Abstract: Methods and devices for locating and dilating a stricture are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a device for locating strictures comprises an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. In at least some additional embodiments, a stopper is attached to the distal end of the elongate member. Additionally, in at least some examples, distance markings are disposed on the elongate member.

Abstract: A device for collecting a tissue sample includes a needle extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, the distal end including a pair of jaws, at least a first one of the jaws being movable relative to the other between an open configuration, in which the jaws are open to receive tissue therebetween, and a closed configuration in which the jaws are drawn toward one another to collect a tissue sample therein.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a first anchoring device including a first anchoring element at a distal end thereof for anchoring the first anchoring device in a first target portion of tissue extending about a periphery of a tissue defect to be treated and a first suture receiving feature at a proximal end thereof. The system also includes a second anchoring device including a second anchoring element at a distal end thereof for anchoring the second anchoring device in a second target portion of tissue about the periphery of the tissue defect and a second suture receiving feature at a proximal end thereof. Furthermore, the system includes a suture configured to be passed through the first and second suture receiving features such that a tension applied to the suture draws the first and second anchoring devices toward one another to close the tissue defect.

Abstract: A device for collecting a tissue sample includes an outer sheath extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough. The device also includes a tissue collecting member movably housed within the lumen and biased toward an expanded configuration in which the tissue collecting member is curved about a longitudinal axis thereof and longitudinal edges thereof are separated from one another. The tissue collecting member is movable between a constrained position, in which the tissue collecting is received within the lumen and constrained by a surface thereof such that longitudinal edges of the tissue collecting member are drawn toward one another to define a channel therein, and a tissue collecting position, in which the tissue collecting member moves distally past the distal end of the outer sheath to revert to the biased expanded configuration to cut a target tissue into which it is inserted.

Abstract: A process control method that automatically and comprehensively manages the creation, storage and use of electronic records during the operation of a controlled process and for governing and documenting the users that operate the computer systems that are involved in the creation, storage and use of the electronic records. The method controls a process, such as a chemical process, by receiving measurement information relating to the process, applying rules to the received measurement information to determine a desired response, and sending control information to at least one device associated with the process, so as to modify the process. The method maintains the rules, measurements and control activity in transaction logs or audit trails related thereto in a secure database.

Abstract: A system for clipping tissue includes a clip having first and second jaws. Each of the first and second jaws defines an opening through which a control wire passes. A collapsible member is coupled between the first and second jaws. The member is biased to urge the first and second jaws away from one another along an axis of the control wire to a first expanded configuration. The first and second jaws are movable against the bias of the member via the control wire to a second contracted configuration in which the first and second jaws are moved along the axis of the control wire toward one another to lockingly engage tissue received therebetween. The movement of control wire causes a corresponding movement of the first jaw relative to the second jaw to move the first and second jaws from the first expanded configuration to the second contracted configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of automotive heat exchangers, and, in particular, to heat exchanger tanks with headers. This invention eliminates the need for use of an inner flange on the header using a collar that also acts as a rib, thereby providing a compact foot plus header tank arrangement with lower stress on the gasket mating surface of the header and tank. The present invention also provides a method for providing improved headering means for automotive heat exchangers with plastic tanks and headers.

Abstract: A process control method that automatically and comprehensively manages the creation, storage and use of electronic records during the operation of a controlled process and for governing and documenting the users that operate the computer systems that are involved in the creation, storage and use of the electronic records. The method controls a process, such as a chemical process, by receiving measurement information relating to the process, applying rules to the received measurement information to determine a desired response, and sending control information to at least one device associated with the process, so as to modify the process. The method maintains the rules, measurements and control activity in transaction logs or audit trails related thereto in a secure database.

Abstract: A tooth impact protection guard incorporates a posterior portion with a labial margin substantially at a contour of an alveolar ridge. The posterior portion extends over an occlusal surface of each posterior tooth and covers the lingual cusps to a posterior lingual margin at the cemento-enamel junction. An anterior portion has a contiguous labial margin with the posterior portion at a contour of the attached alveolar ridge. The anterior portion terminates in an anterior lingual margin substantially adjacent an incisal edge of each anterior tooth with an overlap of between 2 and 5 mm.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and program product for estimating cost and/or time requirements for migrating an application from one platform to another. The method includes receiving identifications for tasks, receiving at least one assessment type selected for estimating cost and/or time requirement for migration, where the assessment type delineates a degree of accuracy for estimating the cost and/or time requirement for migration, correlating base costs and/or time requirements to the tasks identified, receiving identifications of attributes that affect base costs and/or time requirements, correlating cost and/or time factors to the tasks, a respective cost factor and/or time factor indicating an amount by which an attribute affects the respective base cost and/or time requirement for a task, and estimating cost and/or time requirements for each task, by applying the respective cost and/or time factors for each task to the respective base cost and/or base time requirements for each task.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes an attachment member with a spindle attachment interface and a brake attachment interface. A spindle is attached to the spindle attachment interface and a brake component is attached to the brake attachment interface. The spindle attachment interface is configured to be a detachable connection that allows the spindle to be selectively attached and detached from the wheel assembly.

