Abstract: A graft suspension device for suspending a ligament in a bone hole having a first loop and a second loop suspending from an 8-hole anchor, and a cradle at the opposite end of the loops to the anchor. The loose ends of the suture are routed through holes in the anchor separate from the loops and are joined together to form a single tail. A finger loop allows a surgeon to adjust the distance of the cradle from the anchor with the cradle staying centered with respect to the anchor as the distance is adjusted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving retail shopping experiences of users and providing users with product suggestions based on merchandise items in which the user has displayed an interest. User interest may be determined based both on merchandise items selected in a retail environment and merchandise items the user already owns. Methods for soliciting user feedback as well as providing an interface for soliciting feedback from social networks are incorporated in the systems and methods.

Abstract: A beverage sleeve with a phase-change material is provided. When used on a hot beverage, the sleeve facilitates the rapid cooling of the beverage to an acceptable temperature and then maintains the beverage at that temperature for a long period of time. When used on a cold beverage, the sleeve maintains the temperature of the beverage for a long period of time. The phase-change material is provided as an insert placed within a pouch of an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a thermally insulating material to help thermally regulate the phase-change material.

Abstract: A method for receiving, processing and managing service requests from a user is disclosed. The method includes receiving the service request from a user at a concierge service, generating an itinerary from the service request, sending the itinerary to a server in a consumer relation management system and automatically coordinating the service items of the service request among one or more concierge services. A method for automatically notifying a credit or debit card issuer about the future travel plan of a user is also disclosed. The method includes using the generated itinerary to automatically populate a security profile, and transfer the data from the security profile to an issuer, where the issuer uses these data to authorize future transactions in different locations that would normally be declined.

Abstract: A method for receiving, processing and managing service requests from a user is disclosed. The method includes receiving the service request from a user at a concierge service, generating an itinerary from the service request, sending the itinerary to a server in a consumer relation management system and automatically coordinating the service items of the service request among one or more concierge services. A method for automatically notifying a credit or debit card issuer about the future travel plan of a user is also disclosed. The method includes using the generated itinerary to automatically populate a security profile, and transfer the data from the security profile to an issuer, where the issuer uses these data to authorize future transactions in different locations that would normally be declined.

Abstract: Plants and crops subject to attack by fungal related diseases are protected or treated by the application of Pseudomycin compositions which were originally isolated from Pseudomonas syringae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for providing a patient with at least one aesthetic improvement procedure. The systems include skin diagnostic equipment, a computer and a database including case studies and esthetic improvement procedures. The database is consulted to assist in providing the patient with at least one aesthetic improvement procedure and the database is updated as new data is generated. The database may be part of an expert system. The database may also be updated with new aesthetic improvement procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of providing a patient with aesthetic improvement procedures having two consultations. Aesthetic improvement information is obtained from the patient. Individual providers of aesthetic improvements are consulted a first time. A second consultation is conducted with multiple of the aesthetic improvement providers to provide an aesthetic improvement plan having recommendations that the are compatible with one another. The methods may also include adding the assessment and the results to a dynamic database. The methods may also include performing second diagnostic tests on the aesthetics of the patient after performing the aesthetic improvement procedure, performing a second consultation with the individual provider, the individual provider supplying an assessment of the results of the improvement procedure, and adding the assessment and the results to a dynamic database.

Abstract: The present invention provides a 7-chloro-6-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylamino)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[d]azepine of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and its use as a selective 5-HT2c agonist for the treatment of 5-HT2c associated disorders including obesity, obsessive/compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable navigation and communication system. In one embodiment, the system combines within a single enclosure a GPS satellite-positioning unit, a means of mobile telephony using cell phone technology and a means of personal computing capable of wired or wireless internet/intranet access using a standard operating system. In one aspect of this embodiment, multiple displays can maintain functional independence of simultaneous operations and allow for fail-over to enhance reliability. Further, a speech recognition subsystem can also be included to provide a voice-activated, speech-controlled user interface for hands-free operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable navigation and communication system. In one embodiment, the system combines within a single enclosure a GPS satellite-positioning unit, a means of mobile telephony using cell phone technology and a means of personal computing capable of wired or wireless internet/intranet access using a standard operating system. In one aspect of this embodiment, multiple displays can maintain functional independence of simultaneous operations and allow for fail-over to enhance reliability. Further, a speech recognition subsystem can also be included to provide a voice-activated, speech-controlled user interface for hands-free operation.

Abstract: A method for treating a pleural effusion condition by establishing fluid communication with a pleural space, using a catheter attached to a valve that is normally closed but openable by the insertion of a tube in the side opposite the catheter. The catheter is implanted into the pleural space and is periodically accessed by inserting a tube into the valve on the side opposite the catheter to add or remove fluid to and from the pleural space using a negative pressure source.

Abstract: A system for converting a continuous tone value to an output value having either a first level or a second level develops a first error based upon the application of a separable filter to an output value having a first level assumed for the continuous tone value undergoing conversion. A second error is developed based upon the application of the separable filter to an output value having a second level assumed for the continuous tone value undergoing conversion. If the first error is greater than the second error, the continuous tone value is converted to the output value having the second level. Otherwise, the continuous tone value is converted to the output value having the first level. The resulting error is diffused in a predetermined manner to neighboring continuous tone values yet to be converted.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting a continuous tone value to an output value having a first level or a second level. A first error magnitude is generated based upon continuous tone values already converted, continuous tone values not yet converted and an output value having the first level assumed for the continuous tone value undergoing conversion. A second error magnitude is similarly generated except that an output value having the second level is assumed for the continuous tone value undergoing conversion. If the first error magnitude is less than the second error magnitude, then the continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to the output value having the first level and, otherwise, the continuous tone value undergoing conversion is converted to the output value having the second level. The error corresponding to the converted lineary value is diffused in a predetermined manner to neighboring continuous tone values which have not yet been converted.

Abstract: A surgical laser backstop instrument comprising a rod, a backstop pivotally mounted to one end of the rod, and a backstop adjustment mechanism mounted to the other end of the rod. The backstop is comprised of a non-reflective material. The backstop adjustment mechanism controls the movement of the backstop. The backstop is a flat section of titanium-coated material and is movable between a position longitudinally aligned with the axis of the rod and a position transverse to the axis of the rod. The backstop adjustment mechanism comprises a body connected to the other end of the rod, a line fastened at one end to the backstop and extending through the rod, and a movement actuator mechanism connected to the other end of the line for controlling the pivotal movement of the backstop.

Abstract: A surgical laser backstop instrument comprising a rod, a backstop pivotally mounted to one end of the rod, and a backstop adjustment mechanism mounted to the other end of the rod. The backstop is comprised of a non-reflective material. The backstop adjustment mechanism controls the movement of the backstop. The backstop is a flat section of titanium-coated material and is movable between a position longitudinally aligned with the axis of the rod and a position transverse to the axis of the rod. The backstop adjustment mechanism comprises a body connected to the other end of the rod, a line fastened at one end to the backstop and extending through the rod, and a movement actuator mechanism connected to the other end of the line for controlling the pivotal movement of the backstop.