Author: claimsbot

1. A method for selecting one or more treatment sites in a diseased lung, the method comprising:
introducing an assessment catheter into an airway leading to a first assessment site in the lung;
expanding an occluding member on the catheter to form a seal with an inner wall of the airway and thus isolate the first assessment site;
measuring at least one physiological, anatomical or biological characteristic of the first assessment site using the catheter;
calculating a score for the first assessment site based on the measured characteristic and a predetermined algorithm;
repeating the steps for at least a second assessment site in the lung; and
selecting at least one treatment site based on the scores of the assessment sites.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising repeating the steps for at least a third assessment site.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least the calculating step is performed by a console coupled with a proximal end of the catheter, and wherein the scores are displayed on the console.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the physiological characteristic is collateral ventilation.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the collateral ventilation is assessed to treat an air leak.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the biological characteristic is nitric oxide.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the anatomical characteristic is an air leak.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the algorithm is based on a determined number of diseased regions in the lung, the at least one physiological, anatomical or biological characteristic of each site, and proximity of each assessment site to at least one of the diseased regions.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising treating the treatment site.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising introducing an assessment catheter into the lung to confirm efficacy of treatment.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein treating comprises implanting a one-way flow control element into an airway leading to a portion of the lung afflicted by emphysema.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the flow control element is selected from the group consisting of a plug, a one-way valve and a two way valve.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the flow control element is provided with a drug depot configured to provide sustained release of a drug.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the drug depot is configured to release at least one of: steroids and anticholinergics.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein treating comprises performing endoscopic lung volume reduction.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein treating comprises introducing a drug into the treatment site through a treatment catheter.
17. The method of claim 9, wherein treating comprises performing bronchial thermoplasty.
18. The method of claim 9, wherein treating comprises installation of a chest tube.
19. A method for assessing the effectiveness of a treatment, the method comprising:
identifying an airway that has been occluded with a one-way valve, wherein the one-way valve is configured to allow expiration but limit inhalation;
introducing a catheter into the identified airway, the catheter comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen therebetween, wherein the distal end comprises an expandable occluding element configured to sealingly engage the airway, wherein the proximal end comprises an inflation port to expand the occluding element, and wherein the lumen is in-line with at least one sensor for measuring a respiratory characteristic; and
measuring flow through the airway to determine whether flow exists during inhalation, wherein the presence of flow indicates ineffective valve placement.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising measuring pressure during inhalation, wherein the presence of pressure indicates ineffective valve placement.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A multi-function tool case comprising:
a housing body having a wall extending from a first end to a second end, the wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface with a cavity defined by the interior surface and extending from the first end toward the second end;
an extension member extending from the exterior surface adjacent the second end and defining a socket oriented along a tool axis for receiving a first portion of an accessory for retaining a tool bit; and
a cover assembly coupled to the first end, the cover assembly including a cap portion and a first lid member rotatably coupled to the cap portion, the cap portion and the first lid member configured to at least partially enclose the cavity.
2. The multi-function tool case of claim 1, wherein the cover assembly further includes a cover extension portion defining an aperture oriented along the tool axis, the aperture configured to receive a second portion of the accessory.
3. The multi-function tool case of claim 2, wherein the first lid member encloses the aperture when in a closed position.
4. The multi-function tool case of claim 1, wherein the accessory is positioned such that it can be withdrawn from the socket along the tool axis.
5. The multi-function tool case of claim 1, wherein the accessory is positioned such that it can be withdrawn from the socket at a non-parallel angle to the tool axis.
6. The multi-function tool case of claim 1, wherein the socket has a hexagonal cross-sectional profile.
7. The multi-function tool case of claim 1, further comprising a second lid member pivotally coupled to the cap portion to provide selective access to the cavity.
8. The multi-function tool case of claim 7, wherein the second lid member is coupled to the cap portion via a live hinge.
9. The multi-function tool case of claim 1, wherein the wall includes a side wall portion having a cover engagement aperture.
10. The multi-function tool case of claim 9, wherein the cap portion further includes a connecting arm defining a tab member for detachably engaging the engagement aperture.
11. The multi-function tool case of claim 1, wherein the first lid member is coupled to the cap portion via a live hinge.
12. A multi-function tool case comprising:
a housing body having a wall extending from a first end to a second end, the wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface with a cavity defined by the interior surface and extending from the first end toward the second end, the housing body further defining a socket oriented along a tool axis; and
a cover assembly detachably coupled to the first end, the cover assembly including a cap portion, a cover extension portion, and a first lid member rotatably coupled to the cap portion, the cap portion at least partially enclosing the cavity, the cover extension portion defining an aperture oriented along the tool axis, the aperture and socket configured to receive tool bit holder, and wherein the lid member selectively encloses the aperture.
