Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for performing a money withdrawal transaction includes transmitting a transaction identifier for use by an ATM. The method also includes receiving the transaction identifier from a mobile device of a user, where the mobile device obtains the transaction identifier by capturing machine readable code from the ATM. The method further includes receiving a withdrawal amount from the mobile device along with an identification of an account for use in the withdrawal transaction. The method additionally includes transmitting withdrawal information to a payment service provider to effectuate authorization of a withdrawal of funds from the ATM in an amount equal to the withdrawal amount. The withdrawal information is transmitted from the payment service provider to the ATM and subsequently received therefrom along with a PIN that is input by the user into the ATM. This process mimics existing withdrawal transaction processes of the ATM.

Abstract: Radiometric systems may comprise a radiometer, an antenna and a processor communicatively coupled together. The processor may provide a contact-focused output based on filtering or other processing of a raw radiometric output signal. The contact-focused output may facilitate determination of whether contact has been achieved and/or assessment of contact. A miniaturized reflectometer may be configured to determine an amount of reflected power from the antenna. The processor may be configured to determine a reflection coefficient of the reflected power determined by the reflectometer and to identify tissue type based on the reflection coefficient. Systems and methods for facilitating deeper temperature measurements of a radiometer are described.

Abstract: Radiometric systems may comprise a radiometer, an antenna and a processor communicatively coupled together. The processor may provide a contact-focused output based on filtering or other processing of a raw radiometric output signal. The contact-focused output may facilitate determination of whether contact has been achieved and/or assessment of contact. A miniaturized reflectometer may be configured to determine an amount of reflected power from the antenna. The processor may be configured to determine a reflection coefficient of the reflected power determined by the reflectometer and to identify tissue type based on the reflection coefficient. Systems and methods for facilitating deeper temperature measurements of a radiometer are described.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for teaching students to read and play music, particularly on a keyboard. Musical notations having upper level letter charts and lower level letter charts for playing with right and left hand playing, respectively, in combination with a tab strip for easy and quick learning and playing of the upper and lower level letter charts. The tab strip has alignment markings and letter notes whereby the alignment markings are aligned with the black keys so that the letter notes align with their respective white keys and black keys. The tab strip may be removable and transportable for playing on various different instruments.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for performing a money withdrawal transaction includes transmitting a transaction identifier for use by an ATM. The method also includes receiving the transaction identifier from a mobile device of a user, where the mobile device obtains the transaction identifier by capturing machine readable code from the ATM. The method further includes receiving a withdrawal amount from the mobile device along with an identification of an account for use in the withdrawal transaction. The method additionally includes transmitting withdrawal information to a payment service provider to effectuate authorization of a withdrawal of funds from the ATM in an amount equal to the withdrawal amount. The withdrawal information is transmitted from the payment service provider to the ATM and subsequently received therefrom along with a PIN that is input by the user into the ATM. This process mimics existing withdrawal transaction processes of the ATM.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for teaching students to read and play music, particularly on a keyboard. Musical notations having upper level letter charts and lower level letter charts for playing with right and left hand playing, respectively, in combination with a tab strip for easy and quick learning and playing of the upper and lower level letter charts. The tab strip has alignment markings and letter notes whereby the alignment markings are aligned with the black keys so that the letter notes align with their respective white keys and black keys. The tab strip may be removable and transportable for playing on various different instruments.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for performing a money withdrawal transaction includes transmitting a transaction identifier for use by an ATM. The method also includes receiving the transaction identifier from a mobile device of a user, where the mobile device obtains the transaction identifier by capturing machine readable code from the ATM. The method further includes receiving a withdrawal amount from the mobile device along with an identification of an account for use in the withdrawal transaction. The method additionally includes transmitting withdrawal information to a payment service provider to effectuate authorization of a withdrawal of funds from the ATM in an amount equal to the withdrawal amount. The withdrawal information is transmitted from the payment service provider to the ATM and subsequently received therefrom along with a PIN that is input by the user into the ATM. This process mimics existing withdrawal transaction processes of the ATM.

