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Methods and devices for maintaining a space-occupying device in a fixed relationship relative to a patient's stomach by manipulation of the stomach. In one variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are brought into appromixation with one another and secured together in a manner that secures a space-occupying device within the stomach of the patient. In another variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are wrapped around a space-occupying device to maintain the position of the space-occupying device relative to the stomach wall. In another variation, a system having a space-occupying member and a locking member capable holding the space-occupying member against the inner wall of the stomach are provided. In a further variation, a pouch is created within the stomach that receives and retains a space-occupying device.

A system whereby a magnetic tip attached to a surgical tool is detected, displayed and influenced positionally so as to allow diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to be performed rapidly, accurately, simply, and intuitively is described. The tools that can be so equipped include catheters, guidewires, and secondary tools such as lasers and balloons, in addition biopsy needles, endoscopy probes, and similar devices. The magnetic tip allows the position and orientation of the tip to be determined without the use of x-rays by analyzing a magnetic field. The magnetic tip further allows the tool tip to be pulled, pushed, turned, and forcefully held in the desired position by applying an appropriate magnetic field external to the patient's body. A Virtual Tip serves as an operator control. Movement of the operator control produces corresponding movement of the magnetic tip inside the patient's body. Additionally, the control provides tactile feedback to the operator's hand in the appropriate axis or axes if the magnetic tip encounters an obstacle. The output of the control combined with the magnetic tip position and orientation feedback allows a servo system to control the external magnetic field by pulse width modulating the positioning electromagnet. Data concerning the dynamic position of a moving body part such as a beating heart offsets the servo systems response in such a way that the magnetic tip, and hence the secondary tool is caused to move in unison with the moving body part. The tip position and orientation information and the dynamic body part position information are also utilized to provide a display that allows three dimensional viewing of the magnetic tip position and orientation relative to the body part.

A method, system and computer readable medium for, from a central Web site, performing at least one of registering a user at a destination Web site, logging in a user at a destination Web site and managing an online financial transaction at a destination Web site, including parsing a form Web page of the destination Web site to extract form data fields therefrom; mapping form data fields of a central Web site form to corresponding extracted form data fields of the form Web page of the destination Web site; and using the mapped form data fields to perform at least one of registering a user at the destination Web site, logging in a user at the destination Web site and managing an online financial transaction of a user at the destination Web site. In another aspect, there is provided a method, system and computer readable medium for managing an online or offline financial transaction of a user, from a central Web site, including generating financial transaction account information for a user based on existing credit or debit card information; gathering from the user one or more limits that are applied to a financial transaction performed based on the financial transaction account information; receiving from a source information indicating that an online or offline financial transaction using the financial transaction account information is in progress; applying the one or more limits gathered from the user to approve or disapprove the online or offline or online financial transaction that is in progress; and transmitting an approval or disapproval signal to the source based on a result of the applying step.

Methods for forming a diffusion barrier on low aspect features of an integrated circuit include at least three operations. The first operation deposits a barrier material and simultaneously etches a portion of an underlying metal at the bottoms of recessed features of the integrated circuit. The second operation deposits barrier material to provide some minimal coverage over the bottoms of the recessed features. The third operation deposits a metal conductive layer. Controlled etching is used to selectively remove barrier material from the bottom of the recessed features, either completely or partially, thus reducing the resistance of subsequently formed metal interconnects.

The subject invention is a series of methods and systems for using the Surface-Enhanced Raman (SER)-labeled Gene Probe for hybridization, detection and identification of SER-labeled hybridized target oligonucleotide material comprising the steps of immobilizing SER-labeled hybridized target oligonucleotide material on a support means, wherein the SER-labeled hybridized target oligonucleotide material comprise a SER label attached either to a target oligonucleotide of unknown sequence or to a gene probe of known sequence complementary to the target oligonucleotide sequence, the SER label is unique for the target oligonucleotide strands of a particular sequence wherein the SER-labeled oligonucleotide is hybridized to its complementary oligonucleotide strand, then the support means having the SER-labeled hybridized target oligonucleotide material adsorbed thereon is SERS activated with a SERS activating means, then the support means is analyzed.

A trial intervertebral disk implant includes a first plate, a second plate, adjacent to the first plate, a conformable layer between the first and the second plates, and a pressure sensor within the conformable layer. The pressure sensor measures a distribution of compression force exerted by the first and the second plates on the conformable layer. The trial implant includes indicating means for indicating a position of the first and the second plates relative to each other, and locating means, for locating a position of the trial implant relative to the vertebrae between which said trial implant has been placed. The trial implant further includes at least one retractable member, connected to at least one of the first and the second plates. The retractable member can be extended or retracted through an aperture defined by a surface of the plate that is proximal to an abutting vertebra.

A method, system, and computer readable medium for managing a financial transaction of a user at a merchant, including authenticating the user via a device of the user while the user is at the merchant; transmitting activation information for activating a reusable, pre-existing, unaltered and permanent credit or debit card account number of the user from the user device to a financial institution for processing financial transactions, while the user is authenticated; submitting a payment request including the account number to the financial institution from the merchant, while the account number is activated; and de-activating the account number after the payment request is processed by the financial institution. The financial institution only accepts and processes payment requests received from merchants while the account number is activated, and the financial institution declines payment requests while the account number is de-activated.

