Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses, and methods and systems including apparatuses, configured to be magnetically coupled to a medical device within a body cavity of a patient. Some embodiments include one or more elements comprising at least one of a magnetically-attractive and magnetically-chargeable material; and a bumper extending around the one or more elements and configured to reduce the strength of a magnetic field of the one or more elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and/or medical devices, and systems and methods including apparatuses and/or medical devices, comprising one or more elements configured to define a U-shaped magnetic flux path and/or magnetic field.

Abstract: Peptidic chemical compounds obtained by in silico molecular modelling, having a structure that enables them to perform the same functions of peptidic growth hormone secretagogues. The invention also comprises the preparations containing such compounds and the use in medicines, food additives, nutritional supplements or other formulations of human or animal use.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may be adapted for use with a plurality of user interface devices having haptic feedback interface mechanisms. A group controller may be adapted to determine a group decision input based, at least in part, on sensed outputs the user interface devices. At least a portion of the group decision input may be used to provide haptic feedback to a user via the user interface device.

Abstract: A large scale processing method for separating banana pulp from its peel is shown. In this method bananas are separated into two parts (generally in a transverse direction), each part having a tip end and a cut end. A compression force is applied to those banana parts such that the force increases from the tip end to the cut end. A device which implements that process, including a cutting device, a means for feeding bananas into the cutting device, and two processing conveyor devices (to apply the compression force to the banana parts), is also shown.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetically charging and discharging a member are disclosed. In certain embodiments, an external apparatus or internal device may comprise the member.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods. The present medical devices comprises a platform comprising a magnetically-attractive material, and a camera coupled to the platform and configured to be moved in at least three degrees of freedom relative to the platform, where the camera's movement in each respective degree of freedom is controlled by a separate actuator coupled to the platform. The medical devices further comprise a housing disposed around at least a portion of the camera, the housing being at least partially transparent, and a wiper arm configured to move relative to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for enabling electrical communication with a device positionable within a body cavity of a patient. Apparatuses and systems for magnetically positioning a device within a body cavity of a patient. Medical devices. Methods of use.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for magnetically positioning a device within a body cavity of a patient, including a removable magnet unit that can be reused across procedures.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for enabling electrical communication with a device positionable within a body cavity of a patient. Apparatuses and systems for magnetically positioning a device within a body cavity of a patient. Medical devices. Methods of use.

Abstract: Medical devices having a platform and an arm movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. In some embodiments, the platform comprises at least one of a magnetically-attractive material and a material capable of being magnetically-charged. Methods of use.

Abstract: An equipment for the automatic assessment of road signs and panels, the equipment performing, for the purpose, a retroreflection measurement of the white element of the signs or panels, and a measurement of the contrast between the white element of the sign or panel and a characteristic element of same (borders or text) in order to ensure a particular level of legibility. To this end, a vehicle (1) is equipped with a pulsed infrared illumination system (3), a system of stereoscopic cameras (2), a GPS (11), an odometer (12), a computer (5) mounted on an industrial rack, a data storage system (8), an event keyboard (7), and a TFT monitor (6) for viewing results. The infrared illumination system (3) is synchronized with the cameras (2). In this way, the infrared illuminator (3) illuminates the road area in alternate images, thereby providing illuminated road images and non-illuminated road images.

Abstract: A large scale processing method for separating banana pulp from its peel is disclosed. In this method bananas are separated into two parts (generally in a transverse direction), each part having a tip end and a cut end. A compression force is applied to those banana parts such that the force increases from the tip end to the cut end. A device which implements that process, comprising a cutting device, a means for feeding bananas into the cutting device, and two processing conveyor devices (to apply the compression force to the banana parts), is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device comprises an ex vivo magnet and an in vivo sled magnetically attracted to the ex vivo magnet. The sled can be positioned and anchored within a patient by moving the ex vivo magnet. The sled defines a longitudinal axis. An arm extends from the sled. The arm being moveable relative the sled between a retracted position and an extended position. The arm comprises an end effector. A longitudinally oriented screw operatively is connected to the sled and arm such that rotation of the screw moves the arm between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that may be adapted for use with a plurality of user interface devices having haptic feedback interface mechanisms. A group controller may be adapted to determine a group decision input based, at least in part, on sensed outputs the user interface devices. At least a portion of the group decision input may be used to provide haptic feedback to a user via the user interface device.

Abstract: A large scale processing method for separating banana pulp from its peel is shown. In this method bananas are separated into two parts (generally in a transverse direction), each part having a tip end and a cut end. A compression force is applied to those banana parts such that the force increases from the tip end to the cut end. A device which implements that process, comprising a cutting device, a means for feeding bananas into the cutting device, and two processing conveyor devices (to apply the compression force to the banana parts), is also shown.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method of using a variety of laparoscopic or NOTES surgical tools at a confined or inaccessible space e.g., an intra-abdominal surgical and NOTES tool inserted through a single incision through the skin or hollow viscus. Generally, the laparoscopic or NOTES surgical devices include a device body having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a positioning mechanism and the second side includes one or more of a variety of laparoscopic or NOTES tool.

Abstract: A device which separates banana pulp from its peel, suitable for large-scale processing, is disclosed. The device consists of upper and lower conveyor belts, a roller installed above the upper belt, and a pressure generating element (e.g., a roller or a plate) installed below the lower belt. The belts are installed so as to converge in the direction of their movement. The axes of the roller(s) is oriented between the longitudinal direction of the lower belt and its transverse direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically selecting among text-to-speech (TTS) systems. Exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods include identifying text for converting into a speech waveform, synthesizing said text by three TTS systems, generating a candidate waveform from each of the three systems, generating a score from each of the three systems, comparing each of the three scores, selecting a score based on a criteria and selecting one of the three waveforms based on the selected of the three scores.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method of using a variety of laparoscopic or NOTES surgical tools at a confined or inaccessible space, e.g., an intra-abdominal surgical and NOTES tool inserted through a single incision through the skin or hollow viscus. Generally, the laparoscopic or NOTES surgical devices include a device body having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a positioning mechanism and the second side includes one or more of a variety of laparoscopic or NOTES tools.