Abstract: An implantable medical device system having at least two implantable medical devices coupled together with a connector while implanted at a common anatomical region. The connector allows the implantable medical devices to anchor one another in place at respective deployment sites. Moreover, the connector may function as a safety device by causing one implantable medical device to migrate upon migration of another implantable medical device. For instance, if migration of an implantable medical device causes a structural change in the common anatomical region, such change may be generally reversible upon migration of the other implantable medical device as a result of the implantable medical devices being coupled via the connector.

Abstract: A ride system includes a track and an overhung ride assembly. The overhung ride assembly includes a transport platform coupled to the track, a ride vehicle, and a heave system extending between the transport platform and the ride vehicle. The heave system is configured to heave the ride vehicle relative to the transport platform. The heave system includes an extendible tube defining a variable volume configured to store a gaseous fluid. The extendible tube is configured to extend in response to a lowering of the ride vehicle away from the transport platform by the heave system such that the gaseous fluid within the variable volume of the extendible tube provides a fluid force that biases the extendible tube toward a contracted configuration to assist the heave system with a lifting of the ride vehicle toward the transport platform.

Abstract: A transparent electrode material including a conductive layer having an active surface and a second surface, and an adjacent base layer, wherein: ? the conductive layer includes a conductive network formed by metallic nanowires and carbon nanotubes encapsulated in a conductive material; ? the second surface of the conductive layer has encapsulated nanowires and/or nanotubes projecting therefrom; and ? the encapsulated nanowires and/or nanotubes projecting from the second surface of the conductive layer are embedded in the adjacent base layer; whereby the active surface of the conductive layer is smooth and electrically active, and the transparent electrode material has a sheet resistance less than 50 ?/sq and a transparency greater than 70%.

Abstract: A computer-implemented telecommunications spending analysis system extracts telecommunications traffic detail data from billing statements provided by telecommunications carriers and converts the traffic detail data to a generic data format for aggregation in a uniform customer traffic history database. The spending analysis system compares billed rates against estimated market prices stored in a best of class (BOC) database and notifies the user of possible cost savings attainable in a renegotiated contract. A web-based RFP system facilitates preparation of a request for proposals (RFP) and solicitation of vendors to bid on the RFP in an online reverse auction environment, both for telecommunications services and other commodities. The RFP system may access the uniform customer traffic history database to facilitate preparation of a traffic forecast of the RFP. Upon completion of an RFP auction, the RFP system updates the estimated market prices of the BOC database based on the vendor bids.

Abstract: A verification system for a batch manufacturing process comprises comparing manufacturing order information obtained from an electronic database to the label or other representative data obtained from the beginning and end of the production batch. In a preferred embodiment, an empty carton is produced at the beginning and end of each lot or batch which is read by an OCR and compared to the manufacturing order information retrieved from an electronic database.

Abstract: A Vision Thermalization, “VT” light-to-heat transducer, versatile video transformation system, via Biophysics Resonance of forehead cells with thin film transistors infrared “display” (1k×0.0015C×640×480 VGA) and alternative image processing methodology thereof to convert, for the sightless and visually impaired, light waves, or TV received signals or 2D/3D video camera signals into infrared patterns of sensible heat waves such as produced by the product of voltage and current in an active matrix of thin film transistors (AM-TFT), typically used with liquid crystal displays, in order to exploit the viper-like thermal vision sensibility of 10 parts/million (0.003C/305K) and biophysics resonance of thermo regulating amino acids.

Abstract: A computer-implemented telecommunications spending analysis system extracts telecommunications traffic detail data from billing statements provided by telecommunications carriers and converts the traffic detail data to a generic data format for aggregation in a uniform customer traffic history database. The spending analysis system compares billed rates against estimated market prices stored in a best of class (BOC) database and notifies the user of possible cost savings attainable in a renegotiated contract. A web-based RFP system facilitates preparation of a request for proposals (RFP) and solicitation of vendors to bid on the RFP in an online reverse auction environment, both for telecommunications services and other commodities. The RFP system may access the uniform customer traffic history database to facilitate preparation of a traffic forecast of the RFP. Upon completion of an RFP auction, the RFP system updates the estimated market prices of the BOC database based on the vendor bids.

Abstract: This invention relates to the control of the temperature of heated fluid flow through a so-called single pass electrical heater. Specifically, a controller and accompanying flow circuit including a flow through single pass electrical heater is disclosed which provides for heating of water upon initiation of flow. A two stage control protocol is utilized for routing current under precise control to the heater element. In the first protocol utilized at start up to a control temperature limit slightly below the temperature set point, phase angle of current turn on with zero crossing current turn off control a 220 volt current to the single pass heater element. Once the control temperature is achieved, incremental adjustment of phase angle thereafter occurs with rapid asymptotical approach of the output temperature of the flowing water to a preselected temperature "set point" occurs.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable cutting guide especially designed to minimize chipping of the cut edges on cuts made cross-grain on doors, panels or the like when utilizing a circular saw, a jig saw or a router. The device includes a thin, rigid, preferably plastic, rectangular plate having one long, perfectly straight edge defining a cutting guide line and a slightly raised surface member extending parallel with but spaced from the edge defining the cutting guide line, the raised surface member functioning as an edge stop for the platform of the saw being used with the guide. Preferably the plate is provided with at least one clamp on the opposite side thereof from the edge defining the cutting guide line to permit securing of the plate to the work piece so that it presses down on the surface being cut to minimize chipping thereof. The cutting guide device may also be supplied with a power supply box to facilitate use of the cutting saw and, if desired, with a work light to illuminate the cutting area.