Author: claimsbot

1. A method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), comprising:
elevating the heart of an individual to a first height relative to a lower body of the individual, the lower body being in a substantially horizontal plane;
elevating the head of the individual to a second height relative to the lower body of the individual, the second height being greater than the first height; and
performing one or more of a type of CPR or a type of intrathoracic pressure regulation while elevating the heart and the head, wherein the first height and the second height are determined based on one or both of the type of CPR or the type of intrathoracic pressure regulation.
2. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 1, wherein:
the heart and the head are elevated at a same angle relative to the substantially horizontal plane.
3. The method of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 1, wherein:
the type of CPR being performed comprises repeatedly compressing the chest of the individual, whereby elevation of the thorax and elevation of the head to a greater height than the thorax assists to 1) lower intracranial pressure and increase cerebral perfusion pressure during the performance of CPR and 2) lower right atrial pressure and increase coronary perfusion pressure during the performance of CPR.
4. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 1, wherein:
the heart is elevated to a first angle relative to the substantially horizontal plane and the head is elevated to a second angle relative to the substantially horizontal plane, the second angle being greater than the first angle.
5. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 4, wherein:
the first angle is between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees relative to the substantially horizontal plane and the second angle is between about 15 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the substantially horizontal plane.
6. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 1, wherein:
the first height is between about 3 cm and 8 cm above the substantially horizontal plane; and
the second height is between about 10 cm and 30 cm above the substantially horizontal plane.
7. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 1, further comprising:
coupling one or both of a device for regulating intrathoracic pressure or a CPR assist device to a structure supporting configured to support the head and the heart.
8. A method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), comprising:
elevating the heart of an individual at a first angle relative to a lower body of the individual, the lower body being in a substantially horizontal plane;
elevating the head of the individual at a second angle relative to the lower body such that the head is elevated above the heart;
performing CPR by repeatedly compressing the chest, whereby elevation of the heart and elevation of the head to a greater height than the thorax assists to 1) lower intracranial pressure and increase cerebral perfusion pressure during the performance of CPR and 2) lower right atrial pressure and increase coronary perfusion pressure during the performance of CPR; and
regulating the intrathoracic pressure of the individual while performing CPR.
9. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 8, wherein:
the first angle is between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees relative to the substantially horizontal plane and the second angle is between about 15 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the substantially horizontal plane.
10. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 8, wherein:
the heart is elevated between about 3 cm and 8 cm relative to the substantially horizontal plane and the head is elevated between about 10 cm and 30 cm relative to the substantially horizontal plane.
11. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 8, wherein:
the first angle and the second angle are determined based on a type of CPR performed and a type of intrathoracic pressure regulation.
12. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 8, wherein:
performing CPR comprises performing one or more of standard conventional CPR, stutter CPR, an active compression decompression CPR; a thoracic band with phased CPR; an automated CPR using a device that performs CPR according to an algorithm.
13. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 8, further comprising:
interfacing a chest compression device to the chest of the individual; and
interfacing an impedance threshold device with the airway of the individual to create a negative pressure within the chest during a relaxation phase of CPR.
14. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 8, wherein:
elevating the heart and elevating the head comprises adjusting of a surface that supports one or both of the heart or the head.
15. The method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 8, further comprising:
measuring one or more of blood pressure or carotid flow;
determining the first angle and the second angle based on the one or more of blood pressure or carotid flow.
16. A system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the system comprising:
a support structure configured to elevate a head and a heart of an individual above a lower body of the individual, wherein the lower body is in a substantially horizontal plane, and wherein the heart is elevated by the support structure to between about 3 and 8 cm above the substantially horizontal plane and the head is elevated between about 10 and 30 cm above the substantially horizontal plane.
17. The system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 16, wherein:
the support structure comprises one or more of a flat portion with a constant angle of elevation relative to the substantially horizontal plane or a curved portion having a variable angle of elevation relative to horizontal.
18. The system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 16, wherein:
the support structure comprises a first portion configured to elevate the heart and a second portion configured to elevate the head, wherein the first portion has an angle of between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees relative to the substantially horizontal plane, and wherein the second portion has an angle of between about 15 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the substantially horizontal plane.
19. The system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 18, further comprising:
a coupling configured to removably connect one or both of a chest compression device or an intrathoracic pressure regulating device to the support structure.
20. The system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 19, wherein:
the coupling is disposed on the first portion and is configured to be elevated to the angle of the first portion such that the chest compression device is connectable to the coupling to deliver chest compressions to the individual at a substantially perpendicular angle to the first portion.
21. The system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 16, further comprising:
a neck support configured to maintain a position of the individual relative to the support structure such that the individual is properly situated for endotracheal intubation.
22. The system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 16, further comprising:
an elevation device configured to adjust the height of one or both of the heart or the head.
23. The system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 16, wherein:
the support structure comprises an inflatable wedge.
24. A system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the system comprising:
a support structure comprising:
a first portion configured to elevate a heart of an individual above a lower body of the individual, wherein the lower body is in a substantially horizontal plane;
a second portion configured to elevate a head of the individual above the lower body;
a mounting disposed on the first portion, the mounting being configured to removably couple a chest compression device to the first portion such that the chest compression device is coupleable to the mounting to deliver chest compressions to the individual at a substantially perpendicular angle to the first portion;
a first adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an angle of the first portion between about 3 degrees and 30 degrees relative to the substantially horizontal plane, and
a second adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an angle of the second portion between about 15 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the substantially horizontal plane.
25. The system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 24, further comprising:
a neck support configured to maintain a position of the individual relative to the support structure such that the individual is properly situated for endotracheal intubation.
26. The system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 25, wherein:
a position of the neck support is adjustable relative to the support structure.
27. The system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 26, wherein:
adjustments of the neck support and one or both of the angle of the first portion or the angle of the second portion are synchronized such that the individual is properly situated for endotracheal intubation throughout the adjustments.
28. The system for performing resuscitation (CPR) of claim 25, wherein:
one or both of a size or a shape of the neck support is adjustable.
29. The system for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of claim 24, wherein:
a pivot point of the first portion is coincident with a pivot point of the individual’s upper body.

