Abstract: A method and system providing a transfer container crane with container code recognition of a container identified by a container code to a container inventory management system is disclosed. The system and method are capable of performing these tasks without the use of non-standard container tagging.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like.

Abstract: The intervertebral disc is avascular. With aging, calcified layers occlude the capillaries at the cartilaginous endplates, reducing diffusion of nutrients and oxygen from capillaries into the avascular disc. Under anaerobic condition, excessive production of lactic acid decreases intradiscal pH and irritates surrounding nerves, causing persistent back pain. Antacid is injected into the painful disc to increase pH and alleviate back pain.

Abstract: A device (10) used with high frequency ultrasound provides a replaceable barrier between the ultrasound transducer and the tissues being imaged. The device (10) provides an acoustic pathway of minimal effect on the ultrasound signals, and furthermore provides for a safety barrier between a mechanical scanner and the tissues being imaged. The configuration of the device (10) allows it to function as a standoff for the ultrasound transducer to place the focus of the ultrasound beam at the desired depth of tissue for imaging. In addition, the device (10) may be sterilized and replaced as needed, providing sterile tissue contact surfaces. The device (10) has additional features, which are especially advantageous for diagnosis and surgery of the eye.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stabilizing and/or positioning tissues or organs during surgical procedures. One feature of the positioners of the invention includes the use of one or more suction elements used to grip the organ or tissue. The main body of the suction element comprises body defining a polyhedral shaped chamber, an elliptical ring structure and a vacuum port. The invention further includes structures to support the suction element and hold the suction element and attached tissue in a fixed position including catheters, lockable flexible arms, and retractors.

Abstract: Anchoring elements of a fastener are made elastically curved. The curvatures of the elements are resiliently straightened by a trocar for tissue insertion. As the trocar is withdrawn, the anchoring elements resume the curved configuration, laterally pressing the elements against tissue to anchor the fastener.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods using a means for wirelessly communicating, preferably a radio location-tag unit, for reporting a sensed state of a container handler. The status reporting device may include: a micro-controller module, a means for wirelessly communicating, which may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location, and a means for sensing the state of the container handler.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a surgical retractor include a ring, a plurality of flexible straps connected to the ring, a patch of hook or loop material connected to each strap, a coordinating patch of hook or loop material connectable to the patient's skin or the surgical drape. The flexible straps of the surgical retractor may be frangibly connected together. LEDs molded into the distal end create a light source to illuminate the surgical site. The ring may take several forms including a flexible or adjustable ring and an inflatable bladder. The ring of the surgical retractor is inserted into the surgical incision, a patch of loop fastener is attached to the patient, a set of straps connected to the ring are pulled outward and the hook portion is applied to the loop portion to hold the incision open. The retractor is useable for thoracic and other types of surgery.

Abstract: A performance manager and method for managing the performance of a computer system based on a system model that includes measured entities representing the operational characteristics of the system components and relationships among the measured entities. The performance manager includes data producers for interacting with the interface agents of the components, an engine for exchanging information with the data producers and the system model, and an interaction model for determining relevant measured entities in the system model. The system model and interaction model are maintained in a repository where data might be accessed via an access interface. Incoming performance data is analyzed by an analyzer in the background to detect trends and relationships among the entities. An operator might review the relevant entities and apply controls to selected entities to manage the overall system performance as well as to resolve problems affecting the performance of the components in the system.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods using a means for wirelessly communicating, preferably a radio location-tag unit, for reporting a sensed state of a container handler. The status reporting device may include: a micro-controller module, a means for wirelessly communicating, which may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location, and a means for sensing the state of the container handler.

Abstract: A multichannel catheter for extracorporeal circulation of blood to a patient undergoing cardiovascular treatments or surgery has three independent channels, an obturator and an expandable balloon. The first channel is the largest and is of a size that allows for delivery of blood through outlet parts in the wall of the first channel to a patient in an amount sufficient to maintain the patient's metabolism and perfusion throughout the treatment or surgery. The obturator is longitudinally insertable into the first channel. The second and third channels are integrated into the wall of the first channel. The second channel is suitable for delivering a biologically active fluid to the heart and/or venting the left heart. The third channel is suitable for delivering a fluid to the balloon for its expansion. The catheter provides an improved means of preparing for or performing cardiovascular surgery on a patient using a cardiopulmonary machine for extracorporeal circulation of blood.

