Abstract: Methods and systems may include, at a computing device comprising a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, identifying entry of an electronic device within a geographic boundary and launching a session for a user of the electronic device in response to entry of the electronic device. The session may be inaccessible to the user at startup of the session. The method may further include, at the computing device, providing access to the session after startup of the session, and terminating the session based on exiting of the electronic device from the geographic boundary.

Abstract: A method may include, at a computing device comprising a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, identifying entry of an electronic device within a geographic boundary and launching a session for a user of the electronic device in response to entry of the electronic device. The session may be inaccessible to the user at startup of the session. The method may further include, at the computing device, providing access to the session after startup of the session, and terminating the session based on exiting of the electronic device from the geographic boundary.

Abstract: A computing device may include a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor may be configured to identify entry of an electronic device within a geographic boundary, and pre-launch a session for a user of the electronic device in response to identification of entry of the electronic device, with the session being inaccessible to the user at a time of startup of the session. The processor may be further configured to provide access to the session with use of the electronic device upon entry of the electronic device within the geographic boundary and based on an identifier of the user.

Abstract: A computing device may include a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor may be configured to identify entry of an electronic device within a geographic boundary, and pre-launch a session for a user of the electronic device in response to identification of entry of the electronic device, with the session being inaccessible to the user at a time of startup of the session. The processor may be further configured to provide access to the session with use of the electronic device upon entry of the electronic device within the geographic boundary and based on an identifier of the user.

Abstract: A virtualization server may include a memory and a processor cooperating therewith to determine when electronic devices associated with respective different users enter within a virtual geographic boundary, and pre-launch unauthenticated user-specific virtual computing sessions for respective users based upon determining that the electronic devices for the respective users have entered within the virtual geographic boundary. The processor may further authenticate the pre-launched user-specific virtual computing sessions based upon unique identifiers associated with the users and the respective electronic devices being within the virtual geographic boundary.

Abstract: A virtualization server may include a memory and a processor cooperating therewith to determine when electronic devices associated with respective different users enter within a virtual geographic boundary, and pre-launch unauthenticated user-specific virtual computing sessions for respective users based upon determining that the electronic devices for the respective users have entered within the virtual geographic boundary. The processor may further authenticate the pre-launched user-specific virtual computing sessions based upon unique identifiers associated with the users and the respective electronic devices being within the virtual geographic boundary.

Abstract: A speaking valve for management of a patient's airway comprising a body rotatably and removably attachable to a tracheotomy tube, the body having a first end communicable with the tracheotomy tube and a second end distal from the first end, an offset opening formed in the second end, a ramp disposed within the body, a ball having a diameter disposed within the chamber, the ball being adapted to be guided up and down the ramp and able to partially close the opening in the second end of the body, and the body and hence the chamber therein, at the option and control of the patient, wherein the ball is adapted to move up and down the ramp opening and partially closing the opening in the second end of the body and, as selected, exhalation by the patient proceeds through the patient's upper respiratory system and facilitates speaking by the patient.

Abstract: A speaking valve for management of a patient's airway comprising a body rotatably and removably attachable to a tracheotomy tube, the body having a first end communicable with the tracheotomy tube and a second end distal from the first end, an offset opening formed in the second end, a ramp disposed within the body, a ball having a diameter disposed within the chamber, the ball being adapted to be guided up and down the ramp and able to partially close the opening in the second end of the body, and the body and hence the chamber therein, at the option and control of the patient, wherein the ball is adapted to move up and down the ramp opening and partially closing the opening in the second end of the body and, as selected, exhalation by the patient proceeds through the patient's upper respiratory system and facilitates speaking by the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of mounting a light source, such as, for example a high-efficiency, high-power solid state light source (e.g., a LED) within a handle of an endoscope. One of the methods of the present invention includes removing a portion of a package surrounding the light source to expose a light source chip, positioning the exposed light source adjacent to a chassis within the handle and in contact with an end of a light guide bundle, translating the light source with the exposed light source chip about the end of the light guide while measuring light output from an illumination (i.e., distal) end of the light guide bundle with a photodetector, and securing the exposed light source to the chassis at a position in which maximum light output is measured.

Abstract: A compact, high-efficiency, high-power, solid state light source, comprising a high-power solid state light-emitting device, a light guide having a proximal light-receiving end proximate the light-emitting device and a distal light-transmitting end spaced farther from the light-emitting device, and a mechanical light guide fixing device coupled to the light guide near its proximal end, to hold the proximal end of the light guide in position near the light-emitting device.

Abstract: Illumination devices include a light source including a substantially planar light-emitting surface and an optical rod or optical taper disposed proximate to the substantially planar light-emitting surface to optically couple the optical rod and the substantially planar light-emitting surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of mounting a light source, such as, for example a high-efficiency, high-power solid state light source (e.g., a LED) within a handle of an endoscope. One of the methods of the present invention includes removing a portion of a package surrounding the light source to expose a light source chip, positioning the exposed light source adjacent to a chassis within the handle and in contact with an end of a light guide bundle, translating the light source with the exposed light source chip about the end of the light guide while measuring light output from an illumination (i.e., distal) end of the light guide bundle with a photodetector, and securing the exposed light source to the chassis at a position in which maximum light output is measured.

Abstract: An endoscope for remotely viewing and testing relatively inaccessible regions of structures that are under stress when used, the endoscope having a mechanically-articulated articulating distal end. The endoscope includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal working end. There is a working channel located within the shaft and open at both ends. A remote material stress-testing probe is located at least partially within the working channel, and is adapted to contact the region to be tested. There is at least one light guide in the shaft for carrying light introduced into the proximal end to a remote viewing area proximate the distal end. The endoscope further includes a user-operable shaft tip steering mechanism for articulating the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A mechanism for articulating the distal end of an elongated tool through movement of drums, in which wires coupled to the drums connect the mechanism to the distal end of the tool that is being articulated. The mechanism comprises a joystick coupled to a rotatable shaft that is coupled to one of the drums. When the joystick is moved in one direction, the shaft is rotated, thereby rotating the drum and causing articulation in one plane. There is an arc arm rotatable by movement of the joystick. The arc arm rotates about an axis that is transverse to the shaft rotational axis. Rotation of the arc arm is accomplished by movement of the joystick in a plane that is transverse to the plane in which the joystick is moved to cause rotation of the first rotatable shaft. A gear system translates rotation of the arc arm to rotation of the second drum, to cause articulation in an articulation plane that is perpendicular to the articulation plane caused by rotation of the first drum.