Abstract: A realtime computer-based viewing system comprising a database of first software objects in registration with one another, wherein at least one of the first software objects corresponds to a physical structure which is to be viewed by the system and at least one of the first software objects corresponds to a graft which is to be deployed adjacent to the physical structure, an endoscope for acquiring data about the physical structure when the physical structure is located within the endoscope's data acquisition field, wherein the endoscope is capable of being moved about relative to the physical structure, generating apparatus for generating a second software object using data acquired by the endoscope, wherein the second software object corresponds to the physical structure currently being viewed by the endoscope, registration apparatus for positioning the second software object into the database in proper registration with the first software objects already contained in the database, and processing apparatus

Abstract: A method and system for anticipatory package shipping are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include packaging one or more items as a package for eventual shipment to a delivery address, selecting a destination geographical area to which to ship the package, shipping the package to the destination geographical area without completely specifying the delivery address at time of shipment, and while the package is in transit, completely specifying the delivery address for the package.

Abstract: A real-time computer-based viewing system comprising a database of software objects, wherein at least one of said software objects corresponds to a physical structure which is to be viewed by said system; a sensor for acquiring real-time data about said physical structure when said physical structure is located within that sensor's data acquisition field, wherein said sensor is capable of being moved about relative to said physical structure; an additional software object incorporating real-time data acquired by said sensor; registration means for positioning said additional software object in registration with said software objects stored in said database, the registration being a function of the position of the sensor vis-à-vis the physical structure; and processing means for generating an image from said software objects contained in said database, based upon a specified point of view.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising polyester, boron component, and epoxy component. Articles made from these compositions, particularly articles requiring excellent hydrolysis resistance properties.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium for assisting in automatically classifying items with respect to one or more predefined classification systems is described, such as for items to be delivered internationally. In some situations, the items are classified so as to select an appropriate import tax code for a destination country and/or to select an appropriate export tax code for an origination country, such as to allow calculation of estimated taxes for the items before the items are delivered. Moreover, in some such situations the automatic classifying is performed dynamically at the time an item order is being placed or considered by a customer. The estimated costs for the items can further in some situations be used to estimate total costs for delivering an item internationally, such as dynamically during the ordering process for the items so that those costs can be collected before delivering the items.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a body cavity of a patient over a period of time, which includes a hollow member that defines at least one lumen for facilitating a unidirectional recirculating flow of a therapeutic fluid through the lumen. The fluid can contain a bodily fluid, such as, for example, perilymph, and a drug. The apparatus also includes a pump, for example a single unidirectional pump, to control the flow rate of the therapeutic fluid through the hollow member, and an interface member in communication with at least one lumen of the hollow member. The device thus allows for the controlled delivery of the therapeutic fluid to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising polyester, boron component, and epoxy component. Articles made from these compositions, particularly articles requiring excellent hydrolysis resistance properties.

Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.

Abstract: An anatomical visualization and measurement system including a first database of 2-D slice images and a second database including a 3-D computer model defining a first software object. Apparatus is provided for selecting a 2-D slice image from the first database. Apparatus is also provided for inserting a second software object into the 3-D computer model. The second software object includes a planar surface and is inserted into the 3-D computer model at the position which corresponds to the position of the selected 2-D slice image relative to the scanned structure. Apparatus is also provided for texture mapping the 2-D slice image onto the planar surface. Display apparatus is provided for displaying an image which simultaneously provides a view of the first software object and the 2-D slice image texture mapped onto the planar surface. An apparatus and method are also provided for determining structural dimensions and volumes.

Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.

Abstract: An improved anatomical visualization system which is adapted to augment a standard video endoscopic system with a coordinated computer model visualization system so as to enhance a physician's understanding of the patient's interior anatomical structure.

Abstract: Films comprising a liquid-absorbant layer and an impermeable layer are provided. Processes for manufacturing these films is also provided. The films are suitable for preparation of tubular casings and shrinkbags, in particular, casings for smoked foodstuffs. Also described are foodstuffs processed in the tubular casings.

Abstract: A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymer synthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m2 when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m2, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the desiccant method, of at least 1500 g/m2/24 hr.

Abstract: An improved anatomical visualization system which is adapted to augment a standard video endoscopic system with a coordinated computer model visualization system so as to enhance a physician's understanding of the patient's interior anatomical structure.

Abstract: A real-time computer-based viewing system is disclosed comprising a database of pre-existing software objects, wherein at least one of the software objects corresponds to a physical structure which is to be viewed by the system and at least one of the software objects corresponds to a graft which is to be deployed adjacent the physical structure, a real-time sensor for acquiring data about the physical structure when the physical structure is located within that sensor's data acquisition field, generating means for generating an additional software object corresponding to the physical structure using data acquired by the sensor, registration means for positioning the additional software object in registration with the pre-existing software objects contained in the database, and processing means for generating an image from the software objects contained in the database, based upon a specified point of view.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising polyester, boron component, and epoxy component. Articles made from these compositions, particularly articles requiring excellent hydrolysis resistance properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying nucleic acids in a sample of nucleic acids in which nucleic acids are initially unequal amounts. The methods include partitioning the starting population of nucleic acids to form one or more subpopulations, and then identifying nucleic acids that are present in different amounts in the partitioned nucleic acid sample as compared to the starting population. Also disclosed are methods of generating databases based on sizes of DNA fragments and size-based sequencing of those fragments.

Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.

Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.

Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising copolyetherester, boron component, and epoxy component. Articles made from these compositions, particularly articles requiring excellent hydrolysis resistance properties.