Abstract: The Antenna Beam Pointing System is a novel system and method to point a satellite terminal antenna beams to a satellite in near-circular orbit. Unlike other methods, the system described herein relies on the satellite orbital equations of motion to estimate its position with any precision, using a finite-term algebraic expression, and the satellite terminal position information. The system can point to the satellite as a function of the beamforming capabilities of the phased array antenna or the driving system of a mechanically steered antenna. Satellite acquisition could be attained within one second because of the long-term prediction of the orbital equations of motion with programmed initial orbit conditions and the antenna beamwidth which is wide enough to encompass the satellite uncertainty box in orbit. The system could be used with a beacon signal strength indicator or a correlating signal. The system is also applicable for satellites in elliptical orbits.

Abstract: The Pedicle Endoscope represents a new way to image the insertion of screws in vertebrae with the aid of fiber optics. The endoscope can operate in the visible and infrared spectra and is used in conjunction with a polyaxial or multiaxial screwdriver assembly. The mechanical assembly is comprised of a screwdriver, a polyaxial or multiaxial shaft, and a pedicle screw. The polyaxial shaft is inserted in the screwdriver and this assembly couples with the pedicle screw. Once this mechanical assembly is integrated, the endoscope is inserted through a bore that runs along the polyaxial shaft and the pedicle screw and it comes out of the screw tip, imaging the progression of the screw as it penetrates the incision in the vertebra. The endoscope consists of three fiber cores, one for imaging and two for illumination and a conduit for irrigation and air suction.

Abstract: The RF Probe is a radiofrequency device designed to determine the composition of multilayer media by transmitting pulses which are reflected at medium boundaries and received by the device. The device consists of a signal transmitter which synthesizes the probing pulses and a receiver which receives the pulses and performs processing to determine the radiometric composition of the media or objects by analyzing the phase shift of reflected pulses. The RF Probe uses a method to identify medium composition in terms of conductivity, permittivity, permeability and impedance by calculating the phase shift of reflected pulses.

Abstract: The Radiofrequency Identification and Location System represents a novel system and method for locating a Remote Transceiver by means of a Tracking Transceiver whereby the Tracking Transceiver transmits its identification (ID) to the Remote Transceiver which responds with its own ID. The IDs consist of unique PN code sequences which alternately can be PN cover codes and orthogonal codes. A Remote Transceiver can respond to multiple Tracking Transceivers simultaneously while a Tracking Transceiver can receive from multiple Remote Transceivers. By measuring the transit time of its transmitted PN code with respect to the PN code received from a Remote Transceiver, the Tracking Transceiver can measure the distance to that Remote Transceiver and home in gradually.

Abstract: The Multi-Thread Iliac Screw represents a novel way to embed fasteners in the ilium by improving fixation of said fasteners in the different parts of the iliac bone tissue. The screw consists of a saddle with a locking screw and fastener with three types of threads to provide a more mechanically stable embedding of the fastener in the iliac bone. The saddle receives a spinal stabilizing rod, which is part of another vertebral mechanical system, and, as such, the saddle provides an anchor point to the stabilizing rod. In another embodiment, the saddle is designed with an integrated rod on its side, which mates to another hollow rod integrated to a cube-shaped connector, thereby replacing the stabilizing rod. The connector provides the interface to the rest of the vertebral mechanical system.

Abstract: The Infrared Endoscopic Probe represents a new instrument to bore pilot holes in vertebra pedicles while imaging the operation in the infrared spectrum with an integrated fiber optics endoscope. The pilot holes are bored to provide entry points for pedicle screws that serve as anchor points for spine stabilizing rods to treat several spine conditions. The device consists of a metal body that terminates in a tapered incision tip, an endoscope that runs inside said metal body, a handle to drive the device into pedicle boney tissue and a fiber optics harness that enters the device handle and is used to connect to imaging, illumination, irrigation and suction devices to enable the endoscopic functions of the device. The fiber optics harness connects to an imaging camera that provides an electrical signal to a monitor to view the operation in real time. A method is described to accomplish this procedure.

Abstract: ViSTORE is a video teleconferencing system used with networked devices and is capable of storing all or parts of video conferencing sessions on demand that can be played back at a later time. The system consists of a web portal, where all multimedia data is stored, and a software application hosted in the networked devices. The networked devices can be any wired or wireless devices such as laptops and smart phones. The system is capable of hosting multiple videoconferencing parties and each user is capable of storing any part of a given user video session. The system also can play concurrently video feeds, such as a live TV channel, or video clips, such as those of news websites. In addition, the system can display simultaneously multimedia such as photos and images. Finally, the system allows user to create and display notes and MS Office applications files.

Abstract: The invention, the Image Viewer system, represents a new way to store and access medical images such as scans and X-rays. The invention is comprised of the web portal design, including the web browser layout, and the software application. A patient's medical images, created during an imaging session, are stored at a central location, a web portal, by medical personnel who catalog and code the images using the software application or a web browser. The images stored at the portal can be accessed by any networked device with a web browser or the software application from any connection to the Internet. The connection to the Internet can be wired or wireless, such as WiFi or cellular. Networked devices include PCs, tablets, laptops and smart phones. Physicians with a network device can retrieve images and enter data in the web portal, including diagnoses and personal information. Patients with a networked device can access the portal to download images or to enter their personal profile.