Abstract: An anoscope and obturator apparatus is described for the diagnosis and/or treatment of identify anorectal concerns or diseases. The anoscope apparatus includes a narrow end and a wide end that is connected via a body, and the narrow end contains an opening that is adjacent to a slot. The wide end contains a lip and at least one handle that is aligned with the slot and that projects radially outward away from the lip and also curves away radially and axially from the wide end. If there are multiple handles, then one of them can include a tab that indicates alignment with the slot. The obturator includes a tip, an arm, and a body that that have circular elements that improve plastic weld or snap together manufacturability.

Abstract: A completely hardware-based graphics interface controller for reading values from sensors or outputting voltages, currents, or other electrical parameters to medical devices is proposed. The graphics interface controller accepts analog or digital input into a programmable logic device (PLD), whose logic gates convert the input value to memory addresses of bitmaps that represent digits or other characters. The bitmaps are copied to respective x, y coordinates in a frame buffer, which are then displayed on a matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. The bitmaps can be simple or elaborate, mimicking the rich look and feel of general purpose computer fonts so that the display output is compelling and modern-looking despite being entirely hardware based. A ventilator or other medical device can be instrumented with one or more sensors whose outputs are to the graphics interface, and an alarm can be triggered for off-nominal conditions.

Abstract: A completely hardware-based graphics interface controller for reading values from sensors or outputting voltages, currents, or other electrical parameters to medical devices is proposed. The graphics interface controller accepts analog or digital input into a programmable logic device (PLD), whose logic gates convert the input value to memory addresses of bitmaps that represent digits or other characters. The bitmaps are copied to respective x, y coordinates in a frame buffer, which are then displayed on a matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. The bitmaps can be simple or elaborate, mimicking the rich look and feel of general purpose computer fonts so that the display output is compelling and modern-looking despite being entirely hardware based. A ventilator or other medical device can be instrumented with one or more sensors whose outputs are to the graphics interface, and an alarm can be triggered for off-nominal conditions.

Abstract: A completely hardware-based graphics interface controller for reading values from sensors or outputting voltages, currents, or other electrical parameters to medical devices is proposed. The graphics interface controller accepts analog or digital input into a programmable logic device (PLD), whose logic gates convert the input value to memory addresses of bitmaps that represent digits or other characters. The bitmaps are copied to respective x, y coordinates in a frame buffer, which are then displayed on a matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. The bitmaps can be simple or elaborate, mimicking the rich look and feel of general purpose computer fonts so that the display output is compelling and modern-looking despite being entirely hardware based. A ventilator or other medical device can be instrumented with one or more sensors whose outputs are to the graphics interface, and an alarm can be triggered for off-nominal conditions.

Abstract: An anoscope and obturator apparatus is described for the diagnosis and/or treatment of identify anorectal concerns or diseases. The anoscope apparatus includes a narrow end and a wide end that is connected via a body, and the narrow end contains an opening that is adjacent to a slot. The wide end contains a lip and at least one handle that is aligned with the slot and that projects radially outward away from the lip and also curves away radially and axially from the wide end. If there are multiple handles, then one of them can include a tab that indicates alignment with the slot. The obturator includes a tip, an arm, and a body that that have circular elements that improve plastic weld or snap together manufacturability.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that facilitates the operation of a supercapacitor. During operation, the system measures an electrical parameter of the supercapacitor using a set of conductor rings surrounding a capacitor seal of the supercapacitor. Next, the system determines the presence of a leak in the supercapacitor based on the electrical parameter. Finally, the system manages the operation of the supercapacitor based on the presence of the leak.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that facilitates the operation of a supercapacitor. During operation, the system measures an electrical parameter of the supercapacitor using a set of conductor rings surrounding a capacitor seal of the supercapacitor. Next, the system determines the presence of a leak in the supercapacitor based on the electrical parameter. Finally, the system manages the operation of the supercapacitor based on the presence of the leak.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing plated through-holes (PTH) in PCBs, which advantageously allow improved soldering capabilities, are described herein. Such systems and methods are achieved by reducing the heat sinking effects of PTHs by providing one or more vias surrounding the PTHs to provide an electrical connection between the PTH and the internal and bottom conductive layers of a PCB. In this regard, the PTHs are spaced apart from at least one of the internal conductive layers (e.g., ground or power layers), so the heat sinking effects are reduced. This feature enables molten solder to substantially fill the entire PTH before freezing, thereby improving the mechanical and electrical connection between an electrical component and the PCB.