Abstract: An ice skate comprising a blade and a blade holder. The blade holder providing decreasing, non rigid, and/or no lateral support in a rearward region of the blade so that it may facilitate increased or freer flexibility of the blade and improved maneuverability. The blade is rigidly laterally supported at a front end section of the blade holder and preferably also at a back end section of the blade holder so that it may facilitate efficient transfer of force between the skater and the blade. One or more non-rigid support members may be employed to control, absorb and/or cushion the flexing of the blade. The ice skate may be tuned to reflect the desired performance requirements of the individual skater and/or use.

Abstract: A gas analysis apparatus, and a method for calibrating it and for compensating measurement errors, are disclosed. This method and apparatus are particularly suited for use during a cardipulmonary exercise test by a test subject. The oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations of the subject's breath are measured, and errors are compensated based on the results of previous calibration. These compensated measurements, as well as other physiological data monitored during the cardiopulmonary exercise test quantities calculated from these measurements, are presented as a series of graphs in a logical order to enhance their diagnostic and prognostic value. A facemask and headstraps are adapted for use with the gas analysis apparatus. The facemask possesses a plurality of pins fitting into corresponding holes in the headstraps, and the headstraps possess quick-release attachment means to provide for quickly securing the face mask to or removing it from a subject.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a digital subscriber line (DSL) transmission over an AC-link bus directly connecting a modem codec to a codec controller. The codec and codec controller connected to the AC-link bus are configured for a particular industry-defined AC-link bus protocol defining a data packet having multiple time-division multiplexed (TDM) data slots, where the present invention redefines the protocol of the AC-link bus in order to allow a high bandwidth DSL transmission to be performed using the data packets transmitted over the AC-link bus. The present invention redefines the AC-link bus protocol to provide at least one additional TDM data slot in the data packet for handling DSL modem transmission data streams. The reconfigured data packet provides additional bandwidth capabilities which allow high-bandwidth DSL modem transmissions to be sent in the data packets transmitted over the AC-link bus, which where not previously achievable using the industry-defined AC-link protocol.

Abstract: A deformable curvature mirror capable of controlled deformation by applying electrical voltages to electrode segments on the back of the mirror. Two plates of an electro-restrictive material, such as PZT or PMN, are jointed together with at least one conductive layer sandwiched therebetween. One plate has an outer conductive layer and a mirrored surface on the outer conductive layer. The conductive layers are electrically grounded. The other plate has a pattern of a plurality of electrode segments on the outer surface with each electrode segment having a separate electrical terminal for applying a variable electrical voltage thereto for separately transmitting a variable current through each electrode segment and through at least the other plate for causing variable expansion of the plate and thereby selectively deforming that plate and, in turn, the deformable curvature mirror.

Abstract: A seismic adapter for attachment to a steel web joist including two beams with the upper beam having laterally extending flanges with a wood nailer positioned thereon includes two brackets. Each bracket is a plate formed to define a base section, a mounting section and an engagement section. The mounting section is adjacent and perpendicular to the base section while the engagement is also adjacent to the base section and extends at an obtuse angle therefrom. A passage extends through the wood nailer with a shaft extending therethrough to rigidly retain the mounting sections against the wood nailer. The passage has a center distance above the undersurface of the laterally extending flanges which is greater than the distance from the axis of the holes of the mounting sections to the edges of the engagement sections.

Abstract: An improved, rotatably articuable scanner for reading and decoding bar codes in connection with the sale of retail articles is disclosed. An ultra-compact, lightweight, low-cost, self-contained, visible laser diode (VLD) bar code scanner is provided with a great range of functionality and versatility. A scan head housing an optical subsystem is rotatably connected with a tower housing. The heat-generating electronic components are located in the tower housing away from heat-sensitive optical components located in the scan head. The scanner presents an extremely small footprint, and provides for its mounting in virtually any orientation and location. The optical subsystem uses a basket-type mirror array configured around a rotating planar folding mirror, driven by a compact cup (brushed) DC motor. The scanner features a short optical beam path.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an introducer sheath with an integrated closure component. The closure component includes a fastener and an advanceable, deformable clip having a delivery configuration in which opposing sides do not contact one another, and a deployed configuration, in which the fastener causes opposing sides of the deformable clip to close towards one another. The clip is advanced along the sheath until it pierces opposing sides of a vessel wall at a puncture site. The clip is then deformed with the fastener to draw opposing sides of the puncture together, and the sheath is withdrawn to seal the wound. The clip and fastener preferably are bioabsorbable.

Abstract: The invention modifies the pericardium to treat patients suffering from or at risk of heart failure of the type wherein constraining forces of the pericardium around the heart are inadequate to prevent remodeling of the heart. The pericardium is enhanced by restoring, increasing, or improving its ability to restrain the heart and prevent dilation of the chambers of the heart. Methods and apparatus are provided for stiffening, strengthening, tightening, reshaping, and/or shrinking the pericardium to enhance the restraining and supporting capability of the pericardium around the heart. Specific embodiments enhance the pericardium by heating the pericardial tissue using radiofrequency energy and the like, treating the pericardium with a chemical such as glutaraldehyde, plicating the pericardium, or some combination of the above.

