Abstract: A method of making a polymeric tubular layer of an expandable medical device or component, in which the polymeric tubular layer is longitudinally compressed by longitudinally stretching a tube over the polymeric tubular layer and releasing the tube from the stretched configuration so that the length of the tube decreases and thereby decreases the length of the polymeric tubular layer. The resulting compressed polymeric tubular layer can be used in a variety of expandable medical devices and in one presently preferred embodiment it forms a catheter balloon having at least one layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘PS-5096’. This new strawberry plant named ‘PS-5096’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the central coast of California, and is characterized by medium to small sized fruit which are orange-red to red in color; medium to small calyx diameter; conical, glossy fruit with the calyx which tends to be slightly reflexed; light to medium green foliage, which is slightly concave to slightly convex in shape with medium interveinal blistering and gloss; and position of fruiting truss tends to be more level with to above the plant with weak pubescence.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘PS-5298’. This new strawberry plant named ‘PS-5298’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the central coast of California, and is primarily characterized by its large plant size; medium to large fruit size; medium to red fruit color; spreading to reflexed calyx segments; medium to strong skin firmness; good fruit production with good flavor; light to medium green foliage with glossy texture and medium to strong interveinal blistering; and medium to large foliage, concave to flat in shape.

Abstract: The variability of immersion processes for treatment of semiconductor devices can be significantly lowered by initiating the termination of a treatment process according to a predetermined treatment termination protocol in a manner that takes into account the contribution of, in particular, the treatment that is carried out during the period of time in the treatment process in which the treatment process is being terminated. In a preferred embodiment, conditions that indicate the progress of the treatment on a real time basis are monitored, and the timing of the initiation of the termination process is additionally based on the calculated amount of treatment and treatment rate of the process in progress.

Abstract: A joint operable to couple a first shaft to a second shaft includes a first yoke coupled to the first shalt and defining a first aperture. A second yoke is coupled to the second shaft and defines a second aperture. A first bearing is coupled to the first yoke and is at least partially disposed within the first aperture. A second bearing is coupled to the second yoke and is at least partially disposed within the second aperture. A cross member has a first boss coupled to the first bearing and a second boss coupled to the second bearing. A first resilient member is positioned between the first bearing and the first boss to interconnect the first boss and the first yoke, and a second resilient member is positioned between the second bearing and the second boss to interconnect the second boss and the second yoke.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct short-day variety of strawberry plant named ‘PS-4634’. This new strawberry variety ‘PS-4634’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the central coast of California, and is primarily characterized by its large plant size, strong vigor rate, large foliage with medium to strong blistering and gloss, highly productive with fruit harvest beginning as early as late March in Salinas, Calif., producing upwards of 15% to 20% of its production by the end of May, and produced fruit is very large in size, light red in color, conical in shape with very good firmness and gloss.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct short-day variety of strawberry plant named ‘BG-1975’. This new strawberry variety ‘BG-1975’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the southern coast of California, and is primarily characterized by foliage medium to small in size and light to medium green in color, production is early, beginning as early as late December, producing upwards of 50% to 60% of it production by the end of March, produced fruit is attractive and of excellent quality, produced fruit is orange red to red in color, medium to large in size, very firm, conical to cylindrical in shape with a smooth surface lacking creases and ridges, and seeds may be slightly sunken below the surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the operating condition of a medical pump based on data derived from a pressure sensor and a position sensor. The pressure sensor generates pressure data by sensing the force on the pumping element. The position sensor generates position data by tracking the pumping cycle and determining the position of the pumping element. The pump pressure data and pump position data are processed and the calculated results compared with a pre-determined threshold value to determine the operating condition of the pump. The three main types of operating conditions of concern are the following: normal condition, where liquid is present and no leaks exist in pumping chamber; leak condition, where liquid is present but a leak exists in the pumping chamber; and air stroke condition, where the chamber contains some air.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct short-day variety of strawberry plant named ‘BG-959’. This new variety is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the southern coast of California. A small plant with large uniformly shaped berries primarily characterizes the new variety. Foliage is small in size with short petioles producing very few bract leaflets. Production is early beginning as early as late December, producing upwards of 20% to 25% of it production by the end of February. The fruit is large in size, very firm, flat conical in shape with a smooth surface lacking creases and ridges.

Abstract: A medical system and method of establishing communication between a plurality of implantable medical devices and an external device. An identification command is sent transcutaneously to at least one of the plurality of implantable medical devices. The plurality of implantable medical devices respond to the identification command with an uplink response in one of a plurality of uplink time slots. The external device receives the uplink response from each of at least one of the plurality of implanted medical devices. The external device establishes transcutaneous communication to a selected one of the plurality of implanted medical devices based, at least in part, upon a signal strength of said uplink response of at least one of said plurality of implanted medical devices.