Abstract: The present invention enables real-time video commenting by viewers of media content on a web site. The media content may be video, audio, text, still images or other types of media content. When a content viewer indicates a desire to provide a real-time video comment, a content server causes a video input device at the content viewer's location to be activated. The content viewer's video comment is captured by the video input device and transmitted to the content server, where it is stored and associated with the video being commented upon. When the original video is subsequently presented to content viewers, indicia of the video comment such as a thumbnail or description of the comment is also presented, thus inviting content viewers to view the video comment in addition to the original video.

Abstract: a method for global deployment of analytical methods and merging of data via mobile technology and remote mobile devices, the method comprising: developing analytical methods for quantification and identification to be stored in a relational database and distributed to remote mobile devices; developing execution methods to be stored in a relational database and distributed to remote mobile devices; employing a methodology incorporating gatekeeper applications to ensure full control and traceability in the development, deployment, and use of the analytical methods and the processing and distribution of data and analytical predictions; collecting field data from remote devices to a central relational database for a posterior analysis, model enhancement, and archiving; providing remote distributed access to all stored data including field data and processed data; providing a database methodology that provides for a highly level of security for the transmission of data and the storage of data; and providing a rob

Abstract: An adjustment assembly includes first and second connection points associated with a component. The second connection point is selectively adjustable to adjust a position of the component. A shield has one end coupled to the first connection point and an opposite end proximate to the second connection point to selectively prevent access to the second connection point. The shield is selectively movable when the first connection point is loosened to allow access to the second connection point. To achieve proper adjustment of the component, the first connection point must be loosened prior to adjusting a position of the second connection point.

Abstract: A suspension includes first and second arms that connect a rigid axle to a frame structure. The first arm has one end configured for connection to a rigid axle structure and an opposite end adapted for connection to one lateral side of the frame structure. The second arm has one end configured for connection to the rigid axle structure and an opposite end adapted for connection to an opposite lateral side of the frame structure. The suspension includes a first air spring associated with the first arm and a second air spring associated with the second arm. The first and second air springs are configured to be positioned laterally outboard of the frame structure.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes an attachment member with a spindle attachment interface and a brake attachment interface. A spindle is attached to the spindle attachment interface and a brake component is attached to the brake attachment interface. The spindle attachment interface is configured to be a detachable connection that allows the spindle to be selectively attached and detached from the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A method for performing a financial transaction that includes identifying a plurality of payment options associated with a payer executing the financial transaction, wherein each of the plurality of payment options is linked to a financial account of the payer, obtaining cost data and benefit data for each of the plurality of payment options, wherein the cost data includes a cost of using the payment option for the financial transaction and the benefit data includes a benefit of using the payment option for the financial transaction, selecting a preferred payment option from the plurality of payment options for the financial transaction based on the cost data and the benefit data, and processing the financial transaction using the preferred payment option to obtain a transaction confirmation.

Abstract: A suspension includes first and second arms that connect a rigid axle to a frame structure. The first arm has one end configured for connection to a rigid axle structure and an opposite end adapted for connection to one lateral side of the frame structure. The second arm has one end configured for connection to the rigid axle structure and an opposite end adapted for connection to an opposite lateral side of the frame structure. The suspension includes a first air spring associated with the first arm and a second air spring associated with the second arm. The first and second air springs are configured to be positioned laterally outboard of the frame structure.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and program product for estimating cost and/or time requirements for migrating an application from one platform to another. The method includes receiving identifications for tasks, receiving at least one assessment type selected for estimating cost and/or time requirement for migration, where the assessment type delineates a degree of accuracy for estimating the cost and/or time requirement for migration, correlating base costs and/or time requirements to the tasks identified, receiving identifications of attributes that affect base costs and/or time requirements, correlating cost and/or time factors to the tasks, a respective cost factor and/or time factor indicating an amount by which an attribute affects the respective base cost and/or time requirement for a task, and estimating cost and/or time requirements for each task, by applying the respective cost and/or time factors for each task to the respective base cost and/or base time requirements for each task.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly includes first and second connection points associated with a component. The second connection point is selectively adjustable to adjust a position of the component. A shield has one end coupled to the first connection point and an opposite end proximate to the second connection point to selectively prevent access to the second connection point. The shield is selectively movable when the first connection point is loosened to allow access to the second connection point. To achieve proper adjustment of the component, the first connection point must be loosened prior to adjusting a position of the second connection point.