Abstract: An apparatus for endoscopic clipping of a surgery site comprising: a clip deployment mechanism operatively coupled to an actuator via a hollow elongate enclosure; wherein the clip deployment mechanism houses a plurality of surgical clips exterior to the enclosure; and wherein, in response to the actuator, the clip deployment mechanism sequentially deploys the surgical clips to the surgery site.

Abstract: Systems and method for making intelligent business development and licensing decisions are disclosed. The present invention generally relates to an analytical tool that combines multiple data and content sets based on user selected factors and presents the data in the form of manipulatable visualizations to facilitate decision making to address a specific business problem. More specifically, this invention relates to providing a single portal for access to a decision support system that enables the visualization of data from multiple content and data sets to facilitate decision making related to opportunities analysis, asset acquisition, and intellectual property licensing.

Abstract: Described herein are a method and system for managing complex systems knowledge. Information generated during operation of a complex system is monitored. This information is normalized to a complex system base element that is expressed according to a standardized element taxonomy. During normalization, the information inherits characteristics of the base element. Following normalization, the information is stored in an information database. This information can be used to do any one or more of design, construct, operate, automate and otherwise configure another complex system.

Abstract: Managing complex systems knowledge involves monitoring information generated during operation of a complex system. This information is normalized to a complex system base element that is expressed according to a standardized element taxonomy. During normalization, the information inherits characteristics of the base element. Following normalization, the information is stored in an information database. This information can be used to do any one or more of design, construct, operate, automate and otherwise configure another complex system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel gold nanocrystals and nanocrystal shape distributions that have surfaces that are substantially free from organic impurities or films. Specifically, the surfaces are “clean” relative to the surfaces of gold nanoparticles made using chemical reduction processes that require organic reductants and/or surfactants to grow gold nanoparticles from gold ions in solution. The invention includes novel electrochemical manufacturing apparatuses and techniques for making the gold-based nanocrystals.

Abstract: Described herein are a method and system for managing complex systems knowledge. Information generated during operation of a complex system is monitored. This information is normalized to a complex system base element that is expressed according to a standardized element taxonomy. During normalization, the information inherits characteristics of the base element. Following normalization, the information is stored in an information database. This information can be used to do any one or more of design, construct, operate, automate and otherwise configure another complex system.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to novel methods and novel devices for the continuous manufacture of nanoparticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s) (e.g., colloids). The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e.g., created and/or the liquid is predisposed to their presence (e.g., conditioned)) in a liquid (e.g., water) by, for example, preferably utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. At least one subsequent and/or substantially simultaneous adjustable electrochemical processing technique is also preferred. Multiple adjustable plasmas and/or adjustable electrochemical processing techniques are preferred. Processing enhancers can be utilized alone or with a plasma. Semicontinuous and batch processes can also be utilized.

Abstract: Styrene-butadiene-based aqueous dispersions and methods for their preparation are described herein. The aqueous dispersions include water and a binder comprising a styrene-butadiene-based copolymer and an epoxysilane. Further described herein are binder formulations and methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: A connector assembly couples signal lines for an optical catheter by providing a guided releasable latching mechanism that ensures optimal alignment with only a single vertical dimension under control. A receptacle carrying a first signal line defines a channel for receiving a plug carrying a second signal line. A spring-loaded pawl on the receptacle locks to a retaining bracket on the plug when the plug slides into the channel, imparting a retaining force on the plug, the force having a first component normal to channel and a second component parallel to the channel to maintain the first and second signal lines in optimal alignment. The retaining bracket may include a sloped edge to allow for easy release of the pawl in the presence of a release force. The release force may be set to allow disconnection of the assembly without affecting catheter installation or causing patient discomfort.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the management of sequence-sensitive, connection-oriented traffic on a multi-link aggregated port. The methods include: at a first end of a multi-link aggregated port, selectively enabling a first constituent link of a plurality of constituent links to transmit data traffic in a first direction via a transmit state block associated with the first constituent link; and, at the first end of the multi-link aggregated port, selectively enabling the plurality of constituent links to receive data traffic from a second direction via a plurality of receive state blocks associated with the plurality of constituent links.

Abstract: The invention relates to structuring a combination of bioactive materials that are capable of controlled extended release of local anesthesia lasting over 30 hours.

