Abstract: This invention relates to a system of communicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder microchip (IC) for the purpose of accessing pre-programmed data. Such system involves direct electrical contact between the system reading the data from the memory in the transponder IC and the IC itself via two mechanical contact points. This system provides an interface with a transponder IC in order to energize the IC. Once the presence of the transponder IC is detected, the host system can read or write to and process preprogrammed data stored in the IC.

Abstract: A cryosurgery system for application of medical-grade liquid nitrogen to a treatment area via a small, low pressure, open tipped catheter. The system includes a console, including a touch panel computer, a cryogen module , a suction module and an electronics module, and a disposable spray kit. Features include optional low cryogen flow setting to reduce the cryogen flow rate by 50%, improved cryogen flow consistency reducing pressure pulses and peaks, an integrated suction pump for improved consistency and self-checks, specified vent tube areas and corresponding maximum expected pressures during cryospray procedure; optional pressure sensing capability to monitor pressure during a treatment, and novel catheter designs of multilayer and flexible construction providing a variety of spray patterns.

Abstract: This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system of communicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder microchip (IC) for the purpose of accessing pre-programmed data. Such system involves direct electrical contact between the system reading the data from the memory in the transponder IC and the IC itself via two mechanical contact points. This system provides an interface with a transponder IC in order to energize the IC. Once the presence of the transponder IC is detected, the host system can read or write to and process preprogrammed data stored in the IC.

Abstract: This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for creating sharp features within a mold. For example, three or more mold plates may be provided to create a single mold assembly. Each mold plate includes one or more mold cavities, each having one or more surfaces. The provided mold plates may be assembled to form the mold assembly having a combined mold cavity between adjacent mold cavities of the mold plates. Although none of the individual mold cavities of the mold plates include sharp features, when the mold assembly is assembled, a combined mold cavity will include sharp transitions (e.g., angles of less than 180 degrees, right angles, angles of less than 90 degrees, and so forth) between adjacent surfaces of the mold cavities. In certain embodiments, sets of mold plates may be re-aligned to create varying mold cavity geometries. In addition, in certain embodiments, a mold pin may be inserted into an inner volume of a mold plate to both create additional sharp transitions between adjacent surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor.

Abstract: The skin preparation device and sensor of the present invention include an array of rigid tines. The tines serve to “self-prepare” the skin at each electrode site. These tines, when pressed against the skin, penetrate the stratum corneum, thereby reducing skin impedance and improving signal quality. A self-prepping device of the present invention is an optimized array of short non-conductive rigid tines in which the individual tines are created in a geometry that allows for a sharp point at the tip when molding, machining or etching is used as a method of fabrication. This non-conductive array with rigid penetrating structures may, therefore, be used in combination with a conductive medium, preferably an ionic conductive gel. In penetrating the stratum corneum, micro-conduits are created in the layers of the skin enabling the conductive medium to reach the low impedance layers and to transmit bioelectrical signals from the skin to the electrode surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system of communicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder microchip (IC) for the purpose of accessing pre-programmed data. Such system involves direct electrical contact between the system reading the data from the memory in the transponder IC and the IC itself via two mechanical contact points. This system provides an interface with a transponder IC in order to energize the IC. Once the presence of the transponder IC is detected, the host system can read or write to and process preprogrammed data stored in the IC.

Abstract: The invention includes a prosthesis with improved abrasive wear, comprising a composite material. The composite material may comprise an abrasive or superabrasive material dispersed in a continuous matrix of another material. The prosthesis may be formed partially or entirely of composite material, or may be coated with composite material on one or more surfaces. Embodiments include prosthetic joints and articulation surfaces comprising a composite material. Additional embodiments include methods of making a prosthesis comprising a composite material.

Abstract: A method for producing process equipment having a wear surface having extended resistance to one or more of abrasion, erosion, or corrosion, associated with materials processed by said process equipment includes applying to said process. equipment wear surface a metal matrix coating filled with superabrasive particles. Diamond and cubic boron nitride superabrasive particles can fill the metal matrix, which can be a nickel coating.

Abstract: A method for producing process equipment having a wear surface having extended resistance to one or more of abrasion, erosion, or corrosion, associated with fillers or solids processed by said process equipment includes applying to said process equipment wear surface a metal matrix coating filled with superabrasive particles. Diamond and cubic boron nitride superabrasive particles can fill the metal matrix, which can be a nickel coating.

Abstract: Product forming molds have surfaces conformally coated with a coating composite comprising superabrasive particles. In one embodiment, the mold surface is plated (electrolessly or electrolytically) or coated with a metal having superabrasive particles dispersed therein. In another embodiment, the composite is a SiC composite having superabrasive particles dispersed therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for defining expanded touch zones for active control keys on a touch sensitive user interface panel. The user interface panel has one or more active control key display areas that each display a respective active control key, each active control key indicating an active control function that is available for selection by a user. The user selects a desired active control function by touching a probe to the user interface panel in a location corresponding to a touch zone defined for the active control key that indicates the desired active control function. Expanded touch zones for each active control key are defined, the expanded touch zone for each active control key having an area that is larger than the corresponding display area for the control key.