Abstract: A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.

Abstract: An air traffic control system, for use by a controller controlling a plurality of aircraft held vertically separated in a stack, the system comprising at least one processor; a display device for the control generating a display controlled by said at least one processor, and at least one device for selectively receiving, from said aircraft, an indication of their intended future altitudes; in which said processor is arranged to receive such intended altitude data; to compare said intended altitude data with current altitude and/or intended altitude data of other aircraft; and to generate said display on said display device so as to list said plurality of aircraft, to highlight a first part of the display relating to a first aircraft whose intended altitude overlaps with the current or intended altitude of at least one said second aircraft, and to highlight also a second part of the display relating to said second aircraft.

Abstract: Transmissivity is restored to a gallium stained substrate by directing an electron beam to the substrate in the presence of an etching gas. For higher concentrations of implanted gallium, the transparency can be substantially restored without reducing the thickness of the substrate. For lower doses of implanted gallium, the transmission is restored to 100%, although the thickness of the substrate is reduced. The invention is suitable for use in the repair of photolithography masks.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally embossed non-woven fabric, which is comprised of fibers and/or filaments (3) oriented primarily in the moving direction (2) of the machine, and has zones (5, 7) with regularly alternating elevations (4a, 8a) and indentations (4b, 8b), which are separated from one another by non-embossed areas (6) that are continuous in the moving direction (2) of the machine. These non-embossed areas constitute a proportion ranging from 5% to 50% with regard to the entire surface of the non-woven fabric (1) and the elevations (4a, 8a), and indentations (4b, 8b), when viewed from the opposite side, form indentations or elevations respectively, whereby the surfaces (10a, 10b) delimited by the elevations give the non-woven fabric an apparent thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to 5.5 mm.

Abstract: A shape-memory device manufactured from shape memory material includes multiple activation temperatures. The multiple activation temperatures arise from either the heat treatment of the device during manufacturing, or by combining different elements with different activation temperatures. To manufacture a shape-memory device with multiple activation temperatures, it is formed into a first shape. A first portion of the shape-memory device is heated to a first temperature, and a second portion of the shape-memory device is heated to a second temperature. The shape-memory device is then worked into a second shape. Accordingly, the first portion has a first transition temperature, and the second portion has a second transition temperature. In use, the shape-memory device is placed into a desired position. Energy is applied such that the first portion, second portion, or both portions are transformed.

Abstract: An air traffic control system, for use by a human controller controlling a plurality of aircraft held vertically separated in a stack above a minimum stack level, the system comprising at least one processor, and a display device for the human controller, controlled by said at least one processor; further comprising: means for periodically inputting a value representative of local terrestrial air pressure conditions; means for periodically inputting an aircraft flight level reading representing an altitude defined by a reference air pressure measured on the aircraft; means for periodically generating a display on said display device comprising a plurality of flight levels vertically arranged; means for indicating in said display said plurality of aircraft, arranged in a vertical list ranked by flight level; said at least one processor being arranged, on reception of a new said value, to redetermine said minimum stack level and to vary said display so as to indicate changes to said minimum stack level.

Abstract: Masks can be repaired by creating a structure that is different from the original design, but that produces the same aerial image. For example, missing opaque material can be replaced by implanting gallium atoms to reduce transmission and quartz can be etched to an appropriate depth to produce the proper phase. In another aspect, a laser or other means can be used to remove an area of a mask around a defect, and then mask structures, either the intended design structures or alternate structures that produce the same aerial image, can be constructed using charged particle beam deposition and etching. For example, an electron beam can be used to deposit quartz to alter the phase of transmitted light. An electron beam can also be used with a gas to etch quartz to remove a layer including implanted gallium atoms. Gallium staining can also be reduced or eliminated by providing a sacrificial layer that can be removed, along with the implanted gallium atoms, using, for example, a broad ion beam.

Abstract: An air traffic control system, for use by a controller controlling a plurality of aircraft held vertically separated in a stack, the system comprising at least one processor; a display device for the control generating a display controlled by said at least one processor, and at least one device for selectively receiving, from said aircraft, an indication of their intended future altitudes; in which said processor is arranged to receive such intended altitude data; to compare said intended altitude data with current altitude and/or intended altitude data of other aircraft; and to generate said display on said display device so as to list said plurality of aircraft, to highlight a first part of the display relating to a first aircraft whose intended altitude overlaps with the current or intended altitude of at least one said second aircraft, and to highlight also a second part of the display relating to said second aircraft.

Abstract: Devices and methods for bone marrow aspiration, storage, and the combining of harvested marrow with biomaterials, therapeutic agents or medical devices are provided for the treatment or assessment on a variety of diseases or injuries. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes aspiration of marrow into a cartridge to minimize bacterial contamination and clotting while facilitating handling, storage or the combining of harvested material with biomaterials, therapeutic agents or medical devices.

Abstract: Masks can be repaired by creating a structure that is different from the original design, but that produces the same aerial image. For example, missing opaque material can be replaced by implanting gallium atoms to reduce transmission and quartz can be etched to an appropriate depth to produce the proper phase. In another aspect, a laser or other means can be used to remove an area of a mask around a defect, and then mask structures, either the intended design structures or alternate structures that produce the same aerial image, can be constructed using charged particle beam deposition and etching. For example, an electron beam can be used to deposit quartz to alter the phase of transmitted light. An electron beam can also be used with a gas to etch quartz to remove a layer including implanted gallium atoms. Gallium staining can also be reduced or eliminated by providing a sacrificial layer that can be removed, along with the implanted gallium atoms, using, for example, a broad ion beam.

