Abstract: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like.

Abstract: A telephone and voice mail (voice processing) system, which is implemented using only a single processing means for controlling operation of both the telephone system and the voice mail system, permits a user to call back a party using caller ID data stored with a voice mail message left by the party calling into the system. This is accomplished by storing caller ID information associated with an incoming call along with the message placed by the incoming caller and stored within the mailbox associated with the called party. Additionally, the caller ID information may be used to create a speed dial list within the telephone and voice mail system for later use by the user. Such caller ID information may be retrieved from a voice mail message left by the calling party, or may be retrieved while conducting a conversation with the incoming call.

Abstract: In a voice over IP system, an IP telephone includes an LED lamp that indicates a voice message has been stored in a remote voice mail system. The IP telephone can then access that voice message. The message can also be moved from one remote site to another.

Abstract: An information handling system comprises a TCP/IP network connecting a hub to a multimedia server and the hub to a data server, and the hub to an IP telephony device that is then coupled to a network device. Data sent from the network device is addressed for transmission to the data server and is transmitted through the IP telephony device to the TCP/IP network. The IP telephony device monitors when an amount of data being received over the network falls below a predetermined threshold. If this occurs, the IP telephony device will send a signal to the multimedia server, which will then generate a congestion signal to send to all or selected IP telephony devices in the network to throttle data being received by the IP telephony devices from their respective connected network devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like.

Abstract: A telephone and voice mail (voice processing) system, which is implemented using only a single processing means for controlling operations of both the telephone system and the voice mail system, permits a caller, which has been placed on-hold, to request and be connected to another destination, such as another telephone extension in the system. Such a process may be performed by a recognition of digits dialed by the caller placed on-hold and then making a connection of the call to the requested extension number associated with the digits dialed.

Abstract: An information handling system comprises a TCP/IP network connecting a hub to a multimedia server and the hub to a data server, and the hub to an IP telephony device that is then coupled to a network device. Data sent from the network device is addressed for transmission to the data server and is transmitted through the IP telephony device to the TCP/IP network. The present invention allows a user, such as a supervisor, to monitor the audio conversations of users on the system and current display information of another station. This can be done between remote systems so that the monitoring individual does not have to be in the same system as the user who is being monitored.

Abstract: A spring-biased holder 42 for pressing a locking ball (41) is accommodated between an outer sleeve (30) fitted onto an outer surface of a coupling part (21) of a coupler main body (20) and the outer surface of the coupling part (21) so as to be capable of moving back and forth. A coupler (10) can be attached to a plug (51) of a dialyzer (50) easily with a single operation by moving the holder (42) back and forth. In cleaning using a cleaning adapter (60), the coupler (10) is attached to the adapter (60) while releasing the locking ball (41) with a pressing protrusion (67) of the adapter (60), so that the inside of the coupling part (21) can be surely cleaned.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like.

Abstract: Methods for performing minimally invasive heart surgery include accessing a heart of a patient through a first incision on the left thorax of the patient, contacting the heart through the incision with a heart stabilizing device and/or a heart positioning device, introducing at least one coupling device through a second incision on the patient located apart from the first incision, coupling the coupling device with the heart stabilizing device or the heart positioning device, and performing a surgical procedure on the heart. Systems may include a retractor device, a heart stabilizing device, and a coupling device, for enhancing cardiac surgery. Any suitable heart surgery may be performed using methods, devices or systems of the present invention. In one embodiment, a CABG procedure is performed.

Abstract: A communications system, which has a plurality of terminals connected thereto, has one or more object presence detecting devices associated with the individual terminals. The detecting devices detect whether or not an object, such as a person, has been detected near any particular and associated terminal and informs the system. The telephone system can then provide a visual indication to other terminals within the system that a person is near their terminal. Such detecting capabilities can also be used to forward communications to another terminal if a user is not near their terminal.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like.

Abstract: In a voice over IP system, an IP telephone includes an LED lamp that indicates a voice message has been stored in a remote voice mail system. The IP telephone can then access that voice message. The message can also be moved from one remote site to another.

Abstract: Devices for enhancing minimally invasive cardiac surgery include a visualization device including an inflatable balloon at or near the distal end. Some visualization devices also include one or more lumens for allowing the introduction of one or more devices to a surgical site through the visualization device. Systems of the invention involve a visualization device which has at least one lumen for allowing introduction of an ablation device and/or other devices. A visualization device with an inflatable balloon may be positioned to create a space between a heart and pericardium when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: Tissue stabilization and ablation devices and methods provide techniques for stabilizing and ablating body tissues during surgical ablation procedures. In many embodiments, for example, devices may be used in minimally invasive techniques for ablating epicardial tissue adjacent one or more pulmonary veins to treat atrial fibrillation. Tissue stabilization and ablation devices generally include a rigidifying bladder coupled with an ablation member. The devices may additionally include a tissue stabilizing bladder or means within the rigidifying bladder for enhancing tissue stabilization. The rigidifying bladder conforms to a tissue surface and then stiffens to help the device hold its shape and position and to stabilize the tissue. The ablation member is then used to ablate an area of tissue. Such cardiac stabilization and ablation devices and methods may be used to ablate one or more patterns on the epicardial surface of a heart to treat atrial fibrillation and/or other cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like.

Abstract: An information handling system comprises a TCP/IP network connecting a hub to a multimedia server and the hub to a data server, and the hub to an IP telephony device that is then coupled to a network device. Data sent from the network device is addressed for transmission to the data server and is transmitted through the IP telephony device to the TCP/IP network. The present invention allows a user, such as a supervisor, to monitor the audio conversations of users on the system and current display information of another station. This can be done between remote systems so that the monitoring individual does not have to be in the same system as the user who is being monitored.

Abstract: A telephone and voice mail (voice processing) system is implemented using only a single processing means for controlling operations of both the telephone system and the voice mail system. The single processing means communicates with a hard disk, which stores programs for running the various operations of the system, voice prompts and all voice mail messages. The single processing means is coupled to signal processing circuitry, which emulates analog electronics that would be used for filters, tone decoder, generators, etc. The single processing means and signal processing circuitry are coupled to central office lines and station lines by a digital cross-point matrix, which can connect any voice path to another voice path. The system integrates call processing and voice processing into one system controlled by one set of software and a single processing means.

Abstract: A low-cost and reliable radio warning system that alerts system users of potential hazardous conditions is disclosed. The system makes use of a transmitter and at least one receiver. The transmitter generates and transmits a radio warning signal that carries a digital data sequence that includes information concerning a particular potential hazardous condition from which the transmission was initiated, such as an approaching ambulance, fire truck, bus, train, or the like. Other information, such as GPS coordinates, may also be included. Through the use of digital encoding techniques, the system's susceptibility to false alarms or "false triggers" is minimized. The radio warning signal is transmitted in burst transmissions and may use a number of signaling techniques, including spread spectrum transmission, which increases system reliability and performance even in the presence of interference or multipath distortion.

Abstract: A telephone and voice mail (voice processing) system, which is implemented using only a single processing system for controlling operation of both the telephone system and the voice mail system, permits a user to call back a party using caller ID data stored with a voice mail message left by the party calling into the system. This is accomplished by storing caller ID information associated with an incoming call along with the message placed by the incoming caller and stored within the mailbox associated with the called party. Additionally, the caller ID information may be used to create a speed dial list within the telephone and voice mail system for later use by the user. Such caller ID information may be retrieved from a voice mail message left by the calling party, or may be retrieved while conducting a conversation with the incoming call.