Abstract: Back grinding methods for fabricating an image sensor are disclosed. An example method of back grinding an image sensor comprises: forming a profile anti-deformation film on a micro lens of the image sensor; grinding a backside of a semiconductor substrate of the image sensor; and removing the profile anti-deformation film.

Abstract: Abrasive grains have mainly grains with a roundness of 0.50 or more and 0.75 or less, where the roundness is defined as the ratio of the circumference of a circle having the same area as that of a grain to the perimeter of that grain. An abrasive has the abrasive grains and at least one of an oxidizer, an oxide solution, an abrasive grain dispersion agent and a basic compound. An abrasive solution has the abrasive grains and water or hydrophilic substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of handling abrasive solids materials used in an abrasive cutting procedure which jets a high-pressure abrasive slurry through a nozzle (7) onto a work piece over and/or in a catcher tank (8). This handling method includes catching the used abrasive slurry together with work piece kerf material in the catcher tank, and passing at least some abrasive solids collected in the catcher tank as a slurry to a partitioning apparatus which includes a vibratory sieve (27). The handling method also includes partitioning the slurry with the partitioning apparatus in order to provide at least two solids streams. One of the solid streams passes through the sieve and the other passes across the sieve whilst entrained as a slurry. The handling method further includes passing as a slurry to the nozzle (7) for jetting a pressurised or pressurisable slurry that has partitioned solids stream which has passed through the sieve (27).

Abstract: An angle retaining assembly of a hand tool comprises a handle; a head having at least one screw hole for receiving at least one resisting element; when the resisting element screws into the screw hole; a front end of the resisting element protrudes out to be in contact with the pivotal portion of the handle to have a resisting effect so as to fix the bending angle between the head and the handle. The at least one screw hole is formed at a lateral side or a front side of the connecting portion. Or the at least one screw hole is formed at a lower side of pivotal portion of the handle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a chemical-mechanical polishing pad substrate comprising a microporous closed-cell foam characterized by a narrow pore size distribution in the range of about 0.01 microns to about 10 microns. The polishing pad is produced by foaming a solid polymer sheet with a supercritical gas under an elevated temperature and pressure until the sheet is saturated with gas. The invention is further directed to a polishing pad comprising the polishing pad substrate, a method of polishing comprising the use of the polishing pad substrate, and a chemical-mechanical apparatus comprising the polishing pad substrate.

Abstract: A conditioner including abrasive elements for conditioning a polishing pad to be used in abrasive semiconductor substrate treatment processes, such as chemical-mechanical polishing or chemical-mechanical planarization processes. The abrasive elements are formed from a material that may be degraded or dissolved by at least one chemical that will not substantially degrade or dissolve a material of the polishing pad. The abrasive elements of the conditioner may be degraded or dissolved in at least one chemical that will not substantially degrade or dissolve a material of the polishing pad. Any residue or particles of, or from, the abrasive elements that stick to or become embedded in the polishing pad are removed therefrom by exposing the polishing pad to the at least one chemical so as to degrade or dissolve the residue or particles without substantially degrading or dissolving a material of the polishing pad.

Abstract: A dual purpose abrading device for smoothing, sanding or finishing a surface of an object while simultaneously surrounding, collecting and containing the particles or debris as they are being generated. The abrading device includes a porous member having a collecting surface with a recess defined therein and a three dimensional abrading member adapted in shape and size to be received within the recess of the porous member. When the abrading member is inserted into the recess of the porous member the abrading member has an exposed abrading surface at least a portion of which is covered with an abrading material. The abrading member is circumscribed by the porous member thereby surrounding, collecting and containing the particles or debris as it is being produced by the abrading device.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing pad (100) having a circular polishing track (124) and a concentric center (116). The polishing pad (100) includes a polishing layer (104) having a groove pattern containing a plurality of grooves (128) each extending through the polishing track (124). The plurality of grooves have an angular pitch that varies in a circumferential direction about the concentric center (116) of the pad (100) and the radial pitch between all adjacent grooves (128) within the wafer track (124) is unequal.

Abstract: A dice game is comprised of a plurality of stages. Each operation of the game begins with the operation of a first stage. In one embodiment, depending on the outcome of the first stage the game may be over, or there may be an operation of a second stage.

