Abstract: A biopsy device includes a flexible distal portion for obtaining a biopsy sample from a biopsy site. The device includes a coring cannula with a wall defined between a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen therebetween. The wall of the cannula defines a coring relief notch adjacent the distal end has a length along a longitudinal axis of the cannula longer than a diameter of the coring cannula. A wire is slidably disposable within the lumen of the coring cannula and has a proximal end and a distal end and defines a sampling cavity adjacent the distal end. A wire relief notch is positioned adjacent the sampling cavity. The wire relief notch has a length along a longitudinal axis of the wire longer than a width of the wire relief notch.

Abstract: A disposable tissue removal device comprises a “tube within a tube” cutting element mounted to a handpiece. The inner cannula of the cutting element defines an inner lumen and terminates in an inwardly beveled, razor-sharp cutting edge. The inner cannula is driven by both a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. At the end of its stroke, the inner cannula makes contact with the cutting board to completely sever the tissue. An aspiration vacuum is applied to the inner lumen to aspirate excised tissue through the inner cannula and into a collection trap that is removably mounted to the handpiece. The rotary and reciprocating motors are hydraulically powered through a foot pedal operated hydraulic circuit. The entire biopsy device is configured to be disposable. In one embodiment, the cutting element includes a cannula hub that can be connected to a fluid source, such as a valve-controlled saline bag.

Abstract: A system and method of generating an immersive digital image sequence capable of providing a perception of self-motion, includes the steps of: generating the digital image sequence; and adjusting the digital image sequence to control the perception of self-motion, whereby the degree of motion sickness induced in a viewer of the digital image sequence is controlled.

Abstract: A method and system for non-vascular sensor implantation. An implant unit is implanted in an area of a body and a foreign body capsule is allowed to form around the area of the implant unit. The sensor may be directed into a body cavity such as, for example, the peritoneal space, subcutaneous tissues, the foreign body capsule, or other area of the body. A subcutaneous area of the body may be tunneled to place the sensor. The system may include an implant unit such as, for example, for delivering drug to a human body and a sensor for detecting a physiological parameter. The sensor may be separate from and connectable to the implant unit and may be placed in a non-vascular area of the human body.

Abstract: A system and method of generating an immersive digital image sequence capable of providing a perception of self-motion, includes the steps of: generating the digital image sequence; and adjusting the digital image sequence to control the perception of self-motion, whereby the degree of motion sickness induced in a viewer of the digital image sequence is controlled.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying an image, includes steps and means for: storing image data in a manner that enables retrieval of different spatial regions of an image at different fidelities; determining an viewer's point of gaze on a display; retrieving image data for each spatial region of an image at a fidelity that is a decreasing function of the distance of the regions from the point of gaze; and displaying the retrieved image data on the display;

Abstract: A system and method for providing closed loop infusion formulation delivery which accurately calculates a delivery amount based on a sensed biological state by adjusting an algorithm's programmable control parameters. The algorithm calculates a delivery amount having proportional, derivative, and basal rate components. The control parameters may be adjusted in real time to compensate for changes in a sensed biological state that may result from daily events. Safety limits on the delivery amount may be included in the algorithm. The algorithm may be executed by a computing element within a process controller for controlling closed loop infusion formulation delivery. The biological state is sensed by a sensing device which provides a signal to the controller. The controller calculates an infusion formulation delivery amount based on the signal and sends commands to an infusion formulation delivery device which delivers an amount of infusion formulation determined by the commands.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for dynamically modifying both the luminance and contrast of an image as it is displayed on a display unit in response to changing lighting conditions. Sensors are utilized to continually measure the luminance of the light illuminating the display unit and the display surround luminance. Measurement signals generated by the light sensors are processed to provide display luminance and contrast adjustment control signals that gradually cause the adjustment of the display unit's luminance and contrast in response thereto. Continual adjustment of the luminance and contrast of a display unit according to changing lighting conditions such that the brightness and contrast perception of the displayed image remains constant under the varying conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for depositing objects into tissue of an animal. The devices include a cannula having a proximal-end and an opposite distal end insertable into tissue and defining an exit aperture. The cannula has a sidewall between the distal and proximal ends and defines a passageway in communication with the exit aperture. A distal retaining tab extends from an inner surface of the cannula and is positioned across at least a portion of the passageway adjacent the exit aperture. The distal tab has a first closed position blocking the passageway and a second open position wherein the tab is urged towards the sidewall to allow an object to pass. The tab is resilient to return to the first position after the object passes the tab. In some embodiments, the invention also includes a proximal retaining tab adjacent the proximal end of the cannula and positionable to block a portion of the passageway.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic image display apparatus (10) that adapts to sensed feedback data about an observer (12) in order to conform its operation to adapt to the position and intraocular dimensions of the observer. The apparatus (10) uses ball lens projection optics to provide wide field-of-view pupil imaging, providing separate left- and right-eye images to the left and right eye pupils (14l,14r) of the observer (12), respectively. The apparatus (10) compensates for positional variables such as variable interocular distance and variable observer distance from projection optics. At least one observer feedback sensor (52) is disposed to provide feedback data about the observer (12). The feedback data can be used by a control logic processor (50) that, based on the data, adjusts left- and right viewing pupil forming apparatus (36l,36r). The control logic processor (50), based on sensed feedback data, may also vary image content or provide other stimuli such as smell, movement, and sound.

Abstract: A camera incorporates a working memory (124) for storing a working image corresponding to the last captured image. The working image is displayed on a display screen (36) in a quick review mode of operation in response to a quick review signal entered by the camera operator via a camera control interface (74) to control processing circuitry (68,72) of the camera. The processing circuitry controls the display screen to keep it in an inactive state until the quick review signal is entered, and returns it to an inactive state after a predetermined time period or when the quick review signal is discontinued to conserve energy. In addition, the working image is displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether a non-volatile memory is available in the camera or, in the case of a hybrid camera, whether a film cartridge is contained in a film chamber (98) of the camera.

