Abstract: A treatment method for pathologies in which increased levels of MMP production are implicated in pathogenesis. Examples of such pathologies include pterygium, kerataconus, and macular degeneration. Treatment is based on administration of cysteamine in therapeutically effective amounts. Treatment may be in one of several alternative forms, including eye drops and oral applications. Administration in the form of eye drops may be preferred for pathologies affecting the eyes.

Abstract: A treatment method for pathologies in which increased levels of MMP production are implicated in pathogenesis. Examples of such pathologies include pterygium, kerataconus, and macular degeneration. Treatment is based on administration of cysteamine in therapeutically effective amounts. Treatment may be in one of several alternative forms, including eye drops and oral applications. Administration in the form of eye drops may be preferred for pathologies affecting the eyes.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for treating sleep apnea, which include a first dry electrode for detecting EEG signals of a user, positioned at or near a head of a user; a sleep stage processor for determining a sleep stage of the user based, at least in part, on the EEG signals detected by the first dry electrode, and a pressure delivery device for delivering a controllable stream of air to at least one of a nose and a mouth of the user, the stream of air having a pressure selected based, at least in part, on the sleep stage determined by the sleep stage processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring EEG signals include dry electrodes that can be used in sleep monitoring systems. In one aspect, a system for sleep stage monitoring and measurement includes a first dry electrode for detecting EEG signals of a user, a housing, and a sleep stage processor disposed within the housing. The first dry electrode is positioned at or near a head of the user. The sleep stage processor processes the EEG signals to determine a sleep stage of the user.

Abstract: A guard for use with a surgical cutting system. The guard includes a housing and wiring. The housing defines a longitudinal passageway, and is configured for releasable attachment to an instrument handpiece. The wiring is coupled to the housing and includes an electrically conductive wire and an insulative material. The wire defines opposing, first and second ends, with the first end being positioned within the passageway. The insulative material covers the wire apart from the first end such that the first end of the wire is exposed within the passageway. The first end of the wire establishes an electrical connection with a cutting tool shank upon placement within the passageway.

Abstract: A device and a method for waking a user in a desired sleep state. The device may predict an occurrence when the user will be in the desired sleep state, such as light sleep, and wake the user during that predicted occurrence. In one embodiment, a user may set a wake-up time representing the latest possible time that the user would like to be awakened. The occurrence closest to the wake-up time when the user will be in light sleep may be predicted, thereby allowing the user to sleep as long as possible, while awakening in light sleep. To predict when the user will be in the desired sleep state, the user's sleep state may be monitored during the night or sleep experience and the monitored information may be used in predicting when the user will be in the desired sleep state.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for adaptively tracking the position of an entry portal, such as an automatic garage door. In accordance with the present invention a transmitter assembly senses and transmits the sensed position of the door position in a periodic manner at a predetermined transmit interval. A receiver assembly including a receiver module receives the transmitted door position signals and synchronizes the activation of the receiver module with the transmit interval such that the receiver receives the door position signals transmitted at the predetermined transmit interval. A receiver output indicator is then updated in accordance with the entry portal position determined by the received door position signal.

Abstract: An ashtray for use with an apparatus for the reduction of tobacco smoke, the ashtray having a body with a peripheral wall and separating wall for defining a first area for extinguishing a cigarette and a second area for disposing ash therein. The ashtray is provided with a cover having a bottom wall, a back wall and a hingedly mounted cover flap.

Abstract: An elevator assembly for use with a second hand smoke reduction device having a chimney assembly for capturing and exhausting smoke away from a smoker, the elevator assembly having a plurality of telescopically arranged support tubes for supporting the chimney assembly, the support tubes being configured so that the chimney assembly can be vertically adjusted allowing the smoker to position the chimney adjacent his/her mouth to capture expelled smoke.

Abstract: The base attached to the top of a surface and adjustable for positioning directly to the side of the patron, at the level of the patron's face. The chimney assembly is mounted on the base for capturing tobacco smoke. A fan disposed in the chimney assembly for propelling smoke upwardly.

Abstract: A box like base is hung from the under surface of a table and is slidable outwardly therefrom to a position adjacent the patron. A chimney assembly is mounted in the container and extendible upward in use for capturing tobacco smoke. A fan disposed in the chimney assembly for propelling smoke upwardly.