Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus having a fiducial reference point sensor that individually monitors the position of first and second fiducial reference points on a moving print device that are in spaced relation to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device that includes an illumination source configured to direct light along an optical path, a first color filter having a first number of color regions, and a second color filter having a second number of color regions, the first and second color filters being configured so as to cooperate in sequentially filtering the directed light to display an image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for in-line conditioning of swellable print media prior to printing. Treatment with an amphiphilic solvent increases the hydrophilicity of the media surface, thereby accelerating ink penetration and improving image quality in high throughput printing. In addition, ionic components in the treatment fluid can be used to accelerate precipitation of pigment or dye from the ink.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display configured to display images that includes multiple display elements capable of controlling light within a visible-light spectrum. The display elements are arranged over a display surface of the display. The display also includes one or more receivers arranged with the display elements over the display surface of the display. The receivers are coupled with the display elements and receive transmitted image information. The receivers activate the display elements in response to, and in correspondence with, the image information.

Abstract: Overall print quality is improved via a method whereby an actual image is printed, a virtual image is defined based on image data, and the actual and virtual images are compared to identify a printhead error pattern which may be used to correct subsequent printing errors. This typically is accomplished via a system which employs an optical device which views an actual image to produce optical data, and a controller which derives a virtual image from image data provided to the printhead. The controller then compares the actual and virtual images to identify an error pattern, and modifies subsequent image data to compensate for perceived errors.

Abstract: In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, data storage for a computing system includes a plurality of storage segments. The plurality of storage segments have different data protection levels. Data are stored in the plurality of storage segments based on data reliability requirements so that data with lower data reliability requirements are stored in a storage segment having a lower data protection level, and data with higher data reliability requirements are stored in a storage segment having a higher data protection level.

Abstract: A lancer device that enables a user to draw blood from a patient and discard the used lancet without touching it. The device also has an adjustable tip for selecting the depth of stylet penetration into the patient and a triggering mechanism that utilizes a yoke latch and a leaf spring to discharge the lancet. The lancer also has a dampening feature to reduce vibrations when the lancet is moving.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a position sensing device independently sensing the position of at least two locations on a movable print device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a fiducial reference point sensor that individually monitors the position of first and second fiducial reference points on a moving print device that are in spaced relation to one another.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing sealable access to a viscus region or hollow organ and performing surgical procedures therein. The present invention is particularly useful in providing access to a patients heart without arresting the heart. The access system comprises a tissue stabilizer to provide a stable work area in a dynamic environment. A puncture device is inserted into the tissue stabilizer, which forms a puncture hole within the heart tissue. Thereafter, a sealing device, for example a sealing balloon, is inserted through the puncture hole and engages the interior tissue. A sealing cannula may then be advanced into and sealably engages the tissue.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for in-line conditioning of swellable print media prior to printing. Treatment with an amphiphilic solvent increases the hydrophilicity of the media surface, thereby accelerating ink penetration and improving image quality in high throughput printing. In addition, ionic components in the treatment fluid can be used to accelerate precipitation of pigment or dye from the ink.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for in-line conditioning of swellable print media prior to printing. Treatment with an amphiphilic solvent increases the hydrophilicity of the media surface, thereby accelerating ink penetration and improving image quality in high throughput printing. In addition, ionic components in the treatment fluid can be used to accelerate precipitation of pigment or dye from the ink.

Abstract: A method for predicted the settled appearance of a test patch printed by an imaging system by applying a transfer function to the color of a freshly printed test patch. The transfer function may be formulated to take into account a variety of environmental conditions, such as humidity or temperature, or post-printing processes, such as lamination. The predicted settled test patch color may be exported to an external image processor, or the imaging system processor may internally compare the predicted settled test patch color with the desired test patch color in order to calibrate the color map used by the imaging system.

Abstract: A medical fastener (18), preferably bioabsorbable, is used for repairing torn soft tissue, particularly meniscal tissue (16). The fastener (18) can have an enlarged head (22) at the proximate end to engage meniscal tissue (16) adjacent to a tear (14), and a pointed distal tip (21) at the other end to ease insertion of the fastener (18) into the meniscus (16). The shank (20) of the fastener (18) bridges across the tear (14). Opposite ends of the shank (20) are secured in the meniscal tissue (16) by a medical adhesive, preferably bioabsorbable, and preferably at locations remote from the tear (14) so as not to interfere with healing of the tear (14). The fastener (18) can have a blind bore (24) opening through the head (22) of the fastener (18) and extending through the shank (20) to a location close to the tip (21) and generally radial holes (26) communicating between the bore (24) and the exterior of the shank (20).

Abstract: A reinforcing member or stent (7) is inserted into opposite end portions (1, 1) of a lacerated tendon and secured within the tendon by adhesive so that tension applied to the tendon is transmitted across the laceration by way of the reinforcing member (7).

Abstract: A projector that has a narrow-spectrum light source to complement a broad-spectrum light source is disclosed. The broad-spectrum light source has a broad spectrum. The narrow-spectrum light source has a narrow spectrum complementing the broad spectrum of the broad-spectrum light source.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing sealable access to a viscus region or hollow organ and performing surgical procedures therein. The present invention is particularly useful in providing access to a patients heart without arresting the heart. The access system comprises a tissue stabilizer to provide a stable work area in a dynamic environment. A puncture device is inserted into the tissue stabilizer, which forms a puncture hole within the heart tissue. Thereafter, a sealing device, for example a sealing balloon, is inserted through the puncture hole and engages the interior tissue. A sealing cannula may then be advanced into and sealably engages the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical knot pushing device is described which has a knot pushing interface mounted on the distal portion of an elongated body and an actuation handle located on the proximal portion of the elongated body. The knot pushing interface has a suture receiving recess formed thereon, and a knot positioning member which traverses the suture receiving interface. At least one extendable knot retaining member is further positioned on the pushing interface, the at least one extendable retaining member capable of engaging suture material. The knot pushing interface also comprises at least one suture cutting member which is in communication with the actuation handle. The present invention is particularly well suited for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The present invention also teaches a method of forming a knot in suture material, retaining a knot with a knot pushing device, advancing and applying a knot to an area of interest, and cutting excess suture material.

Abstract: The present system is directed to a method and system to stabilize and repair tissue. At least two opposing devices may be used to stabilize and repair the tissue, with the two devices cooperatively engaging the tissue interposed therebetween. Stabilization may be accomplished by opposing force, vacuum force, or mechanical devices disposed at the distal portion of one or both devices. After the tissue has been stabilized, fasteners may be deployed into the tissue. Fasteners include sutures, clips, and staples. Also disclosed is a minimally invasive method of accessing tissue located within a body and conducting a repair of the area using the system disclosed herein.