Abstract: An optimal configuration of Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) sessions is automatically determined. A number of iSCSI target ports and a number of iSCSI initiator ports in a configuration are determined, and an ideal session count is determined for each iSCSI initiator port in order to maximize efficiency. All iSCSI initiator ports are traversed, and a determination is made which iSCSI initiator ports have less than the ideal session count. For those iSCSI initiator ports that have less than the ideal session count, the iSCSI target ports that are currently not logged into an iSCSI initiator ports that have fewer sessions than the ideal sessions. The steps of finding and attempting are repeated until a current total number of active sessions equals the number of iSCSI target ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the safe shut down of an operating system. The invention utilizes a shutdown-monitoring program that is running in an initiator operating system to periodically transmit and pass-through SCSI command to a SCSI target to determine if a shutdown operations is to be performed upon the operating system. In response to the SCSI command the SCSI target returns data back to the initiator operating system, wherein the shutdown-monitoring program analyzes the data. In the event that the shutdown-monitoring program determines that the operating system is to be shut down, then an operating system shutdown is initiated using at least one appropriate API that is provided by the operating system.

Abstract: There is disclosed method and apparatus for retaining a reservoir for a therapeutic agent between the scalp and cranium of a subject, including providing a deformable pouch or rigid cylinder for dispensing the therapeutic agent from the reservoir to a location in the body of the subject. In one embodiment, a pump is used to pump the agent from the reservoir to the location in the subject's body. In another example embodiment, there is provided method and apparatus for forming at least one cavity in the cranium of the subject, and placing at least a portion of the pump in the cavity. Power is applied to the pump in a variety of ways.

Abstract: There is disclosed method and apparatus for retaining a reservoir for a therapeutic agent between the scalp and cranium of a subject, including providing a deformable pouch or rigid cylinder for dispensing the therapeutic agent from the reservoir to a location in the body of the subject. In one embodiment, a pump is used to pump the agent from the reservoir to the location in the subject's body. In another example embodiment, there is provided method and apparatus for forming at least one cavity in the cranium of the subject, and placing at least a portion of the pump in the cavity. Power is applied to the pump in a variety of ways.

Abstract: An intraoperative defibrillation test system for establishing defibrillation thresholds for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) uses the actual ICD housing electrode, rather than a test housing electrode, as part of the test system. The intraoperative defibrillation test system includes the ICD, an external test station, and a test cable interconnecting the ICD with the test station. In one embodiment, the test cable is only connected to the ICD housing electrode and other test cables are used to connect to other implanted electrodes. In another embodiment, the test cable includes multiple conductors for connecting to all of the electrodes associated with the ICD, including the ICD housing electrode. In a further embodiment, the test cable includes a distal connector block that serves as a three-way T-between at least one port in a header of the ICD and an electrode lead.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator capable of subcutaneous positioning within a patient delivers at least one electrical cardioversion/defibrillation countershocks to the heart of the patient. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator includes a housing, circuitry positioned within the housing to control delivery of the countershocks, and an energy source coupled with the circuitry to provide electrical energy to a capacitor in the circuitry that stores the electrical energy for delivery of the countershocks. Because the circuitry is susceptible to undesirable electromagnetic coupling effects of origin external to the circuitry, particularly the capacitive coupling effects between the circuitry and the housing of the device when at least a portion of the housing is utilized as an electrode, the implantable cardioverter defibrillator also includes a conductive shield, disposed between the housing and the circuitry, to shield the circuitry against such undesired coupling effects.

Abstract: The present invention is a one piece, disposable pulse generator emulator for emulating a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) having an active housing electrode. The emulator of the present invention is for use with an external test system to screen a patient for candidacy for an ICD by determining the patient's minimum defibrillation threshold voltage. The one piece, disposable emulator has a housing that has substantially the same conductive geometry as the desired implantable pulse generator.

Abstract: A low profile defibrillation catheter is disclosed which is much thinner than existing devices. The thin structure is provided by using the current conductor coil as a first electrode coil and the same materials as the conductor for the second electrode. The second electrode coil is bonded to the second conductor coil and wound in the same direction. The thin design is motivated by an electrical field analysis which reveals that the length of the catheter is the important determinant of defibrillation efficacy, and that the large radius and surface area of prior art devices were less beneficial.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wide area network implemented on a circuit-switched public data network. Terminals have access to a plurality of data channels and a control channel into the network using a balanced protocol. The invention provides a method for reducing connect time between the terminals over the data channels. To do this a conversation is established between a transaction program on the local terminal and a transaction program on the remote terminal. Responsive to generation of a frame for transmission by the transaction program on the local terminal to the transaction program on the remote terminal, a channel connection between the local terminal and a remote terminal including a data channel connecting each terminal into the wide area network is established if no channel connection already exists.

Abstract: An electrode system for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The electrode system includes a conductive structure which is physically and electrically connected to the housing or can of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator and is used as an electrode in combination with an existing implantable cardioverter defibrillator electrode or electrodes. The electrode system provides a therapeutically significant increase in the effective surface area of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator's electrodes without requiring an additional header connection, feedthru, or cable.

Abstract: In an ISDN communications system, a remote station power detector circuit comprises a capacitor connected between center taps of transformers on the receive and transmit pairs of conductors. The capacitor stores energy delivered from a central DC power source. Two serially-connected opto-couplers form a discharge path for the capacitor. The first opto-coupler is periodically driven on to partially complete the discharge path. If the capacitor charge exceeds a predetermined minimum, the second opto-coupler will then be driven on, providing a logic level output usable by the remote station. Power consumption is minimized by the use of large resistors in series with the capacitor while reliable power detection is achieved by detecting accumulated charge on the capacitor. Dielectric isolation is provided through the use of opto-coupler circuits.