Abstract: Systems and methods for novel uses and/or improvements to blockchains and blockchain technology. As one example, systems and methods are described herein for self-validating digital records that may be transferred in real-time through a cross-network registry. For example, in a conventional system, minting a token (e.g., a digital record) involves writing a self-executing program that defines the transfer rules of the digital record. Once the self-executing program is written, it is deployed on a blockchain, and the digital record is minted by publishing it to a blockchain.

Abstract: Systems and methods for novel uses and/or improvements to blockchains and blockchain technology. As one example, systems and methods are described herein for self-validating digital records that may be transferred in real-time through a cross-network registry. For example, in a conventional system, minting a token (e.g., a digital record) involves writing a self-executing program that defines the transfer rules of the digital record. Once the self-executing program is written, it is deployed on a blockchain, and the digital record is minted by publishing it to a blockchain.

Abstract: Systems and methods for novel uses and/or improvements to blockchains and blockchain technology. As one example, systems and methods are described herein for self-validating digital records that may be transferred in real-time through a cross-network registry. For example, in a conventional system, minting a token (e.g., a digital record) involves writing a self-executing program that defines the transfer rules of the digital record. Once the self-executing program is written, it is deployed on a blockchain, and the digital record is minted by publishing it to a blockchain.

Abstract: Systems and methods for novel uses and/or improvements to blockchains and blockchain technology. As one example, systems and methods are described herein for self-validating digital records that may be transferred in real-time through a cross-network registry. For example, in a conventional system, minting a token (e.g., a digital record) involves writing a self-executing program that defines the transfer rules of the digital record. Once the self-executing program is written, it is deployed on a blockchain, and the digital record is minted by publishing it to a blockchain.

Abstract: A system for releasing a contained volume of gas. The system has a base with a pressure-release vent positioned within a flex region and a seal to disengagably seal the pressure-release vent. The seal has a gas vent path that extends from the pressure-release vent. The contained volume of gas passes through the gas vent path to apply force against the flex region and disengage the seal from the pressure-release vent, allowing the gas to exit through the pressure-release vent.

Abstract: A system for releasing a contained volume of gas. The system has a base with a pressure-release vent positioned within a flex region and a seal to disengagably seal the pressure-release vent. The seal has a gas vent path that extends from the pressure-release vent. The contained volume of gas passes through the gas vent path to apply force against the flex region and disengage the seal from the pressure-release vent, allowing the gas to exit through the pressure-release vent.

Abstract: A system for releasing a contained volume of gas. The system has a base with a pressure-release vent positioned within a flex region and a seal to disengagably seal the pressure-release vent. The seal has a gas vent path that extends from the pressure-release vent. The contained volume of gas passes through the gas vent path to apply force against the flex region and disengage the seal from the pressure-release vent, allowing the gas to exit through the pressure-release vent.

Abstract: A system for releasing a contained volume of gas. The system has a base with a pressure-release vent positioned within a flex region and a seal to disengagably seal the pressure-release vent. The seal has a gas vent path that extends from the pressure-release vent. The contained volume of gas passes through the gas vent path to apply force against the flex region and disengage the seal from the pressure-release vent, allowing the gas to exit through the pressure-release vent.

Abstract: A lens care container comprising a container cup and a cap that is removably attachable to the container cup to cover an opening in the container cup. The cap includes a top panel and a coupling hub. The top panel includes a pressure-release vent positioned within a deflection region. The coupling hub defines an interior gas vent path. A volume of gas generated from cleaning solution within the cup passes into the interior gas vent path to disengage a lens holder seal from a cap pressure-release vent, allowing the gas to exit through the cap pressure-release vent.

Abstract: A lens care container comprising a container cup and a cap that is removably attachable to the container cup to cover an opening in the container cup. The cap includes a top panel and a coupling hub. The top panel includes a pressure-release vent positioned within a deflection region. The coupling hub defines an interior gas vent path. A volume of gas generated from cleaning solution within the cup passes into the interior gas vent path to disengage a lens holder seal from a cap pressure-release vent, allowing the gas to exit through the cap pressure-release vent.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device for the provision of brachytherapy is disclosed. The brachytherapy device has at least one source lumen located outside a movable surface of the device. The source lumen may be secured to the movable outer surface in a manner whereby relative movement of the source lumen relative to the movable outer surface is permitted. The brachytherapy device is inserted into a body cavity. After insertion, the movable surface is moved to position the at least one source lumen closer to the tissue boundary of the cavity. One or more sources of radiation are then placed within the at least one source lumen to provide a customizable treatment. Also disclosed are methods for providing brachytherapy via body cavities.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device for the provision of brachytherapy is disclosed. The brachytherapy device has at least one source lumen located outside a movable surface of the device. The source lumen may be secured to the movable outer surface in a manner whereby relative movement of the source lumen relative to the movable outer surface is permitted. The brachytherapy device is inserted into a body cavity. After insertion, the movable surface is moved to position the at least one source lumen closer to the tissue boundary of the cavity. One or more sources of radiation are then placed within the at least one source lumen to provide a customizable treatment. Also disclosed are methods for providing brachytherapy via body cavities.

