Tissue use for repair of injury

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

Suction swab for surgical use

A surgical method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, drying an osteochondral defect using a suction swab. The drying step includes suctioning moisture from the osteochondral defect through the suction swab or communicating a gas to the osteochondral defect through the suction swab.

METHOD OF MAKING MESOPOROUS OXYGEN STORAGE MATERIALS FOR EXHAUST GAS TREATMENT; SAID OXYGEN STORAGE MATERIALS AND THEIR USE

A method of making an oxygen storage material (OSM) with developed mesoporosity having a small fraction of pores <10 nm (fresh or aged), and resistance to thermal sintering is provided. This OSM is suitable for use as a catalyst and catalyst support. The method of making this oxygen storage material (OSM) includes the preparation of a solution containing pre-polymerized zirconium oligomers, cerium, rare earth and transition metal salts; the interaction of this solution with a complexing agent that has an affinity towards zirconium; the formation of a zirconium-based precursor; and the co-precipitation of all constituent metal hydroxide with abase.

INORGANIC MATERIALS FOR COMPOSITE SEPARATOR IN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS

An electrochemical cell that includes a positive electrode with an active material acting as a cathode; a negative electrode with an active material acting as an anode; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the positive electrode and negative electrode. In one embodiment, the separator includes an inorganic material, i.e., a type of boehmite, formed of nanometer-sized particles and optionally one or more binders and/or ceramic particles. In a second embodiment, at least one of the cathode, the anode, the electrolyte, and the separator includes the boehmite particles, which absorb one or more of moisture and/or hydrogen fluoride that become present in the cell. One or more of the cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery.

INORGANIC SCAVENGING ADDITIVE FOR USE IN A LITHIUM-ION SECONDARY BATTERY

A cell for use in an electrochemical cell, e.g., a lithium-ion secondary battery, that includes a positive electrode with an active material acting as a cathode and a current collector; a negative electrode with an active material acting as an anode and a current collector; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the electrodes. At least one of the cathode and anode includes an inorganic additive in the form of a zeolite having a Si:Al ratio ranging from 2-50 that absorbs one or more of moisture, free transition metal ions, or hydrogen fluoride that become present in the cell. Multiple cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery. The inorganic additive may be incorporated as part of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, or a combination thereof.

Alumina silicate zeolite-type material having prolonged acid strength for use as a catalyst in selective catalytic reduction and process of making thereof

The present disclosure generally provides novel STT-type zeolite materials called PIDC-120501, PIDC-120502, and PIDC-120805/120806 or PIDC-type zeolites and a method of making these zeolites. The present disclosure also provides for the use of these zeolite materials as a catalyst and a method of preparing said catalyst. The PIDC-type zeolites or STT-type zeolite materials may be used as a catalyst, such as in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) applications.

Inorganic materials for use in a lithium-ion secondary battery

A negative electrode for use in an electrochemical cell, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery that includes a positive electrode with an active material that acts as a cathode and a current collector; a negative electrode with an active material that acts as an anode and a current collector; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the positive and negative electrodes. The negative electrode, includes an inorganic additive dispersed therein or applied as a coating thereon, the inorganic additive being in the form of one or more zeolites having a Si:Al ratio ranging from 1-50 that absorbs one or more of moisture, free transition metal ions, or hydrogen fluoride that become present in the cell. One or more of the cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery.

INORGANIC MATERIALS FOR USE IN A LITHIUM-ION SECONDARY BATTERY

A cell for use in an electrochemical cell, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery that includes a positive electrode with an active material that acts as a cathode and a current collector; a negative electrode with an active material that acts as an anode and a current collector; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the positive and negative electrodes. At least one of the cathode, the anode, the electrolyte, and the separator includes an inorganic additive in the form of a metal aluminate or a mixture of metal aluminates that absorbs one or more of moisture, free transition metal ions, or hydrogen fluoride (HF) that become present in the cell. One or more of the cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery. The inorganic additive may also be incorporated as a coating applied to the internal wall of the housing.

METHOD OF MAKING SSZ-13 ZEOLITES WITH HIGH ACIDITY AND LOW SILICA TO ALUMINA RATIO (SAR)

A method of forming an SSZ-13 zeolite in a hydrothermal synthesis yields an SSZ-13 zeolite that exhibits a silica to alumina (SiO2:Al2O3) molar ratio (SAR) that is less than 16:1; has a morphology that includes one or more of cubic, spheroidal, or rhombic particles with a crystal size that is in the range of about 0.1 micrometer (μm) to 10 μm. This SSZ-13 also exhibits a Brönsted acidity that is in the range of 2.0 mmol/g to 3.4 mmol/g as measured by ammonia temperature programmed desorption. A catalyst formed by substituting a metal into the framework of the zeolite provides for low temperature light-off of the NOx conversion reactions, while maintaining substantial performance at higher temperatures demonstrating hydrothermal stability.

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING NANO-SCALE CRYSTALLINE BOEHMITE

A crystalline Boehmite product and a method of forming said product is provided in which the crystalline Boehmite exhibits an average particle size (d50) that is less than 7,000 nanometers. This method comprises preparing an aqueous slurry by mixing together water, large aluminum oxide precursors, a highly dispersible Boehmite grade, and optionally, an organic dispersing agent; adjusting the pH of the slurry; heating the slurry for a predetermined duration of time; collecting the slurry to form a wet cake; and drying the wet cake to obtain the crystalline Boehmite product. The crystalline Boehmite product may be mixed with a plastic resin to form a flame retardant plastic mixture, which can be subjected to a conventional plastic processing method to form a flame retardant composite. 1. A method of forming a crystalline Boehmite product , the method comprising:preparing an aqueous slurry by mixing together water, large aluminum oxide precursors, a highly dispersible Boehmite grade, and optionally, a dispersing agent;adjusting the pH of the slurry to be between about 8.0 to about 12.0;heating the slurry to a temperature between 120° C. and 250° C. for a duration of time that is from about 1.0 hour up to about 24 hours;collecting the slurry to form a wet cake; anddrying the wet cake to obtain the crystalline Boehmite product;{'sub': '50', 'wherein the crystalline Boehmite product exhibits an average particle size (d) that is less than 7,000 nanometers.'}2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method includes the use of an organic dispersing agent.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the organic dispersing agent is an acrylic or polyacrylic acid claim 2 , a salt of acrylic acid claim 2 , an acrylates copolymer claim 2 , or a mixture thereof.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the pH of the slurry is adjusted to be between about 10.0 and about 12.0.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the slurry is heated to a temperature between about ...

INORGANIC TRAPPING AGENT MIXTURES USED IN AN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL

An electrochemical cell, such as a secondary cell of a lithium-ion battery, that includes a positive electrode with an active material that acts as a cathode; a negative electrode with an active material that acts as an anode; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the positive electrode and negative electrode. The separator including an inorganic material. This inorganic material includes a mixture of a first inorganic particle and one or more second inorganic particles; wherein the inorganic material absorbs one or more of moisture, free transition metal ions, or hydrogen fluoride (HF) that become present in the electrochemical cell. One or more of the cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery.

METHOD OF MAKING AFX ZEOLITES HAVING HIGH THERMAL STABILITY

A method of forming an AFX zeolite in a hydrothermal synthesis that exhibits a silica to alumina (SiOAIO) molar ratio (SAR) that is between 8:1 and 26:1; has a morphology that includes one or more of cubic, spheroidal, or rhombic particles with a crystal size that is in the range of about 0.1 micrometer (μm) to 10 μm. This AFX zeolite also exhibits a Brönsted acidity that is in the range of 1.2 mmol/g to 3.6 mmol/g as measured by ammonia temperature programmed desorption. A catalyst formed by substituting a metal into the framework of the zeolite exhibits about a 100% conversion of NO emissions over the temperature range of 300° C. to 650° C. 1. A method of making an AFX zeolite , the method comprising the steps of:a) providing a source of silica;b) providing a source of alumina;c) providing a structure directional agent (SDA);{'sup': '−', 'd) optionally, providing a source of a base (OH);'}e) providing a source of metal cations;f) mixing the source of silica and alumina with the SDA and the source of metal cations in water to form a gel composition;g) heating the gel composition to a crystallization temperature that is less than 225° C.;h) maintaining the gel composition at the crystallization temperature for a time period that ranges from 24 hours to 48 hours;i) allowing the AFX zeolite to crystallize and precipitate; the gel composition forming a crystalline precipitate of the AFX zeolite and a mother liquid; andj) separating the crystalline precipitate from the mother liquid;{'sub': 2', '2', '3, 'wherein the formed AFX zeolite exhibits a silica to alumina (SiO:AlO) molar ratio (SAR) that is between 8:1 and 26:1;'}wherein the formed AFX zeolite has a morphology that includes one or more of cubic, spheroidal, or rhombic particles;wherein the formed AFX zeolite exhibits a crystal size that is in the range of about 0.1 micrometer (μm) to 10 μm.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the AFX zeolite exhibits a silica to alumina (SiO:AlO) molar ratio (SAR) that is in the ...

NANOCRYSTAL-SIZED CERIUM-ZIRCONIUM OXIDE MATERIAL AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

A nanocrystal-sized cerium-zirconium mixed oxide material includes at least 30% by mass zirconium oxide; between 5% to 55% by mass cerium oxide; and a total of 25% or less by mass of at least one oxide of a rare earth metal selected from the group of lanthanum, neodymium, praseodymium, or yttrium. The nanocrystal-sized cerium-zirconium mixed oxide exhibits hierarchically ordered aggregates having a d50 particle size less than 1.5 μm and a total pore volume after calcination at a temperature of 600° C. or more that is at least 0.7 cm3/g with a fraction of pores between 2 nm to 10 nm being less than 15%. The nanocrystal-sized cerium-zirconium mixed oxide material is prepared using a co-precipitation method followed by milling the dried and calcined oxide material. The nanocrystal-sized cerium-zirconium mixed oxide material forms a particulate filter that may be used in an exhaust system arising from a gas or diesel engine.

Precisely controlled flying electric generators

Tethered wind supported flying electric generators (FEGS) capable of deriving power from high altitude winds are held stable in precisely controlled positions in spite of wind fluctuations and temporary wind absence. FEGs are windmill-like rotorcraft, somewhat resembling helicopters, which are raised to a strong wind altitude using electric motors driving the rotors, each craft powered through tether(s) from a corresponding single point on the ground. Then the rotorcraft is tilted at an angle, the wind turns the rotors, and thus keeps the craft aloft and sends power back to the ground, now using the motors as generators. Precise craft geographic position, altitude and attitude are determined by various sensing means. Computer logic, provided with this information and wind and other weather data, command individual craft control functions and thus may also command arrays of these FEGs to maintain precise geographic and altitude locations or be grounded under tether winch control when necessary ...

DOPED CATALYST SUPPORT MATERIALS HAVING OXYGEN STORAGE CAPACITY (OSC) AND METHOD OF MAKING THEREOF

A catalyst support material (D-CZMLA) with oxygen storage capacity corresponds to the formula vD:x(CeZrO):yM:zL:(1−v−x−y−z)AlO, wherein w is a molar ratio between 0.1-0.8 and v, x, y, and z are weight ratios, such that v is between 0.005-0.15, x is between 0.05-0.80, and y and z are between 0.001-0.10. M is an interactive promoter for oxygen storage, L is a stabilizer (L) for the AlOsupport; and D is an oxidizing dopant. The catalyst support material can be incorporated into a wash coat that combines platinum group metals (PGM), an adhesive, and a mixture of (α)RE-Ce—ZrO+(β)CZMLA+(1−α−β)RE-AlO, wherein RE-Ce—ZrOis a rare earth element stabilized ceria zirconia having a weight ratio (α) between 0-0.7; CZMLA is the doped catalyst support material having a weight ratio (β) between 0.2-1, such that (α+β)≦1; and RE-AlOis rare earth element stabilized alumina having a weight ratio equal to (1−α−β). 2. The catalyst support material of claim 1 , in which the combined weight percentage range of the dopant claim 1 , the ceria-zirconia claim 1 , the interactive promoter claim 1 , and the stabilizer (v+x+y+z) is from about 5 to about 80 wt. % relative to the total oxides in the support material.3. The catalyst support material of claim 1 , wherein M and L are independently selected as a rare earth oxide and D is selected as an alkaline earth oxide or a transition metal oxide.4. The catalyst support material of claim 3 , wherein D is an oxide of copper claim 3 , cobalt claim 3 , iron claim 3 , nickel claim 3 , titanium claim 3 , vanadium claim 3 , strontium claim 3 , barium claim 3 , or a mixture thereof.5. The catalyst support material of claim 3 , wherein M and L are compositionally different from one another.6. The catalyst support material of claim 3 , wherein M is lanthanum oxide claim 3 , L is yttrium oxide claim 3 , and D is copper oxide.7. The catalyst support material of claim 1 , wherein the support material further comprises a catalyst support core powder having a ...

