Abstract: A system for altering the pitch produced by a reed of a reeded instrument. The system comprises a reed having a first portion structured to be coupled to the instrument and a second portion generally free to vibrate and a magnet adjustably disposed adjacent the reed. The reed comprises a magnetic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and microfluidic immunoassay pScreen™ device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample by using antigen-specific antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads. The methods and devices of the present invention have broad applications for point-of-care diagnostics by allowing quantification of a large variety of analytes, such as proteins, protein fragments, antigens, antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, RNA, RNA fragments, functionalized magnetic micro-beads specific to CD4+, CD8+ cells, malaria-infected red blood cells, cancer cells, cancer biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen and other cancer biomarkers, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogenic agents, with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of bench-top laboratory-based assays.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for notating music for a harmonica. The apparatus incorporates a vertical staff in which vertical lines or tracks represent individual notes, the length of which represents duration of the note, and the horizontal location represents the physical location of the corresponding hole in a harmonica. The invention provides a rapid means of learning to play a harmonica and, for experienced players, provides a means for sight reading a new piece of music. The invention further provides ways of representing the dynamics of both pitch and loudness and a convenient way to manually transcribe musical selection for archival purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads dispersed in a liquid sample. Also provided is a method and microfluidic immunoassay pScreen™ device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of an analyte in a sample medium by using antigen-specific antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads. The methods and devices of the present invention have broad applications for point-of-care diagnostics by allowing quantification of a large variety of analytes, such as proteins, protein fragments, antigens, antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, RNA, RNA fragments, functionalized magnetic micro-beads specific to CD4+, CD8+ cells, malaria-infected red blood cells, cancer cells, cancer biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen and other cancer biomarkers, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogenic agents, with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of bench-top laboratory-based assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for attenuating sound emanating from a harmonica when played while practicing or performing by a player. The methods and devices include a sound blocking and reflecting means and, optionally, a sound absorbing means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads dispersed in a liquid sample. Also provided is a method and microfluidic immunoassay pScreen™ device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of an analyte in a sample medium by using antigen-specific antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads. The methods and devices of the present invention have broad applications for point-of-care diagnostics by allowing quantification of a large variety of analytes, such as proteins, protein fragments, antigens, antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, RNA, RNA fragments, functionalized magnetic micro-beads specific to CD4+, CD8+ cells, malaria-infected red blood cells, cancer cells, cancer biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen and other cancer biomarkers, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogenic agents, with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of bench-top laboratory-based assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads dispersed in a liquid sample. Also provided is a method and microfluidic immunoassay pScreen™ device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of an analyte in a sample medium by using antigen-specific antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads. The methods and devices of the present invention have broad applications for point-of-care diagnostics by allowing quantification of a large variety of analytes, such as proteins, protein fragments, antigens, antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, RNA, RNA fragments, functionalized magnetic micro-beads specific to CD4+, CD8+ cells, malaria-infected red blood cells, cancer cells, cancer biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen and other cancer biomarkers, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogenic agents, with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of bench-top laboratory-based assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of magnetic-responsive micro-beads dispersed in a liquid sample. Also provided is a method and microfluidic immunoassay pScreen™ device for detecting and quantifying the concentration of an analyte in a sample medium by using antigen-specific antibody-coated magnetic-responsive micro-beads. The methods and devices of the present invention have broad applications for point-of-care diagnostics by allowing quantification of a large variety of analytes, such as proteins, protein fragments, antigens, antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, RNA, RNA fragments, functionalized magnetic micro-beads specific to CD4+, CD8+cells, malaria-infected red blood cells, cancer cells, cancer biomarkers such as prostate specific antigen and other cancer biomarkers, viruses, bacteria, and other pathogenic agents, with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of bench-top laboratory-based assays.

Abstract: Cannula assemblies and related methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a cannula assembly includes a tubular structure coupled with a flange assembly. The flange assembly includes a plurality of wireform loops disposed in a circumferential, woven pattern about an end of the tubular structure. The flange assembly is configured to exhibit a first, collapsed state wherein the plurality of wireform loops extend substantially axially from the tubular structure, and a second, expanded state wherein the plurality of wireform loops extend in a direction having a substantial radial component relative to the tubular structure. In another embodiment, a cannula assembly includes a conformal flange coupled with a tubular structure, wherein the tubular structure extends both distally and proximally of the flange.

