Abstract: Blood flow into vascular tissue is filtered in a manner that can also be useful for trapping particulates while allowing the flow of blood. Consistent with one or more embodiments, a filter apparatus includes a filter, an outer delivery sheath such as a catheter, and one or more shafts that are operable to manipulate the shape of the filter for positioning within vascular tissue. The filter conforms to various types of vascular tissue, and filters blood flow passing through openings in the vascular tissue. In some implementations, the filter is used to trap particulates that have been collected on the filter, and collapses to trap and draw the particulates into the outer delivery sheath.

Abstract: A wearable device includes a housing for the wearable device, a first microphone within or on the housing, a communication module within or on the housing, a logic circuit communicatively coupled to the first microphone, a memory storage unit communicatively coupled to the logic circuit and an interaction element. The interaction element and logic circuit cooperatively initiate control of media content or initiate operations of the wearable device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An analysis system has at least one monitoring assembly that includes at least one microphone to monitor an acoustic field proximate the monitoring assembly. The at least one microphone produces at least one microphone signal responsive to the acoustic field. The analysis system further includes a data storage device configured to buffer the at least one microphone signal and an audio analysis system configured to analyze a content of the data storage device where the audio analysis system is configured to analyze the content of the buffer to process at least a sound into a response or action.

Abstract: A rotatable coupling for a vacuum cleaner is described. The rotatable coupling includes: an inner conduit having an outer surface; a compressible strip disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit; an outer conduit adapted to snugly fit over the strip and the first conduit. The rotatable coupling can include a non-reactive high-viscosity lubricant disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit adjacent the strip. The outer conduit of the coupling can be rotatable about the inner conduit and an interference fit is formed between the inner conduit and the outer conduit.

Abstract: Control devices are provided. A control device includes an input, an output, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive an input signal through the input. The input signal is generated from a user interface on a media device. The processor sends a control signal through the output to a sound reproduction device. The output signal controls audio generated by the sound reproduction device. The input, output, and processor are not included in the media device and are not included in the sound reproduction device.

Abstract: An orifice insertion device includes a stent and a plurality of sealing elements where each sealing element is operatively attached to the stent. Two sealing elements of the plurality of sealing elements include an expandable section configured to be disposed within the orifice and to exert a pressure on an orifice wall sufficient to seal the orifice without appreciable deformation of the orifice wall. The two sealing elements are formed from different materials and a further one of the plurality of sealing elements is configured to seal an opening of the orifice. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An internet gaming system includes a core platform, and a vertical extension functionality configured with the core platform and having a first application programming interface. A plurality of game specific modules are provided with a hardware and software configuration to conduct different respective Internet-based games with players via an Internet lottery site, with each game specific module including a dedicated second application programming interface. Input/output data between the core platform and the game specific modules occurs only through the first and second application programming interfaces. A secure game outcome generator has a hardware and software configuration to determine a game outcome for each game played via the system and is linked to the core platform via a secure interface with the vertical extension.

Abstract: A self-service distribution system and method to request a withdrawal of funds from tax-deferred accounts (i.e., a distribution), such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The system may retrieve information about a participant's age and type of account from which a distribution is requested. A series of checks defined by rules and regulations that apply to tax-deferred accounts may be run against participant and account information retrieved by the system. A sequence of user interfaces may present information and warnings, such as tax consequences of the distribution, to the guide the participant. The participant may request distributions having a certain frequency, amount, and timing through the presented user interfaces. After all of the information is entered to initiate the distribution, a verification page is presented such that the participant may confirm the enter information is correct. Upon submitting the request, a confirmation is presented.

Abstract: This invention presents a basketball training device which resembles a mannequin that defends against basketball players with a series of blocking motions. When a proximity sensor detects an approaching player, a control unit initiates waving of forearms, raising/lowering of upper arms, chopping motion of arms and torso raising and lowering. An audio circuit plays music or realistic background noises. When convex bottom of primary base is placed on a floor, weight of ballast and rechargeable batteries allows the device to return to an upright position when tipped. A gyroscopic unit within a control unit can activate when the device tips to ensure return of the device to an upright position. Alternatively, the unit can be placed with the secondary base, which features castors that allow the unit to roll when stuck and facilitates placement on a basketball court.

