Abstract: A prosthetic device is controlled based on measured electrical signals corresponding to muscle activity in a lower-extremity anatomical analog to a dysfunctional or absent portion of an upper extremity of an individual. In particular, an activity monitoring device measures electrical signals corresponding to muscle activity in the lower-extremity anatomical analog. Then, a communication device communicates information specifying the electrical signals to a pattern-recognition device. The pattern-recognition device identifies a natural mode of movement of the lower-extremity anatomical analog based on the information. For example, the natural mode of movement may be identified using a pattern-recognition technique.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions of a low-solubility drug and lower alkanoate-, phthalate- and trimellitate esters of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and lower alkanoate- and succinate esters of cellulose and methyl cellulose are disclosed that provide enhanced concentrations of the drug in a use environment.

Abstract: A durable, flexible, impermeable thermoplastic elastomer composition is produced using a dynamic vulcanization process conducted in a high shear mixer at elevated temperature.

Abstract: A durable, flexible, impermeable thermoplastic elastomer composition is produced using a dynamic vulcanization process conducted in a high shear mixer at elevated temperature.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods of sensing or monitoring body orientation and motion and measuring range of motion (ROM) for use in athletic training and physical rehabilitation and evaluation. The apparatus includes a 3-axis sensor, at least one memory, and at least one processor, and is attachable to an object to be monitored. The 3-axis sensor senses a magnitude of tilt along each of a first, second, and third axis, the memory stores data representing the sensed magnitudes of tilt, and the processor processes the data stored in the memory. In one embodiment, the processor determines an angle between each of the first, second, and third axes and a horizontal plane, and selects the two axes corresponding to the two smallest angles between the three axes and the horizontal plane. The processor then generates an indication of the orientation of the object based upon the sensed magnitudes of tilt along the two selected axes.

Abstract: A message that includes a command for an audio device is received, and the command is transmitted to the audio device.

Abstract: A method for recovering large volumes of hydrocarbon fuels, particularly methane (CH4), using commercially available reagents which are strongly water-soluble and soluble in liquid CO2 in the presence of liquid CO2 injected into the methane hydrate formation. The reagents which are strongly water-soluble and soluble in liquid CO2 form dilute aqueous acids that significantly increase the rate of conversion of methane hydrate into methane and CO2 hydrate, thereby allowing the natural gas to be released in a form that can then be recovered in large quantities using conventional devices. The preferred embodiment uses SO3, HCl or other strongly water soluble gas to cause the methane hydrate ice crystals to melt and form an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution contacts the methane hydrate ice on one side and liquid carbon dioxide on the other side.

Abstract: A method for recovering large volumes of hydrocarbon fuels, particularly methane (CH4), using commercially available reagents which are strongly water-soluble and soluble in liquid CO2 in the presence of liquid CO2 injected into the methane hydrate formation. The reagents which are strongly water-soluble and soluble in liquid CO2 form dilute aqueous acids that significantly increase the rate of conversion of methane hydrate into methane and CO2 hydrate, thereby allowing the natural gas to be released in a form that can then be recovered in large quantities using conventional means. The preferred embodiment uses SO3, HCl or other strongly water soluble gas to cause the methane hydrate ice crystals to melt and form an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution contacts the methane hydrate ice on one side and liquid carbon dioxide on the other side.