Abstract: A positioning system includes a passive, isotropic reflecting landmark at a fixed position and a device. The device transmits an electromagnetic pulse having a circular polarization and receives a return signal over a period of time. The return signal includes a reflected pulse from the reflecting landmark. The processes the return signal to isolate the reflected pulse from the return signal and to determine a range from the device to the reflecting landmark. The reflecting landmark includes a first passive reflector, a second passive reflector, and a static structure configured to statically position the second passive reflector at an angle relative to the first passive reflector. The device optionally moves in a particular direction while receiving the return signal, detects a Doppler shift in the reflected pulse portion of the return signal, and determines an angle between the particular direction and a straight line between the device and the landmark.

Abstract: A mobile transmitter transmits a transmission signal from a vehicle to beacons. An estimator determines elapsed times for corresponding propagation paths between the vehicle and the beacons. Each propagation path includes at least one of a first propagation duration of a transmission signal and a second propagation duration of a return signal. A compensator compensates for noise or measurement error associated with a corresponding propagation path by invoking a linear fit scheme. The linear fit scheme applies a generally linear fit over fixed intervals of noisy measurements such that the noisy position measurements generally conform to a linear portion of a path plan of a vehicle. A data processor estimates a position of a vehicle at a confluence or intersection of the position curves or temporal curves based on elapsed times for the propagation paths.

Abstract: The cannula handle housing includes a recessed seat, wings extending outwardly from the recessed seat in the housing for engagement with a physician's hand and a stem which extends from said housing to hold a portion of a cannula The cannula has a distal sharpened end and a proximal end secured to a Luer lock. The stylet includes a longitudinal member having a sharp tip with the other end of the stylet formed with an anvil structure which is molded into a stylet cap. The stylet cap is a housing which includes a projection portion having a complimentary configuration to the recessed seat formed in said cannula housing for interlocking with the Luer lock of the cannula housing. The stylet inserts into the cannula and with a twist, locks about the Luer lock on the proximal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A primary transceiver of a primary vehicle transmits a first transmission signal to a first transponder and a second transponder associated with a secondary vehicle. A first transponder antenna and a second transponder antenna are associated with secondary vehicular reference points. Upon receipt of the first transmission signal, the first transponder transmits a second transmission signal to a first beacon of the primary vehicle and the primary transceiver. A transmitter antenna and the first beacon antenna are associated with primary vehicle reference points. Upon receipt of the first transmission signal, the second transponder transmits a third transmission signal to the first beacon and the primary transceiver. A data processor or estimator determines propagation times associated with the first transmission signal, the second transmission signal, and the third transmission signal.

Abstract: A method for configuring a local positioning system comprises orienting a survey antenna coextensively with a primary beacon associated with a work area. A transmitter or transceiver transmits a first transmission signal from the survey antenna. A receiver or transceiver receives the first transmission at one or more secondary beacons associated with the work area. A data processor determines first elapsed times from the transmission time of the first transmission signal to at least the arrival time at respective corresponding secondary beacons. Each of the first elapsed times falls within a filtering time window, or satisfies an edge timing criteria of the coded signal, or both to reduce multi-path error. The first elapsed times are converted into a first position in at least two spatial dimensions for the primary beacon.

Abstract: A control handle for an intraluminal device comprises a handle housing having a first end and a second end, the handle housing having a lumen. A roller assembly is disposed at a first end of the lumen. The roller assembly comprises a first roller and a base. The lumen is interposed between the first roller and the base. A clamp assembly is disposed at the second end of the lumen. The clamp assembly comprises a first clamp element and a second clamp element. The lumen is interposed between the first clamp element and the second clamp element. A closure mechanism is configured to effect movement between the first clamp element and the second clamp element and between the first roller and the base. The control handle further comprises a turn device operably connected to the roller assembly.

Abstract: The cannula handle housing includes a recessed seat, wings extending outwardly from the recessed seat in the housing for engagement with a physician's hand and a stem which extends from said housing to hold a portion of a cannula The cannula has a distal sharpened end and a proximal end secured to a Luer lock. The stylet includes a longitudinal member having a sharp tip with the other end of the stylet formed with an anvil structure which is molded into a stylet cap. The stylet cap is a housing which includes a projection portion having a complimentary configuration to the recessed seat formed in said cannula housing for interlocking with the Luer lock of the cannula housing. The stylet inserts into the cannula and with a twist, locks about the Luer lock on the proximal end of the cannula.