Abstract: An ambulatory repeater for use in automated patient care is presented. A local memory store includes a cryptographic key, sensitive information, and physiological measures. The cryptographic key is uniquely assigned to the implantable medical device prior to implant of the implantable medical device into a patient. The sensitive information is preencrypted under the cryptographic key and physiological measures are measured by the implantable medical device. An authentication module is in receipt of the cryptographic key. A permissions module confirms authorization of an external data processing device against the cryptographic key. A decryption module decrypts the sensitive information with the cryptographic key into decrypted information. A processor is operatively coupled to the local memory store. A communications module exchanges the decrypted information and the physiological measures with the external data processing device over a wireless interface contingent upon the authorization confirmation.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a radiation source to generate a beam of radiation, a modulator for modulating the power of the beam of radiation as a function of the position of the beam within a field-of-view to maintain the beam's power within a desired exposure level as the beam scans the field-of-view, and a reflector oscillating in a sinusoidal manner to direct the beam of radiation onto a field-of-view.

Abstract: A medical examination chair includes a group of sensors including electrodes in finger-tip sensors, various other types of sensors incorporated in straps for the patient in the chair and load cells supporting the chair, all of which provide data which is partially processed in the electronics mounted in the chair and then transmitted to a central station for patient diagnosis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors, as well as systems and methods for using this information for a plurality of useful purposes, are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed. This information is then used to support a variety of useful methods, such as clinical trials, marketing studies, biofeedback, entertainment, and others.

Abstract: A functional module type medical apparatus for use in medical treatment and/or diagnosis and a functional module with individual function of medical treatment and/or diagnosis are disclosed. The functional module type medical apparatus comprises a common functional body with a module connection part, having at least one of a display section for displaying necessary information relating to medical treatment and/or diagnosis, an operation section for medical treatment and/or diagnosis, and a power source section for supplying driving power to the medical apparatus, in which the module connection part is constructed such that the corresponding connection part of a functional module having medical treatment and/or diagnosis is replaceably connected thereto, whereby the common functional body cooperatively functions in accordance with its individual function of the functional module when the functional module is connected thereto.

Abstract: A wearable hands-free apparatus for providing phototherapy treatment to a number of hair, scalp and skin related conditions includes a head unit (e.g., a headset, headphones, headband, or helmet unit) with earphones to allow the user to listen to an audio program during a treatment. The head unit supports a light emitting canopy band that is fitted with an array of light generating sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes, or infrared lights, that emit light within a particular wavelength range correlating with the treatment of one or more specific hair, scalp and/or skin-related conditions. The light emitting canopy band is specifically designed to conform to the shape of the human scalp for providing complete, uniform and consistent light coverage to the areas of the scalp that are most commonly affected by hair loss in men and women.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multi-photon processing treatment to a patient. A localized, multi-photon processing event is initiated within a vicinity of an unwanted pigment in order to remove the pigment. The multi-photon processing event requires a relatively low energy, but very intense, pulse of light. The low amount of energy per pulse allows ablation of the material to be highly localized, with negligible thermal damage to surrounding material. The multi-photon event may be initiated by focusing a suitable electromagnetic pulse, such as a 2 mJ laser pulse having a 100 to 300 femtoseconds pulse duration, into a focal volume small enough that the intensity exceeds 1011 Watts/cm2. A suitably configured Ti:Sapphire solid state laser may provide such pulses at 1-10 kHz. By repeating the multi-photon processing event along the location of a tattoo, the tattoo may be removed with no damage to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Photocosmetic device for use in medical or non-medical environments (e.g., a home, barbershop, or spa), which can be used for a variety of tissue treatments. Radiation is delivered to the tissue via optical systems designed to pattern the radiation and project the radiation to a particular depth. The device has a variety of cooling systems including phase change cooling solids and liquids to cool treated skin and the radiation sources. Contact sensors and motion sensor may be used to enhance treatment. The device may be modular to facilitate manufacture and replacement of parts.

Abstract: An indirect calorimeter estimates nutritional caloric intake by periodically monitoring weight and sensing physical exercise (i.e., physiological data and/or motion data related to physical exertion), which can then be used in a calorimetry model derived from regression analysis of a population (e.g., linear regression, feed-forward neural network, Gaussian process, boosted regression tree, etc.). A strap-on user device for tracking exercise can detect one or more of heart rate, body temperature, skin resistance, motion/acceleration sensing (e.g., pedometer, accelerometer), velocity sensing (e.g., global positioning system (GPS)), and an intelligent, integrated exercise machine (e.g., treadmill, exercise bike, etc.). To gain further fidelity, the user can fine-tune the estimate by undergoing a journal-based routine for a relatively short period of time or clinical calorimetry measurement (e.g., respiratory calorimeter), thereby providing a baseline for resting or exercising metabolic rate.