Tissue Use for Repair of Injury

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject. 1. A method of treating musculoskeletal tissue injury or degeneration in a subject comprising:(a) threading at least one placental tissue streamer through a midsubstance of a tissue; and(b) attaching or anchoring the placental tissue streamer to a subject at a placental tissue streamer attachment site.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the threaded placental tissue streamer is surrounded by the tissue.3. The method of claim 1 , comprising grouping two or more placental tissue streamers together into placental tissue streamer ropes or placental tissue streamer stacks and subsequently threading the placental tissue stacks or placental tissue ropes through the midsubstance of the tissue.4. A tissue hybrid comprising at least one placental tissue streamer threaded through a midsubstance of a tissue.5. The tissue hybrid of claim 4 , wherein the tissue comprises allograft tissue claim 4 , autograft tissue claim 4 , xenograft tissue claim 4 , engineered tissue scaffold claim 4 , or combinations thereof.6. The tissue hybrid of claim 5 , wherein two or more placental tissue streamers are entwined or stacked and located through the midsubstance of the tissue.7. A method of treating musculoskeletal tissue injury or degeneration in a subject comprising:(a) contacting an engineered scaffold placental tissue streamer hybrid with a tissue to be treated; and(b) optionally attaching the engineered scaffold placental tissue steamer hybrid to the tissue to be treated or to healthy tissue adjacent to the tissue to be treated.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the musculoskeletal injury or degeneration is a connective tissue injury or ...

Nano-rare earth oxide doped support for trapping of NOx and/or SOx

An inorganic oxide material doped with nano-rare earth oxide particles that is capable of trapping one or more of NO x or SO x at a temperature that is less than 400° C. The nano-rare earth oxide particles have a particle size that is less than 10 nanometers. The catalyst support can trap at least 0.5% NO 2 at a temperature less than 350° C. and/or at least 0.4% SO 2 at a temperature less than 325° C. The catalyst support can trap at least 0.5% NO 2 and/or at least 0.2% SO 2 at a temperature that is less than 250° C. after being aged at 800° C. for 16 hours in a 10% steam environment. The catalyst support exhibits at least a 25% increase in capacity for at least one of NO x or SO x trapping at a temperature that is less than 400° C. when compared to a conventional rare earth doped support in a 10% steam environment.

Method of making mesoporous oxygen storage materials for exhaust gas treatment; said oxygen storage materials and their use

A method of making an oxygen storage material (OSM) with developed mesoporosity having a small fraction of pores <10 nm (fresh or aged), and resistance to thermal sintering is provided. This OSM is suitable for use as a catalyst and catalyst support. The method of making this oxygen storage material (OSM) includes the preparation of a solution containing pre-polymerized zirconium oligomers, cerium, rare earth and transition metal salts; the interaction of this solution with a complexing agent that has an affinity towards zirconium; the formation of a zirconium-based precursor; and the co-precipitation of all constituent metal hydroxide with abase.

Osteochondral core centrifugation system and method of osteochondral repair

An osteochondral centrifugation system for providing an osteochondral centrifuged core from a graft such as femoral condyle, for example. The centrifugation system may be used either in the operating room or, alternatively, at a tissue banking facility at the time of processing. The osteochondral centrifuged core is formed by (i) removing an osteochondral core from a graft; (ii) placing the osteochondral core in a centrifugation system to remove blood, lipids, or other potentially antigenic or contaminating materials, and to obtain a centrifuged core; and (iii) optionally, subjecting the centrifuged core to a material that reduces the chance of disease transmission and aids in the healing of the recipient site to which the centrifuged core is to be transferred.

CATALYST COMPRISING CERIA-ZIRCONIA-OXYGEN STORAGE MATERIAL AND PROCESS FOR ITS PRODUCTION

An oxygen storage material (OSM) that exhibits enhanced redox properties, developed mesoporosity, and a resistance to sintering. The oxygen storage material (OSM) has a high oxygen storage capacity (i.e., OSC>1.5 mmol H/g) and enhanced reducibility (i.e., bimodal TPR-Hprofile with two Tin the temperature range from 150° C. to 550° C.). The OSM is suitable for use as a catalyst and a catalyst support. The method of making the oxygen storage material comprises the preparation of a solution containing zirconium, cerium, rare earth and transition metal salts, followed by the co-precipitation of all constituent metal hydroxides with a base. 1. An Oxygen Storage Material (OSM) consisting of oxides of zirconium , cerium , at least one rare earth metal other than cerium , and at least one transition metal;wherein the OSM has a zirconium oxide content that is not less than 30% by weight and transition metal oxide content not higher than 8% by weight relative to the overall weight of the OSM;{'sub': 2', '2, 'wherein the OSM exhibits 100% CeO2 reducibility and an oxygen storage capacity (OSC) after ageing at 1100° C. for 4 hours that is at least 1.5 mmol H/g with bimodal TPR-Hprofile.'}2. The Oxygen Storage Material according to claim 1 , wherein the OSM has zirconium oxide content from 30% to 80% by weight relative to the overall weight of the OSM.3. The Oxygen Storage Material according to claim 1 , wherein the OSM has cerium oxide content from 5% to 50% by weight relative to the overall weight of the OSM.4. The Oxygen Storage Material according to claim 1 , wherein the rare earth metals are selected from the group lanthanum claim 1 , neodymium claim 1 , praseodymium claim 1 , yttrium or combination of thereof.5. The Oxygen Storage Material according to claim 1 , wherein the rare earth metal oxides content is from 0% up to 15% by weight relative to the overall weight of the OSM.6. The Oxygen Storage Material according to claim 1 , wherein the transition metals are selected ...

Process for producing nano-scale crystalline boehmite

A crystalline Boehmite product and a method of forming said product is provided in which the crystalline Boehmite exhibits an average particle size (d50) that is less than 7,000 nanometers. This method comprises preparing an aqueous slurry by mixing together water, large aluminum oxide precursors, a highly dispersible Boehmite grade, and optionally, an organic dispersing agent; adjusting the pH of the slurry; heating the slurry for a predetermined duration of time; collecting the slurry to form a wet cake; and drying the wet cake to obtain the crystalline Boehmite product. The crystalline Boehmite product may be mixed with a plastic resin to form a flame retardant plastic mixture, which can be subjected to a conventional plastic processing method to form a flame retardant composite.

Method of making mesoporous zirconium-based mixed oxides

Mesoporous, zirconium-based mixed oxides and a method of making the same comprises: injecting a polyvalent metal-containing solution into an electrolyte solution to form a mother liquor; forming a precipitate; aging the precipitate in the mother liquor to form the mixed oxides; washing the mixed oxides with an aqueous medium; drying and collecting the mixed oxides. The pH of the electrolyte solution exceeds the isoelectric point for zirconium-based mixed oxides. The mixed oxides exhibit a single particle size distribution, improved Ce02 reducibility in the presence of Rhodium, a decrease in surface area after calcination (800-1100° C.) that is not more than 55%, and a tetragonal/cubic structure after calcination. After calcination at 1100° C. for 10 hours in air, the mixed oxides exhibit a surface area >25 m2/g, a pore volume >0.20 cm3/g, an average pore size >30 nm, and an average crystallite size between 8-15 nm.

Precisely controlled flying electric generators III

One or more tethered platforms, each comprising three or more, mill rotors, are operated at altitudes in relatively high winds to generate electricity. These windmill kites use one or more electromechanical tethers on each platform. Their position, attitude and orientation are monitored by one or more GPS receivers and/or gyros and controlled through differential thrusts and torque-reactions produced by the mill rotors. The kites can be electrically powered from a ground supply during relatively calm periods, or landed if desired. During windy periods the kites may be used to generate electricity by tilting the rotors at an angle, or incidence to the on-coming wind. In this generate mode the mill rotors simultaneously develop thrust while generating electricity.

Precisely controlled flying electric generators

One or more tethered platforms, each comprising three or more, mill rotors, are operated at altitudes in relatively high winds to generate electricity. These windmill kites use one or more electromechanical tethers on each platform. Their position, attitude and orientation are monitored by one or more GPS receivers and/or gyros and controlled through differential thrusts and torque-reactions produced by the mill rotors. The kites can be electrically powered from a ground supply during relatively calm periods, or landed if desired. During windy periods the kites may be used to generate electricity by tilting the rotors at an angle, or incidence to the oncoming wind. In this generate mode the mill rotors simultaneously develop thrust while generating electricity.

CERIUM-ZIRCONIUM OXIDE-BASED OXYGEN ION CONDUCTOR (CZOIC) MATERIALS WITH HIGH OXYGEN MOBILITY

A cerium-zirconium oxide-based ionic conductor (CZOIC) material including zirconium oxide in an amount ranging from 5 wt. % up to 95 wt. %, cerium oxide in an amount ranging from 95 wt. % to 5 wt. %, and at least one oxide or a rare earth metal in an amount ranging from 30 wt. % or less, based on the overall mass of the CZOIC material. The CZOIC material exhibits a structure comprising one or more expanded unit cells and a plurality of crystallites having ordered nano-domains. The structure of the CZOIC material exhibits a crystal lattice defined by a d-value measured at multiple (hkl) locations using a SAED technique that exhibit distortions, such that the d-values for the same (hkl) location varies from about 2% to about 5% from the d-value measured for a reference cerium-zirconium material at the same (hkl) location.

CORE-SHELL HYBRID CHABAZITE MATERIAL WITH A WIDE SILICON TO ALUMINUM RATIO (SAR) ACTIVITY WINDOW

A crystalline, core-shell hybrid Chabazite (CHA) material for use as a catalyst has a core with a silicon to aluminum ratio (SAR) that is less than 25 and a shell that at least partially encapsulates the core, the shell having an SAR of about 25 or greater. The crystalline, core-shell hybrid Chabazite is prepared by forming a first chabazite (CHA) material having a silicon to aluminum ratio (SAR) that is less than 25, placing the first CHA material into an aqueous reaction mixture comprising one or more precursors capable of forming a second chabazite (CHA) material having an SAR that is 25 or greater, growing the second CHA material on the surface of the first CHA material, and collecting the core-shell hybrid CHA material. 1. A crystalline , core-shell hybrid Chabazite (CHA) material for use as a catalyst , the core-shell hybrid CHA material comprising:a core having a silicon to aluminum ratio (SAR) that is less than 25; anda shell that at least partially encapsulates the core, the shell having an SAR of about 25 or greater.2. The core-shell hybrid CHA material according to claim 1 , wherein the SAR of the core is between about 10 to 15 and the SAR of the shell is about 25 to 50.3. The core-shell hybrid CHA material according to claim 2 , wherein the SAR of the core is between 12 to 14 and the SAR of the shell is about 25 to 30.4. The core-shell hybrid CHA material according to claim 3 , wherein the SAR of the core is about 13 and the SAR of the shell is about 25.5. The core-shell hybrid CHA material according to claim 1 , wherein the core is equivalent to an SSZ-13 zeolite phase and the shell is equivalent to an SSZ-25 zeolite phase.62. The core-shell hybrid CHA material according to claim 1 , wherein the material exhibits peaks in an x-ray diffraction pattern with a theta degree at as shown in claim 1 , when the material is freshly prepared.72. The core-shell hybrid CHA material according to claim 6 , wherein after hydrothermal aging at 800° C. for 6 hours claim ...

Discovering and merging network information

A method of merging a list of newly found network elements and a list of previously known network elements includes arranging the newly found network elements in a hierarchical structure, and determining one or more device matches between each network device in the list of newly found network elements and one or more network devices in the list of previously known network elements. The method further includes, for each of the one or more device matches, determining one or more network element matches between the newly found network element and the corresponding previously stored network device. The method also includes updating the previously found network device corresponding to each of the one or more device matches with the corresponding newly found network device.

