Abstract: Implantable leads of a cardiac stimulus system are disclosed, as well as methods for implanting leads of a cardiac stimulus system. The lead may be comprised of a proximal portion having a coupler for coupling to an implantable pulse generator, an intermediate portion comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon, and a distal portion. The intermediate portion may have a first diameter and the distal portion may have a second diameter. The distal portion may also have an attachment feature for attaching to a lead pulling tool for delivery to an ITV and an intercostal vein. Methods may include pulling a lead from a first position to a second position within the vasculature, exiting the vasculature at the second location, and attaching a portion of the lead that exits the vasculature to an electrode or implantable device for use with the lead.

Abstract: Implantation of a cardiac stimulus system using the ITV. Superior, intercostal, and inferior access methods are discussed and disclosed. Superior access may be performed using the brachiocephalic vein to access the ITV, with access to the brachiocephalic vein achieved using subclavian vein, using standard visualization techniques. A positioning mechanism may be advanced to the ITV, a location of the positioning mechanism may then be obtained, and an external access may then be established. Inferior external access may be accomplished inferior to the lower rib margin via the superior epigastric or musculophrenic vein. Intercostal external access may be accomplished via an intercostal vein between two ribs. A lead may then be attached to the positioning mechanism and drawn into the ITV.

Abstract: A vision system (10) for a motor vehicle including an imaging system (11) adapted to capture images from a surrounding of the motor vehicle and a data processing device (14) establishing an object detector (15) adapted to detect an object in images captured by the imaging system (11) through image processing. The object detector (15) includes a wheel detector (20) adapted to detect a wheel (22; 27), a wheel-like structure, or a characteristic part thereof, of another vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable fin system having a retractable fin and fin box is disclosed. An example retractable fin system includes a housing insertable into an opening in a watercraft board. The example retractable fin system also includes a retractable fin. The example retractable fin system also includes a bias to maintain the retractable fin in a default outward position from the housing. The bias retracts the retractable fin into the housing on contact with an outside force.

Abstract: Variable vane devices containing rotationally-driven translating vane structures are provided, as are methods for fabricating variable vane devices. In one embodiment, the variable vane device includes a flow assembly having a centerline, an annular flow passage extending through the flow assembly, cam mechanisms, and rotationally-driven translating vane structures coupled to the flow assembly and rotatable relative thereto. The translating vane structures include vane bodies positioned within the annular flow passage and angularly spaced about the centerline. During operation of the variable vane device, the cam mechanisms adjust translational positions of the vane bodies within the annular flow passage in conjunction with rotation of the translating vane structures relative to the flow assembly.

Abstract: IMD devices and implantation methods are discussed and disclosed. Electrode structures may be employed to allow electrical stimulation to heart tissue and/or sense a physiological condition. Devices may be used for the placement of the electrode structures in a patient and facilitate the degree of contact between the electrode structures and the tissue of the patient.

Abstract: Implantation of a cardiac stimulus system using the intercostal veins. Superior, intercostal, and inferior access methods are discussed and disclosed. Superior access may be performed by entering the brachiocephalic vein from a jugular, subclavian, or other vein, and then accessing the internal thoracic vein, traversing a portion of the internal thoracic vein and then accessing an intercostal vein therefrom. Inferior access may be accomplished inferior to the lower rib margin via the superior epigastric vein, advancing superiorly into the internal thoracic vein and then accessing an intercostal vein therefrom. Intercostal access may include creating an opening in an intercostal space between two ribs and advancing a needle using ultrasound guidance to enter the intercostal vein directly.

Abstract: A bottle that includes a body, a neck, stops on the neck defining a lug retention area. The body defines a storage chamber therein. The neck extends away from the body and defines an opening to the chamber of the body. The neck includes threads extending around an outside surface of the neck. The stops extend from a bottom of a first thread toward the body, the stops defining the lug retention area. The closure is secured over the opening and around the neck. The closure includes a lug configured to interface with the thread and engage with the lug retention area to retain the closure in place over the opening.

Abstract: A fault current limiter (FCL) has a core structure with a first and second magnetisable core members and an AC magnetomotive force source configured to generate a varying magnetic flux in at least a portion of the first and second magnetisable core members. Static magnetomotive force sources being positioned to provide a magnetic circuit within at least part of the magnetisable core members. The FCL may have a ring core structure and the static magnetomotive force sources may include a mitred or tapered joint interface with the core member.

Abstract: A lead for use with cardiac stimulus device with at least two electrodes positioned at a single longitudinal location is provided. The electrodes may include a shocking coil electrode and a sensing and/or pacing ring electrode and may be separated by an insulating element. The at least two electrically insulated electrodes may be electrically isolated and serve separate purposes in the device.

Abstract: A catheter comprises an elongate catheter body extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, an expandable electrode assembly disposed at the distal end of the catheter body, the electrode assembly comprising a housing encasing a position sensor and a plurality of flexible splines extending from the distal end of the catheter body to a distal end of the housing, and a distal cap positioned over a distal end of the housing, the distal cap being configured to receive the distal end of the housing and to further receive distal ends of flexible splines of the plurality of flexible splines in longitudinal or about longitudinal directions relative to the catheter body. Distal portions of the flexible splines provide reduced stiffness as compared to more proximal portions. The expandable electrode assembly is configured to be transitioned between a collapsed configuration suitable for delivery and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Implantation of a cardiac stimulus system using the ITV. Access to the ITV may be performed using the intercostal vein as an access point, and entering the ITV through an ostium therebetween. The intercostal vein may be located on a costal groove on an inferior portion of a rib. Advancement from the intercostal vein to the ITV may then be performed in a superior direction, an inferior direction, or both.

Abstract: A fault current limiter (FCL) has a core structure with a first and second magnetisable core members and an AC magnetomotive force source configured to generate a varying magnetic flux in at least a portion of the first and second magnetisable core members. Static magnetomotive force sources being positioned to provide a magnetic circuit within at least part of the magnetisable core members. The FCL may have a ring core structure and the static magnetomotive force sources may include a mitered or tapered joint interface with the core member.

Abstract: A videogame may be provided to one or more users in which characters controlled by users earn fans that impact the videogame similarly to fans in real life. For example, a character may earn virtual currency, be invited to participate in events and/or teams, obtain sponsorships, and/or experience other impacts associated with fanbase size. The videogame may include one or more primary objectives presented to the user. The performance of the primary objectives by the user may impact the progression of a character being controlled by the user through the videogame.