Abstract: Improved electronic gaming apparatus, including a cabinet for housing video and sound generating electronics, coin-handling and pay-out mechanism and a video display screen. The display screen is substantially taller than it is wide and may have a touch screen associated therewith. Although the displayed video presentation may take any form, the display may include graphics replicating the standard play board at top, game board in middle, and principal user input interface below.

Abstract: The invention comprises various gaming machine features and a slant-top type gaming machine. In one embodiment, a cabinet has a play area between an upwardly extending console and a supporting base portion. The console has an opening. A display and bezel are movable mounted to the console, blocking the opening in one position and allowing access to the opening in another. A game controller in the cabinet is accessible through the opening. The controller is mounted on a movable platform, allowing the controller to be moved into alignment with the opening. A ticket printer is located in the cabinet and expels tickets into a coin tray. Access doors provide access to a storage area defined by the supporting base portion.

Abstract: A system installed in a casino allows gambling chips in the casino to have variable values. Each chip has an electronic circuit installed in it to store a chip identifier and data indicative of a value currently associated with the chip. Slot machines and other devices are arranged to interact with the gambling chips to read and write data from and into the chips. A central controller is connected to the slot machines and other devices that interact with the chips. The chips carry a display and/or an audio device to apprise players of the value currently associated with the chip.

Abstract: A coin-operated video game machine has a VDU (4) and player controls, such as push buttons (9). In play of a game the screen shows a representation of coins rolling down a run (22) to fall through a fall zone (24), in which the trajectory of fall is influenced by protruding pins (25), onto a bed (14) across which a pusher (27) moves. The player can influence the movement of the coins which fall with trajectories in accordance with gravity and the laws of physics. An award is attained whenever a coin is pushed off the bed (14) into an outlet (6).

Abstract: A method for making a ball-nut includes cutting a 360-degree closed-loop surface groove in the inner-circumferential wall portion of a ball-nut body using a whirling-type internal-diameter cutting machine. The closed-loop surface groove surrounds the longitudinal axis of the wall portion, is adapted for receiving a plurality of ball bearings, includes a helical-grooved portion substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis, and includes a crossover-grooved portion. A method for making a ball-screw includes cutting at least one 360-degree closed-loop surface groove in the outer-circumferential wall portion of a ball-screw body using a whirling-type external-diameter cutting machine. The closed-loop surface groove surrounds the longitudinal axis of the wall portion, is adapted for receiving a plurality of ball bearings, includes a helical-grooved portion substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis, and includes a cross-under-grooved portion.

Abstract: A hollow rail structure directly extruded from aluminum in for pocket billiard table is disclosed to have an inner sidewall, an outer sidewall, a top wall, a bottom wall, ribs that define the inside space of the hollow rail into multiple compartments, a cover cloth locating groove longitudinally disposed on the top wall adjacent to the inner sidewall for the positioning of one side of a cover cloth, a longitudinal inside bottom channel longitudinally disposed inside the bottom wall adjacent to the inner sidewall for holding a wooden block for the mounting of the other side of the cover cloth and is fastened to the cover cloth locating groove, a longitudinal inside top channel formed inside the top wall, and a plurality of top locating holes in communication with the inside top channel and the outside space for the mounting of sights.

Abstract: A system for teaching proper takeaway of a golf club during a golf swing uses an apparatus having a sliding element for engaging a back of the golf club when the club is in a set-up position. The sliding element moves in a defined track in response to movement of the club towards a ball striking position. Movement of the sliding element while the club is in contact with it indicates the path of movement of the club.

Abstract: A golf club balancing apparatus consisting of an elongated, pliable housing component tapered as respects the top portion thereof with flexible, durable ribbing affixed to the exterior walling of the remnant portion of the housing component serving to hold the housing component snugly with the butt end of a golf shaft and within the housing component being interiorly hollowed out so as to receive one or more weight units of various lengths and masses amenable to insertion therein or removal therefrom via the open hole in the top side of a golf club grip by way of resort to utilization of an insertion tool.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body and a face insert is provided. The body defines a front opening, and the face insert is attached at and closes the front opening. The face insert comprises prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert further includes a layer of textured film that is co-cured with the prepreg plies to form a front surface of the face insert. The face insert may alternatively include a metallic cap on the front surface of the face insert instead of the layer of textured film. The face insert's total thickness is within a range of about 1 mm to about 8 mm.