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 portable communication system for use by a user with a communication apparatus having an audio port, the system comprising:
an infrared transmitter apparatus, wherein the infrared transmitter apparatus comprises:
at least one audio port configured to receive an audio signal representative of received audio input from the communication apparatus,
at least one infrared light emitting device,
modulation circuitry operable to convert the audio signal to one or more constant width electrical pulses to drive the infrared light emitting device to transmit one or more corresponding constant width infrared pulses, wherein the modulation circuitry comprises:
pulse width modulation circuitry to convert the audio signal using a carrier signal to one or more width modulated pulses, wherein the width of the one or more pulses is varied as a function of the audio signal;
an edge detect circuit to detect the edges of the one or more width modulated pulses and generate constant width pulses based on the detected edges; and
a pulse driver circuit to drive the infrared light emitting device;

a microphone coupled to the at least one audio port of the infrared transmitter apparatus and operable to generate an audio signal from received sound input of the user, wherein the audio signal generated from received sound input of the user is provided to the audio port of the communication apparatus via the audio port of the infrared transmitter apparatus, and
a transmitter housing enclosing the modulation circuitry and the microphone and upon which the at least one infrared light emitting device is mounted, wherein the transmitter housing is of a size smaller than the communication apparatus and configured to be removably coupled onto the communication apparatus; and

