling end combine in either a first orientation or a second orientation, which are substantially mirror images. For each interconnecting member, the first coupling end can intersect with a midpoint of a transition region of a substantially repeating curved segment on one of the rings, and the second coupling end can intersect with a midpoint of a curved segment of a different and immediately adjacent ring. The interconnecting members can be arranged in rows extending longitudinally along the device. Along each row, consecutive interconnected members alternate between the first orientation and the second orientation. A cover may be provided over the stent device.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly and securely transferring funds electronically between two points comprises a server coupled to a network. The server contains software that receives an initiation funds transfer request from a first terminal via a network; generates a transaction number; stores the transaction number and data associated with the initiation funds transfer request in a memory location of the server; sends the transaction number to the first terminal via the network; receives a completion funds transfer request from a second terminal via the network; confirms that the completion funds transfer request is valid; updates the memory location to indicate that the funds transfer is complete; and sends a confirmation notice, which includes an amount of funds to dispense, to the second terminal via the network.