Abstract: A flexible engaging delivery device (10) for delivery of a vaso-occlusion flexible engaging structure (24) to a vascular target site via a catheter (50) is disclosed comprising a catheter (50) having a lumen (52) and an introducer (48) disposed within the catheter (52). The introducer (48) comprises an outer sleeve (49), a shaft (12) and a wire (16) that is slidably movable within the shaft (12). A wire tip (22) is permanently connected to the wire (16), wherein the wire tip (22) is adapted to contact a matted portion (20) of the vaso-occlusion flexible engaging structure (24) and is used to deliver said flexible engaging structure from said flexible engaging device (10) to a vaso-occlusion target site.

Abstract: In a storage system comprising an array of storage devices, including a processor and memory, a plurality of logical tracks are organized on the storage devices in segments comprising columns striped across the storage devices. A system and method are provided for storing logical tracks in the storage devices. Sequentially logically related logical tracks are stored together in neighborhoods. Logical tracks of the same neighborhood destaged at the same time are assigned to a single open segment with other logical tracks of the same neighborhood type. The time at which open segments are designated as closed segments to be written to the storage devices is based on performance, disk utilization and memory utilization criteria. Logical tracks are never split between segment columns. Also, attempts are made not to split a neighborhood of logical tracks being destaged together between segment columns.

Abstract: An interconnect network having a plurality of identical fabrics partitions the switching elements of the fabrics, so that many links can be combined into single cables. In the partitioning method, one or more of the switching elements from the first stage of each of the fabrics are physically packaged onto the same board called a concentrator, and these concentrators are physically distributed among the processing nodes connected to the interconnect network. The concentrator allows all the links from each processing node to a concentrator, each of which need to be connected to different fabrics, to be combined into a single cable. Furthermore, the concentrator allows all the links from a single switching element in the first stage to be combined into a single cable to be connected to the subsequent or expansion (second and higher) stages of the fabric. The subsequent or expansion stages of each fabric can be implemented independently of other fabrics in a centralized location.

Abstract: Aspects for increasing concurrency during staging and destaging of a log structured array (LSA) are described. In an exemplary method aspect, the method includes determining a process type making a request for access to a locking mechanism associated with an LSA directory entry for a logical track, and determining a lock status for the locking mechanism. Access to the locking mechanism is then provided according to the determined process type and lock status. Further, a destaging process is allowed to obtain an available locking mechanism in a read-write mode, a staging process is allowed to obtain an available locking mechanism in a read-only mode, and a garbage collection process is allowed to obtain an available locking mechanism initially in a read-only mode and subsequently in a read-write mode, wherein increased concurrency results during the staging and destaging processes.

Abstract: An interconnect network having a plurality of identical fabrics partitions the switching elements of the fabrics, so that many links can be combined into single cables. In the partitioning method, one or more of the switching elements from the first stage of each of the fabrics are physically packaged onto the same board called a concentrator, and these concentrators are physically distributed among the processing nodes connected to the interconnect network. The concentrator allows all the links from each processing node to a concentrator, each of which need to be connected to different fabrics, to be combined into a single cable. Furthermore, the concentrator allows all the links from a single switching element in the first stage to be combined into a single cable to be connected to the subsequent or expansion (second and higher) stages of the fabric. The subsequent or expansion stages of each fabric can be implemented independently of other fabrics in a centralized location.

Abstract: A flexible engaging delivery device (10) for delivery of a vaso-occlusion flexible engaging structure (24) to a vascular target site via a catheter (50) is disclosed comprising a catheter (50) having a lumen (52) and an introducer (48) disposed within the catheter (52). The introducer (48) comprises an outer sleeve (49), a shaft (12) and a wire (16) that is slidably movable within the shaft (12). A wire tip (22) is permanently connected to the wire (16), wherein the wire tip (22) is adapted to contact a matted portion (20) of the vaso-occlusion flexible engaging structure (24) and is used to deliver said flexible engaging structure from said flexible engaging device (10) to a vaso-occlusion target site.