Tissue use for repair of injury

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

METHOD OF MAKING AEI-TYPE ZEOLITES HAVING A HIGH SILICA TO ALUMINA MOLAR RATIO (SAR)

A method of forming AEI-type zeolites in a hydrothermal synthesis without the use of hydrogen fluoride (HF) and in the presence of an FAU zeolite NaY with SAR ≤5, a Y zeolite with a SAR ≥5, or a combination thereof. A gel composition formed upon using this method includes one or more sources of silica, alumina, organic structure directing agents (OSDA), and alkali metal ions; zeolite seeds; and water. This gel composition is defined by the molar ratios of: SiO2/AI2O3 18:1 to 100:1; M2O/SiO2 0.15:1 to 0.30:1; ROH/SiO2 0.05:1 to 0.13:1; and H2O/SiO2 5:1 to 20:1; wherein M is the alkali metal ion and R is an organic moiety derived from the OSDA. This gel composition, after reacting at a temperature between 135° C. to about 200° C. for 10 hours to 168 hours forms the crystalline AEI-type zeolite having a silica to alumina ratio (SiO2:AI2O3) that is greater than 15:1.

INORGANIC MATERIALS FOR USE IN A LITHIUM-ION SECONDARY BATTERY

A negative electrode for use in an electrochemical cell, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery that includes a positive electrode with an active material that acts as a cathode and a current collector; a negative electrode with an active material that acts as an anode and a current collector; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the positive and negative electrodes. The negative electrode, includes an inorganic additive dispersed therein or applied as a coating thereon, the inorganic additive being in the form of one or more zeolites having a Si:Al ratio ranging from 1-50 that absorbs one or more of moisture, free transition metal ions, or hydrogen fluoride that become present in the cell. One or more of the cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery. 1. A negative electrode for use in an electrochemical cell , such as a lithium-ion secondary battery , the negative electrode comprising:an active material capable of acting as an anode in the electrochemical cell;a current collector that is in contact with the active material; andan inorganic additive that absorbs one or more of moisture, free transition metal ions, or hydrogen fluoride (HF) that is present in the electrochemical cell; the inorganic additive being one or more types of a zeolite having a silicon (Si) to aluminum (Al) ratio ranging from about 1 to about 50.2. The negative electrode according to claim 1 , wherein the inorganic additive is dispersed within at least a portion of the active material or is in the form of a coating applied onto a portion of a surface of the active material.3. The negative electrode according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more types of zeolite has a framework selected from the group of CHA claim 1 , CHI claim 1 , FAU claim 1 , LTA and LAU.4. The negative electrode according to claim 2 , wherein the inorganic additive limits the expansion of the anode during operation of the electrochemical cell.5. The negative electrode ...

Platform for loyalty services

A platform for a loyalty program provides an interface allowing a consumer to create a benefit tailored for his/her needs. In one embodiment, a consumer accesses the platform via a web-based interface, and selects benefit/reward parameters including but not limited to the nature of the event triggering award of the benefit, the source (i.e. retailer) of the benefit, the nature of the benefit (i.e., discount based upon purchase price or accumulated loyalty points), and/or the events allowing accrual of loyalty points. The interface communicates the inputted parameter to an engine of the loyalty program. The platform would then check the inputted parameter against any constraints, such as parameters of an existing loyalty program in which the consumer is already enrolled.

Novel method for the planning and delivery of radiation therapy

A new optimization method for generating treatment plans for radiation oncology is described and claimed. This new method works for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT), and hybrid IMRT.

METHOD OF CONTINUOUSLY PRODUCING NANO-SIZED AEI-TYPE ZEOLITES

A method of continuously forming AEI-type zeolites in a tubular reactor via a hydrothermal synthesis. A gel composition formed upon using this method includes one or more sources of silica, alumina, organic structure directing agents (OSDA), alkali metal ions; water; and optionally zeolite seeds. This gel composition is defined by the molar ratios of SiO2/AI2O315:1 to 100:1; M2O/SiO20.15:1 to 0.30:1; ROH/SiO20.05:1 to 0.2:1; and H2O/SiO25:1 to 20:1; wherein M is the alkali metal ion and R is an organic moiety derived from the OSDA. This gel composition, after reacting at a temperature between 180° C. to about 220° C. for less than 2 hours forms the crystalline AEI-type zeolite having a silica to alumina ratio (SiO2/AI2O3) that is greater than 14:1.

Method of making AFX zeolites having high thermal stability

A method of forming an AFX zeolite in a hydrothermal synthesis that exhibits a silica to alumina (SiO2AI2O3) molar ratio (SAR) that is between 8:1 and 26:1; has a morphology that includes one or more of cubic, spheroidal, or rhombic particles with a crystal size that is in the range of about 0.1 micrometer (μm) to 10 μm. This AFX zeolite also exhibits a Brönsted acidity that is in the range of 1.2 mmol/g to 3.6 mmol/g as measured by ammonia temperature programmed desorption. A catalyst formed by substituting a metal into the framework of the zeolite exhibits about a 100% conversion of NO emissions over the temperature range of 300° C. to 650° C.

Tissue Use for Repair of Injury

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject. 1. A method of anterior cruciate ligament repair comprising:a) wrapping amnion tissue around a tissue graft to form a wrapped graft;b) placing at least one cerclage stitch at either end of the amnion tissue and one running stitch at the end of the wrapped graft to form a water-tight compartment;c) inserting the wrapped graft into a knee joint; andd) adding platelet rich plasma or bone marrow concentrate to the water-tight compartment between the amnion tissue and the tissue graft.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the amnion is wrapped more than once around the tissue graft.3. A method of ligament repair comprising:a) wrapping placental tissue around a tissue graft to form a wrapped graft;b) placing at least one stitch at either end of the placental tissue and one stitch at the end of the wrapped graft to form at least one water-tight compartment; andc) adding a biological agent to the at least one water-tight compartment.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the at least one water-tight compartment is between the placental tissue and the tissue graft.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the biological agent is platelet rich plasma claim 3 , bone marrow concentrate claim 3 , viscous amnion claim 3 , a growth factor claim 3 , or stem cells.6. The method of claim 3 , wherein the placental tissue is wrapped around the tissue graft more than once.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the biological agent is added to a compartment between different layers of the placental tissue.8. The method of claim 3 , wherein the placental tissue is amnion claim 3 , chorion claim 3 , or umbilical cord.9. The method of claim 3 , wherein the ...

METHOD OF MAKING MESOPOROUS ZIRCONIUM-BASED MIXED OXIDES

Mesoporous, zirconium-based mixed oxides and a method of making the same comprises: injecting a polyvalent metal-containing solution into an electrolyte solution to form a mother liquor; forming a precipitate; aging the precipitate in the mother liquor to form the mixed oxides; washing the mixed oxides with an aqueous medium; drying and collecting the mixed oxides. The pH of the electrolyte solution exceeds the isoelectric point for zirconium-based mixed oxides. The mixed oxides exhibit a single particle size distribution, improved Ce02 reducibility in the presence of Rhodium, a decrease in surface area after calcination (800-1 100° C.) that is not more than 55%, and a tetragonal/cubic structure after calcination. After calcination at 1 100° C. for 10 hours in air, the mixed oxides exhibit a surface area >25 m2/g, a pore volume >0.20 cm3/g, an average pore size >30 nm, and an average crystallite size between 8-15 nm. 1. A method for making mesoporous , zirconium-based mixed oxides , the method comprising:injecting a polyvalent metal-containing solution into an electrolyte solution to form a mother liquor; the electrolyte solution having a pH that exceeds the isoelectric point for zirconium-based mixed oxides;forming a precipitate in the mother liquor;allowing the precipitate to age in the mother liquor and form the mesoporous, zirconium-based mixed oxides;washing the mesoporous, zirconium-based mixed oxides with an aqueous medium;drying the mesoporous, zirconium-based mixed oxides; andcollecting the mesoporous, zirconium-based mixed oxides.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the injection of the polyvalent metal-containing solution into the electrolyte solution occurs at pH from about pH(I)+2 up to about pH(I)+4 of the precipitate; wherein pH(I) is the pH at the isoelectric point for the zirconium-based mixed oxides.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polyvalent metal-containing solution comprises water soluble compounds having one or more metal elements chosen ...

Method and suture needle construct for cruciate ligament repair

A suture needle construct and method for extracapsular ligament reconstruction in mammals. The joint is first is first explored, and the damaged ligament and meniscus are debrided. The joint capsule is closed and a tunnel is created at the appropriate location in the proximal tibia for tibial fixation. Subsequent to the formation of the tibial tunnel, a suture having a substantially curved needle at one end and a substantially straight needle at the other end is brought in the proximity of the joint. The suture is passed around the lateral fabella using the substantially curved needle, then deep to the patellar ligament using the substantially straight needle, and through the tibial tunnel using the straight needle. The needles are cut off, and the sutures are tensioned over repair site.

Tissue use for repair of injury

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

Platform for Loyalty Services

A platform for a loyalty program provides an interface allowing a consumer to create a benefit tailored for his/her needs. In one embodiment, a consumer accesses the platform via a web-based interface, and selects benefit/reward parameters including but not limited to the nature of the event triggering award of the benefit, the source (i.e. retailer) of the benefit, the nature of the benefit (i.e., discount based upon purchase price or accumulated loyalty points), and/or the events allowing accrual of loyalty points. The interface communicates the inputted parameter to an engine of the loyalty program. The platform would then check the inputted parameter against any constraints, such as parameters of an existing loyalty program in which the consumer is already enrolled.

INORGANIC MATERIALS FOR USE IN A LITHIUM-ION SECONDARY BATTERY

A cell for use in an electrochemical cell, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery that includes a positive electrode with an active material that acts as a cathode and a current collector; a negative electrode with an active material that acts as an anode and a current collector; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the positive and negative electrodes. At least one of the cathode, the anode, the electrolyte, and the separator includes an inorganic additive in the form of one or more zeolites having a Si:Al ratio ranging from 2-50 that absorbs one or more of moisture, free transition metal ions, or hydrogen fluoride that become present in the cell. One or more of the cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery. The inorganic additive may also be incorporated as a coating applied to the internal wall of the housing.

Osteochondral repair using plug fashioned from partial distal allograft femur or condyle

A method and apparatus for repairing isolated chondral defects using allograft implants. Lesions in articular tissue are corrected by forming a recipient socket in the tissue. A donor graft of a size corresponding to the recipient socket is harvested from a partial tissue specimen obtained from allograft material. The donor graft is implanted into the recipient socket.

METHOD OF MAKING AEI-TYPE ZEOLITES HAVING A HIGH SILICA TO ALUMINA RATIO (SAR)

A method of forming an AEI-type zeolite in a hydrothermal synthesis without the use of hydrogen fluoride (HF) and in the absence of any FAU zeolite Y. A gel composition formed upon using this method includes one or more sources of silica; one or more sources of alumina, one or more organic structure directing agents (OSDA); a source of alkali metal ions; and water. This gel composition is defined by the molar ratios of: SiO2/AI2O3 16:1 to 100:1; M2O/SiO2 0.15:1 to 0.30:1; ROH/SiO2 0.05:1 to 0.20:1; and H2O/SiO2 5:1 to 20:1; wherein M is the alkali metal ion and R is an organic moiety derived from the OSDA. This gel composition, after reacting at a temperature between 135° C. to about 180° C. for 15 hours to 168 hours forms the crystalline AEI-type zeolite having a silica to alumina ratio (SiO2:AI2O3) that is greater than 8:1.

INORGANIC MATERIALS FOR USE IN A LITHIUM-ION SECONDARY BATTERY

A cell for use in an electrochemical cell, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery that includes a positive electrode with an active material that acts as a cathode and a current collector; a negative electrode with an active material that acts as an anode and a current collector; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the positive and negative electrodes. At least one of the cathode, the anode, the electrolyte, and the separator includes an inorganic additive in the form of a transition phase alumina or a type of boehmite that absorbs one or more of moisture and/or hydrogen fluoride (HF) that become present in the cell. One or more cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery. The inorganic additive may also be incorporated as a coating applied to the internal wall of the housing.