Abstract: A golf ball is disclosed that provides a softer feel, resilient core for decreased spin rate. The golf ball has a dual-layered core surrounded by a dual-layered cover. The volume of the inner layer of the dual layer core is at least about 70% of the total volume of the inner core layer and the outer core layer. The inner core has a diameter from about 1.25 inches up to about 1.55 inches. The outer core has a diameter from about 1.55 inches up to about 1.62 inches. The compression of the dual core is from about 60 to about 100. The outer core layer is constructed from materials that provide for a Shore C hardness of at least about 80. The dual-layer cover includes an inner layer having a Shore D hardness of at least about 60 and a thickness of about 0.015 inches to about 0.055 inches. The outer core layer has a Shore D hardness of about 62 or less and a thickness less than about 0.035 inches.

Abstract: Provided is a golf ball with a transparent cover made of ionomer resin containing 0.02% or less of a pigment or a dyestuff. The surface of the cover of the golf ball is processed using a corona discharge process at a voltage of 90,000V and then together with wedge type grinding media in a revolving hexagonal drum type surface treatment machine to induce microscopic indentations and scratches on the surface of the cover. An anchor coated layer is formed on the surface of the cover using acrylic resin or urethane resin, and a top coated layer is formed on the anchor coated layer using urethane resin. The surface of the golf ball has a number of specula surfaces and thus can induce diffused reflections of light. Therefore, the golf ball appears in dual color due to the color of its core and the color of shadows of dimples.

Abstract: In a golf ball composed of a core and a cover of one or more layer that encloses the core, at least one layer of the cover is composed of 100 parts by weight of a base resin, 1 to 7 parts by weight of titanium oxide, 0.002 to 0.4 part by weight of a blue pigment, and 0.0006 to 0.5 part by weight of a violet pigment. The weight ratio of the blue pigment to the violet pigment is from 1:99 to 99:1. A sufficient whiteness is imparted to the surface of the ball, and the ball has an excellent resistance to color fading.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided with a dimple pattern comprising two substantially identical elongated dimple pattern elements which fit together to form the complete dimple pattern. The dimple pattern can contain 344 dimples covering about 70.4% of the golf ball surface or 392 dimples covering about 73.3%, or other combinations of dimple count and coverage. The sizes of the dimples can be varied among either four distinct dimple sizes ranging from about 0.14 inches to about 0.17 inches or eight distinct dimple sizes ranging from about 0.11 inches to about 0.175 inches, or other dimple size combinations. The arrangement of dimples on the golf ball can be divided into a plurality of triangles having identical dimple arrangements with bilateral symmetry.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: The boss portion of an arm is oscillatably supported with respect to a support member. A tension pulley is rotatably engaged with a tip portion of the arm. A guide plate is fixed to the axial tip portion of the support member to face the boss portion. A friction plate is sandwiched between the boss portion and the guide plate to apply an oscillational resistance to the boss portion by a spring. A vibration attenuating member is provided in the guide plate so as to control the vibration of the guide plate caused by a stick-slip phenomenon in contacting portions between the friction plate, boss portion and guide plate.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first and second axleshafts, first and second mode clutches and a brake unit. The first mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. The brake unit is operable to engage the speed changing unit. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a drive axle assembly including first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first and second axleshafts, and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.

Abstract: A lockable differential gear having an integral differential gear housing (1). The differential gear housing (1) has a plurality of apertures (8) located opposite one another. A number of the internal parts of the differential gear are mounted, during installation, within the differential gear housing (1) by passing through one of the plurality of apertures (8) during the assembly process. The plurality of apertures (8) generally remain open following the assembly process.