Abstract: Radiometric systems may comprise a radiometer, an antenna and a processor communicatively coupled together. The processor may provide a contact-focused output based on filtering or other processing of a raw radiometric output signal. The contact-focused output may facilitate determination of whether contact has been achieved and/or assessment of contact. A miniaturized reflectometer may be configured to determine an amount of reflected power from the antenna. The processor may be configured to determine a reflection coefficient of the reflected power determined by the reflectometer and to identify tissue type based on the reflection coefficient. Systems and methods for facilitating deeper temperature measurements of a radiometer are described.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems for facilitating consistent radiometric tissue contact detection independent of orientation comprise a medical instrument having an antenna positioned at a distal end, an energy delivery element positioned at a distal end of the medical instrument, a radiometer, an impedance transformation network positioned between the antenna and the radiometer, and a processor configured to receive an input signal from the radiometer and provide an output indicative of an amount of tissue contact based upon the input signal. The impedance transformation network may be tuned to provide a substantially uniform radiometric response independent of an orientation of the antenna with respect to the tissue as the antenna is brought into contact with the tissue of a subject.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems for energy delivery to targeted tissue comprise a catheter with an ablation member, a radiometer configured to detect temperature data from the targeted tissue, a processor configured to determine a calculated temperature (e.g., an extreme temperature, such as a peak or trough temperature) within the tissue by applying at least one factor to the temperature data detected by the radiometer, the processor configured to compare the calculated temperature to a setpoint and an energy source configured to energize the ablation member and to regulate delivery of ablative energy to the targeted tissue of the subject based at least in part on the comparison. In some embodiments, the factor depends on at least one characteristic of the targeted tissue. Information regarding a tissue characteristic can be provided using information from an imaging set (e.g., intracardiac echo) or an electrical signal of the subject (e.g., electrocardiogram).

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for temperature-controlled ablation using radiometric feedback. An interface module may include (a) a processor; (b) a first input/output (I/O) port to receive digital radiometer and digital thermocouple signals from an integrated catheter tip (ICT); (c) a second I/O port to receive ablative energy from a generator; (d) a temperature display; (e) a patient relay; (f) a computer-readable medium storing instructions for causing the processor to: (i) calculate a temperature adjacent to the ICT based on the digital radiometer and thermocouple signals and operation parameters; (ii) cause the temperature display to display the calculated temperature; and (iii) close the patient relay to pass ablative energy received on the second I/O port to the first I/O port; and (g) a temperature control subsystem to regulate the ablative power based on the calculated temperature.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an ablation system or other treatment system comprises an elongate body, a first energy delivery member positioned along the distal end of the elongate body, and at least a second energy delivery member positioned at a location proximal to the first energy delivery member, the first energy delivery member and the second energy delivery member being configured to deliver energy sufficient to at least partially ablate tissue. In some embodiments, each of the first and second energy delivery members comprises an antenna configured to receive a microwave signal corresponding to a temperature of the tissue at a location adjacent the antenna. The system further comprises at least one radiometer configured to process the microwave signals received from the antennas of the energy delivery members and configured to produce an output signal representative of tissue temperatures at depth adjacent the first and second energy delivery members.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems for energy delivery to targeted tissue comprise a catheter with an ablation member, a radiometer configured to detect temperature data from the targeted tissue, a processor configured to determine a calculated temperature (e.g., an extreme temperature, such as a peak or trough temperature) within the tissue by applying at least one factor to the temperature data detected by the radiometer, the processor configured to compare the calculated temperature to a setpoint and an energy source configured to energize the ablation member and to regulate delivery of ablative energy to the targeted tissue of the subject based at least in part on the comparison. In some embodiments, the factor depends on at least one characteristic of the targeted tissue. Information regarding a tissue characteristic can be provided using information from an imaging set (e.g., intracardiac echo) or an electrical signal of the subject (e.g., electrocardiogram).

