Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the manipulation of a polarizable object with a pair of elongated nanoelectrodes using dielectrophoresis. The nanoelectrodes can be carbon nanotubes and are coupled with one or more time-varying voltage sources to create an electric field gradient in a gap between the nanotubes. The gradient induces the movement of a polarizable object in proximity with the field. The nanotube pair can be used to trap a single polarizable object in the gap. A method of fabricating a nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system is also provided. Applications extend to self-fabricating nanoelectronics, nanomachines, nanochemistry and nanobiochemistry. A nanoelectrode dielectrophoretic system having an extended nanoelectrode for use in applications including the self-fabrication of a nanowire, as well as methods for fabricating the same, are also provided.

Abstract: A process for mechanical assembly and electrical interconnection of the functional components of an active implantable medical device. A first step involves preparing an interconnection flex circuit (20) that is able to be electrically and mechanically linked to an electronic circuit module (14), a supply battery (12) and a series of feedthrough terminals (16) of the device, prior to being placed in a common case. The flex circuit has a series of pads (34) for linking to homologous metallizations (46) of the substrate. The mechanical assembling and electrical linking of these pads (34) to the metallizations (46) is performed without either the use of any activation flux or introduction of fusible brazing, and rather by applying an intermediate anisotropic conductive material (38) placed between the pads (34) and metallizations (46), followed by polymerizing this material. The applying and polymerizing are performed under controlled conditions of pressure, temperature and duration.

Abstract: A remote support system for programming active implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, cardioverters or multisite devices. A station is equipped with a programmer that is able to read, by telemetry, information stored in an implantable device, and transmit over a telephone line the information thus read, namely patient data and/or internal parameters for operating the programmer or programming parameters of the implant. A remote analysis station is configured to receive the information sent on the telephone line and display and/or analyze the transmitted information. The programmer includes an input to collect a voice signal and a multiplexor so that the data and/or parameters and the voice signal collected, are simultaneously delivered at the multiplexor output in real-time as a multiplexed signal that, in turn, is applied to a tele-transmission circuit (e.g., a modem).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing loan applications in dynamic workflows. In a preferred embodiment, a system calls an activity engine with a top-level activity for processing a work-item, e.g., a loan application. The activity engine decomposes the top-level activity into child activities and lower-level child activities, and recursively calls itself to process the child activities until all constituent child activities have been preformed, thus performing the original top-level activity. In the preferred embodiment, each activity, work-item, user, event and role has associated rules, wherein an event represents a change in state of an activity and a role represents a class of users of the system having shared attributes. The evaluation of the associated rules dynamically creates the flow of activities, thereby creating a dynamic workflow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to creating an active layer of strained semiconductor using a combination of buried and sacrificial stressors. That is, a process can strain an active semiconductor layer by transferring strain from a stressor layer buried below the active semiconductor layer and by transferring strain from a sacrificial stressor layer formed above the active semiconductor layer. As an example, the substrate may be silicon, the buried stressor layer may be silicon germanium, the active semiconductor layer may be silicon and the sacrificial stressor layer may be silicon germanium. Elastic edge relaxation is preferably used to efficiently transfer strain to the active layer.

Abstract: A hockey stick having a composite blade and a shaft is disclosed. The composite blade includes a heel section that is recessed relative to the front and back faces of the blade. The recessed heel section is configured to be received by a hockey stick shaft or an adapter member configured to connect the blade to the shaft. The composite blade preferably comprise a foam inner core overlaid preferably with substantially continuous fibers disposed in a matrix material and may include an internal bridge structure extending from one side of the blade to the other. The blade may also be preferably comprised of a core comprising non-continuous fibers disposed within a matrix material. In another aspect, processes for manufacturing the previously described hockey stick blade(s) are described.

Abstract: A remote camera positioning and control system is disclosed that permits a sole operator to use and support a camera out of arm's reach. The system can include a handle module that incorporates, for example, an axially and rotationally moveable grip and a proximal handle grip ring and control cage for surrounding a camera control, such as a joystick.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device for diagnosis and/or therapy that is able to detect the occurrence of apnea and hypopnea. The detection of an occurrence of respiratory apneae or hypopneae is performed by collecting the patient's endocardial acceleration (EA), and determining at least one parameter, i.e., a peak acceleration, (PEA I, PEA II) that is a function of this collected endocardial acceleration. An apnea or hypopnea alert signal is then conditionally delivered as a function of the value taken by this (these) parameter(s).

Abstract: A method and system for enforcing seat-based licensing is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a license server stores a license count, a value which indicates how many licenses are available for a particular software application. At installation, an installation launcher queries the license server to determine if a license is available for the software application. If a license is available, the software is installed and the license count is decreased. At uninstall, the license count is increased to free up a license for any system on the network. In this manner, a licensor or a system administrator may keep electronic records of software installations and of how many licenses are used. The methods and system also allow for automated enforcement of a seat-based licensing scheme.

