Abstract: A method for mechanically assisting the pumping action of the heart. A catheter is provided comprising an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal region, an expandable member attached in the distal region, and an inflatable member in the distal region and attached distal the expandable member. The catheter is advanced into the aorta. The expandable member is expanded to at least partially obstruct the aorta. The inflatable member is inflated during diastole. The inflatable member is then deflated during the ejection phase of the left ventricle while expansion of the expandable member is maintained. The pumping action of the heart is thereby mechanically assisted. Cerebral perfusion augmentation may also be achieved by use of combined coarctation-counterpulsation devices and methods. Devices for practicing methods with increased volume-displacement efficiency are also described.

Abstract: A model train car having a union with a force sensor is disclosed. The force sensor is configured to measure the amount of force acting on the coupler. The information gathered from the force sensor may work in conjunction with a communication link or a local control unit so that realistic train effects can be produced reflecting the change in force being felt by the model train.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating defects in the annulus fibrosis are described. The methods include providing first and second elongate fastening members, each having a first end and an anchor on the first end that is substantially transverse when deployed. The first end of the first and second elongate fastening members are positioned distal of the outer layer and at least one inner layer of the annulus fibrosis. The defect is then closed by interlocking the first and second elongate fastening members. Alternatively, second ends of the elongate fastening members may be linked, resulting in reducing the size of the opening of the defect. Devices having first and second elongate fastening members, each having a first end, a second end, and an anchor on the first end that is substantially transverse when deployed; and a connector that links the first and second elongate fastening members are also described.

Abstract: A connector hub apparatus is provided that has a carabiner clip connected to one or more portions of the apparatus. The apparatus can utilize a locking or non-locking type carabiner clip to secure the hub to a bag, belt loop, etc. for quick and easy transport of the apparatus. The hub apparatus can also be clipped around a group of wires or cables to securely fasten the hub in a position off the user's desktop, thus freeing up desk space. In one embodiment, the hub apparatus has an integrated upstream cable and plug that folds out from the apparatus, thereby eliminating the need to carry an upstream cable with the hub apparatus when traveling.

Abstract: A connectivity hub enabling multiple peripheral devices to be connected with a computer includes a stationary base station functioning as a connectivity hub and a removable connectivity hub functioning by itself as a travel connectivity hub. The removable travel hub can be plugged into the stationary base station by connecting an upstream port of the removable hub to a downstream port of the base station. Thus, a user of the connectivity hub achieves the functionality of a full-featured connectivity base station as well as that of a small, easily transportable travel hub without having to purchase multiple units.

Abstract: In an object sensing member M1, while electromagnetic waves are transmitted from transmission members 1 and 2 to a predetermined region, based upon a result of receiving electromagnetic waves reflected from an object by reception members 3 and 4, a distance detecting member 5 detects at least a distance of the object. An abnormal condition judging member M2 judges that the object sensing member M1 is under abnormal condition, if a difference between a maximum value of reception levels of the electromagnetic waves received by the reception members 3 and 4, and a minimum value of these reception levels for a predetermined time measured by a time measuring member M3 is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. As a result, the abnormal condition judging member M2 can surely judge the abnormal condition even, if the vehicle is driven on a desert road where objects to be sensed are occasionally present.

Abstract: Control over velocity of a model train may be determined based upon the speed of rotation of a control knob. A processor receives electronic pulses indicating rotation of the knob beyond a predetermined increment of angular distance. The processor calculates the amount of power ultimately conveyed to the model train based not only upon the number of pulses received, but also upon the elapsed time between these pulses. The shorter the elapsed time between pulses, the greater the change in power communicated to the train. Initially, a user can rapidly rotate the knob to attain coarse control over a wide range of velocities, and then rotate the knob more slowly to achieve fine-grained control over the coarse velocity. Utilizing the control scheme in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, in a compact and uninterrupted physical motion, a user can rapidly exercise both coarse and fine control over velocity of a model train.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: A power control system comprises a plurality of POL regulators, at least one serial data bus operatively connecting the plurality of POL regulators, and a system controller connected to the serial data bus and adapted to send and receive digital data to and from the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus further comprises a first data bus carrying programming and control information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus may also include a second data bus carrying fault management information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The power control may also include a front-end regulator providing an intermediate voltage to the plurality of POL regulators on an intermediate voltage bus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for Fiber Channel interconnection is provided between a plurality of private loop devices through a Fiber Channel private loop device interconnect system. In the preferred embodiments, the Fiber Channel private loop device interconnect system is a fabric or an intelligent bridging hub. In one aspect of this invention, a Fiber Channel private loop device is connected to two or more Arbitrated Loops containing, or adapted to contain, one or more private loop devices. Preferably, the interconnect system includes a routing filter to filter incoming Arbitrated Loop physical addresses (ALPAs) to determine which Fiber Channel frames must attempt to be routed through the fabric.

