Abstract: An implantable lead is provided with at least one extendable member to position therapy delivery elements, which may be electrodes or drug delivery ports, after the lead has been inserted into the body. The lead may formed as a resilient element which is contained in a retainer tube that may be removed to permit the lead to deploy. Alternatively, a non-resilient lead may be provided with a slotted retainer tube. A series of mechanical linkages for expanding and retracting the lead within the human body may be actuated with various mechanisms. A control system may be provided for closed-loop feedback control of the position of the extendable members. The invention also includes a method for expanding an implantable lead in situ.

Abstract: The invention is a mounting system for a vibrational element. The vibrational element has a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and an axial displacement node. The mounting system includes an isolation member which has an isolation surface, an isolating body, and an engaging portion. The engaging portion is immovably secured to the isolation member and extends radially inward from the isolation body at a point radially opposite the isolation surface. The engaging portion is disposed so as to engage the outer surface of the vibrational element. Radial displacements of the vibration element are substantially decoupled from the isolation surface through the engaging portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a moving substrate of indefinite length. The apparatus has a control surface positioned in close proximity to a surface of the substrate to define a control gap between the substrate and the control surface. A first chamber is positioned near the control surface, with the first chamber having a gas introduction device. A second chamber is positioned near the control surface, the second chamber having a gas withdrawal device. The control surface and the chambers together define a region wherein the adjacent gas phases possess an amount of mass. Upon inducement of at least a portion of the mass within the region, the mass flow is controlled to significantly reduce dilution of the gas phase component in the adjacent gas phase. This is accomplished through the introduction of a controlled gas stream thereby reducing the flow of an uncontrolled ambient gas stream due to pressure gradients in the system.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an optical fiber pressure sensor to measure sphincter pressure which may be incorporated into a therapeutic sphincter control system. The system senses sphincter pressure and sends the information to a stimulator that is capable of stimulation therapy to control sphincter contractility, thus reducing unwanted urinary incontinence. Measuring sphincter pressure is accomplished through the use of an optical fiber connected to flexible tube section placed through the sphincter, where properties of the emitted light are changed proportional to the pressure on the tube section. The light is returned to a light detector to measure light properties and create an electrical signal representative of the pressure on the tube section. The signal may then be sent by wireless telemetry to an implanted stimulator or external programmer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for meltblowing utilize an auxiliary manifold to dispense a fluid between an orifice of a die that is expelling polymeric fibers and an exit of a duct that is dispensing a secondary flow of gas onto the fibers. The fluid dispensed from the auxiliary manifold reduces a recirculation zone of the secondary flow between the exit and the orifice that, absent the fluid from the manifold, results in errant fibers that are blown back into the face of the die by the recirculating secondary flow.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly of a medical device includes at least one conductive sidewall mounted in a fixed position to a module base; the sidewall may be electrically coupled to a feedthrough wire. The assembly further includes at least one resilient member to apply a spring force against a connector element of a lead connector when the connector element is positioned adjacent to the conductive sidewall. The spring force of the resilient member causes electrical coupling between the connector element and the conductive sidewall.

Abstract: A catheter system and method for intracranial infusion of therapeutic substances to a patient. An anchor formed of generally flexible, elastomeric material is used to mount the catheter to the outer surface of the skull of the patient. The anchor has a through hole for receiving the catheter, a channel, extending substantially from the through hole, into which a portion of the catheter may be inserted to retain the portion substantially parallel to the surface of the skull, and at least one flange for engaging the outer surface of the skull. An anchor clip may be provided to engage the anchor adjacent the through hole to further stabilize the catheter.

Abstract: The invention is a contact die for dispensing of flowable material on a substrate. The contact die includes at least one die block including a first internal passage. A die lip portion is disposed on the die block having a lateral dimension. A first plurality of orifices is disposed through the die lip portion proximate to each other and in communication with the internal passage to dispense flowable material as a single strip on the substrate. A first edge is disposed on one lateral side of the first plurality of orifices to direct the flowable material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexing a web is disclosed. The web passes over two co-rotating members, such as rollers or belts, which are separated by a small adjustable gap. The web travels around the first rotating member, is peeled off in the vicinity of the gap, bent back on itself in a small radius and reattached on the second co-rotating member. The location of the small radius is fixed with a closed loop control system sensing the radius location and controlling the relative velocity of the two members. Strain in the web is adjusted with the size of the small radius, which is controlled by the adjustable gap and radius location.

