Abstract: A hydrogel plug is placed under stress during its curing stage, in one embodiment, by application of an externally applied force. The stress may also be induced during or after the dehydration process. The direction of the externally applied force increases the length, width, depth, or radial extent of the plug. The elastic limit of the plug is exceeded when the external force is applied so that the plug substantially retains its stressed size and shape when the externally applied force is removed. When the stretched or otherwise deformed dehydrated plug is hydrated, it substantially returns to the configuration it had prior to its dehydration and prior to the application of the externally applied force.

Abstract: A hydrogel marker is placed under stress during its curing stage, in one embodiment, by application of an externally applied force. The stress may also be induced during or after the dehydration process. The direction of the externally applied force increases the length, width, depth, or radial extent of the marker. The elastic limit of the marker is exceeded when the external force is applied so that the marker substantially retains its stressed size and shape when the externally applied force is removed. When the stretched or otherwise deformed dehydrated marker is hydrated, it substantially returns to the configuration it had prior to its dehydration and prior to the application of the externally applied force.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous composition and its use for dissolving blood clots in vivo or in clinical or research samples in vitro, said composition comprising at least one chaotropic agent, at least one chelating agent that complexes iron if the chaotropic agent does not complex iron and at least one surface-active emulsifier, the composition being buffered near pH 7.4. The process of dissolving the clot with the aqueous composition is advantageous because it is simple, inexpensive, rapid and can be applied in a variety of contexts, including basic research and clinical situations.

Abstract: A hydrogel plug is placed under stress during its curing stage, in one embodiment, by application of an externally applied force. The stress may also be induced during or after the dehydration process. The direction of the externally applied force increases the length, width, depth, or radial extent of the plug. The elastic limit of the plug is exceeded when the external force is applied so that the plug substantially retains its stressed size and shape when the externally applied force is removed. When the stretched or otherwise deformed dehydrated plug is hydrated, it substantially returns to the configuration it had prior to its dehydration and prior to the application of the externally applied force.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous composition and its use for dissolving blood clots in vivo or in clinical or research samples in vitro, said composition comprising at least one chaotropic agent, at least one chelating agent that complexes iron if the chaotropic agent does not complex iron and at least one surface-active emulsifier, the composition being buffered near pH 7.4. The process of dissolving the clot with the aqueous composition is advantageous because it is simple, inexpensive, rapid and can be applied in a variety of contexts, including basic research and clinical situations.

Abstract: An approach to rejecting input common-mode voltage variations in a sampler/converter that avoids the use of a differential amplifier in the signal path, and without introducing added distortion or noise. In one embodiment, the input common-mode variations are sensed on a pair of matched resistors that straddle the common mode analog inputs, on a node ‘Vcmi’. An alternative, switched-capacitor-based sensing scheme is also possible. Using this measured Vcmi, adjustments are then made to the rest of the sampler/converter to take out any variations observed at Vcmi.

Abstract: An approach to rejecting input common-mode voltage variations in a sampler/converter that avoids the use of a differential amplifier in the signal path, and without introducing added distortion or noise. In one embodiment, the input common-mode variations are sensed on a pair of matched resistors that straddle the common mode analog inputs, on a node ‘Vcmi’. An alternative, switched-capacitor-based sensing scheme is also possible. Using this measured Vcmi, adjustments are then made to the rest of the sampler/converter to take out any variations observed at Vcmi.

Abstract: A tissue marker formed of a biodegradable polymer having drug-delivery capabilities is combined with a sealant that encapsulates the tissue marker and which serves to help anchor the tissue marker against migration. The sealant is delivered to a site in dehydrated form and moisture inherent in tissue at the site expands the sealant. The expanded sealant is formed of a hydrogel and is therefore more compatible to the surrounding tissue than the material of the tissue marker. The sealant and the tissue marker are both bioabsorbed over time.

Abstract: An approach to rejecting input common-mode voltage variations in a sampler/converter that avoids the use of a differential amplifier in the signal path, and without introducing added distortion or noise. In one embodiment, the input common-mode variations are sensed on a pair of matched resistors that straddle the common mode analog inputs, on a node ‘Vcmi’. An alternative, switched-capacitor-based sensing scheme is also possible. Using this measured Vcmi, adjustments are then made to the rest of the sampler/converter to take out any variations observed at Vcmi.

