Abstract: Improved extracorporeal blood processing methods and apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, an extracorporeal method for the collection of platelets and red blood cells, and if desired plasma, is provided, wherein the collection of platelets and red blood cells may occur in differing time periods utilizing the same blood processing vessel. The flow of blood to the blood processing vessel and return of uncollected blood components may be provided via a single needle, wherein blood is removed and returned to a donor/patient during alternating blood removal and blood return submodes. Prior to red blood cell collection, a set-up phase may be carried out during which a predetermined hematocrit and AC ratio is established.

Abstract: A surgical fastener assembly for coupling first and second bone portions across a fracture therebetween is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the surgical fastener assembly includes an anchor that has a first externally threaded portion disposed in the first bone portion and a second portion which is at least partially disposed in the second bone portion. At least one pin is operably associated with the first portion of the anchor such that when the pin is in a retracted position the pin is disposed within the anchor and when the pin is in an extended position at least a portion of the pin extends outward from the anchor. An actuator is disposed within the anchor and is operably coupled with the at least one pin. A guide is adapted to be fixedly secured to the second bone portion and includes a sleeve. The second portion of the anchor is received within the sleeve. A fastener is provided that has a head portion and an externally threaded shank portion.

Abstract: An input command controller (A) provides logic function selection signals and proportional signals. The signals are generated by movement of a ball member (12) and socket member (14) relative to two orthogonal axes. When the joystick is implanted, a transmitter (50) transmits the signals to a patient carried unit (B). The patient carried unit includes an amplitude modulation algorithm such as a look-up table (124), a pulse width modulation algorithm (132), and an interpulse interval modulation algorithm (128). The algorithms derive corresponding stimulus pulse train parameters from the proportional signal which parameters are transmitted to an implanted unit (D). The implanted unit has a power supply (302) that is powered by the carrier frequency of the transmitted signal and stimulation pulse train parameter decoders (314, 316, 318). An output unit (320) assembles pulse trains with the decoded parameters for application to implanted electrodes (E).

Abstract: The present invention provides controlled expansion endoluminal prostheses and methods for their deployment and expansion. The present stent-grafts generally comprise a radially expansible tubular frame and a plastically expansible liner on the frame. Either the frame or the liner includes a reinforcing element which limits expansion of the stent-graft at a predetermined expanded size. In some embodiments, the reinforcing element restrains the frame, for example, by limiting the circumferential diagonals of perforations on a perforate frame structure. Generally, however, the reinforcing element is included in the liner as circumferentially oriented yarn. A particularly advantageous liner includes composite circumferential yarns having inexpansible fibers wrapped around an expansible fiber, such as a partially oriented yarn, PTFE, or the like.

Abstract: A web of continuous filaments which are made of at least one semi-crystalline polymeric component covalently bonded as a linear block copolymer with or blended with one or more semi-crystalline or amorphous polymeric components. The filaments are intermingled together to form a porous web of filaments, the filaments having multiple contact points with each other within the web. The filaments are bonded at the contact points without requisite for added adhesive binders, adjuncts or post extrusion melt processing. The web may be bioresorbable. The web may also be provided in forms with relatively high cohesive shear strength. The polymeric components of the filaments exist, at least temporarily, in a homogenous substantially phase miscible uncrystallized state.

Abstract: In a background noise/speech classification method, whether a digital input signal input through an input terminal is background noise or speech is decided by a background noise/speech decision section on the basis of calculated frame power and a calculated LSP coefficient which are obtained by supplying the input signal to a feature amount calculation section and. estimated frame power and an estimated LSP coefficient obtained by an estimated feature amount update section. Thereafter, the estimated feature amount update section updates the estimated frame power and the estimated LSP coefficient by using the frame power and the LSP coefficient obtained by the feature amount calculation section to prepare for the next frame.

Abstract: A system for handling permits, comprising means for reading a certificate, means for reading a permit and decision means for performing a predefined activity based on the results of the combined verification of the certificate and the permit. A method for handling permits, comprising the steps of (A) Approval of the issuance of a permit to a specific person, after that person was identified and following some decision routine; (B) The generation by the authorities involved of a message for a permit, which includes data items to indicate the identity of the permit issuing authority, the identity of the person to whom the permit was issued, the type of permit and to whom it is to be presented; (C) Encryption of the message by an authorized person to generate the permit, with the encryption using their private key; and (D) the permit is delivered to the person who has been identified with his/her certificate.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of monitoring and retrieving identifiable statements and other information pertinent to one or more desired search terms or concepts. In a preferred embodiment, a fast Internet real-time search technology (FIRST) system provides a user interface for inputting and editing a list of desired search terms, and a list of resource locations to be monitored. A server causes the periodic access of each resource location listed to determine whether any information on a particular resource location has been added that is pertinent to the desired search terms since the previous visit to the location. Any added information is returned to the server for processing. An alert message can be generated and forwarded to an intended recipient to alert the recipient of the added information.

Abstract: Small, optimized sequences of binary 6-tuples representing filter rules achieve very fast IP packet filtering. Filtering IP packets received from a caller at the physical interface to an operating system kernal is accomplished by processing FILTER rule statements entered by a user in a rules file to generate 6-tuple filtering rules, each of the 6-tuple filtering rules including an operator index; resolving relative and symbolic indexes in these 6-tuples filtering rules to form resolved filtering rules and loading the resolved filtering rules to the operating system kernal; and interpreting the resolved filtering rules for each IP packet received at the physical interface.

Abstract: A system and method for associating and controlling multimedia supporting events with a primary event. The events are translated into tasks and sent to media servers for execution at a predetermined time by being further translated into media specific tasks to control a bit-pump.