Tunable spectral filtration device

A tunable spectral filtration device is disclosed that includes one or more pairs of interference filters in series, wherein each element of each pair is independently selected from one or more options, independently positioned to intersect a path of converging or diverging light, and independently tilted with respect to the light path. Each filter may be either of a bandpass type, a shortpass type, a longpass type, a notch type, or multiple combinations thereof. Each filter in the series may be independently selected and tilted to tune the net spectral output of the series. The elements in a pair of filters may be tilted in opposite directions so as to cancel angle-of incidence dependent broadening of the spectral output of the individual filters for noncollimated light, as well as cancel translational shift of the transmitted light rays. The elements in a pair of filters may be tilted through orthogonal tilt axes so as to cancel polarization dependent broadening of the spectral output of the individual filters for light whose polarization state is a superposition of nonzero parallel and perpendicular components relative to the tilt axes.

Periodontal treatment system and method

Methods and apparatuses for treating a root canal in a tooth or hard and/or soft tissue within a tooth and surrounding tissues by pulsing a laser light into a reservoir, preferably after introducing liquid fluid into the reservoir, so as to disintegrate, separate, or otherwise neutralize pulp, plaque, calculus, and/or bacteria within and adjacent the fluid reservoir without elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, bones, gums, other soft tissues, other hard tissues, and any other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Home Medical Device Systems and Methods for Therapy Prescription and Tracking, Servicing and Inventory

A home medical device system includes a plurality of home therapy machines that perform a home therapy on a patient; a connectivity server; a system hub coupled to the home therapy machines through the connectivity server; a web portal configured to access the system hub; a plurality of clinics connected to the system hub via the web portal; and a website accessible via the web portal, the website including a patient portion available to patients using the plurality of home therapy machines, the website further including a clinician portion that enables the clinics to manage the home therapy machines.

Siding Identification Systems and Methods

A method for identifying siding includes receiving particular texture data associated with a physical texture of a particular siding sample, accessing a reference database including reference texture data associated with physical texture of multiple different reference siding samples, performing an automated texture data analysis by analyzing the particular texture data associated with the particular siding sample and the reference texture data associated with different reference siding samples, and automatically identifying at least one reference siding sample that matches the particular siding sample based at least on the automated texture data analysis. The particular texture data associated with the physical texture of the particular siding sample may comprise a digital image, such as a photographic or scanned image of the particular siding sample, or a photographic or scanned image of an ink image physically transferred from the particular siding sample onto a substrate.

Nanoparticulate Compositions for Targeted Delivery of Acid Labile, Lipophilic Prodrugs of Cancer Chemotherapeutics and Their Preparation

In one embodiment, the present application discloses synthetic LDL nanoparticles comprising mixtures of components selected from the group consisting of phospholipids, triglycerides, cholesterol ester and free cholesterol; optionally further comprising an agent selected from the group consisting of natural antioxidants, ubiquinol and vitamin E, and methods for preparing the synthetic nanoparticles. The disclosed synthetic LDL nanoparticles are capable of selectively delivering lipophilic drugs and prodrugs to cellular targets expressing LDL receptors after intra venous injection.

Subsystem firewalls

The disclosed technology is generally directed to firewalls. In one example of the technology, a first firewall is used such that communication is blocked from a first subsystem of a device upon boot of the device. The first firewall is enabled to be configured by secure code subsequent to boot such that code that is not secure code is prevented from configuring the first firewall. After configuration of the first firewall, based on the configuration, the first firewall is used to selectively allow the first subsystem access to the first memory based on ranges of addresses of the first memory configured as accessible to the first subsystem.

DUAL COIL IGNITION SYSTEM

A method of responding to a detected blowout in a coil ignition system is provided in this disclosure. The method includes receiving a characteristic regarding operation of a coil ignition system; determining a blowout condition exists for the coil ignition system based on the characteristic; and providing a command to the coil ignition system based on the determination that the blowout condition exists, wherein the command is structured to reduce a residual charge amount in the coil ignition system. 1. An apparatus , comprising: receive a characteristic regarding operation of a coil ignition system; and', 'determine a blowout condition exists for the coil ignition system based on the characteristic;, 'a blowout module structured toa residual charge module structured to provide a command to the coil ignition system based on the determination that the blowout condition exists, wherein the command is structured to reduce a residual charge amount in the coil ignition system.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the characteristic includes a secondary current level claim 1 , wherein the blowout module is structured to determine that the blowout condition exists based on the secondary current level at a threshold value.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the threshold value is zero amperes.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the command stops restriking in the coil ignition system.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the command increases a dwell time of a restrike upon determination of the blowout condition existing.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the increase in dwell time corresponds to a time increase in charging a primary coil in the coil ignition system relative to a time duration for charging the primary coil prior to the blowout condition being determined.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the command is a spark from an ignitor of the coil ignition system.8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the command is structured to cause the spark during an ...

Chromatography methods

This application discloses, in part, 1) a stationary phase column and compression designs for preparative chromatography, 2) a method of improving performance of silica gel chromatography by controlling the hydration of silica gel and acidifying the mobile phase, and 3) a method of extending the life of a silica gel column packing by cleaning or regenerating the silica gel stationary phase.

Home therapy machine allowing patient device program selection

A computer readable medium stores instructions configured to cause a home therapy machine to allow an at home patient selection of a device program from a plurality of device programs stored on the home therapy machine and perform an at home treatment using fluid flow equipment provided by the home therapy machine according to the selected device program. The instructions are further configured to receive data generated during the at home treatment and generate at least one log file based upon the received data.

Sweetened food product and method of preparation

Described are coated food products having a sugar (sucrose) coating, the coating exhibiting desirable levels of sucrose crystallinity and a desired sucrose ratio (total sucrose per total soluble solids), as well as methods or preparing such coated food products and coating.

