System and method for generating, capturing, and managing customer lead information over a computer network

A customer lead management system that relates to a system and method for collecting and organizing customer-marketing data, which is then made available to business representatives to assess. Specifically, using a computer network, and data on a potential customer's Budget, Authority, Needs, Timeframe, and other related customer data is collected. While this data is being collected, the customer lead management system stores the customer lead data in real-time instantly, automatically ranking the viability of the customer lead on the interest level of the customer lead and other variable criteria used in the web-based algorithm calculation, and automatically electronically notifies the appropriate company and/or company representative about the customer lead. The resulting customer lead profile record is located in a web server database, and can be accessed and undated in real-time by a portable computer or electronic device that has been web-enabled. The customer lead data is then capable of being accessed via a computer network by various companies that have goods/services that satisfy the needs and requirements of the customer lead. A company representative can be automatically notified when a customer lead profile has been updated.

Multiple firing stroke surgical instrument incorporating electroactive polymer anti-backup mechanism

A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A firing member reciprocates within an elongate shaft to the end effector to transfer this firing motion. A retraction spring retracts the firing member after full firing. Between firing strokes as the firing trigger is released, an anti-backup mechanism activates an electrical actuator (e.g., elecroactive polymer actuator) that is physically grounded to the handle to bind the firing member preventing inadvertent retraction.

Bipolar forceps with multiple electrode array end effector assembly

A bipolar electrosurgical forceps includes first and second opposing jaw members having respective inwardly facing surfaces associated therewith. The first and second jaw members are adapted for relative movement between an open position to receive tissue and a closed position engaging tissue between the inwardly facing surfaces. The first and second jaw members each include a plurality of electrodes on the inwardly facing surfaces. The plurality of electrodes of the first jaw member are disposed in substantially vertical registration with the plurality of electrodes of the second jaw member. Each of the plurality of electrodes is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. Electrodes on at least one jaw member are grouped in pairs and each respective pair aligns with at least one electrode on the opposite jaw member. A multiplexer controls current density or activation sequence of the electrosurgical energy to each electrode.

Articulating bipolar electrosurgical instrument

A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a pair of pivotable juxtaposed jaw members and a locking mechanism operatively associated with a second of the jaw members. The locking mechanism has a first position engaged with the second jaw member for preventing movement of the second jaw member between an axially aligned orientation and at least one angled orientation, and a second position. The second position is disengaged from the second jaw member allowing for movement of the second jaw member between the axially aligned orientation and the at least one angled orientation. The instrument has an actuation mechanism operatively connected to a first of the jaw members with the actuation mechanism operable to move the first jaw member between an axially aligned first orientation and at least one angled orientation. An articulation knob is operatively associated with the locking mechanism and effectuates independent operation of the locking and actuation mechanisms.

Method and apparatus for monitoring glucose levels in a biological tissue

In accordance with the invention, a low coherence interferometer is used to non-invasively monitor the concentration of glucose in blood by shining a light over a surface area of human or animal tissue, continuously scanning the light over a two dimensional area of the surface, collecting the reflected light from within the tissue and constructively interfering this reflected light with light reflected along a reference path to scan the tissue in depth. Since the reflection spectrum is sensitive to glucose concentration at particular wavelengths, measurement and analysis of the reflected light provides a measure of the level of glucose in the blood. The measurement of glucose is taken from multiple depths within blood-profused tissue, and sensitivity is preferably enhanced by the use of multiple wavelengths. Noise or speckle associated with this technique is minimized by continuously scanning the illuminated tissue in area and depth.

Systems and methods for monitoring and modifying behavior

A system for detecting non-verbal acoustic energy generated by a subject is provided. The system includes a sensor mountable on or in a body region of the subject, the sensor being capable of sensing the non-verbal acoustic energy; and a processing unit being capable of processing the non-verbal acoustic energy sensed by the sensor and deriving an activity related signature therefrom, thereby enabling identification of a specific activity associated with the non-verbal acoustic energy.

Mounting assembly for vehicle interior mirror

A method of making a mounting assembly of an interior rearview mirror assembly includes providing a mounting arm having at least one ball member at at least one end thereof and having at least one electrical conductor element passing the mounting arm and extending therefrom, and molding at least one of a mounting base portion and a mirror mounting portion over the ball member. The ball member is pivotally received in the mounting base portion and/or mirror mounting portion after the mounting base portion and/or mirror mounting portion is molded and cured. The pivot joints defined by the ball members and overmolded portions may provide different frictional resistance to provide different threshold torques for pivoting the mirror assembly or mounting arm about the respective pivot joints.

Arrays of optical confinements and uses thereof

The present invention relates to optical confinements, methods of preparing and methods of using them for analyzing molecules and/or monitoring chemical reactions. The apparatus and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for high-throughput and low-cost single-molecular analysis.

Techniques for navigating multiple video streams

Techniques for poster-thumbnail and/or animated thumbnail development and/or usage to effectively navigate for potential selection between a plurality of images or programs/video files or video segments. The poster and animated thumbnail images are presented in a GUI on adapted apparatus to provide an efficient system for navigating, browsing and/or selecting images or programs or video segments to be viewed by a user. The poster and animated thumbnails may be automatically produced without human-necessary editing and may also have one or more various associated data (such as text overlay, image overlay, cropping, text or image deletion or replacement, and/or associated audio).

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair method and apparatus

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for the stabilization and fastening of two pieces of tissue. A single device may be used to both stabilize and fasten the two pieces of tissue, or a separate stabilizing device may be used in conjunction with a fastening device. The stabilizing device may comprise a probe with vacuum ports and/or mechanical clamps disposed at the distal end to approximate the two pieces of tissue. After the pieces of tissue are stabilized, they are fastened together using sutures or clips. One exemplary embodiment of a suture-based fastener comprises a toggle and suture arrangement deployed by a needle, wherein the needle enters the front side of the tissue and exits the blind side. In a second exemplary embodiment, the suture-based fastener comprises a needle connected to a suture. The needle enters the blind side of the tissue and exits the front side. The suture is then tied in a knot to secure the pieces of tissue. One example of a clip-based fastener comprises a spring-loaded clip having two arms with tapered distal ends and barbs. The probe includes a deployment mechanism which causes the clip to pierce and lockingly secure the two pieces of tissue.