Abstract: An electrical switch assembly comprises a generally planar substrate. A functional switch and at least one identification switch are mounted to the substrate. A switch body supports a switch actuator which is movable between multiple positions. An arrangement of one or more projecting members extends from the switch body. The switch body is mounted on or to the substrate such that the switch actuator operatively engages the functional switch, and the arrangement of projecting members operatively engages at least one of the identification switches to create a unique electronic identifier for the electrical switch assembly.

Abstract: A label sheet for the production of hand stamps. The sheet comprises a transparent portion and a label portion. The stamp image may be printed in multiple locations on the sheet, on both the transparent portion and the label portion. The transparent portion, or a part thereof, with a printed stamp image may be removed for use with a stamp making machine or device. A suitably-sized label may be removed and placed on the hand stamp handle.

Abstract: Seismic sensor systems and sensor station topologies, as well as corresponding cable and sensor station components, manufacturing and deployment techniques are provided. For some embodiments, networks of optical ocean bottom seismic (OBS) stations are provided, in which sensor stations are efficiently deployed in a modular fashion as series of array cable modules deployed along a multi-fiber cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for positioning an electromagnetic tracking sensor. The method includes attaching a sensor to an anatomy, obtaining an image of the anatomy, indicating a size of each of a plurality of volumes on the image, where the volumes include a smaller and larger volume, and making a determination of whether a region of interest is encompassed by one or more of the volumes. The present invention also provides a system for positioning an electromagnetic tracking sensor. The system includes a sensor attached to a patient anatomy, an imaging modality obtaining an image of the anatomy, an image processor indicating a size of each of a plurality of volumes on the image, where the plurality of volumes includes a smaller and larger volume, and an operator making a determination of whether a region of interest is encompassed by one or more of the volumes.

Abstract: An electrical assembly including a housing having an inner surface. At least one mounting feature protrudes from the inner surface. At least one heat sink is inserted onto the at least one mounting feature. At least one electrical component is in thermal contact with a portion of the at least one heat sink.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for parallel multi-core control plane processing with optical networks. This enables optical switches utilizing control planes, such as G.ASON, to meet scalability and performance requirements of evolving networks. The multi-core processing is configured to handle call control for sub-network connections (SNCs) (e.g., requests for creates, failures, restores, routing). Additional control plane functions, such as signaling and related interfaces, routing connection admission control (CAC), naming and addressing, and the like, can also be processed in parallel.

Abstract: An A-frame sign apparatus in which a panel includes a recessed portion for receiving a signage plate containing a message for display to passers-by and a support attached to the panel for selectively positioning at an oblique angle relative to the panel to standing the A-frame sign apparatus on a surface. A method of selecting the signage plate from a plurality of pre-designed signs accessible by a computer and printed on a local printer is disclosed.

Abstract: An operator control assembly including at least one operator control mounted in a panel cover or dashboard with at least one opening for receivably mounting the operator control, and at least one printed circuit board mounted beneath the panel cover. A unique configuration of projecting members on the bottom of the operator control comes in contract with and engages sensors mounted on the printed circuit board. Depending on the number and arrangement of the projecting members, a unique subset o sensors t engaged, providing a unique electronic ID for each operator control installed. This electronic ID can then be transmitted to an electronic control unit, which will alter its operation based on the types of operator controls currently installed.

Abstract: A seismic sensor station includes a housing containing a fiber optic hydrophone and a fiber optic accelerometer that can both be made from a single length of optical fiber arranged inside the housing. The fiber optic accelerometer is arranged in a liquid/oil filled compartment of the housing for dampening of mechanical resonances in the accelerometer due to mechanical disturbances and pressure fluctuations.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for improved calibration of an image acquisition device. Certain embodiments of the system include an image acquisition device for obtaining at least one image of an object and a calibration fixture positioned in relation to the image acquisition device. The calibration fixture includes a radiotranslucent material providing low frequency content for characterizing the image acquisition device. In an embodiment, the calibration fixture includes a plurality of peaks and valleys to create a low frequency signal for characterizing the image acquisition device. The calibration fixture may be positioned between the image acquisition device and an energy source such that a distance between the image acquisition device and the calibration fixture is minimized. In certain embodiments, a grating or other calibration fixture may be used to generate a moiré pattern to calibrate the image acquisition device.