DUAL COIL IGNITION SYSTEM

A method of responding to a detected blowout in a coil ignition system is provided in this disclosure. The method includes receiving a characteristic regarding operation of a coil ignition system; determining a blowout condition exists for the coil ignition system based on the characteristic; and providing a command to the coil ignition system based on the determination that the blowout condition exists, wherein the command is structured to reduce a residual charge amount in the coil ignition system. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a coil signal generator module structured to alternate a leading coil in a multi-coil ignition system; anda charging module structured to determine whether a coil of the multi-coil ignition system is operational based on operation data regarding the coil relative to an operational threshold when the coil is the leading coil.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the operational threshold is a time threshold for reaching a charging current threshold and the operation data is a time duration to reach the charging current threshold.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the charging module is structured to determine the coil is non-operational based on the time duration being greater than or equal to the time threshold.4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the charging module is structured to determine the coil is operational based on the time duration being less than the time threshold.5. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the charging current threshold includes at least one of a voltage and a current suitable for causing a spark from an ignitor of the multi-coil ignition system.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the coil signal generator module is structured to alternate the leading coil each engine cycle.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the coil ignition system includes a first set of primary and secondary coils claim 1 , a second set of primary and secondary coils claim 1 , and an ignitor electrically coupled to each of the first and ...

Periodontal treatment system and method

Methods and apparatuses for treating a root canal in a tooth or hard and/or soft tissue within a tooth and surrounding tissues by pulsing a laser light into a reservoir, preferably after introducing liquid fluid into the reservoir, so as to disintegrate, separate, or otherwise neutralize pulp, plaque, calculus, and/or bacteria within and adjacent the fluid reservoir without elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, bones, gums, other soft tissues, other hard tissues, and any other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Anti-backout mechanism

Methods and devices for locking a fastener in a thru-bore are provided herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal anchor is provided that includes a bone engaging fastener, an anti-backout mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The anti-backout mechanism can be movable between a retracted position in which it is disposed within the fastener and a deployed position in which is extends from the bone engaging fastener. The locking mechanism can be matable to the bone engaging fastener and can be configured to move the anti-backout mechanism from the retracted position to the deployed position. In the deployed position, the anti-backout mechanism can prevent the bone engaging fastener from backing out of a thru-bore in a spinal plate.

Home renal therapy machine

A renal therapy system is disclosed. In an example, a renal therapy system includes a dialysis fluid pump, a control processor for controlling a treatment performed by the dialysis fluid pump, and a user interface device in operable communication with the control processor.

Batch dialysate chemical vessel with machine-readable indicator

A vessel storing a batch of chemicals for delivery into a dialysate preparation tank includes a machine readable indicator, permitting automatic identification of the contents of the vessel prior to operating the vessel and introduction of chemicals into a tank where the dialysate solution is mixed. Various types of machine-readable indicators may be used, such as, for example, "touch" memory buttons, bar codes, or magnetic strips. Suitable reading devices for the machine-readable indicators are provided for reading the contents of the bottle.

Filter integrity test method for dialysis machines

A method is described for automatically testing the integrity of a dialyzer filter within a dialysis machine. The method consists of substantially removing fluids which may be present from the blood side of the dialyzer filter, pumping air into the blood side of the dialyzer filter with a blood pump to pressurize the dialyzer filter, and measuring the pressurization of the dialyzer filter. If the dialyzer filter pressurizes, the rate of decay of pressurization is measured. The pressurization and rate of decay are indicative of the integrity of the membrane of the dialyzer filter.

Home medical device systems and methods for therapy prescription and tracking, servicing and inventory

A home medical device system includes a plurality of home therapy machines that perform a home therapy on a patient; a connectivity server; a system hub coupled to the home therapy machines through the connectivity server; a web portal configured to access the system hub; a plurality of clinics connected to the system hub via the web portal; and a website accessible via the web portal, the website including a patient portion available to patients using the plurality of home therapy machines, the website further including a clinician portion that enables the clinics to manage the home therapy machines.

Cardioplegia three-way double stopcock

A three-way double stopcock and associated tubing is disclosed with which to connect both a cardioplegia solution source and a pressure monitor for the solution selectively and alternatively to either an antegrade cardioplegia catheter or a retrograde cardioplegia catheter. The stopcock includes a hollow valve body with three solution infusion ports communicating to the interior thereof in a coplanar arrangement at a first longitudinal point on the valve body. Three cardioplegia pressure monitoring ports also communicate through the valve body to the interior thereof at a second longitudinal position distinct from the first. Mounted in the valve body is a cylindrical valve core selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof between a first position in which the cardioplegia solution source and the pressure monitor are coupled to the antegrade cannula and a second position in which the cardioplegia solution source and the pressure monitor are coupled to the retrograde catheter. Formed in the valve core are a set of valving passageways for communicating with selective of the infusion ports and a set of valving passageways for communicating with selective of the pressure monitoring ports.

Multiple-layer polyolefin films

A multiple-layer film comprises an oriented propylene polymer substrate with a heat-sealable layer comprising an ethylene polymer of density not exceeding 0.95 g cm -3 and containing a spherical, non-agglomerating additive of particle size not exceeding 5.0 μm. Such films offer improved blocking- and abrasion-resistance, and are of utility in high-speed packaging operations.

Composite heat-sealable films

A multiple-layer heat-sealable film comprising a polyolefin substrate layer having on at least one surface thereof a heat-sealable layer comprising a random copolymer of propylene with from greater than 4 to 10 wt% of ethylene, the copolymer having a degree of randomness of greater than 2.5.

Light weight draft sill

The present invention provides a lightweight draft sill end casting for use with railroad cars. The cast draft sill has side walls, front and rear stops, front and rear rib sets and a center plate that are cast as a unit. The draft sill has an open area between the tops of the side walls between the front and rear stops, with a cast metal span connecting the two side walls. The cast metal span may comprise one or more spacer bars or part of a top wall. The cast metal span is in the area between the planes of the front stops and the rear stops. The front and rear stops are spaced below the tops of the side walls. In one embodiment, there are additional lightener holes in each side wall between the ribs in the rear rib set and in the pocket. The total weight of the cast draft sill is not substantially greater than the weight of a comparable fabricated draft sill of substantially the same size, and has a greater fatigue life. The total open area connecting the interior and the exterior of the draft sill between the front stop plane and the rear stop plane is at least 130 square inches.

Method and apparatus for handling pseudo identities

An electronic device is configured for use by a user who is a natural person, and has a network port through which the user can access an electronic network. The device can receive through the network port an information request intended for presentation to the user, the information request including a request for an actual identifier associated with the user. The device can respond to the information request in a manner that includes activating within the device a manager portion thereof that facilitates providing the information request with a pseudo identifier in place of the actual identifier.

