Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring an environment through a plurality of sensors, wherein a control system receives information from one or more sensors of said plurality and uses said information in order to monitor said environment. The method comprises a setup stage wherein an operator creates a model of an environment by defining a plurality of cells corresponding to areas of said environment, and then creates cell/sensor relationships by defining for each sensor at least one possible position which is associated with at least one cell. For each position the sensor is assigned by the operator a monitoring judgment for the associated cell. The method also comprises an operational stage wherein the control system, in order to perform a surveillance function, finds those sensors which can be used for carrying out the requested surveillance function and controls them based on the monitoring judgments and the cell/sensor relationships.

Abstract: A harness for wearing by a first person. The harness having a handle for grasping by a second person.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve device, a method for making a valve device, and a method for implanting a valve device into a recipient are provided. The valve device includes at least one flexible member formed at least partially from a woven layer. The woven layer includes a first material and a second material being at least partially woven together. The at least one flexible member is movable between a first position that permits fluid flow in a first direction and a second position that substantially prevents fluid flow in a second direction. The valve has a first, unexpanded configuration and a second, expanded configuration.

Abstract: Methods of reducing retrograde fluid flow through a valve within a body vessel are provided. The methods can include the steps of identifying a valve exhibiting an undesirable amount of retrograde fluid flow within a body vessel, such as a venous valve or a heart valve, and providing a means for reducing the retrograde fluid flow. A medical device providing a desired amount of retrograde fluid flow can be modified after permitting the medical device to remain in a body cavity for a remodeling-effective time period. The implanted medical device can be modified by subsequently reducing the amount of retrograde fluid flow permitted across the implanted prosthetic valve within the body vessel.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves, methods of making medical devices, and methods of treatment are provided. The prosthetic valves of the invention have a valve portion moveable between first and second positions, and a spacing member that has a thickness and protects a portion of the valve portion from contact with a wall of a vessel in which the prosthetic valve is implanted, and/or another structural component of the prosthetic valve, such as a support frame.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to support frames for prosthetic implantable valves. The support frames may include a plurality of symmetrically arrayed interconnected U-shaped member structures. Preferred support frames are tubular structures enclosing a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of U-shaped member structures facing a distal or a proximal end of the support frame. Each U-shaped member structure may be connected to a single longitudinally adjacent U-shaped member facing in an opposite longitudinal direction, as well as two laterally adjacent U-shaped members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic valve for regulating flow through a body lumen and delivering a therapeutic agent into said lumen. In one embodiment, the prosthesis includes a frame having an exterior wall, a hollow interior space, a valve member, and at least one aperture through the exterior wall that permits a controlled amount of therapeutic agent loaded into the hollow interior into the surrounding body lumen following implantation. In another embodiment, the prosthesis includes a frame having a groove, a valve member, and therapeutic agent loaded in the groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic valve for regulating flow through a body lumen. The medical device comprises discrete shaping members, a flexible covering, and a valve member. The discrete shaping members are operatively attached to the flexible covering, such that the medical device may exhibit low radial force and dynamic movement.

Abstract: Medical device delivery systems and related kits and methods for placing multiple expandable medical devices within a body vessel are provided. A delivery system includes first and second expandable medical devices having the same or different dimensions. Placement of the first and second expandable medical devices in a body vessel can be achieved without requiring withdrawal of one or more components of the delivery system and insertion of secondary components.

Abstract: A compound differentially threaded element engages two or more longitudinally severed segments of a mating threaded element to provide differential linear motion. Different thread types may include pitch, thread starts, handedness or thread-form. Combinations of differential threads may be selected to enable fine or coarse linear motion without correspondingly fine or coarse thread pitches.

Abstract: A refueling apparatus. The refueling apparatus having a combination float control module and fluid flow control valve for use in high pressure, high flow rate refueling systems. The refueling apparatus further having a fluid flow control valve module, a fluid level sensor module having a sensor, and a testing module.

Abstract: An equalizing method for ultracapacitor cell packs and/or series connected ultracapacitors.

Abstract: Biomedical valve devices, support frames for use in such devices, methods of making such devices, and methods of treating animals, including humans, for valve-related conditions are described. The biomedical valve devices can includes a native tissue valve attached to a support frame or a tissue attached to a support frame in a manner to form a valve. The tissue valve or tissue can be autogenous to the animal being treated.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using and making the same. A medical device can include a frame with one or more projections each having at least one edge extending from the surface of the frame, and a biocompatible, water-soluble removable material coated over at least a portion of the at least one edge. The projections can be barbs positioned to engage the interior wall of a body vessel or to attach a material, such as a valve leaflet or graft, to the frame. The removable material can be dissolved within a body vessel upon implantation, thereby exposing the at least one edge. Methods of making an implantable medical device and methods of treating a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable venous valve having a support structure that configured to enlarge the area adjacent to the valve structure such that the flow patterns of retrograde flow are modified in a way that facilitates the flushing of the pockets at the base of the valve area to prevent stagnation of bodily fluid, which in the venous system, can lead to thrombus formation. The enlarged pocket areas can be created by forming an artificial sinus adjacent the valve structure in an unsupported section of vessel wall between two support frame section or the support frame can comprise an expanded-diameter intermediate or proximal section that forms an artificial sinus adjacent the valve structure.

Abstract: A device for implantation in a body vessel is provided. The device includes a frame that accommodates dynamic variation in the size of the vessel. At least one leaflet is attached to the frame. The leaflet is deformable between a first position allowing fluid flow in a first, antegrade direction and a second position restricting fluid flow in a second, retrograde direction. Methods for delivering the device to a body vessel and methods and kits for treating a subject using such a device are also provided.

Abstract: An electrical circuit and method for driving light emitting diodes with a constant current via a high efficiency DC-DC converter controlled by a digital controller through pulse width modulation (PWM).

Abstract: Prosthetic valve devices for implantation in body vessels are provided. The prosthetic valve device includes at least one flexible member that permits fluid flow in a first direction and substantially prevents fluid flow in a second. The valve device also includes an inflatable chamber at least partially attached to the flexible member. The inflatable chamber is adapted to receive inflating media and is adapted to contact the body vessel. A delivery system is also provided that includes a valve device and a delivery apparatus. The delivery apparatus includes a member adapted for filling the chamber of the valve device with inflating media. A related method of making the valve device is also provided.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for use as encapsulants are described. The inventive compositions include a high molecular weight polymeric material, a curing agent, an inorganic compound, and a coupling agent. Optional elements include adhesion promoting agents, colorants, antioxidants, and UV absorbers. The compositions have desirable diffusivity properties, making them suitable for use in devices in which a substantial blocking of moisture ingress is desired, such as photovoltaic (PV) modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading an expandable intraluminal medical device into a delivery device has a flexible main body with first and second rolled ends that enable the main body to alternatively adopt a substantially flat configuration that exposes a portion of the inner surface and a helical configuration that defines an interior chamber adapted to receive said expandable intraluminal medical device. An expandable intraluminal medical device is prepared for loading into a delivery device by placing the device on the main body of the loading apparatus while in the substantially flat configuration and then transforming the main body into the helical configuration. The medical device can then be compressed and forced out of the loading apparatus—and into a delivery device—by applying rotational and translational force to one end of the loading apparatus. Related kits and methods are also described.