Abstract: A system and method for encryption key generation by receiving a plaintext message having a fixed character length and receiving, from a source, a plurality of random number. A matrix is created from the plurality random numbers and has at least one of the number of rows or columns equal to or greater than the character length. An array that can be used as an encryption key or a seed for an encryption key is generated by selecting an initial element within the matrix, selecting subsequent elements using a selection technique until a number of elements in the array is equal to the character length and rejecting any previously selected elements from the array.

Abstract: A software and hardware infrastructure is provided that can generate traceable and verifiably random number sequences provided from multiple random number sources, including quantum entropy sources, potentially located at multiple points of origin, and distribute the verifiable number sequences across multiple channels and protocols to multiple ultimate destinations in a distributed computing environment. Random number sequences obtained from unique entropy sources can be tagged with information on the provenance and/or other details of the creation of each number sequence. Tags can be used to verify the reliability of each tagged number sequence and/or its associated source. Tags can also include a use indicator to avoid re-use of a tagged number sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for encryption key generation by receiving a plaintext message having a fixed character length and receiving, from a source, a plurality of random number. A matrix is created from the plurality random numbers and has at least one of the number of rows or columns equal to or greater than the character length. An array that can be used as an encryption key or a seed for an encryption key is generated by selecting an initial element within the matrix, selecting subsequent elements using a selection technique until a number of elements in the array is equal to the character length and rejecting any previously selected elements from the array.

Abstract: A software and hardware infrastructure is provided that can generate traceable and verifiably random number sequences provided from multiple random number sources, including quantum entropy sources, potentially located at multiple points of origin, and distribute the verifiable number sequences across multiple channels and protocols to multiple ultimate destinations in a distributed computing environment. Random number sequences obtained from unique entropy sources can be tagged with information on the provenance and/or other details of the creation of each number sequence. Tags can be used to verify the reliability of each tagged number sequence and/or its associated source. Tags can also include a use indicator to avoid reuse of a tagged number sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attaching a portable device to an object are described. The apparatus comprises a connector that can be used to connect a portable device (or an accessory thereof) to a retention mechanism that is retained to an object. As well, the connector can be used with a new type of attachment device by modifying that attachment device to accept the connector. Thus, the connector can be used with both the new attachment device and the conventional retention mechanisms.

Abstract: A lead assembly comprises a lead body extending from a lead proximal end portion to a lead distal end portion with at least one conductor disposed therein. A lead lumen extends within the lead body and is dimensioned and configured to removably and rotatably seat a driver therein. The driver includes a driver body extending from a driver proximal end to a driver distal end and having a stylet or guidewire lumen disposed therein. An extendable and retractable active fixation mechanism is disposed at the lead distal end portion. The active fixation mechanism is actuatable by rotation of the driver. In one example, the at least one conductor includes a first conductor and a second conductor, in which the first conductor is co-radial with the second conductor. In another example, the driver distal end includes a portion extractably engagable with the lead distal end portion.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things a method including inserting an electrode into an umbilical vein, and advancing the electrode through the umbilical vein to a location near or in a heart. In an example, the electrode is inserted into an umbilical vein in utero. In another example, the electrode is inserted into an umbilical vein in a child soon after the child is born. In an example, the electrode is connected to a lead. In an example, a lead is inserted through a catheterized umbilicus.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a lead assembly including a lead body, at least one conductor extending through the lead body, and a covering having varied material properties. In an example, the covering is made by forming pieces of material having varied material properties. In another example, the covering is made by varying parameters such as heat or tension during wrapping of a piece of material onto a lead assembly.

