Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable container for a user including a container housing and a speaker attached to a portion of the housing. The area in the interior of the container at least adjacent to the speaker includes a compressible material. The housing is configured to carry a consumable substance. In one embodiment, the container further includes a memory device that is configured to store information that is related to the substance, and/or that is specific to the user. The speaker can output a message based on the information under a predetermined condition. Further, the speaker has a first surface and a second surface, with one of the surfaces directing at the interior of the container housing. Then as the speaker vibrates to generate sound waves, at least a portion of the sound waves from that surface of the speaker are directed towards the interior of the container housing, which improves the quality of the sound waves generated by the speaker and received by the user.

Abstract: A moisture sensor for skin is disclosed. With the moisture sensor, a user can determine that her skin is too dry, and can conveniently apply a skin-care product. In addition, in one embodiment, the sensor can assist in identifying different types of skin-care products to apply. As one example, a skin-care product is a type of lotion. As another example, a skin-care product is a type of shampoo.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a healthcare base for the health of a user. The base includes an area to receive a bottle that carries a health-related substance for the user to take. The base includes a detector, an input mechanism, an output mechanism and a storage medium. The detector can electronically detect information from the bottle. The input mechanism can allow the user to input information into the base. The output device can allow the user to receive output from the base. The storage medium can electrically store a piece of information regarding the user. In addition to electronically detect information from the bottle, the base provides electronic assistance regarding taking the health-related substance. In another embodiment, the base includes a space to receive a sensor. The sensor can measure an attribute of the user with the health-realted substance affecting the results of the measurements.

Abstract: A portable bottle having or coupled to one or more electrical components is disclosed. One embodiment includes a personal and portable bottle for a user, with the bottle having a sensor and an electrical component that is for electrically storing a piece of information regarding the user. The bottle carries a substance, and the sensor is for measuring an attribute of the user. The substance can affect the attribute of the user. A number of other embodiments generally pertain to an intelligent bottle or use thereof.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool.

Abstract: A laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling dissection including a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to form together a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized allow the insertion of a conventional laparoscope therein to provide observation during surgical procedures. The laparoscope provides direct observation of dissection through the open distal end of the tunneling member. Observation is provided both when the device is used to tunnel between tissue layer to a region of interest within the body of a patient, and during subsequent balloon inflation when the tissue layers are dissected to cause separation of the tissue layers and the creature of an anatomical working space. After the anatomic space has been created, the device and laparoscope are withdrawn through the incision.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues, whereby tissue is heated for an optimal time and at an optimal temperature under optimal pressure to maximize tissue seal strength while minimizing collateral tissue damage. The instrument of the present invention is lightweight and therefore portable, and is particularly useful in field conditions where a source of external power may not be readily available.

Abstract: A pair of glasses with one or more electrical components partially or fully embedded in the glasses is disclosed. In one embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a speaker and an electrical connector, both at least partially embedded in the glasses, with the speaker and the connector electrically coupled together by an electrical conductor. In another embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a storage medium and an electrical connector. In yet another embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a speaker, a coder/decoder, a processor and a storage medium. The glasses can serve as a multimedia asset player. In a further embodiment, some of the electrical components are in a base tethered to a pair of glasses. Instead of just receiving signals, in one embodiment, a pair of glasses also has a microphone and a wireless transceiver. In another embodiment, a pair of glasses includes a preference indicator that allows a user to indicate the user's preference regarding, for example, what is being output by the glasses.

Abstract: Aneurysms are treated by filling a double-walled filling structure with a curable medium. The structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. The filling structures are preferably used in pairs for providing flow into the iliac arteries when treating abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and kit for marking the opening between the fallopian tube and the uterus (tubal ostia) are provided. A marking dye provided in a marking assembly including a fluid dispenser coupled to a catheter having an open end and a guide wire. The catheter is inserted into the uterus and to a position adjacent the tubal ostia. When properly inserted, the fluid dispenser is activated to cause fluid to flow through the catheter and to the wall of the uterus to provide a mark. Once the mark is provided, endometrial ablation process can be provided in the uterus. The marks can then be used to guide the insertion of tubal occlusion devices.

Abstract: A pair of glasses includes a clock that is at least partially embedded in the glasses. The clock can be in one of the temples of the glasses. In one implementation, the clock can be positioned at a region close to a hinge of the corresponding temple, with the clock facing inward towards the user. The clock can also be in a temple arrangement. Instead of or in addition to a clock, other types of electrical components can be at least partially embedded into a pair of glasses or a temple arrangement of a pair of glasses. For example, the other electrical components can pertain to a RFID tag, a temperature sensor or an eyewear finder.

Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear (e.g., eyeglasses) without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. Often, the electrical components can be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere.

Abstract: In one embodiment, eyewear having an activity monitoring capability is disclosed. Activity, such as motion, steps or distance, can be measured by an activity detector. The measured activity can then be used in providing activity-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their degree of activity.

Abstract: A pair of glasses with first and second lens holders for receiving lenses, a bridge element that couples the lens holders, and a pair of temples. The temples are pivotally secured to the lens holders. In one embodiment, the glasses further include a speaker being powered by a power source. The pair of glasses can deliver information through the speaker to the person wearing the glasses. The information being delivered can be wirelessly transmitted to the glasses from a remote device. The information can be pre-recorded and available at the glasses, or the information can be wirelessly received by the glasses as it is produced. The information can be relevant to an event, and available for a relatively short duration of time. In another embodiment, a pair of glasses further includes an information input mechanism that allows the person to input information into the glasses. Such input information can be wirelessly transmitted from the glasses to a remote device.

Abstract: Novel techniques for hearing enhancement based on a pair of glasses are disclosed. In one embodiment, the glasses include a first lens holder, a second lens holder, a bridge element, a first temple, a second temple, a first speaker, a second speaker, a microphone and at least one electrical component that performs a hearing enhanced function to enhance audio signals from the microphone to be sent to the speakers for the user to hear. At least one electrical component in the glasses is for generating other audio signals by the speakers, with the other audio signals originating from signals other than audio signals captured by the microphone. In another embodiment, some of the electrical components are in a portable device, wired or wirelessly, coupled to the glasses. In yet another embodiment, the glasses function as a headset, with other electrical components in the portable device.

Abstract: An electronic circuit having radiation monitoring capability is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by the electronic circuit. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the electronic circuit. In one implementation, the electronic circuit is provided within eyewear so that the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their exposure to radiation.

Abstract: A space occupying device for deployment within a patient's stomach and methods of deploying and removing the device. The device includes an expandable member and fasteners, such as sutures, that extend to least partially through the patient's stomach wall, and that anchor the device with the patient's stomach. The device can be deployed and/or removed through transesophageal approaches and/or through a combination of transesophageal and transabdominal approaches.

Abstract: Tethered electrical components coupled to electrical components in or attached to a pair of eyeglasses are disclosed. The tethered electrical components can allow a user to communicate with a communication device in a wireless and hands-free manner. The tethered electrical components may also include and/or control one or more operation indicators to signal operational status of the electrical components. In addition, the tethered electrical components may also include and/or control one or more sensors to monitor and signal conditions of users of the tethered electrical components.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein said compression paddle and said cushion can be separately or integrally formed.