Abstract: Ablation instruments and techniques are disclosed for accessing portions of the heart wall via the coronary sinus. While shielding the major portion of the sinus and/or the circumflex coronary artery from ablative energy, the present invention provides access to the heart wall to treat atrial fibrillation. In particular, the present invention provides instruments and methods for forming transmural lesions in the left atrium, such as the so-called “left isthmus block,” from within the coronary sinus.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for positioning a device around the pulmonary veins of a heart to treat atrial fibrillation. One method includes the steps of guiding a first elongate member through the transverse sinus, guiding a second elongate member through the oblique sinus, connecting a distal end of the first elongate member to a distal end of the second elongate member, and removing one of the first and second elongate members to position the other of the first and second elongate members around the pulmonary veins.

Abstract: Ablation instruments and methods are disclosed for ablating diseased tissue such as cardiac tissue. The ablation device can remotely apply ablative energy to biological tissue and comprises a flexible elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal lumen extending therebetween. An energy emitting element is disposed within the longitudinal lumen of the flexible elongate member. The energy emitting element has a proximal end and a distal end for emitting energy along at least a portion of its length. The device is configured to emit a variable amount of energy along a length of the flexible elongate member. The method includes introducing the flexible elongate member into a predetermined tissue site to ablate a target tissue. The target tissue is ablated, coagulated or photochemically modulated without damaging surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Ablation instruments and methods are disclosed for ablating diseased tissue such as cardiac tissue. The method includes introducing a flexible elongate member into a predetermined tissue site with a flexible elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal lumen extending therebetween. A slidable conductor is positioned through the lumen proximate to the tissue site and energy is transmitted to the distal end of the elongate member through the conductor. The flexible elongate member is both longitudinally flexible and resists twisting during bending. The target tissue is ablated, coagulated or photochemically modulated without damaging surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A device for excluding the inner cavity of the left internal appendage (LAA) from the interior of the left atrium LA may include a pair of compression members spaced apart and defining a closed periphery. The closed periphery has a variable-sized opening therein that can be enlarged to surround the LAA and then closed to compress and exclude the LAA. The closed periphery may be generally rectangular or lenticular, and may be a solid, contiguous periphery or separable at a closure. Inner protrusions or ribs may be provided on the compression members to help anchor the exclusion device in place. Needles may also be provided to pierce the LAA tissue and trap blood clots therein. The device may be non-linear in plan view so as to conform to the shape of the external left atrium. Deployment techniques or structures may be provided that squeeze the LAA in a direction starting adjacent the left atrium and then moving away from the left atrium.

Abstract: A solar-powered crosswalk warning system is disclosed. The crosswalk warning system comprises two or more crosswalk warning beacons, located on opposite sides of the road. Each beacon comprises a solar panel to recharge a battery, a battery back, a control unit to charge the battery pack during daylight hours, a communication unit to communicate to the second crosswalk beacon, a traffic signal lamp ton warn oncoming traffic, and a triggering means by which the pedestrian can activate the beacons.

Abstract: An impact reset mechanism and method that automatically resets a spray arch in a vehicle washing system to permit operation of the vehicle wash system after the spray arch has broken away from its rigid, operating position due to contact with a vehicle. The impact reset mechanism includes a bias member that exerts a bias force on a pair of mounting blocks used to support the spray arch. When the spray arch contacts the vehicle, the spray arch pivots one of the mounting blocks. The pivoting movement of the mounting block is sensed and relayed to a control unit. The control unit immediately stops the wash process and moves the spray arch away from the vehicle. The control unit automatically resets the wash process and begins washing the next vehicle without resuming manual intervention.

Abstract: An impact reset mechanism and method that automatically resets a spray arch in a vehicle washing system to permit operation of the vehicle wash system after the spray arch has broken away from its rigid, operating position due to contact with a vehicle. The impact reset mechanism includes a bias member that exerts a bias force on a pair of mounting blocks used to support the spray arch. When the spray arch contacts the vehicle, the spray arch pivots one of the mounting blocks. The pivoting movement of the mounting block is sensed and relayed to a control unit. The control unit immediately stops the wash process and moves the spray arch away from the vehicle. The control unit automatically resets the wash process and begins washing the next vehicle without resuming manual intervention.

Abstract: A security system for computers defines a control zone using radiation, preferably at radio frequency, having a distinctive characteristic, such as a particular frequency. The zone may be established, for example, at a door exit or other limited passage to a secured area. The radiation triggers a device in the computer that in turn sends out a serial number signal. To further prevent unauthorized removal a personal identification number is required of the person in the zone with the computer, either by key input or an encoded radio signal. A receiver located near the control zone applies the serial number to a table look up computer that triggers an emergency signal if a match to an authorized list of serial numbers for the computer and corresponding person does not occur. The emergency signal activates a transmitter that sends out an emergency radiation signal with a different distinctive characteristic.

Abstract: A folding hanger to be employed in the hanging of garments and the like is provided. The hanger includes a first wing portion and a second wing portion which fold about a central pivot. The central pivot may be a living hinge or a pin element which rotates in a bearing. The hanger has a simple folded and unfolded configuration. Latching means are provided for the hanger when in the unfolded configuration. The latching means includes a simple flexible tongue element which is received in a socket. The flexible tongue element includes a protrusion proximal the tip which will be positively retained in the socket. By depressing the flexible tongue the protrusion will be brought out of retention in the socket permitting the hanger to be folded about the central pivot. A J-shaped hook depends from one of the wings which permits the hanger to be hung in a conventional fashion.