Abstract:
A template-based supervisory process control and manufacturing information application development facility is disclosed that includes a number of time-saving application development tools that significantly enhance design productivity and allow re-using of previously developed application building blocks. The development facility includes an application object template library that stores a set of previously defined application object templates. The template library is accessed by developers through a configuration utility that facilitates specifying instances of the set of previously defined application object templates to be included in an application. Thereafter, application objects are instantiated from the selected ones of the set of previously defined application object templates in a build of the specified application.
Abstract:
An airway condition of a patient is treated by selecting an implant sized to be implanted within a soft palate of the patient. The implant has a tissue-engaging member sized to be implanted within the soft palate near a trailing end of the soft palate to oppose relative movement between the tissue-engaging member and surrounding tissue of the soft palate. The implant further has an elongated tether member with a first end secured to the tissue-engaging member. The implant is placed within the soft palate with the tissue-engaging member implanted within tissue of the soft palate near the trailing end and with the tether member extending from the first end to a second end near a hard palate of the patient. The second end of the tether is secured to the hard palate.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for treating a condition of a patient's airway. The condition is attributed at least in part to a spacing of tissue from opposing surfaces in the airway. In various embodiments, the base of the tongue including geometry and position of the tongue is altered.
Abstract:
An apparatus for applying a signal to a nerve for the treatment of a disorder includes a main electrode body of biocompatible dielectric material and having a concave upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The concave upper surface curves about an axis and has a curvature sized to receive a nerve within the concave surface with an axis of the nerve substantially parallel to an axis of the concave surface. An electrode contact of electrically conductive material is secured to the main electrode body and has an electrode contact surface exposed on the concave surface. The concave surface terminates at opposite first and second upper ends. The electrode contact has a first end near the first end of the concave surface. A secondary electrode body of biocompatible dielectric material is attached to the first upper end of the concave surface. An electrode lead has an electrical conductor surrounded by a biocompatible insulative coating with both the conductor and the coating flexible relative to a longitudinal axis of the lead. A first end of the lead is secured to the secondary electrode body and with a first end of said conductor electrically connected to said first end of said electrode contact.
Abstract:
An apparatus for treating an airway condition of a patient includes a handle sized to be hand-grasped by an operator and having an actuator mechanism to be selectively actuated by said operator. A needle is fixedly connected to the handle. The needle has an axially extending bore and a distal tip for penetrating into the airway tissue. An implant is disposed within said bore at the distal tip. The implant is formed of biocompatible material and is sized to be embedded within a tissue of said airway. The implant is ejected from the distal tip upon actuation of the actuator. The actuator has an indicator for indicating a position of the actuator and a lock for preventing movement of the actuator opposite a deployment direction.
Abstract:
An analyte (e.g., glucose) is tested in a sample (e.g., blood or blood-free interstitial fluid) having both the analyte and other constituents (e.g., protein). The analyte has an absorption peak over a narrow bandwidth at a characteristic wavelength. The other constituents have an absorption over a broad bandwidth. The broad bandwidth includes and is broader than the narrow bandwidth. Radiant energy (e.g., IR radiation) is directed at the sample. The energy has a source bandwidth including the broad bandwidth. The sample absorbs a portion of the energy. A remainder of the energy is available for analysis. The remainder is analyzed by filtering the remainder into an analyte portion and a reference portion. The analyte portion contains substantially only the narrow bandwidth. The reference portion contains substantially only the broad bandwidth. The analyte portion and the reference portion are measured and compared to calculate an amount of the analyte in the sample.
Abstract:
An airway condition of a patient's is treated by selecting an implant sized to be implanted within a tongue of the patient. The implant has a tissue-engaging member sized to be implanted within the tongue near a base of the tongue to oppose relative movement between the tissue-engaging member and surrounding tissue of the tongue. The implant further has an elongated tether member with a first end secured to the tissue-engaging member. The implant is placed within the tongue with the tissue-engaging member implanted within tissue of the tongue near the base and with the tether member extending from the first end to a second end near a jaw bone of the patient. The second end of the tether is secured to the jaw bone.
Abstract:
A sampling apparatus for interstitial fluid includes a pressure ring surrounding a collection needle. The pressure ring and needle are movable relative to one another for the ring to first engage a patient's skin surface prior to insertion of the needle.
Abstract:
A substrate is provided for a sound absorbing panel, the substrate having an acoustic absorptive inner portion and an acoustic flow-resistive outer portion having a first layer on a first side of the inner portion and a second layer on a second side of the inner portion. The inner portion may include a foam material or a fibrous material and each outer portion may include a structural material. The inner portion, also referred to as a core portion, may include at least one of a sound absorbing material, an airbag device and an impact cushion material.
Abstract:
A chair having a seat and a back rest comprises a fluid-containing cushion in the back rest that provides passive automatically adjustable support for the user's lumbar region. The cushion can comprise one or more fluid-containing chambers encompassing the areas of the user's upper back and lumbar regions. As the user leans backs, fluid is forced from the regions adjacent the upper back down to the lumbar region to provide enhanced lumbar support to the user.