Abstract: A method of creating an AV fistula between adjacent first and second vessels includes inserting a guidewire from the first vessel into the second vessel. Inserting a catheter including a proximal member and a distal member over the guidewire such that a distal tip of the distal member comes into contact with a selected anastomosis site. Moving the distal member and the proximal member together to clamp tissue surrounding the aperture between the distal face of the proximal member and a proximal face on the distal member. Applying energy to an active heating member on the proximal member to cut and form the aperture, and to weld the edges thereof in order to create a desired fistula between the two vessels. Using a passive heating member disposed on the distal member to create a heating gradient across a tissue contacting surface of the distal member.

Abstract: A device and method for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula includes a proximal base having a distal diagonal end surface and a distal tip connected to the proximal base and movable relative to the proximal base. The distal tip has a proximal diagonal end surface. A heating assembly, including an energized heating element, is disposed one of the distal diagonal end surface and the proximal diagonal end surface. A passive heating assembly is disposed on the mating diagonal end surface. The distal diagonal end surface and the proximal diagonal end surface are adapted to contact opposing sides of a tissue portion to create a fistula. The angle of the proximal diagonal end surface matches the angle of the distal diagonal end surface, so that the two surfaces match one another during deployment.

Abstract: A system for managing a lockup clutch in an off-road truck includes an engine, a transmission and a torque converter coupled between the engine and the transmission. The torque converter has a lockup clutch that when engaged directly couples the engine to the transmission. The system also includes a transmission controller that disengages the lockup clutch responsive to sensing a missed shift in the transmission, and subsequent to sensing a completed shift, sets an engine speed limit corresponding to a gear associated with the completed shift, and reengages the lockup clutch.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards seeding a user's contacts for their online social network. The invention is arranged to automatically recommend to the user a set of seed contacts that the user may employ to invite to join their social network. The set of seed contacts may be harvested from the user's existing portal activities, as well as other sources. In one embodiment, the invention analyzes portal activity, such as email exchanges with the user, and the like, to determine a frequency of contact with the user. Other sources may include but not be limited to emails, names within an address book of the user, names within an address book of another person, a buddy list, an instant messaging list, an activity, a mailing list, an online discussion group, a membership in a category, chat group, and the like.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards seeding a user's contacts for their online social network. The invention is arranged to automatically recommend to the user a set of seed contacts that the user may employ to invite to join their social network. The set of seed contacts may be harvested from the user's existing portal activities, as well as other sources. In one embodiment, the invention analyzes portal activity, such as email exchanges with the user, and the like, to determine a frequency of contact with the user. Other sources may include but not be limited to emails, names within an address book of the user, names within an address book of another person, a buddy list, an instant messaging list, an activity, a mailing list, an online discussion group, a membership in a category, chat group, and the like.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards seeding a user's contacts for their online social network. The invention is arranged to automatically recommend to the user a set of seed contacts that the user may employ to invite to join their social network. The set of seed contacts may be harvested from the user's existing portal activities, as well as other sources. In one embodiment, the invention analyzes portal activity, such as email exchanges with the user, and the like, to determine a frequency of contact with the user. Other sources may include but not be limited to emails, names within an address book of the user, names within an address book of another person, a buddy list, an instant messaging list, an activity, a mailing list, an online discussion group, a membership in a category, chat group, and the like.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards seeding a user's contacts for their online social network. The invention is arranged to automatically recommend to the user a set of seed contacts that the user may employ to invite to join their social network. The set of seed contacts may be harvested from the user's existing portal activities, as well as other sources. In one embodiment, the invention analyzes portal activity, such as email exchanges with the user, and the like, to determine a frequency of contact with the user. Other sources may include but not be limited to emails, names within an address book of the user, names within an address book of another person, a buddy list, an instant messaging list, an activity, a mailing list, an online discussion group, a membership in a category, chat group, and the like.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards seeding a user's contacts for their online social network. The invention is arranged to automatically recommend to the user a set of seed contacts that the user may employ to invite to join their social network. The set of seed contacts may be harvested from the user's existing portal activities, as well as other sources. In one embodiment, the invention analyzes portal activity, such as email exchanges with the user, and the like, to determine a frequency of contact with the user. Other sources may include but not be limited to emails, names within an address book of the user, names within an address book of another person, a buddy list, an instant messaging list, an activity, a mailing list, an online discussion group, a membership in a category, chat group, and the like.

Abstract: A system for managing a lockup clutch in an off-road truck includes an engine, a transmission and a torque converter coupled between the engine and the transmission. The torque converter has a lockup clutch that when engaged directly couples the engine to the transmission. The system also includes a transmission controller that disengages the lockup clutch responsive to sensing a missed shift in the transmission, and subsequent to sensing a completed shift, sets an engine speed limit corresponding to a gear associated with the completed shift, and reengages the lockup clutch.

Abstract: A vehicle and drive system control method for a vehicle including first and second traction elements coupled to the vehicle, a variable displacement pump, a bi-directional variable displacement first motor coupled to the first traction element, and a bi-directional second motor coupled to the second traction element. The pump, and first and second motors are coupled fluidly in series with one another. A control unit can determine a desired speed for the traction elements, and determine pump, first and/or second motor displacements based on the desired speed. First and second speed sensors can sense output speeds of the motors, and the pump, first and/or second motor displacements can be determined based on the motor output speeds. Articulation and steering sensor signals can also be used to determine pump, first and/or second motor displacements.