Abstract: A wearable device includes a housing for the wearable device, a first microphone within or on the housing, a communication module within or on the housing, a logic circuit communicatively coupled to the first microphone, a memory storage unit communicatively coupled to the logic circuit and an interaction element. The interaction element and logic circuit cooperatively initiate control of media content or initiate operations of the wearable device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A personal audio assistant includes a housing for a device, a first microphone within or on the housing where the first microphone captures audio, a communication module within the housing, a logic circuit communicatively coupled to the device, and an interaction element. The interaction element and logic circuit are configured to initiate control of audio content or initiate at least an operation of the device in response to an analysis of the audio. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer readable medium containing instructions for controlling an electronic device causes one or more processors to perform operations including receiving an ambient signal, receiving a desired signal, combining the ambient signal with the desired signal to generate a mixed signal, and initiating control of audio content or at least one operation of the electronic device in response to at least one voice command detected in the mixed signal. In another aspect, the one more processors apply at least one among active noise reduction, echo cancellation, or signal cancellation to the ambient signal using an environmentally customized filter to provide a filtered signal and initiate control of audio content or at least one operation of an electronic device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A wearable accessory for delivery of personalized audio service includes a first microphone for capturing sound, a first speaker for playing media, a logic circuit for creating a personalized Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) to enhance listening experience of the media, a communication module for accessing the Internet and to provide access to the media in response to capturing the sound, and a memory storage unit for storing information related to the captured sound. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A personal audio assistant includes a housing for an electronic device, a first microphone for capturing audio, a logic circuit communicatively coupled to the first microphone, a communication module communicatively coupled to the first microphone and a user interaction element. The interaction element, logic circuit, and communication module are configured to form a peer-to-peer network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A busway joint pack includes a first latch mechanism having an open position and a closed position and a second latch mechanism having an open position and a closed position. The busway joint pack further includes a first connector plate having a first major surface opposing a second major surface and a second connector plate having a first major surface opposing a second major surface. The second connector plate is spaced from the first connector plate such that the first and the second connector plates are configured to engage phase conductors of busway sections in a clamping fashion when to the first latch mechanism is in the closed position and the second latch mechanism is in the closed position. The busway joint pack lacks a fastener positioned through the center of the first and the second connector plates, but is rather held together by the latch mechanisms.

Abstract: A personal audio assistant includes a first microphone for capturing audio, a logic circuit coupled to the first microphone, a communication module coupled to the logic circuit, a memory storage unit communicatively coupled to the logic circuit, and a user interaction element. The interaction element is configured to perform at least one among accessing selection of audio content via an audio input received at the first microphone or determining a user preference of audio content by tracking genre of content selected, artist of content selected, and at least one among the day of the week or time of day. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A personal audio assistant includes a first microphone for capturing audio, a communication module communicatively coupled to the first microphone and for accessing information from a network, a memory storage unit communicatively coupled to the first microphone, and a voice controlled interface coupled to the microphone. The voice controlled interface is configured to access the network in response to detection of at least one or more voice commands from the captured audio and present results in response to accessing the network to a speaker via a text-to-speech synthesizer. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a first microphone that captures audio, a communication module communicatively coupled to the first microphone, a logic circuit communicatively coupled to the first microphone and communication module, a speaker operatively coupled to the logic circuit, and an interaction element. The interaction element and logic circuit are configured to initiate control of audio content for output from the speaker in response to at least one voice command detected in captured audio. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A personal audio assistant includes comprising a first microphone for capturing audio, a logic circuit coupled to the first microphone for analyzing the captured audio, a communication module coupled to the logic circuit, and a user interaction element. The interaction element is configured to control at least one function or operation among invoking an operation of an electronic device communicatively coupled to the personal audio assistant via the communication module, invoking access to information on a network, invoking delivery of audio content, invoking delivery of text to speech, invoking speech to text processing of email, invoking delivery of text to speech of stock market information, invoking execution of a commercial transaction, invoking delivery of calendaring information, invoking delivery of medication reminders, or invoking access to location information using a GPS system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for delivery of personalized audio services including a first microphone for capturing audio, a voice controlled interface coupled to the first microphone for detecting a voice command, a communication module for accessing information from a network in response to the detected voice command to provide results from accessing the network, a memory for storing a user profile and a user listening history, and a processor for modifying the results based on the detected voice command, the user profile and the user listening history. Other embodiments are disclosed.