13. The multi-function tool case of claim 12, wherein the socket has a round cross-sectional profile.
14. The multi-function tool case of claim 12, wherein the socket has a hexagonal cross-sectional profile.
15. The multi-function tool case of claim 12, wherein the first lid member selectively, substantially covers the aperture.
16. The multi-function tool case of claim 12, wherein the first lid member is coupled to the cap portion via a live hinge.
17. The multi-function tool case of claim 12, further comprising a second lid member pivotally coupled to the cap portion to provide selective access to the cavity.
18. The multi-function tool case of claim 12, wherein the wall includes a first side wall portion having a first cover engagement aperture and a second side wall portion having a second cover engagement aperture.
19. The multi-function tool case of claim 18, wherein the cap portion further includes a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm, each of the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm defining a tab member for detachably engaging the respective engagement aperture.
20. The multi-function tool case of claim 12, wherein the first lid member is configured to pivot to an open orientation to provide access to the cavity and to release the tool bit holder.

1. An optically variable device comprising a substrate having an array of structures formed thereon, therein or supported thereby, wherein said structures are coated with an optically variable color-shifting coating, wherein the each of the structures form a pyramidal structure and wherein each pyramidal structure has at least three slanted faces and wherein more than one color is seen when viewing the pyramids vary as substrate is rotated at least 30 degrees about an axis orthogonal to the substrate.
2. An optically variable device as defined in claim 1, where the dimensions of the pyramids are below eye resolution.
3. An optically variable device as defined in claim 1, where the dimensions of the pyramids are less than 100 microns.
4. An optically variable device as defined in claim 1, wherein spaces or structures that differ from the array of structures are provided between said array of structures so as to form visible indicia, sized discernable without magnification.
5. An optically variable device as defined in claim 1, having visible indicia formed therein distinguishable from the array of pyramidal structures.
6. An optically variable device as defined in claim 2, wherein the height to base ratio of at least 50% of the pyramidal structures is in the range of 0.4 to 1.4.
7. An optically variable device as defined in claim 2, wherein a first plurality of the pyramidal structures are oriented in a first predetermined orientation and wherein a second plurality of the pyramidal structures are oriented in a second different orientation so that the first plurality of structures appear to be a different color than the second plurality of structures.
8. An optically variable device as defined in claim 1, wherein a first group of contiguous pyramidal structures differs from a second group of contiguous pyramidal structures and wherein of the first and second groups forms visually distinguishable indicia.
9. An optically variable device as defined in claim 1, wherein the slope of each of the faces of a pyramidal structure forms a different angle with the substrate.
10. An optically variable device as defined in claim 1, wherein the slope of each the faces of a pyramidal structure forms a same angle with the substrate.
11. An optically variable device as defined in claim 2, wherein the plurality of structures form an array of pyramidal structures and wherein the thickness of the optically variable coating on each of the faces is a same substantially uniform thickness.
12. An optically variable device as defined in claim 2, wherein the thickness of the optically variable coating on adjacent faces of the pyramid is a different thickness.
13. An optically variable device as defined in claim 1, wherein the coating is a single cavity Fabry-Perot structure.
14. An optically variable device as defined in claim 1, wherein the coating is a multi-cavity Fabry-Perot structure.
15. An optically variable device as defined in claim 1, wherein a plurality of pyramids are at least one of tetrahedron pyramids, square pyramids, pentagonal pyramid and a frustum pyramids with flat tops.
16. An optically variable device as defined in claim 15, wherein at least one of the faces on at least a plurality of the pyramids have a diffraction grating formed therein.
