Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a wireless lighting control system and its application thereof, particularly for commercial application. Said wireless lighting control system mainly involves a novel communication protocol developed for functioning of the said lighting control system, which allows users to remotely control on/off, configure different layouts and settings, and time schedule the operation of different types of lighting fixtures including LEDs.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a wireless lighting control system and its application thereof, particularly for commercial application. Said wireless lighting control system mainly involves a novel communication protocol developed for functioning of the said lighting control system, which allows users to remotely control on/off, configure different layouts and settings, and time schedule the operation of different types of lighting fixtures including LEDs.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and vaccines that include a mutated Bordetella strain for treating or preventing an influenza infection in a mammal. In addition, the invention further provides methods for protecting a mammal against infection by influenza and/or eliciting an immune response against an influenza virus in a mammal using the composition or vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and vaccines that include a mutated Bordetella strain for treating or preventing an influenza infection in a mammal. In addition, the invention further provides methods for protecting a mammal against infection by influenza and/or eliciting an immune response against an influenza virus in a mammal using the composition or vaccine.

Abstract: An artificial retina device and a retinal stimulation system and method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device includes multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. By projecting real or computer controlled visible light images, and computer controlled infrared light images or illumination, simultaneously or in rapid alternation onto the artificial retina device, the nature of induced retinal images may be modulated and improved. The retinal stimulation system may be worn as a headset. Color images may be induced by programming the stimulating pulse durations and frequencies of the stimulation.

Abstract: Methods of using electrical stimulation by itself or in conjunction with growth factors to treat and prevent visual loss due to choroidal, retinal pigment epithelial and/or neuroretinal cell degeneration and dysfunction are presented.

Abstract: An artificial retinal device, implanted in the subretinal space of the eye in persons with certain types of retinal blindness, induces artificial vision by electrical stimulation of the remaining viable cells of the retina. The artificial retina device includes a stimulating electrode unit preferably placed in the subretinal space.

Abstract: A visible and infrared light powered retinal implant is disclosed that is implanted into the subretinal space for electrically inducing formed vision in the eye. The retinal implant includes a stacked microphotodetector arrangement having an image sensing pixel layer and a voltage and current gain adjustment layer for providing variable voltage and current gain to the implant so as to obtain better low light implant performance than the prior art, and to compensate for high retinal stimulation thresholds present in some retinal diseases.

Abstract: Mechanically activated objects or devices for use in treating degenerative retinal diseases are provided. Such devices apply mechanical forces to tissues of an eye to effectuate treatment and are configured for chronic implantation (thereby applying chronic stimulation/irritation) in or on the eye. The devices may be configured for contact with a retina of the eye, preferably positioned in a subretinal space. Various embodiments comprise a moving member configured for chronic contact with at least a portion of the eye, which moving member is activated by an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator may be distally located relative to the moving member. Alternatively, the moving member may be supported by a body member that, optionally, also supports the actuator.

Abstract: An artificial retina device and a method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device is comprised of plural multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. One device, called a MMRI-4, transduces light into electric currents to stimulate the retina. The four microphotodiode subunits of the MMRI-4 are oriented so that each flattened sides of the MMRI-4 has two subunits in a PiN configuration and two subunits in a NiP configuration. The flattened cubic shape of the MMRI-4 will allow one or the other of the two flattened sides to be preferentially directed toward incident light when implanted in the subretinal space.

Abstract: A visible and infrared light powered retinal implant is disclosed that is implanted into the subretinal space for electrically inducing formed vision in the eye. The retinal implant includes a stacked microphotodetector arrangement having an image sensing pixel layer and a voltage and current gain adjustment layer for providing variable voltage and current gain to the implant so as to obtain better low light implant performance than the prior art, and to compensate for high retinal stimulation thresholds present in some retinal diseases.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for use with implants, particularly for use in implanting retinal implants into the sub-retinal space of an eye. The instrument includes a handpiece and an inserter attachment. The handpiece includes a first sliding member movably disposed within a longitudinal channel of the handpiece and comprising finger portions adapted to couple and retain the inserter attachment to the handpiece. A nose member of the handpiece includes at least two recesses for mating with a locating pin in the inserter attachment for maintaining alignment of the inserter attachment. The inserter attachment includes a pusher cap that is biased to retain a pusher in a retracted position. Also, an inserter tip of the inserter attachment includes a cover that defines a space for and helps retain the implant within the inserter attachment.