NANOCRYSTAL-SIZED CERIUM-ZIRCONIUM-ALUMINUM OXIDE MATERIAL AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

A nanocrystal-sized cerium-zirconium-aluminum mixed oxide material includes at least 20% by mass zirconium oxide; between 5% to 55% by mass cerium oxide; between 5% to 60% by mass aluminum oxide; and a total of 25% or less by mass of at least one oxide of a rare earth metal selected from the group of lanthanum, neodymium, praseodymium, or yttrium. The nanocrystal-sized cerium-zirconium-aluminum mixed oxide exhibits hierarchically ordered aggregates having a dso particle size less than 1.5 μm, and retains at least 80% of surface area and pore volume after ageing at temperature higher than 1000° C. for at least 6 hours. The nanocrystal-sized cerium-zirconium-aluminum mixed oxide material is prepared using a co-precipitation method followed by milling the dried and calcined oxide material. The nanocrystal-sized cerium-zirconium-aluminum mixed oxide material forms a particulate filter that may be used in an exhaust system arising from a gas or diesel engine

Tissue Use for Repair of Injury

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

Time skew correction in data time stamping

A method of processing data received at a local system in response to polling a remote device, wherein the local system includes a local clock, the method involving: sending a first poll to the remote device; receiving a response from the remote device to the first poll, the response to the first poll containing data and a time stamp indicating when the remote device responded to the first poll; for the data received in response to the first poll, computing a first time by using both a time that was derived from the local clock for a previous poll of the remote device and also the time stamp contained in the response to the first poll; comparing the computed first time to information that the local system stored in connection with the first poll, wherein the information that the local system stored in connection with the first poll was derived from the local clock; and determining how to process the data received in response to the first poll based on comparing the computed first time to ...

LOYALTY PROGRAM PARAMETER COLLABORATION

Collaborative constituents collaborate to develop a loyalty program within a transaction processing system. Transmissions addressed to the collaborative constituents are formed and received from the collaborative constituents containing suggested parameters for the loyalty program. At least one remaining parameter for the loyalty program that a set of remaining collaborative constituents have agreed upon is determined. Another transmission addressed to each of the collaborative constituents in the set of remaining collaborative constituents is formed, the another transmission including the remaining parameters for the loyalty program.

Tissue use for repair of injury

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING ISSUANCE AND REDEMPTION OF A REWARD

A computing apparatus is configured to receive, from a transaction handler of a payment network, an authorization request for a payment transaction. The authorization request identifies a full transaction amount, as well as information identifying the merchant and the cardholder involved in the transaction. The computing apparatus is configured to determine the cardholder's eligibility to receive a reward based on information provided in the authorization request, as well as offer information stored in association with the account information of the cardholder. When the cardholder is eligible for a reward, the computing apparatus deducts a reward amount from the transaction amount to authorize a partial amount for the transaction and provides a partial authorization response for the payment transaction. The partial authorization response may optionally include a description of the offer, the reward and/or an identifier of the offer. 1. A computer-implemented method , comprising:receiving, in a computing apparatus under control of an issuer of an account, an authorization request from a transaction handler of a payment network for a payment transaction between a cardholder of the account and a merchant, the authorization request identifying a first transaction amount and including account information configured to identify the account among a plurality of accounts issued by the issuer; during the processing of the authorization request,', 'identifying, by the computing apparatus, an offer based on data stored in the computing apparatus, the data associating the offer with the account information,', 'determining, by the computing apparatus, that the payment transaction is eligible for a benefit reward in accordance with the offer,', 'determining, by the computing apparatus, a second transaction amount via applying the benefit reward to the first transaction amount, and', 'generating, by the computing apparatus, an authorization response to the authorization request, ...

Method of producing autogenous or allogenic blood serum and related logistics

A method of producing blood serum containing prophylactically or therapeutically active proteins, including obtaining blood from a patient, incubating the blood at a suitable temperature to induce production of prophylactically or therapeutically active proteins, and removing the prophylactically or therapeutically active proteins from the blood.

NANO-RARE EARTH OXIDE DOPED SUPPORT FOR TRAPPING OF NOx AND/OR SOx

An inorganic oxide material doped with nano-rare earth oxide particles that is capable of trapping one or more of NO x or SO x at a temperature that is less than 400° C. The nano-rare earth oxide particles have a particle size that is less than 10 nanometers. The catalyst support can trap at least 0.5% NO 2 at a temperature less than 350° C. and/or at least 0.4% SO 2 at a temperature less than 325° C. The catalyst support can trap at least 0.5% NO 2 and/or at least 0.2% SO 2 at a temperature that is less than 250° C. after being aged at 800° C. for 16 hours in a 10% steam environment. The catalyst support exhibits at least a 25% increase in capacity for at least one of NO x or SO x trapping at a temperature that is less than 400° C. when compared to a conventional rare earth doped support in a 10% steam environment.

ALUMINA SILICATE ZEOLITE-TYPE MATERIAL HAVING PROLONGED ACID STRENGTH FOR USE AS A CATALYST IN SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION AND PROCESS OF MAKING THEREOF

The present disclosure generally provides novel STT-type zeolite materials called PIDC-120501, PIDC-120502, and PIDC-120805/120806 or PIDC-type zeolites and a method of making these zeolites. The present disclosure also provides for the use of these zeolite materials as a catalyst and a method of preparing said catalyst. The PIDC-type zeolites or STT-type zeolite materials may be used as a catalyst, such as in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) applications. 1. A crystalline , modified STT-type zeolite material for use as a catalyst , the modified STT-type zeolite material comprising a mole ratio greater than about 19:1 to about 250:1 of an oxide of a tetravalent element to an oxide of a trivalent element , and having peaks in an x-ray diffraction pattern with a 2 theta degree at 8.22 , 9.68 , 14.51 , 15.55 , 17.9 , 18.58 , 19.3 , 19.66 , 21.5 , and 27.4 attributed to the presence of an SSZ-23 zeolite phase.2. The modified STT-type zeolite material of claim 1 , wherein the mole ratio of the oxide of the tetravalent element to the oxide of the trivalent element is about 19:1 to 50:1.3. The modified STT-type zeolite material of claim 1 , wherein the empirical gel composition is represented as:{'sub': 2', '3', '2', '2, '5.577 OH: 4.428 RNOH: AlO: 28 SiO: 1219.7 HO.'}4. The modified STT-type zeolite material of claim 1 , wherein the zeolite-type material further includes a metal selected as one from the group of copper claim 1 , iron claim 1 , cobalt claim 1 , zirconium claim 1 , titanium claim 1 , and a mixture thereof;wherein the metal containing zeolite-type material functions as a catalyst in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reaction.5. The modified STT-type zeolite material of claim 4 , wherein the metal present in the catalyst ranges from 0.3 to 10.0% claim 4 , based on the total weight of the zeolite catalyst.6. The modified STT-type zeolite material of claim 1 , wherein the zeolite-type material is characterized by ammonia temperature desorption and n- ...

Method of making SSZ-13 zeolites with high acidity and low silica to alumina ratio (SAR)

A method of forming an SSZ-13 zeolite in a hydrothermal synthesis yields an SSZ-13 zeolite that exhibits a silica to alumina (SiO2:Al2O3) molar ratio (SAR) that is less than 16:1; has a morphology that includes one or more of cubic, spheroidal, or rhombic particles with a crystal size that is in the range of about 0.1 micrometer (μm) to 10 μm. This SSZ-13 also exhibits a Brönsted acidity that is in the range of 2.0 mmol/g to 3.4 mmol/g as measured by ammonia temperature programmed desorption. A catalyst formed by substituting a metal into the framework of the zeolite provides for low temperature light-off of the NOx conversion reactions, while maintaining substantial performance at higher temperatures demonstrating hydrothermal stability.

Novel method for the planning and delivery of radiation therapy

A new optimization method for generating treatment plans for radiation oncology is described and claimed. This new method works for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT), and hybrid IMRT.

Catalyst comprising ceria-zirconia-oxygen storage material and process for its production

An oxygen storage material (OSM) that exhibits enhanced redox properties, developed mesoporosity, and a resistance to sintering. The oxygen storage material (OSM) has a high oxygen storage capacity (i.e., OSC>1.5 mmol H2/g) and enhanced reducibility (i.e., bimodal TPR-H2profile with two Tmaxin the temperature range from 150° C. to 550° C.). The OSM is suitable for use as a catalyst and a catalyst support. The method of making the oxygen storage material comprises the preparation of a solution containing zirconium, cerium, rare earth and transition metal salts, followed by the co-precipitation of all constituent metal hydroxides with a base.

IMPLANTATION OF MICRONIZED ALLOGRAFT TISSUE OVER A MICROFRACTURED DEFECT

Techniques, mixtures, mixing and delivery kits, and improved delivery instruments for implantation of micronized allograft tissue over a microfractured defect. Allograft cartilage tissue is delivered over a cartilage defect that has been debrided and microfractured, without the need for a periosteal covering or separate type of patch sewn over the top. The allograft tissue may be any micronized cartilage particulates obtained by various methods, for example, cartilage delivered in its native form, dehydrated via lyophilization, “freeze-dried,” dehydrated via desiccation, or dehydrated by any other method. 1. A method of surgery consisting essentially of the steps of:conducting microfracture surgery to obtain a microfracture site; andproviding a micronized allograft mixture at the microfracture site, the micronized allograft mixture comprising micronized allograft tissue particles and an autologous blood product.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the micronized allograft tissue particles have a size of about 0-300 microns.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of applying a layer of fibrin over the micronized allograft mixture at the microfracture site.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the micronized allograft tissue particles are desiccated cartilage particles.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the micronized allograft mixture consists essentially of micronized allograft tissue particles and autologous blood product.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the autologous blood product is selected from the group consisting of whole blood claim 1 , autologous conditioned plasma claim 1 , platelet-rich plasma claim 1 , bone marrow aspirate claim 1 , bone marrow concentrate claim 1 , and stem cells.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the micronized allograft mixture is formed by the steps of:providing a syringe comprising a tube and a plunger that fits tightly in the tube, the plunger being formed of a pushrod and a mixing element attached to the pushrod, the ...

REBATE AUTOMATION

A computer receives information that a request is made to authorize a transaction for a sale of a product by a merchant to an account holder in a transaction conducted on a consumer account issued to the account holder. When the computer confirms that the transaction is authorized and that the transaction occurs within a predetermined time period for which there is a rebate associated with the product and a corresponding sponsor financially responsible for the rebate, the computer communicates that the rebate is to be debited to an account of the sponsor and either: (i) given as a discount by the merchant at the point of sale to the account holder; or (ii) credited to an account issued to the account holder by the issuer. 1. A method , comprising:storing, in a computing device, offer data associating an offer with a payment account of a user, the offer including a benefit applicable to a predefined purchase;receiving, in the computing device, a communication transmitted from a merchant via an acquirer of the merchant, the communication identifying the predefined purchase in response to the user presenting a payment device associated with the payment account;in response to the communication received in the computing device, communicating, by the computing device, with an issuer of the payment account for authorization of a payment transaction in the payment account, wherein the payment transaction has a transaction amount that is a full price of the purchase less the benefit provided by the offer in accordance with the offer data; andcommunicating, by the computing device, with at least one sponsor of the offer to initiate a payment transaction from an account of the sponsor to the merchant for the benefit provided by the offer to the payment transaction in the payment account of the user.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the offer includes a rebate for the predefined purchase of a predetermined item.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the communication identifies ...

REPLICATION CONTROL USING EVENTUALLY CONSISTENT META-DATA

The present invention provides a method, system and computer program product for replication control using eventually consistent meta-data. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for replication control using eventually consistent meta-data is provided. The method includes replicating data in a replication data processing system of nodes coupled to one another over a computer communications network. The method also includes replicating meta-data representing the state of the replication data processing system into a data structure of eventually consistent meta-data. Finally, the method includes managing the replication of the data according to the replicated meta-data. 19-. (canceled)10. A replicated data processing system configured for replication control using eventually consistent meta-data , the system comprising a plurality of replication nodes , each of which comprising:a host computing device with memory and at least one processor;a database of replicated data coupled to the host computing device;a replication flow machine executing in the memory of the host computing device, the flow machine replicating the data in the database responsive to data modifications in coupled nodes of the replicated data processing system; and,a replication controller configured for eventual consistency, the controller comprising program code enabled upon execution in the memory of the host computing device to replicate state information for the replication data processing system into a data structure of eventually consistent meta-data, and to manage the replication flow machine according to the replicated meta-data.119. The system of claim , wherein the data structure of eventually consistent meta-data is organized into rows of a table for each replicated system , the rows in the table representing a state of all replication nodes in the system.12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the table comprises different time stamps for each of the nodes.13. The system of claim 12 , ...