Abstract: An image guided surgical system and method for correction of automated image registration via user interaction. The system and method comprising at least one imaging apparatus adapted to acquire a first image and a second image of a region of interest of a subject, a registration component adapted to perform a registration of the second image to a dataset of the first image, at least one display for displaying a visualization of the registration of the second image to a dataset of the first image as it is occurring, and a user interface for manipulating the visualization of the registration to correct any misalignments between the first image and the second image in the registration.

Abstract: An electronic module includes a housing with at least two housing parts; a cable including a sheath end and a plurality of conductors extending from the sheath end; and a one-piece, multi-function seal between the cable and the housing. The multi-function seal includes a cable seal overmolded on the cable at the sheath end with the plurality of conductors being exposed from the multi-function seal. The multi-function seal further includes an integral gasket extending from the cable seal and positioned between at least two housing parts.

Abstract: An operator control assembly including at least one operator control mounted in a panel cover or dashboard with at least one opening for receivably mounting the operator control, and at least one printed circuit board mounted beneath the panel cover. A unique configuration of projecting members on the bottom of the operator control comes in contract with and engages sensors mounted on the printed circuit board. Depending on the number and arrangement of the projecting members a unique subset o sensors t engaged, providing a unique electronic ID for each operator control installed. This electronic ID can then be transmitted to an electronic control unit, which will alter its operation based on the types o operator controls currently installed.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly comprises a generally planar substrate. A functional switch and at least one identification switch are mounted to the substrate. A switch body supports a switch actuator which is movable between multiple positions. An arrangement of one or more projecting members extends from the switch body. The switch body is mounted on or to the substrate such that the switch actuator operatively engages the functional switch, and the arrangement of projecting members operatively engages at least one of the identification switches to create a unique electronic identifier for the electrical switch assembly.

Abstract: An electronic module includes a housing with at least two housing parts; a cable including a sheath end and a plurality of conductors extending from the sheath end; and a one-piece, multi-function seal between the cable and the housing. The multi-function seal includes a cable seal overmolded on the cable at the sheath end with the plurality of conductors being exposed from the multi-function seal. The multi-function seal further includes an integral gasket extending from the cable seal and positioned between at least two housing parts.

Abstract: A method for detecting EM field distorting includes sampling a sensor assembly positioned within a volume of interest to acquire measurements of EM fields within the volume of interest, and monitoring the measurements to detect EM field distortion within the volume of interest. The sensor assembly includes a set of EM transmitters and a set of EM receivers fixed thereon. A system for detecting EM field distorting includes a sensor assembly for positioning within a volume of interest, wherein the EM sensor assembly comprises a set of EM receivers, and a set of EM transmitters, wherein the EM receivers and the EM transmitters are disposed at fixed locations on the sensor assembly. The system further includes a tracker configured to sample the sensor assembly to acquire measurements of EM fields generated by the EM transmitters, and monitor the measurements to detect EM field distortion within the volume of interest.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method for using an intraoperative imaging system. The method includes acquiring an image using an intraoperative imaging system, labeling the image by associating the image with a label, and storing the image and the label.

Abstract: A connector assembly comprising includes a housing with a wall and a plurality of connector units. The wall includes a plurality of openings having the same size and shape. Each of the connector units has a base plate, electrical connectors mounted in and projecting from the base plate, a hollow shroud surrounding the electrical connectors and extending away from the base plate, and a skirt surrounding the shroud. The skirt projects radially outwardly from the base plate. All of the skirts have the same outer peripheral size and shape. The shrouds may have a variety of different outer peripheral shapes and sizes corresponding to unique connector functions. Each of the skirts sealingly engage with a portion of the wall surrounding a corresponding opening. Each opening is surrounded by a groove, and each skirt overlaps and covers a corresponding one of the grooves.

Abstract: An electric power generation system is disclosed. The electric power generation system includes: a string configured to be pulled; a bobbin configured to rotate when the string is unwound from the bobbin as the string is pulled; an electric power generator having a rotor wherein the rotor is mechanically coupled to the bobbin; and a case containing the bobbin and the electric power generator, wherein the case configured with an integral anchoring attachment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking a surgical instrument and for conveying tracking information via a network provide a primary tracking image generally within an operating room, and also a variety of types of secondary tracking images, either outside of the operating room or within the operating room.