Abstract: Errors in pitch (frequency) allocation within a cochlear implant are corrected in order to provide a significant and profound improvement in the quality of sound perceived by the cochlear implant user. In one embodiment, the user is stimulated with a reference signal, e.g., the tone “A” (440 Hz) and then the user is stimulated with a probe signal, separated from the reference signal by an octave, e.g., high “A” (880 Hz). The user adjusts the location where the probe signal is applied, using current steering, until the pitch of the probe signal, as perceived by the user, matches the pitch of the reference signal, as perceived by the user. In this manner, the user maps frequencies to stimulation locations in order to tune his or her implant system to his or her unique cochlea.

Abstract: Novel multiblock copolymers containing perfluorinated poly(arylene ether) as a hydrophobic segment and disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) as a hydrophilic segment are provided. The multiblock copolymers are used to form proton exchange membranes that are thermally and hydrolytically stable, flexible, and that exhibit low methanol permeability and high proton conductivity. The proton exchange membranes are thus well-suited for use for use as polymer electrolytes in fuel cells.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

Abstract: An expandable frame for an embolic filtering device used to capture embolic debris in a body vessel includes a first half frame having a first control arm connected to a second control arm by a partial loop and a second half frame having a first control arm connected to a second control arm by a partial loop. The partial loops cooperatively form a composite loop for attachment of a filtering element which will expand in the body vessel to capture embolic debris entrained in the fluid of the vessel. The lengths and positioning of the first and second control arms of each half frame can be varied to create an expandable frame which conforms to the size and shape of the body vessel in which the filtering device is deployed. Additionally, the radius of the partial loops, along with the length of the arc of the partial loops, can be varied on each of the frames to create a composite filtering assembly that can easily adapt to the size and shape of the body vessel.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

Abstract: An embolic protection recovery catheter assembly configured for retrieval of medical devices from vasculature. The catheter includes a distal end portion adapted for effectively retrieving devices. In one aspect, the distal end portion is collapsible and in another aspect it is expandable. In other aspects, the catheter includes sub-structure supporting the distal tip or a tear-away tip configured to aid in the recovery process.

Abstract: Carpet backing is prepared from carpet scrap by first comminuting the carpet scrap into fragments and then melting and fusing the carpet scrap fragments together to render molten fragments. The resulting molten fragments containing synthetic resins are then formed into agglomerates. The pellets are then ground into a fine powder. A slurry may be prepared from the ground powder and a carrier. The ground powder may, alternatively, be mixed with a polyurethane reactive mixture, aqueous polymer containing emulsion or a thermoplastic composition such as bitumen, polypropylene or polyethylene. The resulting polymeric coating is coated onto a substrate. The coated substrate is then hardened.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone which converts audio sounds into electrical signals which are then processed by a speech processor to generate electrical pulses to stimulate nerves in the cochlea, improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

Abstract: An In The Ear (ITE) microphone improves the acoustic response of a Behind The Ear (BTE) Implantable Cochlear Stimulation (ICS) system during telephone use. The microphone includes means for adjusting the position of the microphone to receive sound waves through a port. An acoustic seal provided by holding a telephone earpiece against the ear provides improved coupling of low frequency (up to about 1 KHz) sound waves, sufficient to overcome losses due to the near field acoustic characteristics common to telephones. In an exemplary embodiment, the ITE microphone is connected to a removable ear hook of the BTE ICS system by a short bendable stalk.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable media is provided that enables the synthesis in automated reporting with human generated attestations of compliance or non-compliance with regulations and laws. A first version of the claimed invention provides a method and system for employing an information technology network in an enterprise for evaluating the compliance of the activity of the information technology network with laws and regulations. The method of the first version audits computer systems, user behavior, asset behavior, and manual processes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying the parameters of at least one hearing device for a patient with residual hearing provide needed orchestration of acoustic and electric stimulation of patients wearing such devices.

Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent and/or antimicrobial agent provided in a localized area of the container formed by a two shot molding, insert molding or two shot injection stretch blow molding process, said metal ion sequestering agent provided for the removing and/or inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.

