Abstract: A method for the real-time visualization and detection of extravasated and or infiltrated fluid and substances, including blood, that occur near the cannulation site of an injection is described wherein illumination or transillumination with near infrared light is used to image the contrast in real-time between absorbing and nonabsorbing subdermal and intradermal structures of blood vessels and remaining surrounding tissue, foreign substances and other structures in order to establish a baseline image of the body area of interest, and any new image is monitored and compared with the baseline image to detect the extravasation and/or infiltration of fluids and substances, including blood, around a vein or artery into the subdermal or intradermal tissue.

Abstract: A system for real-time visualization of subdermal structures of a mammal, using near-infrared (nIR) illumination source, a support structure with independently articulating arms for attaching a camera and a visual display screen, a controller for the camera and nIR illumination source. The camera includes a zoom lens that provides a detection field of view at a long working distance to avoid the camera obstructing the view of the medical personnel when performing a medical procedure on the mammalian body part. A targeting system indicates a focus location of the zoom lens and a center of detection field of view. An nIR bandpass filter and image processor convert the captured and filtered trans-illuminating nIR light to an image signal. An interfaced computer can operate on a commercial or proprietary operating systems and operates image enhancement software and image archival, distribution and display.

Abstract: System and method are described for synchronizing a pulsed source of the near infrared illumination used in visualizing subcutaneous structures with the background illumination normally extant in medical treatment settings that allow both enhanced image acquisition and use of higher power pulsed infrared illumination sources.

Abstract: A disposable light source device for the non-invasive visualization of veins, arteries or other subcutaneous structures of and objects in the body, or for facilitating and monitoring intravenous insertion or extraction of fluids, including a conforming layer for interfacing and optically coupling with the body surface, and adhering the device to the body portion, and a main light source for directing near infrared light through the conforming layer to illuminate the body. The disposable light source device can also include a light transmissive and electrically insulative layer that is disposed between and electrically insulates the main light source from the body-contacting conforming layer. The disposable light source device can also include a proximity sensor that controls activation of the first light source such that the light source is on only when the conforming layer is brought into proximity to the body surface.

Abstract: System and method are described for synchronizing a pulsed source of the near infrared illumination used in visualizing subcutaneous structures with the background illumination normally extant in medical treatment settings that allow both enhanced image acquisition and use of higher power pulsed infrared illumination sources.

Abstract: Catheterization device and method of using are provided for uniquely illuminating the distal end of the device in order to visualize the end-point location and orientation and to track the movement of the catheterization device within passageways in the body. Use of the present invention by tracking in real time with an imaging device sensitive to visible to near infrared light. The invention allows the insertion and tracking of substantially any catheterization type device, for substantially any procedure requiring vascular access, such as in the placement of a PICC line, for heart catheterization or angioplasty, or for urinary track catheterization, or other bodily access procedure. The invention permits a technician to determine placement, orientation and movement of the device noninvasive equipment, without subjecting the patient to the hazards associated with ionizing radiation, radio frequency energy or significant thermal energy.

Abstract: Catheterization device and method of using are provided for uniquely illuminating the distal end of the device in order to visualize the end-point location and orientation and to track the movement of the catheterization device within passageways in the body. Use of the present invention by tracking in real time with an imaging device sensitive to visible to near infrared light. The invention allows the insertion and tracking of substantially any catheterization type device, for substantially any procedure requiring vascular access, such as in the placement of a PICC line, for heart catheterization or angioplasty, or for urinary track catheterization, or other bodily access procedure. The invention permits a technician to determine placement, orientation and movement of the device noninvasive equipment, without subjecting the patient to the hazards associated with ionizing radiation, radio frequency energy or significant thermal energy.

Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments, a computer system include a chassis and a main airflow channel within the chassis. The computer system also includes multiple processors and multiple memory banks positioned in the main airflow channel. The computer system also includes a removable airflow guide assembly installed in the main airflow channel, wherein the removable airflow guide assembly divides the main airflow channel into a processor-side airflow channel and a memory-side airflow channel.

