Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for monitoring a zone, which is a contiguous or non-contiguous, two-dimensional (2D) area or three-dimensional (3D) volume. Among its several advantages, the apparatus includes a plurality of sensors that monitor portions of the zone and report intrusion status to a control unit that provides monitoring boundary information to each of the sensors based on user input and further “maps” or otherwise associates each sensor to control unit outputs in accordance with user-defined behaviors. Still further, as a meaningful aid for configuring monitoring boundaries used by the sensors for objection intrusion detection, in one or more embodiments of the apparatus and method, at least a subset of sensors use a common coordinate frame of reference, based on a common origin located within overlapping sensor fields of view.

Abstract: In one aspect of the teachings herein, a 3D imaging apparatus uses a “texture tool” or facilitates the use of such a tool by an operator, to add artificial texture to a scene being imaged, for 3D imaging of surfaces or background regions in the scene that otherwise lack sufficient texture for determining sufficiently dense 3D range data. In at least one embodiment, the 3D imaging apparatus provides for iterative or interactive imaging, such as by dynamically indicating that one or more regions of the scene require artificial texturing via the texture tool for accurate 3D imaging, and then indicating whether or not the addition of artificial texture cured the texture deficiency and/or whether any other regions within the image require additional texture.

Abstract: The invention discloses the incorporation of nanostructured additives into high-performance, hydrogen-rich polymeric materials to provide radiation shields for use against Galactic Cosmic Radiation and Solar Energetic Particles as well as secondary particulate and electromagnetic radiation resulting from nuclear reactions within the shield. Nanostructured materials are defined as having at least one dimension in the nanometer range, and may include metallic and metal-oxide nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanoclays, coated polymeric nanoparticles and pairs of materials forming a nanostructured interface. Functionalization of additives is performed to increase their compatability with polymeric materials. Hydrogen-rich polymers refer to those having interstitial hydrogen or hydrogen-containing materials pendant to the polymer backbone.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus taught herein, an optical sensor uses pattern recognition in its optical detection processing to “see” detection patterns that correspond to predefined configuration settings. In one embodiment, for example, an optical sensing system selects an operational configuration by detecting a pattern embodied in received light data and comparing the detected pattern to one or more internally stored patterns. Each stored pattern represents a different operational configuration of the optical sensing system. If the detected pattern matches one of the stored patterns, the optical sensing system adopts the operational configuration corresponding to the matched stored pattern. Further, in one or more embodiments, the optical sensing system enters a configuration mode by an external stimulus, e.g., responsive to a configuration mode input, and the aforementioned pattern detection-based configuration selection is enabled only while in the configuration mode.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for monitoring a zone, which is a contiguous or non-contiguous, two-dimensional (2D) area or three-dimensional (3D) volume. Among its several advantages, the apparatus includes a plurality of sensors that monitor portions of the zone and report intrusion status to a control unit that provides monitoring boundary information to each of the sensors based on user input and further “maps” or otherwise associates each sensor to control unit outputs in accordance with user-defined behaviors. Still further, as a meaningful aid for configuring monitoring boundaries used by the sensors for objection intrusion detection, in one or more embodiments of the apparatus and method, at least a subset of sensors use a common coordinate frame of reference, based on a common origin located within overlapping sensor fields of view.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus taught herein an active object detection system performs reliable object detection based on light pulse emissions and corresponding and time-of-flight based distance determination, while advantageously rejecting clutter. While not limiting, the method and apparatus taught herein may be particularly advantageous for safety-critical object detection applications, such as where the active object detection system, e.g., a laser scanner, monitors for objects of at least a specified size within a predetermined monitoring radius or contour.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus taught herein, an optical sensor uses pattern recognition in its optical detection processing to “see” detection patterns that correspond to predefined configuration settings. In one embodiment, for example, an optical sensing system selects an operational configuration by detecting a pattern embodied in received light data and comparing the detected pattern to one or more internally stored patterns. Each stored pattern represents a different operational configuration of the optical sensing system. If the detected pattern matches one of the stored patterns, the optical sensing system adopts the operational configuration corresponding to the matched stored pattern. Further, in one or more embodiments, the optical sensing system enters a configuration mode by an external stimulus, e.g., responsive to a configuration mode input, and the aforementioned pattern detection-based configuration selection is enabled only while in the configuration mode.

Abstract: A high density data communications system and associated method comprises a multi-wavelength light source that provides a combined plurality of constituent lights having different wavelengths to a diffraction device that spatially separates the constituent lights to form a predetermined pattern of lights in order by their wavelengths, a light modulating processing array that individually modulates the separated lights in parallel according to data to form constituent light channels, a combiner that recombines the modulated separated light channels in parallel into a composite data communication light, a second diffraction device that spatially separates the modulated light channels into the predetermined pattern of wavelengths, and a demodulating processing array that extracts the data from the constituent modulated light channels.

