Abstract: A light detection and ranging system includes a transmitter transmitting a transmitted light pulse timing sequence, with pseudo-random timing and including a plurality of light pulses, toward a target. An optical receiver receives a reflected light pulse timing sequence including a plurality of light pulses from the target. An electronic control unit identifies a time delay between the transmitted light pulse timing sequence and the reflected light pulse timing sequence as a function of a correlation between the transmitted and reflected light pulse timing sequences.

Abstract: A polyp removal tool and method of use is disclosed. The tool includes a main body, an elongated hollow conduit fixed to the body, a handle, a cable assembly, a suction assembly and an irrigation system. The handle is used to actuate a snare at the end of a cable for transecting of polypoid tissue. The suction assembly is used in pre-conditioning the tissue for cutting and in polyp retention after cutting. The irrigation system is included for tissue recovery after transection. The tool may include a screen for capture of tissue within the device.

Abstract: In one aspect, a product gas concentrator is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include: a first process separating absorbable components from a source gaseous mixture, a second process providing concentrated product gas in a continuous output mode, a third process providing concentrated product gas in a pulsed output mode, and a fourth process selectively switching between the continuous and pulsed output modes. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include: a first process pressurizing a source gaseous mixture, a second process separating absorbable components from the pressurized gaseous mixture, a product tank accumulating concentrated product gas for dispensing, an output path, a third process selecting a volume to be dispensed during a predetermined time, a pressure sensor monitoring pressure of the concentrated product gas, and a fourth process controlling flow of the concentrated product gas in response to the selected volume and the monitored pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting or modifying a programmable operating parameter associated with a power driven wheelchair is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) operating a user interface device associated with a power driven wheelchair in a programming mode, b) selecting a programmable operating parameter associated with operation of the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device, c) selecting a value for the programmable operating parameter using the user interface device, and d) saving the selected value for the programmable operating parameter in a portion of a storage device associated with the power driven wheelchair using the user interface device. A method and apparatus for selecting one or more programmable parameter sets from a portable storage medium and saving the selected sets to a local storage device associated with a power driven wheelchair and vice versa is also provided.

Abstract: A collection of diagnostic and troubleshooting information associated with a power driven wheelchair is stored for access by a microcontroller to be displayed to a user to assist in troubleshooting the power driven wheelchair. A log of fault codes transmitted by various fault-detecting mechanisms is compiled. A user may request display of diagnostic information associated with a selected fault code. The operating instructions of a power driven wheelchair may be updated by using portable storage media onto which a latest version of operating instructions is loaded to transfer the updated operating instructions to wheelchair controller memory. The calibration of a power driven wheelchair can be simplified by providing functionality within the wheelchair controller to change calibration parameters or to transfer calibration parameters from portable storage media.

Abstract: Methods for forming packages from a web of preformed bags. In one exemplary method of forming packages from a web of preformed bags, a first bag is held open with air. A product is loaded into the first bag that is held open with air. An opening of the first bag is sealed. A next bag is indexed such that an opening of the next bag is proximate to an engagement member. The web is engaged with the engagement member to pre-open the next bag. The web is disengaged by the engagement member. The next bag is opened with air for loading.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a breathing gas are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes sensing a sensed parameter associated with delivery of the breathing gas, changing a control parameter associated with a flow/pressure control element in response to a difference between the sensed parameter and a first predetermined sensed parameter value during a first portion of a breathing cycle, determining a transition from the first portion to a second portion of the breathing cycle based at least in part on the changing control parameter, changing the control parameter to cause a first change in the sensed parameter during the second portion of the breathing cycle based at least in part on the determined transition, and changing the control parameter to cause a second change in the sensed parameter during a third portion of the breathing cycle based at least in part on the first predetermined sensed parameter value.

Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor alternative splice variants and methods of their use are provided.

Abstract: A new class of micro- and nano- particulate paramagnetic spin probes useful for magnetic resonance imaging techniques, including electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The probes are lithium phthalocyanine derivative compounds. Also provided are suspensions and emulsions comprising lithium phthalocyanine derivative probes. Also provided are noninvasive methods for measuring noninvasive methods of measuring oxygen concentration, oxygen partial pressure, oxygen metabolism, and nitric oxide concentration in a specific tissue, organ, or cell in vivo or in vitro.

Abstract: A home care oxygen system includes an inline compressor that has all the check valves and gas flow passages between cylinders located in the cylinder head. Only a single check valve is used for each cylinder. The crankshaft is built up from a shaft with eccentrics and spacers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing help information on a display device associated with a power driven wheelchair is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) displaying screen content displayed on the display device during operation or support of the power driven wheelchair, b) detecting selective activation of a first input device, c) in response to detection of the first input device activation, selecting help information content from a collection of help information, the selected help information content being contextually related to the screen content displayed on the display device, and d) displaying the contextually-related help information content on the display device. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: a display device, a first input device, and a microcontroller in operative communication with the display device and the first input device.

Abstract: A general object of the present invention is to utilize “delayed dilution” of a concentrated extract to provide a beverage brewing system which immediately (upon customer selection) provides selective dilution (based on individual consumers selections) of a fresh-brewed coffee extract after the extract has been allowed to brew and held as an extract before dilution. It is also a general object of the present invention to utilize the undiluted extract to mix and dissolve other beverage compounds to make flavored coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, and the like. “Delayed mixing” and/or “delayed filtering” may also be utilized.

Abstract: A flexible composite multiple layer fire-resistant insulation structure has a primary facing surface and a secondary facing surface. There is at least one dimensionally stable membrane having a primary membrane surface and a secondary membrane surface. At least a portion of the secondary facing surface is attached to the primary membrane surface. There is also at least one lofted insulative layer having a primary insulative surface and a secondary insulative surface. The at least one woven fabric facing layer may be formed of various materials, including amorphous silica glass and S-glass fiberglass. Different weaving patterns may be used to weave the facing layer. The facing layer may include a fire resistive treatment, which may in turn include a phosphate containing compound, and more particularly, may include dicalcium phosphate. In certain embodiments, multiple layers of the above are provided, and the structure may be enclosed in an abrasion resisting sheath.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving objects, such as for example, severed human tissue, foreign objects or impacted food bolus, from within a subject is disclosed. The device includes a body and handle movable relative to the body, a tubular member fixed to the body, a link having a first end fixed to the handle and a second end remote from the body, and a net including a loop and a net element. The loop is expandable and collapsible by action of the handle relative to the body. The loop retains an expanded configuration when deployed to allow for the capture certain objects that were otherwise difficult to capture because of positioning, location, or object characteristics. The loop may be constructed of flat wire and form a polygon shape when deployed. Structure at the distal end of the loop may propel and retain the loop into an open position when in use in narrow organs such as the esophagus.

Abstract: A portable safe (10) includes a safe body (15) and cover (20) that are selectively coupled with a locking mechanism (32). The safe cover (20) is permanently affixed to a tether (27) having a loop (29) at one end that is sized to allow the safe cover (20) to pass through but does not admit the safe body (15). Thus, the safe cover (20) can be installed on a fixed object by looping the tether (27) around the object, passing the safe cover (20) through the loop (29), and cinching the cover (20) to the fixed object. The safe body (15) can then be locked to the safe cover (20).

Abstract: A system for verifying intent in a card not present transaction is provided. The system includes a late binding token that is distributable to consumers without necessarily being bound to an account. The system also includes a client software that locates a token server configured to facilitate managing and communicating with the late binding token. The system also includes a protocol concerning how to build a verifiably secure structured proposal that carries an offer to the consumer through the client software.