17. A method of providing a device that exhibits color by rotation comprising:
a) providing a substrate having an array of small pyramidal or inverted pyramidal structures formed therein or thereon wherein the pyramidal structures are sized so that they can only be discerned with the human eye with the aid of magnification; and,
b) coating the pyramidal or inverted pyramidal structures with a multi-layer color shifting coating.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. Apparatus for treating a wafer-shaped article, comprising:
a spin chuck for holding a wafer-shaped article in a predetermined orientation wherein a lower surface of the wafer-shaped article is spaced a predetermined distance from an upper surface of the spin chuck;
at least one infrared heater mounted above said upper surface of said spin chuck and underlying a wafer-shaped article when mounted on the spin chuck, said at least one infrared heater being stationary in relation to rotation of said spin chuck; and
a plate that is transparent to infrared radiation emitted by said at least one infrared heater, said plate being mounted for rotation with said spin chuck and being positioned between said at least one infrared heater and a wafer-shaped article when positioned on said spin chuck.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plate is part of a housing that surrounds said at least one infrared heater, said housing being mounted for rotation with said spin chuck.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said housing comprises a lower shell surrounding said at least one infrared heater and positioned between said at least one infrared heater and said upper surface of said spin chuck, said lower shell having a reflective interior surface.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said spin chuck comprises a rotatable chuck body surrounding a central stationary post, and wherein said at least one infrared heater is mounted to an upper end of said central stationary post.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one infrared heater is part of a heating assembly comprising at least two independently controllable infrared heating elements.
6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said housing is centered on an axis of rotation of said spin chuck, and wherein said spin chuck comprises a circular series of pins configured to contact an edge of a wafer-shaped article in a closed position, said pins passing through a corresponding series of openings formed in a periphery of said housing.
7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of said independently controllable heating elements comprises at least one curved portion.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a lower shell surrounding said at least one infrared heater and positioned between said at least one infrared heater and said upper surface of said spin chuck, said lower shell having a reflective interior surface and being stationary in relation to rotation of said spin chuck.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one infrared heater is part of a heating assembly comprising at least three independently controllable infrared heating elements.
10. An infrared heating assembly for use in an apparatus for treating a wafer-shaped article, said infrared heating assembly comprising:
a housing comprising an upper plate that is transparent to infrared radiation emitted by said infrared heating assembly, and a lower shell having a reflective interior surface;
a plurality of infrared heating elements mounted on a common frame positioned within said housing, said common frame comprising a connector portion projecting downwardly through a central opening in said lower shell; and
a rotary bearing positioned outside of said connector portion and inside of said central opening, thereby to permit rotation of said housing relative to said common frame and said plurality of infrared heating elements;
wherein said housing is rotatable relative to said common frame and said plurality of infrared heating elements about an axis that is perpendicular to said upper plate.
11. The infrared heating assembly according to claim 10, wherein each of said infrared heating elements is independently controllable and comprises at least one curved portion.
12. The infrared heating assembly according to claim 11, wherein the curved portions of adjacent infrared heating elements extend along concentric circles.
13. The infrared heating assembly according to claim 10, wherein said connector portion comprises a plurality of electrical connectors equal in number to said plurality of infrared heating elements, thereby to permit individual connection of each of said plurality of infrared heating elements to a controller for individually energizing each of said plurality of infrared heating elements.
14. The infrared heating assembly according to claim 10, wherein each of said infrared heating elements comprises at least one curved portion, and wherein said at least one curved portion of each of said infrared heating elements extends along an arc of a circle whose center is offset from said axis.
15. The infrared heating assembly according to claim 10, wherein said housing comprises a circular series of peripheral openings to permit passage of gripping pins when said infrared heating assembly is mounted to a spin chuck.
16. An infrared heating assembly for use in an apparatus for treating a wafer-shaped article, said infrared heating assembly comprising:
a housing comprising an upper plate that is transparent to infrared radiation emitted by said infrared heating assembly, and a lower shell having a reflective interior surface, said housing comprising a circular series of peripheral openings to permit passage of gripping pins when said infrared heating assembly is mounted to a spin chuck;
a plurality of infrared heating elements mounted on a common frame positioned within said housing, said common frame comprising a connector portion projecting downwardly through a central opening in said lower shell; and
a rotary bearing positioned outside of said connector portion and inside of said central opening, thereby to permit rotation of said housing relative to said common frame and said plurality of infrared heating elements.
17. The infrared heating assembly according to claim 16, wherein each of said infrared heating elements is independently controllable and comprises at least one curved portion.
18. The infrared heating assembly according to claim 16, wherein said connector portion comprises a plurality of electrical connectors equal in number to said plurality of infrared heating elements, thereby to permit individual connection of each of said plurality of infrared heating elements to a controller for individually energizing each of said plurality of infrared heating elements.
19. The infrared heating assembly according to claim 16, wherein said housing is rotatable relative to said common frame and said plurality of infrared heating elements about an axis that is perpendicular to said upper plate.
20. The infrared heating assembly according to claim 19, wherein each of said infrared heating elements comprises at least one curved portion, and wherein said at least one curved portion of each of said infrared heating elements extends along an arc of a circle whose center is offset from said axis.