Abstract: A lead assembly includes a lead body and at least one cables at least partially disposed within the lead body. The cable has a non-electrode portion and an electrode portion, where the non-electrode portion extends within the lead body, and the electrode portion is external to the lead body.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a mapping catheter having an open lumen and a mapping arrangement provided at a distal end of the mapping catheter. A balloon catheter is movably disposed within the open lumen of the mapping catheter. The balloon catheter has an open lumen dimensioned to receive a lead. A balloon arrangement is provided at a distal end of the balloon catheter and inflatable with an inflation mechanism provided at a proximal end of the balloon catheter. The balloon arrangement is dimensioned to prevent movement of the lead upon inflation of the balloon arrangement, and to permit movement of the lead within the open lumen of the balloon catheter upon deflation of the balloon arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for portable devices—especially portable electronic devices—and methods for using such apparatus are described. The apparatus is connected to the portable device and is used to attach the portable device (i.e., a cellular phone) to an object (i.e., a belt loop). The apparatus comprises a base mechanism that is connected to the portable device and a hooking mechanism with one part that is connected to the base means and another part that can be attached to the object by a hooking action. The apparatus permits easy and quick attachment (and removal) of the portable device to an object (i.e., the belt) while providing secure retention when not in use. The apparatus can also be used to carry and hold the portable device when it is being used.

Abstract: Attachment apparatus for portable devices—especially portable electronic devices—and methods for using such apparatus are described. The attachment apparatus comprises a hooking mechanism and a base mechanism. The attachment apparatus facilitates carrying and using portable electronic devices, as well as allows easy attachment, removal, and retention of the portable device to an object, such as a user of the portable device.

Abstract: A lead having an extendable and retractable fixation mechanism has a rotating terminal pin at the terminal end which rotates the fixation mechanism at the distal end. As the terminal pin is rotated, the fixation mechanism is extended or retracted from the distal end of the lead. A threaded collar allows for the fixation mechanism to smoothly extend and retract from the lead, and allows for a 1:1 turn ratio between the terminal pin and the fixation mechanism. A fluoroscopic ring disposed at the distal end of the lead provides information during the implantation process.

Abstract: A stable vehicle that can be folded or disassembled, for example for transportation by another vehicle or for storage, without requiring the use of hand tools. Two front wheels carried by steerable forks, in combination with an underslung main frame, provide a stable configuration. When folded or disassembled, the vehicle is compact, and can be transported using car mounted racks designed for conventional bicycles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable vehicle that can be folded or disassembled, for example for transportation by another vehicle or for storage, without requiring the use of hand tools. According to the present invention, two front wheels, carried by steerable forks, in combination with an underslung main frame, provide a stable configuration. When folded or disassembled, the vehicle is compact, and can be transported using car mounted racks designed for conventional bicycles.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrical lead comprising a lead body and an electrical conductor, and an electrode coupled to the electrical conductor, wherein the electrode includes a coating on at least a portion of a surface of the electrode, the coating including two or more layers, with a first layer adjacent the surface of the electrode comprising an insulative material and a second layer adjacent the first layer comprising at least one pharmacological agent.

Abstract: An implantable device such as a lead is adapted for implantation on or about the heart and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The implantable device includes an active fixation assembly for securing the device to tissue. The active fixation assembly includes one or more recessed portions therein.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a mapping catheter having an open lumen and a mapping arrangement provided at a distal end of the mapping catheter. A balloon catheter is movably disposed within the open lumen of the mapping catheter. The balloon catheter has an open lumen dimensioned to receive a lead. A balloon arrangement is provided at a distal end of the balloon catheter and inflatable with an inflation mechanism provided at a proximal end of the balloon catheter. The balloon arrangement is dimensioned to prevent movement of the lead upon inflation of the balloon arrangement, and to permit movement of the lead within the open lumen of the balloon catheter upon deflation of the balloon arrangement.

Abstract: A document alignment system comprises a feed system (6), defining an elongate path, for feeding documents along the path. The feed system is adjustable to vary the orientation of the elongate path in a lateral plain so as to cause a document to undergo a corresponding lateral shift as it is moved along the path. A detector (25,26) detects the lateral position of a document upstream of the elongate path. A control system (70,17,17′) is responsive to the detector (25,26) to adjust the feed system (6) so that the document undergoes a desired amount of lateral movement as it is moved along the elongate path.