Abstract: A multi-layered structure in the form of a disposable patch is described for supporting a light source and useful in conjunction with procedures for the non-invasive visualization of veins, arteries or other subcutaneous structures of the body or for facilitating intravenous insertion or extraction of fluids, medication or the like, which in a representative embodiment includes a coupling layer for interfacing and optically coupling with the body surface and conforming to the surface topography of the body portion of interest, a ring for supporting a light source, and a reflective layer between the source and coupling layer for redirecting light reflected from the body surface back through the coupling layer.

Abstract: Catheterization device and method of using are provided for uniquely illuminating the distal end of the device in order to visualize the end-point location and orientation and to track the movement of the catheterization device within passageways in the body. Use of the present invention by tracking in real time with an imaging device sensitive to visible to near infrared light. The invention allows the insertion and tracking of substantially any catheterization type device, for substantially any procedure requiring vascular access, such as in the placement of a PICC line, for heart catheterization or angioplasty, or for urinary track catheterization, or other bodily access procedure. The invention permits a technician to determine placement, orientation and movement of the device noninvasive equipment, without subjecting the patient to the hazards associated with ionizing radiation, radio frequency energy or significant thermal energy.

Abstract: A MEMS switch fabrication process and apparatus inclusive of a bulbous rounded surface movable contact assembly that is integral with the switch movable element and achieving of long contact wear life with low contact electrical resistance. The disclosed process is compatible with semiconductor integrated circuit fabrication materials and procedures and includes an unusual photoresist reflow step in which the bulbous contact shape is quickly defined in three dimensions from more easily achieved integrated circuit mask and etching-defined precursor shapes. A plurality of differing photoresist materials are used in the process. A large part of the contact and contact spring formation used in the invention is accomplished with low temperature processing including electroplating. Alternate processing steps achieving an alloy metal contact structure are included. Use of a subroutine of processing steps to achieve differing but related portions of the electrical contact structure is also included.

Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments, a computer system include a chassis and a main airflow channel within the chassis. The computer system also includes multiple processors and multiple memory banks positioned in the main airflow channel. The computer system also includes a removable airflow guide assembly installed in the main airflow channel, wherein the removable airflow guide assembly divides the main airflow channel into a processor-side airflow channel and a memory-side airflow channel.

Abstract: A MEMS switch fabrication process and apparatus inclusive of a bulbous rounded surface movable contact assembly that is integral with the switch movable element and achieving of long contact wear life with low contact electrical resistance. The disclosed process is compatible with semiconductor integrated circuit fabrication materials and procedures and includes an unusual photoresist reflow step in which the bulbous contact shape is quickly defined in three dimensions from more easily achieved integrated circuit mask and etching-defined precursor shapes. A plurality of differing photoresist materials are used in the process. A large part of the contact and contact spring formation used in the invention is accomplished with low temperature processing including electroplating. Alternate processing steps achieving an alloy metal contact structure are included. Use of a subroutine of processing steps to achieve differing but related portions of the electrical contact structure is also included.

Abstract: Catheterization device and method of using are provided for uniquely illuminating the distal end of the device in order to visualize the end-point location and orientation and to track the movement of the catheterization device within passageways in the body. Use of the present invention by tracking in real time with an imaging device sensitive to visible to near infrared light. The invention allows the insertion and tracking of substantially any catheterization type device, for substantially any procedure requiring vascular access, such as in the placement of a PICC line, for heart catheterization or angioplasty, or for urinary track catheterization, or other bodily access procedure. The invention permits a technician to determine placement, orientation and movement of the device noninvasive equipment, without subjecting the patient to the hazards associated with ionizing radiation, radio frequency energy or significant thermal energy.

