Abstract: An ophthalmic aspiration pump roller-head assembly 10, includes a plurality of rollers 12, a base 16 attached to a first end of the rollers 12, and a face-plate 18 attached to a second end of the rollers 12. The face-plate 18 has at least one groove formed in the face-plate 18 for drawing a tube onto the rollers 12.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a horn coupled to a transducer configured to convert alternating current into mechanical oscillation of the horn. The phacoemulsification handpiece further includes a phacoemulsification needle attached to the horn. The phacoemulsification needle vibrates by oscillation of the horn, to provide for mechanical cutting of tissue and inducing cavitation proximate a tip of the phacoemulsification needle. The phacoemulsification system further includes a control system with associated drive circuitry in connection with the transducer of the phacoemulsification handpiece. The control system is configured to adjust an operating frequency of the transducer to increase or decrease a mechanical cutting performance and a cavitational-induced performance of the phacoemulsification needle.

Abstract: A finger-operable phacoemulsification (“phaco”) needle wrench includes a base that receives a fastening head of a phaco needle. A hollow finger grip extends from the base for at least as long as the portion of the needle extending distally from the fastening head. The grip has asymmetric lobes directed generally outwardly from the grip's central axis. The lobes provide a tightening torque to the needle fastening head in response to a tightening force applied to the lobes by fingers of a user securing the needle to a phaco handpiece. The lobes provide a loosening torque to the needle fastening head in response to a loosening force applied to the lobes by fingers removing the needle from the phaco handpiece. The loosening torque is greater than the tightening torque because of the asymmetric profile of the lobes.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a horn coupled to a transducer configured to convert alternating current into mechanical oscillation of the horn. The phacoemulsification handpiece further includes a phacoemulsification needle attached to the horn. The phacoemulsification needle vibrates by oscillation of the horn, to provide for mechanical cutting of tissue and inducing cavitation proximate a tip of the phacoemulsification needle. The phacoemulsification system further includes a control system with associated drive circuitry in connection with the transducer of the phacoemulsification handpiece. The control system is configured to adjust an operating frequency of the transducer to increase or decrease a mechanical cutting performance and a cavitational-induced performance of the phacoemulsification needle.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for converting numbers to text and to digit shapes expressed in different languages. When a string of text is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string of text includes a number expressed using digits. If the string of text includes a number expressed using digits, the number is semantically labeled with schema information. When a selection is received of the number, a list of actions may be provided identifying conversion actions available for the number. One of the conversion options may then be selected resulting in the conversion of the selected number to text in one or more languages. A conversion option may also be selected for converting the number digits to digits expressed using other digit shapes. The converted number may then be inserted into the string of text to replace the selected number.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium are provided for consistent configuration of language support between an operating system and application programs. According to the method, an integrated process is provided for receiving and implementing one or more language settings for an operating system and one or more language settings for application programs. The integrated process includes prompting a user for new language settings for both the operating system and the application programs. The language settings for the operating system may include language group support, user interface language, keyboard layout, preferences for standards and formats, and other settings. The language settings for the application programs may include preferences for a user interface language and a default language for use in the application programs. Once the language settings have been received from the user, the new settings may be applied and utilized in future operations of the computer system.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery system for wirelessly supplying power to at least one surgical module during ophthalmic surgery. The ophthalmic surgery system includes a power module having a power transmitter configured to generate an electromagnetic field in at least a space proximal to the power module, a surgical module including a power receiver, and a surgical console in communication with the surgical module. Power is wirelessly induced in the power receiver when the surgical module is within the space, such that at least one component included in the surgical module is substantially powered by the induced power.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for converting dates between calendars and languages. When a string of text is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string of text includes a date. If the string of text includes a date, the date is semantically labeled with schema information that identifies the calendar and language used to express the date. When a selection is received of the date or an indication that the date is labeled with schema information, a list of actions may be provided identifying conversion options available for the date. One of the conversion options may then be selected resulting in the conversion of the selected date to the calendar and language identified by the selected action. The converted date may then be inserted into the string of text to replace the selected date.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for converting currency values between types of currency. When a string of text is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string of text includes a currency value. If the string of text includes a currency value, the value is semantically labeled with schema information that identifies the type of currency associated with the value. When a selection is received of the currency value, a list of actions may be provided identifying conversion options available for the value. One of the conversion options may then be selected resulting in the conversion of the selected currency value to the destination type of currency identified by the selected action. The converted currency value may then be inserted into the string of text to replace the selected currency value along with a currency notation corresponding to the destination currency value.

Abstract: An ophthalmic aspiration pump roller-head assembly 10, includes a plurality of rollers 12, a base 16 attached to a first end of the rollers 12, and a face-plate 18 attached to a second end of the rollers 12. The face-plate 18 has at least one groove formed in the face-plate 18 for drawing a tube onto the rollers 12.

Abstract: Number conversion between different units of measurement in a document is enabled. A string of text entered into an application program is analyzed to determine whether it includes a number having an associated unit name. Found numbers with associated unit names are semantically labeled with schema information identifying the unit name as a source unit of measurement. When the number is selected or an indication received that the number is labeled with schema information, a list of actions may be provided identifying conversion options for the number. In response to selection of one of the conversion options, the selected number is converted to the destination unit of measure identified by the selected action. The converted number may then be inserted into the string of text to replace the selected number along with a unit name corresponding to the destination unit of measure.