Abstract: Masks can be repaired by creating a structure that is different from the original design, but that produces the same aerial image. For example, missing opaque material can be replaced by implanting gallium atoms to reduce transmission and quartz can be etched to an appropriate depth to produce the proper phase. In another aspect, a laser or other means can be used to remove an area of a mask around a defect, and then mask structures, either the intended design structures or alternate structures that produce the same aerial image, can be constructed using charged particle beam deposition and etching. For example, an electron beam can be used to deposit quartz to alter the phase of transmitted light. An electron beam can also be used with a gas to etch quartz to remove a layer including implanted gallium atoms. Gallium staining can also be reduced or eliminated by providing a sacrificial layer that can be removed, along with the implanted gallium atoms, using, for example, a broad ion beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an osteotomy fixation or arthrodesis cage allows the adjustment of the relative position of two bone segments while supporting the joining of those bone segments into one structure through the implant and methods described herein. The implant's embodiments fixate to the adjacent bones while inter-positioning its body between the bone segments. This inter-positioning allows anatomical adjustments in the distance between and angle of the bone segments. The adjustment is further enhanced by the use of shape memory materials that when activated through the application of heat energy, transition from a second shape to a first shape while changing the distance between the bones or their relative angle. This method and apparatus can be used on any adjacent bone or bone segments including but not limited to the vertebrae of the spine or long bone such as the tibia or metatarsal.

Abstract: A staple constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from a first shape to any point up to and including a second shape. The staple includes a bridge having a first member and a second member, and allows the second member of the bridge to change elevation with respect to the first member, thereby creating compressive forces, offset forces, or distraction forces. Upon the application of energy, the second member moves upward or downward to deliver forces, dependent upon a desired effect. The staple further includes first and second legs for attaching to first and second bones. The offsetting forces may be utilized to offset the second bone relative to the first bone, or to align offset bones. The bridge may include a transition member or plurality of transition members in communication with the first and second members, whereby the transition member moves about the first member.

Abstract: Controlling the transformation of the microstructure of shape memory material implants. A surgeon can use the inventive energy delivery device to control the rate of implant shape change, the extent of implant shape change, as well as the force exerted on the surrounding tissue. The invention allows for the fine control of force when fixating osteoporotic bone and rate of bone transport. This system models or measures the heating profile of the implant and provides the surgeon a method to control the extent of microstructure phase transformation so that the rate, force or extent of tissue movement can be controlled individually or together.

Abstract: A smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes a lighting end and a mouth end. The lighting end is a longitudinally extending segment comprising smokable material that is intended to be lit and burned, and the resulting smoke generated by the burning of that smokable material is intended to be drawn into the mouth of the smoker through the mouth end of smoking article. A mouth end piece is located at the mouth end of the smoking article, and the mouth end piece allows the smoking article to be placed in the mouth of the smoker to be drawn upon. The smoking article further incorporates an aerosol-generation system that is located between the lighting end segment and the mouth end piece. The aerosol-generation system includes (i) a heat generation segment located adjacent to the lighting end segment, and (ii) an aerosol-generation region located between the heat generation segment and the mouth end piece. The aerosol-generation region incorporates an aerosol-forming material (e.g., glycerin and flavors).

Abstract: A sediment control wattle including a sheath formed of a geotextile, the sheath containing a filler media. An apron extends from the sheath providing an element that may be pinned or otherwise attached to a terrain in a manner that reduces migration and flow of fluid and sediment underneath the wattles. The sediment control wattle may also include a joint wrap which permits adjacent wattles to be joined to form a sediment control system in a manner that reduces migration and flow of fluid and sediment between wattles.

Abstract: A system for coordinating healthcare and services for an individual includes an assessment module programmed to collect data from the individual associated with internal and external factors related to the individual, an analysis module programmed to analyze the data and to recommend services based on the analysis, and a graphical module programmed to graphically represent the analyzed data. A method for coordinating healthcare and services for an individual includes collecting data from the individual associated with internal and external factors related to the individual, analyzing the data to recommend services, and generating a graphical representation of the analyzed data.

Abstract: An integrated circuit characterization printed circuit board and method are provided for improving the uniformity of impedance introduced by a test fixture across all of the pins of an integrated circuit device. The printed circuit board includes an array of substantially similar test contacts numbering greater than the pins of the integrated circuit device. The array of test contacts includes an active portion configured for electrically coupling with the corresponding pins on the integrated circuit device and an inactive portion adjacent to the active portion and electrically coupled to a reference signal on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An integrated circuit characterization printed circuit board and method are provided for improving the uniformity of impedance introduced by a test fixture across all of the pins of an integrated circuit device. The printed circuit board includes an array of substantially similar test contacts numbering greater than the pins of the integrated circuit device. The array of test contacts includes an active portion configured for electrically coupling with the corresponding pins on the integrated circuit device and an inactive portion adjacent to the active portion and electrically coupled to a reference signal on the printed circuit board.