Abstract: A portable patient communicator (PPC) includes a portable housing supporting a processor, memory for storing medical and wireless radio firmware, first and second radios, a processor, an identity module, and a power source. The PPC and a patient implantable medical device (PIMD) communicate via the first radio in accordance with the medical firmware. The PPC communicates with a wireless network via the second radio in accordance with the wireless radio firmware. Data stored in the identity module is used to authenticate the PPC by the remote server prior to permitting PPC access to the remote server, and may also be used to authenticate the remote server by the PPC prior to permitting access to the PPC or the PIMD by the remote server or other device communicatively coupled to the wireless network, after which PIMD and other medical data is exchanged between the PPC and remote server.

Abstract: A method of increasing the production of a formation gas from a well bore penetrating a gas producing formation wherein the formation gas has a water content that results in the formation of condensate water from the formation gas as the formation gas passes up the well bore to the surface so as cause the condensate water to accumulate at the bottom of the well bore and impede the flow of formation gas into the well bore from the gas producing formation. The method includes injecting a volume of a diluent gas having a water content less than the water content of the formation gas into the well bore at a pressure sufficient to cause the diluent gas to mix with the formation gas in the well bore and dilute the formation gas but at a pressure insufficient to cause the diluent gas to invade the gas producing subterranean zone to produce a production gas which has a water content that substantially prevents the formation and deposition of condensate water as the production gas passes to the surface.

Abstract: Portable patient communicators (PPCs) comprise a first radio configured to communicate wirelessly with a patient implantable medical device (PIMD) associated with the PPC and a second radio configured to communicate wirelessly with a network. Memory is configured to store at least first information about wireless connectivity between the PPC and its associated PIMD. A processor is coupled to the memory and the first and second radios. A power source is configured to supply power to components of the PPC. The processor is configured to coordinate discontinuous communication between the PPC and its associated PIMD via the first radio and coordinate discontinuous communication between the PPC and the network via the second radio. The processor is configured to coordinate wireless transmission of the first information to a remote server via the network, and the remote server receives second information about wireless connectivity between each of the PPCs and the network.

Abstract: A portable patient communicator (PPC) includes a portable housing supporting a processor, memory for storing medical and wireless radio firmware, first and second radios, a processor, an identity module, and a power source. The PPC and a patient implantable medical device (PIMD) communicate via the first radio in accordance with the medical firmware. The PPC communicates with a wireless network via the second radio in accordance with the wireless radio firmware. Data stored in the identity module is used to authenticate the PPC by the remote server prior to permitting PPC access to the remote server, and may also be used to authenticate the remote server by the PPC prior to permitting access to the PPC or the PIMD by the remote server or other device communicatively coupled to the wireless network, after which PIMD and other medical data is exchanged between the PPC and remote server.

Abstract: A method of increasing the production of a formation gas from a well bore penetrating a gas producing formation wherein the formation gas has a water content that results in the formation of condensate water from the formation gas as the formation gas passes up the well bore to the surface so as cause the condensate water to accumulate at the bottom of the well bore and impede the flow of formation gas into the well bore from the gas producing formation. The method includes injecting a volume of a diluent gas having a water content less than the water content of the formation gas into the well bore at a pressure sufficient to cause the diluent gas to mix with the formation gas in the well bore and dilute the formation gas but at a pressure insufficient to cause the diluent gas to invade the gas producing subterranean zone to produce a production gas which has a water content that substantially prevents the formation and deposition of condensate water as the production gas passes to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless handheld device that is configured to communicate with an implanted device using inductive telemetry. The handheld device is preferably battery operated and includes a battery powered controller and a battery powered inductive coil. The inductive coil is configured to communicate with an inductive coil of the implanted device using inductive telemetry. The handheld device may include one battery voltage source that powers both the controller and the inductive coil, or multiple battery voltage sources to power the controller and inductive coil separately. In a single battery voltage source embodiment, the voltage may be amplified or reduced to meet the power needs of the controller and inductive coil. In a multiple battery voltage source embodiment, the voltage sources may be combined to increase the power output requirements of the inductive coil.

Abstract: A handheld cardiac rhythm management device for use by a patient to request status information from an implantable pulse generating device and to request that the pulse generating device provide a rhythm altering shock to the patient's heart. The device includes a plurality of deadfront status indicator lamps on a front of a case that are visible to the patient when the controller is held in the patient's hand. The device also includes buttons on the front of the case and a telemetry circuit for bi-directional communication with the implantable pulse generating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for programming a wireless handheld device and communicating between the handheld device and a programmer using inductive telemetry. The method may include the steps of activating a boot load mode of the handheld device, positioning the handheld device in proximity to a programming device, and downloading firmware to the handheld device from the programming device using inductive telemetry. The apparatus may include an inductive coil for inductive telemetry and a memory. The inductive coil is configured to be activated in response to inductive signals from an inductive coil of the programmer, thereby providing communication between the handheld device and the programmer. Communication between the handheld device and the programmer may include downloading firmware to the handheld device, and storing the downloaded firmware in the memory.