Abstract:
A device and a method for delivering a plurality of securing elements or clips to a target region in a body. Further, the method and device deliver and place a plurality of clips to secure an implant to a target region. The device allows an operator to remotely control the delivery and placement of shape memory clips to efficiently and precisely fasten the clips directly to the target region, or, alternatively, to use the clips to secure the implant to the target region. Advantageously, the device allows for the application of the plurality of clips from within a lumen of a vessel.
Abstract:
A mid-infrared (MIR) and/or far-infrared (FIR) to near-infrared (NIR) converter (10) for imaging applications is disclosed. The converter (10) makes use of the properties of Optical Readout Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors (ORQWIP) (20), an NIR source (16), and a conventional near infrared detector device (24). In combination, an MIR or FIR light source (12) to be imaged is focused by lenses or mirrors (17) into a beam combiner (18) along with an NIR probe wave generated by the NIR source (16). The lower conduction level electrons (50a-50g) of the OR-QWIP (20) absorb MIR/FIR photons (60) and are excited to an upper conduction level (48) or free electron band (166) of the OR-QWIP (20) corresponding to the MIR/FIR wavelength (60), while valence band electrons (54a-54g) of the ORQWIP (20) absorb NIR photons (52) and are excited to the freed-up lower conduction level (46) corresponding to the NIR wavelength (52). The resulting change in transmittance of NIR radiation due to absorption is recorded by conventional near infrared detection equipment such as a standard digital camera (24). If multiple layers (202a-202d) of AlGaAs are alternated with multiple layers (200a-200c) of GaAs of the same thickness and composition, then identical quantum wells (203, 223) will result, all of which absorb a single MIR/FIR wavelength and a single NIR wavelength. If multiple layers (246a-246d) of AIGaAs are alternated with multiple layers (244a-244c) of GaAs of different thicknesses and/or composition, then quantum wells (249, 259) having different energy level differences will result, the multiple quantum wells (249, 259) absorbing multiple MIR/FIR wavelengths (256a-256c, 264a-264c) and multiple NIR wavelengths (258a-258c, 270a, 270c).
Abstract:
The present invention provides a device for frequency selective detection of electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum using a lateral semiconductor superlattice, a metal antenna attached to the lateral semiconductor superlattice; and a resonator comprising two mirrors and a substrate. A method for detecting electromagnetic radiation using the device is also provided.
Abstract:
A sterilization and decontamination system in which a non-thermal plasma discharge device is disposed upstream of a suspension media (e.g., a filter, electrostatic precipitator, carbon bed). The plasma discharge device generates a plasma that is emitted through apertures (e.g., capillaries or slits) in the primary dielectric. Plasma generated active sterilizing species when exposed to contaminants or undesirable particulate matter is able to deactivate or reduce such matter in contaminated fluid stream and/or on objects. Thus, the undesirable contaminants in the fluid to be treated are first reduced during their exposure to the plasma generated active sterilizing species in the plasma region of the discharge device. Furthermore, the plasma generated active sterilizing species are carried downstream to suspension media and upon contact therewith deactivate the contaminants collected on the suspension media itself. Advantageously, the suspension media may be cleansed in situ. To increase the sterilization efficicency an additive, free or carrier gas (e.g., alcohol, water, dry air) may be injected into the apertures defined in the primary dielectric. These additives increase the concentration of plasma generated active sterilizing agents while reducing the byproduct of generated undesirable ozone pollutants. Downstream of the filter the fluid stream may be further treated by being exposed to a catalyst media or additional suspension media to further reduce the amount of undesirable particulate matter.
Abstract:
A novel controlled release device employing microporous membranes with or without a nonporous coating and aqueous-organic partitioning of the bioreactive substances to be delivered is provided. Devices and methods for delivering pharmaceuticals, pest-control substances, hormones, nutrients and fragrances to humans, animals or any environment are also provided. The figure shows controlled release of benzoic acid from microporous hollow fibers.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for diagnosing a source of muscular pain, wherein the apparatus (10) includes a housing (12), an electrical signal generator (52) mounted within the housing (12), and a pair of electrodes (18, 20), one of which is mounted on one end (14) of the housing and the other of which is mounted on an opposite end (16) of the housing. The generator (52) may include either an analog waveform generator or a digital signal processor (413). Each of the electrodes (18, 20) stimulates a muscle with an electrical signal generated by the generator (52). One of the electrodes (18) has a relatively small contact area for targeting smaller muscles or muscle groups, while the other electrode (20) has a relatively large contact area for targeting larger muscles or muscle groups. The apparatus (10) is a self-contained, wireless unit and is highly maneuverable, which allows a user to quickly and easily diagnose a source of muscle pain.
Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed for permitting a mobile terminal having multiple, heterogeneous network connections (e.g., multiple wired or wireless transceivers of various types) to set up and maintain virtual connections over multiple networks to either the same or to multiple destinations. The mobile terminal can "load-share" traffic, i.e., it can distribute segments of traffic over a full set of heterogeneous networks, significantly improving the reliability and availability of communications. In a first embodiment, a mobile terminal is configured with multiple radio frequency (RF) transceivers. Operating system software is provided for dynamically establishing and maintaining traffic flow for user applications over multiple communications paths, and for automatically adapting to variations in the networking environment, application traffic flow requirements, end user preferences, or mobility. In a second embodiment, a software-defined radio is used to implement the physical layer protocols for each desired network, eliminating the need for multiple transceivers.
Abstract:
Micro-, and nano-scale capsules comprising neutral (uncharged) polymeric layers, layers associated by hydrogen bonding and methods for making such capsules. The capsules of the invention are layered upon a core particle using a layer-by layer-technique. The capsule walls of the capsules of the invention give a tailored response to external stimuli.