Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for protecting electronic content from the time it is packaged through the time it is experienced by an end user. Protection against content misuse is accomplished using a combination of encryption, watermark screening, detection of invalid content processing software and hardware, and/or detection of invalid content flows. Encryption protects the secrecy of content while it is being transferred or stored. Watermark screening protects against the unauthorized use of content. Watermark screening is provided by invoking a filter module to examine content for the presence of a watermark before the content is delivered to output hardware or software. The filter module is operable to prevent delivery of the content to the output hardware or software if it detects a predefined protection mark. Invalid content processing software is detected by a monitoring mechanism that validates the software involved in processing protected electronic content.

Abstract: The invention is a system that reviews, approves, and implements updates to a primary database that houses a business's chargeable items. A duplicate database has a duplicate of each data entry in the primary database. Prior to implementation, the update is reviewed for compliance with regulatory and local standards and preapproved updates by using the duplicate database as a point of reference. The management service may revise the update before implementing the update into the primary database. Preferably any update that is implemented into the primary database is validated to confirm that the implemented update matches the approved update.

Abstract: A method for stimulating new tissue growth is provided in which a limb is introduced into an interior portion of an outer cover. A porous component is applied to at least a portion of the limb within the outer cover. An opening through which the limb was introduced is sealed, and a negative pressure is applied to the interior portion to stimulate new tissue growth.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus for stimulating the healing of a wound site includes a polyurethane foam positioned at the wound site and a connector having a disc-like cup and an elbow-shaped spout. The connector is positioned in contact with the polyurethane foam, and the elbow-shaped spout is configured for connection to a tube that is capable of delivering negative pressure through the elbow-shaped spout and to the polyurethane foam. The therapeutic apparatus further includes a drape having a hole, the drape being positioned over the connector such that the elbow-shaped spout extends through the hole in the drape.

Abstract: A flashlight has a lamp, a power source, two switches, and a controller connected to the switches. The first switch controls delivery of power to the lamp, and the second switch selects a dimmed brightness level. The first switch may invoke the dimmed level, or a maximum brightness level. The second switch may be a ring rotatable about the axis the flashlight, and either rotatable through a wide range of positions, with sensor circuitry to detect the absolute position, or having a limited range of rotation, with dimmed level selection provided by a duration of momentary rotation in either direction. The second switch may be positioned outside a leak resistant housing, and may include a magnet detectable by magnetic field sensors within the chamber.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment apparatus includes a drape for positioning over the wound site to create and maintain a substantially air-tight cavity between the wound site and the drape. A multi-lumen suction tube is provided to be attached to a reduced pressure source. The multi-lumen suction tube includes a center lumen and at least one outer lumen and is configured to deliver reduced pressure beneath the drape to the substantially air-tight cavity. The multi-lumen suction tube is adapted to allow fluid to be drawn from the wound site through the center lumen and pressure to be monitored at the wound site through the at least one outer lumen.

Abstract: A spaced, bumped component structure including a first plate, a second plate spaced from the first plate by a first gap, a plurality of solder bumps interconnecting the plates and defining the first gap; at least one of the plates having an anomalous section including one of a raised platform and recess for defining a second gap having a different size from the first gap.

Abstract: A method of attenuating fluid dynamic pulsations that propagate through a flow of fluid at a convective velocity of the fluid, the pulsations having an organized vortical structure includes directing the flow to a pulsation dampener inlet having a first area and transitioning the organized vortical structure to a small-scale turbulent structure by squeezing the vorticies by passing the flow of fluid through a passage having a second area that is smaller than the first area, then rapidly expanding the flow of fluid by passing it into a chamber having a third area measured at an inlet of the chamber that is substantially larger than the second area. The method also includes discharging the flow of fluid from the chamber. The flow of fluid includes substantially attenuated fluid dynamic pulsations and acoustic pulsations that travel through the flow of fluid at the speed of sound.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method for hierarchically pricing chargeable items in a healthcare provider's chargeable item database is disclosed. The method applies hierarchical pricing to related chargeable items. A system for hierarchically pricing related chargeable items is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying negative pressure therapy to a wound site, which comprises an open celled foam pad for application to the wound, a suction tube connecting the foam pad to a collection canister having a shut-off valve which closes the outlet from the canister when it is full, a tube for connecting the canister to a wall suction point or to a vacuum bottle, and a pressure detecting device connected to the suction tube between the foam pad and the canister for indicating when the pressure in the suction tube falls below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A pulsation dampener for receiving a fluid medium containing pressure pulsations. The pulsation dampener can include a body having an inner surface, an inlet, and an outlet, and a fluid path defined at least partially by the inner surface of the body. The fluid path can include a first chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and having a first cross-sectional area, a second chamber positioned adjacent the first chamber and having a second cross-sectional area different from the first cross-sectional area, and a third chamber in fluid communication with the outlet and positioned adjacent the second chamber opposite the first chamber and having a third cross-sectional area different from the second cross-sectional area. The fluid path can be configured such that the second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area and the third cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A flashlight has a body containing control circuitry, with a lamp connected to the body and to the control circuitry. A photodetector is connected to the body and the control circuitry, and faces the lamp to sense an operating condition of the lamp. The control circuitry operates the lamp in a start up mode until signaled by the photodetector that the lamp is properly operating. After this, the lamp is operated in a normal mode. The flashlight may have a switch with a button that moves through a range of positions. The switch may have several contact elements, and the button may have an actuator registered with each of the contact elements. The actuators may be of different heights, to provide a sequence of switch operation. Some of the actuators may be movable to allow the button to be actuated further after an initial contact is made.

