Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for analysis of individual particles in a microfluidic device. The methods involve the immobilization of an array of particles in suspension and the application of experimental compounds. Such methods can also include electrophysiology studies including patch clamp recording, electroporation, or both in the same microfluidic device. The apparatus provided includes a microfluidic device coupled to a multi-well structure and an interface for controlling the flow of media within the microchannel device.

Abstract: A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a plurality of virtual queuing stations associated with respective attractions within a theme park and a virtual queue control system configured to maintain respective virtual queues for the respective attractions and in communication with the plurality of virtual queuing stations. The virtual queue control system is configured to receive communications from the plurality of virtual queuing stations and add guests to the respective virtual queues based on the communications.

Abstract: A system for confirming authorization of a operator for controlling a vehicle on fixed paths, the system having at least one ride vehicle with an onboard control system being configured to confirm operator authorization prior to allowing operator control thereof and an electronic device dimensioned and configured to be supported by an operator, the electronic device being further configured to remotely authorize operator control of the onboard control system. A method for confirming authorization of an operator for controlling a vehicle on fixed paths is also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for improved snapshot data management for modeling and migration planning associated with data storage systems and datacenters. For example, a method comprises the following steps. A plurality of types of representation of states of a system are generated, data from the system is imported to a first type of representation, and a second type of representation is updated, via the first type of representation, with the imported data, wherein modeling is capable of being performed in the second type of representation, and not capable of being performed in the first type of representation.

Abstract: A bicycle frame with an improved suspension system. The bicycle frame includes an adjustable dropout assembly that provides adequate shock absorption without affecting or being affected by the chain length or the pedaling action of the bicycle. The bicycle frame includes a uni-axis system that increases the efficiency and performance of the bicycle while eliminating latter movement found in traditional frames. The bicycle frame includes a micro-adjustable suspension system that allows the rider to easily adjust the suspension of the frame to precise measurements quickly and without additional tools.

Abstract: A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a source of electromagnetic radiation that operates to emit electromagnetic radiation into an active playing area. The system also includes a sensing device that operates to receive the electromagnetic radiation after being reflected from a retro-reflective material of an article positioned in the active playing area and operable to generate data based on receiving reflected electromagnetic radiation from a series of article positions. Further, the system includes a controller that operates to process the data generated by the sensing device to determine whether the series of article positions correlate to a stored gesture and output a control signal to actuate an effect when the series of article positions correlate to the stored gesture.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to features for maintaining or providing a beach area that is adjacent a water feature and that includes beach surface material disposed in one or more containment structures such that a multi-colored or illuminated beach surface is provided. Present embodiments may include multiple containment structures arrayed in an area adjacent a water feature, wherein each containment structure holds beach surface material of a different color. Further, present embodiments may include creating and/or distributing iridescent and/or phosphorescent beach surface material in one or more containment structures that define the beach area. Additionally, present embodiments may include adjustable or attachable barrier extensions to facilitate maintenance. Further, present embodiments may include transparent or translucent beach surface material disposed in one or more containment structures and a lighting system under the beach surface materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of a bifurcation of a body lumen, the bifurcation having a main vessel and a branch vessel, the apparatus includes a bifurcated balloon with a first branch portion and a second branch portion, the second branch portion including an inflatable portion adapted to extend toward the branch vessel, the bifurcated balloon also having a proximal shaft portion and a distal shaft portion connected to the inflatable portion of the second branch portion, and wherein the first branch portion and the second branch portion each have a longitudinal axis, the axis of the first branch portion being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second branch portion.