REPLICATION CONTROL USING EVENTUALLY CONSISTENT META-DATA

The present invention provides a method, system and computer program product for replication control using eventually consistent meta-data. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for replication control using eventually consistent meta-data is provided. The method includes replicating data in a replication data processing system of nodes coupled to one another over a computer communications network. The method also includes replicating meta-data representing the state of the replication data processing system into a data structure of eventually consistent meta-data. Finally, the method includes managing the replication of the data according to the replicated meta-data. 1. A method for replication control using eventually consistent replication meta-data , the method comprising:replicating data in a replication data processing system of nodes coupled to one another over a computer communications network;replicating meta-data representing a state of the replication data processing system into a data structure of eventually consistent meta-data; and,managing the replication of the data according to the replicated meta-data.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the data structure of eventually consistent meta-data is organized into rows of a table claim 1 , the rows representing a state of all replication nodes in the system.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein each of the rows has an associated timestamp representing a time of last modification.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the meta-data in one of the nodes is replicated by receiving a replicated form of stored meta-data from another of the nodes and for each row in the received meta-data claim 3 , overwriting the row with a corresponding row from the replicated form of the received meta-data when a time stamp of the corresponding row is more recent than a time stamp for the row to be overwritten.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising processing the meta-data in the data structure to detect violations of ...

METHOD FOR FORMING NON-CIRCULAR CARTILAGE GRAFTS

A technique for knee replacement surgery that allow for the removal of an oval oblong-shaped allograft bone and cartilage plug from a donor distal femur. The technique uses instruments including (i) sizing guides to match the recipient's femoral size and curvature to that of a donor femur (the sizing guides also acting as a wide pin placement template for the donor distal femur); (ii) osteotomes that cut the curved and straight portions of the implant shape (these may be disposable or reusable); and (iii) templates that fit over the guide pins and have openings to allow the osteotomes to cut the donor femur plug to the correct size, shape and depth. The instruments allow for a non-circular shape to be extracted from a donor femur for use in a bone-saving osteoarthritis distal femur resurfacing procedure. 1. A method of forming an allograft plug comprisingcutting a donor femur in a first direction with a first cutter assembly; andcutting the donor femur in a second direction with a second cutter assembly, the second direction being about perpendicular to the first direction,wherein the allograft plug is a single piece and has a non-circular shape.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the allograft plug comprises bone and cartilage.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the allograft plug consists essentially of bone and cartilage.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-circular shape is oval oblong.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first cutter assembly or the second cutter assembly comprises an oblong cutter.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first cutter assembly or the second cutter assembly comprises a cutter insert.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the cutter insert has an outer shape and configuration that resembles a shape and configuration of an inner part of an oblong cutter.8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the cutter insert comprises a concave region.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first cutter assembly or the second cutter assembly comprises ...

Implantation of Micronized Allograft Tissue Over a Microfractured Defect

Techniques, mixtures, mixing and delivery kits, and improved delivery instruments for implantation of micronized allograft tissue over a microfractured defect. Allograft cartilage tissue is delivered over a cartilage defect that has been debrided and microfractured, without the need for a periosteal covering or separate type of patch sewn over the top. The allograft tissue may be any micronized cartilage particulates obtained by various methods, for example, cartilage delivered in its native form, dehydrated via lyophilization, “freeze-dried,” dehydrated via desiccation, or dehydrated by any other method. 1. A method comprising:(a) placing a micronized cartilage mixture comprising (i) micronized allograft cartilage particles above 0 to about 300 microns, (ii) type II collagen, (iii) proteoglycans, (iv) cartilaginous growth factors into a first syringe, wherein the first syringe comprises a tube and a plunger that fits in the tube, the plunger being formed of a pushrod and a mixing element attached to the pushrod, the pushrod fitting into the mixing element and being designed to unsnap from the mixing element and snap back into the mixing element;(b) providing a second syringe or second container containing platelet rich plasma and injecting the platelet rich plasma into the first syringe;(c) removing the pushrod from the mixing element and moving the mixing element in at least one direction to mix the micronized allograft tissue particles with the platelet rich plasma to create a micronized allograft mixture with a paste consistency;(d) applying a needle or small cannula to the first syringe;(e) debriding an articular cartilage defect site to form a stable border;(f) forming several perforations in a subchondral bone plate at the base of the articular cartilage defect site using microfracture techniques to form a microfracture site; and(g) delivering a graft comprising the micronized allograft mixture with a paste-like consistency directly at the microfracture site, ...

Method for Intelligently Categorizing Data to Delete Specified Amounts of Data Based on Selected Data Characteristics

A method assigns stored documents within a distributed storage system (DSS) to various document categories to enable a target number of documents to be deleted. An intelligent storage management (ISM) utility identifies a data storage threshold value used to control data storage within the DSS. If a current storage usage exceeds the data storage threshold value, the ISM utility calculates, based on the current storage usage, a target number of documents that can be deleted from the DSS. The ISM utility utilizes a recursive process which includes assigning stored documents to groups including a set of document categories based on data characteristics of the stored documents. The ISM utility further utilizes the recursive process to delete, based on an established ordering of the groups, all of the stored documents assigned to a subset of the groups in order to remove the target number of stored documents. 1. In a data processing system operating within a distributed storage system (DSS) , a method comprising:identifying a data storage threshold value for an amount of data that can be stored within the DSS;tracking an amount of current storage usage for data stored within the DSS;determining whether the current storage usage exceeds the data storage threshold value;in response to determining that the current storage usage exceeds the data storage threshold value, calculating, based on an amount by which the current storage usage exceeds the data storage threshold value, a target number of documents that can be deleted from the DSS, wherein the current storage usage is proportional to a number of stored documents in the DSS, and the stored documents have a same document type;assigning stored documents to a plurality of groups including a set of document categories based on data characteristics of the stored documents, wherein said groups are ordered based on a relative index associated with corresponding values for data characteristics, wherein all of the stored ...

System and Method for Intelligently Categorizing Data to Delete Specified Amounts of Data Based on Selected Data Characteristics

A a data processing system and a computer program product assigns stored documents within a distributed storage system (DSS) to various document categories to enable a target number of documents to be deleted. An intelligent storage management (ISM) utility identifies a data storage threshold value used to control data storage within the DSS. If a current storage usage exceeds the data storage threshold value, the ISM utility calculates, based on the current storage usage, a target number of documents that can be deleted from the DSS. The ISM utility utilizes a recursive process which includes assigning stored documents to groups including a set of document categories based on data characteristics of the stored documents. The ISM utility further utilizes the recursive process to delete, based on an established ordering of the groups, all of the stored documents assigned to a subset of the groups in order to remove the target number of stored documents. 17-. (canceled)8. A data processing system (DPS) operating within a distributed storage system (DSS) , the DPS comprising:at least one processor; identifying a pre-established data storage threshold value for an amount of data that can be stored within the DSS;', 'tracking a current storage usage for an amount of data stored within the DSS;', 'determining whether the current storage usage exceeds the pre-established data storage threshold value;', 'in response to determining that the current storage usage exceeds the pre-established data storage threshold value, calculating a target number of documents that can be deleted from the DSS based on an amount by which the current storage usage exceeds the pre-established data storage threshold value, wherein the current storage usage is proportional to a number of stored documents in the DSS, wherein said stored documents have a same document type;', 'assigning stored documents to a plurality of groups including a set of document categories based on corresponding data ...

PLATFORM FOR LOYALTY SERVICES

A platform for a loyalty program provides an interface allowing a consumer to create a benefit tailored for his/her needs. In one embodiment, a consumer accesses the platform via a web-based interface, and selects benefit/reward parameters including but not limited to the nature of the event triggering award of the benefit, the source (i.e. retailer) of the benefit, the nature of the benefit (i.e., discount based upon purchase price or accumulated loyalty points), and/or the events allowing accrual of loyalty points. The interface communicates the inputted parameter to an engine of the loyalty program. The platform would then check the inputted parameter against any constraints, such as parameters of an existing loyalty program in which the consumer is already enrolled. 119-. (canceled)20. A system comprising:a loyalty engine comprising a processor and a computer readable storage medium having code stored thereon to direct the processor to implement a method comprising:receiving from an interface module, an input parameter from a user interface module;determining whether the input parameter violates a constraint of an existing program feature of a program;incorporating the input parameter in a rule set for the program;receiving purchase information; anddetermining that the purchase information satisfies the rule set in the program.21. The system of further comprising the interface module.22. The system of wherein the interface module is located within a loyalty platform.23. The system of wherein the method further comprises:in response to determining that the purchase information satisfies the rule set, providing a reward in accordance with the program.24. The system of further comprising a payment processing network in communication with the loyalty engine.25. The system of wherein the constraint comprises a number of times that a certain award can be earned.26. The system of wherein the program has one of a points-based structure claim 20 , a discount-based ...

METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR FORMING NON-CIRCULAR CARTILAGE GRAFTS

Techniques and instruments for knee replacement surgery that allow for the removal of an oval oblong-shaped allograft bone and cartilage plug from a donor distal femur. The instruments include (i) sizing guides to match the recipient's femoral size and curvature to that of a donor femur (the sizing guides also acting as a wide pin placement template for the donor distal femur); (ii) osteotomes that cut the curved and straight portions of the implant shape (these may be disposable or reusable); and (iii) templates that fit over the guide pins and have openings to allow the osteotomes to cut the donor femur plug to the correct size, shape and depth. The instruments allow for a non-circular shape to be extracted from a donor femur for use in a bone-saving osteoarthritis distal femur resurfacing procedure. 1. A method of forming an allograft plug having a non-circular configuration , the method comprising the steps of:cutting a donor femur in a first direction with a first cutter assembly; andsubsequently, cutting the donor femur in a second direction with a second cutter assembly to a depth of at least about 5 mm, the second direction being about perpendicular to the first direction.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the allograft plug consists essentially of cartilage and bone.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the allograft plug has an oblong or oval cross-section.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the allograft plug is used in an osteoarthritis distal femur resurfacing procedure to match an oval or oblong pattern of an arthritic cartilage damage.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing a sizing guide to match size and curvature of a recipient femur to that of the donor femur.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first cutter assembly comprises a cutter claim 1 , a cutter insert claim 1 , a handle and an impactor.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the step of cutting in the first direction comprises the steps of:impacting the cutter with the cutter ...

SUCTION SWAB FOR SURGICAL USE

A surgical method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, drying an osteochondral defect using a suction swab. The drying step includes suctioning moisture from the osteochondral defect through the suction swab or communicating a gas to the osteochondral defect through the suction swab. 1. A surgical method , comprising:drying an osteochondral defect using a suction swab, the drying step including suctioning moisture from the osteochondral defect through the suction swab or communicating a gas to the osteochondral defect through the suction swab.2. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the suction swab includes a swab tip received on a distal end of a tube and an adaptor received on a proximal end of the tube.3. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the drying step includes suctioning the moisture through a swab tip of the suction swab claim 1 , then through openings in a distal end of a tube of the suction swab claim 1 , and then through a passage in the tube.4. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the drying step includes communicating a gas through a passage in a tube of the suction swab claim 1 , then through openings in a distal end of the tube claim 1 , and then through a swab tip.5. The method as recited in claim 4 , wherein the gas is an inert gas.6. The method as recited in claim 1 , comprising creating a bleeding bone bed near the osteochondral defect prior to the drying step.7. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the drying step is performed as part of an arthroscopic surgical procedure.8. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the drying step is performed as part of an open surgical procedure.9. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the moisture includes at least one of arthroscopy fluid claim 1 , synovial fluid claim 1 , blood or bone marrow.10. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the drying step includes both suctioning moisture from the osteochondral defect through ...

TURBINE BLADE MONITORING

A blade monitoring system and method for a turbine assembly comprising rotating blades (), the system comprising at least one sensor () for transmitting a signal towards said rotating blades and detecting a time-varying return signal therefrom, and one or more processors () configured to calculate the time derivative of said return signal, generate a phase variation signal for said time derivative, determine minima points within said phase variation signal and measure said signal at said minima points so as to identify data representative of respective minimum path lengths, each said minimum path length corresponding to the returned signal as each respective blade passes said sensor, and generate, using said minimum path lengths, a time series of data representing the returned signal from individual blades as they pass the sensor. 1. A blade monitoring system for a turbine assembly comprising rotating blades , the system comprising at least one sensor for transmitting a signal towards said rotating blades and detecting a time-varying return signal therefrom , and one or more processors configured to calculate the time derivative of said return signal , generate a phase variation signal for said time derivative , determine minima points within said phase variation signal and measure said signal at said minima points so as to identify data representative of respective minimum path lengths , each said minimum path length corresponding to the returned signal as each respective blade passes said sensor , and generate , using said minimum path lengths , a time series of data representing the returned signal from individual blades as they pass the sensor.2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitted signal is a wideband signal for enabling a return signal to be collected from substantially a complete blade and/or shaft to be collected.3. The system claim 1 , according to claim 1 , comprising a monostatic sensor claim 1 , which is configured to transmit said ...