Abstract: A method and device for producing characteristic radiation is disclosed. A beta radiation emitting material is coupled with a converter material, which could be any of a pure element, an alloy, a compound, a composition or mixture. The beta radiation emitting material emits beta radiation, which interacts with the converter material to produce characteristic radiation. The device can be used for brachytherapy. Also disclosed is a power generation device, which further includes a second converter material for converting characteristic radiation to heat or electricity.

Abstract: A indicator usable with plural brachytherapy element dispensing devices such as seed magazines or seed cartridges for determining the number of seeds remaining in the cartridge and/or the number of seeds that have been dispensed. In one embodiment, the indicator is releasably attachable to a brachytherapy-element dispensing device. In another embodiment, the indicator is merely associated with said brachytherapy element dispensing device. An indicating element having an upper surface is located within the indicator and is movable by engagement with a plunger of a seed magazine or cartridge. The indicating element can indicate the number of seeds remaining/dispensed in any number of ways, including movement relative to a gradated scale, via connection to a digital readout or via connection to an analog device.

Abstract: Brachytherapy devices are provided for delivering a substantially uniform dose rate of radiation to a treatment area at a predetermined treatment depth. The devices include a holder defining a cavity, and a radioactive material located within the cavity. The holder comprises radiation-shielding material therein. The holder and the radioactive material are positioned to cooperatively provide a substantially uniform dose rate of radiation to a treatment area at a predetermined treatment depth. Also disclosed are methods for treating macular degeneration or ocular melanoma. The methods involve positioning a brachytherapy device in contact with or in close proximity to tissue located in a treatment area and exposing the tissue located in the treatment area to a therapeutic dose of radiation, which is delivered at a substantially uniform dose rate over the treatment area at a predetermined treatment depth.

Abstract: A brachytherapy device for the provision of brachytherapy is disclosed. The brachytherapy device has at least one source lumen located outside a movable surface of the device. The source lumen may be secured to the movable outer surface in a manner whereby relative movement of the source lumen relative to the movable outer surface is permitted. The brachytherapy device is inserted into a body cavity. After insertion, the movable surface is moved to position the at least one source lumen closer to the tissue boundary of the cavity. One or more sources of radiation are then placed within the at least one source lumen to provide a customizable treatment. Also disclosed are methods for providing brachytherapy via body cavities.

Abstract: A shipping container for medical devices that uses part of the container to transfer the device from the container to another location after the container is opened. A container is provided which has a first container portion and a second container portion. One portion of the container is provided with a grip that is graspable by a user's hand and a holder for holding the device using that same portion of the container to permit that portion of the container to be gripped and used to transfer the device from the container to another location without having to directly contact the device. The portion of the container used for transferring the device serves as a barrier between the device and the user to minimize contamination of the device by the user or to minimize contamination of the user by the device. Also described is a method for storage and deployment of a packaged device using the container of the invention.

Abstract: A seed and/or spacer loader and containers for storage and dispensing of brachytherapy seeds and spacers are disclosed. The seed and/or spacer loader has a holding area to hold seeds and/or spacers prior to loading. The seed and/or spacer loader has a loading mechanism that loads seeds and/or spacers into a receiving device, such as a needle or strand. The seed and/or spacer loader further includes a selection mechanism for selectively dispensing seeds and/or spacers from different containers. The containers have an advancing strip mechanism or a belt which can be employed to position seeds and/or spacers for dispensing from the container and to index the next seed or spacer to a dispensing position.

Abstract: Brachytherapy devices are provided for delivering a substantially uniform dose rate of radiation to a treatment area at a predetermined treatment depth. The devices include a holder defining a cavity, and a radioactive material located within the cavity. The holder comprises radiation-shielding material therein. The holder and the radioactive material are positioned to cooperatively provide a substantially uniform dose rate of radiation to a treatment area at a predetermined treatment depth. Also disclosed are methods for treating macular degeneration or ocular melanoma. The methods involve positioning a brachytherapy device in contact with or in close proximity to tissue located in a treatment area and exposing the tissue located in the treatment area to a therapeutic dose of radiation, which is delivered at a substantially uniform dose rate over the treatment area at a predetermined treatment depth.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting needle cartridges containing radioactive materials used for medical procedures is disclosed. Such needle cartridges may include a radioactive shielding material which contains a portion of the radioactivity emitted by the radioactive material. The container of the present invention has an upper portion and a lower portion, and at least one of the portions includes a radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate shielding materials. Needle cartridges containing radioactive material are placed within the container for storage and shipping. The container secures the needle cartridges against lateral movement within the container to protect them from breakage or release of the radioactive materials contained in the needle cartridges. The radiation shielding material of the lower portion of the container may cooperate with the radiation shielding material of the device to container more of the emitted radiation that is contained by the device alone.