Abstract: A hand-held, portable navigation system and method are integrated within a cellular telephone enclosure, resulting in a simplified architecture with fewer buttons to press and items to carry. The apparatus uses a cellular telephone having a microphone, a keypad, GPS receiver, a display, a memory, an earphone, a wireless transceiver, and a processor. The processor is programmed to receive a command through a user input device to determine the initial location of the user and activate the GPS receiver to obtain positional coordinates associated with the initial location. The coordinates are then stored in the memory. A subsequent command through a user input device causes the processor to determine the new location of the user, and the GPS receiver is again activated to obtain positional coordinates of the new location.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable navigation system and method are integrated within a cellular telephone enclosure, resulting in a simplified architecture with fewer buttons to press and items to carry. The apparatus uses a cellular telephone having a microphone, a keypad, GPS receiver, a display, a memory, an earphone, a wireless transceiver, and a processor. The processor is programmed to receive a command through a user input device to determine the initial location of the user and activate the GPS receiver to obtain positional coordinates associated with the initial location. The coordinates are then stored in the memory. A subsequent command through a user input device causes the processor to determine the new location of the user, and the GPS receiver is again activated to obtain positional coordinates of the new location.

Abstract: A non-invasive blood (or compartment) pressure measurement device comprises a hand-held housing configured to fit over, or couple to, an existing ultrasound probe. At least one force sensor in or on the housing generates a signal representing the amount of force applied by the probe as a user manipulates the housing. Electronic circuitry converts the force signal into an estimate of pressure when the display shows that a particular vessel or compartment has been occluded by the force of the probe. Apparatus may be provided to grip the handle portion of the probe, with at least one force sensor is supported on or in a component disposed between the apparatus and the housing. The component may be a thin-walled tube, and a plurality of strain gages, each forming a Wheatstone bridge load cell, may be disposed circumferentially around the component. The electrically circuitry is further operative to sum the signals from the plurality of strain gages to reject non-axial moments.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable navigation system and method are integrated within a cellular telephone enclosure, resulting in a simplified architecture with fewer buttons to press and items to carry. The apparatus uses a cellular telephone having a microphone, a keypad, GPS receiver, a display, a memory, an earphone, a wireless transceiver, and a processor. The processor is programmed to receive a command through a user input device to determine the initial location of the user and activate the GPS receiver to obtain positional coordinates associated with the initial location. The coordinates are then stored in the memory. A subsequent command through a user input device causes the processor to determine the new location of the user, and the GPS receiver is again activated to obtain positional coordinates of the new location.

Abstract: An Internet-based subscription service for professionals provides a convenient, reliable and efficient means of maintaining continuing professional education (CPE) information. The information may concern various types of continuing professional education, including continuing medical education, nursing education, legal education, engineering education, military education, and so forth. In the preferred embodiment, the CPE management system provides the user with a subscription service that can be obtained through various conventional channels for conducting interactive registration, depositing information, and collecting subscription service fees. Preferably, the subscription service is provided over the Internet whereby a user may access his or her CPE documentation via any conventional computer terminal connected thereto. However, in alternative embodiments, the system may also be maintained and facilitated by other methods that illustratively includes the internet, LAN, WAN and/or via mailings.

Abstract: A vessel occluding clamp according to the invention provides a pair of opposing jaws connected through a hinge and one or more pieces of shape-memory material associated with the jaws. The shape-memory material exhibits a transition temperature such that when the clamp is exposed to said transition temperature, the jaws of the clamp may close partially or completely to occlude the vessel.

Abstract: A portable unit provides location-related data and physiological information to a person. The preferred embodiment includes a GPS receiver, a physiological sensor receiver, a computation unit to determine location-related data from the GPS receiver and a physiological condition from the physiological sensor, and a GPS antenna configured to encircle a body part of the user. As examples, a chest strap, wrist strap, or head strap may carry at least a part of the antenna. The physiological sensor may be a heart rate sensor, an electrocardiograph sensor, or other physiological sensor. The electronics associated with the data processor, GPS receiver or physiological sensor may be contained in an enclosure separate from the antenna, or such components may be built into the body-part-encircling antenna portion.

