Abstract: A self-anchoring cardiac harness is configured to fit at least a portion of a patient's heart and includes a tissue engaging element for frictionally engaging an outer surface of a heart. The engaging element produces sufficient friction relative to the outer surface of the heart, so that the harness does not migrate substantially relative to the heart. There is enough force created by the engaging element that there is no need to apply a suture to the heart in order to retain the cardiac harness. Further, the engaging element is adapted to engage the outer surface of the heart without substantially penetrating the outer surface.

Abstract: A cardiac harness for treating a patient's heart includes elastic rows connected by a connector assembly. The connector assembly can have a specific pattern, or can be formed of elongated elastic material connecting all of the apices of adjacent rows. The connectors maintain proper spacing between rows or rings on the harness and provide longitudinal stability.

Abstract: A smooth keyboard with low-key height for association with a keyboard control circuit includes a top enclosure having a generally impenetrable surface, the surface comprising a plurality of keys and a seal edge. A pliable webbing surrounded the keys such that there are no gaps between the keys or between the keys and the top enclosure, the pliable webbing creating a generally impenetrable seal between the keys and between the keys and the top enclosure, the seal edge having a rib. A bottom enclosure formed as a single unit that forms a generally impenetrable surface having a seal edge, the seal edge having a trough, the trough for receiving the rib to form a generally impenetrable seal surrounding the keyboard control circuit.

Abstract: A bandgap circuit comprising a current generation circuit and a current replication circuit is provided herein. The output current of the current generation circuit is generated as a weighted sum of two currents. The circuit configuration of the current generation circuit allows it to function at low power supply voltages, e.g., on the order of 1 V. The current replication circuit includes an operational amplifier, which when configured in conjunction with MOS cascode current sources and the current generation circuit, significantly increases the accuracy and insensitivity to power supply noise of the bandgap circuit output current. A resistor may be included between the bandgap circuit output node and ground for generating a reference voltage with increased accuracy and insensitivity to power supply noise.

Abstract: A charge pump circuit with resistively attenuated inputs is described herein. By reducing a voltage swing of input signals supplied thereto, the charge pump circuit described herein is configured for producing output signals with relatively low static phase offset even when operating at relatively low power supply voltages (e.g., less than about 1.2 volts). In general, the input voltage swing may be reduced by coupling an attenuator to each input of the charge pump circuit. A method for operating the differential charge pump is described, along with exemplary devices (e.g., PLL and DLL devices) within which the charge pump may be utilized.

Abstract: A rugged computer mouse for use in a harsh liquid, chemical or gaseous environment, includes a pliable cover formed as a single unit that forms a generally impenetrable surface having a seal edge. The seal edge includes a trench. The surface has formed thereon at least one mouse control button region corresponding to a location of a pressure sensitive mouse control button. An ergonomically formed frame provides structural support and includes at least one pressure sensitive mouse button, which the mouse control button region covers. A mouse control circuit resides beneath the ergonomically formed frame and includes a mouse control button circuit that is responsive to pressure applied to the pressure sensitive mouse button. The mouse control circuit also includes a movement sensor and circuitry for relating the position of the computer mouse to the position of the graphical pointer. A base securely receives the mouse control circuit, the frame, and the pliable cover and comprises a ridge.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to pulse laser printing. In general, in one implementation, an apparatus includes: a laser operable to produce a pulsed printing beam; an optics assembly operable to focus and direct the pulsed printing beam; and electronics communicatively coupled with the laser and the optics assembly, the electronics being operable to control the laser and the optics assembly to generate power pulses of the pulsed printing beam in synchronization with a series of moves that steer the pulsed printing beam in a non-raster scanning pattern to predefined locations on a material to alter an optical characteristic of the material at the predefined locations, which are arranged to form at least a portion of a symbol. The electronics may deliver the power pulses in synchronization with arrival at the predefined locations, and the electronics may be configured to receive sensed feedback in a closed loop.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for managing the privacy of a patient's PHI within a medical/healthcare domain (e.g. within a healthcare institution or organization). More generally, listing of a caregiver or assistant in a patient's circle-of-care is managed by a circle-of-care manager that tracks the names and any aliases for any caregivers/assistants, as well as the name and any aliases of the patient, throughout the medical/healthcare domain. Using a set of hierarchical rules determining access restrictions, the circle-of-care list is updated by the circle-of-care manager to reflect any changes in membership. Within the circle-of-care list, multi-level permissions and restrictions may be assigned to each caregiver/assistant, depending on the level of access required. Permissions and/or restrictions may be time-limited to expire automatically.

Abstract: An electric device includes a motor and a motor drive for commanding a torque generated by the motor. A fault control circuit detects a fault condition associated with the motor drive. Upon detection of the fault condition, the fault control circuit adjusts the torque commanded by the motor drive.