Abstract: A closed blood sampling system within a pressure monitoring line having a control valve that enables a clearance reservoir to be isolated from the pressure column when no samples are being taken. The valve is a stopcock-like device that includes a rotating valve member and attached control handle with clear visible and tactile indicators for the mode of operation. The rotating valve member has a number of internal and circumferential channels for connecting or disconnecting select ports in the core of the valve. By isolating the clearance reservoir, the quality of the pressure signal is improved such that the sampling line can be lengthened for greater convenience in the intensive care or operating room. The valve may also incorporate a blunt cannula sampling site therewithin.

Abstract: The Resolution and Device Independent Plain-Paper Input System allows for quick and easy creation of hard-copy data input packages without the use of special forms or complex and costly special forms scanning machines. Input pages may be created on any personal computer and printed using any laser or inkjet type printer or copy machine. Personalized data may easily be encoded onto the forms at the time of printing. Additionally, forms may be output directly to formatted disk files such as adobe acrobat for viewing before printing. Completed forms may be scanned and the data read using a large variety of scanning devices such as high-speed digital copy machines, personal computer page scanners and fax machines.

Abstract: A thrust screw (14) for applying force against an object. The thrust screw (14) comprising a housing having a ball (12) secured therein. The ball (12) having a flat planar surface (16) which contacts the objects for applying force against the object.

Abstract: A system for managing and displaying collaborative content in a database. The database is configured to store both editor-generated content and user-generated content. The system also includes a server interfacing with the database, a display device connected to the server, a editor content module interfacing with the database and configured to display the editor-generated content on the display device, a user interface module running on the sever, a user content module configured to receive the user input from the user interface module and display the user input as user-generated content on the display device, a validation module interfacing with the user content module, wherein the validation module is configured to verify the accuracy of the user-generated content, and a bias detection module interfacing with the user content module, wherein the bias detection module is configured to detect bias in the user-generated content.

Abstract: A thrust screw (14) for applying force against an object. The thrust screw (14) comprising a housing having a ball (12) secured therein. The ball (12) having a flat planar surface (16) which contacts the objects for applying force against the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stack (1) of disposable pet food containers with each container in the stack (1) above the bottom most container (19) in the stack (1) comprising a lower surface which is provided with an adhesive layer. Each container in the stack above the bottom most container (19) in the stack (1) are respectively adhered to a container below it in the stack through an adhesive layer provided on a lower surface of the container. The containers above the bottom most container (19) in the stack (1) are arranged such that when one of said containers is removed from the stack (1) the adhesive provided on the lower surface of the container is exposed and is in a ready state to adhere the container to a support surface upon placing the container on the support surface.

Abstract: A base (2) for a disposable pet food container (1) which is provided with a protruding region (12) on a lower surface (11) of the base (2) that is covered with an adhesive layer (13). The adhesive layer (13) allows the container to be adhered to a support surface. As the protruding region (12) preferentially contacts the support surface before the remainder of the lower surface, the bulk of the weight of the container (1) is caused, at least initially, to act through the protruding region (12). This encourages a sufficient contact to be made between the lower surface (11) of the base (2) and the support surface to adhere the container (1) to the support surface without requiring an application of force that is great enough to cause deformation of the container (1). This allows the amount of material that the container (1) is made from to be reduced, decreasing cost and therefore increasing the commercial viability of the container (1).

Abstract: A closed blood sampling system within a pressure monitoring line having a control valve that enables a clearance reservoir to be isolated from the pressure column when no samples are being taken. The valve is a stopcock-like device that includes a rotating valve member and attached control handle with clear visible and tactile indicators for the mode of operation. The rotating valve member has a number of internal and circumferential channels for connecting or disconnecting select ports in the core of the valve. By isolating the clearance reservoir, the quality of the pressure signal is improved such that the sampling line can be lengthened for greater convenience in the intensive care or operating room. The valve may also incorporate a blunt cannula sampling site therewithin.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and fixing programs and extraneous indexes that improperly accesses tables in an application database system. A method is described including the steps of: defining an incorrect rule set and a related correct rule set for a database model associated with the database system; retrieving index definitions for the database system; comparing the index definitions with the incorrect rule set to identify improper indexes; and identifying programs that depend on the improper indexes.