Abstract: A machine used for conversion of digital number values to analog signal values. In one embodiment, a counter tracks the elapsed time since the beginning of a conversion cycle. Simultaneously, a reference analog signal such as a voltage ramp is generated. When the count provided by the counter reaches a stored digital number value, a sample-and-hold circuit is triggered and acquires the value of the reference analog signal. A multiplicity of stored digital number values can be converted by using a multiplicity of sample-and-hold and trigger circuits. The conversion operations can share the counter and the reference analog signal. The invention can be used to implement massively parallel digital-to-analog conversion. Parallel digital-to-analog conversion is useful in many applications such as digital communications, image display, and shared parallel analog-to-digital conversion where it is desired to convert multiple digital numbers to analog signals.

Abstract: A machine used for multi-stage analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion accepts as a stage input an unknown analog input signal and produces as a stage output a residue signal which is negatively scaled with respect to the unknown analog input signal. Combination of the unknown analog input signal and adjustment signals and scaling are accomplished using a circuit requiring only a single op-amp and corresponding output settling delay. The negatively scaled residue signal is passed as input to the following stage. The effects of negative scaling are compensated for in the following stage with proper connection of desired pre-generated reference signals to the second stage's comparators. The invention has a much lower implementation cost than full flash A/D conversion, particularly for high-precision conversions. The invention is also faster than successive approximation (SA) A/D conversion. With proper design, the implementation cost of the present invention can be less than that of prior art SA A/D converters.

Abstract: A machine or method used for exposure adjustment in digital imaging. Two or more digital images form a set of digital images of a field of view. At least one pixel in one of the images comprises a digital number representative of a signal level of a sensor response to visible light. Digital images from the set are arithmetically combined to form a composite digital image of the field of view. The composite digital image can have different exposure properties than the component digital images, for instance differing exposure times and differing ranges of variation in the digital numbers representative of features in the field of view. The invention enables adjustment of exposure during arithmetic combination, so that the various features of the field of view in the composite image are neither overexposed nor underexposed unless such characteristics are desired. The invention enables enhancement of streaks or motion blur during combination, and also allows removal of streaks or motion blur.

Abstract: A machine or method used in signal processing transforms that involve computing one or more sums each of one or more products. Multiplication for one product is implemented using one machine or method, and multiplication for a second product is implemented using a machine or method that is not capable of computing the first product. Alternatively, the numbers used in computing one product have a pair of finite-precision numeric formats that is not the same as the pair of finite-precision numeric formats of numbers used in computing a second product. Which machine or method is used depends on the particular representation of one or both numbers being multiplied, and on common properties of groups of allowed input number values and representations.

Abstract: A machine used for acquisition of digital images. A counter tracks the elapsed time since the beginning of image acquisition. When an analog sensor output changes by a pre-set amount, the count is stored as the digital number value representing the sensor output. This eliminates the need for a traditional analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion of the sensor output. In an array of sensors, the circuitry of the invention is simple enough to enable massively parallel A/D conversion. The invention can be implemented in an array using a separate counter for each sensor, but it is also possible to reduce costs by sharing counters among the sensors.

Abstract: A machine or method used in signal processing transforms involving computation of one or more sums each of one or more products. A first multiplier computes a first product and a first set of intermediate terms. A second multiplier computes a second product using one or more of the terms computed by the first multiplier. Because they share computations, the two multipliers can have lower implementation cost than if they function separately. The invention is particularly useful in signal processing transforms that have fixed weights, such as discrete Fourier transforms, discrete cosine transforms, and pulse-shaping filters. These transforms are multiply-intensive and are used repeatedly in many applications. Implementations of shared multiplication techniques can have reduced chip space, computation time, and power consumption relative to implementations that do not share computation.

Abstract: A method and device for causing angiogenesis in the heart including the formation of a pattern of stimulus pockets or zones and channels. Laser energy is deliverable through one or more fiber optic elements at a controlled penetration depth and direction. The fiber element of the device is advanced incrementally within the myocardium. Laser bursts are triggered at intervals to create stimulus zones and/or channels.

Abstract: The present invention is a machine or method used in digital communications. Symbols are selected in periodic fashion from at least two different symbol constellations. At least one of the symbol constellations has a non-conjugated second moment not equal to zero. The non-conjugated second moment is a second-order statistic. Symbol selection leads to second-order input statistics having cyclostationary phase, and thus to second-order output statistics having cyclostationary phase. These statistics can be used for low-complexity identification and equalization of both linear and nonlinear channels. The invention allows for low-complexity identification and equalization of linear channels and of nonlinear channels without requiring constant-modulus constellations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of embodiments of the invention are adapted to treat tissue inside a patient's body. Aspects of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications, but certain embodiments provide minimally invasive alternatives for treating atrial fibrillation by delivering a tissue-damaging agent to selected areas of the heart. One exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating cardiac arrhythmia. This method includes positioning a distal tissue-contacting portion of a body in surface contact with a tissue surface of cardiac tissue; detecting the surface contact between the tissue-contacting portion and the tissue surface; and thereafter, injecting a tissue-ablating agent into the cardiac tissue through the tissue-contacting portion of the body.