Abstract: With the automatic transmission 10-1 for vehicle according to the present embodiment, since multistage transmission of eight forward gear stages can be obtained by means of four sets of planetary gear sets 12, 16, 18 and 20, four clutches C1 through C4 and three brakes B1 through B3, the transmission can be fabricated to be light in weight and made compact, wherein the mountability thereof in a vehicle can be improved. Further, as has been made clear in FIG. 1(b), since speed change in the respective gear stages can be carried out only by a shifting action of any two of the clutches C1 through C4 and brakes B1 through B3, the speed change control can be facilitated and it is possible to prevent a shock to the transmission from occurring.

Abstract: An automatic transmission having a start-up clutch assembly includes a transmission housing, an input drive shaft, and an output drive shaft. An input planetary gear assembly is also included that has a sun gear and a ring gear, with a plurality of planet gears disposed therebetween, the ring gear operatively connected to the input drive shaft. A start-up clutch is operatively disposed between the transmission housing and the sun gear and is adapted to allow the sun gear to freely rotate when the start-up clutch is disengaged so that no torque is transferred. The start-up clutch is further adapted to engage and hold the sun gear stationary so that torque is fully transferred. The start-up clutch is further still adapted to provide a varying and controllable slipping interaction between the disengaged and engaged positions at vehicle start-up thereby providing the vehicle with a smooth transition from stationary to moving.

Abstract: A controller (50) controls the supply of oil pressure to a primary pulley (41) and a secondary pulley (42) of a belt-drive continuously variable transmission (1) in accordance with the depression amount of an accelerator pedal (81) of a vehicle. When slippage is detected in a V-belt (43) that is wrapped around the primary pulley (41) and secondary pulley (42), the controller (50) reduces the output torque of an engine (70) of the vehicle to stop the V-belt (43) from slipping. Meanwhile, damage to the V-belt (43) caused by slippage is prevented by reducing the oil pressure supply to the secondary pulley (42).

Abstract: The state of a fluid coupling in a motor vehicle powertrain is selectively controlled during neutral idle operation of the engine for increasing the engine temperature to a desired level. The fluid coupling includes an input member connected to the engine and an output member connected to the transmission, and the output member is selectively grounded under specified enable conditions to impose an engine load for raising the engine operating temperature. The output member is released to resume normal operation of the powertrain when the enable conditions are no longer met or an estimate of the fluid temperature in the coupling reaches or exceeds a predefined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive device for a working vehicle whereby gear change shock during the forward/reverse running changeover action can be reduced while achieving shortening of cycle time and protecting various clutch mechanisms in the transmission. If a reverse running command is output from a running control device while the vehicle is running forward, an ECMV controls a braking force of a brake device so as to reduce a vehicle speed through a first prescribed speed to a second prescribed speed, and disengages the forward clutch. When the vehicle speed reaches the first prescribed speed, the ECMV puts the reverse clutch in a slipping action condition and, after the vehicle speed reaches the second prescribed speed, gradually engages the reverse clutch.

Abstract: A stationary exercise bicycle is provided having a frame, a resistance member, a drive assembly, a right pedal, a left pedal, a seat and an adjustable seat mechanism utilizing a rack. Assembly and disassembly of a three piece crank arm assembly is accomplished without requiring the assembling and disassembling of the entire drive assembly. The stationary exercise bicycle also provides a variety of users with an optimum seat position and with a convenient latch mechanism to adjust the position of the seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure of rocker arms with optical sensing control for an exercise apparatus. The rocker arm of an exercise apparatus includes a handgrip. At least an optical sensor in accordance with the invention is positioned within a finger groove of the handgrip. The finger groove is so constructed that its form corresponds to the finger pad of the finger of an operator. Meanwhile, the finger groove is provided with an aperture in which the optical sensing element is hidden. The optical sensing element is connected to a console of the exercise apparatus through a conducting wire for setting different functions (exercise speed, slope or resistance) by means of effective detection signals. Therefore, the exercise apparatus is operable by means that a finger of both hands is slightly moved at fixed point during the exercise session.