an infrared receiver apparatus, wherein the infrared receiver apparatus comprises:
an infrared light detection device to detect the one or more corresponding constant width infrared pulses and generate one or more electric signals representative of the detected infrared pulses,
a speaker,
demodulation circuitry operable to convert the one or more electric signals representative of the detected infrared pulses to an audio signal to power the speaker to produce a sound output, and
a receiver housing enclosing the speaker and the demodulation circuitry and upon which the infrared light detection device is mounted, wherein the receiver housing is formed to be self-supported by the ear of the user.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the microphone is coupled to the at least one audio port of the infrared transmitter apparatus via an amplification circuit to provide the audio signal with a gain.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the gain is in the range of 2 to 20.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter housing comprises means for removably attaching the transmitter housing to the communication apparatus.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the transmitter housing is removably coupled onto the communication apparatus by a two faced adhering system.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiver housing comprises an in the ear receiver housing securable within the concha of the ear.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiver housing comprises a behind the ear receiver housing securable by the pinna of the ear.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one audio port of the transmitter apparatus configured to receive an audio signal representative of received audio input from the communication apparatus comprises an audio port configured for wired connection to the audio port of the communication apparatus.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the communication apparatus is a phone apparatus having a microphonespeaker audio port, and further wherein the audio port of the transmitter apparatus is configured for wired connection to the microphonespeaker audio port by a cordplug connector apparatus.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the modulation circuitry comprises voice activated power up circuitry.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the size of the transmitter housing comprises a volume less than about 5 cm3.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter housing is configured to be removably coupled to a removable battery apparatus.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the removable battery apparatus is configured to receive at least one of button type batteries and cylindrical alkaline batteries.
14. A portable communication system for use by a user with a communication apparatus having an audio port, the system comprising:
an infrared transmitter apparatus, wherein the infrared transmitter apparatus comprises:
at least one audio port configured to receive an audio signal representative of received audio input from the communication apparatus,
at least one infrared light emitting device,
modulation circuitry operable to convert the audio signal to one or more constant width electrical pulses to drive the infrared light emitting device to transmit one or more corresponding constant width infrared pulses,
a microphone coupled to the at least one audio port of the infrared transmitter apparatus and operable to generate an audio signal from received sound input of the user, wherein the audio signal generated from received sound input of the user is provided to the audio port of the communication apparatus via the audio port of the infrared transmitter apparatus, and
a transmitter housing enclosing the modulation circuitry and the microphone and upon which the at least one infrared light emitting device is mounted, wherein the transmitter housing is of a size smaller than the communication apparatus and configured to be removably coupled onto the communication apparatus; and

an infrared receiver apparatus, wherein the infrared receiver apparatus comprises:
an infrared light detection device to detect the one or more corresponding constant width infrared pulses and generate one or more electric signals representative of the detected infrared pulses,
a speaker,
demodulation circuitry operable to convert the one or more electric signals representative of the detected infrared pulses to an audio signal to power the speaker to produce a sound output, wherein the demodulation circuitry comprises:
pulse detection circuitry to convert the one or more electrical signals representative of the detected infrared pulses to one or more constant width pulses based thereon;
pulse width convertor circuitry to convert the one or more constant width pulses to one or more width modulated pulses; and
pulse width demodulation circuitry to convert the one or more width modulated pulses to an audio signal for application to the speaker; and

