Abstract: Methods and devices for occlusion of the fallopian tubes of a woman. The method involves thermally damaging the lining of the utero-tubal junction with relatively low power, followed by placement of a reticulated foam plug. In one embodiment, vascularized tissue grows into the plug and prevents or discourages formation of scar tissue around the plug. Another embodiment with a relatively small foam pore size encourages formation of a vascularized capsule around the plug. The presence of this vascularized capsule limits the patient's foreign body response, so that the capsule does not constrict around the plug. Also presented is a catheter designed for wounding the epithelial layer of the utero-tubal junction, and a method of using the catheter to form a long yet shallow lesion in the utero-tubal junction.

Abstract: A system and method for infusing a drug under continuous positive pressure (such as convection enhanced deliver) to a target tissue to be treated is particularly useful for post-resection anticancer drug therapy. The system comprises a drug infusion catheter having an expandable device which is expanded within the target tissue such that the target tissue conforms to an outer surface of the expandable device, thereby creating a form of seal around the target volume in order to maintain an effective drug pressure gradient within the target tissue. The system further comprises a sensor to measure a parameter which can be correlated to the degree of conformance between the target tissue and the outer surface of the expandable device. The sensor is coupled to a feedback control system to determine whether there is a loss of conformance, and to adjust the expansion of the expandable device in order to maintain good conformance.

Abstract: A medical device and procedure is described for occluding a fallopian tube. A tubal occlusion device is inserted into a uterine cavity. The device includes an RF applicator head including an electrode carrier with one or more bipolar electrodes thereon. During insertion, the RF applicator head can be in a closed position. The RF applicator head is positioned at a tubal ostium of a fallopian tube, such that a distal tip of the RF applicator head advances into the tubal ostium. The RF applicator head is deployed into an open position such that the RF applicator head approximates the shape of the uterine cavity in a region of the tubal ostium. Current is passed through the one or more bipolar electrodes to the tubal ostium to destroy tissue to a known depth, which precipitates a healing response in surrounding tissue that over time scars and occludes the fallopian tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation of organs and other tissues includes a radio frequency generator which provides a radio frequency signal to ablation electrodes. The power level of the radio frequency signal is determined based on the subject area of ablation. The radio frequency signal is coupled with the ablation electrodes through a transformation circuit. The transformation circuit includes a high impedance transformation circuit and a low impedance transformation circuit. The high or low impedance transformation circuit is selected based on the impedance of the ablation electrodes in contact with the subject tissue. Vacuum level, impedance level, resistance level, and time are measured during ablation. If these parameters exceed determinable limits the ablation procedure is terminated.

Abstract: A method and system for achieving hemostasis (the stoppage of bleeding) is described. RF (radio frequency) energy is used to ablate the surface of tissue to stop bleeding. The depth of destruction of the tissue can be controlled so as to desiccate and coagulate the tissue. In one implementation, an electrode carrier including bipolar electrodes is applied to the tissue, and RF energy transmitted through the bipolar electrodes to ablate the tissue. A layer of desiccated tissue can be created as well as coagulation of the tissue to achieve hemostasis.

Abstract: An emission cleaning installation which is easy to connect continuously even to existing large-scale incineration furnaces and which is able to oxidatively break down and eliminate environmental pollutants contained in the emissions, for example dioxins, dibenzofurans, coplanar PCBs, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the like without temperature control of the emission temperature, by the photocatalytic action of the photocatalyst, and to a method for emission cleaning and elimination which uses the abovementioned emission cleaning installation.

Abstract: A two piece golf ball has a core compression in the range of 75 PGA to 89 PGA, a core diameter in the range of about 1.535 inches to 1.545 inches, a cover hardness in the range of 42 to 60 Shore D, and a dimple pattern based on the geometry of a icosahedron. An uninterrupted equatorial great circle path, corresponding to a mold parting line, is provided in the design for forming a cover of the golf ball in two parts. A ball having such characteristics exhibits superior distance performance without compromising shot-making feel.

Abstract: A motion password control system including a motion sensor responsive to motion of a device and providing a signal corresponding to movement of the device; a database including stored data values corresponding to predetermined motion of the device; and an electronic circuit, responsive to the motion sensor, configured to compare the motion sensor signal with the stored database values, and, in response, to provide an output signal for performing at least one action of a preselected set of actions when the comparison reveals that the device has moved in a way which corresponds to the stored data values.

Abstract: The golf ball comprises all known cores provided with a cover produced by a polymer blend that combines the durability of a conventional cover with the feel of a traditional balata cover having a plurality of dimples in a modified dodecahedron pattern. The dodecahedron consists of twelve pentagons, which are subdivided into a total of sixty triangles. The triangles are then further subdivided into rows into which various diameter dimples are placed. The dimple pattern can be arranged to produce a pattern of ten great circles, which are free of dimples. The cover formulation is a blend of various ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymers wherein at least one copolymer has a high modulus and at least one copolymer has a moderate modulus forming a miscible blend having a PDI index that maximizes durability while still maintaining feel and playability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emission cleaning installation which is easy to connect continuously even to existing large-scale incineration furnaces and which is able to oxidatively break down and eliminate environmental pollutants contained in the emissions, for example dioxins, dibenzofurans, coplanar PCBs, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the like without temperature control of the emission temperature, by the photocatalytic action of the photocatalyst, and to a method for emission cleaning and elimination which uses the abovementioned emission cleaning installation.