Abstract: An implantable lead is provided with at least one extendable member to position therapy delivery elements, which may be electrodes or drug delivery ports, after the lead has been inserted into the body. The lead may formed as a resilient element which is contained in a retainer tube that may be removed to permit the lead to deploy. Alternatively, a non-resilient lead may be provided with a slotted retainer tube. A series of mechanical linkages for expanding and retracting the lead within the human body may be actuated with various mechanisms. A control system may be provided for closed-loop feedback control of the position of the extendable members. The invention also includes a method for expanding an implantable lead in situ.

Abstract: Described are implantable devices and methods for treating various disorders of the pelvic floor by means of electrical stimulation of tissue volumes at two or more locations adjacent sacral nerves or portions thereof, and/or pudendal nerves of portions thereof. Two or more electrical stimulation regimes are applied on a continuous, alternating, intermittent or other basis to the respective tissue volumes in an amount and manner effective to treat a number of disorders, including, but not limited to, urinary and/or fecal voiding dysfurictions such as constipation, incontinence disorders such as urge frequency and urinary retention disorders, sexual dysfunctions such as orgasmic and erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, prostatitis, prostatalgia and prostatodynia.

Abstract: A method of controlling a moving web in relation to a selected transverse position comprising positioning a first positioning guide proximate a second positioning guide wherein the second positioning guide has a mechanism for positioning the web having minimal backlash. The web is passed through the first positioning guide and the second positioning guide. A sensor detects the transverse position of the moving web at the second positioning guide. The sensor transmits the transverse location of the web at the second positioning guide to a controller. The controller manipulates a zero-backlash actuator wherein the zero-backlash actuator is coupled to the second positioning guide such that the transverse position of the web is controllable to within a preselected dimension of the selected transverse position.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: A method of applying a material to a moving substrate is disclosed. The method includes providing a die comprising a die body having a cavity therein, wherein the cavity is in fluid communication with an applicator slot. The die is then oriented such that the applicator slot is positioned so as to dispense the material onto the substrate. The material is introduced into the die cavity such that the material is dispensed onto the substrate through the applicator slot. At least one end of the slot includes means for preventing lateral widening of the dispensed material. In another embodiment, means will be disposed at both ends of the applicator slot. The method is particularly useful when the capillary number characteristic of the coating process is less than 0.

Abstract: The invention is a mounting system for a vibrational element. The vibrational element has a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and an axial displacement node. The mounting system includes an isolation member which has an isolation surface, an isolating body, and an engaging portion. The engaging portion is immovably secured to the isolation member and extends radially inward from the isolation body at a point radially opposite the isolation surface. The engaging portion is disposed so as to engage the outer surface of the vibrational element. Radial displacements of the vibration element are substantially decoupled from the isolation surface through the engaging portion.

Abstract: A powder feeding assembly for feeding a flame-melting device is disclosed. The powder feeding assembly includes a powder holding chamber with a screening member and a brush assembly disposed therein. The brush assembly includes at least one bristle element having a distal and a proximal end. The distal end is disposed proximate to the screening member. Powder held in the powder holding chamber is urged through one or more openings in the screening member by rotating the brush assembly. The powder is then delivered to an input section of the flame-melting device for processing.

Abstract: A microreplicated article is disclosed. The article includes a web including first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. Corresponding opposed features cooperate to form a lens features.

Abstract: A coater for separating primary particles that are coated with a sticky or tacky resin, and covering the surface of the primary particles with a secondary particle of smaller size is disclosed. The coater includes a disc having a periphery, a motor engaging the disc so as to be able to spin the disc, and a restrictor mounted adjacent to the disc so as to provide a gap for the egress of coated particles near the periphery of the disc. Other embodiments of the invention will also have a first dispenser for particles disposed above the disc. Also conveniently, the coater will also have a second dispenser for particles disposed above the disc. In one application for which the coater can be employed, the first dispenser will be adapted to dispense a mixture of sand particles and polymeric resin, and the second dispenser will be adapted to dispense retroreflective glass beads.