Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to scientific and medical system methods for diagnosis of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead conductor anomalies, in particular conductor migration and externalization within an ICD implantable cardiac lead. The method uses an “imaginary” component of the high frequency transmission line impedance having certain spectral changes that correspond to movements of the conductor or an “imaginary impedance”. This allows the detection of conductor migration and small insulation failures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for diagnosis of conductor anomalies, such as insulation failures, in an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a pacemaker, or a neurostimulator. Insulation failures are detected and localized by identifying changes in electrical fields via surface (skin) potentials. Small variations in potential are detected along the course of the electrode near the site of insulation failure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the diagnosis of conductor anomalies, such as an insulation failure resulting in a short circuit, in an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Upon determining if a specific defibrillation pathway is shorted, the method excludes the one electrode from the defibrillation circuit, delivering defibrillation current only between functioning defibrillation electrodes. Protection can be provided against a short in the right-ventricular coil-CAN defibrillation pathway of a pectoral, transvenous ICD with a dual-coil defibrillation lead. If a short caused by an in-pocket abrasion is present, the CAN is excluded from the defibrillation circuit, delivering defibrillation current only between the right-ventricular and superior vena cava defibrillation coils. Determination that the defibrillation pathway is shorted may be made by conventional low current measurements or delivery of high current extremely short test pulses.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to scientific and medical system methods for diagnosis of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead conductor anomalies, in particular conductor migration and externalization within an ICD implantable cardiac lead. The method uses an “imaginary” component of the high frequency transmission line impedance having certain spectral changes that correspond to movements of the conductor or an “imaginary impedance”. This allows the detection of conductor migration and small insulation failures.

Abstract: A multi-modal electrotherapy apparatus including circuitry for administering defibrillation therapy and for administering medium voltage therapy (MVT). A combined-use capacitor bank of at least one capacitor stores energy to be administered as defibrillation therapy and MVT. Combined-use discharge circuitry electrically is coupled between the combined-use capacitor bank and patient terminals for selectively administering energy from the capacitor bank according to a plurality of controllable waveforms as either defibrillation therapy or MVT. A controller is configured to cause the discharge circuitry to apply the MVT from the capacitor bank while the capacitor bank undergoes charging in preparation for administration of the defibrillation therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for diagnosis of conductor anomalies, such as insulation failures, in an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a pacemaker, or a neurostimulator. Insulation failures are detected and localized by identifying changes in electrical fields via surface (skin) potentials. Small variations in potential are detected along the course of the electrode near the site of insulation failure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the diagnosis of conductor anomalies, such as an insulation failure resulting in a short circuit, in an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Upon determining if a specific defibrillation pathway is shorted, the method excludes the one electrode from the defibrillation circuit, delivering defibrillation current only between functioning defibrillation electrodes. Protection can be provided against a short in the right-ventricular coil-CAN defibrillation pathway of a pectoral, transvenous ICD with a dual-coil defibrillation lead. If a short caused by an in-pocket abrasion is present, the CAN is excluded from the defibrillation circuit, delivering defibrillation current only between the right-ventricular and superior vena cava defibrillation coils. Determination that the defibrillation pathway is shorted may be made by conventional low current measurements or delivery of high current extremely short test pulses.

Abstract: A multi-modal electrotherapy apparatus including circuitry for administering defibrillation therapy and for administering medium voltage therapy (MVT). A combined-use capacitor bank of at least one capacitor stores energy to be administered as defibrillation therapy and MVT. Combined-use discharge circuitry electrically is coupled between the combined-use capacitor bank and patient terminals for selectively administering energy from the capacitor bank according to a plurality of controllable waveforms as either defibrillation therapy or MVT. A controller is configured to cause the discharge circuitry to apply the MVT from the capacitor bank while the capacitor bank undergoes charging in preparation for administration of the defibrillation therapy.

Abstract: A weighing system for use in retrofitting a pallet handling apparatus to provide weighing functionality. The system comprises a control unit and two fork units. The electronic control unit has a display, an electronic weight calculation controller, and at least one control switch. Each fork unit is for substitution with one fork of the pallet handling apparatus. Each fork unit comprises a rigid frame member having an elongated configuration, a plurality of load cells fixedly connected to the frame member, the load cells being disposed in laterally oriented pairs, and a fork member communicatively connected to the frame and engaging the load cells.

