Abstract: Methods of and systems for monitoring—via an ultrasonic imaging device—the delivery of radio-frequency energy are described herein. The articles may be ultrasonically echogenic to assist with guidance.

Abstract: Embodiments include a check valve that comprises a valve body defining an inlet port and an outlet port; a disc disposed within the valve body, wherein the disc is coupled to a pivot shaft and the pivot shaft is coupled to the valve body; a lever arm coupled to the disc, wherein when the disc rotates the lever arm rotates; an actuator shaft couple to a motor, and a first interference element coupled to the actuator shaft, wherein the lever arm contacts the first interference element when the disc is in a maximum open position; wherein when the motor rotates the actuator shaft moves longitudinally along its axis to move the first interference element thereby changing the maximum open position. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a soft tissue device, such as a transverse carpal ligament cutting device having one or more balloons that are deflated when the device is in an inactive position and are inflated when the device is in an active position. Other embodiments provide Other embodiments provide a soft tissue cutting method, such as a method of cutting a transverse carpal ligament that use a soft tissue cutting device.

Abstract: Delivering ultrasonic energy to a target musculoskeletal tissue site includes connecting a delivery device to a vacuum source, a fluid source, and a power signal source. The delivery device has a housing portion maintaining an ultrasound transducer and a tip portion having a sleeve and a cannula. The cannula is coupled to the ultrasound transducer and received in the sleeve to define a covered portion and an exposed portion. Ultrasonic energy is generated by sending a power signal from the power signal source to the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasound transducer to the cannula, such that the exposed portion of the cannula delivers ultrasonic energy at a frequency that is pre-selected to debride musculoskeletal tissue upon percutaneous insertion of the tip portion.

Abstract: A system/method is provided for guiding a user in utilizing functions of a computer-based device. A memory of the device stores non-user data and/or user data that includes inputs of the user using the computer-based device and/or inputs provided by a helper of the user using a remotely located computer-based device. A processor of the device is configured to operate a software application having instructions for interacting with an operating system or software code using an application programming interface. A display is provided for displaying dialogs for guiding the user. A speaker is provided for outputting audio information helpful to the user. The processor is configured to dynamically determine the dialog and audio information based on the user and non-use data, and modify displayed elements. Requests for inputs to be provided by the user are simplified and presented step-by-step in an intuitive manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent material and the fibers therein, having two or more layers including an upper surface layer which has on the outer surface of the layer one or more surface area zones which are more wettable zones and adjacent thereto one or more less wettable zones, where the more wettable zones have a greater hydrophilicity than the less wettable zone. The present invention is also directed to the fibers therein, which contain polyvalent cation-containing compounds and fatty acid containing compounds. The present invention also provides for methods of treating fibers or solid materials and processes of producing the hydrophobic materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by transporting carriages between various substations at which parts are added to a base. In another assembly method, the base may be moved between a plurality of robots which direct the base downwardly into contact with components to couple the components therewith. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion.

Abstract: Delivering ultrasonic energy to a target musculoskeletal tissue site includes connecting a delivery device to a vacuum source, a fluid source, and a power signal source. The delivery device has a housing portion maintaining an ultrasound transducer and a tip portion having a sleeve and a cannula. The cannula is coupled to the ultrasound transducer and received in the sleeve to define a covered portion and an exposed portion. Ultrasonic energy is generated by sending a power signal from the power signal source to the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasound transducer to the cannula, such that the exposed portion of the cannula delivers ultrasonic energy at a frequency that is pre-selected to debride musculoskeletal tissue upon percutaneous insertion of the tip portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent material and the fibers therein, having two or more layers including an upper surface layer which has on the outer surface of the layer one or more surface area zones which are more wettable zones and adjacent thereto one or more less wettable zones, where the more wettable zones have a greater hydrophilicity than the less wettable zone. The present invention is also directed to the fibers therein, which contain polyvalent cation-containing compounds and fatty acid containing compounds. The present invention also provides for methods of treating fibers or solid materials and processes of producing the hydrophobic materials.

Abstract: Instrumentation is provided for the separation of a multiple component sample, such as BMA containing lysed red blood cells and a lysing agent, into a desired component, for example a cell pellet containing stem cells, and a remaining component. The application discloses a device that includes a separator configured to separate the desired portion from the remaining portion, a collector that is supported by the separator and configured to collect the desired component of the multiple component sample after the desired component has been separated from the remaining component by the separator, and a housing that at least partially encloses and supports the separator and the collector.