Abstract: Medical device or instrument for diagnosing pressure ulcers using optical reflectance spectroscopy. The device may comprise a tip and a controller. The tip is pressed against the skin of the patient and collects the optical reflectance data. The controller processes the data to determine whether there exists a pressure ulcer and, if there is one, its depth. The tip may also include a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure at which the tip is applied to the patient's skin.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for notating music for a harmonica. The apparatus incorporates a vertical staff in which vertical lines or tracks represent individual notes, the length of which represents duration of the note, and the horizontal location represents the physical location of the corresponding hole in a harmonica. The invention provides a rapid means of learning to play a harmonica and, for experienced players, provides a means for sight reading a new piece of music. The invention further provides ways of representing the dynamics of both pitch and loudness and a convenient way to manually transcribe musical selection for archival purposes.

Abstract: Medical device or instrument for diagnosing pressure ulcers using optical reflectance spectroscopy. The device may comprise a tip and a controller. The tip is pressed against the skin of the patient and collects the optical reflectance data. The controller processes the data to determine whether there exists a pressure ulcer and, if there is one, its depth. The tip may also include a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure at which the tip is applied to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A system for altering the pitch produced by a reed of a reeded instrument. The system comprises a reed having a first portion structured to be coupled to the instrument and a second portion generally free to vibrate and a magnet adjustably disposed adjacent the reed. The reed comprises a magnetic material.

Abstract: A magnetically-levitated blood pump with an optimization method that enables miniaturization and supercritical operation. The blood pump includes an optimized annular blood gap that increases blood flow and also provides a reduction in bearing stiffness among the permanent magnet bearings. Sensors are configured and placed optimally to provide space savings for the motor and magnet sections of the blood pump. Rotor mass is increased by providing permanent magnet placement deep within the rotor enabled by a draw rod configuration.

Abstract: Medical device or instrument for diagnosing pressure ulcers using optical reflectance spectroscopy. The device may comprise a tip and a controller. The tip is pressed against the skin of the patient and collects the optical reflectance data. The controller processes the data to determine whether there exists a pressure ulcer and, if there is one, its depth. The tip may also include a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure at which the tip is applied to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A low profile pump inlet for an implantable blood pump is disclosed. The low profile pump inlet has an inflow diffuser for attachment to a conduit bearing an inflow of a fluid such as blood and an outflow orifice in fluid connection with the diffuser. The outflow orifice is configured to direct the fluid from the diffuser into a pump such as an implantable blood pump. The low profile pump inlet helps to suppress the effects of upstream pipe bends on the blood traveling through the inlet. The inlet thus provides a flow having a substantially uniform velocity profile into the blood pump.

Abstract: A low profile pump inlet for an implantable blood pump is disclosed. The low profile pump inlet has an inflow diffuser for attachment to a conduit bearing an inflow of a fluid such as blood and an outflow orifice in fluid connection with the diffuser. The outflow orifice is configured to direct the fluid from the diffuser into a pump such as an implantable blood pump. The low profile pump inlet helps to suppress the effects of upstream pipe bends on the blood traveling through the inlet. The inlet thus provides a flow having a substantially uniform velocity profile into the blood pump.

Abstract: Harmonica structures designed for enhancing harmonica play are disclosed. In one aspect, a reed comb is provided with a common bridge having reeds formed integrally therewith. The reed plate has a plurality of reed slots formed therein and is adapted to receive the reeds of the reed comb into corresponding slots formed in the reed plate. A stepped portion formed in the reed plate is adapted to receive a reed of the reed comb therein to permit substantial encasement of the reed within the reed slot. A key benefit of this arrangement is to resist leakage of air between the reed plate and the flanks of the reed during harmonica play. The reed plate can also include a first stepped portion upon which the roots of the reeds are positioned and a second stepped portion positioned adjacent to the tips of the reeds. Other structures are disclosed that include a radiused surface formed on a portion of the reed or on the surface of the reed slot in which the reed is positioned.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. A method for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. A suture. A grommet for a bone. A method for securing a suture through a bone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing backflow in a heart pump device are disclosed. In one configuration, a ventricular assist device (VAD) has a pump connected to a ventricle of the heart by an inflow cannula and to a blood vessel by an outflow cannula. The VAD is designed in such a manner that the overall reactance of the VAD is comparatively high, thereby reducing the incidence of time-varied flows, such as backflow, through the VAD. Resistance of the VAD to steady state flow may simultaneously be maintained below a threshold level to provide low-power operation. The desired reactance and resistance properties of the VAD may be obtained by adjusting the reactance and resistance of one or both of the cannulae. The reactance of a cannula may be set at the desired level by tuning one or more geometric characteristics of the cannula, including the bore diameter, length, cross sectional bore shape, and compliance of the cannula.