Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contact hearing system utilizing an emitter adapted to emit light and a contact hearing device adapted to receive the emitted light and convert that light into sound by mechanical manipulation of a subjects ear drum. In the present invention the emitter may utilize multiple light sources and the multiple light sources may be passed through at least one diffuser in order to generate an emitted light having a broader angle of incidence with little or no loss in received power as measured by a photodetector on the contact hearing device when the contact hearing device is positioned on a subject's tympanic membrane and the emitter is positioned in the subject's ear canal.

Abstract: The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein assist with the healing process of tissue that was previously or simultaneously treated for a therapeutic or cosmetic effect. The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein can also provide temporary simulated results of a cosmetic procedure to allow for visual assessment to select the type of procedure or for treatment planning in advance of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improved control of dimmable, white color tunable, multiple channel LED based illumination systems are described herein. The methods and systems described herein improve the utilization of LEDs comprising a multiple channel white light LED based illumination system, along with improved control of brightness and color of emitted light. In one aspect, a multiple channel electrical power driver includes an independent current controlled Direct Current/Direct Current (DC/DC) electrical power converter electrically coupled to each LED string having a different color output. The use of independent DC/DC power converters enables current to be supplied to each LED channel simultaneously up to the rated maximum continuous operating current level in each channel. Thus, the sum of the current provided to each LED channel exceeds the rated maximum continuous operating current of each of the LED channels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contact hearing system utilizing an emitter adapted to emit light and a contact hearing device adapted to receive the emitted light and convert that light into sound by mechanical manipulation of a subjects ear drum. In the present invention the emitter may utilize multiple light sources and the multiple light sources may be passed through at least one diffuser in order to generate an emitted light having a broader angle of incidence with little or no loss in received power as measured by a photodetector on the contact hearing device when the contact hearing device is positioned on a subject's tympanic membrane and the emitter is positioned in the subject's ear canal.

Abstract: The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein assist with the healing process of tissue that was previously or simultaneously treated for a therapeutic or cosmetic effect. The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein can also provide temporary simulated results of a cosmetic procedure to allow for visual assessment to select the type of procedure or for treatment planning in advance of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein assist with the healing process of tissue that was previously or simultaneously treated for a therapeutic or cosmetic effect. The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein can also provide temporary simulated results of a cosmetic procedure to allow for visual assessment to select the type of procedure or for treatment planning in advance of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A system for auditing telecommunication billing data comprises a rule-construction user interface and an audit component. The rule-construction user interface comprises a plurality of rule condition parameter menus to construct an audit rule for at least one telecommunication billing attribute. In a particular embodiment, before baselining the audit rule, a user can test rule conditions against actual data, and the user can compare multiple versions of a single audit rule to determine which version successfully identifies exceptions. The audit component is to perform an audit of a telecommunication billing data set for exceptions to the audit rule constructed using the rule-construction user interface. Once identified, the exceptions can be assigned to additional tool users to assist in exception investigation and maintenance using an exception maintenance component.

Abstract: In a fractional treatment system, an adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment. Illustrative examples of adjustable mechanisms include a set of spacers of different lengths, a rotatable turret with lens elements of different focal distances, an optical zoom lens, and a mechanical adjustment apparatus for adjusting the spacing between two optical lens elements. In one aspect, the fractional treatment is configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue decreases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1480-1640 nm).

