Abstract: In a solar concentrator of a type having a curved mirror adapted to focus light onto an energy collecting body mounted at the mirror's focal axis, an alignment correction apparatus and method includes a linear array of light detectors adapted to be mounted at a bottom of and across a centerline of the curved mirror so as to intercept the shadow cast by the energy collecting body mounted along the focal axis. Outputs of each of the detectors are measured and plotted according to an order of arrangement of the light detectors on the array. The output results in a dip across adjacent detectors when a shadow falls across the array. A shadow detection means is adapted to determine a center point of the dip and correction means are configured to output a correction command if the center point is different from an optimal position.

Abstract: In a solar concentrator of a type having a curved mirror adapted to focus light onto an energy collecting body mounted at the mirror's focal axis, an alignment correction apparatus and method includes a linear array of light detectors adapted to be mounted at a bottom of and across a centerline of the curved mirror so as to intercept the shadow cast by the energy collecting body mounted along the focal axis. Outputs of each of the detectors are measured and plotted according to an order of arrangement of the light detectors on the array. The output results in a dip across adjacent detectors when a shadow falls across the array. A shadow detection means is adapted to determine a center point of the dip and correction means are configured to output a correction command if the center point is different from an optimal position.

Abstract: A wireless communications system receiver classifies a received burst as a DTX-high state normal burst or a DTX-low state truncated burst with a high probability of success. D1, the Euclidean distance between the known CDVCC and the bit position of CDVCC in a normal burst, is determined by calculating a confidence-weighted correlation between the two bit patterns. In a high-noise environment, D2, the Euclidean distance between the known CDVCC and the bit position of CDVCC in a truncated burst, is calculated. The ratio D1/D2 is compared to a threshold to classify the DTX state of the received burst. D1 and D2 may be normalized by dividing by the maximum average RSSI over the received burst, plotted on a graph of normalized D1 vs. normalized D2, and compared to a predetermined thresholding function that minimizes the probability of false classification. The thresholding function may be a piece-wise linear curve.

Abstract: A method for controlling the circumference of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural orifice or lumen which is either too large or too small. Implants are disclosed which employ various means for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the circumference of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ. Methods are disclosed for using the implants to treat heart valve abnormalities, gastroesophageal abnormalities, anal incontinence, and the like.

Abstract: An implantable device system for controlling the dimensions of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implantable devices are disclosed which employ various mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the dimensions of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ.

Abstract: An implantable device for controlling the circumference of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implants are disclosed which employ various means for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the circumference of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ.

Abstract: An implantable device is provided for controlling shape and/or size of an anatomical structure or lumen. The implantable device has an adjustable member configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device. The implantable device is housed in a catheter and insertable from a minimally invasive surgical entry. An adjustment tool actuates the adjustable member and provide for adjustment before, during or after the anatomical structure or lumen resumes near normal to normal physiologic function.

Abstract: A vascular catheter with a circular external diameter, a circular lumen contained within, and an inflatable balloon that overlies a trough in the catheter body such that when the balloon is deflated, the balloon does not protrude beyond the outer circumference of the catheter shaft. The wall of the catheter shaft is thicker along one side than along the remainder of the circumference of the catheter shaft to permit an inflation lumen to be disposed within the thick wall section without increasing the outer diameter of the remaining portion of the circumference. The inflatable balloon is further disposed to maintain the circular lumen of the catheter in the center of flow of the blood vessel in which it is used, maintaining optimal flow.

Abstract: An implantable device is provided for controlling at least one of shape and size of an anatomical structure or lumen. An implantable device has an adjustable member configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device. An adjustment tool is configured to actuate the adjustable member and provide for adjustment before, during and after the anatomical structure or lumen resumes near normal to normal physiologic function.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for distributing traffic in a wireless packet data network. A capacity flag which is sent on each RF data channel within a cell in a wireless packet data network is toggled between an asserted and an unasserted state according to the period of a timer. Transceiver terminals will only register for a channel while that channel's capacity flag is unasserted; therefore, transceiver terminals register with the various RF channels in a cell in a distributed fashion over time. The invention can be implemented by a computer program product or logic, or a combination of the two installed at the base station for a cell within a wireless data network such as a CDPD network.