Abstract: A process for repairing a compressor rear frame of a gas turbine engine. The process entails removing a seal flange from the inner casing wall of the frame to define an annular face on the casing wall, and fabricating a replacement flange to have an annular face with a radial width greater than the radial width of the annular face of the casing wall. The faces of the flange and wall are mated to form a joint, a penetration-enhancing flux is deposited adjacent the joint, and a single-pass gas tungsten arc welding operation is performed to form a root weldment that extends completely through the joint. The flux is then removed and a gas tungsten arc welding operation is performed to deposit a filler on the root weldment and form a second weldment that completely overlays but does not penetrate through the root weldment.

Abstract: A method of removing a selected two or more different metal-ion sequestering agents for removing one or more designated metal ions. The method includes subjecting a liquid to a first metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a first designated metal ion prior to placing the liquid in a container; providing the container for holding the liquid, the container having an internal surface having a second metal-ion sequestering agent provided on at least a portion of the internal surface for removing a second designated metal-ion from the liquid; filling the container with the liquid in an open environment; and closing the container with the liquid contained therein.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling including a first hub, a shaft fixedly connected to the first hub, the shaft being non-round in cross-section, and a second hub having a non-round recess extending therethrough, the non-round recess being sized to closely receive the shaft such that the second hub is capable of sliding along the shaft and is prevented from rotating about the shaft, wherein rotation of the first hub results in corresponding rotation of the second hub.

Abstract: A system (and method) for identifying concerns includes a specifying device for specifying at least one initial concern, and an identifying device for identifying at least one related concern having a relationship with at least one initial concern.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method of removing a key ring stud assembly comprising a key ring portion and a stud, from a threaded aperture of a gas turbine engine component is disclosed. The method comprises forming a tack weld on the key ring portion of the key ring stud assembly. The method also comprises welding an extractor to the tack weld; attaching a puller to the extractor welded to the tack weld; and removing the key ring portion by pulling on the puller, wherein the stud remains in the threaded aperture. The method further comprises assembling two nuts to the stud. Advantageously, the stud may be removed using a wrench or other suitable tool without damaging the threaded aperture of the gas turbine engine component.

Abstract: Skill enhancement tool for assessing and improving an individual's performance in multiple domains including processing of complex audio, visual and tactile perceptual inputs, operation of complex controls via manipulation, enacting complex motor sequences and complex cognitive tasks. The invention presents complex stimuli to an individual, monitors his or her reactions to the stimuli, and, in response to the user's reactions, changes the future stimuli to be presented in such a way as to alter the user's brain entrainment patterns to elicit improvement.

Abstract: An electrothermal fluidized bed furnace is disclosed in which the furnace body has upper and lower cylindrical portions with the upper cylindrical portion having a diameter larger than that of the lower cylindrical portion. A conical portion is disposed below the lower cylindrical portion so that the conical portion and the lower cylindrical portion define a fluidizing zone while the upper cylindrical portion defines an overbed zone. A plurality of nozzles is disposed in the conical section for introducing fluidizing gas into the furnace, with the nozzles being arranged in a generally horizontal plan and orientated that the streams of the fluidizing gas introduced there through cross and form an upward flow in the central portion furnace body. Such an electrothermal fluidized bed furnace is adapted to be used in a continuous process for continuously heat treating of fine particulate matter.

Abstract: A combination asphalt/concrete surface repair machine. The machine is a direction-finding, wheeled, transportable vehicle, which is a self-regulating, repair machine, controlled by a complex central computer. The machine is capable of being attached to and hauled by another faster vehicle (i.e., truck) if necessary. This machine is guided by a positioning device, which uses advanced radar and laser technology to place the machine above every position of the road surface to be repaired. The machine uses data from seismic or radar analysis carried out in preparation for repairing the road surface by the use of robotic modules within the machine. This technology can also be used to build new roads, racetracks, airport runways, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, etc. Multiple construction or repair functions are provided within one machine.