Abstract: A flashlight having a lamp, a power storage element, a switch, and an electronic controller. The controller has a switch input connected to the switch and operates in response to the input to deliver power from the power storage element to the lamp. The controller may be directly connected to each of the lamp, source, and switch. The switch may include several separate contact elements operating sequentially in response to movement of a switch actuator. The controller may provide different illumination levels and functions in response to different pressures and durations of actuation. The flashlight may include a dimmer level control to establish an intermediate “dimmed” output level, and operate to provide the selected dimmed output when the switch is depressed by an intermediate amount, and to provide a greater maximum output level in response to full actuation of the switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for stimulating healing of a wound, includes a porous pad adapted to contact a surface of the wound on an affected part of a body. An envelope for receiving the porous pad and the affected part of the body is provided, and the envelope includes a re-sealable opening that permits the wound to be inspected. A connector is fluidly connected to an interior of the envelope and to a source of negative pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for protecting electronic content from the time it is packaged through the time it is experienced by an end user. Protection against content misuse is accomplished using a combination of encryption, watermark screening, detection of invalid content processing software and hardware, and/or detection of invalid content flows. Encryption protects the secrecy of content while it is being transferred or stored. Watermark screening protects against the unauthorized use of content. Watermark screening is provided by invoking a filter module to examine content for the presence of a watermark before the content is delivered to output hardware or software. The filter module is operable to prevent delivery of the content to the output hardware or software if it detects a predefined protection mark. Invalid content processing software is detected by a monitoring mechanism that validates the software involved in processing protected electronic content.

Abstract: A sealed capacitive sensor includes a substrate having a diaphragm forming a first plate of a capacitor; a second fixed plate of the capacitor spaced from the diaphragm and defining a predetermined dielectric gap and a sealing medium connecting together the substrate and fixed plate in an integrated structure and hermetically sealing the gap.

Abstract: A flashlight has a body containing control circuitry, with a lamp connected to the body and to the control circuitry. A photodetector is connected to the body and the control circuitry, and faces the lamp to sense an operating condition of the lamp. The control circuitry operates the lamp in a start up mode until signaled by the photodetector that the lamp is properly operating. After this, the lamp is operated in a normal mode. The flashlight may have a switch with a button that moves through a range of positions. The switch may have several contact elements, and the button may have an actuator registered with each of the contact elements. The actuators may be of different heights, to provide a sequence of switch operation. Some of the actuators may be movable to allow the button to be actuated further after an initial contact is made.

Abstract: An illumination fiber optic ribbon includes optically-transmissive fibers which are adjacent to each other. At least two of the optically-transmissive fibers are twisted together to form a twisted segment. Where the two optically-transmissive fibers are not twisted forms a non-twisted segment. The twisted segments and non-twisted segments alternate along the length of the ribbon. Bends are disposed along the twisted segment and are formed by twisting adjacent optically-transmissive fibers. A light source is connected to one or both end of the optically-transmissive fibers. The light source emits a light flux into the ribbon so that light emits from the bends in the twisted segment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for protecting electronic content from the time it is packaged through the time it is experienced by an end user. Protection against content misuse is accomplished using a combination of encryption, watermark screening, detection of invalid content processing software and hardware, and/or detection of invalid content flows. Encryption protects the secrecy of content while it is being transferred or stored. Watermark screening protects against the unauthorized use of content. Watermark screening is provided by invoking a filter module to examine content for the presence of a watermark before the content is delivered to output hardware or software. The filter module is operable to prevent delivery of the content to the output hardware or software if it detects a predefined protection mark. Invalid content processing software is detected by a monitoring mechanism that validates the software involved in processing protected electronic content.