Alignment of differently sized printheads in a printer

An inkjet printer is disclosed with mixed print resolution capabilities. The printed dots have a high resolution monochrome component such as black and lower resolution components such as cyan, magenta and yellow. For increased throughput, a higher resolution black printhead has a wider swath. Various alignments between the printheads and printed dots are disclosed. In one embodiment, the top edges of the smaller color printheads are aligned in a scanning carriage at or near the top of the wider black printhead. In other embodiments, the bottom edges of the smaller color printheads are aligned at or near the bottom of the wider black printhead. In another embodiment, the small color printheads are centered with the wider black printhead.

Blending for density specifications using Fischer-Tropsch diesel fuel

The present invention includes a method for adjusting a fluid density. In one embodiment, a method for upgrading a petroleum-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction comprises providing a synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction, wherein the synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction is derived from synthesis gas, and further wherein the synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction and the petroleum-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction have a difference in density at 15° C. of at least about 60 kg/m 3 ; and blending both fractions so as to form a blend suitable for use as a diesel or diesel blendstock, wherein the blend has a density at 15° C. equal to or more than about 800 kg/m 3 ; alternatively or additionally, equal to or less than about 860 kg/m 3 . The blending is also effective in reducing the sulfur content of the petroleum-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction. In preferred embodiments, the synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction is a Fischer-Tropsch diesel.

Method for providing imaging substance for use in an imaging device via a virtual replenishment

A method for providing a virtual replenishing of a supply item with an imaging substance includes the steps communicating to a database a first serial number associated with a first supply item; comparing the first serial number with a plurality of serial numbers stored in the database; receiving from the database one of a first data indicating non-correspondence between the first serial number with one of the plurality of serial numbers and a second data indicating correspondence between the first serial number with one of the plurality of serial numbers, wherein the second data includes a verification key; and if the verification key corresponds to the first key stored in the memory associated with the first supply item, then performing the step of allocating at least a portion of a surplus amount of the imaging substance contained in the first supply item for use.

Acid-curable composition

The present disclosure relates to an acid-curable composition, comprising: a) a base component comprising a cationically self-curable oligomeric compound; b) a curing system for the cationically self-curable oligomeric compound, which comprises: i. an ionogenic compound comprising an anion and ammonium as a cation; and ii. water. According to another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a curing system suitable for an acid-curable composition comprising a cationically self-curable oligomeric compound. According to still another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing an acid-curable composition. In yet another aspect, the disclosure relates to the use of an acid-curable composition for industrial applications, in particular for thermal management applications in the automotive industry.

User interface and method for control of medical instruments, such as dialysis machines

A user interface for a medical instrument such as a dialysis machine is described which uses both a touch screen and at least one hard key off of the touch screen to effectuate a change in a parameter associated with the operation of the machine or the treatment session. The user interface is connected to a central computer control system having a host microprocessor and a backup safety microprocessor. The hard key is directly wired to the safety microprocessor. After the user selects a new parametric value on the touch screen, the user presses a hard key. The host and safety microprocessors implement a verification routine to insure that the entered parameter is appropriate for the patient's treatment and the display on the touch screen. If the verification procedure ends in a positive result, the user is prompted to presses a second hard key to confirm the change, causing an additional verification check to be performed. If the additional verification check is successful, the parametric value is entered into a memory (such as a hard disk) storing instructions for operation of the medical instrument.

Phage displayed Trp cage ligands

Trp cage binding domain polypeptides are disclosed. The Trp cage binding domains have the generic formulas of SEQ ID NO: 2, 7, 10 or 11. They can be efficiently produced and screened using phage display technology.

Phage displayed cell binding peptides

The present disclosure relates to the construction, expression, and selection of genes that encode novel Trp cage polypeptides with desirable cell and/or tissue binding properties, as well as the novel Trp cage polypeptides themselves. A polypeptide of this disclosure may contain all or part of amino acid sequence AAADX 1 YX 2 QWLX 3 X 4 X 5 GPX 6 SGRPPPX 7 (SEQ ID NO: 4), wherein X n represents an amino acid found in position n, the polypeptide comprising a tryptophan cage (Trp cage).

Intelligent agents for electronic commerce

A system for electronic commerce (10) having personal agents (12 and 13) that represent consumers and providers in a virtual marketplace (28). Consumer personal agents conceal the identity of the consumer and are capable of creating decision agents (14) that shop for products and assist consumers in comparing and ranking products. Provider personal agents are capable of creating demand agents (16) that quantify demand and target specific consumers without learning the identity of the consumers. Based on data generated by the activities of the decision agents and on preference data maintained by consumer personal agents, provider personal agents can quantify current, historical, and future demand, simulate demand, and target specific consumers for advertising and other messages. Provider personal agents can cooperate with consumer personal agents to collect data about reasons for sales and lost sales and to offer consideration payments to consumers. Consumer personal agents can automatically reject unsolicited messages that do not satisfy the consumer's preferences.

Skein winding fixture for miniature skein-wound stators

Liquid silane-based compositions and methods for producing silicon-based materials

Described herein are synthesis schemes and methods for producing silicon based nanostructures and materials, including compositions and methods for synthesis of silicon-based nanowires and composites from three-component and four-component liquid silane/polymer inks. Materials and methods for producing silicon based micro and nanofibers that can be used in a variety of applications including material composites, electronic devices, sensors, photodetectors, batteries, ultracapacitors, and photosensitive substrates, and the like.

Screening apparatus control

Method for applying electrical bus bars to a substrate

The present invention is an improved method of applying electrically conductive bus bars (24) to transparent or non-transparent substrates (22) such as glass, plastic and ceramics such as for an electrochromic device, an automobile window or architectural window and many other substrates which could benefit from being heated. The present invention discloses a method for applying the bus bars with a vapor deposition process using a suitable metal composition resulting in durable bus bars. The vapor deposition process disclosed can be used with numerous metal compositions resulting in bus bars of a relatively thin cross-section without the need for high temperature firing or baking.

