Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a system for transmitting a precoding codebook over an air interface. The system includes a first station configured to signal a set of indicators via at least one antenna to a second station from which the precoding codebook is derived at the second station based on the signaled set of indicators. The set of indicators includes less information than the precoding codebook.

Abstract: Stents are provided with scaffold structures which have low exposures when implanted in arteries and other blood vessels and lumens. The cross-sectional dimensions, materials, and patterns are controlled to provide sufficient strength and coverage while maintaining the low exposure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a system for transmitting a precoding codebook over an air interface. The system includes a first station configured to signal a set of indicators via at least one antenna to a second station from which the precoding codebook is derived at the second station based on the signaled set of indicators. The set of indicators includes less information than the precoding codebook.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: Luminal prostheses comprise scaffolds having coatings adhered to at least a portion of their outer surfaces. The surfaces are modified to enhance binding of the coatings. For example, the surfaces may be microblasted, laser treated, chemically etched, exposed to plasma, or exposed to a corona discharge, allowing a polymeric coating to adhere to the scaffold more tightly than in the absence of the surface modification. The coatings can be used to deliver therapeutic or other agents dispersed therein.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a plurality of serpentine rings having supporting features which increase hoop strength, inhibit recoil, and provide an increased surface area. The supporting features may be formed between adjacent axial struts of the serpentine rings or may be positioned between axial lengths joining the serpentine rings together.

Abstract: Disclosed are catheter apparatus and methods for deploying a stent in a bifurcated vessel while minimizing flow problems in the branch vessel. In general, the catheter includes at least one non-compliant inflation structure for pushing a stent against a vessel wall in a main vessel and a compliant inflation structure for forming an opening in the stent across an opening in a branch vessel. Ideally, flow reduction caused by the stent is minimized due to the stent opening at the branch vessel. Additionally, other medical devices, such as a guide wire or a second stent, may be easily inserted through the opening in the stent into the branch vessel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a delivery system for delivering a medical device. The delivery system includes an inner member having a proximal end and a distal end. The inner member defines a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end. A tip is formed at the distal end of the inner member. A bumper is freely disposed on the inner member. The bumper has a proximal end and a distal end. A seat is defined between the tip and the distal end of the bumper. Additionally, a sheath is disposed about the inner member, the sheath having a proximal end and a distal end. The sheath is movable from a first sheath position substantially covering the seat, and a second sheath position axially offset to expose the seat. The invention also includes a handle in contact with the proximal end of the inner member.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for fiber optic modules includes a board with multiple bends, forming a structure with sides and a bottom. The traces in the FPCB traverse from the opto-electronic chips, through the sides of the FPCB, to the module interconnects at the bottom. The multi-fold structure allows the FPCB to support a higher number of traces than conventional single-fold FPCB's, and it allows the fanning out of signal traces from the opto-electronic and electronic chips at the front of the fiber-optic module, thereby reducing the crosstalk between the traces. This higher number is provided with a FPCB that features a single insulating layer and without the need to criss-cross the traces, resulting in improved signal integrity over conventional multi-layer FPCB's.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A position locator enables the detection of an originating location of a 911 caller under various RF propagation positions. Through the use of a transceiver and global positioning unit in a portable position locator, even if only one base station receiving the 911 call can be detected, the origin of the 911 call can still be located. Utilizing information from the position locator and at least one base station, an estimated distance between the position locator and the 911 caller, as well as an estimated distance between the at least one base station and the 911 caller, can be determined utilizing TOA or TDOA techniques to enable the location of the caller. An emergency vehicle carrying the position locator can constantly monitor and move toward the location of the 911 caller calling from a wireless mobile unit.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) for fiber optic modules includes a board with multiple bends, forming a structure with sides and a bottom. The traces in the FPCB traverse from the opto-electronic chips, through the sides of the FPCB, to the module interconnects at the bottom. The multi-fold structure allows the FPCB to support a higher number of traces than conventional single-fold FPCB's, and it allows the fanning out of signal traces from the opto-electronic and electronic chips at the front of the fiber-optic module, thereby reducing the crosstalk between the traces. This higher number is provided with a FPCB that features a single insulating layer and without the need to criss-cross the traces, resulting in improved signal integrity over conventional multi-layer FPCB's.

Abstract: High-speed wireless data systems and methods are described for simultaneously supporting multiple data users, including flexible mixed-traffic services, using an illustrative CDMA architecture. Embodiments are compatible with current and third generation CDMA systems, while achieving spectral efficiencies that are in some cases an order of magnitude or more higher. Embodiments advantageously employ multiple antennas at the transmitter and receiver and code spreading to realize multiple access systems. Some illustrative receiver embodiments advantageously employ a decorrelating detector, while others feature a decorrelating decision-feedback detector. In typical operation, each of a plurality of high-speed data streams directed to respective data users is demultiplexed into multiple (G>1) lower rate substreams, which are modulated by a CDMA spreading code and transmitted from M antennas at a base station.