Abstract: Subjects treated with nonablative fractional photothermolysis (FP) have an intact stratum corneum, but can have microscopic lesions and vacuole formation within the epidermis. The vacuoles thus formed can trap dermal material and extrude it through the epidermis. Thus, FP can be used for the treatment of recalcitrant melasma, solar elastosis, and tattoos.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue by irradiating the skin with electromagnetic energy is disclosed. Sources of electromagnetic energy include radio frequency (RF) generators, lasers, and flashlamps. The apparatus includes either a positional sensor or a dosage evaluation sensor, or both types of sensors. These sensors provide feedback to a controller. The controller may control the electromagnetic source parameters, the electromagnetic source activation, and/or the sensor measurement parameters. An additional scanning delivery unit may be operably coupled to the controller or to the sensors to provide a controlled distribution of electromagnetic energy to the target region of the skin. The use of positional measurement sensors and dosage evaluation sensors permits the controller to automatically determine the proper electromagnetic source parameters including, for example, pulse timing and pulse frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue by irradiating the skin with electromagnetic energy is disclosed. Sources of electromagnetic energy include radio frequency (RF) generators, lasers, and flashlamps. The apparatus includes either a positional sensor or a dosage evaluation sensor, or both types of sensors. These sensors provide feedback to a controller. The controller may control the electromagnetic source parameters, the electromagnetic source activation, and/or the sensor measurement parameters. An additional scanning delivery unit may be operably coupled to the controller or to the sensors to provide a controlled distribution of electromagnetic energy to the target region of the skin. The use of positional measurement sensors and dosage evaluation sensors permits the controller to automatically determine the proper electromagnetic source parameters including, for example, pulse timing and pulse frequency.

Abstract: A system for auditing telecommunication billing data comprises a rule-construction user interface and an audit component. The rule-construction user interface comprises a plurality of rule condition parameter menus to construct an audit rule for at least one telecommunication billing attribute. In a particular embodiment, before baselining the audit rule, a user can test rule conditions against actual data, and the user can compare multiple versions of a single audit rule to determine which version successfully identifies exceptions. The audit component is to perform an audit of a telecommunication billing data set for exceptions to the audit rule constructed using the rule-construction user interface. Once identified, the exceptions can be assigned to additional tool users to assist in exception investigation and maintenance using an exception maintenance component.

Abstract: Methods and devices for increasing revascularization in an ischemic heart and for reducing muscle mass or volume in congestive heart failure patients are described. The method includes using laser energy to create microchannels in the target tissue. The microchannels are separated from each other to maintain tissue that is untreated or undamaged by laser energy. Such undamaged tissue augments angiogenesis. The method also includes delivery of bioactive agents that are angiogenic. The apparatus simultaneously creates a plurality of microchannels that are separated from each other and thereby promote angiogenesis, revascularization and/or muscle reduction.

Abstract: A typical treatment system for use with tip embodiments includes an optical energy source, such as, for example, a laser. A set of tips may be interchangeably attached to the treatment system, for example to alter the system parameters and the treatment provided through the individual tips. Embodiments of the present invention include tips with a security chip and/or a memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling light-induced tissue treatment. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the invention provides for improved, real-time control of the light beam operational parameters which enables greater safety, efficiency, uniformity and continuity of the treatment process.

Abstract: An electrorheological clutch comprises drive and driven members that selectively engage by the application of a voltage to an electroheological fluid (ER) provided between the driven and driven members. The drive and driven members are formed with axially-oriented surfaces that define between then axially-oriented spaces for the ER fluid so as to minimise problems with settlement of the ER particles.

Abstract: A system and method for non-synchronously projecting light in an imaging system is provided. A pixel panel may be selectively controlled to direct light onto or away from a subject. A light source, such as a laser diode, projects light pulses at the pixel panel. The pulses are not synchronized with the pixel panel, so the light may strike the pixel panel at any time when the pixel panel is operable to direct light towards the subject. The pulses may be constant or variable in energy or duration, depending on the desired results.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjustably reflecting light is provided. The apparatus includes a base and, positioned above the base, a member having an upper surface and a lower surface. A reflective coating is applied to at least a portion of the upper surface. The system also includes a capacitive plate positioned between the member and the base. The capacitive plate is operable to deflect the member, which alters the orientation of the member relative to the base. A second member, which may be deformable, may be attached to the first member so that deformation of the second member alters the orientation of the first member relative to the base.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for tracking the allocation of resources within a processor having multiple execution units which support speculative execution of instructions. The processor includes a resource counter including a first counter and a second counter and a number of resources, wherein one or more of the resources are allocated to each of a number of instructions dispatched for execution to the execution units. In response to dispatching an instruction among the plurality of instructions to one of the execution units for execution, the first counter is incremented once for each of the resources allocated to the instruction, and if the instruction is a first instruction within a speculative execution path, the second counter is loaded with a value of the first counter prior to incrementing the first counter.