Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) device is described. The RF device includes a first RF switch coupled in series to a first RF port and coupled in parallel to an RF common (RFC) port. The RF device also includes an electrostatic discharge (ESD) dissipation switch coupled to the RF common port. The ESD dissipation switch includes a switch field effect transistor (FET). The switch FET includes a gate on an active layer of a substrate, and a symmetric silicide area block (SAB) on a first sidewall spacer and a second sidewall spacer, opposite the first sidewall spacer, and on a gate surface of the gate, opposite the active layer of the substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes storing, by a tracking system server, information identifying each of multiple first computing devices and a location of each computing device. The method includes receiving a request including an identifier for a second computing device and configuration instructions executable by the second computing device. The method includes determining a most recent location associated with the second computing device. The method includes identifying a computing device from the first computing devices based at least in part on the stored location of the computing device and the most recent location associated with the second computing device. The method includes sending, to the identified computing device, a forwarding request including the identifier for the second computing device and the configuration instructions. The identified computing device is configured to send the configuration instructions to the second computing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus related to a swallowing indicator for a solid object that is not intended to be ingested is disclosed. The indicator can be integrated with solid objects such as batteries or children's toys. The indicator stains the tongue, lips, or other areas of the mouth or throat when the object is swallowed, thus warning a caretaker. The indicator can be attached to or integrated with a solid object. The indicator may further comprise a bitterant.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is a compact hand held device that can be safely used by those suffering from skin conditions, such as acne, warts, cold blisters, blemished skin, or fine wrinkles. The devices described herein employ the application of heat for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions. Typically, the peak temperatures employed are about 70° C. to about 400° C. by the devices, are achieved in less than about 1 second, and maintained for less than about 1 second. In some embodiments, the skin surface is heated with heat pulses. Thermal conduction transfers heat from the device to the skin and causes a biological response that accelerates acne clearing, treats blemished skin, itching, or fine wrinkles. The total heat transferred is low enough to prevent burns.

Abstract: A compact hand held device is provided that can be safely used by those suffering from acne, blemished skin or fine wrinkles. The hand held device includes an on/off switch and a button that pulses the device when it is placed on the target site. A battery within the device powers a circuit board and drives a short pulse of current through a heating element, which heats up to approximately 300° C. in less than 0.1 sec. Thermal conduction transfers the heat to the skin and causes a biological response that accelerates acne clearing, treats blemished skin or fine wrinkles. The total heat transferred is low enough to prevent burns.

Abstract: An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The airway implant device comprises a deformable element to control the opening of an air passageway. Preferably the deformable element is an electroactive polymer element. Energizing of the electroactive polymer element provides support for the walls of an air passageway, when the walls collapse, and thus, completely or partially opens the air passageway. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Laser treatment of tissue, particularly the tissues in or around the nasal and oral cavities, are described herein. One method for reducing the size of the tissue being treated is to apply laser energy to the underlying tissue. One instrument may be used to deliver laser energy and to optionally provide an infusion or injection of a fluid directly into the tissue as well as optionally provide for ultrasound energy application as well. One or more optical fibers which may extend through needles inserted into the tissue may be utilized to deliver the laser energy.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the treatment of nasal tissue, particularly the nasal turbinates, are described herein. One method for reducing the size of the inferior nasal turbinate is to apply ultrasound energy to the tissue regions beneath the surface of the turbinate tissue. One instrument may be used to deliver ultrasound energy and to provide an infusion or injection of a fluid directly into the turbinate being treated. The injected fluid can be used to bulk up the size of the turbinate to ensure that the ultrasound energy is properly delivered directly into the intended turbinate tissue. Accordingly, fluids containing anesthetics, fluids infused with analgesics, etc. may be used for pain management while other medications, such as non-steroidal drugs, steroidal drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-histamines, anti-bacterial drugs, etc., can also be used.

Abstract: An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The airway implant device comprises an actuator element to control the opening of an air passageway. Preferably the actuator element is an electroactive polymer element. Energizing of the electroactive polymer element provides support for the walls in order to prevent the collapse of an air passageway. Some embodiments of the invention include a sensor capable of sensing the possible occurrence of an apneic event and activating the actuator element of the airway implant device. Some embodiments include a housing designed to conform to the shape of the palate. Some embodiments include an attachment element to secure the device to tissue. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system for evaluating health, wellness and fitness, and in particular, to a system that uses an ultrasound transducer to accurately measure fat thickness at a plurality of sites on the human body, records these measurements for long term monitoring, and based on the plurality of measurements calculates the total body composition. The system includes a central control unit to analyze the measurement and display the results in a variety of formats.

Abstract: An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The airway implant device comprises a deformable element to control the opening of an air passageway. Preferably the deformable element is an electroactive polymer element. Energizing of the electroactive polymer element provides support for the walls of an air passageway, when the walls collapse, and thus, completely or partially opens the air passageway. Some embodiments of the invention include a sensor capable of sensing the possible occurrence of an apneic event and activating the deformable element of the airway implant device. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A device is described that can be easily used to accurately measure and monitor tissue thickness using ultrasound. The device comprises a remote control and data processing unit, a handheld ultrasound transducer, a display monitor and means for effectively coupling ultrasound to tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is a compact hand held device that can be safely used by those suffering from skin conditions, such as acne, warts, cold blisters, blemished skin, or fine wrinkles. The devices described herein employ the application of heat for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions. Typically, the peak temperatures employed are about 70° C. to about 400° C. by the devices, are achieved in less than about 1 second, and maintained for less than about 1 second. In some embodiments, the skin surface is heated with heat pulses. Thermal conduction transfers heat from the device to the skin and causes a biological response that accelerates acne clearing, treats blemished skin, itching, or fine wrinkles. The total heat transferred is low enough to prevent burns.

Abstract: A compact hand held device is provided that can be safely used by those suffering from acne, blemished skin or fine wrinkles. The hand held device includes an on/off switch and a button that pulses the device when it is placed on the target site. A battery within the device powers a circuit board and drives a short pulse of current through a heating element, which heats up to approximately 300° C. in less than 0.1 sec. Thermal conduction transfers the heat to the skin and causes a biological response that accelerates acne clearing, treats blemished skin or fine wrinkles. The total heat transferred is low enough to prevent burns.

Abstract: An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The airway implant device comprises a deformable element to control the opening of an air passageway. Preferably the deformable element is an electroactive polymer element. Energizing of the electroactive polymer element provides support for the walls of an air passageway, when the walls collapse, and thus, completely or partially opens the air passageway. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and device for maintaining and/or creating patency in airways is disclosed. The methods of using the system and device are also disclosed. The system includes a power source that energizes a electro-active polymer implant. The energized polymer implant provides stiffness and shape to the airway, thereby minimizing collapse or deformation of the airway. A method of making the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A biologically implantable artificial sphincter system and methods of using the same is disclosed. The artificial sphincter system disclosed herein comprises a support and an electroactive polymer element, both of which are adapted and configured to open and/or close a body cavity. The artificial sphincter systems are useful in the treatment of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and reflux disorders. The implanted artificial sphincter can also provide a signal to the recipient to urinate or defecate.