Abstract: A laser printing system includes a computer, a user interface device, laser electronics and a laser. A first software application at the computer creates and edits fonts. The computer sends the fonts to the laser electronics, and the laser electronics use the fonts to convert text data to images for the laser to print. A second application at the computer creates and edits menu screen bitmaps. The computer sends the menu screen bitmaps to the user interface device to display. A third application at the computer creates and edits a keyboard function map for the user interface device. The computer sends the keyboard function map to the user interface device. The user interface device allows a user to edit images for the laser to print and control operation of the laser.

Abstract: A self-anchoring cardiac harness is configured to fit at least a portion of a patient's heart and includes a tissue engaging element for frictionally engaging an outer surface of a heart. The engaging element produces sufficient friction relative to the outer surface of the heart, so that the harness does not migrate substantially relative to the heart. There is enough force created by the engaging element that there is no need to apply a suture to the heart in order to retain the cardiac harness. Further, the engaging element is adapted to engage the outer surface of the heart without substantially penetrating the outer surface. One or more tissue engaging elements are formed from a metal or metal alloy and are attached to a pulse generator for providing a defibrillating shock or for pacing/sensing therapy.

Abstract: A cardiac harness for treating a patient's heart includes elastic rows connected by a connector assembly. The connector assembly can have a specific pattern, or can be formed of elongated elastic material connecting all of the apices of adjacent rows. The connectors maintain proper spacing between rows or rings on the harness and provide longitudinal stability.

Abstract: A self-anchoring cardiac harness is configured to fit at least a portion of a patient's heart and includes a tissue engaging element for frictionally engaging an outer surface of a heart. The engaging element produces sufficient friction relative to the outer surface of the heart, so that the harness does not migrate substantially relative to the heart. There is enough force created by the engaging element that there is no need to apply a suture to the heart in order to retain the cardiac harness. Further, the engaging element is adapted to engage the outer surface of the heart without substantially penetrating the outer surface.

Abstract: A thin organic EL device having improved heat radiation characteristics. A transparent electrode, an organic EL layer, and a metal second electrode are sequentially superimposed on a glass substrate. A plurality of projections extend from the upper surface of the second electrode. A protective film protecting the organic EL layer from oxygen and moisture is in close contact with the second electrode. A conductive film, which is insulated from the second electrode, includes a first end portion and a second end portion connected to the first electrode.

Abstract: A cardiac harness configured to be fit around at least a portion of a patient's heart, including a conductive material that is coated with a dielectric coating to electrically insulate at least the heart tissue from the conductive material. The cardiac harness applies a compressive force on the heart during diastole and systole. The cardiac harness includes an arrangement that provides no electrical continuity circumferentially about the harness, so that if an electric current created by a defibrillation device is applied to a patient who has a harness that is placed on their heart, the electric current will pass through the heart unimpeded instead of being conducted around the heart through the harness.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, embodiments of the invention can superimposed upon the existing framework of network which includes a number of nodes interconnected by the underlying communications network. In one embodiment, an access control node is interposed between each node and the remainder of the network. The access control node is adapted to transmit information about the node and the user attempting to access the node to a server used for maintaining security and audit information. This information may take the form of node identification data (thus identifying the node) and user identification data (to ensure that the user is associated with an active account and the user has entered the correct password thus authenticating the user). If the node is not recognised by the server, then no access to protected information (e.g., PHI) is allowed. If, however, the node is recognised, then access to PHI requires that the user also be authenticated.

Abstract: A cardiac harness for treating or preventing congestive heart failure is configured to be placed about at least a portion of a patient's heart so as to apply a mild compressive force on the heart. In one embodiment, the cardiac harness comprises a plurality of spaced apart conductive panels arranged so that there is no electrical continuity circumferentially around the harness. In an additional embodiment, a cardiac harness is provided that is insulated so as not to conduct electricity circumferentially about the harness.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) within a phase lock loop (PLL) that may be configured to generate an output signal in response to (i) a low gain control input and (ii) a high gain control input. The low gain control input and the high gain control input are generally both active.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a phase lock loop (PLL) and a charge pump. The PLL may be configured to generate an output signal in response to an input signal. The charge pump may be configured within the PLL and be configured to (i) pump-up the input signal, (ii) pump-down the input signal or (iii) enter tri-state in response to a control signal.

Abstract: A quantitative method of evaluating swimwear for underwater leakage using a mechanical test mannequin, a water tank, a fluorescent bowel movement simulant, and a fluorescence meter. More particularly, a swimwear garment is applied to the mannequin, the fluorescent bowel movement simulant is inserted into the swimwear garment, the mannequin and the swimwear garment are submersed into water within the water tank, and a motion mechanism attached to the mannequin moves the mannequin up and down, thereby simulating typical water play movements. The fluorescence meter can be used to quantitatively determine the amount of leakage of the fluorescent bowel movement simulant from the swimwear garment.