Proximity detector in handheld device

Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.

Proximity detector in handheld device

Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.

Sternal closure system, method and apparatus therefor

There is provided a sternal closure system for re-approximating the left and right halves of a patient's longitudinally incised sternum during a surgical procedure in the thoracic cavity. The system includes a first anchor, disposed inside the left half of the sternum, a second anchor, disposed inside the right half of the sternum, and a fixing element for rigid connection between the first and the second anchors, respectively disposed within the left and right halves of the sternum, facilitating separation of the left and right halves of the sternum closed in this way, in case of post-operative emergency surgical procedures. An apparatus for fixing and removing the anchors is also provided.

Methods and apparatus for transmitting force to an end effector over an elongate member

Apparatus and methods for conveying or transmitting force or energy to a medical end effector coupled to a flexible or rigid shaft are described herein. One variation of such apparatus may be used to manipulate tissue and create a tissue fold and may generally comprise an elongate tubular member having an end effector disposed thereon. The end effector may comprise a tissue engagement member adapted to engage tissue, a first stabilizing member and a second stabilizing member positioned at the tubular member distal end, and a launch tube adapted to pivot about the first stabilizing member. Elements of the end effector may be actuable via various force transmission elements and/or mechanisms. Such force transmission elements preferably are integrated into and/or are actuable via a handle. The force transmission mechanisms may be utilized to actuate and/or transmit force to alternative medical end effectors coupled to flexible or rigid shafts.

Method, apparatus, and kit for thermal suture cutting

A novel suture removal instrument, kit and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or scalpels. These techniques, which are well known in the art, are problematic because they exert tension on the stitch and are associated with patient discomfort. Small stitches add to the difficulty of suture removal because they have less suture laxity for scissor insertion. The present invention therefore allows for more rapid suture removal with less patient discomfort and at a competitive or lower cost.

A surgical sealing device

A surgical sealing device (405), suitable for use during a surgical procedure such as a laparoscopic procedure or a hand-assisted laparoscopic procedure, comprises a first sealing member (5) and a second sealing member (6). A thin slit is defined between the sealing members (5, 6). In a closed configuration, the first sealing member (5) overlaps the distal end opening of a passageway (2) through the second sealing member (6) to prevent leakage of insufflation gases out of an abdomen (4). In an open configuration, the first sealing member (5) is retracted to reveal the distal end opening of the passageway (2) and thus facilitate passage of an object, such as a surgeon's hand or forearm (3), into the abdomen (4). The device (405) comprises a planar support element (406) fixedly attached to the proximal exterior surface (408) of the first sealing member (5). The first sealing member (5) is fixedly attached to the second sealing member (6) at an attached region (409), with a detached region (407) remaining detached from the second sealing member (6). The support element (406) acts as a stiffening element to increase the stiffness of the detached region (407) of the first sealing member (5) to minimise the deformation of the detached region (407) of the first sealing member (5) when the surgeon's hand/forearm (3) is pushed through the passageway (2). It is thus easier for the surgeon to retract the first sealing member (5) laterally to reveal the distal end opening of the passageway (2) by pushing the hand/forearm (3) through the passageway (2) and easier for the surgeon to pass the hand/forearm (3) through the device (405) and gain access to the abdomen (4).

System and method for controlling force applied to and manipulation of medical instruments

Apparatus for controlling force applied to and for manipulation of a surgical instrument. Movement and/or forces applied to the surgical instrument are preferably sensed within the apparatus. An actuator is preferably used to apply force to the surgical instrument for control and manipulation of the instrument. The apparatus applies variable force feedback to apply force to the surgical instrument in one or more degrees of freedom to provide an enhanced haptic experience to the user.

Methods and system for use in network management of content

The present embodiments provide methods, systems and apparatuses for use in managing content on at least a local network. Some embodiments provide a method for use in distributing content that receives a request to deliver premium content over a distributed network; identifies a location relative to where the request is made; determines whether there is a first additional content associated with the location; adds the first additional content to the requested premium content when there is the first additional content associated with the location; and distributes the requested premium content and the first additional content according to the request.

System and method for identity verification and management

A system for verifying the identity of a user includes an identification score assignment module configured to receive at least one source of identification of the user and to assign an identification score to each of the at least one source of identification. The system includes a total identification score generation module, in communication with the identification score assignment module, configured to generate a total identification score of the user from the identification scores of each of the at least one source of identification and a predetermined function. The total identification score of the user is associated with a level of verification of the identity of the user, and compared to a minimum identification score associated with a transaction. The transaction is performed when the total identification score of the user is greater than or equal to the minimum identification score.

Method and apparatus for demodulating signals in a pulse oximetry system

A method and an apparatus measure blood oxygenation in a subject. A first signal source applies a first input signal during a first time interval. A second signal source applies a second input signal during a second time interval. A detector detects a first parametric signal responsive to the first input signal passing through a portion of the subject having blood therein. The detector also detects a second parametric signal responsive to the second input signal passing through the portion of the subject. The detector generates a detector output signal responsive to the first and second parametric signals. A signal processor receives the detector output signal and demodulates the detector output signal by applying a first demodulation signal to a signal responsive to the detector output signal to generate a first output signal responsive to the first parametric signal. The signal processor applies a second demodulation signal to the signal responsive to the detector output signal to generate a second output signal responsive to the second parametric signal. The first demodulation signal and the second demodulation signal both include at least a first component having a first frequency and a first amplitude and a second component having a second frequency and a second amplitude. The second frequency is a harmonic of the first frequency. The second amplitude is related to the first amplitude to minimize crosstalk from the first parametric signal to the second output signal and to minimize crosstalk from the second parametric signal to the first output signal.