Abstract: Systems and methods for augmenting a user experience using a barcode. In an embodiment, the system and methods comprises receiving a first request for content associated with a barcode from a user. A response is sent which provides content for creating a personalized message. The user may then interact with a message creation application to create a personalized message. Subsequently, a second request for content associated with the barcode may be received. In response to this request, the personalized message, instead of the content for creating the personalized message, may be provided.

Abstract: According to one described embodiment, a method is provided in which transaction information is determined. The transaction information is associated with (i) a buyer who has arranged to purchase a product from a central controller at a first price established between the buyer and the central controller and (ii) a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price, different from the first price, without offering the product for sale to buyers at the first price. Information is transmitted that facilitates the acquisition of the product by the buyer, in exchange for payment provided by the buyer to the central controller. An amount based on the second price is provided to the merchant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a promotion and for distributing promotions to potential users provide a merchant or promotion organizer flexibility in the way they conduct the promotion as well as an ability to change one or more aspects of the promotion during the operation of the promotion. In accordance with one embodiment, such a promotion may provide for a game on a mobile device, wherein a locked outcome of the game may be unlocked using an unlock code. In one embodiment, a result of the locked outcome may correspond to an intra-game benefit.

Abstract: Herein is provided an anastomosis device which includes a cylindrical support housing having a tapered section being formed of a plurality of compliant fingers integrally formed around the circumference of an end of the cylindrical section which can flex at their connection point to the cylindrical section. Each compliant finger holds a suture needle. The device includes a push rod having a cam head at one end of the rod section. The cam head is located adjacent to the tapered portion. In operation the anastomosis device is aligned with the anatomical tubular structure undergoing an anastomosis process. When a back end of the push rod is pushed towards the tapered section of the support housing, the cam head section bears against an inner surface causing each compliant finger to flex radially outwards forcing the suture needles to simultaneously pierce the wall of the anatomical tubular structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding endoscope with incorporated optical sensors and light sources. The foldable endoscope includes a housing having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis and at least one channel extending between the first and second ends and associated ports at the first and second ends for inserting surgical instruments through the housing into a surgical site. The endoscope includes three elongate arms having first and second ends and being pivotally connected at the first ends thereof to the first end of the housing. A camera and light source are mounted on each of the elongate arms such that when the elongate arms are deployed the cameras have a field of view in a generally forward direction away from the housing. A linkage mechanism is connected to the elongate arms, and an actuator is connected to the linkage mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anastomosis device which includes an elongate center pin having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is configured to be graspable using a grasping tool. A grip mechanism is located at the distal end for crimping a suture. The device includes an outer sleeve having a passageway therethrough to receive therein the elongate center pin. A suture having a suture needle is attached to a first end of the center pin and a second end of the suture is formed into a pre-formed knot mounted on the sleeve. The device includes a suture release mechanism having a passageway extending therethrough to receive the outer sleeve therein. The suture release mechanism slides along the sleeve between a first position in which the suture release mechanism is spaced from the distal end and a second position such that movement of the suture release mechanism from the first position to the second position dislodges the pre-formed knot off the sleeve.

Abstract: A game to be modified in accordance with the invention involves a first random outcome and a second random outcome that are combined according to game rules to produce a game outcome. The game is administered by receiving a player request for a specific entry, the specific entry replacing one of the random outcomes and being selected from a finite set of possibilities not determined by chance. The requested specific entry affects the probable outcome of the game. The specific entry is combined with the remaining one of the random outcomes according to the game rules to determine the game outcome. According to one embodiment, the specific entry may be a score such as 18 which replaces the player's hand in the game of blackjack.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to associate a transferable item price with a first consumer and to determine that a second consumer is entitled to purchase an item in exchange for payment of an amount based on the transferable item price. In one embodiment, the first consumer arranges to purchase an item at a first price. The merchant transmits a transferable item price code to the first consumer. The first consumer sends the transferable item price code to the second consumer, such as by including the transferable item price code in an e-mail message. The second consumer transmits the transferable item price code to the merchant to establish that he or she is entitled to purchase the item at the first price.

Abstract: A game to be modified in accordance with the invention involves a first random outcome and a second random outcome that are combined according to game rules to produce a game outcome. The game is administered by receiving a player request for a specific entry, the specific entry replacing one of the random outcomes and being selected from a finite set of possibilities not determined by chance. The requested specific entry affects the probable outcome of the game. The specific entry is combined with the remaining one of the random outcomes according to the game rules to determine the game outcome. According to one embodiment, the specific entry may be a score such as 18 which replaces the player's hand in the game of blackjack.

Abstract: A power converter constituted of: a reference source; a clock generator exhibiting a variable frequency output, the value of the frequency of the variable frequency output responsive to an input signal; and an error amplifier in communication with the reference source, the error amplifier exhibiting a gain whose value is responsive to the input signal. Preferably the error amplifier is a transconductance amplifier. In one embodiment the power converter further exhibits a current squarer, arranged to produce a squared value of the input signal and provide the squared value to the transconductance amplifier.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and apparatus allow for a plurality of options to be displayed to a player for playing at least one round of a game in accordance with at least one advantage and/or disadvantage. The player may accept an option. For example, a player may accept an option to play at least one future round of play in accordance with a rule that is different from a rule used in a current round of play.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for preventing or reducing scar formation (e.g., hypertrophic scars). For example, provided herein are methods of administrating HMG-CoA-inhibiting agents for preventing or reducing scar formation.

Abstract: An integrated circuit transimpedance amplifier arrangement constituted of: a plurality of internal matched resistors; a current multiplier arranged to output a signal whose value is a function of an input current signal, an external resistor and a first set of the plurality of internal matched resistors; and an output transimpedance amplifier coupled to the output of the current multiplier, the output transimpedance amplifier exhibiting a gain whose value is a function of a second set of the plurality of internal matched resistors, wherein the output of the output transimpedance amplifier is a function of the input current signal, the external resistor, the first set of the plurality of internal matched resistors and the second set of the plurality of internal matched resistors, wherein the variations with temperature of the first set of the plurality of internal matched resistors and the second set of the plurality of internal matched resistors cancel.