Abstract: An automatic electrophysiological measuring apparatus to automatically penetrate a glass electrode(s) into the membrane of a Xenopus Oocyte to hold the membrane potential and to automatically measure reactions to the administration of a medicine is to be provided. A glass electrode 103 in the air is moved toward a Xenopus Oocyte 601 held in a cell. Changes in the potential states of the glass electrodes are picked up by a control computer to distinguish the relative positions of the glass electrode 102 and the Xenopus Oocyte 601 and the sequence of electrophysiological measurement so as to penetrate the glass electrode 102 into the Xenopus Oocyte 601, hold the membrane potential and automatically administer the medicine.

Abstract: A method for MRI signal analysis of an area of a biological tissue comprising: a) providing a biological tissue, wherein physiological activity is taking place in an area thereof; b) acquiring sequential magnetic resonance images, at least during a portion of time in which the physiological activity is taking place, of said area and of at least a portion of the tissue in a vicinity of the area; c) constructing, responsive to at least one pixel-related parameter value of the images, a pixel parameter space; and d) separating the pixel parameter space into at least two subspaces.

Abstract: The present invention aims to reduce degradation in image quality due to residual magnetization. In a pulse sequence of a high-speed spin echo process, a pre-pulse is applied before an excitation pulse, and a correction pulse for correcting a phase error caused by the pre-pulse is applied before an initial inversion pulse.

Abstract: An insertable intracavity probe for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and therapy of a region of interest proximal to a cavity, the probe having a substantially rigid probe shell for insertion into the cavity. The probe shell is adapted to incorporate at least one device for imaging the region of interest. A guide track is incorporated in the probe shell and is adapted to guide at least one biopsy or therapy device to the region of interest during imaging. Intracavity regions include cervical, rectal, and other regions associated with internal cavities of a patient.

Abstract: In a medical instrument for insertion into an examination subject, as well as a medical examination device or treatment device employing such an instrument, the instrument has an elongated instrument body formed by a number of successively arranged rigid sections, with respective, successive sections being connected to one another via articulated joints which can be angled relative to one another. At least one optical fiber supplied with light is conducted along the instrument body, and at least one fiber Bragg grating is fashioned in the optical fiber in a region adjacent to a joint which is deformed to a degree corresponding to angling of the adjacent sections to the joint, thereby modulating the light in the optical fiber.

Abstract: In order to eliminate the adverse effect of the partial volume in producing an addition tomographic image by adding a plurality of tomographic images having different slice thicknesses, an offset correction and a sensitivity correction are applied to row data Ij (j=1-J) from which respective tomographic images Gj can be reconstructed; addition data K is generated by performing a weighted addition on the row data Ij with a weight Tj/&Sgr;Tj corresponding to the slice thickness Tj; logarithm processing is applied to the addition data K; and then the addition data is subjected to reconstruction to produce an addition tomographic image G.

Abstract: Digital x-ray images taken before a surgical procedure by a fluoroscopic C-arm imager are displayed by a computer and overlaid with graphical representations of instruments be used in the operating room. The graphical representations are updated in real-time to correspond to movement of the instruments in the operating room. A number of different techniques are described that aid the physician in planning and carrying out the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling x-ray exposure during gated cardiac scanning, including the steps of detecting a first cardiac signal; starting scanning after a pre-selected wait time after detecting the first cardiac signal; and stopping the scanning after a first to occur of passage of a pre-selected data collection time and detection of a second cardiac signal.

Abstract: A method of epidural surgery is provided that improves visibility in the epidural space of a patient for more effectively conducting therapeutic surgery therein. The method includes the steps of distending a portion of the epidural space of a patient by filling the portion of the epidural space with a fluid supplied from a catheter and positioning a portion of an optical scope in the distended portion of the epidural space by inserting the optical scope through the same catheter that supplies the distending fluid to thereby provide a visual image of the epidural space.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing occurrences of atrial arrhythmias. Occurrences of each of a number of classified atrial arrhythmia rhythms are detected. The classified atrial arrhythmias may, for example, include at least atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. A duration of time associated with each of the detected atrial arrhythmia rhythms is measured. Trend data is produced with respect to a predetermined period of time using all or selected ones of the measured time durations. The detecting, measuring, and producing processes may also be performed for one or more unclassified atrial arrhythmias.

