Abstract: A force sensor apparatus and method of forming the same. The apparatus includes a force sense element that can be attached to a substrate. An actuator disposed in a hole formed within the cap is operably coupled to the force sense element for transferring force to the sense element in response to receiving a force from an external source. The force sense element is configured to sense the external force and generate an output signal representing the force. Preferably, one or more bond pads, associated with the force sense element and the substrate, can be electrically connected via wire bonding. A cover associated with an integrated flexible membrane can be mounted on the substrate in order to protect internal components associated with the force sensor apparatus from an external environment.

Abstract: A bio-based binder system for use in preparing foundry molds. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes the use of a) a polyermizable hydroxyl-containing component comprising a saccharide, b) an isocyanate component, and c) a catalyst, and preferably amine catalyst, component adapted to catalyze the polymerization of a) and b), in the presence of a foundry aggregate such as sand. The system can be used in any suitable manner, including in either a cold box process or no bake process as described herein.

Abstract: A differential force sensor method and apparatus for automatically monitoring manual injections through an intravenous line. The differential force sensor includes two piezoresistive sense die that are packaged in close proximity utilizing a number of packaging processes. The two piezoresistive sense die can be utilized to measure forces exerted on a diaphragm on either side of an orifice. The piezoresistive sense die can be packaged in close proximity to make intimate contact with the diaphragms on either side of the orifice. The differential force sensor further includes two plungers that make intimate contact with the diaphragm and transfer the force into the piezo-resistive sense dies. Additionally, one or more ASICs and microcontrollers can be utilized to provide thermal calibration and differential calculation.

Abstract: Embodiments of a feedback-driven malware detector are directed to protecting a computer from programs that perform actions that are malicious or not expected by a user. In one embodiment, the feedback-driven malware detector performs a method that initially determines whether the state of an application program scheduled to be added to an extensibility point on a computer is already known. If the state of the object is not already known, the user is informed that an application program is being installed on the computer and that the application program is being added to an extensibility point. Then, input is obtained from the user that assists in determining whether the application program is malware.

Abstract: A differential force sensor method and apparatus for automatically monitoring manual injections through an intravenous line. The differential force sensor includes two piezoresistive sense die that are packaged in close proximity utilizing a number of packaging processes. The two piezoresistive sense die can be utilized to measure forces exerted on a diaphragm on either side of an orifice. The piezoresistive sense die can be packaged in close proximity to make intimate contact with the diaphragms on either side of the orifice. The differential force sensor further includes two plungers that make intimate contact with the diaphragm and transfer the force into the piezo-resistive sense dies. Additionally, one or more ASICs and microcontrollers can be utilized to provide thermal calibration and differential calculation.

Abstract: A plow apparatus is disclosed for mounting on a mobile base, and includes a mount for mounting to a mobile base, a plow having a moldboard having an upper boundary, a plow support assembly mounted on the mount and configured to support the plow on the mount, and a plow adjustment assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the plow. The plow support assembly may be mounted to the plow toward the upper boundary of the plow. The plow adjustment assembly may comprise a tilt assembly that is configured to adjust a tilt orientation of the plow about a longitudinal substantially horizontal axis of the plow. The fluid actuation assembly may be configured to provide fluid to the plow adjustment assembly to orient the plow with respect to the mount, and the fluid actuation assembly is configured to utilize a gas to adjust the orientation of the plow.

Abstract: A barcode scanner operator interface capable of providing enhanced information. The interface includes a visual indicator including positions capable of being individually illuminated, and control circuitry for monitoring states of the barcode scanner and for illuminating the positions of the visual indicator to produce codes indicative of the states of the barcode scanner.

Abstract: Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.

Abstract: The methods of the invention employ electrostatic atomization to form a compound droplet of at least two miscible fluids. The compound droplet comprises a core of a first fluid and a layer of a second fluid completely surrounding the core. The first fluid contains the agent to be encapsulated and the second fluid contains an encapsulating agent. The first and second liquids are miscible. The encapsulated droplets can contain a variety of materials including, but not limited to, polynucleotides such as DNA and RNA, proteins, bioactive agents or drugs, food, pesticides, herbicides, fragrances, antifoulants, dyes, oils, inks, cosmetics, catalysts, detergents, curing agents, flavors, fuels, metals, paints, photographic agents, biocides, pigments, plasticizers, propellants and the like and components thereof. The droplets can be encapsulated by a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, lipid bilayers and polymer shells.