Abstract: An artificial retina device and a method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device is comprised of plural multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. One device, called a MMRI-4, transduces light into electric currents to stimulate the retina. The four microphotodiode subunits of the MMRI-4 are oriented so that each flattened sides of the MMRI-4 has two subunits in a PiN configuration and two subunits in a NiP configuration. The flattened cubic shape of the MMRI-4 will allow one or the other of the two flattened sides to be preferentially directed toward incident light when implanted in the subretinal space.

Abstract: A visible and infrared light powered retinal implant is disclosed that is implanted into the subretinal space for electrically inducing formed vision in the eye. The retinal implant includes a stacked microphotodetector arrangement having an image sensing pixel layer and a voltage and current gain adjustment layer for providing variable voltage and current gain to the implant so as to obtain better low light implant performance than the prior art, and to compensate for high retinal stimulation thresholds present in some retinal diseases.

Abstract: An artificial retina device and a method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device is comprised of plural multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. One device, called a MMRI-4, transduces light into electric currents to stimulate the retina. The four microphotodiode subunits of the MMRI-4 are oriented so that each flattened sides of the MMRI-4 has two subunits in a PiN configuration and two subunits in a NiP configuration. The flattened cubic shape of the MMRI-4 will allow one or the other of the two flattened sides to be preferentially directed toward incident light when implanted in the subretinal space.

Abstract: A visible and infrared light powered retinal implant is disclosed that is implanted into the subretinal space for electrically inducing formed vision in the eye. The retinal implant includes a stacked microphotodetector arrangement having an image sensing pixel layer and a voltage and current gain adjustment layer for providing variable voltage and current gain to the implant so as to obtain better low light implant performance than the prior art, and to compensate for high retinal stimulation thresholds present in some retinal diseases.

Abstract: An artificial retina device and a method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device is comprised of plural multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. One device, called a MMRI-4, transduces light into electric currents to stimulate the retina. The four microphotodiode subunits of the MMRI-4 are oriented so that each flattened sides of the MMRI-4 has two subunits in a PiN configuration and two subunits in a NiP configuration. Filter layers disposed on the PiN configuration will allow visible light to induce a PiN current, and filter layers disposed on the NiP configuration will allow infrared light to induce a NiP current.

Abstract: An artificial retina device and a method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device is comprised of plural multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. One device, called a MMRI-4, transduces light into electric currents to stimulate the retina. The four microphotodiode subunits of the MMRI-4 are oriented so that each flattened sides of the MMRI-4 has two subunits in a PiN configuration and two subunits in a NiP configuration. By projecting real or computer controlled visible light images, and computer controlled infrared light images or illumination, simultaneously or in rapid alternation onto the MMRI-4s, the nature of induced retinal images may be modulated and improved.

Abstract: Microscopic photodiode devices with semi-transparent surface electrodes are combined with a liquid or other suitable vehicle. Together they are injected into the subretinal space of the eye. The purpose of these microphotodiode photovoltaic devices is to transduce incident light into electric current which stimulate the overlying cellular layers of the retina. In persons suffering from visual dysfunction due to outer retinal layer damage, such devices may allow useful formed artificial vision. These independent surface electrode microphotodiodes (ISEMCPs) may be in the shape of micro-spheres, micro-cylinders or other micro-shapes. An off-center embedded ferromagnetic layer will confer magnetic susceptibility to the ISEMCPs. A magnetic field applied in the vicinity of the eye will align the ISEMCPs within the subretinal space directing their photoactive surface toward incident light.

Abstract: A system for directly connecting one integrated circuit to another achieved by depositing gold onto the bonding pads of both integrated circuits, aligning the respective bonding pads and biasing both circuits into gas-tight, electrically conductive relation through the use of an initial compression force and a spring assembly. The gold bumps deposited on the bonding pads include ridges to ensure an optimal gas-tight seal. Alignment posts are also inserted through the host integrated circuit, which match notches cut into the periphery of the target integrated circuit, to ensure proper polarization and mating of the bonding pads of each integrated circuit. The integrated circuits and spring assembly are housed, and thus held together by, a carrier assembly. The carrier assembly also serves to dissipate heat generated by the integrated circuits, adapts for mounting on a printed circuit board, and includes a ferrule over an optical sensing area provided on the host integrated circuit.