Abstract: An implantable system for the defibrillation or cardioversion of the atria and the ventricles of a patient's heart comprises: a first catheter configured for positioning in the right ventricle of the heart; a second catheter configured for positioning through the coronary sinus ostium and in the coronary sinus of the heart, with the first and second catheters together carrying at least three defibrillation electrodes; a power supply; and a control circuit operatively associated with the power supply and the electrodes. The control circuit is configured for delivering an atrial defibrillation pulse through at least two of the electrodes, or a ventricular defibrillation pulse through at least two of the electrodes.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing power to an implanted medical device within a patient is disclosed. The system (250) includes a first (262) and a second heat conduit (264) positioned within the patient. A thermoelectric device (252) is connected to the first and second heat conduits for thermally converting the temperature difference between the conduits to a voltage. A DC-DC converter (254) is connected to the thermoelectric element and increases the voltage. A storage element (256) is connected to the DC-DC converter-for receiving the increased voltage. The storage element is also connected to the implanted medical device (258), thereby providing power to the implanted medical device.

Abstract: A method is taught for communicating information between a bladder disposed within an individual and the exterior of the individual. The method includes providing an implantable medical device having an operating component for performing operations within the bladder, a communication device for providing a communication regarding the operation between the implantable medical device and the exterior of the individual, and an energy source for applying energy to the implantable medical device. The method also includes inserting at least a portion of the implantable medical device into the bladder of the individual by way of the urinary tract of the individual. The step of performing the operation and communicating the information regarding the operation from within the bladder to the exterior of the individual by the implantable medical device is also set forth.

Abstract: A modulation process with a fully suppressed carrier and input preprocessor filtering to produce an encoded output; for amplitude modulation (AM) and audio speech preprocessor filtering, intelligible subjective sound is produced when the encoded signal is demodulated using the RF Hearing Effect. Suitable forms of carrier suppressed modulation include single sideband (SSB) and carrier suppressed amplitude modulation (CSAM), with both sidebands present.

Abstract: A method of monitoring patients with at least one electromedical implant, in which at least one first data transmission is effected between the implant provided with a first transmitting/receiving device and at least one external apparatus provided with a second transmitting/receiving device. At least first data are transmitted from the implant to the external apparatus and at least one second data transmission is effected between the external apparatus and at least one central storage arrangement for the storage of first data, by a telecommunication connection which is at least partially made by way of a mobile radio network. The transmission at least of the first data to the central storage arrangement is effected by way of the portion, formed by the mobile radio network, of the telecommunication connection in the form of at least one SM-string (Short Message String).

Abstract: A method to modify a skin surface or a soft tissue structure underlying the skin surface includes a template with a mechanical force application surface and a receiving opening to receive a body structure. The mechanical force application surface is configured to receive the body structure and apply pressure to the soft tissue structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the template. The energy delivery device is configured to deliver sufficient energy to the template to form a template energy delivery surface.

Abstract: A method for selectively heating cancerous conditions of the breast including invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive glandular lobular carcinoma, and pre-cancerous conditions of the breast including ductal carcinoma in-situ, lobular carcinoma in-situ, and intraductal hyperplasia, as well as benign lesions (any localized pathological change in the breast tissue) such as fibroadenomas and cysts by irradiation of the breast tissue with adaptive phased array focused microwave energy is introduced. Microwave energy provides preferential heating of high-water content breast tissues such as carcinomas, fibroadenomas, and cysts compared to the surrounding lower-water content normal breast tissues.

Abstract: A system for treating a target region in tissue beneath a tissue surface comprises a probe for deploying an electrode array within the tissue and a surface electrode for engaging the tissue surface above the treatment site. Preferably, surface electrode includes a plurality of tissue-penetrating elements which advance into the tissue, and the surface electrode is removably attachable to the probe. The tissue may be treated in a monopolar fashion where the electrode array and surface electrode are attached to a common pole on an electrode surgical power supply and powered simultaneously or successively, or in a bipolar fashion where the electrode array and surface electrode are attached to opposite poles of the power supply. The systems are particularly useful for treating tumors and other tissue treatment regions which lie near the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for remodeling in the urinary tract of a human female comprising a remodeling device having a shaft with a profile and with proximal and distal extremities. A handle is secured to the proximal extremity of the shaft. A member is mounted on the distal extremity of the shaft. A plurality of needle electrodes are carried by the distal extremity of the shaft and are disposed circumferentially of the shaft. A pusher is carried by the handle for moving the needle electrodes from a retracted position in which they are within the profile of the shaft and an extended position in which they extend sidewise beyond the profile of the shaft. A pump is connected to the handle for supplying a cooling liquid to the distal extremity of the shaft so that it exits from the shaft in the vicinity of the needle electrodes. An RF generator is coupled to the handle and to the needle electrodes for supplying radio frequency energy to the needle electrodes.

Abstract: A method of detecting and treating tumors within a subject is disclosed together with a process for the non-invasive measurement of tissue temperature within a subject.