Abstract: An adjustable hinge assembly is provided for use on a ventilator apparatus, wherein the ventilator apparatus includes a curb, a removable curb cap covering the curb and presenting side and rear edges, and a ventilator supported on the curb cap. The assembly includes a pair of laterally spaced curb cap support plates that each include a first arm adapted to be secured to the curb cap and extending along one of the side edges of the cap, and a second arm adapted to be secured to the curb cap and extending along the rear edge of the cap. The assembly also includes a back plate connected to and between the support plates along the rear edge of the cap, and a pair of laterally spaced curb plates adapted to be secured to the curb. The curb plates support the curb cap support plates, and define a pivot axis about which the curb cap support plates pivot between a first position in which the cap covers the curb, and a second position in which the cap is raised from the curb.

Abstract: In a storage system comprising an array of storage devices, including a processor and memory, a plurality of logical tracks are organized on the storage devices in segments comprising columns striped across the storage devices. A system and method are provided for storing logical tracks in the storage devices. Sequentially logically related logical tracks are stored together in neighborhoods. Logical tracks of the same neighborhood A0 destaged at the same time are assigned to a single open segment with other logical tracks of the same neighborhood type. The time at which open segments are designated as closed segments to be written to the storage devices is based on performance, disk utilization and memory utilization criteria. Logical tracks are never split between segment columns. Also, attempts are made not to split a neighborhood of logical tracks being destaged together between segment columns.

Abstract: A coil-delivery device (20) for delivery of a vaso-occlusion coil (11) to a vascular target site via a catheter (12) is disclosed. The device includes a wire (22) adapted to be slidable received within the lumen (18) of a catheter (12) or an introducer (34), the wire (22) having at its distal end a stiff wavy wire (28) segment adapted to frictionally and releasably engage a vaso-occlusion coil (11) by the end-region inner lumen of the vaso-occlusion coil. Also disclosed are a catheter assembly employing the coil-delivery the device, and a method of releasably engaging a vaso-occlusion coil with the device.

Abstract: This is a surgical device particularly a perfusion catheter having an inflatable membrane or balloon located at the distal end of the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft is comprised of an outer tubing assembly and an inner tubing assembly separated by an open annulus for inflating and deflating the inflatable membrane. The assembly may additionally comprise an inflatable membrane which is detachable. The outer tubing assembly is made up of at least one polymeric layer and a braid which may be polymeric or metallic, perhaps of a super-elastic alloy. At least a portion of the inner tubing assembly is made up of at least one polymeric layer and preferably a super-elastic metallic braid. The inner tubing assembly includes a lumen through which a guidewire may pass. It is further desirable that the inner tubing assembly include a coil member which generally is coextensive with the balloon along its axis. That lumen is preferably lined with a lubricious polymer.

Abstract: This is a catheter assembly and a section of that catheter assembly. That catheter assembly may be used in accessing a tissue target within the body, typically a target which is accessible through the vascular system. Central to the invention is the use of a braided metallic reinforcing member, typically of super-elastic alloy ribbon, situated within the catheter body in such a way to create a catheter having an exceptionally thin wall, controlled stiffness, high resistance to kinking, and complete recovery in vivo from kinking situations. The braid may have a single pitch or may vary in pitch along the axis of the catheter or catheter section. The braided ribbon reinforcing member typically is placed between a flexible outer tubing member and an inner tubing member to produce a catheter section which is very flexible but highly kink resistant.

Abstract: This is a distal-most section of a catheter suitable for treating a tissue target within the body, which target is accessible through the vascular system. Central to the invention is a multi-component or multi-layer catheter section used distally on an endovascular catheter. In particular, the inventive catheter section has at least one interior stiffener member and an exterior tubing member. Between the at least one interior stiffener member and the exterior tubing member is a metallic braid.

