Abstract: The invention provides a method of distributing representations in a network environment having a host computer system connected over at least one network to a plurality of user computer systems and to a data provider computer system. Domains of representations are ranked in a first historical data set. A query is received from a user computer system within a website. A call number that depends on the rank of the domains of the representations in the first historical data set for the query is calculated, recorded and transmitted from the host computer system over the network to the data provider computer system together with the query. A plurality of representations for the query are received from the data provider computer system over the network at the host computer system and transmitted from the host computer system over the network to the user computer system.

Abstract: A query is received from a user computer system within a website, a call is transmitted from the host computer system to the data provider computer system corresponding to the query, including the call number for the query, a plurality of representations for the query are received from the data provider computer system at the host computer system and transmitted from the host computer system over the network to the user computer system. The call number is calculated based on a rank of the representations in a first historical data set. An access control module periodically resets the call number to higher number, whereafter a determination is made to maintain the call number at the higher or to reduce the call number.

Abstract: A query is received from a user computer system within a website of a host computer system. A call is transmitted from the host computer system to the data provider computer system corresponding to the query, wherein the call includes the call number for the query, a plurality of representations for the query are received from the data provider computer system at the host computer system and transmitted from the host computer system to the user computer system. The representations received from the data provider computer system are evaluated and a block of the representations is determined to be rejected. The call number is calculated by subtracting a number of the representations that are included in the block of the representations to be rejected from a total number of representations received from the data provider computer system.

Abstract: A website receives a query from a user computer system, transmitting a call from the host computer system to a data provider computer system corresponding to the query representations from the data provider computer system, transmitting the representations to the user computer system and receives responses from the user computer system. An application shell receives the representations for the query and the response from the website and builds an application logic in real time. A first representation system inserted into the application shell includes a first ranking module ranking the representations in a first historical data set, calculates the call number, the call number depending on the rank of the representations in the first historical data set for the query, records the call number for the query and recording the response within the first historical data set.

Abstract: An LED based light source unit for an endoscopic imaging system produces illumination for a camera through an endoscope. The light source unit includes an array of LEDs mounted to a thermally conductive substrate, a light guide to collect light emitted from the LEDs and to couple the light into a group of optical fibers within the endoscope, and an interface to allow the light source unit to be removably attached to the endoscope at the endoscope's external light port. The LEDs therein may be overdriven by power for increased light output. When the LEDs reach their lifetime, the light source unit can be discarded.

Abstract: An LED based light source unit for an endoscopic imaging system produces illumination for a camera through an endoscope. The light source unit includes an array of LEDs mounted to a thermally conductive substrate. The light source unit is integrated into the proximal end of an endoscope and coupled directly to the optical fibers running to the tip of the endoscope. A plurality of such light source units may be integrated into the housing of an endoscope. Light emitted from each light source unit is directed to a distinctive section of the endoscope's tip and a doctor may control light output of each individual light source unit during a surgery.

Abstract: A cannula useful for endoscopic surgery. The cannula includes an outer tube in which an inner tube is removably seated. A surgical instrument can be positioned at the surgical site through the inner tube and irrigation fluid can be flowed to the surgical site through the inner tube. The tubes are spaced from each other to form a channel through which fluid can be selectively withdrawn from the surgical site. Fluid flow to and from the surgical site through the cannula is controlled by a valve assembly that has a single valve cock. The valve cock can be positioned to allow maximum irrigation flow/no suction flow or no irrigation flow/maximum suction flow. Bores internal to the valve cock are shaped so that, while the suction flow is initially incrementally increased, the irrigation flow is at a constant level.