Abstract:
A sensitive fluid sensor for detecting fluids and particularly trace fluids. The sensor may be adjustable for detecting fluids of various absorption lines. To effect such adjustment, a tunable laser may be used. The laser may be an edge emitting diode, a VCSEL or other tunable source. The detection apparatus of the sensor may incorporate a sample cell through which a laser light may go through. The sample cell may comprise a tunable ring-down cavity. The ring-down cavity may be a ring laser cavity like that of a ring laser gyroscope. There may be a photo detector proximate to the ring down cavity connected to a processor.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for using tubular material to replace a semilunar heart valve (i.e., an aortic or pulmonary valve). To create such a replacement valve, the native valve cusps are removed from inside an aorta or pulmonary artery, and the inlet end of a tubular segment is sutured to the valve annulus. The outlet (distal) end of the tube is either “tacked” at three points distally, or sutured longitudinally along three lines; either method will allow the flaps of tissue between the suture lines to function as movable cusps. This approach generates flow patterns that reduce turbulence and closely duplicate the flow patterns of native semilunar valves. An article of manufacture is also disclosed, comprising a sterile biocompatible synthetic material which has been manufactured in tubular form, by methods such as extrusion or coating a cylindrical molding device, to avoid a need for a suture line or other seam to convert a flat sheet of material into a tubular shape. The synthetic tube is packaged within a sealed watertight enclosure that maintains sterility of the tube.
Abstract:
A telephone shoulder rest for use with a telephone headset includes a telephone shoulder rest member having a phone receiving surface, a first hook and loop portion connected to the phone receiving surface, a complementary second hook and loop portion removably connected to the first hook and loop portion, wherein the second hook and loop portion has an adhesive backing for connection to a surface of a telephone headset. The shoulder rest member includes an inner foam material and an outer surface which is printable thereon and includes a unique predetermined printed indicia thereon.
Abstract:
A digital microphone array is configured in an open geometry such as a sphere with a large number of inexpensive microphone elements mounted in opposite-facing pairs. The microphone array with DSP is intended to be placed in a three-dimensional sound field, such as a concert hall or film location, and to completely isolate all sound sources from each other while maintaining their placement in a coherent sound field including reverberance.
Abstract:
Described are implants, tools, and related methods, for use in pelvic surgery to treat conditions such as prolapse and incontinence, including one embodiment of a method that uses a transcoccyx tissue path; other embodiments that use particular implants with various features relating to, e.g., end portions; and other embodiments relating to particular tools.
Abstract:
A computerized system to manage privileges and billing codes individually and in concert. Including tracking, managing and analyzing hospital privileges through the use of specifically researched content in conjunction with ICD, CPT or other codes.
Abstract:
A device for treating cardiac disease of a heart having an upper portion and a lower portion divided by an A-V groove, the device including a jacket adapted to be secured to the heart, and a non-adherent material in association with the jacket. The jacket is fabricated from a flexible material defining a volume between an upper and a lower end, the jacket being adapted to be adjusted on the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume for the jacket to constrain expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and permit substantially unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. As a result of the flexible material, the jacket allows unimpeded diastolic filling of the heart. Also described is a method for treating cardiac disease including surgically accessing the heart, applying the treatment device of the invention, securing the treatment device to the heart, and surgically closing access to the heart while leaving the treatment device on the heart.
Abstract:
An apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse in a patient is provided. The apparatus includes a support portion having first and second ends. A first elongated end portion is connected to said first end of said support portion. The first elongated end portion includes a first dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. A second elongated end portion is connected to said second end of said support portion. The second elongated end portion includes a second dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. The first and second needles include a straight portion, a tip, a first radius, and a second radius distinct from the first radius. The first radius and the second radius are disposed between the straight portion and the tip. A method and kit for said treatment is further provided.
Abstract:
A multiplexed set of light sources having outputs of light with various wavelengths which are combined into one beam. The beam may impinge a particle in a flow channel of a cytometer. The light leaving the flow channel may be sensed by a detector and the light distinguished according to wavelength.
Abstract:
A method for processing scanned code data, including a plurality of strings, to determine whether the scanned code data is part of a valid code begins by examining a first string of a first scanned code data. A cluster is opened with the first string if the first string contains a start pattern. At least one valid middle portion of the first string is identified and a transition position count associated with the at least one valid middle portion is stored. A second scanned code data is searched for a second string matching at least part of the first string in the cluster. If a match is found, then the second string is added to the end of the cluster. The cluster is closed upon detection of a stop pattern and is then decoded.