Abstract: An enhanced interface between a processor and an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) segmentation controller. A software driver communicates with the controller to efficiently segment protocol data units (PDUs) into ATM cells for transmission. The software driver creates a series of data structures in memory for managing the PDU, wherein the data structures include a linked list of buffer descriptors that describe the size and location of subportions of the PDU. The ATM controller is capable of accessing and interpreting these data structures. As a result, only a single I/O operation is required for the software driver to initiate direct memory access (DMA) operations by the ATM controller to retrieve the data structures from memory and subsequently transmit the PDU.

Abstract: A method for rebuilding contents of a malfunctioned direct access storage device within a log-structured array is disclosed. In accordance with the method and system of the present invention, each direct access storage device within a log-structured array is divided into multiple segment-columns, and each corresponding segment-column from each direct access storage device within the log-structured array forms a segment. A segment is first located within the direct access storage devices. A determination is made as to whether or not the segment is empty. In response to a determination that the segment is empty, a pointer is moved within a segment-column mapping table from pointing to a segment-column in the malfunctioned direct access storage device to point to a segment-column in a spare direct access storage device of the segment.

Abstract: This is a micro-vaso-occlusive device intended generally for occlusion of small arteries located distally in the vasculature. The device is made up of a binder, often radio-opaque, which may be short in length by comparison to the length of the included thrombogenic fibers. The fibers form the other portion of the device. At least one end of the device includes a solid but comparatively soft end typically made of a molten mass of the fibers. The micro device may have multiple binder sections. The fibers may be straight, looped, or tufted.

Abstract: This is a medical device. In particular, it is a surgical device usually delivered through an intravascular catheter. It may be used in several ways. It may, for instance, be used to open a clear passageway adjacent thrombus to allow both blood and medication to bypass the clot. It may be used to pierce and to remove thrombus. These thrombus are often found in tortuous vasculature. The device includes several sections. The device has a core element, typically a core wire. Placed around the distal end of the core element is a collapsible but preferably self expanding cage assembly. The cage assembly is preferably radio-opaque. The proximal end of the cage is typically is affixed to an actuator in such a way as to allow expansion of the cage after deployment. The cage assembly may have a generally conical distal or "trailing" portion when expanded and also a proximal section. The cage assembly may be used for collecting emboli or for displacing them to allow blood flow to resume.

Abstract: A system for verifying design of a digital system. A digital system, which receives input vectors and produces output vectors, is simulated. The invention generates a sequence of synthesized input vectors, and applies them to the simulated system. These input vectors cause changes in internal variables, and the output vectors. The invention also independently computes the values which internal variables and output vectors are expected to assume. The invention then compares the simulated internal and output variables with the computed values. If they agree, the simulation is assumed to function properly.

Abstract: This is a surgical device. In particular, it is a guidewire having a metallic core and specifically having a distal section comprising a number of fibers. The fibered distal tip is shapeable using, e.g., steam or hot air, and causes much less trauma than would a coil of similar capabilities.

Abstract: This is a composite guidewire for use in a catheter. It is used in medical procedures that involve accessing specifically targeted inner body areas without major surgery. The composite guidewire is especially useful for accessing peripheral soft tissue targets. The guidewire may be a multi-section guidewire assembly preferably having super-elastic alloy ribbon braided reinforcements along at least a portion of the core. The guidewire core may be of a stainless steel or a high elasticity metal alloy, preferably a Ni--Ti alloy. A variation of the guidewire also preferably includes a braid on the exterior of the core wire with an exterior polymeric coating to the most distal portion of the assembly and preferably assembled using adhesives such as epoxies.

Abstract: This is a micro-vaso-occlusive device intended generally for occlusion of small arteries located distally in the vasculature. The device is made up of a binder, often radio-opaque, which may be short in length by comparison to the length of the included thrombogenic fibers. The fibers form the other portion of the device. At least one end of the device includes a solid but comparatively soft end typically made of a molten mass of the fibers. The micro device may have multiple binder sections. The fibers may be straight, looped, or tufted.