Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes releasably attaching an image capture assembly to a distal portion of a TEE device. Next, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly is inserted into an oral cavity of the patient. With the image capture assembly releasably attached to the distal portion of the TEE device, image data of an esophagus of the patient captured by the image capture assembly is displayed. While viewing the display of image data, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly can be moved within the esophagus. With both the TEE device and the image capture assembly disposed within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is detached from the TEE device. With the image capture assembly detached from the TEE device, and with the TEE device disposed at least in part within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is removed from the patient.

Abstract: A reinforced medical electrical lead for neurological applications has a reinforced construction for resisting the detachment of electrodes and lead connection terminals, thereby improving the robustness of the lead and extending the life of the lead by reducing the likelihood that a further surgical procedure will be required to remove the lead for repair or replacement thereof. The present reinforced lead construction maintains the integrity of the electrical connection between the conductor and the respective electrode and lead connection terminal by incorporating several reinforcing features in the lead construction in contrast to conventional lead constructions where it is possible to pull the electrodes and lead connection terminals away from their contact points with relatively little force.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead system for neurological applications has a distal portion having a plurality of independently positionable seed electrodes, each of which may be connected via an interface to an implantable medical device. The interface allows the seed electrodes to be positioned, then excess wire trimmed, facilitating simplified connection of multiple independent electrodes to a single device. Seed electrodes according to the invention are small, have relatively low mass, and are minimally destructive of surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A fastener mechanism operable between an unlocked position and a locked position to securely fasten items of various sizes and shapes includes a first member and a second member each having a sidewall, a front wall, a rear wall and a receiving chamber disposed adjacent the front wall of each member. The second member contains a hollow interior and is slightly larger than the first member so that the first member can be inserted inside the hollow interior. The receiving chambers extend axially along each member and contain an opening and angularly disposed sidewalls forming an apex. To securely fasten the item, the first member is co-axially aligned with the second member so that the receiving chamber openings are oriented to form an aperture to receive the item. The first member is then slideably inserted into the second member hollow interior. As the first member is inserted inside the second member, the aperture reduces in size to grip and securely fasten the item.

Abstract: A method of applying an adaptive current boost to precharge current-driven elements in a matrix. Elements, such as OLEDs in a display matrix, are driven during successive scan cycles, each having a precharge period and an exposure period. Changes in conduction voltages are sensed during conduction periods, while an element conducts part of a selected exposure current, typically by capacitively coupling an element connection to a sense circuit. The sensed conduction voltage changes are used to control a charge delivered during the precharge period, typically by changing a precharge current level based upon conduction period voltage changes integrated over time, and for a selectable number of different matrix elements. Precharge charge delivery may also be controlled digitally, for example by varying a time duration of precharge current delivery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling substantial optical power into an optical fiber from the side without encumbering ends of the fiber. A special optical fiber, having a gain medium preferably including rare earth dopants in the core, is provided. One or more launch sections are selected at intervals along the special fiber with absorptive loops therebetween. The launch sections are stripped to their inner cladding layer, which preferably has a rectangular cross section, and positioned adjacent each other to form a launch region having a convex side mated to a launch port shaped to conform thereto, and with a low refraction index material contacting the corresponding concave side of the launch region. The concave side is preferably supported by an upwardly convex support block. Pump light is directed by appropriate optics into one or more faces of a launch port, which has a refractive index substantially matching that of the inner cladding layer into which it transmits the pump light.

Abstract: Drainage apparatus allows a vessel such as a plant pot to be advantageously drained of a fluid such as water. The inventive drainage apparatus includes a drainage member having a base member and a channel member. The base member is affixed to a portal of the pot so as to allow fluid drainage when the pot is filled with soil containing a fluid, such as water. Water gravitationally drains out of the portal and into the channel member of the drainage member, so as to dispose of the water at a selected distance away from the portal. Hence standing water below the pot, a common problem with potted plants, is avoided. The water can be further channeled away from the pot by engaging a hose member to the channel member. The drainage member can be affixed to the pot by a laminated adhesive layer or alternatively by caulking. The laminated adhesive layer can be affixed to the pot using a primer, if desired.

Abstract: Drainage/feeder apparatus allows a vessel such as a pot to be advantageously drained of and supplied with fluids. The inventive drainage apparatus includes a drainage/feeder member including a base member, a drainage channel member and a feeder channel member. The base member is affixed to a portal of the vessel so as to allow drainage and feeding of fluids when the vessel is filled with soil. Water gravitationally drains out of the portal and into the drainage channel member, so as to dispose of the water at a selected distance away from the portal. The waste water can be further channeled away from the pot by engaging a hose member to the channel member in order to channel the liquid farther away. Likewise, water, fertilizer or the like is introduced into the interior of the pot via the portal and the drainage channel member. The drainage/feeder member can be affixed to the pot by a laminated adhesive layer or alternatively by caulking.

Abstract: A cigarette and cigar snuffing device comprising a base member defining a centrally located opening therein, and a vertical cylindrical throat member having an opening at an upper portion and an opening at a lower portion, which communicates with the opening in the base member. The upper portion of the throat member defines a pair of opposed grooves for use in securing a cigarette in a horizontal position therein while a smoker is otherwise occupied. The cigarette snuffing device is placed into an ash tray, the lit end of a cigarette is dropped into the opening at the upper portion, through the lower portion opening, further through the opening in the base, and comes into direct contact with the floor of the ash tray. A lack of oxygen quickly and efficiently extinguishes the cigarette.