Abstract: A sports computer having an integral global satellite positioning (GPS) receiver and computer interfacing capability enables functional and/or performance characteristics to be tracked and analyzed as a function of geographical position and/or elevation. The computer includes a mount and/or interfaces to one or more sensors to measure operational and/or physiological parameters such as heart rate, or weather conditions such as temperature. Stored geographical and sensor parameters may be downloaded to an external personal computer so that the data collected during a workout may be reviewed and analyzed on the screen of the PC. Preferably, map data may also be stored enabling the collected data to be viewed relative to the map information, for example, in superposition.

Abstract: A vessel-occluding clamp relies on the shape-memory effect to partially or completely occlude a blood vessel or other body lumen, including bowel, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and bile ducts. The self-actuating nature of the clamp allows the device work in tight places, be placed through trocars for minimal-access procedures, and forgo the need for conventional or specific applicators. In the preferred embodiment, a clamp according to the invention a pair of opposing jaws connected through a hinge and one or more pieces of shape-memory material associated with the jaws. The shape-memory material may be in the form of one or more wires which extend from the hinge to each jaw.

Abstract: A sports computer having an integral global satellite positioning (GPS) receiver and computer interfacing capability enables functional and/or performance characteristics to be tracked and analyzed as a function of geographical position and/or elevation. The computer includes mounting means and/or interfaces to one or more sensors to measure operational and/or physiological parameters such as heart rate, or weather conditions such as temperature. Means are provided for downloading the stored geographical and sensor parameters to an external personal computer so that the data collected during a workout may be reviewed and analyzed on the screen of the PC. Preferably, map data may also be stored enabling the collected data to be viewed relative to the map information, for example, in superposition.

Abstract: A sports computer having an integral global satellite positioning (GPS) receiver and computer interfacing capability enables functional and/or performance characteristics to be tracked and analyzed as a function of geographical position and/or elevation. The computer includes mounting means and/or interfaces to one or more sensors to measure operational and/or physiological parameters such as heart rate, or weather conditions such as temperature. Means are provided for downloading the stored geographical and sensor parameters to an external personal computer so that the data collected during a workout may be reviewed and analyzed on the screen of the PC. Preferably, map data may also be stored enabling the collected data to be viewed relative to the map information, for example, in superposition.

Abstract: A disposable clip which finds application in the temporary occlusion of blood vessels, bowels, ducts, and so forth, consumes a small volume within an operative field during use, and may be removed without the need for highly specialized tools. In terms of construction, a pair of substantially rigid, spaced-apart members are joined by way of a malleable hinge. Each member includes an inwardly oriented surface which oppose and face one another and outwardly oriented surfaces which face away from one another. A layer of compressible material is supported against the inwardly oriented surface of each member and, with an externally applied pressure exerted upon the outwardly oriented surfaces, the pair of rigid members are urged toward one another, thereby compressing and at least temporarily occluding the vessel between the layers of compressible material, with the malleable hinge maintaining the clip in this configuration until removal.

Abstract: An improved endotracheal tube provides an inflatable cuff having a concavely shaped superior surface forming a collection basin and means to facilitate accurate suctioning of the basin while the tube is in position. In the preferred embodiment the means to facilitate accurate suctioning of the collection basin takes the form of a guide wire having one end attached within the basin and the other end terminating freely outside the body of the patient, thus enabling a suction catheter to be slideably moved along the guide wire and into the basin to remove substances collected therein. The preferred embodiment further includes means to releasably secure the free end of the guide wire when not in use. Alternative means to facilitate accurate suctioning include the provision of a separate passageway having a first end external to the body of the patient for connection to a suctioning means and a second end terminating within the basin.