Abstract: Embodiments of DC power related systems and methods including a topology and devices to enable DC powered or driven constant current devices to be connected in a parallel configuration while maintaining a series connection internal to the devices.

Abstract: A spread spectrum cellular network (FIG. 1) mobile unit transmitter (30) that enables communication via protocols having different bandwidth (372) and baseband signal generation (260), the transmitter including a phase locked loop and an amplitude control loop.

Abstract: Embodiments of power distribution systems and methods are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A device and method for selectively engaging or penetrating a layer of a luminal organ wall where the luminal organ wall has a plurality of layers including an outermost layer and an innermost layer adjacent to the lumen of the organ. The device and method select one of the plurality of layers of the organ wall other than the innermost layer and deploy from within the lumen of the organ a tissue device through the innermost layer to a specific depth to engage or penetrate the selected one of the plurality of layers. The device and method may be employed to create luminal pouches or restrictive outlets. In a stomach organ, the device and methods may be employed to treat obesity by forming a gastric pouch with or without a restrictive outlet.

Abstract: A sorting system and method that sorts records based on multiple fields by converting the fields to a common data type and sorting the common data type fields using a single sorting algorithm whereupon the records can be ordered based on the sorted common data type fields. The single sorting algorithm can quickly, efficiently, and accurately sort the records because the index fields have been converted to appropriate simple values in a common data type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of detecting a tandem link and performing tandem tunneling when a tandem link is detected. The detection of a tandem link includes generating a HAIL and ACK signal where a voice compression unit on one end of the link receives the signals and generates an ACK signal for a voice compression unit on the other end of the link when the HAIL signal is detected. The tandem tunneling prevents the VCUs that comprise the tandem link from decompressing packets received on a network link, adds HDLC header information to the packet to generate HDLC framed packets on the subscriber side, removes HDLC header information from HDLC framed packets received on the subscriber side, and passes the unframed packets to the network side.

Abstract: A flexible biopsy forceps device for acquiring more than one tissue sample comprises an elongated, flexible body having a central lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end. A control assembly is adjacent to the proximal end of the flexible body and a jaw assembly is coupled to the distal end. A jaw actuating means extends from the control assembly to the jaw assembly. The jaw assembly includes a pair of jaws that pivot from an open position to a closed position in response to movement of the jaw actuating means to surround and excise tissue samples. In their closed position, the jaw pair has a proximal opening aligned with the central lumen of the flexible body sized to allow passage of tissue samples. An intake means is disposed within the distal portion of the central lumen and may extend into the proximal opening of the jaw pair.