Anti-c5 antibodies having improved pharmacokinetics

Method of manufacturing dough products via gas injection and accelerational mixing

Methods for making an uncooked extruded dough product are provided, comprising injecting gas into a pressurized dough before extruding a dough composition of pre-gelatinized starch comprising at least about 75 percent of amylopectin, flour, leavening agent and water through a die under conditions so that the dough composition does not exceed 140~F. throughout the extrusion process. The resulting dough product when cooked has a baked specific volume of greater than about 2.5 cc/g. Products of this process, including filled products, are also provided. Methods for injecting gas into dough for improved extrudability are also provided.

Modular home dialysis system

Blending for density specifications using fischer-tropsch diesel fuel

The present invention includes a method for adjusting a fluid density. In one embodiment, a method for upgrading a petroleum-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction comprises providing a synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction, wherein the synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction is derived from synthesis gas, and further wherein the synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction and the petroleum-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction have a difference in density at 15°C of at least about 60 kg/m3; and blending both fractions so as to form a blend suitable for use as a diesel or diesel blendstock, wherein the blend has a density at 15°C equal to or more than about 800 kg/m3; alternatively or additionally, equal to or less than about 860 kg/m3. The blending is also effective in reducing the sulfur content of the petroleum-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction. In preferred embodiments, the synthetically-derived hydrocarbonaceous fraction is a Fischer-Tropsch diesel.

Vehicle with occupancy-monitoring system and corresponding method

Trajectory modification of a spinning projectile by controlling the roll orientation of a decoupled portion of the projectile that has actuated aerodynamic surfaces

An apparatus and system for controlling the trajectory of a projectile having two rotationally decoupled sections, wherein the first section is rotationally decoupled from the second section. The first section of the projectile contains a navigation system. The first section also contains an actuator by which aero-control surfaces on the second section are actuated. The second section may have external aero-spin surfaces which provide a torque counter to the rotation of the base projectile. The apparatus and system also includes embodiments having applications for nose sections of projectiles.

Call management

A personal call management system allows a user to specify how incoming telephone calls should be handled. The user can specify various parameters including modes, filters, schedules, and the like. Incoming calls are routed to a specified telephone number, or sent to voicemail, or otherwise disposed of. Users can change modes manually or can specify automatic mode selection based on time of date, day of week, location, and/or other factors.

Modular type at-home artificial dialysis system

(57)【要約】 （修正有） 【課題】 在宅用血液透析システムにおいて透析器の信 頼性を自動的に試験する方法を提供する。 【解決手段】血液を患者から動脈側回路を介し前記透析 器までポンプ輸送すると共に静脈側回路を介し前記患者 まで戻し、前記透析器が血液側と透析液側とを有する膜 を備えており、前記方法は、前記膜の前記血液側に存在 しうる液体を実質的に除去するステップと、空気を前記 膜の前記血液側にポンプ輸送して前記透析器を加圧する ステップと、前記透析器の加圧度を測定するステップ と、前記透析器が加圧されれば、前記加圧の減衰速度を 測定するステップと、前記加圧度と減衰速度とで前記透 析器の膜の信頼性を示すステップと、を含含む方法。

Superparamagnetic transition metal iron oxygen nanoparticles

Thermal treatment of transition metal ferrite nanoparticles at moderate temperatures provides materials with desirable magnetic properties. A x Fe 3-x O 4 nanoparticles, e.g., with metal ratio from x=0.4 to 1.0, can be prepared according to standard solution micelle techniques. While the materials produced by micelle synthesis, such as CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles, appeared to be comprised of mainly the magnetite phase (e.g., CoFe 2 O 4 ) by x-ray diffraction, multiphase materials were observed after the transition metal ferrite nanoparticles were subjected to thermal treatment under nitrogen. Magnetization as a function of applied field and temperature reveal variations in saturation magnetization, coercivity, blocking temperature and Verwey transition temperature dependence as a function of composition. Extremely high saturation magnetization with low coercivity can be achieved with such compositions.

Home medical device systems and methods for therapy prescription and tracking, servicing and inventory

A home medical device system includes a plurality of home therapy machines that perform a home therapy on a patient; a connectivity server; a system hub coupled to the home therapy machines through the connectivity server; a web portal configured to access the system hub; a plurality of clinics connected to the system hub via the web portal; and a website accessible via the web portal, the website including a patient portion available to patients using the plurality of home therapy machines, the website further including a clinician portion that enables the clinics to manage the home therapy machines.

System and method for performing renal therapy at a home or dwelling of a patient

A method for performing renal therapy at a home or dwelling of a patient using a renal therapy machine includes electronically retrieving a doctor's prescription for renal therapy and based on the doctor's prescription, enabling electronic selection of supplies, including a dialyzer, at a first location other than the patient's home or dwelling by a person other than the patient. The method further includes electronically initiating a sending of the supplies and the renal therapy machine to the patient's home or dwelling.

Modular home dialysis system

Random array of micro-spheres for the analysis of nucleic acids

A method of identifying nucleic acid samples comprising: providing a mircoarray including a substrate coated with a composition including a population of micro-spheres dispersed in a fluid containing a gelling agent or a precursor to a gelling agent and immobilized at random positions on the substrate, at least one sub-population of said population micro-spheres containing an optical barcode generated from at least one colorant associated with the micro-spheres and including a nucleic acid probe sequence; contacting said array with a target nucleic acid sequence; and detecting the color barcode of said sub-population of micro-spheres due to the interaction of said probe nucleic acid sequence and said target nucleic acid sequence.

Intervertebral disc prosthesis

An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a first plate including a socket and a second plate comprising a recess. A core is sandwiched between the socket and the recess. The core includes a domed surface and a plug portion. The first plate is configured to rotate upon the domed surface of the core. The second plate is substantially fixed to the core, with the plug portion engaging the recess. The core may be press-fit into the second plate during assembly of the intervertebral disc prosthesis. The first plate and second plate both include tabs that define notches, wherein the notches are configured to engage prongs of a disc insertion tool. Teeth provided on the first plate and the second plate assist in fixing the first plate and the second plate to the vertebral bodies.

