Abstract: A method in a signal generating unit (422) for generating a signal to be used in a Near-Field Communication, NFC, reader (200) is provided. The signal generating unit (422) is comprised in an NFC device (400) and configured to communicate with an NFC controller unit (421) and an NFC-Wired Interface unit (300), The NFC controller unit (421) is comprised in the NFC device (400). The NFC-Wired interface unit (300) is connected to the NFC device (400). The signal generating unit (422) receives a first signal from the NFC controller unit (421), which first signal comprises data encoding information indicating a first unique identifier that is supported by the NFC controller unit (421). Also, the signal generating unit (422) receives a second signal from the NFC-Wired Interface unit (300), which second signal comprises data encoding information indicating a second unique identifier that is supported by the NFC-Wired Interface unit (300).

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes multiple power domains. Supply current switch circuits (SCSCs) are distributed across each power domain. When a signal is present on a control node within a SCSC, the SCSC couples a local supply bus of the power domain to a global supply bus. An enable signal path extends through the SCSCs so that an enable signal can be propagated down a chain of SCSCs from control node to control node, thereby turning the SCSCs on one by one. When the domain is to be powered up, a control circuit asserts an enable signal that propagates down a first chain of SCSCs. After a programmable amount of time, the control circuit asserts a second enable signal that propagates down a second chain. By spreading the turning on of SCSCs over time, large currents that would otherwise be associated with coupling the local and global buses together are avoided.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes multiple power domains. Supply current switch circuits (SCSCs) are distributed across each power domain. When a signal is present on a control node within a SCSC, the SCSC couples a local supply bus of the power domain to a global supply bus. An enable signal path extends through the SCSCs so that an enable signal can be propagated down a chain of SCSCs from control node to control node, thereby turning the SCSCs on one by one. When the domain is to be powered up, a control circuit asserts an enable signal that propagates down a first chain of SCSCs. After a programmable amount of time, the control circuit asserts a second enable signal that propagates down a second chain. By spreading the turning on of SCSCs over time, large currents that would otherwise be associated with coupling the local and global buses together are avoided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an interface to enhance a negotiation between an user agent and a partner agent includes viewing the negotiation on-line and to modify parameters of an agent in negotiation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an interface to enhance a negotiation between an user agent and a partner agent includes viewing the negotiation on-line and to modify parameters of an agent in negotiation.

Abstract: An acoustic ablation catheter includes a mass cap mounted by a spring at the distal end of the catheter, to thereby form a structure capable of axial motion with a resonant frequency. The mass cap defines an aperture which may be used for a guide wire, for aspiration/infusion, or both. Acoustic motion of the resonant structure is generated by sources of laser light spaced about the distal end of the flexible portion of the catheter body, which produce laser light beams which produce microexplosions adjacent the proximal end of the mass cap. The sources of laser light beams may be laser chips located at the distal end of the body, or they may be the distal ends of optical fibers extending through the body from laser light generators outside the catheter itself. In one advantageous embodiment, relative motion is introduced between the mass cap and the light beams, so that erosion is distributed over a track. At least that portion of the mass cap upon which the laser light pulses impinge is made from titanium.

Abstract: A tool, for forming a cavity in a corpus cavernosa of a penis, includes a distal end (14), a longitudinally-extending cutting surface (16), and a main body portion (18). The cutting portion may be cylindrical or tapered, and may contain more than one longitudinally disposed cutting surface (24). The tool may be made from stainless steel, or may include plastic portions. A method using the invention includes the steps of making an incision in the side of the penis adjacent the corpus cavernosa, and inserting the distal end of the tool into the spongy tissue, to define a cavity. If fibrous or resistant tissue is encountered, the cutting portion is brought adjacent the region, and the tool either moved axially to cut the tissue, or rotated about its longitudinal axis (8) to cut or shave the tissue. Multiple tools of a kit of tools may be sequentially inserted to expand the cavity to the desired dimension.

Abstract: An ablation and cutting catheter (10), which may be used for angioplasty, includes a rotary shaft (20) adapted to be driven by a rotary motor (22). The shaft (20) is free for rotation and for some axial motion. The shaft (20) is coupled to a rotational-to-axial motion converter (FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c; 3a, 3b, 3c) which is affixed to the shaft. The converter moves axially in response to rotation of the shaft, and also rotates. The axial motion is converted into acoustic energy for ablation, and the rotation can be used with a cutting tool for cutting. A guide-wire lumen exteds through the shaft and the cutter/acoustic applicator head, for accepting a guide-wire for guiding the catheter.

