Abstract: A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the left and right atrial anchors. The right atrial anchor preferably includes a plurality of arms and a cover attached to the arms. The left atrial anchor preferably also includes a plurality of arms and preferably-does not include-a-cover. Preferably, the elongate member has a first end fixedly connected to the left atrial anchor and a portion, proximal to the first end, passing through the right atrial anchor. Preferably, the elongate member is flexible.

Abstract: A cleaning tool 410 designed to be used with at least one cleaning implement/replaceable dusting sleeve/cleaning mitt or cleaning pad 11 is disclosed. The cleaning tool 410 includes a telescoping support 409 comprised of a plurality of telescopingly received shafts or sections (412, 413, 414, 415) wherein one of the shafts is an I-beam 415. The shafts 412, 413, 414 and 415 may be freely extended into a locked fully extended position 401 and released via depression of a first engaging projection 439. A primary support head 416 and secondary support head 418 are pivotally mounted to a forward mount 440 and releasably locked together.

Abstract: A flexible cleaning tool for use in wet, damp or dry cleaning is disclosed. The cleaning tool (222), (322) includes a handle (224) defining a fluid reservoir receiving cradle (231) pivotally connected to an elongated flexible support member (226) (326). A cleaning pad (228) (328) encloses the support rod (226) (326).

Abstract: A high efficiency amplifier arrangement consistent with certain embodiments of the invention has an amplifier (104) that receives an input signal and amplifies the input signal to produce an output signal that drives a load (108). A variable impedance transformer (300) is disposed between the amplifier (104) and the load (108) to presents a varying load impedance to the output of the amplifier (104). A control mechanism, such as a programmed processor (604, 504), controls the variable impedance transformer (300) with a control signal so that the load impedance seen by the amplifier (104) varies in accordance with an envelope of the input signal. The control signal varies the load impedance in a manner that keeps the output of the amplifier (104) near a peak value. The arrangement may further include a circuit for controlling a DC input bias (420) of the amplifier (104) to keep the amplifier (104) operating within a predetermined class of operation throughout a range of input signals.

Abstract: A system for the formation of a thick robust transparent floor finish layer from a high solids formulation with an applicator device utilizing micro fiber technology. A micro fiber applicator device can be configured to apply a sufficient amount of an aqueous high solids floor finish to obtain a thick robust finish layer in a single application. One system for applying the floor finish can comprise a source of aqueous floor finish and an applicator wand comprising an application nozzle and application surface. Application surface can comprise micro fiber technology in a pad structure comprising a reservoir foam and a micro fiber applicator surface.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sealing a passageway formed by a patent foramen ovale (PFO track) in the heart are provided. One method includes providing an abrading device to the PFO track and abrading the tissue within the PFO track. The abraded tissue forming the PFO track is then held together under pressure, either via lowering right atrial pressure or via applying suction to the septum primum to pull it into apposition against the septum secundum. After a sufficient period of time, the pressure is released and the abraded tissue heals to form a robust seal over the PFO track. Additionally, several devices are provided which can be placed into the PFO track to apply adhesive to the walls of the PFO track. The devices may or may not be left within the PFO track. If the devices are not left within the PFO track, the walls of the PFO track, covered with adhesive, are brought into apposition with one another and adhered together.

Abstract: A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the left and right atrial anchors. A system for delivering the closure device includes side-by-side tubes. A device for retrieving a mis-deployed closure device includes a shaft portion and an expandable retrieval portion.

Abstract: A system for the formation of a thick robust transparent floor finish layer from a high solids formulation with an applicator device utilizing micro fiber technology. A micro fiber applicator device can be configured to apply a sufficient amount of an aqueous high solids floor finish to obtain a thick robust finish layer in a single application. One system for applying the floor finish can comprise a source of aqueous floor finish and an applicator wand comprising an application nozzle and application surface. Application surface can comprise micro fiber technology in a pad structure comprising a reservoir foam and a micro fiber applicator surface.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a support member adjacent to a first member and a second member, the first and second members may be laser welded to one another by directing radiation absorbable by the first and second members at the first and second members. The support member is provided adjacent to the first member and is constructed and arranged to substantially reflect or substantially transmit radiation at one or more frequencies absorbable by at least one of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the left and right atrial anchors. The right atrial anchor preferably includes a plurality of arms and a cover attached to the arms. The left atrial anchor preferably also includes a plurality of arms and preferably does not include a cover. Preferably, the elongate member has a first end fixedly connected to the left atrial anchor and a portion, proximal to the first end, passing through the right atrial anchor. Preferably, the elongate member is flexible.

Abstract: A radio frequency power amplifier circuit according to certain embodiments of the present invention uses a distributed radio frequency amplifier 110 having a plurality of stages each with an input. The distributed radio frequency amplifier 110 drives an output load, such as an antenna 114. A drive signal synthesizer 106, having a plurality of outputs, drives the plurality of inputs to the distributed amplifier 110. Changes in load impedance are measured, e.g., using a directional coupler 160, and the measurement is used to change a drive signal produced by the drive signal synthesizer 106 to compensate for the change in load impedance.