DIELECTRIC LOADED ANTENNA FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENT

A dielectric loaded antenna, and method of designing same, for use in a high temperature environment, the antenna comprising an outer casing () of a material having a melting point of at least 1000° C., said outer casing () defining an inner channel, a first end of the channel defined by the casing defining a radiating aperture loaded with a section (Z) of dielectric material of a first type which is chemically stable at a temperature of at least 1500° C., and a remaining length of said channel being loaded with sections (ZO-Z) of at least one second type of dielectric material which is chemically stable at a temperature of at least 800° C., the dielectric constant of said first type of dielectric material being greater than that of the second type of dielectric material. 1. A dielectric loaded antenna for use in a high temperature environment , the antenna comprising an outer casing of a material having a melting point of at least 1000° C. , said outer casing defining an inner channel , a first end of the channel defined by the casing defining a radiating aperture loaded with a section of dielectric material of a first type which is chemically stable at a temperature of at least 1500° C. , and a remaining length of said channel being loaded with sections of at least one second type of dielectric material which is chemically stable at a temperature of at least 800° C. , wherein the dielectric constant of said first type of dielectric material is greater than that of the second type of dielectric material , and wherein the respective interfaces between adjacent sections of dielectric material are impedance matched.2. The dielectric loaded antenna according to claim 1 , wherein said material of said outer casing comprises one or more of titanium claim 1 , nickel alloy claim 1 , stainless steel claim 1 , and platinum.3. The dielectric loaded antenna according to claim 1 , wherein said first type of dielectric material comprises synthetic sapphire.4. The dielectric ...

Method for Forming Non-Circular Cartilage Grafts

A technique for knee replacement surgery that allow for the removal of an oval oblong-shaped allograft bone and cartilage plug from a donor distal femur. The technique uses instruments including (i) sizing guides to match the recipient's femoral size and curvature to that of a donor femur (the sizing guides also acting as a wide pin placement template for the donor distal femur); (ii) osteotomes that cut the curved and straight portions of the implant shape (these may be disposable or reusable); and (iii) templates that fit over the guide pins and have openings to allow the osteotomes to cut the donor femur plug to the correct size, shape and depth. The instruments allow for a non-circular shape to be extracted from a donor femur for use in a bone-saving osteoarthritis distal femur resurfacing procedure. 114.-. (canceled)15. An oblong cutter system comprising:(a) a first cutter assembly for cutting bone and cartilage in a first direction comprising an oblong cutter, a first oblong cutter insert, and an impactor; and(b) a second cutter assembly for cutting the bone and cartilage in a second direction, wherein the second direction is about perpendicular to the first direction, the second cutter assembly comprising an oblong depth guide and a second oblong cutter insert.16. The oblong cutter system of claim 15 , further comprising a saw guide claim 15 , which is configured to engage with the oblong depth guide.17. The oblong cutter system of claim 15 , wherein the oblong depth guide comprises slots that can fit a saw to cut the bone and cartilage to a desired depth.18. The oblong cutter system of claim 15 , wherein the first oblong cutter insert has an outer shape and configuration that resembles a shape and configuration of an inner part of the first oblong cutter.19. The oblong cutter system of claim 15 , wherein the second oblong cutter insert has an outer shape and configuration that resembles a shape and configuration of an inner part of the oblong depth guide.20. ...

MIGRATING LEGACY APPLICATIONS TO A MULTI-TENANT COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

Various embodiments migrate a legacy application to a multi-tenant computing environment. In one embodiment, at least one virtualized computing container is instantiated on a host system in a multi-tenant computing environment. An instance of the legacy application is executed within the virtualized computing container. The legacy application having been initially configured to run on premise and serve one tenant at a time. The virtualized computing container securely isolates the executing instance of the legacy application from other executing instances of the legacy application. At least one request received from a first client is sent to the instance of the legacy application executing within the virtualized computing container. The virtualized computing container is quiesced based on at least one quiescing criterion having been satisfied by the instance of the legacy application. 1. A method for migrating a legacy application to a multi-tenant computing environment , the method comprising:instantiating at least one virtualized computing container on a host system in a multi-tenant computing environment;executing an instance of the legacy application within the virtualized computing container, the legacy application being initially configured to run on premise and serve one tenant at a time, and where the virtualized computing container securely isolates the executing instance of the legacy application from other executing instances of the legacy application;processing, based on the executing, at least one request received from a first client by the instance of the legacy application; andquiescing the virtualized computing container based on at least one quiescing criterion having been satisfied by the instance of the legacy application.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:instantiating at least one additional virtualized computing container on the host system; andexecuting an additional instance of the legacy application within the additional ...

FOREIGN OBJECT DEBRIS DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD

A method for suppressing the Jet Engine Modulation (JEM) clutter signal returns from compressor blades () in data sampled by a system for Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection in the air intake () of a turbine assembly, the method comprising the steps of: (a) identifying in the data the start sample position and length in samples of a single complete shaft rotation; and (b) subtracting from a current rotation dataset the samples from a comparison rotation dataset corresponding to another complete single shaft rotation. 1. A method for suppressing the Jet Engine Modulation (JEM) clutter signal returns from compressor blades in data sampled by a system for Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection in the air intake of a turbine assembly , the method comprising the steps of:(a) identifying in the data the start sample position and length in samples of a single complete shaft rotation; and(b) subtracting from a current rotation dataset the samples from a comparison rotation dataset corresponding to another complete single shaft rotation.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said subtracting step comprises subtracting from a current rotation dataset the samples from a comparison rotation dataset corresponding to a previous complete single shaft rotation.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said identifying step uses a once per revolution pulse provided by an aircraft engine monitoring system as a reference to determine the position and length of a complete shaft rotation.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in said identifying step claim 1 , the length of the current shaft rotation is determined by:(a) selecting a reference section of data starting at the start of the current shaft rotation;(b) stepping the reference section forward through the sampled data and at each step determining a measure of similarity, optionally implemented as a correlation; and(c) identifying the start of the next rotation by finding the sample number corresponding to the ...

Intelligently Categorizing Data To Delete Specified Amounts of Data Based on Selected Data Characteristics

A data processing system assigns stored documents within a distributed storage system (DSS) to various document categories to enable a target number of documents to be deleted. An intelligent storage management (ISM) utility identifies a data storage threshold value used to control data storage within the DSS. If a current storage usage exceeds the data storage threshold value, the ISM utility calculates, based on the current storage usage, a target number of documents that can be deleted from the DSS. The ISM utility utilizes a recursive process, which includes assigning stored documents to groups including a set of document categories based on data characteristics of the stored documents. The ISM utility further utilizes the recursive process to delete, based on an established ordering of the groups, all of the stored documents assigned to a subset of the groups in order to remove the target number of stored documents. 1. A data processing system (DPS) operating within a distributed storage system (DSS) , the DPS comprising:at least one processor; identify a pre-established data storage threshold value for an amount of data that can be stored within the DSS;', 'track a current storage usage for an amount of data stored within the DSS;', 'determine whether the current storage usage exceeds the pre-established data storage threshold value;', 'in response to determining that the current storage usage exceeds the pre-established data storage threshold value, calculate a target number of documents that can be deleted from the DSS based on an amount by which the current storage usage exceeds the pre-established data storage threshold value, wherein the current storage usage is proportional to a number of stored documents in the DSS, wherein said stored documents have a same document type;', 'assign stored documents to a plurality of groups including a set of document categories based on corresponding data characteristics, wherein said groups are ordered based on a ...

Method for Intelligently Categorizing Data To Delete Specified Amounts of Data Based on Selected Data Characteristics

A method assigns stored documents within a distributed storage system (DSS) to various document categories to enable a target number of documents to be deleted. An intelligent storage management (ISM) utility identifies a data storage threshold value used to control data storage within the DSS. If a current storage usage exceeds the data storage threshold value, the ISM utility calculates, based on the current storage usage, a target number of documents that can be deleted from the DSS. The ISM utility utilizes a recursive process, which includes assigning stored documents to groups including a set of document categories based on data characteristics of the stored documents. The ISM utility further utilizes the recursive process to delete, based on an established ordering of the groups, all of the stored documents assigned to a subset of the groups in order to remove the target number of stored documents.

TISSUE USE FOR REPAIR OF INJURY

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject. 1. A method of treating musculoskeletal tissue injury or degeneration in a subject comprising inserting at least one placental tissue streamer into an injured or degenerated tissue such that the placental tissue streamer is surrounded by the injured or degenerated tissue.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the musculoskeletal injury or degeneration is a connective tissue injury or degeneration claim 1 , cartilaginous tissue injury or degeneration claim 1 , fibrous tissue injury or degeneration claim 1 , muscle tissue injury or degeneration claim 1 , or skeletal tissue injury or degeneration.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the musculoskeletal injury or degeneration is to tendon claim 1 , cartilage claim 1 , ligament claim 1 , intervertebral disk claim 1 , or bone.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the injured or degenerated tissue is a muscle of a rotator cuff or a tendon of a rotator cuff.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the injured or degenerated tissue is a tear or partial thickness tear of a rotator cuff tendon.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one placental tissue streamer is attached to the injured or degenerated tissue.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one placental tissue streamer is inserted into the injured or degenerated tissue with a needle loaded with the at least one placental tissue streamer.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one placental tissue streamer is inserted into a supraspinatus tendon.9. The method of claim 8 , wherein at least one placental tissue streamer is attached to a supraspinatus muscle at one end and to a head of a humerous bone at the other end. ...

FLASH FAST PROGRAM MODE FOR HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO RECORDING AND HIGH RESOLUTION CAMERA BURST MODE RECORDING

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, describes technologies and techniques for use by a memory controller or similar device for storing sequential image data or other data streams composed of pages of data. In one example, the memory controller compares data within current and previous image frames on a page-by-page basis. If a pair of pages match, the memory controller creates a link between the two pages so the duplicate page need not be stored. During a subsequent read operation, the flash controller accesses stored links to identify the physical storage addresses of any matching pages stored in connection with a previous frame to permit efficient retreival. In some examples, a page is compared with both the previous corresponding page and with the neighboring pages of that previous page. Exemplary read, write and erase operations are described herein using the links. 1. A method for use with a memory device , comprising:comparing first and second frames of an input data stream to identify a matching portion;storing the first frame at first physical addresses within the memory device while including the matching portion;storing the second frame at second physical addresses within the memory device while excluding the matching portion;storing a link between the second frame and the matching portion of the first frame; andreading the second frame from the memory device while using the link to obtain the matching portion that was excluded during storage of the second frame but was included during storage of the first frame.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the input data stream comprises one or more of a video data stream or a sequence of burst-mode photographic images.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the first and second frames are consecutive frames of a video data stream or consecutive frames of burst-mode photographic images.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein comparing the first and second frames of the input data stream to identify the matching ...

MIGRATING LEGACY APPLICATIONS TO A MULTI-TENANT COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

Various embodiments migrate a legacy application to a multi-tenant computing environment. In one embodiment, at least one virtualized computing container is instantiated on a host system in a multi-tenant computing environment. An instance of the legacy application is executed within the virtualized computing container. The legacy application having been initially configured to run on premise and serve one tenant at a time. The virtualized computing container securely isolates the executing instance of the legacy application from other executing instances of the legacy application. At least one request received from a first client is sent to the instance of the legacy application executing within the virtualized computing container. The virtualized computing container is quiesced based on at least one quiescing criterion having been satisfied by the instance of the legacy application. 19-. (canceled)10. An information processing system for migrating a legacy application to a multi-tenant computing environment , the information processing system comprising:memory;a processor communicatively coupled to the memory; and instantiating at least one virtualized computing container on a host system in a multi-tenant computing environment;', 'executing an instance of the legacy application within the virtualized computing container, the legacy application being initially configured to run on premise and serve one tenant at a time, and where the virtualized computing container securely isolates the executing instance of the legacy application from other executing instances of the legacy application;', 'sending, based on the executing, at least one request received from a first client to the instance of the legacy application; and', 'quiescing the virtualized computing container based on at least one quiescing criterion having been satisfied by the instance of the legacy application., 'a resource manager communicatively coupled to the memory and the processor, the resource ...