Abstract: Zone selection logic in an area monitoring device increases the number of unique monitoring zone selections that can be selected using a limited number of discrete zone selection inputs, without compromising the safety critical operation of zone selection. The device monitors the logical state of each input in a set of individual inputs and recognizes each unique logical combination of zone selection inputs as a different zone selection. For example, each of two or more configured monitoring zones is associated with a different combinatorial zone selection pattern of asserted zone selection input signals. Correspondingly, a control circuit within the area monitoring device is configured to monitor the discrete zone selection inputs and activate a given one of the configured monitoring zones based on recognizing the associated combinatorial zone selection pattern of asserted zone selection signals.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus taught herein an active object detection system performs reliable object detection based on light pulse emissions and corresponding and time-of-flight based distance determination, while advantageously rejecting clutter. While not limiting, the method and apparatus taught herein may be particularly advantageous for safety-critical object detection applications, such as where the active object detection system, e.g., a laser scanner, monitors for objects of at least a specified size within a predetermined monitoring radius or contour.

Abstract: A stiffenable balloon catheter assembly capable of being converted from an “over-the-wire” mode with respect to a guidewire extending therethrough to a “rapid-exchange” mode with respect to a guidewire extending therethrough, and vice versa. The catheter has a plurality of lumens, one lumen however, having a side opening with an obstructable galp, the orientation of which, determines the utilization “mode” of the catheter assembly. Stiffening stylets may be adjustably locked into the lumens, depending upon the “mode”, to control the stiffness of the catheter assembly during its utilization within a patient.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent and graft includes a stent made of a continuous helix of zig-zag wire and loops which connect adjacent apices of the wire. The stent is compressible and self-expandable substantially to a pre-compressed configuration. The device also includes a graft secured to the stent and made of a suitable biocompatible material.

Abstract: An introducer for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method of treating and angeological disease using a bifurcated stent; an endoluminal stent having perpendicular hoop members, each hoop member formed of wire in a sinuous configuration, at least some of juxtaposed apices in neighboring hoops being secured to one another, such stents also forming axially aligned segments in straight stents, and segments of bifurcated stents in particular embodiments. Certain embodiments of such stents also include barbs, fabric covering and radiopaque markers.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer having an acoustic backing layer made of an aerogel material is disclosed. The ultrasound transducer comprises an acoustic element for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves. An aerogel acoustic backing layer is bonded to the back side of the acoustic element. A matching layer may be attached to the front side of the acoustic element. The ultrasound transducer may be electrically connected using electrodes directly connected to the acoustic element. Alternatively, the aerogel acoustic backing may be coated with a metalized layer or doped so that it is electrically conductive. Then, the electrodes may be connected directly to the aerogel acoustic backing.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent and graft includes a stent made of a continuous helix of zig-zag wire and loops which connect adjacent apices of the wire. The stent is compressible and self-expandable substantially to a pre-compressed configuration. The device also includes a graft secured to the stent and made of a suitable biocompatible material.

Abstract: A system is provided for assembling an endoluminal prosthesis within a body lumen and for indicating the rotational orientation of a segment of the endoluminal prosthesis during insertion thereof into the body lumen. The system includes prosthesis segments configured for engagement to one another to form the endoluminal prosthesis in the body lumen. The system also includes radiographic indicia defined on at least one of the prosthesis segments and having different radiopacity from the prosthesis segment, wherein the composite radiographic image of the radiographic indicia varies with the rotational orientation of the prosthesis segment in the body lumen. The rotational orientation of the prosthesis segment in the body lumen is indicated by the radiographic image for optional adjustment of the rotational orientation.

Abstract: A stent joining means is provided for joining a first endoluminal stent to a second endoluminal stent to define a continuous lumen through the first and second endoluminal stents. The stent joining means includes two transversely spaced female portions on the first endoluminal stent. The stent joining means also includes a male engaging portion of the second endoluminal stent. The male engaging portion is configured to be entered into one of the female portions in a radially compressed state and thereafter expanded in the female portion such that an outer surface of the male engaging portion and an inner surface of the female portion are interengaged to resist longitudinal movement to prevent separation of the first and second endoluminal stents in service.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is disclosed. The disclosed methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are disclosed. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue staple and staple applier for use in suspending tissue from an internal support structure. The present invention also relates to a transvaginal method of suspending a bladder neck from an internal support structure, such as the pubic bone, using the tissue staple and staple applier.

Abstract: An introducer for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method of treating and angeological disease using a bifurcated stent; an endoluminal stent having perpendicular hoop members, each hoop member formed of wire in a sinuous configuration, at least some of juxtaposed apices in neighboring hoops being secured to one another, such stents also forming axially aligned segments in straight stents, and segments of bifurcated stents in particular embodiments. Certain embodiments of such stents also include barbs, fabric covering and radiopaque markers.