a receiver housing enclosing the speaker and the demodulation circuitry and upon which the infrared light detection device is mounted, wherein the receiver housing is formed to be self-supported by the ear of the user.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the demodulation circuitry comprises at least amplification circuitry always operable in power-on idle mode when battery devices are connected for operation of the infrared receiver apparatus.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the microphone is coupled to the at least one audio port of the infrared transmitter apparatus via an amplification circuit to provide the audio signal with a gain.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the gain is in the range of 2 to 20.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein the transmitter housing comprises means for removably attaching the transmitter housing to the communication apparatus.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the transmitter housing is removably coupled onto the communication apparatus by a two faced adhering system.
20. The system of claim 14, wherein the receiver housing comprises an in the ear receiver housing securable within the concha of the ear.
21. The system of claim 14, wherein the receiver housing comprises a behind the ear receiver housing securable by the pinna of the ear.
22. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one audio port of the transmitter apparatus configured to receive an audio signal representative of received audio input from the communication apparatus comprises an audio port configured for wired connection to the audio port of the communication apparatus.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the communication apparatus is a phone apparatus having a microphonespeaker audio port, and further wherein the audio port of the transmitter apparatus is configured for wired connection to the microphonespeaker audio port by a cordplug connector apparatus.
24. The system of claim 14, wherein the modulation circuitry comprises:
pulse width modulation circuitry to convert the audio signal using a carrier signal to one or more width modulated pulses, wherein the width of the one or more pulses is varied as a function of the audio signal;
an edge detect circuit to detect the edges of the one or more width modulated pulses and generate constant width pulses based on the detected edges; and
a pulse driver circuit to drive the infrared light emitting device.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the modulation circuitry comprises voice activated power up circuitry.
26. The system of claim 14, wherein the demodulation circuitry comprises at least amplification circuitry always operable in power-on idle mode when battery devices are connected for operation of the infrared receiver apparatus.
27. The system of claim 14, wherein the size of the transmitter housing comprises a volume less than about 5 cm3.
28. The system of claim 14, wherein the transmitter housing is configured to be removably coupled to a removable battery apparatus.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the removable battery apparatus is configured to receive at least one of button type batteries and cylindrical alkaline batteries.
30. A portable transmitter apparatus for use by a user with a communication apparatus having an audio port, the apparatus comprising:
at least one audio port configured to receive an audio signal representative of received audio input from the communication apparatus;
at least one infrared light emitting device;
modulation circuitry operable to convert the audio signal to one or more constant width electrical pulses to drive the infrared light emitting device to transmit one or more corresponding constant width infrared pulses, wherein the modulation circuitry comprises:
pulse width modulation circuitry to convert the audio signal using a carrier signal to one or more width modulated pulses, wherein the width of the one or more pulses is varied as a function of the audio signal;
an edge detect circuit to detect the edges of the one or more width modulated pulses and generating constant width pulses based on the detected edges; and
a pulse driver circuit to drive the infrared light emitting device;

a microphone coupled to the at least one audio port of the transmitter apparatus and operable to generate an audio signal from received sound input of the user, wherein the audio signal generated from received sound input of the user is provided to the audio port of the communication apparatus via the audio port of the transmitter apparatus; and
a transmitter housing enclosing the modulation circuitry and the microphone and upon which the at least one infrared light emitting device is mounted, wherein the transmitter housing is of a size smaller than the communication apparatus and configured to be removably coupled onto the communication apparatus.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the microphone is coupled to the at least one audio port of the transmitter apparatus via an amplification circuit to provide the audio signal with a gain.
32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the gain is in the range of 2 to 20.
33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the transmitter housing comprises means for removably attaching the transmitter housing to a phone apparatus.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the transmitter housing is removably coupled onto the communication apparatus by a two faced adhering system.
35. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the modulation circuitry comprises voice activated power up circuitry.
36. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least one audio port of the transmitter apparatus configured to receive an audio signal representative of received audio input from the communication apparatus comprises an audio port configured for wired connection to the audio port of the communication apparatus.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the communication apparatus is a phone apparatus having a microphonespeaker audio port, and further wherein the audio port of the transmitter apparatus is configured for wired connection to the microphonespeaker audio port by a cordplug connector apparatus.
38. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the size of the transmitter housing comprises a volume less than about 5 cm3.
39. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the transmitter housing is configured to be removably coupled to a removable battery apparatus.
40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the removable battery apparatus is configured to receive at least one of button type batteries and cylindrical alkaline batteries.
41. A portable communication system for use by a user with a communication apparatus having an audio port, the system comprising:
a transmitter apparatus, wherein the transmitter apparatus comprises:
at least one audio port configured to receive an audio signal representative of received audio input from the communication apparatus via a wired connection with the audio port of the communication apparatus,
modulation circuitry operable to convert the audio signal to one or more constant width electrical pulses to drive a transmitter to transmit one or more corresponding constant width pulses, wherein the modulation circuitry comprises:
pulse width modulation circuitry to convert the audio signal using a carrier signal to one or more width modulated pulses, wherein the width of the one or more pulses is varied as a function of the audio signal;
an edge detect circuit to detect the edges of the one or more width modulated pulses and generating constant width pulses based on the detected edges; and
a pulse driver circuit to drive an RF transmitting device; and

