Abstract: A spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method for automatic adjustments of SCS using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided. A positionally sensitive system for spinal cord stimulation including an electrode assembly with integrated optical components for sensing spinal cord position relative to a stimulating electrode array is provided. The integrated optical components include an IR emitter and a pair of IR photodetectors. As light from the IR emitter reflects from the spinal cord, it is detected by each of the pair of IR photodetectors. As the spinal cord changes position so do the angles of incidence for detected light from the IR emitter, a ratio of optical intensities in combination with a total optical intensity is measured and used to interpolate a set of electrode stimulation settings from a calibration table. Electrode pulse characteristics are adjusted in real time to minimize changes in stimulation perceived by the patient during motion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to dispense PMMA bone cement including a temperature controller, a disposable cement cartridge and a means for extracting cement from the cement cartridge so that the temperature of the extracted cement is first cooled to discourage polymerization and to prolong working time, then warmed so as to control viscosity of the cement flowing into the desired bone repair location. A first embodiment includes a spiral cement cartridge along with a means for extracting cement therefrom. A second embodiment includes a linear disposable cement cartridge along with a means for extracting cement therefrom. A color matching mechanism identifies cement temperature and viscosity during dispensation. A manual cement dispensing method includes a calibrated hand crank mechanism for causing calibrated delivery of cement. An automatic cement dispensing method uses a stepper motor and computer programmed means for causing calibrated flow of cement.

Abstract: A spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method for automatic adjustments of SCS using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided. A positionally sensitive system for spinal cord stimulation including an electrode assembly with integrated optical components for sensing spinal cord position relative to a stimulating electrode array and an SCS controller for controlling electrode stimulation parameters is provided. The integrated optical components include an IR emitter and a pair of IR photodetectors. As light from the IR emitter reflects from the spinal cord, it is detected by each of the pair of IR photodetectors. As the spinal cord changes position so do the angles of incidence for detected light from the IR emitter, a ratio of optical intensities in combination with a total optical intensity is measured and used to interpolate a set of electrode stimulation settings from a calibration table.

Abstract: A spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method for automatic adjustments of SCS using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided. A positionally sensitive system for spinal cord stimulation including an electrode assembly with integrated optical components for sensing spinal cord position relative to a stimulating electrode array and an SCS controller for controlling electrode stimulation parameters is provided. The integrated optical components include an IR emitter and a pair of IR photodetectors. As light from the IR emitter reflects from the spinal cord, it is detected by each of the pair of IR photodetectors. As the spinal cord changes position so do the angles of incidence for detected light from the IR emitter, a ratio of optical intensities in combination with a total optical intensity is measured and used to interpolate a set of electrode stimulation settings from a calibration table.

Abstract: An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation.

Abstract: An improvement for a programmable valve system of the type implanted in a patient and used to divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from an intraventricular space to a terminus such as the peritoneal cavity. Such system includes means for establishing a flow path for the CSF to the terminus, which flow path includes a normally closed valve and means for adjusting the opening pressure of the valve in order to regulate the quantity of CSF diverted. The improvement enables an operator to be apprised of the actual opening pressure setting of the valve. A sensor is implantable at the patient and responds to the actual opening pressure setting, by generating an NIR telemetry signal indicative of the actual setting. This signal is transcutaneously transmitted through the skin of the patient to an external point. The telemetry signal is processed to produce observer intelligible data indicating the opening pressure setting of the valve.

Abstract: An improvement for a programmable valve system of the type implanted in a patient and used to divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from an intraventricular space to a terminus such as the peritoneal cavity. Such system includes means for establishing a flow path for the CSF to the terminus, which flow path includes a normally closed valve and means for adjusting the opening pressure of the valve in order to regulate the quantity of CSF diverted. The improvement enables an operator to be apprised of the actual opening pressure setting of the valve. A sensor is implantable at the patient and responds to the actual opening pressure setting, by generating an NIR telemetry signal indicative of the actual setting. This signal is transcutaneously transmitted through the skin of the patient to an external point. The telemetry signal is processed to produce observer intelligible data indicating the opening pressure setting of the valve.

Abstract: An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation.

Abstract: An improvement for a programmable valve system of the type implanted in a patient and used to divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from an intraventricular space to a terminus such as the peritoneal cavity. Such system includes means for establishing a flow path for the CSF to the terminus, which flow path includes a normally closed valve and means for adjusting the opening pressure of the valve in order to regulate the quantity of CSF diverted. The improvement enables an operator to be apprised of the actual opening pressure setting of the valve. A sensor is implantable at the patient and responds to the actual opening pressure setting, by generating an NIR telemetry signal indicative of the actual setting. This signal is transcutaneously transmitted through the skin of the patient to an external point. The telemetry signal is processed to produce observer intelligible data indicating the opening pressure setting of the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to dispense PMMA bone cement including a temperature controller, a disposable cement cartridge and a means for extracting cement from the cement cartridge so that the temperature of the extracted cement is first cooled to discourage polymerization and to prolong working time, then warmed so as to control viscosity of the cement flowing into the desired bone repair location. A first embodiment includes a spiral cement cartridge along with a means for extracting cement therefrom. A second embodiment includes a linear disposable cement cartridge along with a means for extracting cement therefrom. A color matching mechanism identifies cement temperature and viscosity during dispensation. A manual cement dispensing method includes a calibrated hand crank mechanism for causing calibrated delivery of cement. An automatic cement dispensing method uses a stepper motor and computer programmed means for causing calibrated flow of cement.

Abstract: An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation.