Abstract: A method and system for the rapid automatic screening of GMR heads for Barkhausen noise during production. This system rapidly and repeatedly measures associated noise in a GMR head subjected to a smoothly-varying external transverse magnetic field. The repeated Transverse Magnetic-field Excited Noise (TMEN) measurements are automatically sorted into bins to form a histogram, which is then automatically evaluated to develop TMEN range and weighted sum measures, which are then compared with predetermined standards for automatic acceptance or rejection of the GMR head under test. The GMR sensor Barkhausen noise is quantified through the use of a bandpass filter to remove all direct sensor responses, leaving only the noise signals, which are then repeatedly sampled to develop valid statistical Barkhausen noise measures suitable for automated analysis.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for treating tissue of a varicose vein, the method comprising applying ultrasonic vibrational energy targeting said varicose vein effective for stimulating and restoring tissue physiological functions of said vein. A catheter for treating tissue of a blood vessel comprises at least one ultrasound transducer element and at least a suction element configured and adapted for pulling the tissue toward the catheter radially, wherein the ultrasonic vibrational energy is provided by an ultrasound transducer element connected to an adjustable high frequency current source.

Abstract: A shoe insole has a plurality of superimposed, thin, apertured, mesh and/or fabric layers at its front end region, and a heel-operated pump for pumping air through openings in the apertured layers. The layers occupy a minimal height and easily fit within footwear having a low overhead toe region.

Abstract: A shoe insole has a plurality of superimposed, thin, apertured, mesh and/or fabric layers at its front end region, and a heel-operated pump for pumping air through openings in the apertured layers. The layers occupy a minimal height and easily fit within footwear having a low overhead toe region.

Abstract: A holder for holding an accessory within ready access of a user, especially for belt-worn use, includes a resiliently deformable cover mounted on a container for inversion between a closed position in which the cover has a concave shape and resists removal of the accessory from the container, and an open position in which the cover has a convex shape and enables reception and removal of the accessory into and from the container. The cover is capable of self-maintaining the convex shape in the open position.

Abstract: A device for scattering confetti includes an inverted pocket positioned within the interior of an envelope inflated by a gas inlet at an upper end region of the envelope. Confetti is contained within the pocket, and a break-away closure closes an open end of the pocket at the upper end region, and maintains the confetti within the pocket. Upon compressing the envelope, the pocket is reversed in position, the closure ruptured, and the confetti is suddenly expelled in an explosive manner with a concomitant popping sound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing amplitude instability data recovery for AMR/GMR heads during amplitude loss using MSE and/or amplitude envelope detection procedures. The method includes (a) initiating a data recovery procedure by selecting a detection mode for detecting when an error condition occurs, (b) performing the selected detection mode, (c) determining a reset action for resetting the magnetic head, (d) performing the reset action to reset the magnetic head and (f) re-reading data in the track after performing the reset action. An embodiment of the invention further includes (g) determining whether the resetting of the magnetic head allowed recovery of the data in the track and (h) terminating the data recovery procedure when the data is recovered.

Abstract: A catheter-based system for operating a RF ablation generator comprising a RF splitter for delivering RF energy to a plurality of electrodes; a low-pass filter located between the RF splitter and an external EKG monitor for displaying real-time signal to said EKG monitor; and a software program having temperature data input from a plurality of temperature sensors and signal output capability, wherein the software program sends out signals to the RF splitter being adapted to control the RF energy output to each electrode.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter suitable for radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue comprises an elongate catheter shaft wherein a distal tip section having multiple long electrodes and multiple temperature sensors in the proximity of the tissue contact sites and further comprising a close-loop temperature control mechanism for each electrode with at least a temperature sensor on an adjacent tiny ring.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter suitable for radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue endocardially or epicardially comprises a catheter shaft whereby a distal tip section having multiple steerable curved portions, multiple long electrodes and multiple temperature sensors, further comprising a close-loop control mechanism for each electrode with a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A stator for a ceiling fan includes a disc with two different depth slots alternately formed on the outer peripheral edge. A primary winding and a secondary winding are respectively wound in the longer slots and the shorter slots. An axle is disposed through the center of the disc and a circuit board including one or more resistors is disposed on a surface of the disc. Two or more contacts are provided for connection to a switch for changing the power supplied to the windings through the contacts in order to change the rotational speed of the ceiling fan. A cavity is formed on the circuit board for receiving the resistors.