Abstract: Various embodiments of multielectrode radiofrequency (RF) ablation probes are described herein that disclose methods and apparatus for improved control and predictability of the size and shape of RF thermal electrocoagulations. The features of the invention include the ability to make irregularly shaped ablations in order to conform to irregularly shaped target tissue volumes, and to make very large ablations without the requirement for electrode cooling.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application sets forth a method for detecting cancerous cells in a sample of excised tissue. The method includes a first subset of electrodes included in an electrode array measuring, at a first operating frequency, a first impedance of a first section of the sample. The method also includes computing a first Cole relaxation frequency for the first section of the sample based on the first impedance. The method also includes determining that the first section of the sample contains cancerous cells based on the first Cole relaxation frequency.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application sets forth a method for detecting cancerous cells in a sample of excised tissue. The method includes a first subset of electrodes included in an electrode array measuring, at a first operating frequency, a first impedance of a first section of the sample. The method also includes computing a first Cole relaxation frequency for the first section of the sample based on the first impedance. The method also includes determining that the first section of the sample contains cancerous cells based on the first Cole relaxation frequency.

Abstract: A light detector includes a semiconductor die that provides a photo sensor. An interference filter is formed on the semiconductor die and has a pass band corresponding to a wavelength of a light emitting diode to supply filtered light in the pass band to the photo sensor.

Abstract: A technique for arbitrating conflicting usage of a communications channel of a wearable communications device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a method includes transmitting a voice signal from a microphone to a portable device using a first communications channel in a first mode of operating a system. The method includes transmitting a monitor signal to the portable device using the first communications channel for a predetermined period of time in response to detection of a beacon signal initiated by an application executing on the portable device. The first and second signals may be ultrasonic signals received over the first communications channel and may have the same frequency and different phases. The beacon signal may be detected based on the first and second signals. The first communications channel may include an audio jack of the portable device.

Abstract: A technique for arbitrating conflicting usage of a communications channel of a wearable communications device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a method includes transmitting a voice signal from a microphone to a portable device using a first communications channel in a first mode of operating a system. The method includes transmitting a monitor signal to the portable device using the first communications channel for a predetermined period of time in response to detection of a beacon signal initiated by an application executing on the portable device. The first and second signals may be ultrasonic signals received over the first communications channel and may have the same frequency and different phases. The beacon signal may be detected based on the first and second signals. The first communications channel may include an audio jack of the portable device.

Abstract: A light detector includes a semiconductor die that provides a photo sensor. An interference filter is formed on the semiconductor die and has a pass band corresponding to a wavelength of a light emitting diode to supply filtered light in the pass band to the photo sensor.