Abstract: A controlled engine shutdown method is disclosed that includes monitoring exhaust system temperature, monitoring operator shutdown commands, and delaying engine shutdown based on exhaust system temperature. The method can include inhibiting any process that affects exhaust temperatures, for example DPF regeneration. The method can use a shutdown timer, allow operator override of the shutdown delay, and display a delay notification message. The method can also include predicting when an engine shutdown is expected, and delaying or aborting any process that would affect exhaust temperatures when an engine shutdown is predicted. Predicting can include monitoring various machine states, determining an average activity interval for the machine, determining a geographic shutdown area, determining a shutdown time of day and/or monitoring a machine fluid level.

Abstract: A vehicle and drive system control method for a vehicle including first and second traction elements coupled to the vehicle, a variable displacement pump, a bi-directional variable displacement first motor coupled to the first traction element, and a bi-directional second motor coupled to the second traction element. The pump, and first and second motors are coupled fluidly in series with one another. A control unit can determine a desired speed for the traction elements, and determine pump, first and/or second motor displacements based on the desired speed. First and second speed sensors can sense output speeds of the motors, and the pump, first and/or second motor displacements can be determined based on the motor output speeds. Articulation and steering sensor signals can also be used to determine pump, first and/or second motor displacements.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a chassis, a compartment, a vibratory power unit positioned in the compartment and mounted to the chassis to move in vibration relative to the chassis, a pump, a fluid attenuator, and a rigid tube. The pump and the fluid attenuator are mounted to the vibratory power unit to move in vibration relative to the chassis. The rigid tube interconnects the pump and the fluid attenuator for fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: A controlled engine shutdown method is disclosed that includes monitoring exhaust system temperature, monitoring operator shutdown commands, and delaying engine shutdown based on exhaust system temperature. The method can include inhibiting any process that affects exhaust temperatures, for example DPF regeneration. The method can use a shutdown timer, allow operator override of the shutdown delay, and display a delay notification message. The method can also include predicting when an engine shutdown is expected, and delaying or aborting any process that would affect exhaust temperatures when an engine shutdown is predicted. Predicting can include monitoring various machine states, determining an average activity interval for the machine, determining a geographic shutdown area, determining a shutdown time of day and/or monitoring a machine fluid level.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a chassis, a compartment, a vibratory power unit positioned in the compartment and mounted to the chassis to move in vibration relative to the chassis, a pump, a fluid attenuator, and a rigid tube. The pump and the fluid attenuator are mounted to the vibratory power unit to move in vibration relative to the chassis. The rigid tube interconnects the pump and the fluid attenuator for fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards making a user's online portal information available to members of an online social network. Portal information can include information entered by the user and information determined based on the user's online behaviors, such as frequenting a Web site, sending spam messages, and the like. The online social network enables multiple degrees of relationships among members of the online social network. At least a portion of the portal information is made accessible to at least some of the members of the online social network who have a relationship to the user. The relationship can be through a public activity available to all members and/or through a user-defined category of members, such as family, friends, business contacts, and the like. The portal information can be used to determine which relationships will be established and/or which information will be available to members.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards seeding a user's contacts for their online social network. The invention is arranged to automatically recommend to the user a set of seed contacts that the user may employ to invite to join their social network. The set of seed contacts may be harvested from the user's existing portal activities, as well as other sources. In one embodiment, the invention analyzes portal activity, such as email exchanges with the user, and the like, to determine a frequency of contact with the user. Other sources may include but not be limited to emails, names within an address book of the user, names within an address book of another person, a buddy list, an instant messaging list, an activity, a mailing list, an online discussion group, a membership in a category, chat group, and the like.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards seeding a user's contacts for their online social network. The invention is arranged to automatically recommend to the user a set of seed contacts that the user may employ to invite to join their social network. The set of seed contacts may be harvested from the user's existing portal activities, as well as other sources. In one embodiment, the invention analyzes portal activity, such as email exchanges with the user, and the like, to determine a frequency of contact with the user. Other sources may include but not be limited to emails, names within an address book of the user, names within an address book of another person, a buddy list, an instant messaging list, an activity, a mailing list, an online discussion group, a membership in a category, chat group, and the like.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards seeding a user's contacts for their online social network. The invention is arranged to automatically recommend to the user a set of seed contacts that the user may employ to invite to join their social network. The set of seed contacts may be harvested from the user's existing portal activities, as well as other sources. In one embodiment, the invention analyzes portal activity, such as email exchanges with the user, and the like, to determine a frequency of contact with the user. Other sources may include but not be limited to emails, names within an address book of the user, names within an address book of another person, a buddy list, an instant messaging list, an activity, a mailing list, an online discussion group, a membership in a category, chat group, and the like.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards seeding a user's contacts for their online social network. The invention is arranged to automatically recommend to the user a set of seed contacts that the user may employ to invite to join their social network. The set of seed contacts may be harvested from the user's existing portal activities, as well as other sources. In one embodiment, the invention analyzes portal activity, such as email exchanges with the user, and the like, to determine a frequency of contact with the user. Other sources may include but not be limited to emails, names within an address book of the user, names within an address book of another person, a buddy list, an instant messaging list, an activity, a mailing list, an online discussion group, a membership in a category, chat group, and the like.