Abstract: A flexible catheter includes an elongated body, and a sensor. The elongated body has proximal and distal end portions and defines a working channel therethrough. The sensor is disposed in the distal end portion of the elongated body and is adapted for detecting the position of a distal end of the elongated body within the anatomy of a patient. The sensor is formed from a wire that forms a first layer of wraps about the distal end portion of the elongated body and that includes first and second leads that form a twisted pair proximal to the first layer of wraps. The twisted pair of the first and second leads extends to the proximal end portion of the elongated body.

Abstract: This application relates to a client-server architecture that enables user accounts registered with a service to be discoverable to other users of the service. A discovery protocol includes accessing personal information data stored in an address book of a client device, obfuscating the personal information data, transmitting a request to a service to determine if the obfuscated personal information data matches any potential contacts that have registered as discoverable with the service, and comparing information related to the potential contacts with the contacts included in the address book to determine if the contacts in the address book match any of the potential contacts.

Abstract: A sound card and related method includes a sound processing circuit, a rear primary connector, and a switching connector header coupled therebetween. The switching header includes a normally closed spring contact that opens in response to insertion of a plug in the header. Upon opening of the connector header switches, the audio signal is received by a secondary connector coupled to the plug and disposed at the front of a computer. The secondary connector has a normally closed switch that enables the signal to pass back to the header and to the primary connector. Each of the primary connector and secondary connector may be auto-muting to interrupt the audio signal at a main output contact in response to insertion of a headphone or other jack therein. The sound card is operational either with or without the secondary connector.

Abstract: An add-in card includes a substantially planar printed circuit (“PCB”) and a bracket. The bracket includes tabs that extend through slots in the PCB and that are twisted to clamp the PCB and bracket together. Opposing sides or corners of a web coupled to each tab contact opposing sidewalls of the corresponding slot to position and fasten the structure in an interference fit. Thus, the fasteners accurately and repeatably position the PCB relative to the bracket within tight tolerances. An embodiment of the bracket may also include an anti-rotation member that extends outwardly from the body portion to restrain an edge of the PCB from rolling relative to the bracket in response to tightening of the tabs. A method and apparatus for positioning the components and actuating the tabs is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sound card and related method includes a sound processing circuit, a rear primary connector, and a switching connector header coupled therebetween. The switching header includes a normally closed spring contact that opens in response to insertion of a plug in the header. Upon opening of the connector header switches, the audio signal is received by a secondary connector coupled to the plug and disposed at the front of a computer. The secondary connector has a normally closed switch that enables the signal to pass back to the header and to the primary connector. Each of the primary connector and secondary connector may be auto-muting to interrupt the audio signal at a main output contact in response to insertion of a headphone or other jack therein. The sound card is operational either with or without the secondary connector.

Abstract: An electronic instrument which generates sound using a sound generator upon receipt of a trigger signal. Each pad actuator for generating a trigger signal includes first and second actuators for respectively triggering first and second switches which, upon actuation, generate the trigger signal for the sound generator. The pad actuator is mounted so as to rotate in a first direction about a pivot point upon depression by a user. The first actuator is placed closer to the pivot point than the second actuator and is mounted on a floating cantilever beam such that continued depression of the pad actuator in the first direction after actuation of the first switch by the first actuator causes the first actuator to displace in a second direction opposite the first direction while the second actuator continues to rotate in the first direction about the pivot point until the second switch is actuated by the second actuator.

Abstract: A high-temperature steel of chromium, nickel and tungsten modified with a lanthanum addition and balanced compositionally to provide a combination of good oxidation resistance and high temperature strength; chromium is present within the range of 19 to 22%, nickel is present within the range of 30 to 45%, tungsten is present within the range of 1 to 4% and lanthanum is present within the range of 0.02 to 0.25% with the lanthanum addition providing the oxidation resistance and the combination of elements being balanced to achieve structural stability and thus high strength at elevated temperature.