Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the introduction of genes encoding desirable traits into both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants and to plants and parts thereof produced by growing plants using this method. The time required for the production of transgenic plants is significantly decreased, while the number of transgenic plants is significantly increased. These increases are not dependent upon the use of super-virulent Agrobacterium strains. The invention also relates to an improved technique for in vitro regeneration of mono- and di-cotyledonous plants in a suitable medium containing a novel growth regulator regime that promotes cell elongation in the production of numerous somatic embryos that are regenerable into fertile plants.

Abstract: A moveable contact connector system provides easy lead insertion, lead retention, and reliable electrical connection for implantable devices. The connector system may be used with in-line leads commonly found in such applications. Moveable contacts are provided in the connector, which contacts are placed in a first position for easy lead insertion, and in a second position for lead retention. The second position also provides a good electrical connection between the moveable connector contacts and the lead contacts. Multiple means for moving said at least one moveable contact between the first and second positions are described. A first embodiment uses a rotatable cam which is rotated to align the cam lodes with said at least one moveable contact, pushing the movable contacts against the lead contacts. The second and third embodiments use a sliding key to force said at least one moveable contact against the lead contacts.

Abstract: A tool-less connector with multiple contacts and a compact design is provided. Therefore, a connector that is normally tunneled through body tissue will now require only a minimally invasive subcutaneous tunnel, which should reduce tissue healing time, patient discomfort, and risk of infection. In addition, providing additional contacts allows enhanced stimulation protocols. One embodiment of the present invention provides a connector pin containing multiple in-line contacts. Each “line” consists of a row of independent contacts arranged in a linear array running along the long axis of the pin. In other embodiments of the invention, the mating receptacle of the connector allows for multiple contacts while minimizing the space required for the increased number of contacts. Additional embodiments provide features that, for instance, prevent the contacts on the connector pin to touch the contacts in the receptacle until all contacts are appropriately aligned.

Abstract: A tool-less connector with multiple contacts and a compact design is provided. Therefore, a connector that is normally tunneled through body tissue will now require only a minimally invasive subcutaneous tunnel, which should reduce tissue healing time, patient discomfort, and risk of infection. In addition, providing additional contacts allows enhanced stimulation protocols. One embodiment of the present invention provides a connector pin containing multiple in-line contacts. Each “line” consists of a row of independent contacts arranged in a linear array running along the long axis of the pin. In other embodiments of the invention, the mating receptacle of the connector allows for multiple contacts while minimizing the space required for the increased number of contacts. Additional embodiments provide features that, for instance, prevent the contacts on the connector pin to touch the contacts in the receptacle until all contacts are appropriately aligned.

Abstract: A straight-forward and tool-less mechanism is provided for securing lead wires to an implantable neurostimulator, or similar medical device. In one embodiment, a clip lock mechanism is pivotally connected to the enclosure of the medical device, which enclosure also includes at least one receptacle with contacts to the components within the device. The proximal end of the lead wires terminate in a connector, including at least one plug and at least one pin with contacts corresponding to the electrodes or other devices along the distal end of the lead. The pin is inserted into the receptacle, thus completing the connection between the pin and receptacle contacts, and the clip is pivoted over the plug. The plug preferably has depressions that provide a clear visual and tactual indication of the position of the properly placed clip.

Abstract: An implantable endocardial defibrillation lead having a looped cable conductor for conducting at least high voltage defibrillation shocks. A coil electrode is connected to an elongated, flexible, electrically non-conductive lead body and is supplied with electrical power for delivering electrical shocks to the heart through a looped cable conductor that extends through the lead body and is associated with a power source.

Abstract: A tool-less connector with multiple contacts and a compact design is provided. Therefore, a connector that is normally tunneled through body tissue will now require only a minimally invasive subcutaneous tunnel, which should reduce tissue healing time, patient discomfort, and risk of infection. In addition, providing additional contacts allows enhanced stimulation protocols. One embodiment of the present invention provides a connector pin containing multiple in-line contacts. Each “line” consists of a row of independent contacts arranged in a linear array running along the long axis of the pin. In other embodiments of the invention, the mating receptacle of the connector allows for multiple contacts while minimizing the space required for the increased number of contacts. Additional embodiments provide features that, for instance, prevent the contacts on the connector pin to touch the contacts in the receptacle until all contacts are appropriately aligned.

Abstract: An implantable endocardial, multi-lumen lead wherein the distal end of the lead body is cored to provide a stopped bore co-axial with the axis of the lead body. A distal electrode is inserted into the stopped bore without an additional tubular segment and glue joint. A first lumen in the lead body has an axis which is off set from the axis of the lead body itself. A low voltage conductor passes through the first lumen. A second lumen is also offset from the axis of the lead body. The lumens may have a circular or other cross section. A plurality of non-coaxial lumens may be provided.

Abstract: A method of producing transformed Gramineae comprising making a wound in a seedling in an area of the seedling containing rapidly dividing cells and in ovulating the wound with vir+ Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Also, this same method wherein the vir+ A. tumefaciens contains a vector comprising genetically-engineered T-DNA. There are further provided a transformed pollen grain of a Gramineae, a pollen grain of a Gramineae produced by a plant grown from a seedling infected with vir+ A. tumefaciens, a pollen grain of a Gramineae produced by a plant grown from a seedling infected with vir+ A. tumefaciens containing a vector comprising genetically-engineered T-DNA, a pollen grain of a Gramineae whose cells contain a segment of T-DNA, and Gramineae derived from each of these pollen grains.