Abstract: An electrostatic method for increasing the transfer efficiency of spray finishing using lower voltages than are normally required and used with electrostatic spraying. The positioning and construction of ground electrodes (16) behind the air cap (18) helps ensure a clean operation.

Abstract: A system for the formation of a thick robust transparent floor finish layer from a high solids formulation with an applicator device utilizing micro fiber technology. A micro fiber applicator device can be configured to apply a sufficient amount of an aqueous high solids floor finish to obtain a thick robust finish layer in a single application. One system for applying the floor finish can comprise a source of aqueous floor finish and an applicator wand comprising an application nozzle and application surface. Application surface can comprise micro fiber technology in a pad structure comprising a reservoir foam and a micro fiber applicator surface.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulation panel with an insulating core sealed within an envelope. The envelope formed from a single sheet of highly flexible material with a pair of opposing edge portions sealed together contiguously along the entire respective lengths thereof to form a sleeve with a single and two open ends. The sleeve may be folded to define sides. A longitudinal pleat may be formed in at least one of the sides of the envelope. One open end is sealed to form an envelope and a core of insulation material is inserted. The remaining open end is sealed and the envelope is evacuated.

Abstract: A system for the formation of a thick robust transparent floor finish layer from a high solids formulation with an applicator device utilizing micro fiber technology. A micro fiber applicator device can be configured to apply a sufficient amount of an aqueous high solids floor finish to obtain a thick robust finish layer in a single application. One system for applying the floor finish can comprise a source of aqueous floor finish and an applicator wand comprising an application nozzle and application surface. Application surface can comprise micro fiber technology in a pad structure comprising a reservoir foam and a micro fiber applicator surface.

Abstract: A high efficiency amplifier arrangement consistent with certain embodiments of the invention has an amplifier (104) that receives an input signal and amplifies the input signal to produce an output signal that drives a load (108). A variable impedance transformer (300) is disposed between the amplifier (104) and the load (108) to presents a varying load impedance to the output of the amplifier (104). A control mechanism, such as a programmed processor (604, 504), controls the variable impedance transformer (300) with a control signal so that the load impedance seen by the amplifier (104) varies in accordance with an envelope of the input signal. The control signal varies the load impedance in a manner that keeps the output of the amplifier (104) near a peak value. The arrangement may further include a circuit for controlling a DC input bias (420) of the amplifier (104) to keep the amplifier (104) operating within a predetermined class of operation throughout a range of input signals.

Abstract: A frequency selective differential amplifier (400) consistent with certain embodiments of the invention has a plurality of N amplifier stages (401, 402, 403 through 404) that collectively drive load (410). The plurality of N amplifier stages (401, 402, 403, . . . , 404) have input nodes and output nodes. A plurality of N−1 output phase shift circuits (421, 422, . . . , 423) connect the output nodes of the plurality of amplifier stages in a manner that causes output signals from the plurality of output nodes to add together for delivery to the load (410), the plurality of output phase shift circuits (421, 422, . . . , 423) have a plurality of phase shifts of &thgr;(f)={&thgr;(f)1,2; &thgr;(f)2,3; . . . ; &thgr;(f)N−2,N−1}. A plurality of N−1 input phase shift circuits (431, 432 through 433) are coupled to the plurality of input nodes and provide input signals thereto. The plurality of input phase shift circuits (431, 432, . . .

Abstract: Devices and methods for sealing a passageway formed by a patent foramen ovale (PFO track) in the heart are provided. One method includes providing an abrading device to the PFO track and abrading the tissue within the PFO track. The abraded tissue forming the PFO track is then held together under pressure, either via lowering right atrial pressure or via applying suction to the septum primum to pull it into apposition against the septum secundum. After a sufficient period of time, the pressure is released and the abraded tissue heals to form a robust seal over the PFO track. Additionally, several devices are provided which can be placed into the PFO track to apply adhesive to the walls of the PFO track. The devices may or may not be left within the PFO track. If the devices are not left within the PFO track, the walls of the PFO track, covered with adhesive, are brought into apposition with one another and adhered together.

Abstract: A frequency selective differential amplifier (400) consistent with certain embodiments of the invention has a plurality of N amplifier stages (401, 402, 403 through 404) that collectively drive load (410). The plurality of N amplifier stages (401, 402, 403, . . . , 404) have input nodes and output nodes. A plurality of N−1 output phase shift circuits (421, 422, . . . , 423) connect the output nodes of the plurality of amplifier stages in a manner that causes output signals from the plurality of output nodes to add together for delivery to the load (410), the plurality of output phase shift circuits (421, 422, . . . , 423) have a plurality of phase shifts of &thgr;(f)={&thgr;(f)1,2; &thgr;(f)2,3; . . . ; &thgr;(f)N−2,N−1}. A plurality of N−1 input phase shift circuits (431, 432 through 433) are coupled to the plurality of input nodes and provide input signals thereto. The plurality of input phase shift circuits (431, 432, . . .

Abstract: An electrostatic method for increasing the transfer efficiency of spray finishing using lower voltages than are normally required and used with electrostatic spraying. The positioning and construction of ground electrodes (16) behind the air cap (18) helps ensure a clean operation.