Abstract: An exercise trainer having a first crank arm and a second crank arm respectively connected to a first foot link and a second foot link with foot pedals supported on the foot links, and bearing supports for the foot links removed from the crank arms. A flexible connection connects a ground point, the foot pedals, and the foot links to provide relative movement in a modified ellipse as to the ground point of at least twice the length of each crank arm. A seat is mounted on the trainer having a motor and control for raising and lowering the seat with respect to the foot pedals. The first and second crank arms are connected to a motor for driving the crank arms at a given speed which can supplement a user's effort or provide a load to a user beyond a given speed.

Abstract: A pace-adjusting mechanism of an elliptical cross trainer having an electric adjusting mechanism installed at the bottom of a front side of the frame unit. The electric adjusting mechanism includes a motor, a guide spindle sleeve, a telescopic spindle, a slide bar, a U-frame and two connecting rods. Both connecting rods are pivotally coupled to the front end of the treadle plank. The U-frame is pivotally mounted on the frame unit. When the guide spindle sleeve is driven by the motor to create a reciprocating in-place displacement of the telescopic spindle, it results in a change of the connecting angle between the slide bar and the U-frame. In this way, the U-frame changes its supporting angle. Then, the vertical position of the treadle plank and the treadle thereon can be adjusted by the coupling relationship of the connecting rods. Accordingly, the change of the exercise pace can be achieved.

Abstract: A compound bicycle exercising device includes two foot pedals rotatably attached to a base, for being operated by users, two handle stems pivotally attached to the base, for being rotated by the users, and two rotary members secured to each handle stem. A spindle is rotatably supported on the base, and includes two followers rotatably attached to each end with unidirectional bearings. Two coupling members couple the rotary members to the followers, and a rotary element is engaged between one of the rotary members and one of the followers, to allow the spindle to be rotated in different direction relative to the rotary member, and to allow the spindle to be continuously driven by the handle stems via the followers and the rotary members alternatively, when the handle stems are rotated relative to the pivot axle in reciprocating action.

Abstract: An apparatus for stretching and strengthening muscles from a standing or seated position with a support member having a top end and a bottom end, the top end providing a location for grasping, the bottom end providing a base surface for force distribution and support. A preferred embodiment includes the support member which is adjustable in length such that the distance between the top end and the bottom end is adjustable. A preferred embodiment includes a way for fixedly securing the adjustable support member at desired lengths.

Abstract: A muscle training device includes a base seat, a first support arm connected pivotally to the base seat, a second support arm connected pivotally to an impeding unit, and two supporting cushions connected respectively to the support arms. The impeding unit has a housing fixed to the first support arm, a piston unit, first and second fluid chambers formed on two opposite sides of the piston unit, a fluid filled in the first and second fluid chambers, and a passage unit that is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid chambers. The second support arm is turnable toward or away from the first support arm.

Abstract: An automatic tool changing device (30) has a tool storage device (31) with a plurality of tools stored therein, a tool chucking unit (41) and a tool unchucking unit (51) both capable of advancing/retreating between the tool storage device (31) and a tool changing position (P2), and a tool delivery mechanism (61). The tool chucking unit (41) is provided with a tool fastening mechanism (42) for fastening the tool chucking mechanism (24), and the tool unchucking unit (51) is provided with a tool loosening mechanism (52) for loosening the tool chucking mechanism (24). The tool delivery mechanism (61) delivers the tool positioned at a tool delivery position from the tool storage device into the tool fastening mechanism of the tool chucking unit so that the tool is held by the tool fastening mechanism, and delivers the tool retrieved by the tool unchucking unit from the tool unchucking unit to the tool storage device so that the tool is stored by the tool storage device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for temporarily inserting and positioning at least one energy emitting source in an animal body, wherein the apparatus comprises at least: a hollow open needle having a proximal needle end and a distal needle end to be inserted into the body, so as to provide a channel in the body; a guide tube having a proximal guide tube end and a distal guide tube end to be inserted into the hollow open needle; the hollow open needle being retractable from the body over the guide tube; a first fixing element for fixating the guide tube with said proximal guide tube end relative to the body; a catheter tube having a closed distal catheter tube end and an open proximal catheter tube end to be inserted with its distal catheter tube end until a predetermined depth into the guide tube and the body via said proximal guide tube end and fixating the catheter tube to the guide tube; at least one energy emitting source for insertion into the catheter tube via said proximal catheter tub