Abstract: A personal conferencing device (12) having a base unit (14) and a headset/handset (5), wherein the base unit (14) comprises a first interface (4) to a telephone system, a headset/handset receiving part (19) for receiving a headset/handset (5), and the headset/handset (5) comprises a base connection (31) adapted to be received by the receiving part (19), at least a first microphone (7) for receiving audio from a headset/handset user, and at least a first headset/handset speaker (8) for providing audio to a headset/handset user, a position detecting device (10) for detecting a position and/or a state of the headset/handset (5), and a second headset/handset speaker (9), wherein audio is provided to a headset/handset user via the second headset/handset speaker (9) in response to a first signal provided from the position detecting device (10) whereby the user can choose between a private mode using the at least first headset/handset speaker and a conference mode using the second headset/handset speaker.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems, methods, and apparatus for directed graph-based strategy trading tools. In some embodiments, opportunities for altering a trading strategy position are visually represented by a tool as a directed graph. In some embodiments, a tool to facilitate trading strategy leg conversions is provided.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to systems and methods for providing an articulated waterslide. An articulate waterslide is capable of being maneuvered during operation to change flow paths of the waterslide. Specifically, an embodiment includes a waterslide with a chute configured to facilitate water flow along the chute and configured to transport a patron, an adjustable joint positioned along the chute, and an actuator configured to manipulate the adjustable joint such that a flow path of the chute is changeable.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for implanting helical or dart-like implants into the myocardium or other body tissue. The catheter system includes a helix for fixing the distal end of the catheter to the myocardium, an implant held by the helix, mechanisms for driving the fixation helix into the myocardium, and mechanisms for driving the implant into the myocardium, removing the fixation helix and leaving the implant behind. The implant may be coated, filled, or made of a drug or drug eluting compound, or drug delivery matrix of any composition.

Abstract: A queue management system in accordance with present embodiments may include a data server system including a processor and memory. The queue management system may include an interface system of the data server system configured to receive a reservation request including an indication of a general time period of arrival of a guest to an area. Additionally, the queue management system may include a reservation right allotment system of the data server system configured to correlate a reservation slot for accessing an attraction to identification information for the guest. Further, the queue management system may include a detection system of the data server system configured to determine when a portable identification feature associated with the identification information has arrived to the area, and a reservation assignment system of the data server system configured to establish a reservation to access the attraction at a specific time window.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for implanting helical or dart-like implants into the myocardium or other body tissue. The catheter system includes a helix for fixing the distal end of the catheter to the myocardium, an implant held by the helix, mechanisms for driving the fixation helix into the myocardium, and mechanisms for driving the implant into the myocardium, removing the fixation helix and leaving the implant behind. The implant may be coated, filled, or made of a drug or drug eluting compound, or drug delivery matrix of any composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for entertaining multiple guests includes a device that selectively generates a flame and a barrier interposed between each guest and the flame. The barrier is configured to remain transparent throughout multiple repetitions of use of the device for generating a flame. A method of entertaining guests is also presented.

Abstract: A personal conferencing device (12) having a base unit (14) and a headset/handset (5), wherein the base unit (14) comprises a first interface (4) to a telephone system, a headset/handset receiving part (19) for receiving a headset/handset (5), and the headset/handset (5) comprises a base connection (31) adapted to be received by the receiving part (19), at least a first microphone (7) for receiving audio from a headset/handset user, and at least a first headset/handset speaker (8) for providing audio to a headset/handset user, a position detecting device (10) for detecting a position and/or a state of the headset/handset (5), and a second headset/handset speaker (9), wherein audio is provided to a headset/handset user via the second headset/handset speaker (9) in response to a first signal provided from the position detecting device (10) whereby the user can choose between a private mode using the at least first headset/handset speaker and a conference mode using the second headset/handset speaker.

Abstract: Methods, microfluidic devices, and instruments for magnetic separation of particles from a fluid are described. Examples include microfluidic devices having a removable portion. Examples include microfluidic devices having one or more regions of reduced fluid velocity. Examples further including instruments having pneumatic interfaces. Examples further includes instruments having controllable magnets, imaging components, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A device for displaying multiple image streams each comprising multiple image frames that entertains multiple viewers includes at least three image generators for generating at least three separate image streams that each include multiple image frames. At least one of the image generators is configured for at least one viewer input. An image multiplexer is provided for interleaving image frames of each image stream to produce an interleaved image stream and a display is provided for showing the interleaved image stream. A method of displaying multiple image streams is also presented.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for analysis of individual particles in a microfluidic device. The methods involve the immobilization of an array of particles in suspension and the application of experimental compounds. Such methods can also include electrophysiology studies including patch clamp recording, electroporation, or both in the same microfluidic device. The apparatus provided includes a microfluidic device coupled to a multi-well structure and an interface for controlling the flow of media within the microchannel device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for analysis of individual particles in a microfluidic device. The methods involve the immobilization of an array of particles in suspension and the application of experimental compounds. Such methods can also include electrophysiology studies including patch clamp recording, electroporation, or both in the same microfluidic device. The apparatus provided includes a microfluidic device coupled to a multi-well structure and an interface for controlling the flow of media within the microchannel device.