a transmitter housing enclosing at least the modulation circuitry, wherein the transmitter housing is of a size smaller than the communication apparatus and configured to be removably coupled onto the communication apparatus; and

a receiver apparatus operable for communication with the transmitter apparatus, wherein the receiver apparatus comprises:
a detection device to detect the one or more corresponding constant width pulses and generate one or more electric signals representative of the detected pulses,
a speaker,
demodulation circuitry operable to convert the one or more electric signals representative of the detected pulses to an audio signal to power the speaker to produce a sound output, and
a receiver housing enclosing at least the speaker and the demodulation circuitry, wherein the receiver housing comprises an opening defined therein configured to receive a removable battery apparatus, and further wherein the receiver housing is formed to be self-supported by the ear of the user.
42. The system of claim 41, wherein the transmitter housing comprises means for removably attaching the transmitter housing to the communication apparatus.
43. The system of claim 41, wherein the receiver housing comprises an in the ear receiver housing securable within the concha of the ear.
44. The system of claim 41, wherein the receiver housing further includes a supporting ear hook extending therefrom.
45. A portable communication system for use by a user with a communication apparatus having an audio port, the system comprising:
a transmitter apparatus, wherein the transmitter apparatus comprises:
at least one audio port configured to receive an audio signal representative of received audio input from the communication apparatus via a wired connection with the audio port of the communication apparatus,
modulation circuitry operable to convert the audio signal to one or more constant width electrical pulses to drive a transmitter to transmit one or more corresponding constant width pulses, and
a transmitter housing enclosing at least the modulation circuitry, wherein the transmitter housing is of a size smaller than the communication apparatus and configured to be removably coupled onto the communication apparatus; and

a receiver apparatus operable for communication with the transmitter apparatus, wherein the receiver apparatus comprises:
a detection device to detect the one or more corresponding constant width pulses and generate one or more electric signals representative of the detected pulses,
a speaker,
demodulation circuitry operable to convert the one or more electric signals representative of the detected pulses to an audio signal to power the speaker to produce a sound output, wherein the demodulation circuitry comprises:
pulse detection circuitry to convert the one or more electrical signals representative of the detected pulses to one or more constant width pulses based thereon;
pulse width convertor circuitry to convert the one or more constant width pulses to one or more width modulated pulses; and
pulse width modulation circuitry to convert the one or more width modulated pulses to an audio signal for application to the speaker; and

a receiver housing enclosing at least the speaker and the demodulation circuitry, wherein the receiver housing comprises an opening defined therein configured to receive a removable battery apparatus, and further wherein the receiver housing is formed to be self-supported by the ear of the user.
46. A portable transmitter apparatus for use by a user with a communication apparatus having an audio port, the apparatus comprising:
at least one audio port configured to receive an audio signal representative of received audio input from the communication apparatus;
modulation circuitry operable to convert the audio signal to one or more constant width electrical pulses to drive a transmitter to transmit one or more corresponding constant width pulses, wherein the modulation circuitry comprises:
pulse width modulation circuitry to convert the audio signal using a carrier signal to one or more width modulated pulses, wherein the width of the one or more pulses is varied as a function of the audio signal;
an edge detect circuit to detect the edges of the one or more width modulated pulses and generating constant width pulses based on the detected edges; and
a pulse driver circuit to drive an RF transmitting device;