Abstract: A system for treating a septal defect having a suture-like implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The suture-like apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the suture-like apparatus, a stabilization device configured to stabilize the delivery device and a positioning device configured to position the delivery device in a desired location. The suture-like device can include a suture body coupled with one or more lock devices or anchor devices.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens comprising a flexible body, a flexible optic which is moveable anteriorly and posteriorly relative to the lens body, and a weakened portion connecting the optic to the body. The body may have extending centration and fixation loops on its distal ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an injection device including a syringe with a proximal end, a distal end, a needle extending from the distal end, and a plunger inserted into the proximal end. A guard is slidable on the syringe, has a proximal end, a distal end, and is biased from a first position wherein the needle is exposed towards a second position wherein the guard covers the needle. The injection device includes first and second sets of cooperating detents for retaining the guard and syringe in the first and second positions, respectively. A latch member extends proximally from the guard that is engageable by the plunger as the plunger is depressed to release the first set of cooperating detents. Upon release, a spring element biases the guard towards the second position until the second set of cooperating detents engage and secure the guard in the second position.

Abstract: A microfluidic dynamic vapor control system adapted to change the chemistry of small drops by dynamically controlling the vapor content surrounding the drops. The small volume surface area ratio makes this an efficient mechanism for controlling chemistry in nanovolumes. The system uses small reservoirs of material that can produce vapor on demand, and microfluidic channels that direct the vapor into a small chamber that holds a drop of the solution of interest. By changing the vapors that enter the chamber, the chemical composition of the drop can be modified.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices;, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: Cooling air intake port (52), cooling air exhaust port (55), and securing walls (86, 87), which contact and secure the side surfaces of one or more battery cells (72), may be defined within two battery pack housing halves (50, 80). When battery pack (99) is assembled, at least one cooling air passage (91, 92) is defined by the side surfaces of the battery cells, the interior surface of the battery pack housing, and the securing walls. The cooling air passage connects the cooling air intake port to the cooling air exhaust port. Further, the securing walls isolate or physically separate the cooling air passage from battery terminals (72a, 72b). By forcing cooling air through the cooling air passage, the battery cells can be effectively and efficiently cooled.

Abstract: Improved protection circuits are provided for use as voltage overload protection circuits, ESD protection circuits for RF input pins, and unit protection cells for distributed amplifiers. Preferably, the protection circuits include a positive threshold voltage trigger used to trigger a switch wherein the trigger includes a diode string in series with a resistor and the switch includes a bipolar transistor switch in series with a single reverse diode. Alternatively, the trigger includes a diode string in series with a single diode and a single resistor, and is used to trigger a Darlington pair transistor switch in series with a single reverse diode. In another embodiment, a Darlington pair transistor switch is triggered by a capacitor. In use with distributive amplifiers, the ESD protection circuits are preferably absorbed inside the artificial transmission lines of the distributed amplifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate grey level magnification to improve details and contrast for a dark scene of video on a digital display system. Preferably implemented over a limited pixel level range, the video enhancement process counts the number of pixels corresponding to each level within the range in a frame and then, based on the percent level distribution of the pixels, calculates the stack of percentage distribution. From the stack of percentage distribution, a transformation process is performed to reassign the pixel values over a dark level range and to expand the distribution of the pixels. The result of transformation enhances the details and contrast of the dark area significantly without affecting the bright scene. By only applying the algorithm to dark scenes, computation loads are reduced compared with some of the full picture processing methods. Lower computational loads are important to reduce motion artifacts in high speed video applications.

Abstract: Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are described. Also described are anterior spinal stabilization systems that are to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. Several variations of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods may be used independently, in combination with the other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for a universal controller capable of controlling multiple types of three phase, two and three level power converters. The universal controller is capable of controlling the power converter in any quadrant of the PQ domain. The universal controller can include a region selection unit, an input selection unit, a reference signal source unit and a control core. The control core can be implemented using one-cycle control, average current mode control, current mode control or sliding mode control and the like. The controller can be configured to control different types of power converters by adjusting the reference signal source. Also provided are multiple modulation methods for controlling the power converter.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an Internet server apparatus, method and device for implementing emergency information instructions. The instructions comprise a program of a plurality of steps and can be in the form of a virtual implementation through use of a web page that includes representations of a virtual emergency information apparatus or, alternatively, in the form of a physical portable device. Indicators are provided in the form of lights or a numerical display to indicate the completion of sequential steps in the program so as to aid the user in knowing how many steps will be necessary and to indicate the completion of each step.