Abstract: A method and structure for determining overall lightness contrast of an image includes extracting pixel values from the image, calculating an image edge contrast based on the pixel values, calculating an area contrast based on the pixel values, calculating image range based on the pixel values, calculating relative average lightness based on the pixel values, and calculating the overall lightness contrast of the image by combining the edge contrast, the image range, the area contrast and the relative average lightness.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a video display, including the steps of providing a mathematical model of the display that relates code values to luminance output of the display, the model having a parameter that characterizes the display; displaying a reference patch and a test patch simultaneously on the display, the reference patch having a reference brightness produced by one or more luminances and the test patch having an test brightness produced by rapidly switching back and forth between two luminances; observing the display while varying one of the luminances keeping the others fixed, until the apparent brightness of the reference patch matches the apparent brightness of the test patch, and recording the code values employed to produce the luminances when a best match is made, and using the mathematical model, and the recorded code values to determine the value of the parameter that characterizes the display.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for depositing objects into tissue of an animal. The devices include a cannula having a proximal end and an opposite distal end insertable into tissue and. defining an exit aperture. The cannula has a sidewall between the distal and proximal ends and defines a passageway in communication with the exit aperture. A distal retaining tab extends from an inner surface of the cannula and is positioned across at least a portion of the passageway adjacent the exit aperture. The distal tab has a first closed position blocking the passageway and a second open position wherein the tab is urged towards the sidewall to allow an object to pass. The tab is resilient to return to the first position after the object passes. the tab. In some embodiments, the invention also includes a proximal retaining tab adjacent the proximal end of the cannula and positionable to block a portion of the passageway.

Abstract: A guide (100) is provided for biopsy and microtherapy which includes an introducer cannula (120) defining a lumen (125) sized to receive a diagnostic or therapeutic item therethrough and a lateral opening (124) in communication with the lumen (125) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The invention also includes a solid tip (130) having an anatomically distal end (131) secured to the first end (121) of the cannula (120) and a proximal end (132) configured to pierce tissue. A ramp (135) is disposed within the cannula (120) at an end (136) of the lateral opening (124) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The ramp (135) is inclined toward the lateral opening (124), whereby the item will be deflected through the lateral opening (124) as it advances within the lumen (125) and exits the cannula (120). In some embodiments, the item is a biopsy needle, ablation means or a radiopharmaceutical seed.

Abstract: A camera incorporates a working memory (124) for storing a working image corresponding to the last captured image. The working image is displayed on a display screen (36) in a quick review mode of operation in response to a quick review signal entered by the camera operator via a camera control interface (74) to control processing circuitry (68,72) of the camera. The processing circuitry controls the display screen to keep it in an inactive state until the quick review signal is entered, and returns it to an inactive state after a predetermined time period or when the quick review signal is discontinued to conserve energy. In addition, the working image is displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether a non-volatile memory is available in the camera or, in the case of a hybrid camera, whether a film cartridge is contained in a film chamber (98) of the camera.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a flexible distal portion for obtaining a biopsy sample from a biopsy site. The device includes a coring cannula with a wall defined between a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen therebetween. The wall of the cannula defines a coring relief notch adjacent the distal end that has a length along a longitudinal axis of the cannula longer than a diameter of the coring cannula. A wire is slidably disposable within the lumen of the coring cannula and has a proximal end and a distal end and defines a sampling cavity adjacent the distal end. A wire relief notch is positioned adjacent the sampling cavity. The wire relief notch has a length along a longitudinal axis of the wire longer than a width of the wire relief notch.

Abstract: Bone marrow biopsy devices, assemblies and methods are provided for extracting bone marrow tissue samples. The assemblies include an outer cannula or biopsy needle and a biopsy extractor sized for insertion into the proximal end of the outer cannula. The biopsy needle includes a tapered portion at the distal end. The extractor includes a cannula and a distal working end. The distal working end has a diameter larger than the diameter of the tapered portion of the biopsy needle lumen. The working end includes a body portion adjacent the cannula and a cutting head having a cutting tip. A hinge is engaged between the body portion and the cutting tip. The hinge allows the cutting head to bend when pushed into the tapered distal end of the outer cannula allowing the cutting tip to sever the tissue sample.

Abstract: A disposable tissue removal device comprises a “tube within a tube” cutting element mounted to a handpiece. The inner cannula of the cutting element defines an inner lumen and terminates in an inwardly beveled, razor-sharp cutting edge. The inner cannula is driven by both a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. At the end of its stroke, the inner cannula makes contact with the cutting board to completely sever the tissue. An aspiration vacuum is applied to the inner lumen to aspirate excised tissue through the inner cannula and into a collection trap that is removably mounted to the handpiece. The rotary and reciprocating motors are hydraulically powered through a foot pedal operated hydraulic circuit. The entire biopsy device is configured to be disposable. In one embodiment, the cutting element includes a cannula hub that can be connected to a fluid source, such as a valve-controlled saline bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for dynamically modifying both the luminance and contrast of an image as it is displayed on a display unit in response to changing lighting conditions. Sensors are utilized to continually measure the luminance of the light illuminating the display unit and the display surround luminance. Measurement signals generated by the light sensors are processed to provide display luminance and contrast adjustment control signals that gradually cause the adjustment of the display unit's luminance and contrast in response thereto. Continual adjustment of the luminance and contrast of a display unit according to changing lighting conditions such that the brightness and contrast perception of the displayed image remains constant under the varying conditions.