Abstract: A device and method for forming a tubular braid comprising a plurality of filaments. The braiding machine comprises a disc with a mandrel extending from the center in a perpendicular direction and a plurality of catch mechanisms arranged circumferentially around the edge of the disc. A plurality of filaments are temporarily affixed to the mandrel, each filament extending from the mandrel toward the edge of the disc and engaging the edge of the disc at a discrete point of engagement. The plurality of catch mechanisms are attached to actuators adapted to move the catch mechanisms in a generally radial direction relative to the edge of the disc to allow the catch mechanism to engage a subset of the filaments and move the engaged filaments beyond the circumferential edge of the disc.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on an optical switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a tubular braid comprising a plurality of filaments. The braiding machine comprises a disc with a mandrel extending from the center in a perpendicular direction and a plurality of catch mechanisms arranged circumferentially around the edge of the disc. A plurality of filaments are temporarily affixed to the mandrel, each filament extending from the mandrel toward the edge of the disc and engaging the edge of the disc at a discrete point of engagement. The plurality of catch mechanisms are attached to actuators adapted to move the catch mechanisms in a generally radial direction relative to the edge of the disc to allow the catch mechanism to engage a subset of the filaments and move the engaged filaments beyond the circumferential edge of the disc.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming a tubular braid comprising a plurality of filaments. The braiding machine includes a circular array of filament guiding members defining a plane; a mandrel defining an axis and adapted to carry one or more filaments extending from the mandrel to the circular array; a plurality of filaments extending from the mandrel in a radial array; a plurality of actuator mechanisms disposed operably about the disc; and a rotating mechanism adapted to rotate one or more filaments. The actuator mechanisms and rotating mechanism are configured to move each of the one or more filaments about the mandrel axis in a path comprising a series of arcs and radial movements. The braiding machine may alternately first and second annular members, a mandrel, first and second plurality of tubular wire guides, and a plurality of wires extending from the mandrel.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling illumination means in a display includes illumination means arranged in a series-connection that are supplied with an essentially constant current. For individually controlling the illumination means, switches are provided for bypassing individual illumination means, maintaining the essentially constant current in the series-connection. The switches are floating with respect to a ground potential. A coupling means is thus provided for proper control of the switches. In a development of the invention a floating local power supply is provided with each illumination means and switch for operating the switch. The local power supply is, in one embodiment, powered by the control signal that is used for controlling the bypass switch. In another embodiment provision is made for supplying power to the floating local power supply. A driving method according to the embodiments of the circuit is also described.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a tubular braid comprising a plurality of filaments. The braiding machine comprises a disc with a mandrel extending from the center in a perpendicular direction and a plurality of catch mechanisms arranged circumferentially around the edge of the disc. A plurality of filaments are temporarily affixed to the mandrel, each filament extending from the mandrel toward the edge of the disc and engaging the edge of the disc at a discrete point of engagement The plurality of catch mechanisms are attached to actuators adapted to move the catch mechanisms in a generally radial direction relative to the edge of the disc to allow the catch mechanism to engage a subset of the filaments and move the engaged filaments beyond the circumferential edge of the disc.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments may include a permeable shell and inner structure configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.

Abstract: The external power supply comprises a modem, a power source for providing an operating voltage for the modem and a supply voltage for an appliance and a power safe control. The power safe control comprises a current sense element for sensing a supply current of the supply voltage and a threshold circuit coupled to the current sense element for switching off the operating voltage when the supply current is below a threshold value, and for switching on the operating voltage when the supply current is above the threshold value. The appliance is in a preferred. embodiment a residential gateway or a set-top box and the modem a power line communication modem.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for generating a rectangular sustain voltage between the line scanning electrodes and the line common electrodes of luminous cells in a plasma panel. The device includes a first sustain amplifier connected to the line scanning electrode of the cells to produce the transitions of the first sustain voltage signal, and a second sustain amplifier connected to the line common electrode of the cells to produce the transitions of the second sustain voltage signal. It also includes an insulated voltage supply circuit which is connected directly to the line scanning electrodes and to the line common electrodes of the cells in order to hold the end-of-transition voltage on said line scanning electrodes and said line common electrodes.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments may include a permeable shell and inner structure configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.

Abstract: A cryocatheter system includes a first handle portion having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path; a second handle portion having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path; and a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path. The distal end of the first handle portion is matable with the proximal end of the second handle portion to place the respective first and second fluid flow paths of each handle portion in fluid communication; and the distal end of the second handle portion is matable with the proximal end of the catheter to place the respective first and second fluid flow paths of the second handle portion and the catheter in fluid communication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and compositions for the differential expansion of fetal cells over maternal cells. In the method, cells from a sample of maternal blood containing CD34+ cells of both maternal and fetal origin are incubated in the presence of Stem Cell Factor in serum free media. It has been discovered that incubation of fetal cells in the presence of SCF will preferentially expand the fetal cells relative to adult cells. Fetal cells can also be identified, enriched or obtained by differential expansion of the fetal cells during colony formation. It has been discovered that differential expansion of fetal cells can result in colonies of fetal cells that are larger than colonies of adult cells. The fetal CD34+ cells can be expanded without generation of significant clonal genetic artifacts during expansion. Also disclosed is a method and compositions for producing differentiated fetal cells.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on an optical switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on an optical switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format.

Abstract: An elongated catheter device with a distal balloon assembly is adapted for endovascular insertion. Coolant injected through the device may, in different embodiments, directly cool tissue contacting the balloon, or may cool a separate internal chamber. In the first case, the coolant also inflates the balloon, and spent coolant is returned to the handle via a return passage extending through the body of the catheter. Plural balloons may be provided, wherein a secondary outer balloon surrounds a primary inner balloon, the primary balloon being filled with coolant and acting as the cooling chamber, the secondary balloon being coupled to a vacuum return lumen to serve as a robust leak containment device and thermal insulator around the cooling chamber. Various configurations, such as surface modification of the balloon interface, or placement of particles, coatings, or expandable meshes or coils in the balloon interface, may be employed to achieve this function.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature with some embodiments configured for delivery with a microcatheter for treatment of the cerebral vasculature of a patient. Some embodiments may include a permeable shell configured to occlude blood flow therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a prosthetic device through the vasculature of a patient includes a radially expandable member coupled to the distal end of an elongate shaft. The expandable member has an open frame configuration and an outer mounting surface for mounting the prosthetic device in a collapsed state thereon. The expandable member expands radially outwards from a first configuration to a second configuration to expand a prosthetic device mounted thereon.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for generating a rectangular sustain voltage between the line scanning electrodes and the line common electrodes of luminous cells in a plasma panel. The device includes a first sustain amplifier connected to the line scanning electrode of the cells to produce the transitions of the first sustain voltage signal, and a second sustain amplifier connected to the line common electrode of the cells to produce the transitions of the second sustain voltage signal. It also includes an insulated voltage supply circuit which is connected directly to the line scanning electrodes and to the line common electrodes of the cells in order to hold the end-of-transition voltage on said line scanning electrodes and said line common electrodes.

Abstract: The switched mode power supply comprises an inductor, a switching transistor coupled in series with the inductor, and a rectifier circuit. The rectifier circuit comprises a switch coupled with the inductor for a rectification of an output voltage and a control circuit operating in a monostable mode. The switch is operated in particular in a synchronous mode with the same switching frequency as the switching transistor. The rectifier circuit can be used advantageously with a switched mode power supply having a push-pull half-bridge configuration and operating as a resonant converter or a quasi-resonant converter with soft switching for an application within a plasma television set.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on a switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format. Optical and/or fluidic switching forces are used alone or in combination to effect switching.