Abstract: A method for selecting metal alloys as the electric contact materials for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) metal contact switches. This method includes a review of alloy experience, consideration of equilibrium binary alloy phase diagrams, obtaining thin film material properties and, based on a suitable model, predicting contact electrical resistance performance. After determination of a candidate alloy material, MEMS switches are conceptualized, fabricated and tested to validate the alloy selection methodology. Minimum average contact resistance values of 1.17 and 1.87 ohms are achieved for micro-switches with gold (Au) and gold-platinum (Au-(6.3 at %)Pt) alloy contacts. In addition, ‘hot-switched’ life cycle test results of 1.02×108 and 2.70×108 cycles may be realized for micro-switches with Au and Au-(6.3 at %)Pt contacts. These results indicate increased wear with a small increase in contact resistance for MEMS switches with metal alloy electric contacts.

Abstract: A duct for cooling multiple components in a processor-based device. The duct has an inlet cooling duct section for a cooling airflow focused toward a processor region. The duct also has at least one exit cooling duct section for the cooling airflow extending from the inlet cooling duct section and focused toward a component region, wherein the cooling airflow is successively transportable through the processor region followed by the component region. A processor-based system having a focused cooling duct. The focused cooling duct comprises an inlet cooling duct section for a cooling airflow having a fan receptacle, and a plurality of exit cooling duct sections for the cooling airflow extending from the inlet cooling duct section and focused toward component regions, wherein the cooling airflow is successively transportable through the inlet cooling duct section followed by the plurality of exit cooling duct sections.

Abstract: A duct for cooling multiple components in a processor-based device. The duct has an inlet cooling duct section for a cooling airflow focused toward a processor region. The duct also has at least one exit cooling duct section for the cooling airflow extending from the inlet cooling duct section and focused toward a component region, wherein the cooling airflow is successively transportable through the processor region followed by the component region. A processor-based system having a focused cooling duct. The focused cooling duct comprises an inlet cooling duct section for a cooling airflow having a fan receptacle, and a plurality of exit cooling duct sections for the cooling airflow extending from the inlet cooling duct section and focused toward component regions, wherein the cooling airflow is successively transportable through the inlet cooling duct section followed by the plurality of exit cooling duct sections.

Abstract: A method for the real-time visualization and detection of extravasated and or infiltrated fluid and substances, including blood, that occur near the cannulation site of an injection is described wherein illumination or transillumination with near infrared light is used to image the contrast in real-time between absorbing and nonabsorbing subdermal and intradermal structures of blood vessels and remaining surrouding tissue, foreign substances and other structures in order to establish a baseline image of the body area of interest, and any new image is monitored and compared with the baseline image to detect the extravasation and/or infiltration of fluids and substances, including blood, around a vein or artery into the subdermal or intradermal tissue.

Abstract: A duct for cooling multiple components in a processor-based device. The duct has an inlet cooling duct section for a cooling airflow focused toward a processor region. The duct also has at least one exit cooling duct section for the cooling airflow extending from the inlet cooling duct section and focused toward a component region, wherein the cooling airflow is successively transportable through the processor region followed by the component region. A processor-based system having a focused cooling duct. The focused cooling duct comprises an inlet cooling duct section for a cooling airflow having a fan receptacle, and a plurality of exit cooling duct sections for the cooling airflow extending from the inlet cooling duct section and focused toward component regions, wherein the cooling airflow is successively transportable through the inlet cooling duct section followed by the plurality of exit cooling duct sections.

Abstract: A differential property sensitive acoustic lens for non-destructive materials evaluation is described which in a preferred embodiment comprises first and second substantially semicylindrical shaped portions of fused silica disposed in closely spaced relationship along an axial plane, a substantially spherical depression defined in one end of each semicylindrical portion and a flat defined on each semicylindrical portion at the other end, a piezoelectric transducer attached to the flat of each semicylindrical portion, and a paraffin coated aluminum film of preselected thickness disposed between and in laminar contact with the semicylindrical portions for preventing acoustic and electrical cross talk between the transducers and between the semicylindrical portions.