Abstract: A fluid decontamination assembly for separating two fluids includes a receiving vessel and a motor with a drive shaft. A drive wheel is coupled to the drive shaft. A follower wheel is aligned with the drive wheel. A belt couples the drive wheel to the follower wheel wherein the belt forms a loop extending between the drive wheel and the follower wheel. An arm extends between the drive wheel and the follower wheel. A pivot assembly pivotably couples the arm to a housing of the motor wherein the arm is pivotable upwardly and downwardly relative to the receiving vessel. The arm extends into a contaminated fluid vessel which holds a first fluid and a second fluid. An elastomeric material of the belt removably adheres to the first fluid to remove of the first fluid from the contaminated fluid vessel.

Abstract: In one aspect, an implant removal device for removal of ruptured silicone breast implants includes a hollow container having a middle portion disposed between a first end and a second end. The device also has a connector port coupled to the second end that is coupled to a suction device during use. The device also includes a nozzle coupled to the first end that is configured for placement against an incision of a patient for removing a ruptured breast implant from the patient. The middle portion of the hollow container defines one or more vent holes extending between an interior and exterior container surface with the one or more vent holes configured to reduce negative pressure within the hollow container when the suction device is activated during the removal process.

Abstract: A steerable sheath catheter for providing access into body vasculature, the catheter including a sheath handle with an actuator and a control mechanism operative to selectively deflect a tip section of the catheter, and a feedback mechanism that provides, for example, tactile feedback that is felt by the user as the control mechanism passes a neutral position while deflecting the tip section.

Abstract: A steerable sheath catheter for providing access into body vasculature, the catheter including a sheath handle with an actuator and a control mechanism operative to selectively deflect a tip section of the catheter, and a feedback mechanism that provides, for example, tactile feedback that is felt by the user as the control mechanism passes a neutral position while deflecting the tip section.

Abstract: A fastening device having a body portion made of an elastomeric material. The fastening device further includes first and second ends configured with retainer rings into which various end attachment can be formed. End attachments are further configured to engage each other, to engage holes formed in the body portion of the fastener, or to engage other objects.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a fastening device having a body portion made of an elastomeric material. The fastening device further includes first and second ends configured with retainer rings into which various end attachment can be formed. End attachments are further configured to engage each other, to engage holes formed in the body portion of the fastener, or to engage other objects.

Abstract: Methods and systems for capturing value from a payment decline or error include receiving a token over a computer network identifying a merchant and a declined or failed transaction initiated by a consumer, receiving confirmation over the computer network that the consumer has accepted an offer for information about why the transaction failed or was declined, requesting transaction data from a payment gateway utilizing the token identifying the merchant and the transaction, receiving transaction data from the payment gateway for the declined or failed transaction, selecting a response to be delivered to the consumer based on the transaction data, and providing the response to the consumer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for optimizing process flow of an online order. The method includes the steps of providing a client device displaying a user interface, presenting a consumer with an information page in the user interface requesting a set of information, including the phone number of the consumer; receiving first level information from the consumer, including the consumer's phone number, and determining whether the phone number is eligible for third-party local exchange carrier billing. When the phone number is eligible for third-party local exchange carrier billing, the consumer is presented with a credit card billing page. If no credit card information is received, the consumer is then presented with a phone billing page. When the phone number is not eligible for third-party local exchange carrier billing, the consumer is presented with a credit card billing page.

Abstract: Methods and systems for capturing value from a payment decline or error include receiving a token over a computer network identifying a merchant and a declined or failed transaction initiated by a consumer, receiving confirmation over the computer network that the consumer has accepted an offer for information about why the transaction failed or was declined, requesting transaction data from a payment gateway utilizing the token identifying the merchant and the transaction, receiving transaction data from the payment gateway for the declined or failed transaction, selecting a response to be delivered to the consumer based on the transaction data, and providing the response to the consumer.

Abstract: An adjustable height basketball standard includes a lower tube secured to a ground surface. An upper tube engages the lower tube. A raising and lowering mechanism includes a friction element and engages a handle that may be turned by the user. The friction element substantially resists downward movement of the upper tube unless the friction element is overridden through movement of the handle by the user. The friction element may be a wrap spring, a friction cone clutch, brake plates or shoes, or a similar device. In one embodiment, the upper tube includes a series of notches. A drive mechanism includes a drive housing with a gear that engages successive ones of the notches as the drive housing is turned. When the drive housing is turned clockwise, the upper tube raises with respect to the lower tube, and when the drive housing is turned in counter-clockwise, the upper tube lowers with respect to the lower tube. A spring is wrapped around the drive housing.

Abstract: A control mechanism for adjusting the speed of a treadmill belt is disclosed. The mechanism includes a disk mounted on a drum of the treadmill. A drive head which defines a plurality of dimensionally distinct cross-sectional circumferences is biased against the disk. The drive head is mounted on the drive shaft of a motor, the motor is mounted for displacement vis-a-vis the disk responsive to the displacement of a cable-fitted control lever which is connected thereto. A displacement of the motor adjusts the drive head positioning whereby the length of a path of the disk over the drive head's exterior surface may be modified, thereby causing a change in the angular velocity of the disk.