Abstract: An acoustic ablation catheter driven by a rotating shaft (18) includes a rotary-to-axial-motion converter (210), which includes a rotary driver (220, 420) in the form of a shell (222, 422) defining an inner surface (228, 428) which features a depressed groove (230, 330, 430). A follower (250, 490, 724) includes protuberance(s) (254, 494) which extend radially outward to engage the groove. This arrangement provides higher frequency response than some prior-art arrangements, and has the advantage of lesser diameter. In a particular embodiment, the shell (422) is made up of a cylinder (422) with a smooth interior, together with two end pieces (470, 480) which have axially-directed bumps or teeth (472, 482) which together define the guide path (330, 430). In a particular embodiment of the invention, the body (12) of the catheter (10) is made from a braided tube impregnated with a cured liquid, such as polymer.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis includes a rotary pump for pressurizing a bag or chamber within the penis. The rotary pump includes a magnetically active rotor which, in one embodiment, is located within the penis, which can be made to spin by a rotary magnetic field generator. The rotary magnetic field generator may be similar to those used in conjunction with brushless DC motors, or it may be a permanent magnet spun about an axis. In operation of one embodiment, the magnetic field generator surrounds the penis at a location near the rotor. The rotor drives an impeller or blades which pressurize fluid from a reservoir, and tends to pressurize the bag or chamber to thereby render the penis rigid. A valve arrangement prevents loss of pressure when the rotating field is removed. In one embodiment, the valve arrangement includes a spring-operated check valve in conjunction with another valve, and in another embodiment, a single centrifugally-operated valve performs the same function.

Abstract: An acoustic catheter (10) has a shaft (18) driven by a rotary motor (60). The shaft drives a rotary-to-axial motion converter (30) near the distal end (14) of the catheter. The converter (30) includes a rotary driver (42) with a wavy or sinusoidal bearing surface (36) facing a similarly wavy face (38) of a follower element (44). As the rotary driver (42) rotates, the follower (44) moves axially with a reciprocating motion. High rotational speeds are required to achieve high acoustic frequencies. The high speeds and high acceleration rate of the follower result in frictional forces which cause undesired heating. The heating effects are reduced by a magnetic bearing arrangement associated with the mating bearing surfaces of the rotary driver and follower, which tends to keep them slightly separated, and thereby reduce friction. Other embodiments use magnets to restore the follower to its proximal position following each excursion, and use magnetic thrust bearings for the rotary driver.

Abstract: A catheter 10 according to the invention includes an elongated shaft 14 defining a distal end 12 and a proximal end 13. The proximal end of the shaft includes a coupling arrangement 15 for coupling to a rotary drive such as an external rotary motor. The catheter also includes a rotary-to-axial motion converter 28 coupled to the distal end of the shaft 14. The rotary-to-axial-motion converter 28 includes at least a first magnetic pole pair 22N, 22S mechanically coupled to the distal end of the shaft 14 for being rotated thereby along an arc. The motion converter also includes a nonrotating reciprocating follower 30, and at least a second magnetic pole pair 30N, 30S which is located so as to come within the magnetic influence of the first magnetic pole pair 22N, 22S during each the rotation of the shaft 14. During each rotation, the two magnetic poles attract or repel, for causing reciprocating axial motion of the reciprocating follower 30.

Abstract: An acoustic catheter reduces transmission losses and unwanted heating of the transmission member by driving the catheter a rotary motor. The catheter includes an elongated body and a shaft extending longitudinally therethrough. The shaft is adapted for coupling to a rotary motor. A rotary-to-axial motion converter is coupled to the shaft at distal end of the catheter, for converting rotary shaft motion into axial acoustic motion. In one embodiment, the rotary-to-axial motion converter includes a swash plate driven by the shaft. The swash plate defines a surface which, at an angularly fixed reference point, moves axially in response to the rotary motion of the swash plate. A follower bears on the swash plate, for moving axially in response to axial motion of the follower. The follower includes a projection bearing on the swash plate and a spring urging the follower toward the swash plate. In one embodiment, the swash plate has a sinusoidal surface, while another embodiment has notches cut into the surface.