1669results about How to "Minimize the possibility" patented technology

A tunable frangible battery pack system for use in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The tunable frangible battery pack system includes a two piece clamshell housing. The system also includes a plurality of battery cells arranged within the housing and a collector plate secured to each piece of the housing. The system also includes a wire conductor arranged between each of the battery cells and collector plates to create a frangible disconnect system when the battery pack system and electric vehicle are exposed to a predetermined mechanical or thermal force or event.

An electronic cigarette has two tubes that resemble a cigarette: an electronic inhaler and an electronic atomizer. The two tubes are connected through one or more electric connectors to form an electronic cigarette. Inside the inhaler is a rechargeable or non-rechargeable power source such as a battery, which supplies electric power to the electronic inhaler and atomizer and ensures that both work together like a cigarette. In addition to the power source, the inhaler also includes other major components: an electric airflow sensor to detect air movement generated by a user's inhaling or puffing act and a Single Chip Micyoco which controls the atomization process. The sensor's role is to collect an airflow signal that triggers the Single Chip Micyoco, which in turn instructs the electronic cigarette to supply electric power to the inhaler and atomizer connected through an electric connector. Inside the electronic atomizer are an electric connector, electric heating wire, liquid container, and atomizer cap with an air-puffing hole. The user inhales through the air-puffing hole at an end of the electronic cigarette to create an air inflow, which triggers the atomization process. The Single Chip Micyoco driven by a software program controls the electronic cigarette in an on / off manner according to the signal detected by the electric sensor on the airflow and completes a cycle of atomization, which converts a solution of a liquid form inside the liquid container to a gas form. This entire process achieves the emulated smoking process of a user, who is satisfied with scent taste that mimics cigarette smoking.

There is provided an apparatus for remotely monitoring a computer network. Monitoring is performed using an inside out approach from behind firewalls and other security devices. The monitoring appliance is shipped to a client site preconfigured and typically requires no technically trained person for installation. Collected network data is periodically transmitted to a remote monitoring facility where it is recorded and analyzed. Both the monitoring appliance and the remote center maintain the configuration data. Typically, no client data is transmitted to the remote monitoring site. If the monitoring appliance fails, a completely configured replacement may be shipped to the site and easily installed. The monitoring appliance is optionally equipped to provide network services. Services such as web hosting, file server, print server, virtual private network (VPN), shared Internet access, web content filtering, anti-virus, spam e-mail elimination, and IP telephony services as well as other such services may be easily provided.

The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

An intelligent selection system for operating an electrosurgical instrument for use by a surgeon that depends primarily on the surgical procedure to be employed. The operating mode as well as other operating parameters can be controlled by the handpiece chosen by the surgeon to perform the procedure. Each handpiece is customized to activate when operated one of several preset operating modes of the electrosurgical instrument.

A system for applying suction to a wound uses a reference airflow for monitoring system operation. A reference airflow (or “controlled leak”) to the suction source is provided when the system is in operation, such that deviation from the reference airflow can be monitored as an indication of a change in operation, such as a leak in the seal of the wound cover, a blockage of airflow from crimping of the suction conduit or overfill of the waste collector, or an inadvertent turn off or disconnect from the suction source.

This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating BCL2 gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of BCL2 gene expression and / or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of BCL2 genes (e.g., BCL2, BCL-XL, BCL2-L1, MCL-1 CED-9, BAG-1, E1B-194 and / or BCL-A1). The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of cancer, malignant blood disease, polycytemia vera, idiopathic myelofibrosis, essential thrombocythemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, autoimmune disease, viral infection, and proliferative diseases and conditions

The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating a transaction using a secondary transaction number that is associated with a cardholder's primary account. The cardholder provides the secondary transaction number, often with limited-use conditions associated therewith, to a merchant to facilitate a more secure and confident transaction.

The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating a transaction using a secondary transaction number that is associated with a cardholder's primary account. The cardholder provides the secondary transaction number, often with limited-use conditions associated therewith, to a merchant to facilitate a more secure and confident transaction.

This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating wingless (WNT) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of WNT gene expression and / or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of WNT genes such as WNT3A and WNT7A.

This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating tumor necrosis factor and / or tumor necrosis factor receptor gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of tumor necrosis factor and / or tumor necrosis factor receptor gene expression and / or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of tumor necrosis factor and / or tumor necrosis factor receptor genes, (TNF and / or TNF receptor).