Abstract: A clinical information management system. The clinical information management system is implemented by allocating 310 resources and conducting 320 medical procedures. The data from allocating the resources and conducting medical procedures is collected 330 in a database. After the completion of each medical procedure, work and cost reduction opportunities are identified 340 to establish 350 a benchmark for the average utilization of resources for a particular type of procedure once a benchmark is established, particular types of procedures may be standardized 360 to include only the necessary resources which are then requisitioned 370 for future procedures. Data is collected and stored for a clinical procedure. Waste and cost reduction opportunities are identified; resulting in the establishment of a benchmark. The clinical procedure is then standardized based upon the benchmark. Resources are requisitioned based upon the standardized procedure.

Abstract: A method of selecting laser parameters for performing laser-assisted myocardial revascularization to avoid inducing undesired cardiac arrhythmia without synchronization of delivery of laser energy and the patient's cardiac cycle, the method comprising the steps of minimizing the power level of laser energy used, thereby decreasing the overall trauma to the heart, selecting a pulse frequency as great as possible while avoiding adverse summation effects, selecting a pulse width as wide as possible to prevent excessively high peak powers per pulse and not so wide as to cause undesired thermal damage, selecting an energy flux rate, shaping the front end of each pulse of laser energy to provide efficient, non-explosive TMR channeling, and correcting the selected power level, pulse width, pulse frequency and energy flux rate for mechanical events, including method of access to the heart, position of selected portions of myocardium in the heart, temporal duration of the procedure, natural movement of the heart, spec

Abstract: Apparatus (5) for playing a game which comprises a spindle (35), a playing surface, a spinner arm (25) rotably depending from the spindle and a rotatable body (80) at or near an end of the spinner arm. In use the rotatable body is contactable with the playing surface such that the body and arm are rotatable across the playing surface. In one arrangement the spinner arm is an elongate member (60) of a transparent plastic material, such as PMMA, which at a first end is mounted to the spindle (35) with the rotatable body (80) at or near it's second end. Also the playing surface may include a base board (10), a playing template (15) and a cover member (20).

Abstract: A treatment tool such as a catheter, MIS or other surgical tool apparatus for placement within a heart chamber, organ aperture or other body opening and axial ranging therein, the apparatus particularly adapted for laser-assisted percutaneous transmyocardial revascularization (MTR). At the distal end of the tool is an annular ultrasound transducer with associated structure, positioned to transmit ultrasound signals substantially axially aligned with the axis of the treatment tool to the cardiovascular tissue, the transducer further receiving returning signals from the cardiovascular tissue to be treated. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer comprises a piezoelectric crystal material. The transducer assembly is attached to the distal tip of the tool such that a laser delivery means or other functional device can be extended through the lumen of the tool and the annular ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus for dispensing a predetermined amount of one or more drugs into a laser created opening in the human body, the apparatus consisting of a laser delivery means such as an optical fiber or fiber bundle, a drug conduit which transfers the one or more drugs, drug solutions or other substances to the distal end of the laser delivery means, and the laser delivery means disposed essentially coaxially with the drug conduit. Laser delivery means is used to create a TMR channel or other opening in the body. Dispensed drug or other substance travels through the drug conduit and emanates from the drug conduit to be delivered into the TMR channel or other laser created opening. Drug is dispensed by manually or automatically activating an electric motor which actuates a piston element. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of selecting laser parameters for performing laser-assisted myocardial revascularization to avoid inducing undesired cardiac arrhythmia without synchronization of delivery of laser energy and the patient's cardiac cycle, the method comprising the steps of minimizing the power level of laser energy used, thereby decreasing the overall trauma to the heart, selecting a pulse frequency as great as possible while avoiding adverse summation effects, selecting a pulse width as wide as possible to prevent excessively high peak powers per pulse and not so wide as to cause undesired thermal damage, selecting an energy flux rate, shaping the front end of each pulse of laser energy to provide efficient, non-explosive TMR channeling, and correcting the selected power level, pulse width, pulse frequency and energy flux rate for mechanical events, including method of access to the heart, position of selected portions of myocardium in the heart, temporal duration of the procedure, natural movement of the heart, spec

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus for dispensing predetermined volumes of drug, drug solution or other substances into an opening, such as a TMR channel in the human heart, or other laser treated area within the human body, the apparatus consisting of a bifurcated needle with a laser inlet for guiding a laser delivery means, such as an optical fiber or fiber bundle, to adjacent a surface of the human heart or other body structure for creating an opening, such as a TMR channel, or other laser treated area thereon. A drug inlet is for receiving the drug and transmitting the drug to the TMR channel or other laser treated area. Optionally, a piercing tip and/or suction device assists in positioning the apparatus adjacent the tissue to be treated. Drug is dispensed by manually or automatically actuating a piston or syringe element. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: The method for combined mechanical/laser myocardial revascularization of a human heart includes: inserting a mechanical piercing device and an elongated flexible lasing apparatus into the chest cavity of a patient; mechanically piercing, micro-tearing or spreading the epicardium of the heart; and then lasing from beneath the epicardium through the myocardium.

Abstract: A key cover comprises a hinged frame and two removably insertable insignia plates for bearing an identifying mark or logo. The frame has a recess for accommodating the head of the key and a locking means which retains the cover on the key head when the frame is folded over onto itself. The insignia plates include bosses which extend through the key ring hole of the key, for preventing the key from pivoting within the cover. The plates are inserted into openings in the frame, the key blade is inserted between the hinges and the frame is folded over onto itself. Pressure on the frame engages the locking means, which retains the cover on the key head.