Abstract: A method of determining an optimal coil shape for use in magnetic stimulation includes identifying a stimulation location and a constraint at the stimulation location. A first electromagnetic effect at the stimulation location is determined. The first electromagnetic effect is induced by a first electrical quantity assigned to a first current element at a first current element location with a first orientation. A second electromagnetic effect at the stimulation location is also determined. The second electromagnetic effect is induced by a second electrical quantity assigned to a second current element at the first current element location with a second orientation. Based on the first electromagnetic effect and the second electromagnetic effect, an optimal orientation of a current element at the first current element location is determined. The optimal orientation is such that the constraint is satisfied. Repeating the process at a plurality of locations yields the optimal coil shape.

Abstract: A method of determining an optimal coil shape for use in magnetic stimulation includes identifying a stimulation location and a constraint at the stimulation location. A first electromagnetic effect at the stimulation location is determined. The first electromagnetic effect is induced by a first electrical quantity assigned to a first current element at a first current element location with a first orientation. A second electromagnetic effect at the stimulation location is also determined. The second electromagnetic effect is induced by a second electrical quantity assigned to a second current element at the first current element location with a second orientation. Based on the first electromagnetic effect and the second electromagnetic effect, an optimal orientation of a current element at the first current element location is determined. The optimal orientation is such that the constraint is satisfied. Repeating the process at a plurality of locations yields the optimal coil shape.

Abstract: An audio tremolo producing system uses a rotating horn as a tremolo producing device for mid and high frequency audio signals, and an electronic tremolo producing device capable of both phase and amplitude modulation for low frequency signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated testing of vibrotactile responses of a patient is disclosed. The embodiment of the invention comprises a component to apply indentations and vibrations to the patient's skin to test the patient's response to vibrotactile stimuli. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a general purpose computer functions to control the operation of the system and to record and store the patient's responses. Indentations and vibrations are produced by off-axis rotational movement of a stimulation probe. A frequency modulated signal generated by the computer is used to control the motor which drives the stimulation probe. The embodiment of the present invention is able to reliably repeat each test so that the tests are reproducible and are carried out in an objective manner.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for testing cutaneous responses of a patient is disclosed. The embodiments of the invention variously include components for: applying a nonambient temperature to the patient's skin to test the patient's response to thermal stimuli; pricking the patient's skin to test the patient's response to pain; indenting the patient's skin to test the patient's response to touch; vibrating the patient's skin to test the patient's response to vibration; and for making two spaced apart contacts with the patient's skin to test the patient's two point discrimination response. A general purpose computer and dedicated control circuits function to control the operation of the system and record the responses of the patient. The embodiments of the present invention are able to repeatedly reproduce each test so that the tests carried out are reproducible and accomplished in a minimum of time.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for testing tactile responses of a patient is disclosed. The embodiments of the invention variously include components for: applying a nonambient temperature to the patient's skin to test the patient's response to thermal stimuli; pricking the patient's skin to test the patient's response to pain; indenting the patient's skin to test the patient's response to touch; vibrating the patient's skin to test the patient's response to vibration; and for making two spaced apart contacts with the patient's skin to test the patient's two point discrimination response. A general purpose computer and dedicated control circuits function to control the operation of the system and record the responses of the patient. The embodiments of the present invention are able to repeatedly reproduce each test so that the tests carried out are reproducible and accomplished in a minimum of time.

Abstract: The specification discloses an impact inserter for implanting a biomedical device such as a three-dimensional electrode device into a biological tissue. An electrode device useful as a neuron interface or as a cortical implant, and which may be implanted using the inserter, is also disclosed. The inserter includes an impact transfer mass for placement in contact with the rear side of the biomedical device, and a piston mechanism operably arranged and configured to strike the impact transfer mass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining body composition of a subject is provided. The composition determinations can include total body fat, lean body mass, total body water, inter-cellular fluid and/or extra-cellular fluid. The subject's body is treated as a plurality of segmented conductors, each of the body segments having a relatively uniform cross-sectional area. By determining the composition of one or more exemplary body segments, the total body composition can be determined. The method in accordance with the present invention selects one or more body segments and introduces a uniform current flow through the body segments. The impedance which each of the body segments presents to the current flow is measured by a pair of voltage sensing electrodes positioned at each end of the body segments. Preferred body segments include the subject's thigh, trunk, and upper arm.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for testing tactile responses of a patient is disclosed. The embodiments of the invention variously include components for: applying a nonambient temperature to the patient's skin to test the patient's response to thermal stimuli; pricking the patient's skin to test the patient's response to pain; indenting the patient's skin to test the patient's response to touch; vibrating the patient's skin to test the patient's response to vibration; and for making two spaced apart contacts with the patient's skin to test the patient's two point discrimination response. A general purpose computer and dedicated control circuits function to control the operation of the system and record the responses of the patient. The embodiments of the present invention are able to repeatedly reproduce each test so that the tests carried out are reproducible and accomplished in a minimum of time.

Abstract: A method of forming material including alternating layers of fibrin and collagen, formed into tubes, is disclosed for use in repairing transected nerve fibers either by tubulization of the approximated nerve ends, or as an artificial graft which are placed in the severed ends of the nerve, for promotion of nerve growth and regeneration. The new material is treated to reduce antigenicity and is resorbed into the body following regeneration of the nerve fibers.