Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient infrared (IR) reaction vessel system that includes an infrared reaction vessel having an optical window into a reaction reservoir that absorbs minimal infrared energy, a male cap attached to the reaction vessel that allows precise positioning with respect to an infrared heat source, and at least one access tube passing through the cap. The infrared reaction vessel of the present invention further provides vacuum lines that also repulse ions and minimize evaporation loss and novel temperature control feedbacks such as the use of a proximally positioned resistive thermal device (RTD).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for locating a catheter, or other medical international devices are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method includes providing a pressure sensitive device attached to a body of a catheter, providing a resonant circuit coupled to the pressure sensitive device in the catheter, the resonant circuit having an oscillating frequency, generating a magnetic field, the magnetic field inducing and causing the resonant circuit to oscillate, applying a pressure on the pressure sensitive device, the pressure applied on the pressure sensitive device changing the frequency of the resonant circuit, detecting the oscillation of the resonant circuit, and determining location of the catheter based on the oscillation of the resonant circuit. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A cell switching module and switching system for routing cells each having a cell header comprising a plurality of input and output ports; at least one common cell storage connected between the input and output ports and comprising a plurality of storage locations having addresses; a storage section for performing storage of cells coming through any one of the input ports into the common cell storage and comprising a plurality of receiver means for performing the physical interface for the plurality of input ports, a plurality of input routers for connection the input ports to the cell storage, a plurality of ASA registers for providing the input routers with addresses to be used for storing the cells into the cell storage; and a retrieve section for retrieving cells from storage and for transporting them to one of the output ports, where the retrieve section comprises a plurality of output routers for retrieving the data stored in any locations of the cell storage, a plurality of drivers for connecting to th