Abstract: The invention discloses an electrotherapy device for generating specifically designed low frequency pulsed magnetic fields (Cnp waveforms). The device comprises a memory storing at least one digital Cnp waveform and a digital to analog converter converting the at least one digital Cnp waveform into an analog Cnp waveform for application to a subject. A processor communicates with the memory and is responsive to operator input and conditioning the memory to output the at least one digital Cnp waveform directly to the digital to analog converter thereby to bypass the processor. The electrotherapy device is useful for electrotherapy of a subject to modify a variety of clinical physiological, neurological and behavioural conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The invention is a repositionable handle for an arcuate needle configured to be minimally invasive. The invention is for use with a sling assembly that allows a sling to be controllably implanted in a therapeutically effective position. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced.

Abstract: The stimulation device of the present invention has a reciprocating projecting member that projects out of a slot through the housing. A motor in the housing drives a linkage which converts the motor's rotation into reciprocation. The linkage reciprocates the projecting member. The housing is relatively large and mounts on a horizontal surface. Its weight maintains it in one place during use. The motor and linkage can pivot within the housing to allow the reciprocating member to pivot from a vertical or near vertical orientation to a horizontal or near horizontal orientation. The slot through which the projecting member extends is long enough to permit the projecting member to move between its positions. Therefore, the user can position the projecting member in a position and orientation to contact or enter the user's particular body part.

Abstract: An endoscope has an inserting tube to be inserted into a human body, first and second optical systems integrally secured to a tip end portion of the inserting tube. The first and second optical systems are for observing the in vivo tissues at different magnifications. A front end portion of the second optical system is protruded by a predetermined amount with respect to a front end portion of the first optical system so that the front end portion of said second optical system is located within a field of view of said second optical system.

Abstract: An endoscope observation system for in vivo cellular observation is disclosed that includes an illumination optical system having a light source for supplying illumination light to an object, an objective optical system that forms a magnified image of the object such that the absolute value of the image scale factor exceeds unity, and an image pickup unit that detects the magnified image. The illumination optical system is provided with a wavelength selection means for dividing, among the blue, green, and red wavelength ranges in the illumination light from the light source, either the blue wavelength range or the red wavelength range into two wavelength bands T1 and T2, with the wavelength band T1 being nearer the green wavelength range than is the wavelength band T2, and light in the wavelength band T1 is prevented from illuminating the object. An in vivo cellular observation method is also disclosed using an endoscope.

Abstract: A cardiac sensor system includes implanted cardiac sensor assemblies and an external controller which receives information from the implanted sensors. The sensors permit direct measurement of a number of physiologic parameters. The external controller permits calculation of a variety of performance values based on the measured physiological parameters. Optionally, patient oxygen consumption can be measured externally and combined with the internally measured physiologic parameters in order to calculate a variety of unique performance values.

Abstract: A guiding catheter system employs a flexible shaft having a preformed bend at a distal end. An ultrasound transducer is mounted proximal to the pre-formed bend. The ultrasound transducer has a field of view directed to a distal tip of the guiding catheter. The guiding catheter includes an open lumen adapted for the introduction of payloads through the catheter system. The guiding catheter system can be used to direct a smaller guiding catheter or guide wire into a destination vessel from a heart chamber. In one application, the guiding catheter system is used to introduce a guiding catheter into the coronary sinus ostium from the right atrium.

Abstract: A system and method that determines a blood flow rate in an area of a subject. The system includes a transmitter operable to transmit an electrical signal in the range of about 20 GHz to about 300 GHz to the area, a temperature sensor positioned adjacent the area, and a processor operable to determine the blood flow rate in the area based on the rate of change of temperature in the area as a result of the application of the electrical signal on the area and a power density value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved systems and methods for processing respiratory signals derived generally from respiratory plethysmography, and especially from respiratory inductive plethysmographic sensors mounted on a garment for ambulatory recording. The systems and methods provide improved signal filtering for artifact rejection, improved calibration of sensor data to produce outputs indicative of lung volumes. Further, this invention provides improved systems and methods directed to processing lung volume signals, however measured or derived, to provide improved determination of respiratory parameters and improved recognition of selected respiratory events.