a microphone coupled to the at least one audio port of the transmitter apparatus and operable to generate an audio signal from received sound input of the user, wherein the audio signal generated from received sound input of the user is provided to the audio port of the communication apparatus via the audio port of the transmitter apparatus; and
a transmitter housing enclosing at least the modulation circuitry and the microphone, wherein the transmitter housing is of a size smaller than the communication apparatus and configured to be removably coupled onto the communication apparatus.
47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the microphone is coupled to the at least one audio port of the transmitter apparatus via an amplification circuit to provide the audio signal with a gain.
48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the gain is in the range of 2 to 20.
49. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the transmitter housing comprises means for removably attaching the transmitter housing to a phone apparatus.
50. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein modulation circuitry comprises voice activated power up circuitry.
51. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the at least one audio port of the transmitter apparatus configured to receive an audio signal representative of received audio input from the communication apparatus comprises an audio port configured for wired connection to the audio port of the communication apparatus.
52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the communication apparatus is a phone apparatus having a microphonespeaker audio port, and further wherein the audio port of the transmitter apparatus is configured for wired connection to the microphonespeaker audio port by a cordplug connector apparatus.
53. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the size of the transmitter housing comprises a volume less than about 5 cm3.
54. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the transmitter housing is configured with an opening to receive a removable battery apparatus.
55. A portable receiver apparatus comprising:
a detection device to detect one or more pulses and generate one or more electrical signals representative of the detected pulses;
a speaker;
demodulation circuitry operable to convert the one or more electrical signals representative of the detected pulses to an audio signal to power the speaker to produce a sound output, wherein the demodulation circuitry comprises:
pulse detection circuitry to convert the one or more electrical signals representative of the detected pulses to one or more constant width pulses based thereon,
pulse width convertor circuitry to convert the one or more constant width pulses to one or more width modulated pulses, and
pulse width demodulation circuitry to convert the one or more width modulated pulses to the audio signal for application to the speaker, and

a housing enclosing at least the speaker and the demodulation circuitry, wherein the housing is formed to be self-supported by the ear of a user.
56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the housing comprises:
a body portion extending from a first end to a second end along a body portion axis to enclose at least a portion of the demodulation circuitry; and
an ear retaining portion enclosing the speaker, wherein the ear retaining portion extends from the first end of the body portion along an axis of predominate sound direction of the speaker that is orthogonal to the body portion axis, wherein the ear retaining portion comprises a compactable and expandable material for insertion in the concha of the ear.
57. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the body portion comprises at least one surface that lies a certain distance from the body portion axis in the direction of extension of the ear retention portion, and further wherein the compactable and expandable material of the ear retaining portion is positioned a further distance from the body portion axis than the at least one surface of the body portion.
58. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the detection device comprises an the infrared light detection device positioned at the second end of the body portion to detect infrared pulses and generate the electrical signals representative of such detected infrared pulses.
59. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the body portion comprises an opening defined therein configured to receive a removable battery apparatus.
60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein at least one of the body portion and the removable battery apparatus comprises retaining structure to secure the removable battery apparatus in the opening.
61. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the removable battery apparatus is configured to receive one or more button type batteries.
62. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein a size of the body portion comprises a volume less than about 13 cm3.
63. A portable receiver apparatus comprising:
an ear retaining portion enclosing a speaker, wherein the ear retaining portion terminates with a compactable and expandable material for insertion in the concha of an ear of a user; and
a body portion extending from a first end to a second end along a body portion axis, wherein the ear retaining portion extends from the first end of the body portion along an axis of predominate sound direction of the speaker that is orthogonal to the body portion axis, wherein an infrared light detection device is positioned at the second end of the body portion to detect infrared pulses and generate one or more electrical signals representative of such detected infrared pulses, and further wherein the body portion encloses at least demodulation circuitry operable to convert the one or more electrical signals representative of the detected infrared pulses to an audio signal to power the speaker to produce a sound output, wherein the demodulation circuitry comprises:
pulse detection circuitry to convert the one or more electrical signals representative of the detected infrared pulses to one or more constant width pulses based thereon,
pulse width convertor circuitry to convert the one or more constant width pulses to one or more width modulated pulses, and
pulse width demodulation circuitry to convert the one or more width modulated pulses to an audio signal for application to the speaker.
64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the body portion comprises at least one surface that lies a certain distance from the body portion axis in the direction of extension of the ear retention portion, and further wherein the compactable and expandable material of the ear retaining portion is positioned a further distance from the body portion axis than the at least one surface of the body portion.
65. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the body portion comprises an opening defined therein configured to receive a removable battery apparatus.
66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein at least one of the body portion and the removable battery apparatus comprises retaining structure to secure the battery apparatus in the opening.
67. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the removable battery apparatus is configured to receive one or more button type batteries.
68. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the size of the body portion comprises a volume less than about 13 cm3.