Abstract: A distributed intelligence system for controlling a plurality of groups and equipment for use in dentistry is disclosed wherein the system comprises four separate micro controllers; each micro controller contains its own predetermined routines and a first micro controller being located within control circuitry wherein the control circuitry generates control signals for a first group of tools or equipment, a second micro controller being located within foot switches wherein the foot switches generate control signals for a second group of tools or equipment, a third micro controller located within a control console wherein the control console generates control signals for a third group of tools or equipment and a forth micro controller being located within a power supply wherein the power supply generates control signals for a forth group of tools or equipment. The micro controllers are all interconnected by a wire cable and communicate with one another using a serial communication bus protocol.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a cooperation control system to make the system maintenance easier, and allow easier modification of the system. To achieve such object, a plurality of control devices according to this invention are divided into a plurality of sub-groups each of which cooperates with each other. The group object controls the sub-group. The plurality of control devices within the sub-group communicate with the group object and they are controlled by the group object.

Abstract: An aircraft power system includes a secondary power distribution assembly (SPDA), a programmable solid state power controller (SSPC) disposed within the SPDA and a non-volatile memory disposed within the SPDA and adapted to store configuration information for the programmable SSPC. The configuration information stored by the non-volatile memory may include the name and current rating of the SSPC and whether that SSPC is enabled or disabled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically tuning feedforward parameters is provided, such that feedforward commands can be generated and used in addition to traditional control commands to compensate for known system characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, feedforward gains are automatically determined after moving an actuator controlled axis, such as a motor imparting motion to a linear slide, through a test motion routine and recording operation data associated with the actuator and axis during the movement. The operation data can include velocity measurements and torque commands. The feedforward gains which are tuned can include a Coulomb friction feedforward gain, a viscous friction feedforward gain, a constant offset feedforward gain, an acceleration feedforward gain, and estimates of velocity loop compensator gains. Capability can also be provided for automatic generation of the test motion routine based upon actuator limit values provided by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic electrode position apparatus for connecting an electrode to a cell. The invention further provides methods for utilizing the apparatus of the invention. Apparatus and methods are described for studying electrical activities in cell membranes. These methods are especially useful in large scale screening programs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of automating a microelectronic manufacturing process by configuring application objects that implement a domain knowledge for a piece of equipment and implementing a workflow using the application object where the workflow represents a sequence of steps in the microelectronic manufacturing process. The method is embodied in a computer program that is part of a computer system.

Abstract: A material management system and method (10) includes a data storage device (20) containing order information (24) for a product, product information (26) for a product, work center information (28) for fabricating the product, and inventory information (30) for fabricating the product. The system (10) also includes a processor (12) coupled to the data storage device (20). The system (10) further includes a nesting application (22) operable for execution by the processor (12). The nesting application (22) is operable to determine a fabrication nest for the product using the order information (24), the product information (26), the work center information (28), or the inventory information (30).

Abstract: A system and method for yield management is disclosed wherein a data set containing one or more prediction variable values and one or more response values is input into the system. The system can pre-process the input data set to remove prediction variables with missing values and data sets with missing values. The pre-processed data can then be used to generate a model that may be a decision tree. The system can accept user input to modify the generated model. Once the model is complete, one or more statistical analysis tools can be used to analyze the data and generate a list of the key yield factors for the particular data set.

Abstract: A method is provided. for manufacturing, the method including processing a workpiece in a processing step, measuring a parameter characteristic of the processing performed on the workpiece in the processing step, and forming an output signal corresponding to the characteristic parameter measured. The method also includes setting a target value for the processing performed in the processing step based on the output signal.

Abstract: The invention is proposed to efficiently dispatch wafers into tools, and particularly to provide a real-time and automatic way to dispatch wafers. In addition, a method for dispatching wafers, a system for dispatching wafers into tools and a system for processing numerous lots by number of tools with automatic dispatch are present as examples. One main characteristic of the invention is that each pending wafer is given an individual priority before it is processed by any tool and the priority is automatically calculated in accordance with to a ranking algorithm. Another main characteristic of the invention is that whenever a tool is available to process at least one pending wafer, part of pending wafers is automatically assigned to the available tool in accordance with an assignment algorithm and a required limitation database that is provided by the dispatcher.

Abstract: This invention allows the user to prepare customized wrapping paper at a kiosk by downloading an image into the kiosk, selecting a wrapping paper background at the kiosk, selecting wrapping paper quality and dimensions at the kiosk, viewing the customized wrapping paper at the kiosk, and printing the customized wrapping paper at the kiosk.

