Abstract: The invention as disclosed is of a method to authenticate identify and trace sonar transmissions and echoes by embedding transparent, secure and robust digital watermarks in signal space, where the additional information incurs no cost in bandwidth. The complex short time Fourier transform is selected as the domain for embedding the digital watermark, secured by a secret key, in the time frequency representation of the signal. The watermark is designed through an iterative optimization step. This step insures that the watermarked sonar is also realizable. Selection of the time frequency region for watermarking is driven by avoidance of interference with the sonar itself, or in case of network operation, other watermarks. In addition, the selected time-frequency region remains robust to sound channel and other transmission effects. Sonar echoes are authenticated in the time-frequency plane by a correlation receiver tuned to the watermarked region using the secret key.

Abstract: This invention is a method of training a mean-field Bayesian data reduction algorithm (BDRA) based classifier which includes using an initial training for determining the best number of levels. The Mean-Field BDRA is then retrained for each point in a target data set and training errors are calculated for each training operation. Cluster candidates are identified as those with multiple points having a common training error. Utilizing these cluster candidates and previously identified clusters as the identified target data, the clusters can be confirmed by comparing a newly calculated training error with the previously calculated common training error for the cluster. The method can be repeated until all cluster candidates are identified and tested.

Abstract: A control handle assembly, comprising, a body; a pair of handles extending from the body; and an actuator disposed within the body, wherein the handles move in unison, and wherein movement of the actuator is controlled by movement of the pair of handles.

Abstract: A system for removing cut tissue from the inner bore of a surgical rongeur or suction punch, comprising: an elongated tubular member having a side hole positioned adjacent its distal end; and an insert projecting inwardly from the distal end of the tubular member into the inner bore of the tubular member.

Abstract: A pair of endoscopic scissors having an actuating means at the proximal end and a pair of pivotable scissor blades at the distal end. The actuating means is adapted to be squeezed to a predetermined point when the scissor blades are fully closed, at least one of the blades being provided with a stop surface adjacent its proximal end in order to prevent the blade tips from crossing over each other in their fully closed position. The gap between the actuating means at the proximal end of the instrument enable the application of additional force between the pivotable scissor blades without causing the blades to cross-over each other.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument which is able to be disassembled in order to facilitate cleaning of the instrument or replacement of certain components. The instrument comprises a handle portion at the proximal end of an elongated rotatable shaft, the handle portion including a pair of handles biased into a normally open position and movable between the normally open position and a closed position. Movement of the handles within the normal range serves to axially move an elongated working element situated within the hollow interior of the elongated sleeve, the proximal end of the working element shaft having a stud adapted to be received within a stud recess in one of the handles. The stud recess has a front slotted wall and an open top end. A spring means is provided in order to bias the handles during normal operation and a latch means is provided in order to disengage the spring.

Abstract: An automatic hemostatic clip applicator is disclosed wherein the jaws, cartridge assembly and jaw housing move together in a single direction to crimp a clip resulting in a perception of little or no motion by the jaws when the applicator is activated. Camming surfaces in the jaws are brought into contact with camming surfaces on the distal end of the stationary body of the applicator as the jaws are moved proximally.