Methods and devices for maintaining a space-occupying device in a fixed relationship relative to a patient's stomach by manipulation of the stomach. In one variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are brought into approximation with one another and secured together in a manner that secures a space-occupying device within the stomach of the patient. In another variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are wrapped around a space-occupying device to maintain the position of the space-occupying device relative to the stomach wall. In another variation, a system having a space-occupying member and a locking member capable holding the space-occupying member against the inner wall of the stomach are provided. In a further variation, a pouch is created within the stomach that receives and retains a space-occupying device.

The present invention relates to an orthodontic retainer to be fitted to an orthodontically treated dentition in order to fix the teeth in their orthodontic treatment state. In particular, the present invention relates to an orthodontic retainer that achieves, for example, improvement of strength of the retainer, improvement of wearing comfort and esthetics, reduction in cost, and improvement of a function as the retainer.

A system and method for providing a user with secure access to devices operatively connected to a network comprising at least one processing device that has access to a database. The database maintains information for each user of the system, such as the user's login credentials and access level or permissions, along with information corresponding to each network device, such as, for example, the device's login credentials, IP address, and port settings. The processing device authenticates each user and then provides each user with access to the network devices as defined by the data maintained in the database corresponding to the respective user and the network devices.

Arrays containing a transcriptome of a diseased tissue and methods of using the arrays for diagnosis, prognosis, screening, and identification of disease are provided herein. The transcriptome arrays from diseased tissue are useful for diagnosis of a disease by analysis of the genetic profile of a tissue sample specific to a disease state. The genetic profiles are then correlated with data on the effectiveness of specific therapeutic agents. Correlating expression profiles to the effectiveness of therapeutic agents provides a way to screen and select further patients predicted to respond to those therapeutic agents, thereby minimizing needless exposure to ineffective therapy.

A method and apparatus for direct interstitial treatment of tissue, while preventing backflow and decreasing drainage of a flowable composition from an injected area, by using a catheter and / or a needle with single or multiple inflatable member(s) that stretches, dilates and compresses target tissue and allows for an improved interstitial deposition, distribution and retention of the flowable composition, drug(s), agent(s), or particle(s), into a body organ, fluid, tissue, or tumor, thereby increasing procedural safety and efficacy of direct interstitial therapies.

The present invention provides a system 10 for irradiating a breast 20 of a patient 22. The system 10 comprises a gantry 12 rotatable about a horizontal axis 14 and comprising a radiation source 16 for generating a radiation beam 18 and a detector 24 spaced from the radiation source 16, and a barrier 26 disposed between the patient 22 and the gantry 12. The barrier 26 is provided with an opening 30 adapted to allow a breast 20 passing therethrough to be exposed to the radiation beam 18. In some embodiments, the barrier 26 is provided with an opening 30 adapted to allow both the breast 20 and the tissue leading from the breast to axilla and the muscle tissue of the adjacent chest wall passing therethrough to be exposed to the radiation beam 18.

Embodiments can provide methods for securely provisioning sensitive credential data, such as a limited use key (LUK) onto a user device. In some embodiments, the credential data can be encrypted using a separate storage protection key and decrypted only at the time of a transaction to generate a cryptogram for the transaction. Thus, end-to-end protection can be provided during the transit and storage of the credential data, limiting the exposure of the credential data only when the credential data is required, thereby reducing the risk of compromise of the credential data.

A composite telescoping interbody spinal implant and method of using the implant. The implant includes a cage formed of metal, a metal alloy, or both. The cage is able to change size following manufacture, and has a top plate with a plurality of posts and a bottom plate with a corresponding plurality of columns. The posts telescopically engage the columns upon assembly of the top plate with the bottom plate. The posts extend partially outside the columns when the top plate is in a raised first position with respect to the bottom plate; the posts and columns are fully engaged when the top plate is in a second position closest to the bottom plate. The implant also includes a non-metallic body inserted between the top plate and the bottom plate and defining the adjustable height of the implant.

A system whereby a magnetic tip attached to a surgical tool is detected, displayed and positioned. A Virtual Tip serves as an operator control. Movement of the operator control produces corresponding movement of the magnetic tip inside the patient's body. Additionally, the control provides tactile feedback to the operator's hand in the appropriate axis or axes if the magnetic tip encounters an obstacle. The output of the control combined with the magnetic tip position and orientation feedback allows a servo system to control the external magnetic field by pulse width modulating the positioning electromagnet. Data concerning the dynamic position of a moving body part such as a beating heart offsets the servo systems response in such a way that the magnetic tip, and hence the secondary tool is caused to move in unison with the moving body part.