Abstract: Increasing intranasal lymphatic circulation as a means of decreasing intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: A method for treating a subject having Parkinson's disease is provided. The method includes noninvasively delivering light energy having a wavelength of about 630 nanometers to about 904 nanometers to the brain of the subject. Delivering the light energy can include (i) irradiating the scalp with light energy having an incident power density less than 1000 mW/cm2 and (ii) transmitting a portion of the light energy through the scalp and the skull to the brain.

Abstract: A robotic arm with a parallel spherical five-bar linkage having a ground link, two inboard links, and two outboard links. Each inboard link is coupled to the ground link at an axis of rotation and has an intermediate axis spaced apart from the axis of rotation. Each outboard link is pivotally coupled to one of the inboard links at the intermediate axis. The two outboard links are pivotally coupled together at an outboard axis. A constraint limits the rotation of a first one of the outboard links about the intermediate axis of the coupled inboard link such that a maximum angle between the links is substantially less than 180°. A second one of the outboard links and the coupled inboard link are constructed and assembled such that the two intermediate axes are on the same side of a plane including the outboard axis and one of the axes of rotation.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus including a maneuvering mechanism, a conductive element attached to the apparatus, a sensor attached to the apparatus and an output device in communication with the sensor is provided. The sensor senses vibration during the ablation procedure and sends a signal to the output device to reduce power to the conductive element.

Abstract: A system, method and medium editing a moving picture using biometric signals is provided. The system includes a biometric signal generation module to measure signals that reflect an emotional state of a user while capturing a moving picture, and to generate a first and a second biometric signal based on the measured signals, an event section extraction module to extract a first event section that reflects preferences of the user from a playback section of the moving picture based on the first biometric signal, extract a second event section that reflects preferences of the user from the playback section of the moving picture based on a second biometric signal, and extract a final event section based on the first and second event sections, and an indexing module to edit the moving picture by indexing the final event section in synchronization with the playback section of the moving picture.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatuses for measuring a state parameter of an individual using signals based on one or more sensors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first set of signals is used in a first function to determine how a second set of signals is used in one or more second functions to predict the state parameter. In another embodiment, first and second functions are used where the state parameter or an indicator of the state parameter may be obtained from a relationship between the first function and the second function. The state parameter may, for example, include calories consumed or calories burned by the individual. Various methods for making such apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a manipulator, an actuator block contains motors and rotary shafts extending from the motors. A working unit of the manipulator contains a connecting portion, attachable to and detachable from the actuator block. The connecting portion has pulleys connectable to ends of the rotary shafts, and has a locking plate movable by alignment pins. The locking plate has slits, which are engaged with plate-shaped portions formed on the upper ends of the pulleys. A coil spring is placed between the locking plate and a top plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring various physiological and environmental factors, as well as systems and methods for using this information for a plurality of useful purposes, are provided. Real-time, noninvasive health and environmental monitors include a plurality of compact sensors integrated within small, low-profile devices. Physiological and environmental data is collected and wirelessly transmitted into a wireless network, where the data is stored and/or processed. This information is then used to support a variety of useful methods, such as clinical trials, marketing studies, biofeedback, entertainment, and others.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of performing percutaneous laser spinal disc decompression with the patient retaining consciousness. The clear plastic hub of a discectomy needle has a translucent hub with a chamber which is filled with a saline solution prior to insertion of an optical fiber of a laser apparatus through the needle. Gas production from the vaporization of the nucleus of the disc by the optical fiber of the laser apparatus forms bubbles in the water or saline fluid interface thereby providing the physician with an indication of the rate of vaporization of the disc nucleus. In addition, the detection of gas bubbles in an awake, responsive patent facilitates (a) determining the appropriate amount of laser energy required, (b) confirmation of disc vaporization, (c) following the course of laser surgery, and (d) minimizing the potential for laser associated patient injury.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a shank (2) having at least one guide channel (4, 4?) for a laser probe (8), and a flexible narrowing provided in a section of the guide channel (4) connecting to its distal end. The flexible narrowing allows a clear diameter of the guide channel (4, 4?) to be changed in at least one direction.

Abstract: A variable-angle, wide-angle illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment being a small-gauge, variable-angle illumination surgical system comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam; an optical assembly, optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and providing the light beam to illuminate a surgical field; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece and optical assembly, for housing and directing the optical assembly to illuminate selected area. The optical assembly can comprise a fiber/polymer-dispersed-liquid-crystal (“PDLC”) diffuser optically coupled to an optical needle or a nested compound parabolic concentrator (“CPC”) cone.