Abstract: Biometric authorization is provided for a passive secure data card. An additional layer of security may be provided in the form of a biometric password. Session timing may be enforced to limit opportunities of third parties to snoop transmitted information while providing ample time to complete the card transaction. Biometric retries may be enforced to limit opportunities of third parties to hack the biometric security.

Abstract: A device for bone fixation includes (a) a delivery gun having a handle and (b) an elongated cartridge coupled to the handle. The cartridge has a distal portion configured and dimensioned for insertion to a target area within a bone. The cartridge has a channel extending therethrough between a proximal end and an opening at the distal end and housing an injectable material therein. A first portion of the cartridge has a first heating element maintaining the injectable material within a first target temperature range. A second portion of the cartridge has a second heating element maintaining the injectable material within a second target temperature range.

Abstract: A device for bone fixation includes (a) a delivery gun having a handle and (b) an elongated cartridge coupled to the handle. The cartridge has a distal portion configured and dimensioned for insertion to a target area within a bone. The cartridge has a channel extending therethrough between a proximal end and an opening at the distal end and housing an injectable material therein. A first portion of the cartridge has a first heating element maintaining the injectable material within a first target temperature range. A second portion of the cartridge has a second heating element maintaining the injectable material within a second target temperature range.

Abstract: An apparatus for executing a task includes an authenticator to identify a user, a controller that can receive data from the user, and an authorizer to ensure that the user has access to applications used to execute the task. The controller is able to register or de-register the applications and then determine which if the registered applications should be used to execute the task. The controller then converts the data from the user so that it can be used by the application to execute the task. If the user selects a second task to be executed, the controller can determine which of the registered applications is to be used to execute the second task. Methods for executing multiple tasks are also described.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for initiating emergency communication in response to detecting bio-feedback satisfying an alert condition. A portable electronic device is coupled to a body of a user to monitor biofeedback from the body of the user through a monitoring device disposed within the portable electronic device. Detection is made that that the monitored biofeedback satisfies an alert condition. An operation is initiated to cause a wireless transmission of an emergency communication to an emergency station in response to detecting that the monitored biofeedback satisfies the alert condition.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for thin-provisioning of storage in a storage system by an adviser is provided. A workload profile of the storage is created from performance data. The workload profile includes a measurement of changed data per a predetermined time and resource utilization data over a period of time. A capacity estimate is derived from the measurement of changed data per a predetermined time. A placement estimate is derived from the resource utilization data obtained over a period of time. A target capacity is recommended to a user based on the capacity estimate. A placement location is recommended to a user based on the placement estimate. A predicted resource utilization is provided to the user based on the capacity estimate or the placement estimate.

Abstract: A fishing-rod assembly is provided for real-time observation of under-water fish behavior while fishing. The fishing-rod assembly includes a fishing rod or pole which supports a fishing line having a fish hook, a video camera, and a monitor for displaying video images of fish behavior in proximity to the fish hook. Also provided is a method for observing underwater fish activity while fishing. The method comprises focusing an underwater camera on an end of a fishing line, and displaying video images of fish activity at the end of the fishing line.

Abstract: Delivering ultrasonic energy to a target musculoskeletal tissue site includes connecting a delivery device to a vacuum source, a fluid source, and a power signal source. The delivery device has a housing portion maintaining an ultrasound transducer and a tip portion having a sleeve and a cannula. The cannula is coupled to the ultrasound transducer and received in the sleeve to define a covered portion and an exposed portion. Ultrasonic energy is generated by sending a power signal from the power signal source to the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasound transducer to the cannula, such that the exposed portion of the cannula delivers ultrasonic energy at a frequency that is pre-selected to debride musculoskeletal tissue upon percutaneous insertion of the tip portion.

Abstract: Coblation probes, systems and methods are described herein, along with tissue dilation apparatus, and kits including both. The articles may be ultrasonically echogenic to assist with guidance.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods to access and/or treat targeted body tissue (e.g., tendon tissue, ligament tissue, muscle tissue, bony tissue, and the like) under the guidance of ultrasound imaging equipment are described. Such systems can permit the intra-operative identification of the targeted tissue and the ability to deliver the appropriate instrumentation to that tissue.