Abstract: An implantable endocardial defibrillation lead having a conductor for conducting at least high voltage defibrillation shocks. A coil electrode is connected to an elongated, flexible, electrically non-conductive lead body and is supplied with electrical power for delivering electrical shocks to the heart through a looped cable conductor that extends through the lead body and is associated with a power source. The coil electrode extends proximately from a connection between the conductor and the coil electrode, forming a proximal segment. The proximal segment is preferably at least 5 mm long, more preferably between 7 mm and 10 mm long.

Abstract: An implantable endocardial, multi-lumen lead wherein the distal end of the lead body is cored to provide a stopped bore co-axial with the axis of the lead body. A distal electrode is inserted into the stopped bore without an additional tubular segment and glue joint. A first lumen in the lead body has an axis which is off set from the axis of the lead body itself. A low voltage conductor passes through the first lumen. A second lumen is also offset from the axis of the lead body. The lumens may have a circular or other cross section. A plurality of non-coaxial lumens may be provided.

Abstract: An implantable endocardial defibrillation lead having a looped cable conductor for conducting at least high voltage defibrillation shocks. A coil electrode is connected to an elongated, flexible, electrically non-conductive lead body and is supplied with electrical power for delivering electrical shocks to the heart through a looped cable conductor that extends through the lead body and is associated with a power source.

Abstract: A method of producing transformed Gramineae comprising making a wound in a seedling in an area of the seedling containing rapidly dividing cells and inoculating the wound with vir.sup.+ Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Also, this same method wherein the vir.sup.+ A. tumefaciens contains a vector comprising genetically-engineered T-DNA. There are further provided a transformed pollen grain of a Gramineae, a pollen grain of a Gramineae produced by a plant grown from a seedling infected with vir.sup.+ A. tumefaciens, a pollen grain of a Gramineae produced by a plant grown from a seedling infected with vir.sup.+ A. tumefaciens containing a vector comprising genetically-engineered T-DNA, a pollen grain of a Gramineae whose cells contain a segment of T-DNA, and Gramineae derived from each of these pollen grains. There are also provided a transformed Gramineae plant, a transformed Gramineae plant derived from a seedling infected with vir.sup.

Abstract: Various endocardial lead assemblies are disclosed that may be particularly useful for placement within the coronary sinus. One lead assembly includes an open-ended electrode that may be implanted in a patient by passing it along a previously implanted stylet. Another disclosed embodiment combines an open-ended electrode with one or more flow passages that improve blood flow through the body vessel in the area of the implanted electrode. Yet another disclosed embodiment uses an electrode that has flow passages but no opening. This electrode provides improved blood flow in the area of the electrode but may be implanted using conventional methods.

Abstract: A non-tissue culture process using Agrobacterium-mediated vectors to produce transgenic plants from seeds of such plants as the common bean and soybean.

Abstract: A method of producing a transformed Gladiolus plant comprising: removing a piece of tissue from a corm; inoculating the tissue with vir.sup.+ Agrobacterium tumefaciens; incubating the inoculated tissue until a tumor forms; culturing at least a portion of the tumor in hormone-free medium until a cormel forms; and growing the cormel to produce the transformed plant. Also, methods of producing a transformed Gladiolus corm or seed comprising growing a transformed Gladiolus plant, prepared as just described, until the corm or seed is formed. Finally, transformed Gladiolus plants, corms and seeds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary foam seat cushion (10) that is configured and arranged to eliminate contact pressure on the rectal, perineal and genital regions of a person seated on the seat cushion without subjecting the perineal region to substantial stress or tension. The seat cushion includes a base (12) and two upwardly projecting elongate support members (16 and 18). The support members are of an arcuate (upwardly extending convex) cross-sectional geometry and are positioned in parallel spaced apart relationship for support of the ischia and thighs. Located between the support members is a channel (14) that extends downwardly into the seat cushion to form a void that prevents exertion of contact pressure on the rectal, perineal and genital areas. The portions (30 and 32) of the support members nearest the knees of a seated person taper downwardly for improved weight distribution and comfort of a person seated on the seat cushion.

Abstract: A method of producing transformed Gramineae comprising making a wound in a seedling in an area of the seedling containing rapidly dividing cells and inoculating the wound with vir.sup.+ Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Also, this same method wherein the vir.sup.+ A. tumefaciens contains a vector comprising genetically-engineered T-DNA. There are further provided a transformed pollen grain of a Gramineae, a pollen grain of a Gramineae produced by a plant grown from a seedling infected with vir.sup.+ A. tumefaciens, a pollen grain of a Gramineae produced by a plant grown from a seedling infected with vir.sup.+ A. tumefaciens containing a vector comprising genetically-engineered T-DNA, a pollen grain of a Gramineae whose cells contain a segment of T-DNA, and Gramineae derived from each of these pollen grains. There are also provided a transformed Gramineae plant, a transformed Gramineae plant derived from a seedling infected with vir.sup.

Abstract: A method of producing transformed corn comprising making a wound in a corn seedling in an area of the corn seedling containing rapidly dividing cells and inoculating the wound with vir.sup.+ Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Also, this same method wherein the vir.sup.+ A. tumefaciens contains a vector comprising genetically-engineered T-DNA. There are further provided a transformed corn pollen grain, a corn pollen grain produced by a plant grown from a seedling infected with vir.sup.+ A. tumefaciens, a corn pollen grain produced by a plant grown from a seedling infected with vir.sup..degree. A. tumefaciens containing a vector comprising genetrically-engineered T-DNA, a corn pollen grain whose cells contain a segment of T-DNA, and corn derived from each of these pollen grains. There are also provided a transformed corn plant, a transformed corn plant derived from a corn seedling infected with vir.sup.+ Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a transformed corn plant derived from a corn seedling infected with vir.sup.+ A.

Abstract: A non-tissue culture process using Agrobacterium-mediated vectors to produce transgenic plants from seeds of such plants as the common bean and soybean.