Abstract: Periodic prize draws are conducted by a jackpot controller (13) in a gaming system having one or more electronic gaming devices (10). The probability of each electronic gaming device winning a particular prize draw is dependent upon the amount wagered on that gaming machine during a period preceding that prize draw. The prize may be a progressive jackpot which comprises an initial starting value and a contribution from the amounts wagered on the electronic gaming devices. If an electronic gaming device wins a prize draw, its player may be granted a feature game to determine the actual prize. Jackpots are suspended pending the completion of the feature game. The probability that a gaming device will win the prize draw, or the relative win probabilities of the gaming devices, may be displayed graphically.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter that cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: A system for imaging and treating a breast of a patient includes a table configured to receive the patient thereon, having an aperture formed therein configured to receive the breast of the patient pendent therethrough and positionable over a bath configured to contain a medium. Means for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals is disposed in the bath. A frame is disposable out of the bath, and includes means for securing the breast to the frame to substantially maintain a position and a shape of the breast out of the bath as in the bath.

Abstract: A method for imaging and treating a breast of a patient includes: disposing the breast into a bath of medium; physically securing the breast and maintaining the breast in a repeatable position and in a repeatable shape with respect to a chest wall of the patient; scanning the breast with ultrasound signals from transducer arrays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast and to locate a position of a tumor or a lesion in the breast with respect to the three-dimensional image; and further treating the tumor or the lesion of the breast while maintaining the position and the shape of the breast with respect to the chest wall of the patient as during scanning.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter that cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features an apparatus that includes a photonic crystal fiber configured to guide a mode of electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength, ?, along a waveguide axis. The fiber includes a core extending along the waveguide axis, and a confinement region extending along the waveguide axis and surrounding the core. The confinement region includes alternating layers of a first and a second dielectric material having thicknesses d1 and d2 and different refractive indices n1 and n2, respectively. The thickness of at least one of the alternating layers of the first material_differs from thickness d1QW or at least one of the alternating layers of the second material_differs from thickness d2QW, where d1QW and d2QW correspond to a quarter-wave condition for the two dielectric materials given by d1QW=?/(4{square root}{square root over (n12?1)}) and d2QW=?/(4{square root}{square root over (n22?1)}), respectively.

Abstract: A method to update code in an information storage and retrieval system comprising one or more processors, and existing code, where that existing code includes a Concurrent Code Load having (N) phases, where that Concurrent Code Load invokes an as yet unwritten Temporal Coupling File. The method provides a code update image comprising that Temporal Coupling File. If the (i)th phase of the Concurrent Code Load invokes the Temporal Coupling File, then the method reads instructions for that (i)th phase of the Concurrent Code Load from the Temporal Coupling File, and executes those instructions. The method completes each phase of the Concurrent Code Load, and then operates the system using the code update.

Abstract: Configuration of hardware and software onboard a mobile platform may be dynamically managed without significantly impacting a data stream from the mobile platform. Configuration data for equipment and resident software aboard a mobile platform is electronically reported in the form of a part number and a serial number. The configuration data is transferred to a terrestrial database via a mobile communications network. The configuration data is displayed to stakeholders, such as the network-provider enterprise and its customers. Invalid configurations may cause alerts.

Abstract: An accessory attachment apparatus for temporarily attaching an accessory to a structure with which the accessory is to be used. The apparatus includes an accessory that is adapted to be received by the structure with which the accessory is to be used, such as an electrical box. A stem having first and second ends extends outwardly from the accessory. The first end of the stem is connected to the accessory. A flexible and resilient head member is connected to the second end of the stem. The flexible head member is adapted to be received by the structure to secure the accessory to the structure.

