Abstract: A plurality of concepts related to HIFU therapy are disclosed, including a technique to spatially track and display the relative positions of a HIFU focal point and an imaging plane from an ultrasound imager, so that a clinician can ensure that the HIFU focus remains in the image plane during HIFU therapy, thereby facilitating image guided HIFU therapy. Also disclosed are a plurality of transvaginal probes that include a HIFU transducer optimized for the treatment of uterine fibroids. In one embodiment, the probe includes a piezoceramic crystal bonded to an aluminum lens, to achieve a HIFU transducer having a focal length of about 4 cm. In another embodiment, the probe includes a generally spoon-shaped transducer including a plurality of individual emitter elements. Still another concept disclosed herein is a method for evaluating a quality of a coupling between a liquid-filled volume encompassing a HIFU transducer and a tissue interface.

Abstract: An electrical generator system includes a source for producing heated gases, a conduit connected to the source for receiving a flow of the heated gases, and a generator assembly positioned in close proximity to the conduit. The generator assembly includes a plurality of magnets positioned in a spaced relationship, the plurality of magnets producing a magnetic field. At least one electrical conductor is positioned adjacent the plurality of magnets to conduct an electrical current generated in response to the flow of heated gases in the conduit and the magnetic field.

Abstract: A medical device tube having opposing support ears for improved coupling of an inner cannula to an outer cannula. The medical device tube comprises an outer cannula having opposing support ears on an outer cannula connector flange attached to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The opposing support ears maintain locking ears of the inner cannula in substantially one position. The opposing support ears substantially prevent the locking ears in contact with the outer cannula connector flange from slipping therefrom by, e.g., rotation, axial displacement, torsional shear, etc.

Abstract: Internet and wireless network digital media management and distribution system, providing world-wide video viewing and/or audio listening automatically synchronized to the local time zone of the interconnected viewing or listening device, yielding a simultaneous viewing or listening experience within each time zone world-wide for video or audio programs and related multi-media content that are transmitted from a single source

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises monitoring geographical locations of a device equipped with a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver, which is moved over a travel route. During movement or subsequently thereafter, information pertaining to the geographical locations is uploaded to a processing center to compute travel patterns for the commuter in possession of the device. As a result, prior to the normal point of time when the computer travels over the travel route, travel-related information for the travel route is downloaded to the device for use in selecting a route of travel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises entering a deferred calling mode by a wireless communication unit. Thereafter, a destination of an audio, video, or text message for transmission by the wireless communication unit is provided and the message is recorded and stored within the destination within memory of the wireless communication unit for later transmission.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a technique to record a radio broadcast program. A recording circuit records an encoded digital stream corresponding to a program signal onto a storage unit starting at a start recording time. The program signal is received by a receiver and corresponds to an audio program.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a monolithically formed rotational flexure bearing is provided. In one example, the rotational flexure bearing includes a stationary portion, a rotating portion, and at least one flexure element. The stationary portion, rotating portion, and at the at least one flexure element are monolithically formed. The rotating portion is coupled to the stationary portion through the at least one flexure element, thereby allowing relative rotation of the rotating portion with respect to the stationary portion. The stationary portion may include a center axis portion along a rotational axis of the flexure bearing and opposing fixed plates on either end, the rotating portion positioned between the opposing fixed plates. The flexure elements may extend from the center axis portion to the rotating portion. The flexure bearing may include between 2 or more flexure elements.

Abstract: A removable insole for insertion into footwear, includes a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and an arch portion connecting together the forefoot and heel portions. At least one of the forefoot portion, heel portion and arch portion is formed by a lower layer of a resilient material which provides a cushioning function, and an upper layer positioned and secured on top of the lower layer and formed of a material having a Shore “000” hardness of less than about 45, and a tear strength greater than about 6.3 lb/in.

Abstract: A frame ensures that the alignment between a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer designed for vaginal use and a commercially available ultrasound image probe is maintained, so that the HIFU focus remains in the image plane during HIFU therapy. A water-filled membrane placed between the HIFU transducer and the treatment site provides acoustic coupling. The coupling is evaluated to determine whether any air bubbles exist at the coupling interface, which might degrade the therapy provided by the HIFU transducer. HIFU lesions on tissue appear as hyperechoic spots on the ultrasound image in real time during application of HIFU therapy. Ergonomic testing in humans has demonstrated clear visualization of the HIFU transducer relative to the uterus and showed the potential for the HIFU transducer to treat fibroids from the cervix to the fundus through the width of the uterus.

Abstract: An air intake silencer includes an air inlet pipe and at least one tuning tube in fluid communication with the air inlet pipe. A first length and second length of the air inlet pipe and the tuning tube, respectively, are selected to produce one-half wavelength cancellation of a selected frequency of engine noise. A plurality of tuning tubes located in a wrap-around relationship with on another may tune different frequencies of noise in a compact silencing unit. The air inlet pipe and tuning tube may be integrally formed into an air intake manifold that silences one or more engine air intake inlets, and the air intake silencer may be integrated into a motor cover.