Abstract: An atrial isolator comprising two tubular members, two lumens, drainage ports, and expandable occluders. The expandable occluders are adapted to engage an opening of the superior vena cava into the right atrium or the inferior vena cava and right tricuspid valve into the right atrium. The second tubular member is inserted into the lumen of the first tubular member to provide a displacement between the first expandable occluder and the second expandable occluder which is adjustable. A cardioplegia port is located between the two expandable occluders and in communication with a cardioplegic lumen. Methods of using such an atrial isolator are also disclosed, particularly to provide circulatory isolation of the heart and coronary blood vessels, and cardioplegia delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for detecting preeclampsia in pregnancies. The present invention comprises the steps of obtaining a sample specimen from a patient, assaying the specimen to determine the level of glycerophosphatidyl compounds, glycerophosphatidylcholine, lysophospholipids and/or lysophosphatidylcholine in the sample, comparing levels in the sample to levels in normal samples, and correlating significant decreases as compared to normal samples as a positive indicator of preeclampsia.

Abstract: An image correction method of compensating for point of view image distortion in pictures includes the steps of obtaining an image at a first position within a predetermined frame, wherein at the first position the image is distorted due to point of view image distortion. The image obtained comprises an array of pixels. The distorted image is transformed into a compensated image by re-mapping the array of pixels of the distorted image using a predetermined transforming function that stretches the distorted image to fill the entire frame. The transformation function depends on the geometric orientation of the camera, projector, projecting surface, and viewer. The compensated image is projected at a second position different from the first position, wherein the projection of the compensated image substantially reduces point of view image distortion at the first position. This method can be employed for stationary and moving point of views.

Abstract: This invention relates to low molecular weight, small molecule cyclic esters and amides having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods of using the same to effect a neuronal activity.

Abstract: An exceptionally flexible, ultra-soft vasoocclusive or embolism forming device made of a material which may be a braid, coil, or chain which forms a long, thin thread-like device having little rigidity or column strength. The device is sufficiently flexible and small that it may be hydraulically delivered to a site within the vasculature of a human body using an injected drug or fluid flush through a catheter.

Abstract: A receiver suspension for isolating a hearing device receiver within a hearing device comprises a housing that defines a chamber. The housing is adapted to be inserted into a hearing device shell. The receiver suspension also comprises a cover that is adapted to engage with a proximal end of the housing. An isolation membrane at least partially surrounds the hearing device receiver such that, upon inserting the hearing device receiver into the housing, the isolation membrane suspends the receiver within the housing chamber, thus preventing the receiver from contacting the inside surface of the housing. Preferably, the isolation membrane is formed from a stretched polymer material such as polyurethane or silicone and forms a series of pleats when engaged with the receiver. Alternately, the receiver suspension includes an isolation spring having two grasping members interconnected with a flexure member.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for treating aneurysms, occlusive disease of vessels and body organs, and arterio-venous fistulas, occurring in single and bifurcated lumens. The prosthesis comprises an expandable coiled sheet portion having a biocompatible graft, either a sheet or tube, affixed thereto along part or all of the circumference of the coiled sheet portion. The prosthesis has a small delivery profile, making it suitable for use in a variety of body vessels. Methods of making and deploying the prosthesis in single and bifurcated lumens are also provided.

Abstract: A miniature two or three cell flashlight as disclosed to comprise a barrel, a tailcap, a head assembly, and means for holding a miniature lamp bulb and for providing interruptible electrical coupling to dry cell batteries retained within the barrel and having a charger for charging the rechargeable batteries via conductors in the tailcap.

Abstract: An intravascular imaging guidewire which can accomplish longitudinal translation of an imaging plane allowing imaging of an axial length of a region of interest without moving the guidewire. The imaging guidewire comprises a body in the form of a flexible elongate tubular member. An elongate flexible imaging core is slidably received within the body. The imaging core includes a shaft having an imaging device mounted on its distal end. The body and the imaging core are cooperatively constructed to enable axial translation of the imaging core and imaging device relative to the body. The body has a transparent distal portion extending an axial length over which axially translatable imaging may be performed. The imaging guidewire has a maximum diameter over its entire length sized to be received within a guidewire lumen of an intravascular catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the analysis of polynucleotides including detection of variance in nucleotide sequence without the need for full sequence determination, full sequence determination of a polynucleotide, genotyping of DNA and labeling a polynucleotide fragment during the process of cleaving it into fragments.

Abstract: A multi-positional support device, one use being to provide the head, neck, and cervical spine of a patient with rest, support, and kinesthetic input in various degrees of head and neck rotation, without causing discomfort to the patient or tilting the patient's head. An embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongate body, a first end, and a second end, said elongate body further comprising a first contoured surface, said first contoured surface comprising a plurality of first surface recesses.