Railway car center filler plate

Center filler plates for mounting on draft sills of railway car underframes are disclosed. The center filler plates have four pockets surrounding a hub. The pockets are shallower than in the prior art, and the walls defining the pockets meet in radii having larger radii of curvature than in the prior art. The shallower pockets and larger radii of curvature facilitate removal of the casting from the molding sand in the cope and drag sections of the mold. The formation of burned-in sand is limited in the present invention, and any burned-in sand that does form is also more easily removed from the center filler plates of the present invention. The base portion of the center filler plates is not as high as in the prior art. The ribs of the center filler plate and the walls of the hub are thicker than in the prior art to provide the needed strength to the center filler plates. In one embodiment, the ribs taper toward the hub, and the hub is shorter than the surrounding web; a tool may be inserted through the kingpin hole, expanded to bear against the tapered surfaces of the ribs; a machine may be used to lift the center filler plate and move it into position on the draft sill. The tool may then be contracted and removed, and the center filler plate may be secured to the draft sill through welding or other techniques.

Modular type home dialyzing system

(57)【要約】 【課題】 全過程を自動化すると共に最小の患者の労力 しか必要とせず、コスト上有利であり、移動可能であ り、簡単かつ極めて信頼性のある在宅用血液透析システ ムにおける人工腎臓装置を提供する。 【解決手段】 血液側と透析液側とを区別する透析膜を 有する透析器および、前記透析器に接続されて主に患者 の血液を前記透析器へ導くとともに患者まで戻す経路と なる動脈側および静脈側回路からなる体外循環回路を有 する人工腎臓装置であって、前記体外循環回路には正逆 回転可能な血液ポンプを有し、前記透析器に透析液を供 給する透析液供給流路、および前記透析器から透析液を 排液する透析液排液流路とを含む透析液回路を有し、前 記透析液回路は、透析液を循環させるための透析液ポン プを有し、かつ正逆転可能な限外濾過ポンプを介して限 外濾過タンクと連通する構成であって、前記透析膜を介 した前記血液側から前記透析液側への液輸送もしくは前 記透析液側から前記血液側への液輸送を行うことを特徴 とする人工腎臓装置。

Acid-curable composition

The present disclosure relates to an acid-curable composition, comprising: a) a base component comprising a cationically self-curable oligomeric compound; b) a curing system for the cationically self-curable oligomeric compound, which comprises: i. an ionogenic compound comprising an anion and ammonium as a cation; and ii. water. According to another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a curing system suitable for an acid-curable composition comprising a cationically self-curable oligomeric compound. According to still another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing an acid-curable composition. In yet another aspect, the disclosure relates to the use of an acid-curable composition for industrial applications, in particular for thermal management applications in the automotive industry.

Cathode for sputtering

Abstract A system for sputter coating architectural glass is disclosed which includes an evacuable enclosure, a conveyor for moving glass to be coated along parallel paths, an elongated sputtering cathode supported between the paths, and structure by which ionizable gas is introduced into the enclosure. The cathode creates a continuous band of plasma extending about it through a region defining laterally spaced first and second sections extending generally parallel to glass on respective sides of the cathode and return sections joining the ends of the laterally spaced sections. The cathode includes sputtering material target face portions extending adjacent and parallel to the plasma sections and a magnetic field directing system for constraining the plasma flow in the sections to extend substantially uniformly over the target face portions.

Sieve apparatus for papermaking pulp

Method and apparatus for adjusting the liquid level in a branch washing pan

METHOD FOR PRODUCING THIN FILMS BY DECOMPOSITION OF METAL CHELATES IN CONNECTION WITH METAL PARTS

Method of preparing a pre-sweetened edible comprising the steps of providing a base of dried food pieces having an outer surface, applying amount of first liquid sweetened fat suspension and second coating sugar syrup and drying; edible sweetened dry coated; sweetened edible article; and edible.

Non-sticky erythritol coating

Individual non-sticky coated food pieces are produced by applying a composition to a surface of food pieces to produce coated food pieces. The composition includes water and a soluble solids component having a soluble solids content including erythritol in an amount of about 50% - 90% by dry weight of the soluble solids content. The soluble solids content also includes a water-soluble carbohydrate having an average dextrose equivalent (DE) of 4 to 30 in an amount of about 2% - 40% by dry weight of the soluble solids content. The coated food pieces are dried to form dried pieces having at least a partial coating in which the soluble solids component has a crystallinity of from about 15% - 60%, the erythritol contributing substantially all the crystallinity of the coating. The dried pieces are cooled to produce the individual non- sticky coated food pieces, which are then packaged.

High performance cold plate for electronic cooling

A fluid cooling device (100), and a method for manufacturing the fluid cooling device includes a plurality of cold plate members (102), each having a plurality of imperforate plate portions (104) and perforated portions (106) arranged in a line; and at least one connector (108) for connecting the plate portions together at one end thereof. The cold plate members (102) are arranged in a stack, wherein respective plate portions (104) of each cold plate (102) are in registration with perforate portions (104) formed in its adjacent cold plate member (102) in the stack. The method for manufacturing the fluid cooling device (100) includes forming a plurality of cold plate member (102) from a planar metal tape or thin layer stock; positioning the cold plate member (102) relative to each other so that the respective imperforate plate portions (104) of each cold plate member (102) are in registration with the perforate portions (106) formed in adjacent cold plate members (102); and joining each cold plate member (102) with the adjacent cold plate members.

High fidelity print modes.

Piperidine derivatives

This invention relates to substituted piperidine derivatives having at least one six-membered ring substituent. The piperidine derivatives exhibit antitumor activity and are useful as pharmaceuticals such as an antitumor agent.

Apparatus for detecting the passage of multiple superposed sheets along a feed path

- ? -APPARATUS FOR DETECTING THE PASSAGE OF MULTIPLE SUPERPOSED SHEETS ALONG A FEED PATH Abstract An apparatus for detecting the passage of superposed sheets along a feed path includes first and second cooperating rollers (12, 14), the second roller (14) being movable away from the first roller (12) in response to the passage of a single or multiple sheet between the rollers (12, 14). The first roller (12) has a diameter twice that of the second roller (14). Voltage generating means (42) produces an output voltage which varies linearly with movement of the axis of the second roller relative to the axis of the first roller (12). This voltage is integrated over one complete revolution of the first roller (12) first with no sheet present and then with a single or multiple sheet passing between the rollers (12, 14) to produce first and second values respectively. The first value is subtracted from the second value to produce a third value on the basis of which the number of sheets corresponding to the second value is determined.