Abstract: A powered paper turner is an automated load turning device specifically designed to turn a paper stack sandwiched between a pair of pallets in a work and turn printing process. The paper turner is mounted on wheels, with a rotating module rotating about an axle mounted on a moving support beam to give the module its rotational capability. A slide that secures the paper stack moves horizontally within the rotating module to shift the center of gravity. As the support beam moves up and down a pair of guide rods on linear bearings, the rotating module rotates about the axle. During a downstroke of the moving support beam, the paper stack rotates from a vertical position to a horizontal position. The stack is then shifted, so that during an upstroke of the moving support beam, the paper stack completes a 180° rotation.

Abstract: A hard disk drive and its circuit board and an integrated circuit are disclosed using two piezoelectric devices each having one terminal used to generate signal. The first signal goes to one input of a differential amplifier. The second signal goes to an amplifier whose gain is controlled to create an amplified second signal for the differential amplifier whose output and the first and second signals create a selected signal received by an A/D converter to create a sampled signal used to create a linear disturbance signal and/or a rotational compensation signal, which in turn are used to control the gain of the amplifier to minimize a PES envelope and/or a harmonic PES envelope either in calibration or normal operation of the hard disk drive.

Abstract: An electronic-ballast lamp system comprises a modular lamp ballast in a plug-in housing. A light fixture has matching sockets for the ballast and is pre-wired for the intended lamp tubes. In one instance, an electronic ballast accepts 100-300 VAC and 50-60 Hz power inputs, and provides the correct rapid-start, instant-on, or standard lamp outputs as sensed from the lamps themselves, or as read from a data card embedded in the light fixture. The data card is read optically or electronically, depending on application, or the lamp types may be dialed-in on the ballast itself.

Abstract: A magnetically damped inclinometer has a shaft with attached pendulum that rotates. The rotation causes an index member to rotate past one or a set of magnets or electromagnets that are connected to the load. The magnet or electromagnet may be mounted directly to the load or it may be in the form of an off center ring. Another embodiment uses a spring to bias two magnets apart. A cam is attached to the shaft such that, as the pendulum and shaft rotate, a roller connected with the load or spreader bar allows the spring to push the magnets farther apart. The damped inclinometers are used to determine and provide information to respond to the initial sway of a load prior to bringing the load to a stop.

Abstract: A single, multichannel catheter for extracorporeal circulation of blood to a patient undergoing cardiac treatments or surgery. The catheter has three independent channels and an expandable balloon. The first channel is the largest and delivers blood to a patient to maintain the patient's metabolism and perfusion throughout the treatment or surgery. A second, smaller channel is integrated into the wall of the first channel and delivers a biologically active fluid (e.g., for cardioplegia) to the heart and/or venting the left heart. A third, smaller channel is integrated into the wall of the first channel, and delivers an expansion fluid to the balloon to occlude the flow of blood to the heart. Preferably, the first channel accounts for at least about 70% of the total channel volume. The multichannel catheter is best prepared using an extrusion molding technique.

Abstract: A disk storage device is disclosed including at least one disk unit, a first processor to control the disk unit making possible access of its data and a second processor communicating with the first while operating a file system for disk access and at least one network interface. The network interface is operated to receive an access request. The file system is operated based upon the access request to organize access of the data to create an access response. The disk units are disclosed as a hard disk unit and/or a solid state data unit. The disk storage unit may further include at least one multi-media interface and/or at least one serial interface and/or a Bluetooth interface. An integrated circuit and an assembled circuit board are disclosed including both processors.

Abstract: This discloses an integrated circuit and at least one CMOS analog circuit including a first circuit component generating an output signal received by a second circuit component to generate a feedback signal received by the first component to regulate the output signal, where the transistors of the first circuit component consist of first MOS transistor instances compliant with a first core voltage and the feedback signal requires the transistors of the second circuit component to consist of at least one second MOS transistor instance compliant with a second core voltage above the first core voltage. The CMOS analog circuit may implement an amplifier, a transconductance amplifier and/or a telescopic amplifier. The first core voltage may at most 1.2 volts and the second core voltage may be at least three volts. The first MOS transistors may be thin oxide transistors and the second MOS transistors may be thicker oxide transistors.

Abstract: A hard disk drive is disclosed including a voice coil motor and a magnetic sensor communicating with a control circuit. A magnetic sensor reading is created and used to stop access operations in response to the reading of an external magnetic field that may be strong enough to disrupt a slider accessing a rotating disk surface. Also disclosed are a main flex circuit and head stack assembly including the magnetic sensor for use in a hard disk drive. Control circuits and processors are disclosed for receiving the magnetic reading to stop access operations in hard disk drives. The hard disk drive may be a Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR) hard disk drive.