Abstract: A reconfigurable touch screen computing device with folding configurations and an alignment locking mechanism. The touch screen display is made up of segments coupled to a flexible circuit and can be reconfigured from a compact state to an expanded state. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone, with an integrated speaker and microphone. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a tablet computer which may also include the mechanical functionality of a laptop. Both states provide a configuration which includes a touch screen display on a front side and a protective housing on a back side. The computing device may further include sensors to indicate the state of configuration. In one embodiment, a module attached to, situated within, or otherwise associated with at least one segment may contain all or substantially all processing and memory, along with a communications system, all of which may be used in either state.

Abstract: A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt comprises a ventricular catheter and an electroactive polymer actuated valve for regulating the drainage rate of CSF from the brain ventricle of a patient. The shunt system also comprises a distal catheter for discharge of the CSF to a separate location in the patient's body such as the peritoneal cavity or atrium of the heart. The electroactive polymer actuated valve regulates the flow rate of CSF through a predetermined threshold pressure, which can be adjusted and programmed externally from the patient's body by means of an external control unit signal, as well as through a signal indicated by an internal sensor or an electroactive polymer transducer. The sensor also communicates a signal to the external control unit for indicating the internal pressure at a single location or multiple locations throughout the fully implanted shunt assembly.

Abstract: A reconfigurable touch screen computing device with folding configurations and an alignment locking mechanism. The touch screen display is made up of segments coupled to a flexible circuit and can be reconfigured from a compact state to an expanded state. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone, with an integrated speaker and microphone. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a tablet computer which may also include the mechanical functionality of a laptop. Both states provide a configuration which includes a touch screen display on a front side and a protective housing on a back side. The computing device may further include sensors to indicate the state of configuration. In one embodiment, a module attached to, situated within, or otherwise associated with at least one segment may contain all or substantially all processing and memory, along with a communications system, all of which may be used in either state.

Abstract: A modular neonatal intensive care system including an infant incubator, bassinet and frame is provided. The infant incubator of the present disclosure is configured for reducing the overall cost and/or minimizing the amount of power that the neonatal care system or infant incubator draws. A number of the features also make the design more appropriate for the conditions in developing countries. The neonatal care system is also integrated with a hospital bassinet which is made up of a bassinet bed and a frame. The frame for the bassinet acts as both a structural support system and a means for transportation when the neonatal care incubator is attached at the top of the frame.

Abstract: A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt comprises a ventricular catheter and an electroactive polymer actuated valve for regulating the drainage rate of CSF from the brain ventricle of a patient. The shunt system also comprises a distal catheter for discharge of the CSF to a separate location in the patient's body such as the peritoneal cavity or atrium of the heart. The electroactive polymer actuated valve regulates the flow rate of CSF through a predetermined threshold pressure, which can be adjusted and programmed externally from the patient's body by means of an external control unit signal, as well as through a signal indicated by an internal sensor or an electroactive polymer transducer. The sensor also communicates a signal to the external control unit for indicating the internal pressure at a single location or multiple locations throughout the fully implanted shunt assembly.

Abstract: A polyphonic instrument comprises a geometric system coupled with a user interface and a method for generating tone using fluid. The geometric system is arranged such that each point corresponds to a mechanism underlying a malleable surface and is sequentially based upon the 12 tone system of music. The instrument also provides a new method for generating tone by the means of using fluid, whereby a specific frequency is picked up by a separate hydrophone or fluid based transducer submerged in a sealed and removable fluid containment unit having a rotational element also contained within for each note indicated. The rotational element when arranged in a series of graduated units and/or in combination with graduated sub-containment units of fluid changing in scale for separate frequencies, will generate separate tones which may be manipulated through physical and/or analog/digital electronic means.