1. A computer-implemented method, implemented in a computer system, comprising:
creating a business process model, using a processor of the computer system, wherein
the business process model comprises
a set of primitives, and
one or more associations,

the set of primitives comprise at least one of
a control flow primitive, or
an annotation primitive,

each association of the one or more associations is configured to define a relationship between a plurality of primitives of the set of primitives,
said each association of the one or more associations is classified by an association type, and
the creating comprises
receiving business process data, wherein
the business process data is configured to be received at a business process model creator, and
the business process data is for the business process, and

creating an object for the business process data based on the business process model, wherein
the creating the object is performed by the business process model creator; and
storing the business process model in a business process model repository, wherein
the business process model repository is stored in a storage device of the computer system,
the business process model repository and the business process model creator are coupled to one another,
the business process model is a meta-model of a business process,
the business process model repository is configured to provide a view point of a plurality of view points of the model to different classes of users, and
the view point is a view of the business process.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
presenting, using a processor of the computer, a class-specific view point of the model to a user of a first class of users, wherein
the class-specific view point exposes detail of a first phase of a plurality of phases of a business process definition,
the class-specific view point hides a detail of a second phase of the plurality of phases of the business process definition, and
the processor is coupled to the storage device and a display unit of the computer.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the presenting comprises:
displaying the class-specific view point;
tracing the set of primitives and the plurality of associations; and
presenting the set of primitives and the plurality of associations.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein
the class-specific view point is based at least upon the user having membership in the first class of users such that the presenting is prevented for a second user of a second class of users, and
the first class of users and the second class of users are involved in different phases of the business process definition.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the creating further comprises:
composing the object into the business process model, wherein
the composing is performed by the business process model creator.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the composing comprises:
creating a usage pattern by composing the set of primitives and at least one of the one or more associations into the usage pattern, wherein
the usage pattern created is determined by the at least one of the one or more associations that are applied to the set of primitives.
7. A computer system comprising:
a processor;
a storage device, wherein
the storage device is coupled to the processor; and

a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, wherein
the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is coupled to the processor and the storage device,
the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, executable by the processor and configured to implement a business process definition controller, and
the business process definition controller comprises
a business process model repository, wherein
the business process model repository is stored in the storage device,
the business process model repository is configured to store a business process model,
the business process model is a meta-model of a business process and comprises
a set of primitives, and
one or more associations,

the set of primitives comprise at least one of
a control flow primitive, or
an annotation primitive, and

each association of the one or more associations is configured to define a relationship between a plurality of primitives of the set of primitives,
said each association of the one or more associations is classified by an association type, and

a business process model creator, wherein
the business process model creator is coupled to the business process model repository,
the business process model creator is configured to receive business process data, wherein
the business process data is for the business process, and

create an object for the business process data based on the business process model.
8. The computer system of claim 7, wherein
the business process model creator is further configured to compose the object into the business process model.
9. The computer system of claim 8, wherein the composing comprises:
creating a usage pattern by composing the set of primitives and at least one of the one or more associations into the usage pattern, wherein
the usage pattern created is determined by the at least one of the one or more associations that are applied.
10. The computer system of claim 7, wherein
the association type comprises
a usage type code,
a source primitive type, and
a target primitive type.
11. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the business process definition controller further comprises:
a meta-model definition tool, wherein
the meta-model definition tool is coupled to the business process model repository, and
the meta-model definition tool is configured to facilitate creation of the meta-model.
12. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the business process definition controller further comprises:
a business process refinement module, wherein
the business process refinement module is coupled to the business process model repository, and
the business process refinement module is configured to facilitate refinement of the business process model based on the view point.
13. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the business process definition controller further comprises:
a business process viewing module, wherein
the business process viewing module is coupled to the business process model repository, and
the business process viewing module is configure to facilitate viewing of the business process model based on the view point.
14. A computer program product comprising:
a plurality of instructions, comprising
a first set of instructions, executable on a computer system, configured to create a business process model, using a processor of the computer system, wherein
the business process model comprises
a set of primitives, and
one or more associations,

