Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, digital content is mastered as a combination of encrypted data and data processing operations that enable use in approved playback environments. Player devices having a processing environment compatible with the content's data processing operations are able to decrypt and play the content. Players can also provide content with basic functions, such as loading data from media, performing network communications, determining playback environment configuration, controlling decryption/playback, and/or performing cryptographic operations using the player's keys. These functions allow the content to implement and enforce its own security policies. If pirates compromise individual players or content titles, new content can be mastered with new security features that block the old attacks. A selective decryption capability can also be provided, enabling on-the-fly watermark insertion so that attacks can be traced back to a particular player.

Abstract: A method of deresinating a crude oil comprises contacting the crude oil with a carbon dioxide containing fluid, the crude oil having an initial API gravity and comprising an oil phase, resins, and asphaltenes, and wherein the carbon dioxide containing fluid enters the oil phase of the crude oil In a manner such that the resins and asphaltenes precipitate out of the crude oil such that the final API gravity of the crude oil is higher than the initial API gravity of the crude oil.

Abstract: A method of deresinating a crude oil comprises contacting the crude oil with a carbon dioxide containing fluid, the crude oil having an initial API gravity and comprising an oil phase, resins, and asphaltenes, and wherein the carbon dioxide containing fluid enters the oil phase of the crude oil in a manner such that the resins and asphaltenes precipitate out of the crude oil such that the final API gravity of the crude oil is higher than the initial API gravity of the crude oil.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a system and method for modeling S-distortion in an image intensifier. In an embodiment, the method may include identifying a reference coordinate on an input screen of the image intensifier. The method also includes computing a set of charged particle velocity vectors. The method also includes computing a set of magnetic field vectors. The method also includes computing the force exerted on the charged particle in an image intensifier. Certain embodiments of the present invention include an iterative method for calibrating an image acquisition system with an analytic S-distortion model. In an embodiment, the method may include comparing the difference between the measured fiducial shadow positions and the model fiducial positions with a threshold value. If the difference is less than the threshold value, the optical distortion parameters are used for linearizing the set of acquired images.

Abstract: A container closure having a closed position and an open position and including a molded portion, such as a threaded flat cap, having a molded three dimensional image, in particular a lithophane image, on at least one surface thereof, wherein the image is configured to be viewed with the container in the open position and the image is configured to be un-viewable with the container in the closed position. The flat cap may include a sealing member such as a clear liner engaging a support shoulder surrounding the image. The flat cap may further include tamper evident features for the cap.

Abstract: A lead for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity is provided. The lead is adapted for implantation on or about the heart within the coronary vasculature and for connection to a signal generator. The lead body has one or more electrodes associated therewith. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are housed in the coronary vasculature and urged into intimate contact a vessel wall.

Abstract: A variable inductance electrical device is an electrical conductor arranged in a flexible helical coil with a multiplicity of windings connected to a traveler plate and a fixed plate coaxially arranged a distance from the traveler plate. The conductor is arranged in the space between the traveler plate and the fixed plate such that moving the traveler plate away from the fixed plate moves the conductor coils apart and moving the traveler plate towards the fixed plate moves the conductor coils closer together. The inductance of the electrical coil varies inversely with the length of the coil, and thus varies with the spacing of the coils.

Abstract: A device and method for accessing a pericardial space of the heart includes a shaft having a cavity at a distal end, a suction lumen terminating in a distal port within the cavity and a hollow needle having a distal tip extending into the cavity. The cavity may be a recess in the shaft into which the distal tip of the needle fixedly protrudes. In other embodiments, the cavity is formed by an inflatable member positioned at the distal end of the shaft and the needle is slidable relative to the shaft. Suction is applied at the cavity to draw a pericardial bleb. The needle pierces the pericardial bleb for accessing the pericardial space and also facilitates delivery of payloads into the pericardial space.

