Abstract: Systems and methods for scalably encoding and decoding coded data are presented. One exemplary method for scalably coding data includes classifying, based upon at least one predetermined criteria, each of the plurality of data received as either (i) perceptually relevant data or (ii) perceptually irrelevant data. The perceptually relevant data is scalably coded, and the perceptually irrelevant data is non-scalably coded. Subsequently, the scalably coded perceptually relevant data and the non-scalably coded perceptually irrelevant are combined into a coded data stream for transmission.

Abstract: The devices and methods shown provide for the minimization of extravasation during arthroscopic surgery. The extravasation minimization device allows a surgeon to drain excess fluids from the soft tissue surrounding the surgical field while also providing a stable surgical portal for arthroscopic surgical instruments.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly which repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression. An assembly includes various resuscitation devices including chest compression devices, defibrillation devices, and airway management devices, along with communications devices and senses with initiate communications with emergency medical personnel automatically upon use of the device.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a digital signal is described, wherein the digital signal is to be transmitted by a plurality of antennas and a 2-domain pre-transformation is carried out, i.e., in course of a pre-transformation modulation symbols assigned to subcarriers having different frequencies and assigned to subcarriers sent by different antennas are linearly combined.

Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel design of a fully integrated UWB transmitter. The transmitter includes a pulse generator, a pulse modulator, and an ultra-wideband drive amplifier. A new low voltage low power pulse generator circuit is disclosed which can be fully integrated in CMOS or BiCMOS process. This circuit includes a squaring stage, an exponential stage, and a second-order derivative stage. Based on this, PPM, BPSK and PAM pulse modulator circuits and system are disclosed. The modulated pulse is symmetrical second-order derivative Gaussian pulses with a bandwidth up to 5 GHz and having sufficient swing for UWB applications. An ultra-wideband driver amplifier is proposed to amplify the modulator output and drive the antenna. For the driver amplifier, common source resistor and inductor shunt feedback with current reuse technique is employed to achieve the ultra-wideband bandwidth, high gain, and providing matching for the antenna simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of treating fibroadenomas with optimized freezing periods at a single freezing temperature and minimal thawing time between freezing periods, and a system for accomplishing the method.

Abstract: A fluororubber composition including a polyol-crosslinkable fluororubber; a cross-linking accelerator comprising a quaternary ammonium salt; and a polyol crosslinking agent; wherein the weight ratio X (quaternary ammonium salt/polyol crosslinking agent) between the cross-linking accelerator and the polyol crosslinking agent is in a range of 0.40 to 0.60; and a production method of a cross-linked fluororubber product, comprising the steps of: previously polyol-crosslinking, as required, the fluororubber composition; and subsequently heat treating the polyol-crosslinked composition, in a temperature range of 200° C. to 300° C. for 0.1 to 48 hours. The fluororubber composition has surface has a lower friction coefficient, and the surface roughness of the cross-linked fluororubber product can be increased without applying a treatment to a mold.

Abstract: A glazed solar collector with a frame surrounding an absorber (3a), an insulating layer (2) disposed beneath the absorber (3a) and a cover pane (4) spaced above the absorber (3a). Absorber tubing (3b) is connected to an supply header (15) and to an return header (16). The axis (X) of the supply/return header (15,16) is arranged at an angle to a plane (Z) coinciding with the cover pane (4) with the distance between the axis (X) and the plane (2) increasing along the axis (X) in a direction leading away from the collector.

Abstract: A transmitter that has a determination unit for determining a plurality of symbols (301) such that each symbol (301) has a tail component (302) and the plurality is determined in such a way that the tail components (302) are substantially equal and a tone generation unit for arranging the plurality of symbols (301) to form a plurality of long preambles (300) such that the plurality of long preambles (300) are tone-interleaved.

Abstract: A flexible membrane assembly for a wafer carrier in a CMP system. The flexible membrane assemble has a flat, flexible membrane joined to a rigid cylindrical sidewall.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system adapted for treatment of fibroadenomas within the breast of a patient. The system includes cryoprobes and a control system which operates the cryoprobes to accomplish freezing in two stages, including a high power freeze and a low power freeze.

Abstract: Safety mechanisms for compression belt cartridges used in chest compression devices. The safety mechanisms include a breakable link, liner socks, belt guards and a rapid-release connector. The breakable link ensures that unsafe belt tension will not occur. The liner socks protect the patient from friction and contain the breakable link. The belt guards protect foreign objects from entering the belt drive platform. The rapid-release connector allows the belt to be removed safely even during compressions.

Abstract: An adjustable variable ring for electrical junction boxes including a base frame having a guide tab; a sliding insert having a box shaped frame, the sliding insert being configured to slide in and out of the base frame. A ratchet mechanism having a ratchet plate on the base frame including a plurality of steps, and a ratchet spring installed on an inner wall of the box shaped frame including an angled end tab and an angled mid tab protruding from the box shaped frame for engaging one or more of the plurality of steps. The sliding insert is configured to slide in and out of the base frame by disengaging the mid tab from the one or more of the steps by pressing on the end tab, and locks in the base frame by engaging the mid tab with the one or more of the steps.

Abstract: A system for preventing air from entering a first catheter of a multi-catheter system. Air is prevented from entering the proximal end of the first catheter by an axially elongate chamber having an impeller, the chamber being affixed to the proximal end of the first catheter. The air is removed through a port near the centerline of the chamber. Liquid removed with the air is returned to the chamber to minimize liquid loss during the procedure. A second catheter inserted through the chamber and into the first catheter is unable to entrain gas into the first catheter because any gas that enters the chamber is routed to the centerline of the chamber where it is removed. Inflow of fluid from an external pump scrubs the second catheter shaft of air bubbles attached by surface tension.

Abstract: A method for decompressing at least two two-valued symbol sequences into a three-valued communication sequence is described comprising converting a first two-valued symbol sequence into an intermediate symbol sequence and symbol-wise multiplying the intermediate symbol sequence with the second two-valued symbol sequence to generate the three-valued communication sequence.

Abstract: An wafer polishing pad assembly for use in CMP includes an optical sensor for sensing reflectivity of the wafer during polishing, and produces a corresponding signal, and transmits the signal from the rotating pad to a stationary portion of the assembly. The signal is transmitting off the pad through non-contact couplings such inductive coupling or optical couplings after being converted into signal formats enabling non-contact transmission.

Abstract: A method for training a spoken language identification system to identify an unknown language as one of a plurality of known candidate languages includes the process of creating a sound inventory comprising a plurality of sound tokens, the collective plurality of sound tokens provided from a subset of the known candidate languages. The method further includes providing a plurality of training samples, each training sample composed within one of the known candidate languages. Further included is the process of generating one or more training vectors from each training database, wherein each training vector is defined as a function of said plurality of sound tokens provided from said subset of the known candidate languages. The method further includes associating each training vector with the candidate language of the corresponding training sample.

Abstract: The illumination system described below comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: A stent and stent catheter for intra-cranial use.