Abstract: An implantable tissue marker device is provided to be placed in a soft tissue site through a surgical incision. The device can include a bioabsorbable body in the form of a spiral and defining a spheroid shape for the device, the spiral having a longitudinal axis, and turns of the spiral being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A plurality of markers can be disposed on the body, the markers being visualizable by a radiographic imaging device. The turns of the spiral are sufficiently spaced apart to form gaps that allow soft tissue to infiltrate between the turns and to allow flexibility in the device along the longitudinal axis in the manner of a spring.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for determining the logarithmic transfer function of a plurality of analog signals using digital circuitry components. The apparatus is a digital crystal video receiver that includes an analog-to-digital converter and a programmable logic component that determines the logarithmic transfer function of plurality of signals. The programmable logic component may include a FPGA, microprocessor, macroprocessor, combinations of discrete logic components, etc. The programmable logic component includes memory having one of a look-up table and an instruction set that enables the programmable logic component to process or calculate a signal that is logarithmically proportional to the plurality of signals.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for determining the logarithmic transfer function of a plurality of analog signals using digital circuitry components. The apparatus is a digital crystal video receiver that includes an analog-to-digital converter and a programmable logic component that determines the logarithmic transfer function of plurality of signals. The programmable logic component may include a FPGA, microprocessor, macroprocessor, combinations of discrete logic components, etc. The programmable logic component includes memory having one of a look-up table and an instruction set that enables the programmable logic component to process or calculate a signal that is logarithmically proportional to the plurality of signals.

Abstract: A marine docking device according to the present invention includes a fender having a first end coupled to a first arm by a first attachment member and a second end coupled to a second arm by a second attachment member. The first attachment member and the second attachment member are configured to prevent the fender from rotating about a longitudinal axis that passes through the first end and the second end. The first arm includes a compression assembly that facilitates movement of the first end between a first position and a second position. The compression assembly includes a tubular member that is slidable within a sleeve. A spring is compressed between a first spring abutment provided on the sleeve and a second spring abutment provided on the tubular member. The first spring abutment is continuously urged toward an advanced position by the spring.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of &bgr; phase copper phthalocyanine pigment which includes dry grinding crude copper phthalocyanine in the absence of a grinding aid to obtain a crude mill; and conditioning the crude mill in about 5 to 50 wt. % based on the weight of the crude mill of a conditioning solvent.