Dental and Medical Treatments and Procedures

A method treating a root canal in a tooth by introducing into the pulp chamber of a tooth and pulsing a laser light into the fluid reservoir so as to disintegrate pulp within the root canal without generation of any significant heat in said liquid fluid so as to avoid elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, or other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Method and apparatus for continuous production of sputter-coated glass products

Document sensing apparatus

DOCUMENT SENSING MEANS Abstract A document sensing apparatus includes a phototransistor (12) for generating a first or second voltage depending on whether or not, respectively, a document is present at a sensing location, and a capacitor (36) for providing a second voltage whose peak value is determined by said second value. A voltage comparator (30, 38, 40) compares said first and second voltages and provides an output signal indicative of the presence of a document at the sensing location if said first voltage is less than a predetermined fraction of said second voltage. A microprocessor (44) controls the operation of a circuit (74-1) which provides, as necessary, a charging current to said capacitor (36) so that, while a document is present at the sensing location, said second voltage is prevented from falling by a significant amount, thereby preventing problems occurring if a document remains at the sensing location for a prolonged period due to a feeding irregularity.

Home medical device systems and methods for therapy prescription and tracking, servicing and inventory

A home medical device system includes a plurality of home therapy machines that perform a home therapy on a patient at a home or dwelling of the patient. Each home therapy machine includes a connectivity agent installed thereon. A connectivity server is located remote from the home or dwelling of the patient. The connectivity agent of each home therapy machine allows the home therapy machine to connect to the connectivity server and transfers data to and from the connectivity server only when the connectivity agent is activated. The connectivity agent is deactivated during the home therapy to prevent the home therapy machine from sending any data to or receiving any data from the connectivity server during the home therapy. A system hub is coupled to the home therapy machines through the connectivity server. A web portal is configured to access the system hub. A plurality of clinics is connected to the system hub via the web portal. A website is accessible via the web portal. The website includes a patient portion available to patients using the plurality of home therapy machines and a clinician portion that enables the clinics to manage the home therapy machines.

Improved deprotection method for the synthesis of oligomer compounds

Autoradiography assemblage using transparent screen

An assemblage useful for autoradiography comprising, in order, a sample layer containing a radioactively labeled biological sample in contact with a phosphor layer, a film layer and a reflector layer. The phosphor layer is preferably a gadolinium oxysulfide containing layer and the film is preferably a photographic film containing a tabular grain emulsion.

ANTI-C5 ANTIBODIES THAT HAVE IMPROVED PHARMACEUTICAL

Η γνωστοποίηση παρέχει αντισώματα τα οποία είναι χρήσιμα για, μεταξύ άλλων πραγμάτων, αναστολή του τελικού συμπληρώματος (π.χ., της συγκρότησης και/ή δραστικότητας του C5b-9 TCC) και διαμεσολαβούμενης από C5a αναφυλατοξίνη φλεγμονής και, συνεπώς, αντιμετώπιση σχετιζόμενων με το συμπλήρωμα διαταραχών. Τα αντισώματα έχουν έναν αριθμό βελτιωμένων ιδιοτήτων σε σχέση με εκουλιζουμάμπη, περιλαμβάνοντας, π.χ., αυξημένο χρόνο ημίσειας ζωής ορού σε έναν άνθρωπο.

Subsystem firewalls

The disclosed technology is generally directed to firewalls. In one example of the technology, a first firewall is used such that communication is blocked from a first subsystem of a device upon boot of the device. The first firewall is enabled to be configured by secure code subsequent to boot such that code that is not secure code is prevented from configuring the first firewall. After configuration of the first firewall, based on the configuration, the first firewall is used to selectively allow the first subsystem access to the first memory based on ranges of addresses of the first memory configured as accessible to the first subsystem.

Capacitively-coupled electrostatic(CCE) probe arrangement for detecting dechucking in a plasma processing chamber and methods thereof

Dual-roller overdriven peel mechanism

An imaging forming device comprises a platen, an upper peel roller, a lower peel roller movably positioned under and parallel to the upper peel roller, a diverter bar rotatably positioned underneath the platen and near the upper and lower peel rollers and adapted to guide a printable medium backing to move between the platen and the upper peel roller to between the upper and lower peel rollers, a peel bar rotatably positioned over the upper peel roller, a pair of lever cams rotatably positioned respectively at opposite ends of the upper and lower peel rollers, wherein said lever cams are adapted to push the lower peel roller to press the printable medium backing against the upper peel roller during operation for moving the printable medium backing through the imaging forming device and to allow the lower peel roller to separate apart from the upper peel roller when the imaging forming device is open for loading the printable medium backing in between the upper and lower rollers.

Binaural signal processing techniques

A desired acoustic signal is extracted from a noisy environment by generating a signal representative of the desired signal with processor (30). Processor (30) receives aural signals from two sensors (22, 24) each at a different location. The two inputs to processor (30) are converted from analog to digital format and then submitted to a discrete Fourier transform process to generate discrete spectral signal representations. The spectral signals are delayed to provide a number of intermediate signals, each corresponding to a different spatial location relative to the two sensors. Locations of the noise source and the desired source, and the spectral content of the desired signal are determined fron the intermediate signal corresponding to the noise source locations. Inverse transformation of the selected intermediate signal followed by digital to analog conversion provides an output signal representative of the desired signal with output device (90). Techniques to localize multiple acoustic sources are also disclosed. Further, a technique to enhance noise reduction from multiple sources based on two-sensor reception is described.

Home medical device systems and methods for therapy prescription and tracking, servicing and inventory

Method of manufacturing dough products via gas injection and accelerational mixing

Methods for making an uncooked extruded dough product are provided, comprising injecting gas into a pressurized dough before extruding a dough composition of pre-gelatinized starch comprising at least about 75 percent of amylopectin, flour, leavening agent and water through a die under conditions so that the dough composition does not exceed 140°F. throughout the extrusion process. The resulting dough product when cooked has a baked specific volume of greater than about 2.5 cc/g. Products of this process, including filled products, are also provided. Methods for injecting gas into dough for improved extrudability are also provided.

Method for forming thin-film conductors through the decomposition of metal-chelates in association with metal particles

A process for the preparation of thin-films of conductors from particle (1) precursors is described. The process comprises depositing metal particles and metal chelates (2), mixed or separately, on a substrate (3), treating the composite sufficient to cause decomposition of the metal-chelate (2), and forming an electrically conducting film wherein the decomposition products (4) of the metal-chelate (2) form interparticle conductive bonds.