Abstract: A respiratory mask provides improved sealing through the use of an intraoral mouthpiece with a large sealing area. A tubular extension, configured at one end to accept standard respiratory fittings, is the conduit for gas delivery to the intraoral mouthpiece. The respiratory mask may also include an intraoral oropharyngeal airway which flexes so that it can be inserted without the need for rotation or use of a tongue blade. The respiratory mask may also include an external shield to enhance sealing and provide a barrier of protection for the healthcare provider. The mask's design allows for a novel handgrip technique that allows a single healthcare provider to ventilate with enhanced sealing.

Abstract: An evacuation sheath assembly and method of treating occluded vessels which reduces the risk of distal embolization during vascular interventions is provided. A method of treating a lesion within a blood vessel, e.g., a coronary artery, includes advancing a sheath into the blood vessel, the sheath having a lumen extending to a port at a distal end of the sheath and further having an occlusive member within a distal region of the sheath. The occlusive member is then positioned within the blood vessel proximal to the lesion. Subsequently, the occlusive member is deployed, thereby stopping antegrade flow across the lesion. A contrast agent can then be infused through a port in the sheath. A dilation balloon is then advanced across the lesion. Suction is then applied to the lumen to induce retrograde flow across the lesion after dilating the lesion.

Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic obstruction for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially obstruct aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Partial obstruction of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter and a distally mounted expandable member. The expandable member may comprise one or two balloons. Other medical devices, such as an angioplasty, stent, or atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the expandable member to provide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: An apparatus for serving audiovisual content comprises a parser, a decompression module, a packaging module, and a transmission module. The parser is adapted to receive an image data file and separate the image data file into a first compressed image component and a second compressed image component. The decompression module is coupled to the parser and adapted to decompress the first compressed image component into an uncompressed image component. The packaging module is coupled to the decompression module and adapted to package the uncompressed image component into a data stream having plural data fields arranged in a format defined in accordance with an industry-accepted standard and the second compressed image component into unused ones of said plural data fields, for transmission over a data interface. The transmission module is coupled to the packaging module and adapted to transmit the data stream over the data interface.

Abstract: The films of this invention are high temperature superconducting (HTS) thin films specifically optimized for microwave and RF applications. In particular, this invention focuses on compositions with a significant deviation from the 1:2:3 stoichiometry in order to create the films optimized for microwave/RF applications. The RF/microwave HTS applications require the HTS thin films to have superior microwave properties, specifically low surface resistance, Rs, and highly linear surface reactance, Xs, i.e. high JIMD. As such, the invention is characterized in terms of its physical composition, surface morphology, superconducting properties, and performance characteristics of microwave circuits made from these films.

Abstract: A method for cerebral and systemic cooling by providing a nebulized liquid having a boiling point of 38-300° C. The nebulized liquid is delivered as a mist or a spray via the nasal and/or oral cavities of a patient. The mist causes cooling by direct heat transfer through the nasopharynx and hematogenous cooling through the carotids and the Circle of Willis. Compositions and medical devices for cerebral and systemic cooling are also provided. Cooling assemblies, and methods of use, are also provided that include flexible balloon assemblies that are inserted to various locations in a patient's body. The flexible balloons are then infused with a liquid having a temperature between about ?20° C. and about 37° C. The flexible balloon assemblies can be inserted into the nasal cavity, oral cavity, throat, stomach, and other locations to effect cerebral cooling.