MIGRATING LEGACY APPLICATIONS TO A MULTI-TENANT COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

Various embodiments migrate a legacy application to a multi-tenant computing environment. In one embodiment, at least one virtualized computing container is instantiated on a host system in a multi-tenant computing environment. An instance of the legacy application is executed within the virtualized computing container. The legacy application having been initially configured to run on premise and serve one tenant at a time. The virtualized computing container securely isolates the executing instance of the legacy application from other executing instances of the legacy application. At least one request received from a first client is sent to the instance of the legacy application executing within the virtualized computing container. The virtualized computing container is quiesced based on at least one quiescing criterion having been satisfied by the instance of the legacy application. 1. A method for migrating a legacy application to a multi-tenant computing environment , the method comprising:instantiating at least one virtualized computing container on a host system in a multi-tenant computing environment;executing an instance of the legacy application within the virtualized computing container, the legacy application being initially configured to run on premise and serve one tenant at a time, and where the virtualized computing container securely isolates the executing instance of the legacy application from other executing instances of the legacy application;processing, based on the executing, at least one request received from a first client by the instance of the legacy application; andquiescing the virtualized computing container based on at least one quiescing criterion having been satisfied by the instance of the legacy application.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:instantiating at least one additional virtualized computing container on the host system; andexecuting an additional instance of the legacy application within the additional ...

LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

The present disclosure describes methods of treating a ligament injury with ligament grafting.

Loyalty Program Parameter Collaboration

Collaborative constituents collaborate to develop a loyalty program within a transaction processing system. Transmissions addressed to the collaborative constituents are formed and received from the collaborative constituents containing suggested parameters for the loyalty program. At least one remaining parameter for the loyalty program that a set of remaining collaborative constituents have agreed upon is determined. Another transmission addressed to each of the collaborative constituents in the set of remaining collaborative constituents is formed, the another transmission including the remaining parameters for the loyalty program. 1. A computer-implemented method for collaboration , comprising:providing a loyalty platform in communication with a transaction handler, the loyalty platform configured to be accessed by a plurality of collaborative users through at least one user interface, the plurality of collaborative users comprising a plurality of merchant users and at least one financial institution user;storing, in at least one database, loyalty program information for a plurality of loyalty programs, wherein each loyalty program of the plurality of loyalty programs corresponds to a plurality of loyalty program parameters;receiving, from at least one collaborative user of the plurality of collaborative users, a selection of at least one pre-existing loyalty program of the plurality of loyalty programs, the at least one pre-existing loyalty program corresponding to a subset of loyalty program parameters;creating a set of loyalty program parameters based at least partially on the subset of loyalty program parameters and input received from other collaborative users of the plurality of collaborative users, the set of loyalty program parameters comprising at least a first loyalty program parameter from the subset of loyalty program parameters and at least one other loyalty program parameter;identifying a group of collaborative users that have agreed to the set of ...

Apparatus, system and method for securing wheeled shipping carts within a shipping container

An apparatus, system and method for securing wheeled shipping carts within a shipping container. The apparatus, system and method for securing wheeled shipping carts within a shipping container secures the shipping racks across the width of the container and vertically, and then end-to-end inside the length of the container from the fixed end of the container to the doors as the container is loaded. In addition, the system and method secures wheeled shipping carts within a shipping container using a securing apparatus installed within the shipping container to constrain the wheeled shipping carts both vertically and horizontally in location during transport.

Cytokine concentration system

Apparatus and methods for producing interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and/or other prophylatically or therapeutically effective protein. Blood is obtained from a patient with a conventional syringe and then introduced into dual luer lock centrifuge tube. The dual luer lock centrifuge tube is provided with beads that are coated with a silanized coating. The container is then incubated and centrifuged. Subsequent to the incubation and the centrifugation, the serum containing autologous therapeutically active protein, such as IL-1Ra, in the container is withdrawn through the luer lock of the container, and injected back into the patient.

Method for producing therapeutically active proteins

Loyalty program incentive determination

The eligibility of an transaction between a consumer and a merchant toward an incentive for a loyalty program is determined using a globally unique identifier (GUID) matching algorithm. Information characterizing the transaction may include a GUID for the merchant and a GUID for an account of the consumer on which the transaction is payable. The GUIDs are each matched against GUIDs of merchants and accounts stored in a database, some of which are distinguished as loyalty program participants. When both the GUID for the merchant and the GUID for the account match with respective GUIDs in the database that are distinguished as loyalty program participants, the transaction is eligible toward the incentive.

Composite fluid filtering medium

Abstract of the Disclosure A layer of open cell polyurethane foam adhered to a layer of a non-woven fibrous material of fine porosity relative to the foam results in an efficient fluid (e.g., air) filtering medium having a high capacity for retaining particulate contaminants. The combined layers are useful as an air filter element.

Real-time awards determinations

The present invention provides systems and methods for facilitating transactions with real- time awards determinations for a cardholder. Each transaction includes transaction information, where the transaction information includes: cardholder information, merchant information, and a transaction amount. An engine determines if an award should be granted based on award criteria, such that the engine compares the transaction information with each award criterion in order to determine if the award should be granted in real-time with the transaction by the cardholder.

Tissue use for repair of injury

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

Fully-automatic telephone directory assistance apparatus and method

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A telephone system wherein any one of a large number of telephones is connectible to a local directory-assistance request processor. The name of a subscriber whose telephone number is sought is entered through a con-nected telephone by spelling out the subscriber's name with the standard telephone push buttons, using the grouped alphabetic designators on those buttons. The resulting decimal signals are stored in the request processor, and also are forwarded by a digital transmission system to the appropriate one of a number of directory processors each having a subscriber data base in alphanumeric code. A look-up is carried out to locate the alphanumeric code data identifying the subscriber's name corresponding to the originally-entered decimal request signals, and the located alphanumeric information including name and tele-phone number is sent back through the digital transmission system to the request processor. The alphanumeric code data is used at that processor to control a voice-response unit which directs to the originating telephone corre-sponding speech signals identifying the subscriber's name and telephone number.

Rebate automation

A computer receives information that a request is made to authorize a transaction for a sale of a product by a merchant to an account holder in a transaction conducted on a consumer account issued to the account holder. When the computer confirms that the transaction is authorized and that the transaction occurs within a predetermined time period for which there is a rebate associated with the product and a corresponding sponsor financially responsible for the rebate, the computer communicates that the rebate is to be debited to an account of the sponsor and either: (i) given as a discount by the merchant at the point of sale to the account holder; or (ii) credited to an account issued to the account holder by the issuer.

Loyalty program parameter collaboration

Collaborative constituents collaborate to develop a loyalty program within a transaction processing system. Transmissions addressed to the collaborative constituents are formed and received from the collaborative constituents containing suggested parameters for the loyalty program. At least one remaining parameter for the loyalty program that a set of remaining collaborative constituents have agreed upon is determined. Another transmission addressed to each of the collaborative constituents in the set of remaining collaborative constituents is formed, the another transmission including the remaining parameters for the loyalty program.

Method for preparing a radiation therapy plan

A method for determining a radiation treatment plan for a radiotherapy system providing multiple individual rays of intensity modulated radiation iteratively optimized the fluence of an initial set of such rays by a function that requires knowledge of only the prescribed dose and the dose resulting from the particular ray fluences. In this way, the need to store individual dose distributions of each ray are eliminated.

Loyalty program parameter collaboration

Collaborative constituents collaborate to develop a loyalty program within a transaction processing system. Transmissions addressed to the collaborative constituents are formed and received from the collaborative constituents containing suggested parameters for the loyalty program. At least one remaining parameter for the loyalty program that a set of remaining collaborative constituents have agreed upon is determined. Another transmission addressed to each of the collaborative constituents in the set of remaining collaborative constituents is formed, the another transmission including the remaining parameters for the loyalty program.

Turbine blade monitoring

A blade monitoring system and method for a turbine assembly comprising rotating blades ( 14 ), the system comprising at least one sensor ( 10, 12 ) for transmitting a signal towards said rotating blades and detecting a time-varying return signal therefrom, and one or more processors ( 20 ) configured to calculate the time derivative of said return signal, generate a phase variation signal for said time derivative, determine minima points within said phase variation signal and measure said signal at said minima points so as to identify data representative of respective minimum path lengths, each said minimum path length corresponding to the returned signal as each respective blade passes said sensor, and generate, using said minimum path lengths, a time series of data representing the returned signal from individual blades as they pass the sensor.

Composite fluid filtering medium and method of making

A layer of open cell polyurethane foam adhered to a layer of a non-woven fibrous material of fine porosity relative to the foam results in an efficient fluid (e.g., air) filtering medium having a high capacity for retaining particulate contaminants. The combined layers are useful as an air filter element.

Method of continuously producing nano-sized aei-type zeolites

A method of continuously forming AEI-type zeolites in a tubular reactor via a hydrothermal synthesis. A gel composition formed upon using this method includes one or more sources of silica, alumina, organic structure directing agents (OSDA), alkali metal ions; water; and optionally zeolite seeds. This gel composition is defined by the molar ratios of SiO 2 /AI 2 O 3 15:1 to 100:1; M 2 O/SiO 2 0.15:1 to 0.30:1; ROH/SiO 2 0.05:1 to 0.2:1; and H 2 O/SiO 2 5:1 to 20:1; wherein M is the alkali metal ion and R is an organic moiety derived from the OSDA. This gel composition, after reacting at a temperature between 180°C to about 220°C for less than 2 hours forms the crystalline AEI-type zeolite having a silica to alumina ratio ( SiO 2 /AI 2 O 3 ) that is greater than 14:1.

Multiplexing voice storage readout system

Systems and methods for facilitating issuance and redemption of a reward

A computing apparatus is configured to receive, from a transaction handler of a payment network, an authorization request for a payment transaction. The authorization request identifies a full transaction amount, as well as information identifying the merchant and the cardholder involved in the transaction. The computing apparatus is configured to determine the cardholder's eligibility to receive a reward based on information provided in the authorization request, as well as offer information stored in association with the account information of the cardholder. When the cardholder is eligible for a reward, the computing apparatus deducts a reward amount from the transaction amount to authorize a partial amount for the transaction and provides a partial authorization response for the payment transaction. The partial authorization response may optionally include a description of the offer, the reward and/or an identifier of the offer.

Catalyst comprising ceria-zirconia-oxygen storage material and process for its production

Methods and instruments for forming non-circular cartilage grafts

Techniques and instruments for knee replacement surgery that allow for the removal of an oval oblong-shaped allograft bone and cartilage plug from a donor distal femur. The instruments include (i) sizing guides to match the recipient's femoral size and curvature to that of a donor femur (the sizing guides also acting as a wide pin placement template for the donor distal femur); (ii) osteotomes that cut the curved and straight portions of the implant shape (these may be disposable or reusable); and (iii) templates that fit over the guide pins and have openings to allow the osteotomes to cut the donor femur plug to the correct size, shape and depth. The instruments allow for a non-circular shape to be extracted from a donor femur for use in a bone-saving osteoarthritis distal femur resurfacing procedure.

Merchant offer program

A value of an incentive in a loyalty program is debited from a funding balance and credited to an account used in a transaction that qualifies for the incentive. A computing device receives a plurality of transactions upon accounts issued to account holders by corresponding issuers. After the transactions that qualify for the incentive are cleared and settled, funds matching the value of the incentive is transferred from a funding balance of the sponsor of the incentive to the account used in the qualified transaction. The issuer's interchange fee remains intact after the credit is applied.

Method implemented by computer and server

MÉTODO IMPLEMENTADO POR COMPUTADOR E SERVIDOR. A presente invenção refere-se a um valor de um incentivo em um programa de fidelidade é debitado de um saldo de financiamento e creditado em uma conta usada em uma transação que é qualificada para o incentivo. Um dispositivo de computação recebe uma pluralidade de transações em contas emitidas para os correntistas pelos emitentes correspondentes. Depois que as transações que são qualificadas para o incentivo são compensadas e liquidadas, fundos que são equiparados ao valor do incentivo são transferidos de um saldo de financiamento do patrocinador do incentivo para a conta usada na transação qualificada. A taxa de intercâmbio do emitente permanece intacta depois da aplicação do crédito. METHOD IMPLEMENTED BY COMPUTER AND SERVER. The present invention relates to an amount of an incentive in a loyalty program being debited from a financing balance and credited to an account used in a transaction that is eligible for the incentive. A computing device receives a plurality of account transactions issued to account holders by the corresponding issuers. After transactions that are eligible for the incentive are cleared and settled, funds that are matched to the incentive amount are transferred from an incentive sponsor funding balance to the account used in the eligible transaction. The issuer's exchange rate remains intact after the credit is applied.

