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 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: A projection screen is provided that includes a display surface having a plurality of elements. Each element has an optical property that is responsive to an appropriate applied voltage. The display surface may be configured so that the optical properties of each element may be coordinated with the projected image.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the quality of an image on a screen is provided. The system typically includes an illumination source configured to produce light and direct such light along an optical path, and a time-varying focus device disposed in the optical path and configured to periodically alter incident light to enhance the quality of the image on the screen.

Abstract: A system for a reduced moiré display has a lenticular screen, a projector, and means for disturbing at least a portion of the projector to cause displacement of the projection of pixels on the screen to reduce moiré. A method for reducing moiré projects a plurality of pixels onto a lenticular screen and disturbs the projector to cause displacement of the projection of pixels to reduce moiré.

Abstract: A display system includes an illumination source configured to produce visible and nonvisible radiation and to direct the visible and nonvisible radiation along an optical path; and a modulator disposed in the optical path configured to modulate the visible radiation to generate a visible image, and to modulate the nonvisible radiation to generate a nonvisible data stream.

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

Abstract: A shingle mask has width mismatched to maximum-eye-sensitivity spatial frequency at reading distance or closer, so the mask is tiled with minimal patterning. A second invention facet forms a grid of optimum width—it corresponds to maximum sensitivity only if seen from much farther than reading distance. A third facet forms a 2D mask with width 0.25 to 2 inches, better 0.375 to 1.5, ideally 0.5 to 1 (progressively further from maximum sensitivity; as further increases help little, this enables bandfree printing without very large masks). A fourth facet optimizes width in terms of distance in the image, for aesthetics, speed and economy. Another facet automatically forms a mask that time-varies nozzle-use modulation. Another prints nontext images by a multinozzle pen, modulating use; still others by plural pens each with a multinozzle array, refraining from use of certain nozzles e.g. to simulate dynamic pen staggering.

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: Tools for directing a collection of light emitting devices toward pixel locations to make an image are disclosed. A pixel location is a light emitting device target at least twice during a given frame, and each light emitting device in the collection is directed toward at least two different pixel locations during the frame. Adjacent light emitting devices may be directed toward adjacent pixel locations or toward nonadjacent pixel locations.

Abstract: Apparatus to achieve percutaneous entry to a blood vessel includes several coacting combinations of coacting instruments, some capable of independent action, as well as enabling clear visualisation of the operative area, precise location of the operative site, capture and immobilization of the vessel, and guidance in the positioning and insertion of the puncturing needle Additionally, apparatus is provided for the placement of a sponge directly on the entry wound in the vessel to reduce bleeding. The present invention also sets forth a method for vascular puncture and more particularly for the arterial puncture procedure. The line of maximal pulsation is ascertained, and a small incision in the skin is made. A dissecting-retracting tool (100) is then employed to create a skin-to-vessel channel. The vessel is inspected through the spread fingers. A tubular access conduit (300), mounted on an obturator-carrier (400), is inserted until it rest upon the vessel.

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: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the quality of an image on a screen is provided. The system typically includes an illumination source configured to produce light and direct such light along an optical path, and a time-varying focus device disposed in the optical path and configured to periodically alter incident light to enhance the quality of the image on the screen.

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: 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: A system for enhancing the quality of an image on a screen is provided. The system typically includes an illumination source configured to produce light and direct such light along an optical path, and a time-varying focus device disposed in the optical path and configured to periodically alter incident light to enhance the quality of the image on the screen.

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: An instrument for attaching a graft to an aorta includes a first needle assembly for breaching the aorta to provide a hole in a wall thereof, and a carrier portion for insertion of an end of a tubular graft through the hole and into the aorta. Arms are pivotally mounted on the instrument and are moveable from a position extending axially of the carrier to a position extending radially from the carrier to spread the end of the graft radially outwardly from a tubular portion of the graft to form an annular flange extending outwardly from the tubular portion, and to support the flange within the aorta and around the hole therein. A second needle assembly retains the suture material and advances the suture material into engagement with the aorta wall and the graft flange for suturing the graft flange to the aorta wall.

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