Abstract: A chuck used to attach an electrode to a CNC machine or an EDM machine having a quick release mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a medical device and medical devices which can be formed in accordance with the method. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of a) providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality of strands formed of a metal which can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape; b) deforming the metal fabric to generally conform to a surface of a molding element; c) heat treating the metal fabric in contact with the surface of the molding element to substantially set the shape of the fabric in its deformed state; and d) removing the metal fabric from contact with the molding element. The resulting metal fabric will define a medical device which can be collapsed for passage through a catheter or the like for deployment in a channel of a patient's body. Medical devices made in accordance with this method can have varying structures.

Abstract: An oxygen diffuser for a lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient, the oxygen delivery system being of the type comprising a mount for seated engagement on a patient's head or ear, an elongated tubular boom for oxygen delivery secured at one end to the mount and having the diffuser secured to the other end, the diffuser to deliver oxygen passed through the boom to a space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth, the diffuser comprising a body having a wall, the interior surface of which wall is of generally concave configuration, circumscribing a centrally positioned oxygen outlet so as to direct the flow of oxygen from the outlet generally towards the patient's nose and mouth; and a baffle seated over the oxygen outlet so as to assist in mixing of oxygen with ambient air and avoid a direct flow of oxygen towards the patient's face.

Abstract: A “leads-off indicator” for an ECG apparatus for indicating that one or more of a plurality of ECG electrodes is not properly affixed to a patient and that that obviates the need for a conventional high frequency drive signal, but instead, employs common mode input noise as a drive signal to a reference electrode such that if one of the electrodes defining an ECG vector is not properly affixed, an increase in the ambient noise on an ECG vector associated with the detached electrode occurs as a detectable event. A first algorithm is used to identify whether or not the reference electrode itself is properly affixed to the patient's right leg and, if so, the common mode signal presented to the remaining limb electrodes becomes unbalanced should one of the limb electrodes not be properly connected to the patient. An impedance balancing circuit is provided for developing signals allowing identification of a lose electrode when the ECG system does not utilize a right leg electrode as a reference.

Abstract: A lifter for foodstuffs for shifting the same from one position to another including the placing in or removal of various foods to and from cooking utensils without touching the same or piercing the same with forks, knives and the like. The lifter includes a generally rectangular support of a plurality of spaced, longitudinally extending rods or wires bounded by a retaining member having sides. The retaining member is provided with a pair of, side positioned, generally U-shaped handles which are rotatably mounted thereto. Select portions of the retaining member are formed to provide a pair of elevating legs on each of the sides and the handles are provided between such legs. The legs will elevate the foodstuff from the bottom of the utensil or other support surface upon which the laden lifter may be placed.

Abstract: A method of treating a physiologic condition by providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality strands, wherein the strands have been heat-treated to set a desired shaped, the medical device then being further heat-treated in a mold having a shape of a desired medical device to set the shape the fabric in a deformed state to the shape of the desired medical device that can be collapsed for passage through a catheter for deployment in a patient's body.

Abstract: A lead body for use with medical devices and method for lead body manufacture are provided. The lead body defines a lumen. The lumen has an electrically conductive material deposited on the lumen wall. The lead body's manufacture includes coating a lumen wall of a lead body with a conductive material to provide a conductor between the proximal and distal ends of the lead body. The manufacture further includes fitting sleeves electrically connected to electrical elements within the lumen to provide an electrical connection between the sleeve and the conductive material.

Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management device capable of delivering multiple uni-chamber stimulation pulses to a patient's heart and suitable for verifying capture independently for each uni-chamber stimulation pulse. The uni-chamber capture verification mode of the cardiac rhythm management device may be activated via telemetry or by applying a magnetic field proximate the device. During the capture verification mode, bi-chamber pacing, for example, may precede or follow uni-chamber pacing to allow for pacing support. Also, the energy levels of the pacing stimulus over several beats may be varied, thereby verifying the programmed safety margins.

Abstract: A nozzle for delivering fluid evenly over a wide swath is disclosed. The nozzle has an elongated tip which has a stepped slot. Air eduction is also provided to reduce drift of the fluid being delivered through the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conferring a therapeutic current to the heart is provided. The apparatus includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a current generator and a controller. The apparatus may further include a sensor. The sensor is generally configured to measure field strength between the first and second electrode. The sensor may also monitor the cardiac cycle. The method includes applying an electric stimulus to the heart and sensing the electric field generated by the electric stimulus to prevent the level of current from inducing unwanted depolarization.

Abstract: A method for prescribing an exercise regimen for a particular subject to either maximize cardiovascular performance or to lose weight involves the use of a microprocessor-based cardiopulmonary exercise system to measure oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production on a breath-by-breath basis. These measured quantities are used to calculate energy expenditure and a subject's respiratory exchange ratio from which a fat metabolization curve can be plotted. By examining the length of a plateau in the curve where the fat substrate utilization is maximized, and noting the average heart rate in this zone, a target heart rate for optimal weight loss is arrived at. If the goal of the exercise is cardiovascular improvement, the anaerobic threshold can readily be determined as the midpoint between maximal fat utilization and the maximum acceleration towards the point where the respiratory exchange ratio becomes equal to 1 or the fat metabolism goes to 0.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conferring a therapeutic current on the heart and adjacent vasculature from externally positioned electrodes is provided. The apparatus includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a current generator. The method includes applying an electric stimulus to the heart and maintaining the timing and/or level of current to prevent unwanted depolarization.

Abstract: An improved container for freezing, storing and shipping pre-mixed frozen batter for baked goods which includes an integrally formed flexible base, flexible side wall and deformable post. The container is designed so that the frozen batter can be easily removed from the container when desired and placed in a baking pan for baking without the necessity of thawing the batter.

Abstract: A snore sensor incorporating a piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film material adapted to be adhered to the skin of a sleeping patient on the patient's throat for detecting mechanical vibrations due to snoring. The PVDF film has a layer of metallization on opposed major surfaces thereof which are insulated from one another by the PVDF material itself and elongated electrical leads individually connect to the metallization layers. One major surface of the film layer is covered by a layer of adhesive tape and the opposite major surface with its metallization is underlayed by a thin layer of plastic film having an adhesive on opposed surfaces thereof. The adhesive on one side of the plastic film layer adheres it to the PVDF film while the adhesive on the opposed major surface of the plastic film is used to adhere the device to the patient's skin.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead including an angled collar located adjacent to or integral with the proximal connector assembly is provided. The angled collar provides a area having enhance rigidity to allow insertion of the connector assembly without kinking or otherwise bending the conductors within the lead body. The angled collar comprises a bend adjacent the proximal end of the lead having a reinforcing layer disposed about the lead body. The angled collar may include a textured surface to reduce the likelihood of the users finger or fingers sliding off of the angled collar during insertion.

Abstract: A towbar for the towing of aircraft which will enable the user to attach the same to, selectively, the front nose wheel or the front wheel strut of an aircraft. The towbar includes a longitudinally extending towing bar with a vehicle attachment on one end thereof to facilitate attachment to a towing vehicle with the other end thereof provided with a pair of arms to engage the nose wheel or strut. The arms are openable and closeable for attachment to the wheel or strut and the mechanics for opening and closing are arranged within the longitudinal towing bar. The mechanism for opening and closing includes a slide moveable on the bar in a longitudinal direction and a structure for converting this longitudinal motion to rotational motion for rotating an arm control rod which, through a threaded end and threaded bearing will move one arm with respect to the other.