the set of primitives comprise at least one of
a control flow primitive, or
an annotation primitive,

each association of the one or more associations is configured to define a relationship between a plurality of primitives of the set of primitives,
said each association of the one or more associations is classified by an association type, and
the first set of instructions comprises
a first subset of instructions, executable on the computer system, configured to receive a business process data, wherein p\u221d\u2003the business process data is configured to be received at a business process model creator, and p\u221d\u2003the business process data is for the business process, and
a second subset of instructions, executable on the computer system, configured to create an object for the business process data based on the business process model, wherein
\u2003the creating the object is performed by the business process model creator, and
a second set of instructions, executable on the computer system, configured to store the business process model in a business process model repository, wherein
the business process model repository is stored in a storage device of the computer system,
the business process model repository and the business process model creator are coupled to one another,
the business process model is a meta-model of a business process,
the business process model repository is configured to provide a view point of a plurality of view points of the model to different classes of users, and
the view point is a view of the business process; and
a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, wherein the instructions are encoded in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.
15. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the second set of instructions encoded in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprises:
a first subset of instructions, executable on the computer system, configured to receive business process data, wherein
the business process data is for the business process;

a second subset of instructions, executable on the computer system, configure to create an object for the business process data based on the business process model; and
a third subset of instructions, executable on the computer system, configured to compose the object into the business process model.
16. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the third subset of instructions encoded in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprises:
a first sub-subset of instructions, executable on the computer system, configured to create a usage pattern by virtue of being configured to compose the set of primitives and at least one of the one or more associations into the usage pattern, wherein
the usage pattern created is determined by the at least one of the one of more associations that are applied to the set of primitives.

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 sheet width aligning device including an elevator tray that accommodates sheets of paper thereon and is capable of moving up and down between a lower position where the sheets are loaded and an upper position where the sheets are fed, a pair of guides that are provided on the elevator tray, are capable of moving in a width direction of the sheets, the width direction intersecting a feed direction in which the sheets are fed, and abut against sheet edges extending along the feed direction on the elevator tray to limit the movement of the sheets in the width direction, a pair of racks coupled with the pair of guides, respectively, and a pinion that is rotatably supported by inserting a shaft portion into a shaft hole formed in the pinion, the shaft portion projecting from the elevator tray, wherein the pair of guides are moved so as to increase or decrease the distance therebetween in operative association with the pair of racks meshed with the pinion, the sheet width aligning device comprising:
a pressing mechanism that is provided on a back face side of the elevator tray and includes an abutment member that abuts against the pinion, the pressing mechanism separating the abutment member away from the pinion when the elevator tray is in the lower position, and the pressing mechanism abutting the abutment member against the pinion to press the pinion when the elevator tray is in the upper position.
2. The sheet width aligning device according to claim 1, wherein
the abutment member includes a shaft portion rotatably supported by a pair of wall portions provided on the back face side of the elevator tray and an arm portion extending from the shaft portion toward the pinion, the arm portion having a base end portion attached to the shaft portion so as to pivot about the shaft portion as a fulcrum, and
when the elevator tray is in the upper position, a tip end of the arm portion abuts against a lower surface of the pinion.
3. The sheet width aligning device according to claim 1, wherein
when the elevator tray is in the lower position, the tip end of the arm portion is separated from the pinion.
4. The sheet width aligning device according to claim 2, wherein
the abutment member includes a first engagement portion that is formed in an area extending from the shaft portion in a different direction from the direction the arm portion extends,
a second engagement portion is provided on the sheet table so as to face the first engagement portion, and
the pressing mechanism includes a biasing member that couples the first engagement portion and second engagement portion, and when the elevator tray is in the upper position, biases the arm portion to pivot about the shaft portion as a fulcrum in the direction in which the arm portion presses against the pinion.
5. The sheet width aligning device according to claim 4, wherein
the biasing member includes a spring hook.
6. A sheet feeding device including a sheet feeding mechanism that feeds sheets of paper, comprising:
a sheet width aligning device according to claim 1.