Abstract: A permanent or temporary marker is embedded within a hydrogel plug used in a biopsy procedure to indicate the location of a suspicious lesion so that the marker may be found in a subsequent surgical procedure. A combination of at least one permanent and at least one temporary marker may be used. Inserts of differing sizes and shapes may also be placed into the hydrogel plugs during their manufacturing process and removed from the plugs after the plugs have cured so that air-filled cavities are left in the plug. These cavities are temporary but may be used to augment location of a permanent marker.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a transmit/receive (T/R) module utilizing low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) material in place of high temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC) material and utilizing a combination of multiple lamination steps which also include forming a ceramic frame, as opposed to a metal ring frame, in the process. Brazing metallization is also utilized to attach heat sinks and lids as well as pin connectors. The formation of the pin connectors is provided on the side surface of the T/R module with a side printing process.

Abstract: An approach to rejecting input common-mode voltage variations in a sampler/converter that avoids the use of a differential amplifier in the signal path, and without introducing added distortion or noise. In one embodiment, the input common-mode variations are sensed on a pair of matched resistors that straddle the common mode analog inputs, on a node ‘Vcmi’. An alternative, switched-capacitor-based sensing scheme is also possible. Using this measured Vcmi, adjustments are then made to the rest of the sampler/converter to take out any variations observed at Vcmi.

Abstract: A tissue marker formed of a biodegradable polymer having drug-delivery capabilities is combined with a sealant that encapsulates the tissue marker and which serves to help anchor the tissue marker against migration. The sealant is delivered to a site in dehydrated form and moisture inherent in tissue at the site expands the sealant. The expanded sealant is formed of a hydrogel and is therefore more compatible to the surrounding tissue than the material of the tissue marker. The sealant and the tissue marker are both bioabsorbed over time.

Abstract: A tissue marker formed of a biodegradable polymer having drug-delivery capabilities is combined with a sealant that encapsulates the tissue marker and which serves to help anchor the tissue marker against migration. The sealant is delivered to a site in dehydrated form and moisture inherent in tissue at the site expands the sealant. The expanded sealant is formed of a hydrogel and is therefore more compatible to the surrounding tissue than the material of the tissue marker. The sealant and the tissue marker are both bioabsorbed over time.

Abstract: An identification code is assigned to a user by making a selection from a closed set of possible tokens. The selection is determined algorithmically by user identity data. The format of the identification code may comprise a sequence of natural language words chosen from closed sets and a separator character having a fixed value or a small range of possible values. The closed sets may be programmed in the recognition grammar of a speech interface to secure services such as banking.

Abstract: Openings in a mammalian body made by any medical procedure or non-medical event are sealed with a bioabsorbable plug or sewn with a bioabsorbable suture. In one exemplary embodiment, the plug in dehydrated, unexpanded condition is pushed by a pushing device through the lumen of a needle until a first part of the plug is external to the opening and a second part is internal to the opening. The needle is then withdrawn while the position of the pushing device is maintained. The pushing device is then withdrawn, leaving the plug in sealing relation to the opening. The body's moisture causes the plug to expand to complete the sealing of the opening, or the expansion may be caused by exposure to air, light, or other stimulant. The opening may be formed in soft tissue, internal organs, or hard tissue. The plug seals the flow of liquid or gaseous biological fluids.

Abstract: A clip and a bioabsorbable marker are employed to mark a biopsy site. The former provides a permanent marker that is clamped onto tissue and that cannot migrate from the site over time. The latter is gradually bioabsorbed over time but the time may vary widely from weeks to months. In most embodiments, the clip and marker are integrally formed with one another at the time of manufacture. In one embodiment, the clip and marker are independently made but are joined to one another during the site-marking process. The markers are deployed by core biopsy needles of the type employing a vacuum, of the type that does not employ a vacuum, and by coaxial biopsy needles.

Abstract: Slots or apertures are formed in the connector shroud of a T/R module in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the connector so as to allow plating solution to flow freely through the entire inner portion of the connector, particularly the rear portion, during fabrication of the T/R module. The slots are formed prior to the shroud being brazed on to the module substrate. By allowing plating solution to flow through the connector, the interior of the connector can be more thoroughly plated, thereby improving the yield of the assembly while reducing cost.

Abstract: A biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular size from a lesion during repeated proximal-to-distal thrusts of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge also scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. The second sharp edge may be coincident with an exterior surface of the needle, elevated with respect to the exterior surface, or recessed with respect to the exterior surface. Another embodiment includes a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second sharp edge.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.