A system whereby a magnetic tip attached to a surgical tool is detected, displayed and influenced positionally so as to allow diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to be performed rapidly, accurately, simply, and intuitively is described. The tools that can be so equipped include catheters, guidewires, and secondary tools such as lasers and balloons, in addition biopsy needles, endoscopy probes, and similar devices. The magnetic tip allows the position and orientation of the tip to be determined without the use of x-rays by analyzing a magnetic field. The magnetic tip further allows the tool tip to be pulled, pushed, turned, and forcefully held in the desired position by applying an appropriate magnetic field external to the patient's body. A Virtual Tip serves as an operator control. Movement of the operator control produces corresponding movement of the magnetic tip inside the patient's body. Additionally, the control provides tactile feedback to the operator's hand in the appropriate axis or axes if the magnetic tip encounters an obstacle. The output of the control combined with the magnetic tip position and orientation feedback allows a servo system to control the external magnetic field by pulse width modulating the positioning electromagnet. Data concerning the dynamic position of a moving body part such as a beating heart offsets the servo systems response in such a way that the magnetic tip, and hence the secondary tool is caused to move in unison with the moving body part. The tip position and orientation information and the dynamic body part position information are also utilized to provide a display that allows three dimensional viewing of the magnetic tip position and orientation relative to the body part.

A system whereby a magnetic tip attached to a surgical tool is detected, displayed and influenced positionally so as to allow diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to be performed rapidly, accurately, simply, and intuitively is described. The tools that can be so equipped include catheters, guidewires, and secondary tools such as lasers and balloons, in addition biopsy needles, endoscopy probes, and similar devices. The magnetic tip allows the position and orientation of the tip to be determined without the use of x-rays by analyzing a magnetic field. The magnetic tip further allows the tool tip to be pulled, pushed, turned, and forcefully held in the desired position by applying an appropriate magnetic field external to the patient's body. A Virtual Tip serves as an operator control. Movement of the operator control produces corresponding movement of the magnetic tip inside the patient's body. Additionally, the control provides tactile feedback to the operator's hand in the appropriate axis or axes if the magnetic tip encounters an obstacle. The output of the control combined with the magnetic tip position and orientation feedback allows a servo system to control the external magnetic field by pulse width modulating the positioning electromagnet. Data concerning the dynamic position of a moving body part such as a beating heart offsets the servo systems response in such a way that the magnetic tip, and hence the secondary tool is caused to move in unison with the moving body part. The tip position and orientation information and the dynamic body part position information are also utilized to provide a display that allows three dimensional viewing of the magnetic tip position and orientation relative to the body part.

A method and a system for enabling secure authentication of a user in a computerized card access transaction. A card, identified by an identification number is issued to the user, containing software for generating a surrogate number referred to as a Cybercoupon for use in place of the regular card number. Online intrusion is avoided and the system is rendered portable for use on any computer equipped with a compatible operating system, by avoiding storage of any part of the system on the user's computer, placing the entire system instead on the card itself. The card contains advertising which appears on the user's computer screen. The card is protected by a password. If an incorrect password is entered more than a preset number of times, an “alert” Cybercoupon is generated containing a code advising the card issuer that an irregular attempt has been made to access the card.

Systems and methods are described that are used to separate cells from a wide variety of tissues. In particular, automated systems and methods are described that separate regenerative cells, e.g., stem and / or progenitor cells, from adipose tissue. The systems and methods described herein provide rapid and reliable methods of separating and concentrating regenerative cells suitable for re-infusion into a subject.

Airborne particles are impacted on a collection surface, analyzed, and then the collection surface is regenerated. Thus, the same collection surface can be used in numerous cycles. The analysis can be focused on one or more properties of interest, such as the concentration of airborne biologicals. Sensors based on regenerative collection surfaces may be incorporated in many networks for applications such as building automation.

An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, a substantially hollow center, and a single vertical aperture. The single vertical aperture extends from the top surface to the bottom surface, has a size and shape predetermined to maximize the surface area of the top surface and the bottom surface available proximate the anterior and posterior portions while maximizing both radiographic visualization and access to the substantially hollow center, and defines a transverse rim. The body may be non-metallic and may form one component of a composite implant; the other component is a metal plate disposed on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the body.

A method and system for secure handling of sensitive sets of characters in a distributed hierarchical system are disclosed, comprising at least one local server on a lower hierarchic level and at least one central server at a higher hierarchic level. The method comprises the steps: receiving a sensitive set of characters in said local server; replacing a part of said sensitive set of characters with a token to form a tokenized set of characters, said token belonging to a subset of possible tokens assigned to the local server by the central server; transferring at least one of said sensitive set of characters and said tokenized set of characters to the central server; and canceling said sensitive set of characters from said local server within a limited time from said transferring, while maintaining said tokenized set of characters in a local database connected to said local server.

The present invention provides systems and methods for managing intake of a pharmacological agent. In one method of the present invention, the systems and methods are for controlling intake of an anti-epileptic drug. In such embodiments, one or more signals from a patient are processed to predict an onset of a seizure. Upon the prediction of the seizure, the patient is allowed to access the pharmacological agent in a pharmacological agent dispenser.