Apparatus and method for imaging ionizing radiation

A system and method are disclosed for capturing a radiographic or autoradiographic image of an object, in which a support member is provided to receive the object in an immobilized state; a phosphor screen is provided to transduce ionizing radiation from the source to visible light; film or a digital capture device is provided for capturing an image using the visible light; and the phosphor screen is moved incrementally to facilitate reduction of phosphor screen mottle.

Autoradiography assemblage using transparent screen

There is provided an assemblage useful for autoradiography comprising, in order: a) a sample layer containing a radioactively labeled biological sample in contact with b) a phosphor layer containing a phosphor capable of absorbing the energy given off by said radioactively labeled biological sample to produce light energy; said phosphor layer being carried on a transparent support; c) and, in contact with the surface of said transparent support opposite that of the phosphor layer, means for recording said light energy. The phosphor layer is preferably a gadolinium oxysulfide containing layer and the means for recording light energy is preferably a photographic film containing a tabular grain emulsion.

Vehicle Occupancy-Monitoring System

The techniques of this disclosure relate to a vehicle occupancy-monitoring system. The system includes a controller circuit that receives occupant data from an occupancy-monitoring sensor of a vehicle. The controller circuit determines an occupancy status of respective seats in a cabin of the vehicle based on the occupancy-monitoring sensor. The controller circuit indicates the occupancy status of the respective seats on a display located in a field of view of occupants of the vehicle. The display is integral to one of a roof light module, a door panel, or a headliner of the cabin. The system can improve passenger safety by alerting the operator and other occupants about the occupancy status of the passengers.

Energetically activated biomedical nanotheurapeutics integrating dental and medical treatments and procedures

A method that includes the following effects: the ability to expand, porositize. clean, decontaminate, debride, break-down and/or destroys, or aids and accentuates the dissolution or extraction of biological structures, nerves and tissues. The methodology uses nano-technology and/or other chemistries may or may not be excited by energy sources to expand and porositize the tissue, which enhances the penetration and effectiveness and acceleration of subsequent chemical, mechanical, and/or procedural steps in the protocol or process. Furthermore, the method includes the ability to associate with and/or initiate in the reconstructive growth and healing process associated with healthy tissue after surgery and/or the ability to destroy diseased or necrotic tissues or cells. The method also includes the ability to begin, construct or stage the activation of cells and/or tissues, including the area of transplantation and use in stem or primordial cell accentuation, their attachment and/or stimulation for growth and differentiation.

Method of generating and using a grid recipe for use in a control system

A multi-product applicating system and control are provided for the dispensing of liquid or granular products for agricultural use. Three or more separate products can be dispensed simultaneously and constant control and monitoring of all products is provided for at the control console. The present invention further provides a grid recipe system for creating a recipe which defines the amounts of each type of product to be applied to specific areas of the field. The grid recipe system utilizes the GPS and a data card having the recipe stored thereon for controlling a computer which communicates with the control console of the present invention. The recipe is created by the farmer based on personal knowledge and experience.

Projectile trajectory control system

Anti-c5a antibodies and methods for using the antibodies

Disclosed is the use of an isolated or recombinant antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, comprising a light chain CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence RASESVDSYGNSFMH, a light chain CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence RASNLES, a light chain CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence QQSNEDPYT, a heavy chain CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence DYSMD, a heavy chain CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence AIHLNTGYTNYNQKFKG, and a heavy chain CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence GFYDGYSPMDY, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a C5a-associated complement disorder.

DRUM MACHINE OF THE DRUM TYPE.

Third party privacy system

A system and method of providing privacy through anonymity is described. As one aspect of the invention, a person registers at a privacy server (100) an d is given a pseudo identity that can be used to browse, register, purchase, p ay for, and take delivery of products and services. Transactions are completed with the privacy server (100) on a need-to-know basis. A seller (110) communicates with the privacy server (100) but only sees a demand, not the identity of the buyer (120). The financial institution (140) communicates wi th the privacy server (100) and sees the payment, not the merchandise. The freight company (150) communicates with the privacy server (100) and sees th e package, not its contents. The privacy server (100) operates in a manner tha t assures privacy and anonymity for the buyer and, if necessary, both the sell er as well.

High performance cold plate for electronic cooling

A fluid cooling device (100), and a method for manufacturing the fluid cooling device includes a plurality of cold plate members (102), each having a plurality of imperforate plate portions (104) and perforated portions (106) arranged in a line; and at least one connector (108) for connecting the plate portions together at one end thereof. The cold plate members (102) are arranged in a stack, wherein respective plate portions (104) of each cold plate (102) are in registration with perforate portions (104) formed in its adjacent cold plate member (102) in the stack. The method for manufacturing the fluid cooling device (100) includes forming a plurality of cold plate member (102) from a planar metal tape or thin layer stock; positioning the cold plate member (102) relative to each other so that the respective imperforate plate portions (104) of each cold plate member (102) are in registration with the perforate portions (106) formed in adjacent cold plate members (102); and joining each cold plate member (102) with the adjacent cold plate members.

Modular home dialysis system

A machine for conducting dialysis of body fluids of a patient. The machine includes integral water preparation and treatment, dialysate preparation, and extracorporeal circuit modules, under computer control from a patient interface and control module. A water pretreatment module with a temperature-controlled mixing valve, an integral water filtration and conditioning unit and a pressure relief with integral water sample removal port supplies water to the machine. The dialysate preparation module includes a substantially non-compliant tank with attached batch chemical bottles and automatic chemical addition and dispersion subsystems. The machine incorporates novel automatic process control techniques to verify the status and integrity of the critical system components, ultrafiltration control, and temperature, pressure and conductivity conditions prior to dialysis.

Anthelmintic quinolinyl acylhydrazones, method of use and compositions

Process for killing internal parasites especially nematodes and cestodes affecting warm blooded animals such as sheep, cattle, swine, goats, dogs, cats, horses and humans as well as poultry by administering an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), certain of the compounds of formula (I) are novel and in further embodiments of the invention provide novel compounds and compositions for use in the process of the invention. The compounds are readily prepared by conventional chemical reactions.

