Abstract:
A display device has a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a current-driven display element (2) coupled between a first conductive layer (28) and a second conductive layer (27), the second conductive layer (27) being coupled to a current supply (26) via a switchable device (12) having a thin film component (122) on a first area of a substrate (120). Each pixel further has a first capacitive device having a first capacitor plate (132) on a second area of the substrate (120), the first capacitor plate (120) being conductively coupled to the thin film component, a second capacitor plate (133) and a first insulating layer (130) between the first capacitor plate (132) and the second capacitor plate (133). Stacked on top of the first capacitive device is a second capacitive device sharing the second capacitor plate (133) with the first capacitive device, the second capacitive device further comprising a third capacitor plate comprising at least a part of the second conductive layer (27), and a second insulating layer (140) between the second capacitor plate and the third capacitor plate. This arrangement benefits from larger capacitances for the first capacitive device and the second capacitive device, making them more robust against the influences of parasitic capacitances.
Abstract:
An active matrix electroluminescent (EL) display device has a switching circuit for each display pixel which has a drive transistor (30) and a cascode transistor (32) in series with the associated EL display element (20). The switching circuit is operable in two modes, a first mode in which an input current is sampled by the drive transistor (30) and a second mode in which the drive transistor drives a current corresponding to the input current through the EL display element (20). This configuration uses the same transistor for current sampling as for current driving, thereby avoiding the need for matched transistors. The cascode transistor increases the output impedance and ensures that no voltage fluctuations pass to the drive transistor, so that a constant current supply is maintained.
Abstract:
A system for monitoring a location for the occurrence of a predetermined condition thereat includes a transmitter located at the monitored location for normally transmitting a series of first electrical signals at a first repetition rate and in a first time slot; a sensor at the monitored location for sensing the predetermined condition; and a control circuit effective, upon sensing the predetermined condition, to interrupt the transmission of the first electrical signals and to initiate the transmission of a series of second electrical signals at a second repetition rate and in a second time slot both having a predetermined relation to the first repetition rate and the first time slot of said first electrical signals.
Abstract:
A transcatheter, percutaneously implantable, prosthetic heart valve is provided that comprises a lattice frame and two or more integrated cusp and leaflet folded structures attached to the lattice frame. The two or more integrated cusp and leaflet folded structures each comprise a flat sheet of biocompatible membrane that is folded to include a substantially conical shape according to a flat folding pattern. The substantially conical shape is further formed by joining apposing sides of the substantially conical shape along a seam. The two or more integrated cusp and leaflet folded structures are each attached along their respective seams to the lattice frame in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the lattice frame. Embodiments of valves described herein have application within the entire vascular system.
Abstract:
A prosthetic heart valve implantable by catheter without surgery includes a substantially “dry” membrane or tissue material. In at least one embodiment, the tissue is folded in a dry state to form a tissue leaflet assembly that is then attached to a frame to form an implantable prosthetic heart valve. Alternatively, one or more tissue leaflets are operatively associated with a frame to form an implantable prosthetic heart valve. The implantable prosthetic heart valve is subsequently pre-mounted on an integrated catheter delivery system. The catheter delivery system that includes the implantable prosthetic heart valve is then packaged and transported while the tissue remains dry. The implantable prosthetic heart valve, while remaining substantially dry, can then be implanted into the receiving patient.
Abstract:
A method of making a replacement heart valve device whereby a fragment of biocompatible tissue material is treated and soaked in one or more alcohol solutions and a solution of glutaraldehyde. The dried biocompatible tissue material is folded and rehydrated in such a way that forms a two- or three-leaflet/cusp valve without affixing of separate cusps or leaflets or cutting slits into the biocompatible tissue material to form the cusps or leaflets. After the biocompatible tissue material is folded, it is affixed at one or more points on the outer surface to the inner cavity or a stent.
Abstract:
The present invention comprises a percutaneously implantable replacement heart valve device and a method of making same. The replacement heart valve device comprises a stent member made of stainless steel or self-expanding nitinol, a biological tissue artificial valve means disposed within the inner space of the stent member. An implantation and delivery system having a central part which consists of a flexible hollow tube catheter that allows a metallic wire guide to be advanced inside it. The endovascular stented-valve is a glutaraldehyde fixed bovine pericardium which has two or three cusps that open distally to permit unidirectional blood flow. The present invention also comprises a novel method of making a replacement heart valve by taking a rectangular fragment of bovine pericardium treating, drying, folding and rehydrating it in such a way that forms a two- or three-leaflet/cusp valve with the leaflets/cusps formed by folding, thereby eliminating the extent of suturing required, providing improved durability and function.
Abstract:
A prepared tissue for medical use with a patient is provided. Methods for preparing such tissue are also provided. Implantable tissue is provided by harvesting a tissue, such as but not limited to a pericardium tissue, and exposing the tissue to various cleaning, rinsing, treatment, separating, and fixation steps. The tissue of at least one embodiment is cleaned with distilled water, rinsed with isopropyl alcohol, and treated with a glutaraldehyde solution. The prepared tissue may be allowed to dry or partially hydrated prior to packaging and shipment. As such, the tissue can be implanted into the receiving patient in either a dry or wet state. The relatively thin yet strong tissue material is adapted for implanting within or grafting to human tissue. By way of example, the tissue may be used in a shunt, a valve, as graft material, as a patch, as a prosthetic tissue in a tendon and/or ligament, and a tissue product for wound management.
Abstract:
A fluid collection assembly including a container having an interior chamber for collecting fluid, and a quick connect device coupled to the top of the container to couple to a mated connection device on a drainage tube. The quick connect device and the mated connection device may be in an open configuration to permit fluid flow when engaged and in a closed configuration to prevent fluid flow when disengaged. An adjustable hanger may be attached to the container, including an adjustable member that vertically repositions the container.
Abstract:
An active matrix LED display has a light-dependent device for detecting the brightness of the display element and threshold voltage measurement circuitry for measuring a threshold voltage of a pixel the drive transistor. Compensation for ageing of the display element is thus provided by an optical feedback path, and compensation for drive transistor threshold variations is provided by measurement of the threshold voltage. This provides a reliable compensation scheme for the threshold voltage variations, whilst also providing ageing compensation.