Abstract: An adaptive equalizer (70) according to this invention includes an adaptive equalization filter (71) configured to adaptively compensate for a waveform distortion caused by a polarization fluctuation of a received signal (61) by updating a tap coefficient, a first tap coefficient updater (72) configured to calculate the tap coefficient according to the polarization fluctuation of the received signal (61) using a variable step size and update the tap coefficient of the adaptive equalization filter (71), a second tap coefficient updater (73) configured to calculate the tap coefficient according to the polarization fluctuation of the received signal (61) using a fixed step size ?0, a polarization state estimator (74) configured to estimate a polarization state of the received signal (61) using the tap coefficient calculated by the second tap coefficient updater (73), and a step size updater (75) configured to obtain the step size corresponding to the polarization state estimated by the polarization state estimat

Abstract: A tap-coefficient control circuit sets the tap coefficient converged by the second tap coefficient updater as an initial value of the tap coefficient in the first digital filter which is to be updated by the first tap coefficient updater, arranges the tap coefficients converged by the second tap coefficient updater in descending order of contribution degree to the convergence operation of tap coefficient update in the first tap coefficient updater, judges the tap coefficient not less than upper specified number to be valid and the tap coefficient less than the specified number to be invalid, and sets the tap coefficient of the first digital filter corresponding to the tap coefficient judged to be invalid to zero not to be used in a calculation of the first tap coefficient updater until a next judgment result is made.

Abstract: A delayed shutoff device comprises a conduit configured to allow a fluid to flow through, wherein the conduit includes a conduit start and a conduit end. The device further comprises a plug configured to be placed inside the conduit at the conduit start; move inside the conduit from the conduit start toward the conduit end when the fluid flows through the conduit; and reduce the fluid flow upon reaching the conduit end. The device is configured to allow a pass-through quantity of the fluid to pass through the conduit while the plug moves from the conduit start to the conduit end. The conduit end may form a seat, the plug being configured to stop moving upon reaching the seat. The plug may be configured to fit the seat imperfectly, to allow a seepage of the fluid after reaching the seat.

Abstract: A delayed shutoff device comprises a conduit configured to allow a fluid to flow through, wherein the conduit includes a conduit start and a conduit end. The device further comprises a plug configured to be placed inside the conduit at the conduit start; move inside the conduit from the conduit start toward the conduit end when the fluid flows through the conduit; and reduce the fluid flow upon reaching the conduit end. The device is configured to allow a pass-through quantity of the fluid to pass through the conduit while the plug moves from the conduit start to the conduit end. The conduit end may form a seat, the plug being configured to stop moving upon reaching the seat. The plug may be configured to fit the seat imperfectly, to allow a seepage of the fluid after reaching the seat.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a sensor configured to detect movement and generate movement data related to at least part of a detected movement; a messaging unit configured to create a message that is configured to include movement information based at least in part upon the movement data; a transmitter in data communication with the messaging unit and configured to transmit the message; and a housing configured to at least partially enclose at least one of the sensor, the messaging unit, and the transmitter, and including a finger grip configured to secure the housing to a human finger. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A medicament container configured to improve entrainment of the medicament in the air and to improve deposition of the medicament in the lungs includes an upper layer and a bottom layer with medicament disposed therebetween. The upper layer is punctured to provide first and second openings to allow airflow to enter and exit through the upper layer of the medicament container. In a preferred embodiment, the medicament container has a projection which forms an elbow-shaped medicament containment/flow channel between the upper layer and the lower layer. The medicament container is preferably used in a housing which selectively controls airflow through the medicament container and the housing to improve deep lung deposition of the medicament.

Abstract: A medicament container configured to improve entrainment of the medicament in the air and to improve deposition of the medicament in the lungs includes an upper layer and a bottom layer with medicament disposed therebetween. The upper layer is punctured to provide first and second openings to allow airflow to enter and exit through the upper layer of the medicament container. In a preferred embodiment, the medicament container has a projection which forms an elbow-shaped medicament containment/flow channel between the upper layer and the lower layer. The medicament container is preferably used in a housing which selectively controls airflow through the medicament container and the housing to improve deep lung deposition of the medicament.

Abstract: A medicament container configured to improve entrainment of the medicament in the air and to improve deposition of the medicament in the lungs includes an upper layer and a bottom layer with medicament disposed therebetween. The upper layer is punctured to provide first and second openings to allow airflow to enter and exit through the upper layer of the medicament container. In a preferred embodiment, the medicament container has a projection which forms an elbow-shaped medicament containment/flow channel between the upper layer and the lower layer. The medicament container is preferably used in a housing which selectively controls airflow through the medicament container and the housing to improve deep lung deposition of the medicament.

Abstract: A device for use with metered dose inhalers includes a housing configured with a void to receive a metered dose inhaler, an actuator assembly which is configured to selectively apply force to the metered dose inhaler to cause the metered dose inhaler to release medicament, and a cocking mechanism for placing the actuator assembly in an armed configuration. The device is configured to actuate the metered dose inhaler as the user inhales, thereby ensuring improved medicament delivery. Additionally, the device is configured to prevent the metered dose inhaler from remaining in a vented position.

Abstract: A device for use with metered dose inhalers includes a housing configured with a void to receive a metered dose inhaler, an actuator assembly which is configured to selectively apply force to the metered dose inhaler to cause the metered dose inhaler to release medicament, and a cocking mechanism for placing the actuator assembly in an armed configuration. The device is configured to actuate the metered dose inhaler as the user inhales, thereby ensuring improved medicament delivery. Additionally, the device is configured to prevent the metered dose inhaler from remaining in a vented position.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has airflow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow in the secondary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has airflow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow in the secondary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: A device for use with metered dose inhalers includes a housing configured with a void to receive a metered dose inhaler, an actuator assembly which is configured to selectively apply force to the metered dose inhaler to cause the metered dose inhaler to release medicament, and a cocking mechanism for placing the actuator assembly in an armed configuration. The device is configured to actuate the metered dose inhaler as the user inhales, thereby ensuring improved medicament delivery. Additionally, the device is configured to prevent the metered dose inhaler from remaining in a vented position.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has a flow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow between the secondary and primary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: A Pocket-sized User Interface for Internet Browser Terminals and the Like is disclosed. The disclosed interface provides a plurality of pre-programmed as well as user-programmable touch-sensitive switches that integrate with frequently-used browser functions. The disclosed touch-sensitive switch functions may be responsive to the application that the user is interfacing with. A critical aspect of the disclosed interface is that the housing be less than about 0.45 inches in thickness, and further be roughly the length and width of a standard business card. Also disclosed is an attachment means for attaching the keypad of the present interface to one's arm or leg, or other structure, such as a monitor, keyboard, desktop or other surface. Still further disclosed is a keypad that is in wireless communication with a browser terminal, and that further includes a user display for displaying pertinent information.

Abstract: An inhalation device is provided for use with pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs). The device includes a mechanical mechanism for applying the force required to discharge the MDI, a breath-activated trigger for activating this mechanical mechanism, an auto-return mechanism for insuring recovery of the aerosol canister from the fired position and a dose counter for counting the doses dispensed or available. Arming of the device is achieved by removing the protective mouthpiece cover/dust cap. Activation of the MDI is set to occur at a point subsequent to the beginning of inhalation.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has a flow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow between the secondary and primary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a flow diverting means wherein the primary air flow channel is blocked for a brief period during inspiration with air flow during that period passing through a dosing chamber arrangement and connecting passage to inject medicament into the inspired air stream is provided. By diverting the inspired air stream in this fashion, powdered medicament may be provided for inhalation at a particular point in the patient's inspiration cycle, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.