Method and apparatus for detecting cataractogenesis

Identification and classification of web traffic inside encrypted network tunnels

The present principles are directed to identifying and classifying web traffic inside encrypted network tunnels. A method includes analyzing network traffic of unencrypted data packets to detect packet traffic, timing, and size patterns. The detected packet, timing, and size traffic patterns are correlated to at least a packet destination and a packet source of the unencrypted data packets to create at least one of a training corpus and a model built from the training corpus. The at least one of the corpus and model is stored in a memory device. Packet traffic, timing, and size patterns of encrypted data packets are observed. The observed packet traffic, timing, and size patterns of the encrypted data packets are compared to at least one of the training corpus and the model to classify the encrypted data packets with respect to at least one of a predicted network host and predicted path information.

Anti-c5a antibodies and methods for using the antibodies

Dental and medical treatments and procedures

A system for treating a root canal of a tooth. The system comprising an ErCrYSGG laser source configured to generate an energy beam, an optical fiber connectable to said laser source configured to transmit said energy beam to a tip of said optical fiber, said tip being a tapered tip configured to direct said energy beam out of said tapered tip, wherein said tapered tip is configured to be inserted into said root canal and being configured to direct said energy beam into a fluid dispersed in said root canal and thereby generate a photoacoustic wave in said fluid, and wherein said laser source having a subablative power setting in which the energy beam is pulsed at a power level of 0.1 W to 1.5 W.

Electronic imaging system for autoradiography

An imaging system with an imaging assemblage including a prompt phosphor layer for converting an ionizing radiation image into a light image, and a transparent layer supporting the phosphor layer; wherein the light image is transmitted through the transparent layer; an electronic camera for converting the light image into an electronic image; and a light image transmission system between the imaging assemblage and the electronic camera for transmitting the light image to the electronic camera.

SCREENING EQUIPMENT

Surface mount connector assembly

A surface mount connector assembly for mounting to a printed wiring board (PWB) in a low-profile manner. The height of the surface mount connector assembly is diminished because the connector assembly extends from one side of the PWB to the other through an opening in the PWB. The surface mount connector assembly includes an outer housing portion having a plurality of openings therethrough for receiving a plurality of electrical contacts. The surface mount connector also includes an inner housing portion to be nested within the outer housing portion. Each of the electrical contacts are configured to be received within one of the openings in the inner housing portion such that a portion of each contact extends into the interior of the inner housing portion and another portion of each contact extends to the exterior of the inner housing portion. The portion of each contact extending to the exterior of the inner housing portion is positioned between the inner and outer housing portions when the inner and outer housing portions are nested with one another.

Direct printing of thin-film conductors using metal-chelate inks

A process for forming an electrical conductor on a substrate is provided, consisting essentially of providing an ink comprised of a metallic chelate, printing directly thereon the ink, and decomposing the ink wherein the metal-chelate is converted to a solid metal conductor on the substrate.

Blind edgewise connector

A connector body having a body portion insertable through a hole in a base sheet of material and an enlarged head portion so that the head portion will not pass through the hole. The body portion comprises spaced-apart, inflexible arms that project outwardly from the surface of the base sheet and define a slit therebetween. The sheet to be edgewise connected is received between the spaced-apart arms and a fastener is inserted int the slit, causing the edgewise connected sheet to be forced against one of the two opposing arms while the fastener is forced against the other opposing arm. Access for the fastener can be from the opposite side of the base sheet to which the edge connected sheet is attached through an aperture extending through the head portion and communicating with the slit or, in another embodiment, can be from the same side of the base sheet to which the edgewise connected sheet is attached. The fastener can be a screw, a resilient or rigid wedge, or a chemically expansive compound.

Sorting device for removing knots from a liquid suspension of fibers and knots

Dialysis machines with touch screen user interface

A user interface (12) for a medical instrument such as a dialysis machine (10) is described which uses both a touch screen (14) and hard keys (16, 18 and 20) off of the touch screen (14) to effectuate a change in a parameter associated with the operation of the machine (10). The user interface (12) is connected to extracorporeal circuit (24), mounted above lower cabinet (22) of dialysis machine (10). After the user selects a new parametric value on the touch screen (12), the user presses a hard key (16, 18 or 20) to implement a verification routine to insure that the entered parameter is appropriate for a machine's (10), patient's treatment and the display on the touch screen (14). If the verification procedure ends in a positive result, the user is prompted to press a second hard key (16, 18 or 20) to confirm the change, causing an additional verification check to be performed.

Vehicle collision alert system and method

An impairment analysis (“IA”) computer system for detecting an impairment is provided. The IA computer system is associated with a host vehicle, and includes at least one processor in communication with at least one memory device. The at least one processor is programmed to: (i) interrogate or otherwise scan a target vehicle by using a plurality of sensors included on a host vehicle to scan the target vehicle and a target driver; (ii) receive sensor data including target driver data and target vehicle condition data; (iii) analyze the sensor data by applying a baseline model to the sensor data; (iv) detect an impairment of the target driver or target vehicle based upon the analysis; and/or (v) output an alert signal to a host vehicle controller, or direct collision preventing actions (such as automatically engage vehicle safety systems), based upon the determination that the target driver or target vehicle is impaired.

Improved smart card reader for elevated placement relative to a printed circuit board

The present invention provides an electrical connector for connecting a contact pad of an IC card to a printed circuit board. In particular, a smart card connector is provided which elevates the connector above the PCB for placement of additional components therebeneath. The connector includes a housing having a top component and a bottom component affixed thereto wherein the top and bottom components together define a card insertion ingress at a front portion of the connector. The ingress is sized and shaped to accommodate linear sliding insertion of a smart card therein along a card insertion plane defined between the top and bottom portions. The top portion of the connector supports a plurality of electrical contacts therein wherein each contact includes an inner extent having a spring-like undulation at a freely deflectable extent positioned in the card insertion plane. Upon card insertion, a contact pad on the card engages the freely deflectable extent such that the undulation moves upward into a corresponding indentation defined along a bottom surface of the top portion of he connector. Upon retraction of the card, the undulation resiliently returns to its original position in the card insertion plane. Each contact further includes an outer extent that protrudes normally from the top portion of the connector for termination to the PCB. The contacts are desirably distributed in even and aligned rows that enable placement of all contacts in the top portion of the connector.