Abstract: A system for implanting a surgical device to control the circumference of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implants are disclosed which employ various means for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the circumference of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ. Methods are disclosed for using the implants to treat heart valve abnormalities, gastroesophageal abnormalities, anal incontinence, and the like.

Abstract: A method and device(s) for increasing the Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) user data rate between a mobile terminal and a basestation in a digital cellular mobile communications system. The method and device(s) use the same modulation scheme that is used for digital speech to encapsulate CDPD block data, specifically, the TIA/EIA-136 standard. The TIA/EIA-136 standard can accommodate more data than the GMSK modulation scheme that is typically used for CDPD block data. In order to encapsulate CDPD block data using the TIA/EIA-136 standard, an encoding step is performed on the sending end that includes constructing a CDPD block comprised of CDPD data, assembling an TIA/EIA-136 frame leaving the data fields of the frame empty, and placing CDPD block data in the data fields. The assembled TIA/EIA-136 frame is then sent using existing transmission code.

Abstract: A wireless communications system receiver classifies a received burst as a DTX-high state normal burst or a DTX-low state truncated burst with a high probability of success. D1, the Euclidean distance between the known CDVCC and the bit position of CDVCC in a normal burst, is determined by calculating a confidence-weighted correlation between the two bit patterns. In a high-noise environment, D2, the Euclidean distance between the known CDVCC and the bit position of CDVCC in a truncated burst, is calculated. The ratio D1/D2 is compared to a threshold to classify the DTX state of the received burst. D1 and D2 may be normalized by dividing by the maximum average RSSI over the received burst, plotted on a graph of normalized D1 vs. normalized D2, and compared to a predetermined thresholding function that minimizes the probability of false classification. The thresholding function may be a piece-wise linear curve.

Abstract: A novel durable prosthetic heart valve compatible with implantation in a human natural heart valve annulus. The prosthetic heart valve comprises a tubular heart valve which in function resembles a human heart valve, but which is formed of either synthetic or biologic material. The present valve is capable of structurally complying with annular deformation during each heartbeat. Valve embodiments comprise aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonic implantable valves. Valves can be selectively impregnated with a group of biologically active substances consisting of antibiotics, bactericidal agents, anticoagulant medications, endothelial cells, genetic material, growth factors or other hormonal or biologically active substances. Use of non-thrombogenic biocompatible materials in the valve which mimics operation of a natural heart valve essentially eliminates the need for long term administration of anticoagulants.

Abstract: A method and device(s) for increasing the Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) user data rate between a mobile terminal and a basestation in a digital cellular mobile communications system. The method and device(s) use the same modulation scheme that is used for digital speech to encapsulate CDPD block data, specifically, the TIA/EIA-136 standard. The TIA/EIA-136 standard can accommodate more data than the GMSK modulation scheme that is typically used for CDPD block data. In order to encapsulate CDPD block data using the TIA/EIA-136 standard, an encoding step is performed on the sending end that includes constructing a CDPD block comprised of CDPD data, assembling an TIA/EIA-136 frame leaving the data fields of the frame empty, and placing CDPD block data in the data fields. The assembled TIA/EIA-136 frame is then sent using existing transmission code.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for distributing traffic in a wireless packet data network. A capacity flag which is sent on each RF data channel within a cell in a wireless packet data network is toggled between an asserted and an unasserted state according to the period of a timer. Transceiver terminals will only register for a channel while that channel's capacity flag is unasserted; therefore, transceiver terminals register with the various RF channels in a cell in a distributed fashion over time. The invention can be implemented by a computer program product or logic, or a combination of the two installed at the base station for a cell within a wireless data network such as a CDPD network.