Abstract: A smart container configured for transporting cargo on a transportation vehicle and a method for transporting the smart container on the transportation vehicle are disclosed. The smart container includes a container housing that has an opening for loading and unloading cargo. The opening can be sealed and unsealed. Disposed within the container housing is at least one detector for detecting deviations that could be indicative of possible threats (security concerns). A communications link is also disposed within the container housing. The communications link is capable of transmitting the possible threat information to a central cargo data collection location. For example, the container(s) on a transportation vehicle (e.g., a ship) transport information about the container to a central data collector onboard the ship. The central data collector may then transmit that information off of the ship, e.g., to a C4ISR grid.

Abstract: A smart container configured for transporting cargo on a transportation vehicle and a method for transporting the smart container on the transportation vehicle are disclosed. The smart container includes a container housing that has an opening for loading and unloading cargo. The opening can be sealed and unsealed. Disposed within the container housing is at least one detector for detecting deviations that could be indicative of possible threats (security concerns). A communications link is also disposed within the container housing. The communications link is capable of transmitting the possible threat information to a central cargo data collection location. For example, the container(s) on a transportation vehicle (e.g., a ship) transport information about the container to a central data collector onboard the ship. The central data collector may then transmit that information off of the ship, e.g., to a C4ISR grid.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for converting currency values between types of currency. When a string of text is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string of text includes a currency value. If the string of text includes a currency value, the value is semantically labeled with schema information that identifies the type of currency associated with the value. When a selection is received of the currency value, a list of actions may be provided identifying conversion options available for the value. One of the conversion options may then be selected resulting in the conversion of the selected currency value to the destination type of currency identified by the selected action. The converted currency value may then be inserted into the string of text to replace the selected currency value along with a currency notation corresponding to the destination currency value.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for converting numbers between different units of measurement. When a string of text is entered into an application program, the string is analyzed to determine whether the string of text includes a number having an associated unit name. If the string of text includes a number having an associated unit name, the number is semantically labeled with schema information that identifies the unit name as a source unit of measurement. When a selection is received of the number or an indication that the number is labeled with schema information, a list of actions may be provided identifying conversion options available for the number. One of the conversion options may then be selected resulting in the conversion of the selected number to the destination unit of measure identified by the selected action. The converted number may then be inserted into the string of text to replace the selected number along with a unit name corresponding to the destination unit of measure.

Abstract: A multiband PIFA (planar inverted-F) antenna. A preferred embodiment makes use of a spiral slot. The spiral slot is formed to cause multiple frequency dependent nulls in the antenna's electric field modal distribution. The preferred embodiment antenna has a single element patch radiator formed on a dielectric support in an inverted-F relationship with a first ground plane. The dielectric support may be part of a device housing or internal board, e.g., a PCB board. The patch radiator includes a spiral slot. A feed is made to the single element patch radiator in a location relative to the spiral slot to ensure that portions of the single element patch radiator enclosed by the spiral slot are fed as a series extension of another portion of said patch radiator. According to a preferred embodiment, the patch radiator may be formed from a single conductive sheet, plating or deposit along with the shorting post and feed.

Abstract: A multiband PIFA (planar inverted-F) antenna. A preferred embodiment makes use of a spiral slot. The spiral slot is formed to cause multiple frequency dependent nulls in the antenna's electric field modal distribution. The preferred embodiment antenna has a single element patch radiator formed on a dielectric support in an inverted-F relationship with a first ground plane. The dielectric support may be part of a device housing or internal board, e.g., a PCB board. The patch radiator includes a spiral slot. A feed is made to the single element patch radiator in a location relative to the spiral slot to ensure that portions of the single element patch radiator enclosed by the spiral slot are fed as a series extension of another portion of said patch radiator. According to a preferred embodiment, the patch radiator may be formed from a single conductive sheet, plating or deposit along with the shorting post and feed.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual mode antenna. The antenna of the invention connects in an inverted-F feed when in a retracted position, and in a monopole feed in an extended position. The antenna mounts adjacent a relatively large ground plane, such as a grounding shell or EMI shield included in a laptop computer display, for example. A preferred antenna includes an elongate radiator mounted in a non-conductive housing to permit retraction and extension of the elongate radiator. The housing includes electrical contact points that form an inverted-F feed antenna connection to the elongate radiator when the elongate radiator is in a retracted position. The electrical contact points form a monopole feed antenna connection to the elongate radiator when the elongate radiator is in an extended position.

Abstract: A preferred compact antenna assembly of the invention includes a nonconductive hollow core plug. The core plug has a recessed pattern on an outside surface into which a helical radiator is wound. An end portion of the helical radiator extends through a hole in the core plug to contact a center radiator extending in the hollow portion. A cover covers the helical radiator. Preferably, the entire assembly is configured to snap-fit together and to a device. The cover and core plug may snap-fit together. The bottom of the core plug may define a mount and the center radiator may be exposed from the mount as a device contact. The center radiator is also preferably shaped to grab onto the helical radiator. The recess pattern and hole on the core plug allow formation of the helical radiator having the exact pitch defined by the recess pattern by inserting a wire into the hole and applying pressure to the wire while rotating the core plug and wire vis a vis each other to wind the wire into the recess pattern.

Abstract: A remote transponder unit is secured to the front of an electricity meter which, in turn, is electrically connected to an electric distribution system. The remote transponder unit is adjacent the power measuring disk of the electricity meter without obscuring the analog display of the meter. The transponder transmits data over the electric distribution system, including data representing the energy used by a user. The transponder unit includes a housing which is secured to the base of the meter and is electrically connected through the electricity meter through the electric distribution system.