Abstract: The current invention is a dispensing system for deterring and preventing transponder misuse in a fueling environment. The system includes a fuel dispenser associated with a control system and a receiver adapted to receive signals, including identification indicia from a remote communications unit associated with a customer. The receiver operates in conjunction with the control system to provide the control system with the first indicia and determine if the remote communications unit has been lost, stolen or used in an unauthorized manner. The control system is adapted to prevent fueling and transaction continuance upon determining the remote communications unit in communication if the dispenser was lost, stolen or used in an unauthorized manner.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and dispensing medical items includes a plurality of hook registers (10). Each of the hook registers includes sensors (48, 60, 62, 64) sensing the removal or addition of a medical item to the storage location on the hook register. Each hook register has a microprocessor (66) connected to the sensor which stores a count of the items added or removed from the location. The microprocessor also includes location identifying information specifically associated with the particular hook register. The microprocessor is periodically polled by a controller (72) which reads and stores the count and location identifying information from each of the hook registers. The controller information is periodically read by a data terminal (76) which is connected through a local area network (82) to a remote computer (84) having a processor and data store.

Abstract: In an authoring system, a user creates and edits a scenario for a robot by using a GUI screen and a mouse. An authoring tool converts the scenario into a mnemonic code called “RCODE”. When an RCODE action-control program is debugged, the RCODE program is extracted and encrypted step by step. The encrypted program is sequentially transferred to the robot by means of radio communication. The interpreter of the robot performs debugging by sequentially interpreting and executing the transferred program.

Abstract: In a system and a method for remotely controlling a slave manipulator easily and highly accurately, operations of three master manipulators are consolidated, and one slave manipulator is remotely controlled in accordance with the consolidation result, thereby ensuring that the slave manipulator is moved along a target path.

Abstract: A robot is provided which comprises a body unit, plural component units connected to the body unit, a memory mounted on the body unit for storing unit information of each of the component units and a basic operation program, a control unit mounted on the body unit for controlling the action of the robot, and a memory unit detachably mounted on the body unit for storing application program of the robot. The control unit reads out (i) the unit information, (ii) the basic operation program and (iii) the application program, and controls the component units in accordance with the read unit information, basic program, and application program.

Abstract: A method for controlling device temperature. The method involves determining access rate to a component, comparing the access rate with a predetermined threshold modified by a weighted value and controlling the temperature of the component through corrective action.

Abstract: A method for maximizing throughput for thermal processing of a part searches for the maximum conveyor speed while calculating a Process Window Index that is less than a required value. The best Process Window Index associated with the maximum conveyor speed corresponds to a maximum throughput control series with which to set the control parameters of the thermal processor.

Abstract: A system (50) for monitoring and/or evaluating performance of an operator of a controllably movable object is provided. The object has operational parameters including turning, accelerating and braking operations, and at least one of the operational parameters changes with behaviours of the operator. The system (10 or 50) comprises a housing member (52) with a chamber therein and a sensing unit (64) positioned on said housing member (52) or in said chamber. The sensing unit (52) is a multi-axial moving coil accelerometer and each axis being arranged to sense one of said operational parameters.

Abstract: A driving state monitoring apparatus for a vehicle, for monitoring a driving state of a vehicle of a driver is disclosed. According to the apparatus, a behavior parameter indicative of a lateral movement of the vehicle and a vehicle speed are detected. A behavior reference is set according to changes in the behavior parameter. A running locus of the vehicle is calculated according to the behavior parameter, the behavior reference, and the vehicle speed. A plurality of vehicle behavior feature parameters indicative of the feature of vehicle behavior is calculated according to the running locus and it is determined whether or not the driving state of the driver is proper according to the plurality of vehicle behavior feature parameters.

Abstract: A player position determining and course management system for a golf course having a plurality of roving units for use by players in playing the course is disclosed. Each roving unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) including a data processor for executing various tasks ranging from fastest-execution of a task to slowest execution of a task on a schedule of priorities of task completion, a real-time means for controlling the processor to give the tasks priority ranging from fastest execution of a task with highest priority to slowest execution of a task with lowest priority, and a means for precisely timing functions of the system including modulating means utilizing a common digital modulation technique for digitally modulating data transmitted to and from all of the roving units.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting pointing errors induced by an inclined orbit (14) for a satellite (20) that is adapted to be in an orbit having zero inclination (12). The present invention generates a yaw correcting cosine rate command (34) that is integrated (36) by a steering law having input parameters dependent upon the angle of inclination, &THgr;, to derive a sinusoidal yaw offset. The present invention also generates a roll correcting cosine rate command (54) that is integrated (56) according to a steering law having input parameters dependent upon the angle of inclination, &THgr;, to derive a sinusoidal roll offset.