Abstract: A medical system and method of establishing communication between a plurality of implantable medical devices and an external device. An identification command is sent transcutaneously to at least one of the plurality of implantable medical devices. The plurality of implantable medical devices respond to the identification command with an uplink response in one of a plurality of uplink time slots. The external device receives the uplink response from each of at least one of the plurality of implanted medical devices. The external device establishes transcutaneous communication to a selected one of the plurality of implanted medical devices based, at least in part, upon an order in time of which the plurality of implanted medical devices respond with the uplink response.

Abstract: A medical system and method of establishing communication between a plurality of implantable medical devices and an external device. An identification command is sent transcutaneously to at least one of the plurality of implantable medical devices. The plurality of implantable medical devices respond to the identification command with an uplink response in one of a plurality of uplink time slots. The external device receives the uplink response from each of at least one of the plurality of implanted medical devices. The external device establishes transcutaneous communication to a selected one of the plurality of implanted medical devices based, at least in part, upon a user selection of one of said plurality of implanted medical devices.

Abstract: An improved skateboard truck assembly provides very tight, small turning radius capability without the need to lift the forward truck assembly or the entire skateboard from the surface on which it is riding. Turning and riding under all conditions is stable and without wobble. Steering output is adjustable and configurable. The steering assembly uses automotive type mechanisms allowing for caster, camber, pivot and Ackerman steering adjustments.

Abstract: A transcutaneous energy transfer system, transcutaneous charging system, external power source, external charger and methods of transcutaneous energy transfer and charging for an implantable medical device and an external power source/charger. The implantable medical device has a secondary coil adapted to be inductively energized by an external primary coil at a carrier frequency. The external power source/charger has a primary coil and circuitry capable of inductively energizing the secondary coil by driving the primary coil at a carrier frequency adjusted to the resonant frequency to match a resonant frequency of the tuned inductive charging circuit, to minimize the impedance of the tuned inductive charging circuit or to increase the efficiency of energy transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for providing an electro-optic interface for exchanging information signals. The method includes the steps of disposing an optical array adjacent a first side of an optically transparent substrate, such that a plurality of transmission paths of the optical array pass directly through the substrate, applying an optically transparent underfill between the substrate and adjacent optical array with the plurality of transmission paths of the optical array passing directly through the underfill and coupling a plurality of optical signals of the optical array through the optically transparent underfill and optically transparent substrate between the optical array and an optical connector.

Abstract: An intravascular imaging guidewire which can accomplish longitudinal translation of an imaging plane allowing imaging, by acoustic or light energy, of an axial length of a region of interest without moving the guidewire. The imaging guidewire comprises a body in the form of a flexible elongate tubular member. An elongate flexible imaging core is slidably received within the body. The imaging core includes a shaft having an imaging device mounted on its distal end. The body and the imaging core are cooperatively constructed to enable axial translation of the imaging core and imaging device relative to the body. The body has a transparent distal portion extending an axial length over which axially translatable imaging may be performed. The imaging guidewire has a maximum diameter over its entire length sized to be received within a guidewire lumen of an intravascular catheter.

Abstract: A scanner for moving sheet materials such as a paper making machine provides the gauging heads which measure parameters such as basis weight and moisture entirely inside an enclosed tubular beam. Each gauging head is driven in a cross direction perpendicular to the moving sheet direction and includes a seal belt for dust and dirt protection by covering a slot in the beam, except where the gauging is located.

Abstract: A scanner for moving sheet materials such as a paper making machine provides the gauging heads which measure parameters such as basis weight and moisture entirely inside an enclosed tubular beam. Each gauging head is driven in a cross direction perpendicular to the moving sheet direction and includes a seal belt for dust and dirt protection by covering a slot in the beam, except where the gauging is located.

Abstract: An intravascular imaging guidewire which can accomplish longitudinal translation of an imaging plane allowing imaging, by acoustic other high quality imaging energy, of an axial length of a region of interest without moving the guidewire. The imaging guidewire comprises a body in the form of a flexible elongate tubular member. An elongate flexible imaging core is slidably received within the body. The imaging core includes a shaft having an imaging device mounted on its distal end. The body and the imaging core are cooperatively constructed to enable axial translation of the imaging core and imaging device relative to the body. The body has a transparent distal portion extending an axial length over which axially translatable imaging may be performed. The imaging guidewire has a maximum diameter over its entire length sized to be received within a guidewire lumen of an intravascular catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for providing an electro-optic interface for exchanging information signals. The method includes the steps of disposing an optical array adjacent a first side of an optically transparent substrate, such that a plurality of transmission paths of the optical array pass directly through the substrate, applying an optically transparent underfill between the substrate and adjacent optical array with the plurality of transmission paths of the optical array passing directly through the underfill and coupling a plurality of optical signals of the optical array through the optically transparent underfill and optically transparent substrate between the optical array and an optical connector.