Abstract: A measurement system comprising at least two units, at least one unit having a measurement system, at least one unit having a control and indication system, and each unit having a telemetry system. The system is electronic. The measurement means measures physical characteristics selected from the group consisting of weight, tension, temperature, level, caster, camber, spring rate, pressure, torque, torsion, air density, hardness, sound level, and humidity.

Abstract: A weighing system for use in retrofitting a pallet handling apparatus to provide weighing functionality. The system comprises a control unit and two fork units. The electronic control unit has a display, an electronic weight calculation controller, and at least one control switch. Each fork unit is for substitution with one fork of the pallet handling apparatus. Each fork unit comprises a rigid frame member having an elongated configuration, a plurality of load cells fixedly connected to the frame member, the load cells being disposed in laterally oriented pairs, and a fork member communicatively connected to the frame and engaging the load cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for purging an article such as a tire of moisture and other impurities and for inflating the article with dry pure gas. The apparatus includes a four way valve; a gas input assembly communicatively connected to the valve; a vacuum generator communicatively connected to the valve; and an article interface assembly communicatively connected to the valve. A method of purging and inflating an article, includes the steps of establishing fluid communication between an article and a valve; establishing a pressurized fluid communication between the valve and a source of pressurized gas; establishing a fluid connection between the valve and a vacuum generator whereby pressurized gas flows through the vacuum generator to the atmosphere and fluid in the article flows through the vacuum generator to the atmosphere; and establishing a fluid connection via the valve whereby pressurized gas flows to the article.

Abstract: A memory tire pressure gauge apparatus for use with race cars, comprising a pressure transducer, a control system and a display. The pressure transducer is for communicative connection to a tire of a race car. The control system is communicatively connected to the pressure transducer, receives tire pressure reading signals from the pressure transducer, and converts them to tire pressure display signals The control system has memory for storing a plurality of tire pressure reading signals. The display is communicatively connected to the control system, It indicates at least eight tire pressure readings simultaneously, the eight tire pressure readings corresponding to a relatively cold tire pressure reading with respect to an initial time and a relatively hot tire pressure reading with respect to a later time, after use of the tires, for each of four tires. The display further shows, simultaneously, four tire pressure change readings corresponding to changes caused by the use of each of the tires.

Abstract: A tine mounted weighing scale apparatus includes a pair of weighing scale units, each scale unit having a base mountable on one tine of a lifting device. The base has a predetermined number of load cell mounts each providing a deflection gap between a load cell and the base. A platform for contact with a load is disposed above and in operational contact with the base. A load cell is attached to each of the load cell mounts of the base and is positioned between the base and the platform. Each load cell has an engagement member in operational contact with the platform. An electrical control/display and a power supply is connected to the pair of weighing scale units for displaying the total weight supported by the scale apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated computer and computer kiosk in which the component parts of the computer are mounted directly to the component parts of the kiosk, thereby minimizing assembly costs and weight. The kiosk includes a base, a back plate, one or more computer components mounted to and in direct contact with the back plate to facilitate heat transfer to the back plate and base so as to dissipate heat. A touchscreen is also mounted to the back plate in a manner that facilitates the transfer of heat from the touchscreen to the back plate with the one or more computer components positioned between the touchscreen and the back plate. A housing is mounted to the base plate to enclose the computer components.

Abstract: A method is taught for analyzing the keystroke timing signature of an ATM or other electronic commerce customer. The timing signature is compared to a database of previously stored keystroke timing sequences to allow for a test of the identity of the putative customer. This allows increased identification without the need for additional hardware beyond the ubiquitous keypad or keyboard.

Abstract: A portable aircraft weighing scale, comprising:(a) a base having load cell mounting structures;(b) a plurality of shear beam load cells mounted to the base via the mounting structures;(c) a platform for supporting an aircraft wheel or wheel set; and(d) a mechanism for mounting the platform to the load cells.