Patent FR1558044A

Process for producing nano-scale crystalline boehmite

A crystalline Boehmite product and a method of forming said product is provided in which the crystalline Boehmite exhibits an average particle size (d50) that is less than 7,000 nanometers. This method comprises preparing an aqueous slurry by mixing together water, large aluminum oxide precursors, a highly dispersible Boehmite grade, and optionally, an organic dispersing agent; adjusting the pH of the slurry; heating the slurry for a predetermined duration of time; collecting the slurry to form a wet cake; and drying the wet cake to obtain the crystalline Boehmite product. The crystalline Boehmite product may be mixed with a plastic resin to form a flame retardant plastic mixture, which can be subjected to a conventional plastic processing method to form a flame retardant composite.

Consumer commercial behavior modification through multiple merchant incentive program

A multi-provider rewards program in which rewards are awarded for a series of transactions using an account in a transaction processing system. The transaction processing system includes at least one issuer, at least one acquirer, a plurality of resource providers, a transaction handler, a rewards program rule implementer having access to the rewards program database, and an implementer processor. The implementer processor receives transaction data whenever a transaction occurs using the consumer account, uses the transaction data to determine when a consumer has performed the separate transactions associated with each of a plurality of merchants that are required by a rewards rule and when a consumer has performed the separate transactions with each of the plurality of resource providers, and identifies a reward for the consumer that performed the transactions.

Method and device for reading characters

Replication control using eventually consistent meta-data

The present invention provides a method, system and computer program product for replication control using eventually consistent meta-data. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for replication control using eventually consistent meta-data is provided. The method includes replicating data in a replication data processing system of nodes coupled to one another over a computer communications network. The method also includes replicating meta-data representing the state of the replication data processing system into a data structure of eventually consistent meta-data. Finally, the method includes managing the replication of the data according to the replicated meta-data.

Arc-Sequencing Technique for Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy

The invention is directed to a radiation therapy method, and in particular, to a method of conducting an intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT). The invention provides a planning technique that translates traditional static fixed-field IMRT plans into deliverable IMAT plans and allows IMAT to be realized as a routine clinical delivery technique.

Serial number checking and filling apparatus

Method for preparing a radiation therapy plan

A method for determining a radiation treatment plan for a radiotherapy system providing multiple individual rays of intensity modulated radiation iteratively optimized the fluence of an initial set of such rays by a function that requires knowledge of only the prescribed dose and the dose resulting from the particular ray fluences. In this way, the need to store individual dose distributions of each ray are eliminated.

Inorganic materials for composite separator in electrochemical cells

An electrochemical cell that includes a positive electrode with an active material acting as a cathode; a negative electrode with an active material acting as an anode; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the positive electrode and negative electrode. In one embodiment, the separator includes an inorganic material, i.e., a type of boehmite, formed of nanometer-sized particles and optionally one or more binders and/or ceramic particles. In a second embodiment, at least one of the cathode, the anode, the electrolyte, and the separator includes the boehmite particles, which absorb one or more of moisture and/or hydrogen fluoride that become present in the cell. One or more of the cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery.

Process for producing nano-scale crystalline boehmite

A crystalline Boehmite product and a method of forming said product is provided in which the crystalline Boehmite exhibits an average particle size (d50) that is less than 7,000 nanometers. This method comprises preparing an aqueous slurry by mixing together water, large aluminum oxide precursors, a highly dispersible Boehmite grade, and optionally, an organic dispersing agent; adjusting the pH of the slurry; heating the slurry for a predetermined duration of time; collecting the slurry to form a wet cake; and drying the wet cake to obtain the crystalline Boehmite product. The crystalline Boehmite product may be mixed with a plastic resin to form a flame retardant plastic mixture, which can be subjected to a conventional plastic processing method to form a flame retardant composite.

DEVICE FOR CREATING A RADIATION TREATMENT PLAN

Zeolite coated on electrodes for batteries

A cell for use in an electrochemical cell, that includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and a separator in the form of a zeolite-based material comprising one or more naturally occurring or synthetically synthesized zeolites applied directly to at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive electrode configured so that non-reactive metal ions are reversibly extracted there from and inserted therein. The negative electrode configured to reversibly accept and release the non-reactive metal ions. The electrolyte positioned between and in contact with the negative electrode and the positive electrode, such that the electrolyte supports a reversible flow of the non-reactive metal ions between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator being configured to electrically isolate the positive electrode from the negative electrode, while being permeable to the reversible flow of the non-reactive metal ions there through.

Method and suture-button construct for stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle

A method for stabilization of a cranial cruciate ligament in canines using a suture-button construct. The method includes the steps of drilling a hole across the femur and the tibia, passing a needle with a pull-through suture strand through the femoral hole, and applying a tensile force to the pull-through suture strand and a suture tape such that a first button lies sideways for passage through the femoral hole, advancing the first button through the femoral hole until the first button exits the femoral hole, passing the needle with the pull-through suture strand through the tibial hole, applying a tensile force to the pull-through suture strand and the suture tape such that the first button lies sideways for passage through the tibial hole, flipping the first button to engage it against the tibia, pulling free ends of the suture tape to advance a second button and to seat and secure it against the femur.

An alumina silicate zeolite-type material for use as a catalyst in selective catalytic reduction and process of making thereof

Nano-rare-earth oxide doped support for trapping of nox and/or sox

An inorganic oxide material doped with nano-rare earth oxide particles that is capable of trapping one or more of NO_xor SO_xat a temperature that is less than 400°C. The nano-rare earth oxide particles have a particle size that is less than 10 nanometers. The catalyst support can trap at least 0.5% NO₂at a temperature less than 350°C and/or at least 0.4% SO₂at a temperature less than 325°C. The catalyst support can trap at least 0.5% NO₂and/ or at least 0.2% SO₂at a temperature that is less than 250°C after being aged at 800°C for 16 hours in a 10% steam environment. The catalyst support exhibits at least a 25% increase in capacity for at least one of NO_xor SO_xtrapping at a temperature that is less than 400°C when compared to a conventional rare earth doped support in a 10% steam environment.

Method and system for electronic incentive distribution and task management

A method of manufacturer incentive distribution to consumers is provided the method comprises receiving a first list from a consumer, the first list having at least one item the consumer wishes to purchase, receiving an incentive from at least one incentive provider, the incentive being associated with a keyword on a second list of keywords, comparing the keyword in the second list to the at least one item in the first list, creating a third list which includes the incentive associated with the keyword if the keyword matches the at least one item in the first list, transmitting the third list to the consumer to permit the consumer to choose the incentive, receiving the consumer's choice of the incentive; and transmitting to the consumer the incentive.

Merchant offer program

A value of an incentive in a loyalty program is debited from a funding balance and credited to an account used in a transaction that qualifies for the incentive. A computing device receives a plurality of transactions upon accounts issued to account 5 holders by corresponding issuers. After the transactions that qualify for the incentive are cleared and settled, funds matching the value of the incentive is transferred from a funding balance of the sponsor of the incentive to the account used in the qualified transaction. The issuer's interchange fee remains intact after the credit is applied. f- 100 ------- + 16 ------ Figure 1

Method and suture-button construct for stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle

An apparatus and method for stabilization of a cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle in canines using a suture-button construct. The method includes the steps of drilling a femoral hole across a distal femur, passing a needle with a pull-through suture strand of a suture-button construct through the femoral hole, and applying a tensile force to the pull-through suture strand and a suture tape or strand of the construct such that a first button of the suture-button construct lies sideways for passage through the femoral hole, advancing the first button through the femoral hole by pulling the pull-through suture strand until the first button exits the femoral hole, drilling a tibial hole and passing the needle with the pull-through suture strand through the tibial hole, applying a tensile force to the pull-through suture strand and the suture tape or strand of the construct such that the first button lies sideways for passage through the tibial hole, flipping the first button to engage the first button against the medial tibial cortex and subsequently cutting and removing the pull-through suture strand, pulling free ends of the suture tape or strand to advance a second button of the suture-button construct and to seat the second button against the femur, and securing the second button against the femur.

Reproduction system

Method of making mesoporous oxygen storage materials for exhaust gas treatment; said oxygen storage materials and their use

A method of making an oxygen storage material (OSM) with developed mesoporosity having a small fraction of pores <10 nm (fresh or aged), and resistance to thermal sintering is provided. This OSM is suitable for use as a catalyst and catalyst support. The method of making this oxygen storage material (OSM) includes the preparation of a solution containing pre-polymerized zirconium oligomers, cerium, rare earth and transition metal salts; the interaction of this solution with a complexing agent that has an affinity towards zirconium; the formation of a zirconium-based precursor; and the co-precipitation of all constituent metal hydroxide with a base.

Tissue use for repair of injury

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

High removal rate chemical mechanical polish for ophthalmic polishing

A formulation that is an aqueous dispersion of abrasive particles and a surfactant configured to polish an external surface of plastic ophthalmic lens is provided along with a method of using such formulation to polish such lens. This formulation has a viscosity of about 1 cP to about 25 cP with a total solids content in the range of about 15 wt.% to about 40 wt.%. The abrasive particles are a mixture of crystallized alpha alumina and theta alumina; wherein the alpha alumina is present in an amount ranging from 50 wt.% to 80 wt.% and the theta alumina is present in an amount ranging from 50 wt.% to 20 wt.% relative to the overall weight of the abrasive particles. The formulation is configured to remove plastic material at a rate of at least 8 mg/min when measured in a conventional lens polisher with an uncut plastic ophthalmic lens.

Inorganic materials for use in a lithium-ion secondary battery

A negative electrode for use in an electrochemical cell, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery that includes a positive electrode with an active material that acts as a cathode and a current collector; a negative electrode with an active material that acts as an anode and a current collector; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a separator placed between the positive and negative electrodes. The negative electrode, includes an inorganic additive dispersed therein or applied as a coating thereon, the inorganic additive being in the form of one or more zeolites having a Si: Al ratio ranging from 1- 50 that absorbs one or more of moisture, free transition metal ions, or hydrogen fluoride that become present in the cell. One or more of the cells may be combined in a housing to form a lithium-ion secondary battery.

Zeolite-based composite separator for a lithium-ion secondary battery and manufacturing method thereof

A separator for use in an electrochemical cell, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, that includes a plurality of first inorganic particles, one or more second inorganic particles, a polymeric binder, wherein the weight ratio of the first inorganic particles to the second inorganic particles is in the range from 1:99 to 99:1 and the weight ratio of the combined first and second inorganic particles to the polymeric binder is in the range from 50:50 to 99:1. The inorganic particles being a type of Li-exchanged zeolite having a lithium (Li) concentration in the range of 0.1 wt. % to 20 wt. % and a sodium (Na) concentration that is lower than 5 wt. %, based on the overall weight of the Li-exchanged zeolite. The second inorganic particles being different in composition than the first inorganic particles and having a sodium (Na) concentration in the range of 0.005 wt. % to 1.0 wt. %.

Verfahren zum Lesen einzelner Schriftzeichen

Apparatus for extracting energy from winds at high altitudes

Zeolite-based composite separator for a lithium-ion secondary battery and manufacturing method thereof

A separator for use in an electrochemical cell, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, that includes a plurality of first inorganic particles, one or more second inorganic particles, a polymeric binder, wherein the weight ratio of the first inorganic particles to the second inorganic particles is in the range from 1:99 to 99:1 and the weight ratio of the combined first and second inorganic particles to the polymeric binder is in the range from 50:50 to 99:1. The inorganic particles being a type of Li-exchanged zeolite having a lithium (Li) concentration in the range of 0.1 wt.% to 20 wt.% and a sodium (Na) concentration that is lower than 5 wt.%, based on the overall weight of the Li-exchanged zeolite. The second inorganic particles being different in composition than the first inorganic particles and having a sodium (Na) concentration in the range of 0.005 wt.% to 1.0 wt.%.

High removal rate chemical mechanical polish for ophthalmic polishing

A formulation that is an aqueous dispersion of abrasive particles and a surfactant configured to polish an external surface of plastic ophthalmic lens is provided along with a method of using such formulation to polish such lens. This formulation has a viscosity of about 1 cP to about 25 cP with a total solids content in the range of about 15 wt.% to about 40 wt.%. The abrasive particles are a mixture of crystallized alpha alumina and theta alumina; wherein the alpha alumina is present in an amount ranging from 50 wt.% to 80 wt.% and the theta alumina is present in an amount ranging from 50 wt.% to 20 wt.% relative to the overall weight of the abrasive particles. The formulation is configured to remove plastic material at a rate of at least 8 mg/min when measured in a conventional lens polisher with an uncut plastic ophthalmic lens.

Tissue hybrid for use in repairing, reconstructing or regenerating musculoskeletal degenerative processes or injuries

The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

High altitude wind motor