Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing a chewing gum experience is provided and includes a first container body, a second container body and a gum holding ring having an upstanding member for receiving and holding a piece of chewed gum. The first container body is releasably coupled to a first section of the gum holding ring, with the first container body defining a first compartment. The second container body is releasably coupled to a second section of the gum holding ring, with the second container body defining a second compartment for storing a plurality of candy pieces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound of having the formula: pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, wherein the structural variables are as defined herein. The compounds, salts and solvates of this invention are useful as LXR agonists.

Abstract: This invention relates to catheter delivery systems, and more specifically, to a tubular device with improved torque and flexure characteristics. The present invention is a tubular device having improved torque and flexure characteristics which uses a series of permanently interlocking independent segments to provide the necessary torque and flexure characteristics.

Abstract: A delivery system that allows a physician to deploy a medical device and refract both the catheter and delivery device while keeping the device connected to a safety tether. The tether is thin and extremely flexible, so it does not distort the tissue. The tether allows the physician to observe the placement of the medical device without having fully released the medical device and without tissue contortion caused by the stiffer catheter and delivery device. In addition, the device is easily retrievable if it is not positioned properly because it has not been fully released. This system also comprises a coupler which connects the medical device to the delivery device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an occlusion device for the closure of a physical lumen. More specifically, this invention relates to an occlusion device for the left atrial appendage of the heart, comprising a center post, a plurality of ribs extending along the center post and sheet which is attached to the ribs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound having the formula pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, wherein the structural variables are as defined herein. The compounds, salts and solvates of this invention are useful as LXR agonists.

Abstract: This invention relates to flexible medical device. The flexible medical device may comprise interlocking portions formed of a continuous channel. When formed of a continuous channel, the medical device comprises interconnected interlocking portions, rather than independent interlocking portions. The flexible medical device may also be designed so that different portions of the device have different flexibility characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an occluder with a plurality of flexible rings that comprise a self centering mechanism to keep the occluder properly centered in a defect. The self centering mechanism is located between the left and right sides of the occluder. Because the occluder remains properly centered, the chance that portions of the aperture will be exposed is reduced and the effectiveness of the occluder is increased.

Abstract: An occlusion device for the closure of physical apertures, such as vascular or septal apertures, that can be retrieved, reloaded, and redeployed in situ. A plurality of puller arms and a floating center post allow the device to collapse for loading when a physician pulls on a delivery device, which is attached to the floating center post. This also allows for easy loading of the device into a catheter for delivery to the heart.

Abstract: The present invention provides an occluder with a self centering system that keeps the occluder properly centered in a defect which allows the center of the occluder to remain properly positioned within the defect so that the left and right sides cover the entire defect which reduces the chance of blood shunting through the defect and increases the effectiveness of the occluder. The self centering system is comprised of a series of arms that provide tension to hold the right and left sides in place. The arms are shaped to provide a flexible intermediate zone comprising a left and a right conical shaped network, wherein each network extends from the right and left sides and narrows at the center section. The flexible intermediate zone centers the occluder and helps to hold it in place.

Abstract: This invention relates to a center connection having a flexible section. The flexible section allows a portion of the center connection to be highly flexible, while maintaining the ability to transmit torque. One method of forming the flexible center connection is to form the flexible section of the center connection of a series of individual interlocked segments.

Abstract: This invention relates to catheter delivery systems, and more specifically, to a tubular device with improved torque and flexure characteristics. The present invention is a tubular device having improved torque and flexure characteristics which uses a series of permanently interlocking independent segments to provide the necessary torque and flexure characteristics.

Abstract: A delivery system that allows a physician to deploy a medical device and retract both the catheter and delivery device while keeping the device connected to a safety tether. The tether is thin and extremely flexible, so it does not distort the tissue. The tether allows the physician to observe the placement of the medical device without having fully released the medical device and without tissue contortion caused by the stiffer catheter and delivery device. In addition, the device is easily retrievable if it is not positioned properly because it has not been fully released. This system also comprises a coupler which connects the medical device to the delivery device.

Abstract: A multiple distributed antenna access point (MDA/AP) system which compensates for wireless path loss and increases data throughput between AP and mobile user stations includes a central unit including one or more central antennas, a distributed antenna unit including multiple distributed antennas and an auxiliary unit interfacing the central unit with the distributed antenna unit, with each unit being separate or the central and auxiliary units being integrated. The central unit functions as a traditional access point and is operable in time division duplex (TDD) or frequency division duplex (FDD) mode. One or more central or distributed antennas are utilized to transmit and receive signals to and from the mobile user stations where selection of the antenna(s) used for a given mobile user station determines the throughput of the transmission.

Abstract: An occlusion device having at least five arms. Though the number of arms is increased, the diameter of each arm is reduced. As a result, the increased number of arms provides the desired tension as the occlusion device is deployed and provides the desired strength to hold the occlusion device in place and properly occlude the defect. At the same time, the reduced diameter of the arms improves the cycle life of the occlusion device. Furthermore, the increased number of arms provides for better sealing across the defect and reduces residual shunting.

Abstract: An occlusion device having laminated polyvinyl alcohol sheets for Occluding a defect. The laminated polyvinyl alcohol sheets provide an increased tear strength to the sheets that allows the device to be fully retrievable through the same catheter used to deployed it. The laminated sheets are created by obtaining thin sheets of polyvinyl alcohol foam, arranging the sheets on one another, and applying heat and pressure to laminate the sheets together.

Abstract: A septal stabilization device for stabilizing a septum. The septal stabilization device comprises right and left fixation devices to which are attached sheets of PVA foam. The fixation devices and sheets limit the motion of the septum and have the added benefit of promoting new tissue growth. The septal stabilization device is sized so that it is large enough to provide stabilization of a septum, yet is not so large that it may cause tissue damage to other portions of the heart.

Abstract: This invention relates to an occlusion device for the heart, having an articulated center post which allows the device to better conform to the contours of the heart to increase sealing abilities and reduce breakage resulting from conformation pressure.