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for radiometrically measuring temperature and detecting tissue contact during ablation. An interface module includes a first input/output (I/O) port for receiving radiometer and thermocouple signals from an integrated catheter tip (ICT) that includes a radiometer; a second I/O port for receiving ablative energy from an electrosurgical generator; a temperature display; a patient relay; a computer-readable medium storing radiometer and thermocouple parameters and instructions for causing the processor to: calculate a temperature adjacent to the ICT based on the radiometer and thermocouple signals and the parameters; causing the temperature display to display the calculated temperature; closing the patient relay to pass ablative energy from the second to the first I/O port; determining whether the ICT is in contact with tissue based on the radiometer signal. An output device indicates whether the ICT is determined to be in contact with the tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for performing a payment transaction. A method for performing a payment transaction may include receiving purchase information from a merchant and associating the purchase information with an identifier. The method may also include transmitting the identifier to the merchant and receiving the identifier from a wireless device of a customer. The wireless device may obtain the identifier by receiving a code from a merchant device and by interpreting the code. The method may additionally include associating the identifier with the purchasing information, determining a payment account associated with the customer, transmitting a request to a payment service provider system to provide funds for the payment transaction, and receiving an authorization from the payment service provider system to provide the funds. The method may additionally include transmitting a confirmation of the authorization to the merchant.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for temperature-controlled ablation using radiometric feedback. An interface module may include (a) a processor; (b) a first input/output (I/O) port to receive digital radiometer and digital thermocouple signals from an integrated catheter tip (ICT); (c) a second I/O port to receive ablative energy from a generator; (d) a temperature display; (e) a patient relay; (f) a computer-readable medium storing instructions for causing the processor to: (i) calculate a temperature adjacent to the ICT based on the digital radiometer and thermocouple signals and operation parameters; (ii) cause the temperature display to display the calculated temperature; and (iii) close the patient relay to pass ablative energy received on the second I/O port to the first I/O port; and (g) a temperature control subsystem to regulate the ablative power based on the calculated temperature.

Abstract: A method for effectuating an international payment may include receiving a request to make a payment for a purchase between a consumer and a merchant located in different countries. The request may be to pay for goods or services offered on a website of the merchant and may require a currency conversion. At least a portion of the request may be transmitted to a payment service provider and, in response, a payment amount in the consumer's currency along with a website address of the payment service provider may be received from the payment service provider. The payment amount and the website address may be transmitted to the merchant for display to the consumer to allow the consumer to communicate with the payment service provider to complete the payment transaction. A confirmation of payment may be received from the payment service provider and transmitted to the merchant to confirm payment of the goods or services.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for radiometrically measuring temperature during ablation. An interface module includes a processor; a first input/output (I/O) port configured to receive digital radiometer and thermocouple signals from an integrated catheter tip (ICT) that includes a radiometer; a second I/O port configured to receive ablative energy from an electrosurgical generator; a temperature display; a patient relay in communication with the first and second I/O ports and the processor; and a computer-readable medium storing radiometer and thermocouple operation parameters and instructions for causing the processor to: calculate a temperature adjacent to the ICT based on the radiometer and thermocouple signals and the operation parameters, causing the temperature display to display the calculated temperature, and closing the patient relay so as to pass ablative energy received on the second I/O port to the first I/O port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for performing a payment transaction. A method for performing a payment transaction may include receiving purchase information from a merchant and associating the purchase information with an identifier. The method may also include transmitting the identifier to the merchant and receiving the identifier from a wireless device of a customer. The wireless device may obtain the identifier by receiving a code from a merchant device and by interpreting the code. The method may additionally include associating the identifier with the purchasing information, determining a payment account associated with the customer, transmitting a request to a payment service provider system to provide funds for the payment transaction, and receiving an authorization from the payment service provider system to provide the funds. The method may additionally include transmitting a confirmation of the authorization to the merchant.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems for energy delivery to targeted tissue comprise a catheter with an ablation member, a radiometer configured to detect temperature data from the targeted tissue, a processor configured to determine a calculated temperature (e.g., an extreme temperature, such as a peak or trough temperature) within the tissue by applying at least one factor to the temperature data detected by the radiometer, the processor configured to compare the calculated temperature to a setpoint and an energy source configured to energize the ablation member and to regulate delivery of ablative energy to the targeted tissue of the subject based at least in part on the comparison. In some embodiments, the factor depends on at least one characteristic of the targeted tissue. Information regarding a tissue characteristic can be provided using information from an imaging set (e.g., intracardiac echo) or an electrical signal of the subject (e.g., electrocardiogram).