An analyte test device is constructed as an integrated, single-use, disposable cartridge which can be releasably installed into a compatible analyte test monitor. In use, the device can be used in conjunction with the monitor to lance the skin of a patient to create a blood sample and, in turn, calculate the concentration of a particular analyte in the expressed blood sample. In one embodiment, the device includes a base and a cover which are affixed together to create a test cartridge which has a substantially flat and low profile design. A lancet carrier is disposed between the base and the cover and includes a anchor fixedly mounted on the base and a lancet support member which is slidably mounted on the base, the anchor and the lancet support member being connected by a spring. A lancet is removably mounted on the lancet support member is disposed directly beneath an analyte test strip which secured to the underside of the cover. In another embodiment, the device includes a cylindrical housing with an open top end and an open bottom end. A spring biased lancet is slidably mounted within the cylindrical housing. An analyte test strip is fixedly mounted within the cylindrical housing and is disposed at an acute angle relative to the lancet.

An analyte test device is constructed as an integrated, single-use, disposable cartridge which can be releasably installed into a compatible analyte test monitor. In use, the device can be used in conjunction with the monitor to lance the skin of a patient to create a blood sample and, in turn, calculate the concentration of a particular analyte in the expressed blood sample. In one embodiment, the device includes a base and a cover which are affixed together to create a test cartridge which has a substantially flat and low profile design. A lancet carrier is disposed between the base and the cover and includes a anchor fixedly mounted on the base and a lancet support member which is slidably mounted on the base, the anchor and the lancet support member being connected by a spring. A lancet is removably mounted on the lancet support member is disposed directly beneath an analyte test strip which secured to the underside of the cover. In another embodiment, the device includes a cylindrical housing with an open top end and an open bottom end. A spring biased lancet is slidably mounted within the cylindrical housing. An analyte test strip is fixedly mounted within the cylindrical housing and is disposed at an acute angle relative to the lancet.

A fluid storage and dispensing system comprising a vessel for holding a fluid at a desired pressure. The vessel has a pressure regulator associated with a port of the vessel, and set at a predetermined pressure. A dispensing assembly, e.g, including a flow control means such as a valve, is arranged in gas / vapor flow communication with the regulator, whereby the opening of the valve effects dispensing of gas / vapor from the vessel. The fluid in the vessel may be constituted by a liquid which is confined in the vessel at a pressure in excess of its liquefaction pressure at prevailing temperature conditions, e.g., ambient (room) temperature. A phase separator such as a gas / vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane, may be associated with the regulator, as a barrier to flow of liquid into the regulator, when the contained fluid in the vessel is in a liquid state.

A pump system for applying negative pressure to a wound, including a flow monitor capable of detecting a deviation from a reference airflow rate provided by a controlled leak to determine whether the system is operating normally or abnormally, and a flow status annunciator to indicate a normal operating condition or whether an abnormal condition is a leak or an occluded line in the system. The pump system further includes a pressure controller for regulating operation of a pump to control pressure in the system at a range around a user-selected setpoint. The pump system may also include a waste collector and a level sensor for detecting when the collector is full.

A pump system for applying negative pressure to a wound, including a flow monitor capable of detecting a deviation from a reference airflow rate provided by a controlled leak to determine whether the system is operating normally or abnormally, and a flow status annunciator to indicate a normal operating condition or whether an abnormal condition is a leak or an occluded line in the system. The pump system further includes a pressure controller for regulating operation of a pump to control pressure in the system at a range around a user-selected setpoint. The pump system may also include a waste collector and a level sensor for detecting when the collector is full.

A method for matching a recorded image with geographic data substantially corresponding to a geographic location where the image was recorded, is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, global positioning system data logs are time matched with other data collected, including image data, for the purpose of spatially mapping the collected data. Two important underpinnings of the present invention are that first, the real time of the data acquisition is recorded along with the data acquired; and second, that the offset time between the data logging clock and the world standard time is accurately determined. A primary advantage of the present invention is its wireless functionality; no information transmitters, receivers, special interfaces or power suppliers are required. In addition, a wide variety of off-the-shelf equipment may be used with the present invention as system components.

The present invention is directed to stents that are formed into a helical structure having a plurality of coils, a longitudinal axis, an internal longitudinal passage, a distal section and a proximal section having different diameters; where the structure is made from a fiber having a cross-section and including an inner core having an exterior surface made from a biodegradable polymer having a first degradation rate and an outer section made from a blend of a first biodegradable polymer component and a second biodegradable polymer component covering the exterior surface of the inner core and having a second degradation rate; where the second degradation rate is lower than the first degradation rate.

A method for matching a recorded image with geographic data substantially corresponding to a geographic location where the image was recorded, is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, global positioning system data logs are time matched with other data collected, including image data, for the purpose of spatially mapping the collected data. Two important underpinnings of the present invention are that first, the real time of the data acquisition is recorded along with the data acquired; and second, that the offset time between the data logging clock and the world standard time is accurately determined. A primary advantage of the present invention is its wireless functionality; no information transmitters, receivers, special interfaces or power suppliers are required. In addition, a wide variety of off-the-shelf equipment may be used with the present invention as system components.