Abstract: A slotted shield for a surgical tack, including a body adapted to engage a tack head. The shield has at least one slot having a width, defined by the body. Optionally, the shield is mounted on a tack head on which said shield is mounted.

Abstract: A method for minimizing spherical aberration in an optical read/write drive caused by variances in lens thickness and laser wavelength. The method provides an economic solution that pairs objective lenses with laser diodes such that the spherical aberration caused by the objective lens is offset by the spherical aberration caused by the laser wavelength, thereby minimizing or completely canceling the overall spherical aberration.

Abstract: A method is provided that minimizes the seek time necessary for relocating bad sectors found during data processing. During standard data processing in the prime disk area, identified bad sectors are saved in memory until after all of the data processing has been completed. The bad sectors are then relocated from memory in a batch process, thereby requiring only a single seek command to the defect management area. This procedure reduces the time penalty in the number of relocations to a near constant time and avoids a linear time penalty.

Abstract: There is a need within the medical community for non-invasive instruments to measure critical physiologic parameters at the point of care. Such a technique may be applicable to a wide variety of commonly monitored physiologic parameters during critical care patient management. The invention is directed to a method of measuring the pH of a patient's tissue. The method includes measuring the optical signal from a specie whose fluorescence is pH sensitive, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and also measuring the optical signal from a second biological marker, such as FAD, the fluorescence from the second marker being substantially insensitive to pH. The method includes determining the patient's pH by using the first and second optical signals.

Abstract: A dual information system for a representative of a contact center includes a first set of information directed for reference by the representative while the representative is online with a customer and a second set of information directed for reference or capability enhancement by the representative while the representative is offline from customers wherein the second set of information includes information automatically directed to the representative based on the representative's online contact with the customer. One of these sets of information may enhance role-based capabilities of the representative.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for customizing a graphical user interface to a government system. A classification is determined of a user accessing a graphical user interface to a government system utilizing a network. Based on the classification, content available for display to the user is limited. Regional content is selected for display on the graphical user interface based on the classification of the user. The user is then allowed to customize a portion of the content available for display.

Abstract: Open Pairings occurring during airline operations are repaired n at a time (where n is an integer) in near real time through use of two solution paths, one involving one-way fixes, and the other matching transformations. From the resulting multiple solutions, one is selected which is of least cost to the airline.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an optical apparatus suitable for coupling to an optical network. The optical apparatus is adapted to transmit multiplexed optical signals on the optical network and/or de-multiplex optical transmissions from the network. The optical apparatus includes an optical waveguide and an optoelectronic device. The optical waveguide has a set of diffractive elements in the form of a scribed volume hologram, which provides an optical transfer function. The optical waveguide also includes a first optical port and a second optical port. The second optical port is adapted to be optically coupled to the optical network. The optoelectronic device includes a plurality of optical portions. The optoelectronic device is adapted to convert optical signals at the optical portions into electric signals and/or convert electric signals into optical signals at the optical portions.

Abstract: Devices and methods for aligning a probe body and a treatment surface adjacent a target tissue. A guide shaft can be positioned in a urethra. The probe body can be positioned in a vagina and registered relative to the guide so as to position the treatment surface in alignment with the target tissue.

Abstract: Where double sided circuit boards are utilized, having components on both sides, cooling is easily achieved by utilizing an appropriate thermal bonding agent which is both thermally conductive and electrically insulating. The thermal bonding agent is coupled to the circuit board in a manner which surrounds and encapsulates components on one side of the circuit board. Attached to the other side of the thermal bonding material is a heat sink, or other heat management device. By using this configuration, heat is easily transmitted from the electrical components to the heat sink, while not creating any electrical interference or shorts for circuit components in contact with the thermal bonding material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for conducting activities between users in a collaborative work tool architecture. A client user interface including at least one activity data field is afforded. Then, a selection of a particular activity data field from a user is received. Additional information on the selected activity field is then presented using the client user interface. The user is then allowed to input meeting data concerning the selected activity data field. The received meeting data is stored on a server via a network. Finally, a plurality of participant users are allowed access to the stored meeting data via the network.

Abstract: This surgical device uses a laser beam to coagulate tissue. The elongate device carries the beam through an optical fiber that has a chamfered end for deflecting the beam out of a distal end of the device at an angle. Tissue coagulation is monitored using a magnetic resonance imaging system that provides periodic tissue temperature data. A small fluid supply duct provides cooling fluid that expands to a gas near the distal end of the device, thereby cooling the tip.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and method for treating urinary incontinence generally rely on energy delivered to a patient's own pelvic support tissue to selectively contract or shrink at least a portion of that pelvic support tissue so as to reposition the bladder. Devices and methods apply gentle resistive heating of tissues to cause them to contract without imposing significant injury on the surrounding tissue structures. Alternative heat-applying probes heat tissue structures which comprise or support a patient's urethra. By selectively contracting the support tissues, the bladder neck, sphincter, and other components of the urinary tract responsible for the control of urinary flow can be reconfigured or supported in a manner which reduces urinary leakage.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for creating a finalized document relating to a transaction. A buyer selects documents associated with a proposed transaction and indicates trade terms of an agreement relating to the documents selected. The trade terms are presented to a seller on an electronic form via an electronic document platform. The electronic form includes a combined purchase order proforma invoice, a transportation document, and a shipping document. The seller can amend the trade terms on the form, and each amendment creates a new version of the form. Negotiations of the trade terms between the buyer and the seller are conducted electronically and the negotiated fonn detailing the negotiation of the trade terms is generated and displayed electronically, also. A compliance check is performed and is triggered in response to a digital signature of the form. Payment is initiated to the seller after a verification of credit of the buyer.

Abstract: A method of protecting an upper body and a lower body of a patient from high venous pressures comprising implanting a first stented valve at the superior vena cava and a second stented valve at the inferior vena cava, wherein the first and second valves are configured to permit blood flow towards a right atrium of the patient and prevent blood flow in an opposite direction.

Abstract: An improved in mold label for use in labeling products made by injection, or other, molding technologies has a zig-zag shaped edge cut contained in a registration area which contains ink that matches the product resin. At least one ledge is formed in a cavity wall of the mold proximate the position intended for receipt of an in mold label. The ledge protects the leading edge of the in mold label from the flow of resin through the cavity walls of the mold. Because the label leading edge is protected, the resin flows over the label and pins the label to the cavity wall of the mold, creating a container with the label formed on the container wall. Alternatively, a container lid is provided with a ledge to facilitate skirting and label placement on the pan area of the lid. These features both enhance the structural integrity and the uniform unblemished appearance of the finished molded container.

Abstract: A development architecture framework manages information that supports a project being carried out by a development architecture framework. Security requirements are defined and the framework is audited to ensure requirements are met. Quality is ensured by obtaining and statistically analyzing measurements relating to predetermined criterion Personnel are trained to improve the quality of the project. The project is managed by generating a plan, scheduling a timeline, tracking the plan, and reporting information uncovered during tracking. A development environment is also managed. Component delivery is coordinated and delivery problems are rectified during the delivery.

Abstract: A distributed computer system comprises a first computer and a second computer. The system is arranged for a digital image to be transmitted from the first computer to the second computer, via a telecommunications link, as plurality of co-ordinates defining, in three-dimensional space, the vertices of a plurality of polygonal surface facets of the image. The second computer is arranged to enhance the image by modifying the image according to the co-ordinates of said vertices. Only a small amount of data need therefore be transmitted from the first computer to the second computer for a high resolution image to be displayed by the latter.