Abstract: The present invention provides a detachable wake modifying device that can be placed on either the port or starboard side of a boat platform due to the reversible design of the mount and its attachment to the remainder of the wake assembly. The mount has an open channel design that receives a lateral adjustment arm. An angular adjustment arm hinges between the lateral adjustment arm and the wake tab. The wake tab also hinges to the lateral adjustment arm, forming a triangular structure between the wake tab, lateral adjustment arm, and the angular adjustment arm. In this way, the angle of the wake tab can be adjusted to create a desirable wake in the water behind a motor boat, which is suitable for wake surfing.

Abstract: 2-Acetoxyalkanoic acid esters are made in a reaction of an ?-hydroxyalkanoic acid ester and an acetate ester in the presence of a transesterification catalyst. Unlike previous methods for making 2-acetoxyalkanoic acid esters, this process proceeds in high yield and high selectivity to the desired product.

Abstract: A method for treating intractable pain via electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Remote, non-contact stimulation of a selected region of spinal cord is achieved by placement of a transceiver patch directly on the surface of that region of spinal cord, with said patch optionally being inductively coupled to a transmitter patch of similar size on either the outer or inner wall of the dura surrounding that region of the spinal cord. By inductively exchanging electrical power and signals between said transmitter and transceiver patches, and by carrying out the necessary electronic and stimulus signal distribution functions on the transceiver patch, the targeted dorsal column axons can be stimulated without the unintended stray stimulation of nearby dorsal rootlets. Novel configurations of a pliable surface-sheath and clamp or dentate ligament attachment features which realize undamaging attachment of the patch to the spinal cord are described.

Abstract: An illumination device projects light in a predetermined illumination pattern on a surface. The illumination device includes a housing having a cavity and an aperture. The illumination device includes a light module for selectively emitting the light and a screen at least partially disposed in the cavity between the light module and the aperture. The screen has at least one opening defining a base pattern configuration corresponding to the predetermined illumination pattern for aligning the light through the opening into the base pattern configuration and subsequently projecting the light through the aperture onto the surface in the predetermined illumination pattern. The illumination device includes a condensing lens disposed between the light module and the screen for collimating the light toward the screen and an objective lens arrangement disposed between the screen and the aperture for transforming the light from the base pattern configuration into the predetermined illumination pattern.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention includes a computer-implemented method that includes: specifically programming at least one computer system to perform: automatically obtaining input financial data; automatically determining units of work that the input financial data can be organized into; automatically importing the input financial data into a database based on the units of work; automatically validating the imported input financial data, by: identifying deficient units of work based on predefined rules, where each deficient unit of work has a current data error; analyzing, based on research information, the current data error to determine a current corrective action to remedy the current data error; and verifying that the current corrective action does not result in: an additional deficient unit of work, an additional data error, and a change in at least one predefined data report; and automatically executing the current corrective action to remedy the current data error.

Abstract: A method for treating intractable pain via electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Remote, non-contact stimulation of a selected region of spinal cord is achieved by placement of a transceiver patch directly on the surface of that region of spinal cord, with said patch optionally being inductively coupled to a transmitter patch of similar size on either the outer or inner wall of the dura surrounding that region of the spinal cord. By inductively exchanging electrical power and signals between said transmitter and transceiver patches, and by carrying out the necessary electronic and stimulus signal distribution functions on the transceiver patch, the targeted dorsal column axons can be stimulated without the unintended stray stimulation of nearby dorsal rootlets. Novel configurations of a pliable surface-sheath and clamp or dentate ligament attachment features which realize undamaging attachment of the patch to the spinal cord are described.

Abstract: A hydraulic anchor is coupled to a packer subassembly of a tool string. The hydraulic anchor, when actuated by fluid pressure, engages the surrounding wellbore, holding the tool string in place within the wellbore. A packer may then be actuated, held in position within the wellbore by the hydraulic anchor. In some embodiments, an inflatable packer may be held in the desired location by the hydraulic anchor. In some embodiments, a straddle packer assembly may be held in place by the hydraulic anchor. In some embodiments, a swellable packer may be held in place during the swelling process by the hydraulic anchor.

Abstract: A filter element, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The element generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration, and an axial seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: Technologies for closed-looped testing of integrated circuit card payment terminals include loading a test profile onto an integrated circuit payment card. Authorization request and response messages are locally generated and translated to simulate acquirer processor processing and payment network processing. An outcome report indicative of the outcome of the test transaction is generated and transmitted to a remote certification server. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detachable wake modifying device that can be placed on either the port or starboard side of a boat platform due to the reversible design of the mount and its attachment to the remainder of the wake assembly. The mount has an open channel design that receives a lateral adjustment arm. An angular adjustment arm hinges between the lateral adjustment arm and the wake tab. The wake tab also hinges to the lateral adjustment arm, forming a triangular structure between the wake tab, lateral adjustment arm, and the angular adjustment arm. In this way, the angle of the wake tab can be adjusted to create a desirable wake in the water behind a motor boat, which is suitable for wake surfing.

