Abstract: A collision avoidance system including a control module, a first transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal, a first receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device, a second transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal, and a second receiving device connected to the control module device, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device, wherein the control module includes measurement circuitry used to measure the first and second return signals and display means for displaying a transverse location of an object as a function

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for characterizing an overhead line. A radar signal is propagated in a region that includes at least a portion of the overhead line and a reference object, which may, for example, be a ground surface, growth over a ground surface, or another overhead line. A reflected radar signal is received from the overhead line and the reference object. A determination is made of a geometric relationship between the overhead line and the reference object, such as by determining a minimal separation between the overhead line and the reference object.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for characterizing an overhead line. A radar signal is propagated in a region that includes at least a portion of the overhead line and a reference object, which may, for example, be a ground surface, growth over a ground surface, or another overhead line. A reflected radar signal is received from the overhead line and the reference object. A determination is made of a geometric relationship between the overhead line and the reference object, such as by determining a minimal separation between the overhead line and the reference object.

Abstract: A radar source is configured on a vehicle, which may be an airborne vehicle such as a helicopter. An arrangement of at least one computer system is provided in communication with the radar source and configured to accept instructions from an operator and to operate the radar source. As the vehicle moves in the vicinity of a subterranean volume along a navigation path, a radar signal is propagated with the radar source into the subterranean volume. A reflected radar signal from a subterranean object within the subterranean volume is received. Physical characteristics of the subterranean object are ascertained from the reflected radar signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for safely attaching a conduit to the heart, such as a conduit for connection to an implantable blood pump, or to a blood vessel, as in a heart bypass graft, without the need for a cardiopulmonary bypass. The apparatus can include an enclosure attachable to the heart and having sealed within the enclosure at least part of a coring tool and one end of the conduit which will be attached to the heart. A heart attachment member can be affixed to the enclosure for facilitating attachment of the apparatus to the heart and the coring tool can have a cutting member and a member for holding the tissue to be cut from the heart. All air can be evacuated from the enclosure prior to cutting tissue from the heart and attachment of the conduit.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying an anomaly in an electrically insulative component of a structure, such as an insulator on a utility or telecommunications pole, are provided. Locations for the structure and electrically insulative component are identified. A radar signal is propagated towards the electrically insulative component with a radar antenna while the radar antenna is motion along a navigation path in the vicinity of the structure. A reflected radar signal is received from the electrically insulative component, from which a determination is made whether the electrically insulative component contains the anomaly.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying an anomaly in an insulative component of a structure, such as an insulator on a utility or telecommunications pole, are provided. Locations for the structure and insulative component are identified. A radar signal is propagated towards the insulative component with a radar antenna while the radar antenna is motion along a navigation path in the vicinity of the structure. A reflected radar signal is received from the insulative component, from which a determination is made whether the insulative component contains the anomaly.

Abstract: A radar source is configured on a vehicle, which may be an airborne vehicle such as a helicopter. An arrangement of at least one computer system is provided in communication with the radar source and configured to accept instructions from an operator and to operate the radar source. As the vehicle moves in the vicinity of a subterranean volume along a navigation path, a radar signal is propagated with the radar source into the subterranean volume. A reflected radar signal from a subterranean object within the subterranean volume is received. Physical characteristics of the subterranean object are ascertained from the reflected radar signal.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing a wooden structure, such as a utility or telecommunications pole, are provided. A location for the wooden structure is identified. A first radar signal is propagated towards the wooden structure with a radar antenna while the radar antenna is motion along a navigation path in the vicinity of the wooden structure. A reflected radar signal is received from the wooden structure, from which a determination is made whether the wooden structure contains a structural anomaly.

Abstract: A blood pump apparatus can include a pump housing having a drive chamber containing a drive mechanism. A cupped member can be connected to the housing and the drive mechanism can include a motor for rotating an eccentric shaft. A pumping arm can be provided having one end riding on the eccentric shaft, an intermediate portion pivotably attached to the housing and another end connected to a movable plate. A roller bearing can be mounted on the eccentric shaft on which the arm can ride. A compressible blood chamber having an inlet and an outlet connected can be provided sandwiched between the cupped portion and the movable plate. The motor thus rotates the cam causing the pumping arm to pivot which cycles the movable plate against the blood chamber to pump blood. The movable plate can be implanted adjacent a lung such that the lung moves with the plate as blood is pumped and thereby functions as a compliance chamber. A speed reducer can be provided between the motor and the eccentric shaft.

Abstract: A blood pump apparatus can include a pump housing having a drive chamber containing a drive mechanism. A cupped member can be connected to the housing and the drive mechanism can include a motor for rotating an eccentric shaft. A pumping arm can be provided having one end riding on the eccentric shaft, an intermediate portion pivotably attached to the housing and another end connected to a movable plate. A roller bearing can be mounted on the eccentric shaft on which the arm can ride. A compressible blood chamber having an inlet and an outlet connected can be provided sandwiched between the cupped portion and the movable plate. The motor thus rotates the cam causing the pumping arm to pivot which cycles the movable plate against the blood chamber to pump blood. The movable plate can be implanted adjacent a lung such that the lung moves with the plate as blood is pumped and thereby functions as a compliance chamber. A speed reducer can be provided between the motor and the eccentric shaft.