Abstract: A lead having a distal end electrode assembly adapted for implantation on or about the heart or within a vein and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The electrode assembly includes conductive fixation features, such as conductive tines or flexible members, in combination with non-conductive fixation features. The conductive fixation features also include tines coated with a conductive material. The fixation features further include conductive tines which are retractable. A defibrillation coil is optionally disposed at the distal end of the lead in combination with the conductive tines.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end having a biased portion having an outer diameter dimensioned to abut a wall of a pulmonary artery, an electrode coupled proximate the distal end, and an implantable pulse generator electrically coupled to the electrode. The implantable pulse generator is adapted to deliver a baroreflex stimulation signal to a baroreceptor in the pulmonary artery via the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is a lead for use in connection with a myocardial lead attachment system of the type having an anchor for engaging the heart and a tether extending from the anchor. The lead includes a lead body having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen for accepting the tether. A tapered tip is separate from the lead and positioned adjacent the distal end of the lead. The tip has a longitudinal through-hole for accepting the tether.

Abstract: The present invention is a myocardial lead attachment system for securing a lead within the myocardium. The attachment system includes an anchor configured to engage the heart, a tether coupled to the anchor and a lead body. The lead body has a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen for accepting the tether and a lock housing in the lumen. A lock structure is on the tether and mates with the lock housing and restrains motion of the lead with respect to the tether in either of a proximal or a distal direction.

Abstract: A myocardial lead attachment system for securing a distal end of a lead within a myocardium of a patient's heart. The system includes a lead body, an anchor mechanism formed of a bioabsorbable or biodegradable polymer for engaging a surface of the patient's heart and a surface feature formed on a portion of the lead body for promoting formation of scar tissue around said portion of the lead body.

Abstract: The present invention is a myocardial lead attachment system and method for securing a distal end of a lead within the myocardium of a patient's heart. The system includes an anchor, a tether coupled at a distal end to the anchor and a lead body. The lead body has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough for receiving the tether. A fixation mechanism is at the distal end of the lead body, and is adapted to collapse to a first configuration during implantation and deploy to a second configuration after implantation.

Abstract: The present invention is a myocardial lead attachment system for securing a distal end of a lead within a myocardium of a patient's heart. The system includes an anchor, a tether coupled to the anchor, and a delivery instrument for receiving and advancing the anchor through a tract in the heart from a proximal entrance site to a distal exit site in such a manner that the tether extends proximally from the anchor through the tract. The delivery instrument includes a needle having a distal tip and a nest. The nest is positioned proximal to the distal tip and is sized to receive the anchor. The delivery instrument further includes an ejection mechanism for ejecting the anchor from the nest.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a lithophane-type image includes adjusting a 3-D representation of an electronically processed 2-D image based on light-transmission characteristics of a final material into which the lithophane-type image to be produced.

Abstract: A method of demulsifying a water-in-oil emulsion comprising an oil phase comprising asphaltenes and an aqueous phase is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a carbon dioxide containing fluid with the emulsion such that the carbon dioxide containing fluid enters the oil phase of the emulsion. The asphaltenes precipitate out of the emulsion and the emulsion destabilizes.

Abstract: A method of deresinating a crude oil comprises contacting the crude oil with a carbon dioxide containing fluid, the crude oil having an initial API gravity and comprising an oil phase, resins, and asphaltenes, and wherein the carbon dioxide containing fluid enters the oil phase of the crude oil In a manner such that the resins and asphaltenes precipitate out of the crude oil such that the final API gravity of the crude oil is higher than the initial API gravity of the crude oil.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible for a user to have a security key created from one or more biometric elements of the user, such as a fingerprint. For example, a biometric feature or combination of biometric features of the user can be used to create an instance of a problem which can only be solved by data inherent in the biometric feature or combination of biometric features. The user can supply the data to solve the problem by inputting, through an appropriate input device, an image, or other representation of the biometric elements from which the data that will solve the instance of the problem is derived. If problem is solved, either completely or partially, using the derived data then the identity of the user can either be verified or ascertained. the solution can then be used for other purposes such as the generation of a cryptographic key.