Abstract: A method for treating intractable pain via electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Remote, non-contact stimulation of a selected region of spinal cord is achieved by placement of a transceiver patch directly on the surface of that region of spinal cord, with said patch optionally being inductively coupled to a transmitter patch of similar size on either the outer or inner wall of the dura surrounding that region of the spinal cord. By inductively exchanging electrical power and signals between said transmitter and transceiver patches, and by carrying out the necessary electronic and stimulus signal distribution functions on the transceiver patch, the targeted dorsal column axons can be stimulated without the unintended stray stimulation of nearby dorsal rootlets. Novel configurations of a pliable surface-sheath and clamp or dentate ligament attachment features which realize undamaging attachment of the patch to the spinal cord are described.

Abstract: Arthroplasty components include an articular surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone-facing surface includes a concave arrangement of planar surfaces which converge as they approach a middle portion of the articular surface. Instruments and implantation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes a media construction comprising a corrugated sheet secured to a flat sheet rolled into a coiled construction. A frame and a first seal member are provided. The frame secures the first seal member to the coiled construction. The first seal member is preferably oriented to form a radial seal with a housing. A second seal member is secured to the outer annular surface of the coiled construction. The second seal member includes a gasket extension having first and second opposite ends; an attachment portion; and a protrusion extending from the attachment portion. The second seal member is preferably oriented to form an axial seal with a housing. Air cleaners preferably utilizing filter arrangements as described herein operably installed within housings. Methods of installing, filtering, assembling, and servicing preferably include arrangements as described herein.

Abstract: A frame delineation method for a generic framing procedure (GFP) that includes: searching a serial data stream comprising GFP frames, octet by octet, to identify an eight octet sequence; and delineating GFP frames from the serial data stream in response to determining that a first group of four octets of the identified eight octet sequence comprises a valid Core Header, and in response to determining that a second group of four octets of the identified eight octet sequence comprises one of a valid Core Header and a valid descrambled Type Header.

Abstract: A keyboard may reduce the number of keys on a keyboard, minimize the distance between common letter strings, and improve typing speed and efficiency. In one embodiment, keys may be arranged in a primarily five-by-five grid, and letter keys may be configured with two letters each. A user may swipe a key in a direction of a letter displayed on that key to select that letter. A predictive dictionary engine may suggest words, and any letter key pressed may be a means to control the selection of suggested words on a prediction display. Border keys may integrate keyboard functions to edges of the keyboard. The keyboard may also work with a QWERTY keyboard or any other program.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for use during surgical procedures for cleaning tissue and debris from the in-vivo end of surgical instruments. The tool is used during various surgical procedures to clean debris from various surgical instruments. A substantially cylindrical, hollow shaft extends from one or both ends of the invention. An elastomeric suction tip coupler is configured at one or both ends of the hollow shaft to allow connection of commonly used suction tips. The invention includes a plurality of substantially parallel, elastomerized, concentric cleaning blades. The user of the invention may insert or swipe an instrument to be cleaned along cleaning blade edges configured at the peripheries of the cleaning blades, thereby causing the instrument to be cleaned. A hollow suction bulb, either integrated or stand-alone, is used to force fluid through clogged, commonly used suction tips in a backwash fashion, thereby clearing them of debris.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing degenerative joint disease in an animal by collecting a saliva sample from an animal; determining the amount of at least one diagnostic agent selected from the group consisting of interferon gamma, interferoninducible protein-10, interleukin-2, and total saliva protein in the saliva sample; comparing the amount of diagnostic agent found in the saliva sample to a corresponding amount of the same diagnostic agent found in a saliva sample from one or more comparable control animals that do not suffer from degenerative joint disease; and diagnosing that the animal is susceptible to or suffering from degenerative joint disease if the amount of diagnostic agent in the saliva sample from the animal is greater than the amount of same diagnostic agent found in the saliva sample from the one or more comparable control animals.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and dietary formulations useful for preventing or treating dermatitis, promoting healthy skin, and retarding skin aging. The methods comprise administering to an animal a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of at least two of one or more antioxidants; one or more anti-glycation agents; one or more body fat reducing agents; one or more insulin sensitivity enhancing agents; and one or more anti-inflammatory agents.