Abstract: An active network defense system is provided that is operable to monitor and block traffic in an automated fashion. This active network defense system is placed in-line with respect to the packet traffic data flow as a part of the network infrastructure. In this configuration, inspection and manipulation of every passing packet is possible. An algorithmic filtering operation applies statistical threshold filtering to the data flow in order to identify threats existing across multiple sessions. A trigger filtering operation applies header and content match filtering to the data flow in order to identify threats existing within individual sessions. Threatening packet traffic is blocked and threatening sessions are terminated. Suspicious traffic is extracted from the data flow for further examination with more comprehensive content matching as well as asset risk analysis. A flow control mechanism is provided to control passage rate for packets passing through the data flow.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for improved diagnostic fluorescence and reflectance. A method of detecting tissue abnormality in a tissue sample in vivo detects a set of reflectance spectra emitted from a tissue sample as a result of illumination with an excitation light from a fiber optic probe that has at least one collection fiber positioned at a source-detector separation, and determining if the tissue sample is normal or abnormal based on the resulting reflectance spectra. Another method of detecting tissue abnormality in a tissue sample in vivo includes illuminating the tissue sample in vivo with at least one electromagnetic radiation wavelength selected to cause the tissue sample to produce a set of fluorescence intensity spectra indicative of tissue abnormality, detecting the resulting fluorescence intensity spectra, and determining if the tissue sample is normal or abnormal based on the resulting fluorescence intensity spectra.

Abstract: A packet filtering operation implements a hierarchical technique. Received packet traffic is first filtered with a first filtering criteria. This first filtering action generates a first pass traffic portion and a fail traffic portion from the received packet traffic. The fail traffic portion is then second filtered with a second filtering criteria. This second filtering action generates a second pass traffic portion and a reject traffic portion. The first filtering criteria provide for higher throughput, lower accuracy processing while the second filtering criteria provide for lower throughput, higher accuracy processing. Dynamic adjustments may be made to the first and second filtering criteria to achieve better overall packet filtering performance. For example, load is measured and the filtering criteria adjusted to better balance load between the hierarchical filtering actions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inserting or placing the low profile catheter or system in a patient. The apparatus of the present invention is designed such that it may be used both as an original device as well as a replacement device. The device is also capable of being placed or inserted in a patient in a variety of ways, including, for example, those which are highly invasive, such as those placements or insertions which occur during a surgical procedure, as well as those procedures which are minimally invasive and/or those which produce or result in little or no blood loss and which may or may not require a surgeon to perform. The present invention is intended to cover all such procedures as discussed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low profile device having a head, a catheter segment, and a retention mechanism. The head of the catheter has at least two openings through which fluid may pass to or from a patient, the head having a low profile relative to a patient when the catheter is properly positioned in the patient. The catheter has at least a first and second lumen, each lumen being in communication with at least one of the openings of the head. The openings in the head of the catheter are designed to allow for the passage of fluid into the catheter and/or out of the patient. The low profile head may contribute to a reduction in the number of removals or displacements of as compared to traditional “on-low profile” apparatus in that the amount or length of the catheter or system which extends external the patients body is significantly less.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inserting or placing the low profile catheter or system in a patient. The apparatus of the present invention is designed such that it may be used both as an original device as well as a replacement device. The device is also capable of being placed or inserted in a patient in a variety of ways, including, for example, those which are highly invasive, such as those placements or insertions which occur during a surgical procedure, as well as those procedures which are minimally invasive and/or those which produce or result in little or no blood loss and which may or may not require a surgeon to perform. The present invention is intended to cover all such procedures as discussed herein.

Abstract: A network discovery functionality, intrusion detector functionality and firewalling functionality are integrated together to form a network security system presenting a self-deploying and self-hardening security defense for a network.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps as disclosed that has a flexible hollow support cable with an insulating layer surrounding the support cable on its outer surface. An electrically conductive control wire extends through a central passage of the hollow support cable and has an insulating layer surrounding the portion of the control wire that is inside the support cable. The control wire is connected to an electrically conductive mount at a distal end of the control wire. The electrically conductive mount supports the pair of electrically conductive metal jaws which are pivotal and which have curved walls with sharp cutting edges which together form an enclosure for purposes of excising tissue.

Abstract: A brush is provided for cleaning endoscope channels which comprises a tubular cannula having a first end and a second end. A wire insert is fitted within the cannula. A first brush having bristles supported on a first core is secured within the first end and a second brush having bristles supported on a second core is secured within the second end. The first core is spaced apart from the wire insert by a distance so as to leave a length of unsupported cannula. A flexible tubular tip is also secured on the first core with a substantial length of the tip free of the core. A depth limit stop having a stop surface thereon is fixed on the cannula spaced from the end of the second core by a distance which prevents the end of the second core from contacting endoscope channels.

Abstract: A biopsy brush for abrading and recovering samples of tissue to be investigated. A plurality of abrading elements are individually and separately spindled onto a flexible strand. The elements have an abrading periphery, and spacers which space these peripheries apart from one another. The flexibility of the strand where the elements are located enables the indivdual elements in the group of elements separately to deflect in response to changes in the shape of the tissue being abraded.

Abstract: A method of forming a jaw for biopsy forceps with a very sharp edge. An initially flat metal plate is first relieved to form a recessed area extending along an edge. The edge is then honed sharp. Finally the plate is folded to bring the relieved areas into facing relationship to form a cup whose sharp edge extends along the edge of the cup, including around the bight formed by the bend.