Abstract: A clinical testing assay device that can differentiate bacterial from viral infections is described. The assay device has a sample contact zone with an absorbent pad on which a test sample is deposited and a detection zone with a colorant indicator that is sensitive to bacteria cells. The colorant indicator changes color when exposed to a bacteria sample. The color change signal can manifest relatively quickly, usually within a few minutes, and with an intensity correlative to the concentration of bacteria in a test sample. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of embedded MEMS sensors and related methods are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A coupler including electrical and pneumatic interfaces. The coupler includes a manifold having pneumatic apertures and a support having connector apertures to accommodate one or more valves.

Abstract: Multiple virtual machine consoles run in a single user interface as an integrated unit. Multiple virtual machines are grouped into a logical configuration, and console of each virtual machine in the configuration is displayed a single user interface, such as a browser window. Users are provided with integrated access through the single user interface to the mouse, keyboard, screen and local resources for each displayed virtual machine console. The user can move the mouse cursor between consoles, and access each virtual machine with the mouse and keyboard. In short, the user can interact with each displayed virtual machine console as an integrated object of the single user interface. Cut-and paste of text and drag-and-drop of files and folders is provided between the multiple virtual machines.

Abstract: A luggage conveyor system includes a frame, a plurality of pallets movably supported by the frame each having a load carrying surface configured to convey luggage thereon, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a chain formed by a plurality of chain links connected to each other. At least one chain link of the plurality of chain links is coupled to one of the plurality of pallets. The drive assembly further includes a motor-driven drive wheel, and a plurality of driven wheels coupled to and driven by the drive wheel. The plurality of driven wheels are arranged such that at least two of the driven wheels simultaneously contact the same one of the plurality of chain links to frictionally drive the chain.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for detection of hospital acquired infections. Disclosed methods may be utilized for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential infection site and may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to changes in the local environment due to the presence of a pathogen at an early stage of infection. Disclosed methods utilize ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) to detect changes in ionic concentration at the site due to the presence of a pathogen, for instance at a surgical site. When a pathogen is present, the local ionic concentration, and hence the electrical characteristics of an ISFET may change, causing a detectable signal from the ISFET. An ISFET may be associated with a biological material such as an enzyme or a specific binding partner for an expression product of a pathogen to improve detection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for detection of bacterial HAI. Disclosed methods may be utilized for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential bacterial infection site and may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to the presence of pathogenic bacteria at an early stage of infection. Disclosed methods include utilization of recombinant bacteriophage to deliver to pathogenic bacteria a translatable genetic sequence encoding an optically detectable marker or an enzyme capable of producing an optically detectable marker. Upon detection of the optical signal produced by the marker, medical personnel may be alerted to the presence of pathogenic bacteria at the site of inquiry. Any bacterial causative agent of HAI may be detected according to disclosed methods.

Abstract: In one form, a system for use in percutaneous surgical procedures includes a cannula having an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end and including a working channel dynamically expandable from a first, unexpanded configuration. The system also includes a device that is positionable in and engageable with the working channel to expand the working channel from the first configuration as the device is moved through the working channel. In response to disengagement of the device with the working channel, the working channel returns to the first, unexpanded configuration. In one aspect of this form, the device includes an interbody spinal implant that is deliverable to a surgical site through the working channel of the cannula. In another form, a method for performing a percutaneous surgical procedure is provided. However, different forms and applications are envisioned.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for detection of hospital acquired infections. Disclosed methods may be utilized for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential infection site or for periodic in vitro monitoring of tissue or fluid from a patient and may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to the presence of a pathogen at an early stage of infection. Disclosed methods utilize fluorophore pairs that optically interact with one another according to Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) or bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) mechanism. One member of the pair or a cofactor that interacts with an enzyme to form a member of the pair may be tethered to a device by a substrate that is specific for an enzyme expressed by a targeted pathogen. Upon interaction of the enzyme with the substrate, an optically detectable signal may be altered or initiated, detection of which may then provide information as to the existence of the pathogen at the site.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cardiac lead device including a fixation mechanism slidably attached to the lead such that when the fixation mechanism is expanded in to contact with a body lumen, the lead may be moved relative to the fixation mechanism if desired. Such lead movement may be limited by complimentary structure on the lead body and the fixation mechanism that prevents the lead from moving unless sufficient force is applied to the lead.

