Abstract:
The invention relates to methods and apparatus for conducting directed communication using voice-grade radios. The methods and apparatus can be used to form a packet-switched wireless network using legacy analog transceivers, providing, e.g., both data and voice-over-Internet Protocol communication.
Abstract:
A physiologic data acquisition system includes an analog input, a sigma-delta front end signal conditioning circuit adapted to subtract out DC and low frequency interfering signals from and amplify the analog input before analog to digital conversion. The system can be programmed to acquire a selected physiologic signal, e.g., a physiologic signal characteristic of or originating from a particular biological tissue. The physiologic data acquisition system may include a network interface modulating a plurality of subcarriers with respective portions of an acquired physiologic signal. A receiver coupled to the network interface can receive physiologic data from, and send control signals and provide power to the physiologic data acquisition system over a single pair of wires. The network interface can modulate an RF carrier with the plurality of modulated subcarriers and transmit the resulting signal to the receiver across a wireless network. An integrated circuit may include the physiologic data acquisition system. Also included are methods for acquiring physiologic data comprising the step of selectively controlling an acquisition circuit to acquire the physiologic signal.
Abstract:
Tunable pull-through energy attenuator and decelerator devices is disclosed which provide for variable force-time profiles, deceleration and kinetic energy attenuation of moving objects so as to prevent damage or injury to impacting objects, vehicles or persons. The device employs either consumable inelastic or reusable, viscoelastic deforming elements, such as tubes, rods, plates or strips, which absorb substantial amounts of energy through repeated inelastic or viscoelastic deformation when the deforming element is pulled through a tunable array of rigid pins having a variety of configurations and settings. The disclosed devices provide for variable force-time profiles which control the cumulative deformation and thereby the amount of energy absorbed and rate of deceleration of impacting objects. The device may be readily adapted and deployed as highway vehicle guardrails, road barriers or crash cushions for frontal and side impacts and as load attenuators for crash-resistant aircraft seats, spacecraft landing pods, crash-resistant aircraft landing gear, aircraft and vehicle passenger restraint harnesses, cargo tie-downs, vehicle bumpers and collapsible vehicle steering columns.
Abstract:
Isolated DNA from Penaeus vannamei was digested with restriction enzymes, restriction fragments of genomic DNA inserted into a plasmid vector and screened for recombinant plasmids containing repeated sequences. Ten of the resulting isolates contained representatives of the same repeated element, a satellite sequence present in one or more blocks of tandemly repeated units. The cloned repeat units range in size from about 100 to 200 base pairs, more typically between about 139 to 188 base pairs. Embedded within each cloned repeat unit are 6 to 15 copies of a tandemly repeated pentanucleotide microsatellite. The genome of P. vannamei contains approximately one million copies of this satellite/microsatellite unit. The sequences are useful as markers for the selection of shrimp having a genetically-transmitted favorable growth characteristic, such as increased reproduction, enhanced growth rate, increased size, disease-resistance, and the ability to grow in colder waters, for improved aquacultured shrimp production. Hybridization of the marker to an isolated Peaneus shrimp mucleic acid molecule can be used to identify species, strains or individual shrimp having the desired characteristics. Once identified, these shrimps can be bred to shrimp having the same or an additional desired characteristic to produce a high quality, genetically superior seedstock or larvae useful for the economic production of farmed shrimp.
Abstract:
An atomizing spray dryer employs one or more stages defined by ultrasonic transducers in close proximity to a liquid feed opening forming a path of an atomization flow for producing uniform droplets from a close tolerance with the transducer. The atomization flow exits a gap between the transducer and an outer edge of the opening, such that the passed liquid is responsive to an oscillation of the transducer for forming the droplets. A conical or other suitably shaped transducer engages a substantially round liquid feed opening. Subsequent stages may include a circular, ring, or other suitable shape aligned to receive the atomization flow from a circumference of the conical base, or may also take any suitable shape, preferably to receive droplets directed by the first stage.
Abstract:
A fiber optic sensing device includes an optical fiber having a polished end defining a flat sensory portion coated with a lossy-mode-resonance (LMR) coating. A reflective coating on an end face of the optical fiber facilitates propagation of a return signal. An optic circuit for identifies a wavelength attenuated by the LMR coating from the return signal reflected by the reflective coating based on a moisture presence at the sensory portion. Various gaseous parameters may be detected based on the coating on the sensory portion. An LMR coating of tin oxide (SnO2) is employed for moisture sensing.
Abstract:
Methods, compositions, and kits are provided for synthesizing bioactive chromane, the method including: constructing a tertiary ether stereocenter enantioselectively by catalyzed alkynylation of a substituted chromenone to obtain a chromanone; reducing alkyne and ketone in the chromanone to obtain a chroman; and converting ester to methyl group thereby obtaining chromane.
Abstract:
A transdermal oxygen patch measures an oxygen concentration based on transcutaneous oxygen diffusing through an epidermal surface of a patient. Transcutaneous oxygen differs from hemoglobin-bound oxygen often measured in a patient blood flow. The patch employs an indicator responsive to an oxygen presence for emitting light having an intensity and lifetime (duration) based on the oxygen presence. An optical receptor is in communication with logic for receiving the intensity of emitted light and computing the oxygen concentration based on the received intensity and lifetime (duration). A wireless transmitter conveys the results to a base station or monitoring counterpart for untethered patient monitoring. Low power demands and circuit footprint are amenable to a wearable device such as a patch for continuous use.
Abstract:
A neuromuscular test device for assessing a level of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in an anesthetized patient includes a stimulation circuit for initiating a muscular stimulus in a muscle structure, and a testing circuit for measuring an activity level responsive to the muscular stimulus. A flexible, closed vessel is responsive to a musculature response for inducing a pressure, and a pressure sensor in communication with the closed vessel generates a pressure signal indicative of the musculature response to the muscular stimulus.
Abstract:
An articulating, steerable surgical probe includes an elongated, flexible transfer tube adapted for insertion into a surgical region for endoscopic laryngeal laser surgery. A lumen is defined by an interior of the transfer tube, and a laser fiber extends through the lumen for delivering a therapeutic laser signal to a distal end of the laser fiber. An articulating tip at the distal end of the transfer tube is responsive to articulating forces from a retractable tether for directing the treatment probe in a direction of the articulation, and a linkage to the tether from a control module effects controlled retraction of the tether for articulating the tip towards a surgical target, such that the articulating tip imposing a bend radius based on a signal loss through the laser fiber.