Abstract: An intraluminal device, an intraluminal stent delivery system, and a method of manufacturing the same. The device includes a body. At least one therapeutic agent coating is positioned on the body and positioned substantially on an interface portion to provide an optimal drug release profile. The stent delivery system includes a catheter and a stent disposed on the catheter. The stent comprises a body including at least one therapeutic agent coating positioned on the body and positioned substantially on an interface portion to provide an optimal drug release profile. The manufacturing method includes providing a body and applying at least one therapeutic agent coating positioned on the body and distributing the at least one therapeutic agent coating substantially on an interface portion to provide an optimal drug release profile.

Abstract: A customized and customizable structural calculation and project detailing system that is capable of producing a submittal package. The system operable with, but not limited to, structures incorporating cold-formed structural members. The system can output submittal packages based on minimal user input The application or system includes a comprehensive cold-formed database to perform calculations for structures built from cold-formed components. The database and an AI filter provide pattern recognition, automatic data saving, storage of known manufacturer data, and the like.

Abstract: A stent device including a stent body having a plurality of adjacent rows and one or more interconnections or interlocking rings between rows. The interconnections have first and second connecting portions with first ends permanently and immovably coupled to the rows and second ends interlocked with each other, such that the second ends of each portion can move independently of the other. The interconnections include ball and socket joints, hinge joints or universal joints. Interlocking rings have indentations for receiving the other ring, such that when interlocked, the rings will lay flat against a body lumen wall.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for treating a vascular condition. The system includes a catheter and a stent disposed on the catheter. The system further includes a stent with at least an outer portion of the stent framework coated with a drug polymer solution and a contrast medium substantially covering at least an outer surface of the drug coating disposed on the outer surface of the stent framework. A method of manufacturing the contrast coated stent and a method of using the contrast coated stent is included.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing a stent. A stent framework is provided and inserted into a stent-reduction sleeve having a plurality of apertures formed therein. The stent-reduction sleeve is compressed towards a central axis of the stent framework with a substantially uniform inwardly directed radial force that is generated on the inserted stent framework. The stent diameter of the stent framework is reduced based on the amount of compression. A system for treating a vascular condition and a stent including a sleeve-compressed stent framework are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for deploying a stent and infusing a therapeutic agent into tissue adjacent to the ends of the stent. The system comprises a catheter, an inflatable balloon, a stent, and a plurality of infusion elements. The catheter has an inflation lumen and at least one therapeutic agent delivery lumen. The balloon is disposed on the catheter and is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. The stent is disposed on the balloon. The infusion elements are positioned adjacent to distal and proximal ends of the stent and are in fluid communication with at least one therapeutic agent delivery lumen. The infusion elements are inserted into a wall of a target region of a vessel responsive to inflation of the balloon. Further inflation of the balloon deploys the stent within the target region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stent comprising a stent framework having a plurality of stent framework rings. At least one stent framework ring includes a plurality of interconnected crowns and struts with at least one protruding crown formed by two elongated struts. The protruding crowns of one stent framework ring are connected to corresponding crowns of an adjacent stent framework ring. A system for treating a vascular condition, a method of manufacturing a stent, and a method of reducing polymer bridging within a drug-polymer coated stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating a vascular condition, including a catheter and a stent deployment assembly coupled to the catheter. The stent deployment assembly includes a coated stent with a stent framework and a drug-polymer coating on at least a portion of the stent framework. An expandable sheath is positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the coated stent, and at least one balloon is positioned within the expandable sheath. The expandable sheath expands against the stent framework as the balloon is inflated to deploy the coated stent within a vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating a vascular condition, including a catheter and a stent deployment assembly coupled to the catheter. The stent deployment assembly includes a balloon, a first inelastic collar attached at a proximal end of the balloon, and a second inelastic collar attached at a distal end of the balloon. The collars limit expansion of the balloon at the proximal and distal ends of the balloon when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: The objective evaluation of a subject's interest in specific information, such as education and training materials, for example, is made possible by using patterns of physiological activity generated in the brain. Samples of individual brain activity are obtained to assess whether an individual is paying attention and showing interest in certain materials. Effectiveness in presenting such materials would be improved when direct brain recording activity shows increased interest in the presented material.