Abstract: A catheter shaft including a metallic tubular member including a plurality of apertures formed in the tubular wall of the metallic tubular member to provide a desired degree of flexibility to the metallic tubular member. The metallic tubular member includes a tapered region intermediate a region and a second, reduced diameter region relative to the first region.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the experience of a user using a communication program over the Internet or other network. The system and method according to one embodiment utilizes a user's status indicator in a communication program to share content such as music or videos among users, and provides access to an electronic commerce application through which content may be obtained. One system and method according to the present invention allows a user to display an indicator and to set an actionable status message which indicates to other users the media content that the first user is experiencing. In another embodiment, a user is given the ability to access content that other users are listening to or viewing at that time. The system and method in an alternate embodiment broadcast metadata about the user's content to other users and the other users are able to utilize that metadata to receive and experience the same or similar content that the first user is experiencing.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the experience of a user using a communication program over the Internet or other network. The system and method according to one embodiment utilizes a user's status indicator in a communication program to share content such as music or videos among users. One system and method according to the present invention allows a user to display an indicator and to set an actionable status message which indicates to other users the media content that the first user is experiencing. In another embodiment, a user is given the ability to access content that other users are listening to or viewing at that time. The system and method in an alternate embodiment broadcast metadata about the user's content to other users and the other users are able to utilize that metadata to receive and experience the same or similar content that the first user is experiencing.

Abstract: A system and method of generating a playlist of affinity related media files using affinity relationship data. In one aspect the relationship affinity data is based upon a user rating score obtained from a population of user's ratings associated with media file attributes. In one aspect, a media file attribute which can include an artist, album, title, and genre information associated with a media file is received from a user, indicating the user's desire to create an affinity playlist of media files having an affinity relationship based upon the selected media file attribute.

Abstract: A method and computer readable medium for exploring similar users and items of a media service. In one aspect, a user can explore for similar users iteratively. In one aspect, a user interface is generated that displays a user selectable indicia representing a similar member function for allowing a user to search a media service for at least one other user which has a degree of similarity with respect to the searching user. In another aspect, a method facilitates the search of such a similar user within a media service.

Abstract: A method and system for leveraging user media file rating data. In one aspect, the system comprises a component in communication with a plurality of media file related services, a rating storage, and a component for making the user rating data available to be used by plural services so that each respective service can use the rating data to tailor a user experience during interaction by the particular user with the respective service. In one aspect, the user preference rating is received from any of the media file related services. In one aspect the user preference rating information and the associated media file information are associated with a particular user regardless of the respective media file related service the preference rating was received from.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter comprising a first lumen extending through the catheter to a first distal opening, and a second lumen extending through the catheter to a second distal opening distal to the first distal opening so that an extending portion of a septum separating the lumens extends distally past the first distal opening. A tip is overmolded on the extending portion and includes a first ramp adjacent to the first distal opening and a second ramp adjacent to the second distal opening. The ramps direct fluids exiting the openings away from a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the experience of a user using a communication program over the Internet or other network. The system and method according to one embodiment utilizes a user's status indicator in a communication program to share content such as music or videos among users, and provides access to an electronic commerce application through which content may be obtained. One system and method according to the present invention allows a user to display an indicator and to set an actionable status message which indicates to other users the media content that the first user is experiencing. In another embodiment, a user is given the ability to access content that other users are listening to or viewing at that time. The system and method in an alternate embodiment broadcast metadata about the user's content to other users and the other users are able to utilize that metadata to receive and experience the same or similar content that the first user is experiencing.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the experience of a user using a communication program over the Internet or other network. The system and method according to one embodiment utilizes a user's status indicator in a communication program to share content such as music or videos among users. One system and method according to the present invention allows a user to display an indicator and to set an actionable status message which indicates to other users the media content that the first user is experiencing. In another embodiment, a user is given the ability to access content that other users are listening to or viewing at that time. The system and method in an alternate embodiment broadcast metadata about the user's content to other users and the other users are able to utilize that metadata to receive and experience the same or similar content that the first user is experiencing.

Abstract: A port for subcutaneous implantation, comprising a housing including first and second wells formed therein and a substantially F-shaped flow element including first and second lumens extending therethrough wherein, when in an operative configuration the F-shaped flow element is coupled to the housing with a proximal end of each of the lumens in fluid communication with a respective one of the first and second wells for receiving fluid therefrom, and wherein distal ends of each of the lumens form outlets, each outlet being coupleable to a lumen of a medical catheter, the F-shaped flow element including first and second arms extending from a trunk with the first lumen extending through the first arm to the trunk and the second lumen extending through the second arm to the trunk, the first and second lumens being separated from one another within the trunk.

Abstract: A distal tip for a catheter comprises first and second lumens extending therethrough, wherein in an operative configuration, the first and second lumens are coupled to first and second lumens of a dual lumen catheter with a first opening of the distal tip fluidly connected to the first lumen for inflow of fluid from a body lumen into which the distal tip is inserted in a normal mode of operation and for outflow of fluid thereto in a reverse mode of operation and a second opening fluidly connected to the second lumen. The second opening is disposed distally from the first opening and separated therefrom by a selected stagger distance for outflow of fluid therefrom when the catheter is in the normal mode of operation and for inflow of fluid from the body lumen in a reverse mode of operation.

Abstract: An access port comprises a housing with a first opening formed therein and a septum mounted within the housing sealing the first opening, the septum including an outer surface covering the first opening and self-sealing after penetration by a needle and an attachment portion for securing the septum to the housing, the attachment portion including a chamfer which, when the septum is mounted within the housing is subject to a force oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to a plane of the outer surface, the chamfered portion redirecting a portion of the force to compress the outer surface.

Abstract: A method for entertaining individuals according to a community having similar tastes. Information derived from user accounts form the basis of a community and collateral preferences allow other subscribing individuals to enjoy the benefit of wider-ranging tastes according to the preferences expressed by the other members of the community. Additionally, assuming that individuals sharing one preference in common may be likely to share others, the present method allows those who choose to listen to the “fan station” the ability to enjoy similar music or other data streams according to preferences expressed by the fan community as a whole.