Abstract: A device to transmit an audio signal to a user may comprise a mass, a piezoelectric transducer, and a support to support the mass and the piezoelectric transducer with the eardrum. The piezoelectric transducer can be configured to drive the support and the eardrum with a first force and the mass with a second force opposite the first force. The device may comprise circuitry configured to receive wireless power and wireless transmission of an audio signal, and the circuitry can be supported with the eardrum to drive the transducer in response to the audio signal, such that vibration between the circuitry and the transducer can be decreased. The transducer can be positioned away from the umbo of the ear to drive the eardrum, for example on the lateral process of the malleus.

Abstract: Apparatus for directly stimulating a tympanic membrane or other acoustic member comprising a support with a plurality of activatable elements. The support can be mounted on the tympanic membrane and the activatable elements are distributed on the support to provide a distributed vibration to the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for remotely viewing large tiled image datasets, such as global maps at multiple resolution levels. A voting schema immediately retrieves the image tiles in a multi-resolution image dataset that are most likely to provide temporary complete coverage of a given browser view while more numerous optimal image tiles for the current resolution level of the browser view are still downloading. Image tiles that are not locally available are assigned one vote toward immediate download while their parent and higher-order image tiles accumulate increasing multiples of the vote. This provides panning and zooming such that it is difficult for a user to outdrive the update speed of the changing view. The system can also enhance navigation to provide natural and responsive movement of the browser viewport while image tiles are being downloaded.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable sensor for use with a device that quantifies analytes in a gaseous sample. It comprises (i) a sensing element, (ii) a means for interfacing the disposable sensor with a gas analysis device, and (iii) a housing. When used with a device that can quantify the concentration of an analyte in a gas sample, the present invention facilitates the use of exhaled breath analysis as a clinical tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable sensor for use with a device that quantifies analytes in a gaseous sample. It comprises (i) a sensing element, (ii) a means for interfacing the disposable sensor with a gas analysis device, and (iii) a housing. When used with a device that can quantify the concentration of an analyte in a gas sample, the present invention facilitates the use of exhaled breath analysis as a clinical tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of conditioning the sample and surrounding environment of an exhaled breath sensor. It includes (i) using a particular molecular sieve for a triple purpose: (a) maintaining the sensor at a constant relative humidity during storage, (b) equilibrating the incoming breath stream to the same relative humidity as the sensor, and (c) eliminating the analyte from the environment around the sensor during storage. The present invention also includes removal of interfering components from the exhaled breath, such as carbon dioxide, as well as a thermal management technique.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable sensor for use with a device that quantifies analytes in a gaseous sample. It comprises (i) a sensing element, (ii) a means for interfacing the disposable sensor with a gas analysis device, and (iii) a housing. When used with a device that can quantify the concentration of an analyte in a gas sample, the present invention facilitates the use of exhaled breath analysis as a clinical tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for remotely viewing large tiled image datasets, such as global maps at multiple resolution levels. A voting schema immediately retrieves the image tiles in a multi-resolution image dataset that are most likely to provide temporary complete coverage of a given browser view while more numerous optimal image tiles for the current resolution level of the browser view are still downloading. Image tiles that are not locally available are assigned one vote toward immediate download while their parent and higher-order image tiles accumulate increasing multiples of the vote. This provides panning and zooming such that it is difficult for a user to outdrive the update speed of the changing view. The system can also enhance navigation to provide natural and responsive movement of the browser viewport while image tiles are being downloaded.

Abstract: Apparatus for directly stimulating a tympanic membrane or other acoustic member comprising a support with a plurality of activatable elements. The support can be mounted on the tympanic membrane and the activatable elements are distributed on the support to provide a distributed vibration to the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating available payload inventory are provided. An advertisement delivery system generates a set of atomic market segment arrays from target market criteria for one or more advertisement campaigns to be served. The advertisement delivery system predicts future capacity and manages inventory utilizing forecasting methods and the manual adjustment of forecast values. The manual adjustment techniques include utilizing seed values, adjustment factors and/or proxy values.

Abstract: The flow rate of a gaseous sample of exhaled breath through an analytical device is controlled by a pump, and in certain embodiments two pumps. Placement of the analyte sensor in a secondary stream branching off of the primary stream through the device offers further control over the manner, duration, and quantity of the breath that is placed in contact with the sensor.

Abstract: A gas analysis sensing element and a method of making the sensing element is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sensing element includes cytochrome-c embedded in a sol-gel matrix. The sol-gel matrix may take the form of a thin film or a monolith. The applicants have discovered a number of parameters for creating such a sensing element, including protein concentration, sol-gel pore size, surface area for the monolith embodiment, sol-gel components, and work-up temperature.

Abstract: A gas analysis sensing element and a method of making the sensing element are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sensing element includes cytochrome c embedded in a sol-gel matrix. The sol-gel matrix is either a thin film or a monolith. Parameters for creating such a sensing element, including protein concentration, sol-gel pore size, surface area for the monolith embodiment, sol-gel components, and processing temperature, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system create a data structure from an obfuscated data structure. First, the system operates on a first data structure whose obfuscation is desired, and creates a data string based on a portion of the first data structure. Next, based on the data string, a second data structure is deterministically generated from a third data structure and the second data structure replaces the first data structure.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow rate of a gaseous sample in an exhaled breath analysis system is disclosed. Two embodiments are described in this patent: a single pump embodiment and a dual pump embodiment. In each of these embodiments, a pump or pumps are used to control the flow rate of the breath sample as it moves through the analysis system. Also, the system includes means to conduct side stream, stopped flow analysis.

Abstract: A hearing system for producing audio signals perceptible to an individual. The hearing system includes a transducer having a surface adapted to attach to a middle-ear acoustic member of the individual, wherein the transducer is responsive to variations in a magnetic field emitted by a transmitter to directly vibrate the acoustic member. The transmitter is supported within an ear canal of the individual. The transmitter has a coil and a core positioned so that the distal end of the core is located at a predetermined distance and orientation relative to the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of conditioning the sample and surrounding environment of an exhaled breath sensor. It includes (i) using a particular molecular sieve for a triple purpose: (a) maintaining the sensor at a constant relative humidity during storage, (b) equilibrating the incoming breath stream to the same relative humidity as the sensor, and (c) eliminating the analyte from the environment around the sensor during storage. The present invention also includes removal of interfering components from the exhaled breath, such as carbon dioxide, as well as a thermal management technique.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable sensor for use with a device that quantifies analytes in a gaseous sample. It comprises (i) a sensing element, (ii) a means for interfacing the disposable sensor with a gas analysis device, and (iii) a housing. When used with a device that can quantify the concentration of an analyte in a gas sample, the present invention facilitates the use of exhaled breath analysis as a clinical tool.