Abstract: A train detection system, having a transmitter which transmits a train detecting signal, a receiver and a wayside controller connected to the transmitter and the receiver through a data transmission path. The transmitter adds a first unique code assigned to the transmitter to the train detecting signal received from the wayside controller and transmits the thus processed train detecting signal and the receiver adds data of a second unique code to the train detecting signal and transmits the thus processed train detecting signal. The wayside controller includes a unique code checker for checking whether or not the first unique code data and the second unique code data agree with the contents of predetermined data.

Abstract: A portable master controller for a locomotive remote control system. The portable master controller has a user interface for receiving commands to control the movement of the locomotive. The user interface is responsive to operator commands to generate control signals. A processing unit receives the control signals from the user interface to generate digital command signals directing the movement of the locomotive. A transmission unit receives the digital command signals and generates a RF transmission conveying the digital command signals to the slave controller. A solid-state tilt sensor in communication with the processing unit communicates inclination information to the processing unit about the portable master controller. The processing unit receives and processes the inclination information.

Abstract: A method of controlling the lateral position of a towed body in water where the body is equipped with effectors for effecting at least aileron and rudder control. A lateral correction is defined by a distance measured perpendicular to the towed body's direction of travel. A first command indicative of an aileron control is determined that would cause the effectors to move the body laterally of the direction of travel by an amount equal to the lateral correction. A second command indicative of a rudder control is determined that would cause the effectors to move the body laterally of the direction of travel by an amount equal to the lateral correction. The first and second commands are combined to define a combined command that is applied to the effectors so that the optimum aileron and rudder controls are implemented simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring a vehicle hydraulic system having a plurality of hydraulic function elements. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic pump for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the plurality of hydraulic function elements via a corresponding plurality of hydraulic element control valves, an electronic control unit for controlling the element control valves. The pump also supplies lube fluid to a lubrication circuit if requirements of the hydraulic function elements are met. The method includes sensing a hydraulic pressure (preferably the lube pressure of lube fluid in the lube circuit), and comparing the sensed pressure to a threshold pressure. If the sensed pressure is less than threshold pressure, then actively engaged hydraulic elements are tested by disengaging the elements in a predetermined manner, checking to see if the sensed low pressure condition is eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention is intended for use with a motor vehicle having at least one fluid-pressurized height adjusting member having first and second separable components. Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention includes an integrated vehicle ride height system control system. The control system includes an electronic output drive signal circuit and input signal interpretation circuit to electronically interface with at least one position sensor. The position sensor provides output signals related to extent of separation of said first and second separable components of the fluid pressurized height adjusting member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle occupant protection system and a method for triggering the system include an accident sensor and a control device. The latter controls system triggering as a function of a sensor output signal. The control device has an input terminal connected via a communication line to a sensor status signal output terminal. In the system and method, the sensor has internally checks errors at regular and/or irregular intervals, and, upon detection, permanently generates a status signal for the control device, which checks the status before triggering a vehicle occupant protection system when it receives a signal fulfilling system triggering criteria. The control device enables/disables the triggering as a function of the check result. Specifically, the control device disables the firing standby state and generates a warning signal. In the event of an accident, before the vehicle occupant protection system is fired, the status signal is interrogated once more, i.e., sensor status is checked.

Abstract: A vehicle attitude control apparatus, wherein a corrected behavior index value for steering is determined in such a manner that the deviation between a target behavior index value for a vehicle and a corrected behavior index value for steering decreases, as an instability index value correlating to the amount of under-steer increases, and when the target behavior index value and the behavior index value are equal, the corrected behavior index value for steering is set to equal the behavior index value. A corrected behavior index value for braking is determined in such a manner that the deviation between the target behavior index value and a corrected behavior index value for braking increases, as the instability index value increases, and when the target behavior index value and the behavior index value are equal, the corrected behavior index value for braking is set to equal the behavior index value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a hydraulically movable tool carried by a machine in order to maintain a selected horizontal orientation and a selected elevation relative to an external light reference. The apparatus is a control device, having a light detector, placed at a known location along a longitudinal axis of the tool and a single-axis gravity-based sensor. The gravity-based sensor is also provided within the housing of the control device to measure the horizontal orientation (side-to-side slope or pitch) of the longitudinal axis of the tool relative to true horizontal at the known location. Finally, with internal valve drivers, the control device individually controls the lift mechanism(s) of the hydraulically movable tool to maintain both a selected elevation and a selected horizontal orientation with only the signals provided by the light detector and the gravity-based sensor.