Abstract: A magnetic organizer is provided that includes cooperative magnetic members, one generally planar member and one support assembly having a magnetic member, and including one or more horizontally-extending protuberances on the generally planar member.

Abstract: An improved composition for inducing bone growth is provided that is a combination of at least DBM and an oxygen carrier. Injection/implantation of a composition of DBM and an oxygen carrier (e.g. a perfluorocarbon) results in enhancement of bone formation compared to DBM alone.

Abstract: A low emissivity and EMI shielding transparent composite film typically for use in association with window glazing and comprising a transparent film substrate having on one side thereof an underlayer of abrasion resistant hardcoat material with at least one infrared reflective layer covering the underlayer, typically a metallic layer which may be encased in metal oxide layers, which is then covered with a thin external protective top coat of a cured fluorinated resin.

Abstract: A headgear assembly is provided with an integrated music or other sound player supportable therein. The headgear assembly includes a headband or cap with pouches therein for various portions of the music player. In particular, a left speaker pouch is provided for a left speaker, a right speaker pouch is provided for a right speaker and a player pouch is provided for a sound player. A wire harness is also provided to preferably removably attach the speakers to the sound player. The headband or cap with the pouches therein holds the player and speakers directly adjacent a head of the user, and with the speakers directly over ears of the user. Controls on the player are accessed through a window in an outer panel of the headband or cap to allow user access. The player, wire harness and speakers are all substantially concealed within the headgear assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to facilitate the transfer of baggage on conveyor systems at the junction between a sort conveyor and a take-away conveyor. The transfer apparatus includes a sweeper arm that rotates across the sort conveyor to sweep a baggage article thereon toward the take-away conveyor. The sweeper arm translates linearly relative to the sort conveyor so that the baggage remains in continuous contact with the sweeper arm. The rotation of the arm is coordinated with the translation so that the baggage will be fully diverted from the sort conveyor by the time the sweeper arm reaches the end of its translation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing manual selection of a communication network for a mobile station are described. A plurality of communication networks are identified by scanning a coverage area within which the mobile station is operating. A plurality of network identifiers corresponding to the plurality of communication networks are then retrieved from memory of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in accordance with an Enhanced Operator Name String (EONS) protocol. Preferably, each network identifier is retrieved based on a Mobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code (MNC), and a Location Area Code (LAC). The plurality of network identifiers are visually displayed for user selection, and at least two of the network identifiers may be substantially the same. The user selected communication network is registered with and the network identifier associated with this network is visually displayed.

Abstract: A low emissivity and EMI shielding transparent composite film typically for use in association with window glazing and comprising a transparent film substrate having on one side thereof an underlayer of abrasion resistant hardcoat material with at least one infrared reflective layer covering the underlayer, typically a metallic layer which may be encased in metal oxide layers, which is then covered with a thin external protective top coat of a cured fluorinated resin.

Abstract: Techniques for use in a mobile station for use in manually selecting a communication network are described. The mobile station identifies a plurality of communication networks available for communications. The mobile station retrieves from a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) a plurality of network names identified by a plurality of address pointers corresponding to the plurality of available communication networks. The plurality of address pointers are stored in a first file of the SIM, and the plurality of network names are stored in a second file of the SIM. The mobile station then displays the plurality of network names.

Abstract: A sliding clamp and clamp assembly are provided. The clamp assembly includes a cam member that, when actuated, biases a stationary clamp jaw assembly toward another jaw assembly. The cam member utilizes a ball-and-socket coupling to couple the cam member to the sliding clamp bar. The ball-and-socket coupling allows the cam member, and an extended actuator, to be pivoted and rotated into an infinite number of positions.