Abstract: A method of ablating tissue in the heart to treat atrial fibrillation introduces into a selected atrium an energy emitting element. The method exposes the element to a region of the atrial wall and applies ablating energy to the element to thermally destroy tissue. The method forms a convoluted lesion pattern comprising elongated straight lesions and elongated curvilinear lesions. The lesion pattern directs electrical impulses within the atrial myocardium along a path that activates the atrial myocardium while interrupting reentry circuits that, if not interrupted, would cause fibrillation. The method emulates the surgical maze procedure, but lends itself to catheter-based procedures that do not require open heart surgical techniques. A composite structure for performing the method is formed using a template that displays in planar view a desired lesion pattern for the tissue. An array of spaced apart element is laid on the template.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coil assembly comprising a spool-spindle and a case. The spool-spindle comprises a spindle portion and a larger included portion. The spindle portion has a conductor wound thereon. The larger included portion has opening for receiving the conductor. The case has a first case end and a second case end, with an opening extending through the case. A first internal surrounding surface extends from the second case end and a second surrounding internal surface having a smaller diameter extends from the first case end. The first internal surrounding surface meets the second internal surrounding surface at an annular internal wall. The spool-spindle is positioned in the case until the larger include portion abuts against the annular internal wall, and the case and spool-spindle are joined.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for remotely monitoring and controlling time variant data in an industrial plant (400). The system (100) includes a local server (102) and at least one remote server (104). The local server (102) includes a local server cache (206), a local controller (308), and a local operator station (1001). Each remote server (104) includes a remote server cache (901) and a remote controller (903). Wherein the local server cache (206) stores a plurality of data units (304), and the local controller (308) provides updated units (902) to the local server cache (206). Each remote server cache (901) stores a plurality of data units (902), and each remote controller (903) provides updated data units (902) to its corresponding remote server cache (901). The method operates such that each cache (206, 901) buffers controllers (308) and other servers (104) from unnecessary data requesting transactions, minimizing the data traffic in the system (100).

Abstract: A method of determining communication link quality includes the steps of: providing communications stations (e.g., UHF communications satellites, base stations of a terrestrial cellular network) with beacon transmitters that are used to transmit two types of signals from each communications station; and providing a communications device that employs the communications stations with beacon receivers and the ability to process the two types of signals to provide a user of the communications device with a real time determination of link impairments and, from this, a determination of the type and quality of service that is available to the user. The first type of signal is a stable continuous wave (CW) tone that provides a reference signal level, and the second type of signal is a coded waveform with distinguishable correlation properties.

Abstract: Force diversion apparatus, methods and devices including the same result in rotational motion being imparted to an impacting object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable drug delivery device which includes a fluid drug reservoir, a catheter, a controllable fluid transfer device, e.g., a pump or valve, and a drug delivery control means. The control means in accordance with the invention is configured to initially clear a first, or old, drug from the device based on the content of the Current Profile data containing a first, or old, delivery profile. After the old drug is cleared, then the control means automatically modifies the Current Profile data to match a second, or new, delivery profile for controlling delivery of a second, or new, drug.

Abstract: A cochlear implant sound processor is powered by a rechargeable battery that is permanently integrated into the sound processor. The sound processor contains an inductive coil that may be tuned to an external charging coil for battery recharging. The electronic circuits and coil of the sound processor are housed in a material transparent to RF signals. The sound processor may be placed in a recharging base station in which the sound processor is positioned in a space surrounded by the inductive charging coil embedded in a material transparent to RF signals. The inductive charging coil sends power to the coil inside the processor and thereby recharges the battery. An alternative embodiment utilizes contacts in the sound processor case and aligned terminals in the recharging base station that allow direct charging of the battery.

Abstract: A device for creating the lesions in body tissue includes a support element having an electromagnetic energy emitting region. When caused to emit electromagnetic energy, the region creates a single continuous lesion that is long and thin, having a length that is substantially greater than its width.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for insulating tissue during therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for insulating tissue during therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: Surgical methods and apparatus for positioning diagnostic an therapeutic elements on the epicardium or other organ surface. The apparatus includes a tissue cooling apparatus.

Abstract: Devices for insertion into an atrial appendage of stasis reducing components such as mesh members, chemical bonding agents or expandable anchors are disclosed.

Abstract: An internal indifferent electrode device including a flexible shaft, an energy transmission device adapted to be inserted into the body supported on the shaft, and a connector adapted to mate with the power return connector of a power supply apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking signals with diverse polarization properties address both sensitivity and antenna tracking performance issues. In one embodiment, complex weightings for matching a polarization of an incident signal on a data channel are determined, and the complex weightings are applied to a tracking channel such that an antenna system polarization is matched to the polarization of the incident signal. In another embodiment, orthogonally polarized tracking channel components of an incident signal are processed to make a determination as to which of the orthogonally polarized tracking channel components is stronger, and this determination is used to select a polarization of a data channel to reduce a polarization mismatch loss.