Abstract: An electroactive optical device that includes an optical substrate; a layer that includes an electroactive material capable of linearly polarizing electromagnetic radiation; at least two transparent electrodes, spaced one from the other, and each independently in contact with the layer containing the electroactive material; a source capable of applying an electric potential between the at least two electrodes; and a birefringent layer. Electromagnetic radiation transmitting through the device includes a first polarization state in the absence of an electrical potential between the at least two electrodes and the electromagnetic radiation transmitting through the device includes a second polarization state that is different from the first polarization state, in the presence of an electrical potential between the at least two electrodes. The electroactive optical device is operable to circularly polarize or elliptically polarize transmitted radiation.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to collecting and auditing structured data layered on unstructured object are disclosed. In one embodiment, a field-data tracking form may include a plurality of input fields layered over an unstructured base object (e.g., a legacy form, document, image, diagram, etc.). Each input field may correspond to a different data object having attributes that maintain a full traceable history of changes made to the input field. The field-data tracking form may act as a data-entry vehicle that can be sent to mobile computers to allow field data to be entered directly into input fields corresponding to the data objects, while maintaining the visual layout of the unstructured base object. Furthermore, attributes of discrete data objects from different versions of the field-data tracking form may be searched and displayed via an audit viewing tool graphical user interface (GUI).

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to collecting and auditing structured data layered on unstructured object are disclosed. In one embodiment, a field-data tracking form may include a plurality of input fields layered over an unstructured base object (e.g., a legacy form, document, image, diagram, etc.). Each input field may correspond to a different data object having attributes that maintain a full traceable history of changes made to the input field. The field-data tracking form may act as a data-entry vehicle that can be sent to mobile computers to allow field data to be entered directly into input fields corresponding to the data objects, while maintaining the visual layout of the unstructured base object. Furthermore, attributes of discrete data objects from different versions of the field-data tracking form may be searched and displayed via an audit viewing tool graphical user interface (GUI).

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to collecting and auditing structured data layered on unstructured object are disclosed. In one embodiment, a field-data tracking form may include a plurality of input fields layered over an unstructured base object (e.g., a legacy form, document, image, diagram, etc.). Each input field may correspond to a different data object having attributes that maintain a full traceable history of changes made to the input field. The field-data tracking form may act as a data-entry vehicle that can be sent to mobile computers to allow field data to be entered directly into input fields corresponding to the data objects, while maintaining the visual layout of the unstructured base object. Furthermore, attributes of discrete data objects from different versions of the field-data tracking form may be searched and displayed via an audit viewing tool graphical user interface (GUI).

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to collecting and auditing structured data layered on unstructured object are disclosed. In one embodiment, a field-data tracking form may include a plurality of input fields layered over an unstructured base object (e.g., a legacy form, document, image, diagram, etc.). Each input field may correspond to a different data object having attributes that maintain a full traceable history of changes made to the input field. The field-data tracking form may act as a data-entry vehicle that can be sent to mobile computers to allow field data to be entered directly into input fields corresponding to the data objects, while maintaining the visual layout of the unstructured base object. Furthermore, attributes of discrete data objects from different versions of the field-data tracking form may be searched and displayed via an audit viewing tool graphical user interface (GUI).

Abstract: Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. The conduit can include a one-way valve actuator that can penetrate and open the valve, yet remain attached to a portion of the introducer when the introducer is split for removal from a patient. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer.

Abstract: Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the axis of the introducer. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. The conduit can include a one-way valve actuator that can penetrate and open the valve, yet remain attached to a portion of the introducer when the introducer is split for removal from a patient. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer.

Abstract: An introducer for providing intravascular access to a patient is disclosed, and includes a dilator and sheath that are configured to prevent peelback, or “fishmouthing,” of the sheath during introducer advancement. In one embodiment, the introducer comprises a dilator including a distal tapered region, and a sheath including an inner bore that receives the dilator such that a portion of the tapered region of the dilator extends from the sheath distal end. A distal outer surface of the sheath includes a first curved portion defined by a first radius and extending proximally from the distal end of the sheath to a first end point, and a second curved portion defined by a second radius and extending proximally from the first end point to a second end point. Additionally, an interference fit is established between the dilator tapered region and the sheath distal end to further prevent sheath end deformation.

Abstract: There is provided a feeder device for a pick-and-place machine used to surface mount connectors on printed circuit boards. The feeder is designed for use with matrixes of connectors, such as pin headers. The feeders, with the proper conversion kits, can be configured to feed any type and/or size of the connector. Individual connectors are separated from the matrix by the feeder using a rotating clamping device. Preferably, the feeders are microprocessor controlled, use an edge conveyor to transport the strips to the pick point, and pneumatic cylinders to break each pin header from the strip.

Abstract: There is provided a feeder device for a pick-and-place machine used to surface mount connectors on printed circuit boards. The feeder is designed for use with matrixes of connectors, such as pin headers. The feeders, with the proper conversion kits, can be configured to feed any type and/or size of the connector. Individual connectors are separated from the matrix by the feeder using a rotating clamping device. Preferably, the feeders are microprocessor controlled, use an edge conveyor to transport the strips to the pick point, and pneumatic cylinders to break each pin header from the strip.