Abstract: Methods and structures are provided which support spacer walls in a position which facilitates installation of the spacer walls between a faceplate structure and a backplate structure of a flat panel display. In one embodiment, spacer feet are formed at opposing ends of the spacer wall. These spacer feet can be formed of materials such as ceramic, glass and/or glass frit. The spacer feet support the corresponding spacer wall on the faceplate (or backplate) structure. Tacking electrodes can be provided on the faceplate (or backplate) structure to assert an electrostatic force on the spacer feet, thereby holding the spacer feet in place during installation of the spacer wall. The spacer wall can be mechanically and/or thermally expanded prior to attaching both ends of the spacer wall to the faceplate (or backplate) structure. The spacer wall is then allowed to contract, thereby introducing tension into the spacer wall which tends to straighten any inherent waviness in the spacer wall.

Abstract: Methods and structures are provided which support spacer walls in a position which facilitates installation of the spacer walls between a faceplate structure and a backplate structure of a flat panel display. In one embodiment, spacer feet are formed at opposing ends of the spacer wall. These spacer feet can be formed of materials such as ceramic, glass and/or glass frit. The spacer feet support the corresponding spacer wall on the faceplate (or backplate) structure. Tacking electrodes can be provided on the faceplate (or backplate) structure to assert an electrostatic force on the spacer feet, thereby holding the spacer feet in place during installation of the spacer wall. The spacer wall can be mechanically and/or thermally expanded prior to attaching both ends of the spacer wall to the faceplate (or backplate) structure. The spacer wall is then allowed to contract, thereby introducing tension into the spacer wall which tends to straighten any inherent waviness in the spacer wall.

Abstract: A spacer (100 or 600/1000A/1000B) situated between a faceplate structure (301) and a backplate structure (302) of a flat panel display is configured to be self standing. In one implementation, a pair of spacer feet (111 or 113 and 112 or 114) are located over the same face surface, or over opposite face surfaces, of a spacer wall (101) near opposite ends of the wall. An edge electrode (121 or 122) is located over an edge surface of the spacer adjacent to the faceplate structure or the backplate structure. In another implementation, a spacer clip (1000A or 1000B) clamps opposite face surfaces of a spacer wall (600) largely at one end of the wall.

Abstract: An endometrial ablation apparatus and method wherein an RF current having a frequency of between 250 kHz and 100 MHz is passed through the entire surface of an endometrium in order to provide heating of the endometrium. An electroconductive expandable member such as a balloon is used as the medium for passing the current and causing the heating of the endometrium. The temperature of the endometrium is raised to a temperature between 45.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. and preferably not above 70 for a time sufficient to destroy the cells of the lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature below approximately 42.degree. C. The expandable balloon is connected to a power source which provides the radio frequency power having the desired characteristics to selectively heat the endometrial lining to the desired temperature.

Abstract: An endometrial ablation apparatus and method wherein an RF current having a frequency of between 250 kHz and 100 MHz is passed through the entire surface of an endometrium in order to provide heating of the endometrium. An electroconductive expandable member such as a balloon is used as the medium for passing the current and causing the heating of the endometrium. The temperature of the endometrium is raised to a temperature between 45.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. and preferably not above 70.degree. for a time sufficient to destroy the cells of the lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature below approximately 42.degree. C. The expandable balloon is connected to a power source which provides the radio frequency power having the desired characteristics to selectively heat the endometrial lining to the desired temperature.

Abstract: An endometrial ablation device and a method of manufacturing and using the device. An RF current is passed through an endometrium to heat it. An electroconductive expandable member such as a balloon is used as the medium for passing the current and causing the heating of the endometrium. The power delivered from a power source to the balloon is selectively provided to a plurality of electrode area segments on the balloon with each of the segments have a thermistor associated with it whereby temperature is monitored and controlled by a feedback arrangement from the thermistors. The selective application of power is provided on the basis of a switching arrangement which provides either monopolar or bipolar energy to the electrodes. The method of manufacturing the ablation device includes using commercially available stretchable sheet material or providing a mandrel or support base and coating the mandrel or base with an uncured emulsion. The emulsion is then cured to form a bladder-like coating.

Abstract: An endometrial ablation apparatus and method wherein an RF current having a frequency of between 250 kHz and 100 MHz is passed through the entire surface of an endometrium in order to provide heating of the endometrium. An electroconductive expandable member such as a balloon is used as the medium for passing the current and causing the heating of the endometrium. The temperature of the endometrium is raised to a temperature between 45.degree. C. and 90.degree. C. and preferably not above 70.degree. for a time sufficient to destroy the cells of the lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature below approximately 42.degree. C. The expandable balloon is connected to a power source which provides the radio frequency power having the desired characteristics to selectively heat the endometrial lining to the desired temperature.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selectively coagulating blood vessels or tissue containing blood vessels involves the placement of the blood vessels or tissue containing blood vessels between the prongs of a forceps with the jaws of the forceps containing a plurality of electrodes which are energized by radio-frequency power. A plurality of sensors are associated with the electrodes and in contact with the vessels or tissue in order to measure the temperature rise of the tissue or blood vessels and to provide a feedback to the radio-frequency power in order to control the heating to perform coagulation of the vessels or tissue. In a further development, the upper prong of the device is split into two parts with a cutting blade between the two upper parts in order to provide for cutting of the coagulated vessels subsequent to the coagulation. The cutting may be accomplished either mechanically or with an electrosurgical cutting device.

Abstract: A shower lounge chair for supporting an individual in a bathtub is characterized by a horizontal frame which rests on the side walls of the bathtub and includes adjustable laterally extending struts which are braced against the bathtub side walls. A back rest and a leg rest are pivotally connected with the frame and hydraulic pistons are connected between the frame and the back rest and leg rest to independently control the position of each. More particularly, the back rest is pivoted between a lower position parallel to the frame and an upper position perpendicular to the frame so that an individual may be supported in selected positions between prone and upright positions. The leg rest is pivoted between a lower downwardly extending position and an upper position parallel to the frame for supporting the legs and feet of the individual in selected positions within or above the bathtub.