Abstract: Filters and method of manufacturing filters are disclosed herein. The filter has a substantially sack-like shape having a closed distal end and an open proximal end. The filter can be constructed from thin film. The filter material can be an organic or inorganic polymer. In one embodiment, the filter material is a polyurethane film having a thickness of les than 25 ?m. The filter can be constructed from one or more sections of filter material. In the two-section embodiment, the outer edges of the first and second sections are overlapped and bonded using solvent, heat or other bonding process. In the single-section embodiment, the outer edges of the first section are overlapped and bonded using bonding agents, such as solvent or adhesive, heat or other bonding process. Filters of the present invention have a reduced amount of hysteresis so as to reform to its original shape when deployed.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for coloring powders is provided. The method includes mixing a base powder and a stable colorant dispersion. In another aspect, a colored powder composition having a core particle and at least a partial shell about the core particle is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting mechanical problems in machinery used in a process. A model of the process is developed using a modeling technique such as advanced pattern recognition and the model is used to generate predicted values for a predetermined number of the operating parameters of the process and vibration parameters of the machinery. Statistical process control methods are used to determine if the difference between the predicted and actual measured values for one or more of the parameters exceeds a configured statistical limit. A rule set is used to indicate an actual or probable fault in the machinery.

Abstract: A stent delivery device comprises a guide member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a stent mounted to the guide member. A restraining member positioned about the stent comprises two or more portions that are held together by one or more actuating members. The one or more actuating members can be positioned by a user in a proximal direction, since the one or more actuating members extend to the proximal end, or handle, of the guide member. When a user moves the one or more actuating members in a proximal direction, the one or more actuating members slide away from the two or more portions, allowing the stent to expand. The stent delivery device can further be configured to include an embolic protection component.

Abstract: A nano-electromechanical optical switch includes an input optical waveguide that is provided with an optical signal. At least two output optical waveguides are coupled to the input optical waveguide. The deflection of the input optical waveguide aligns with one of either of the two output optical waveguides so as to allow transmission of the optical signal to one of either of the two output optical waveguides.

Abstract: A breast scanning system scans a breast of a patient with transducer arrays that transmit and receive ultrasound signals in a bath containing a medium, such as a liquid. A table is disposable over the bath to receive the patient thereon, and has an aperture formed in the table and positionable over the bath to receive the breast of the patient pendent therethrough and into the bath. The table is linearly vertically displaceable with respect to the bath. The system includes a preconditioning tank to precondition the liquid prior to being introduced into the bath. The bath includes means for securing the breast within the bath.

Abstract: A multi-paned fenestration unit in which the glass panes are manufactured directly into the support structure without first manufacturing an insulated glass unit. The support structure is designed to provide the structural support for the glass panes without a separate spacer.

Abstract: A method for providing communication services for the hearing-impaired may include receiving a telephone call having a terminating number associated with a hearing-impaired party. The method may also include forwarding the telephone call to a communication assistant and establishing a communication link from the communication assistant to the hearing-impaired party based on the terminating number.

Abstract: An electrical box bracket has an adjustable member to facilitate securing the bracket to supports of varying sizes. The bracket has first and second legs that are connected by a third leg. A cut-out extends from the first leg onto the third leg. The adjustable member is formed by the cut-out to facilitate securing the bracket to the support. A centerline on the third leg of the bracket is adapted to be aligned with corresponding indicia on the support. The support indicia is visible through the cut-out to facilitate positioning the bracket on the support. A plurality of weld projections on the second leg facilitate securing a variety of different electrical boxes to the electrical box bracket.

Abstract: An aiming device for a projectile launcher, such as an archery bow, has 2 concentric light bending devices. A rotation mechanism allows the light bending devices to be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another in a synchronic manner that carries a line of sight through the aiming device to move along a substantially straight vertical line as the rotation mechanism is rotated. The rotation mechanism is calibrated to show how much rotation causes the line of sight to pass through where a projectile launched from the projectile launcher would be when it reaches a particular distance from the projectile launcher.

Abstract: An implantable medical system for implantation within the body of a patient is provided. The system includes an implanted device having an implant casing and a long range telemetry sub-system housed therein. The system also includes an implantable lead operationally coupled to the implanted device and an antenna coupled to the implant casing to extend therefrom. The antenna is operationally coupled to the long-range telemetry sub-system to enable wireless bi-directional communication between the long range telemetry sub-system and predetermined external equipment disposed outside the body of the patient.