Abstract: An implantable device for temporarily maintaining cardiac output through the use of electrical forcing fields in the event of an atrial defibrillation shock causing ventricular fibrillation. The device includes an atrial defibrillator. In the event that an atrial defibrillation shock causes a ventricular fibrillation the apparatus and method then delivers a continuous train of modest voltage pulses to force partial cardiac contractions to maintain life and consciousness until the patient can receive external defibrillation.

Abstract: A battery heating device for delivery thermal energy to at least one vehicle battery includes a battery support plate for supporting the battery, a heatable fluid tube supported underneath the battery support plate for transferring thermal energy from heatable fluid, such as engine coolant, to the battery, and one or more electric heating pads secured to the battery support plate to transfer thermal energy to the battery. The heatable fluid tube preferably is secured to the battery support plate by a continuously distributed, thermally conductive adhesive material, to enhance heat transfer to the battery via the battery support plate. The heatable fluid tube is constructed and disposed to be a non-weight-bearing member, to reduce the likelihood of engine coolant leakage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a frequency response of a piezoelectric input or output transducer in an implantable hearing system. Multiple input or multiple output transducers obtain optimized mechanical-to-electrical or electrical-to-mechanical frequency response. Output mechanical coupling is directly to the inner ear, or through an ossicular element such as the malleus, stapes, or incus. Input mechanical vibrations are obtained from an auditory element such as the tympanic membrane, malleus, or incus. Substantially nonidentical frequency responses are obtained such as using transducers of different dimensions, different number of transducer elements, different material properties, different mounting techniques, or different auditory elements for coupling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflatable spinal traction device capable of both preventing spinal injuries, and of facilitating the healing of existing spinal injuries. As disclosed, the device of the present invention includes an upper horizontal support member, a lower horizontal support member, and a plurality of vertical support members fixedly attached at each end to the upper and lower members, wherein each of the vertical support members contains therein an inflatable bladder in fluid connection to an inflation means.

Abstract: An external defibillator including an operator interface and a high voltage circuit responsive to a controller for producing monophasic waveform defibrillation pulses and/or biphasic waveform defibrillation pulses. The controller can implement a biphasic waveform test protocol by causing the high voltage circuit to sequentially generate one or more biphasic waveform defibrillation pulses before generating monophasic waveform defibrillation pulses in response to sequential actuations of the operator interface during a patient rescue.

Abstract: A multi-layered pizza product includes multiple dough layers and multiple ingredient layers. A cheese or other ingredient layer is disposed between a first, bottom dough layer and a second dough layer disposed in a middle portion of the pizza. The cheese layer preferably includes a blend of different cheeses and has a relatively reduced moisture content in a desired range to reduce the amount of steam produced during baking. The second dough layer preferably includes at least one vent opening to vent steam that is produced by the cheese during baking. The second dough layer supports an additional ingredient layer that includes tomato sauce, cheese, and/or other traditional pizza topping ingredients. A method of producing a baked pizza product requires only a single, continuous baking step, greatly reducing the lengthy preparation time typically required for multi-layered pizza products.

Abstract: The invention is a system for non-invasive microwave tomographic spectroscopy of tissue using a plurality of microwave emitter-receivers spatially oriented to the tissue, an interface medium placed between the emitter-receivers, and a control subsystem operably coupled to the plurality of microwave emitter-receivers for selectively controlling power to the plurality of emitter-receivers and for receiving microwave signals from the plurality of emitter-receivers so that multiple frequency microwave radiation is emitted from a selected plurality of emitter-receivers and received by a selected plurality of emitter-receivers after interacting with and passing through the tissue, and a computational subsystem operably connected to the control subsystem for computing a tomographic spectroscopic image of the tissue from the microwave signals received from the selected plurality of emitter-receivers.

Abstract: Vertical field emission devices are described with very small cathode to anode separations. Preferred cathodes have sharp edge emitters extending, outward perpendicular to the surface of the underlying substrate. These sharp edge emitters are produced within planar photolithography by coating sacrificial conformal walls and anisotropic etching. Microencapsulation is used to produce a sealed cavity at low pressure which includes the space between the anode and cathode. The field emission components can be adapted for the production of light emitting, field emission diodes. The individual cathode emitters can be integrated with solid state components on the substrate with each cathode being independently addressable. Arrays of closely packed light emitting, field emission diodes of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in displays. These displays would be useful for flat-panel computer displays and high definition television.

Abstract: A universal electrical interface system connects to a small computer system interface (SCSI) bus. In a passive embodiment, a set of single-ended receivers and a set of differential receivers receive electrical signals on the SCSI bus according to the single-ended or differential protocol, respectively, when each set of receivers is enabled. In an active embodiment, a set of single-ended transceivers and a set of differential transceivers transmit and receive electrical signals on the SCSI bus according to the single-ended or differential protocol, respectively, when each set of transceivers is enabled. A control mechanism connected to both sets of receivers or transceivers automatically determines whether the SCSI bus is configured to use either the single-ended or differential parallel interface protocol and selectively enables the set of single ended receivers or transceivers, or the set of differential receivers or transceivers.

Abstract: A modular frame assembly for an equipment cabinet having a plurality of members releasably secured together is provided. A plurality of universal frame members are provided, each having a securing tab and an offset securing tab projecting therefrom. A countersunk bore is formed in each of the tabs and a plurality of fasteners are provided which are insertable into the bores to releasably secure the plurality of universal frame members together. This provides a modular frame assembly that allows disassembly of a single frame member by removing two of the fasteners at each corner. The third fastener remains in place and maintains the integrity of the remaining two frame members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the circumference of a vascular structure comprising the steps of providing a plurality of sutures and a plurality of discrete suture support segments of a biocompatible, inert material, each suture support segment having at least two suture holes spaced a predetermined distance (D) apart; individually suturing each discrete suture support segment to the vascular structure with one of the plurality of sutures by effecting a horizontal mattress (U-shaped) suture along the vascular structure through a length of tissue of the vascular structure such that the length (D') of tissue sutured is greater than distance (D); and tightening and tying off the suture, whereby each sutured suture support segment creates an imbrication in the vascular structure, thereby reducing the circumference thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflatable lumbar traction vest capable of both preventing spinal injuries, and facilitating the healing of existing spinal injuries. As disclosed, the vest of the present invention comprises an upper torso member, a lower belt member, and a plurality of vertical support members fixedly attached at each end to the upper and lower members, wherein each of the vertical support members contains therein an inflatable bladder in fluid connection to an inflation means.

Abstract: A circuit detectable arrangement of a plurality of medical electrodes is provided with each electrode having an electrically nonconductive backing layer, a layer of electrically conductive adhesive disposed on the backing layer and a lead wire extending therefrom and electrically connected with the conductive adhesive. More specifically, a first electrode is disposed on an electrically nonconductive liner, a second electrode is disposed on an electrically nonconductive liner, and an electrical connector is provided between the first and second electrodes for electrically completing a circuit connecting the lead wire of the first electrode to the lead wire of the second electrode. Preferably, the backing layers of the first and second electrodes each include a conductor portion, and the electrical connector is connected between the conductor portion of the backing layer of the first electrode and the conductor portion of the backing layer of the second electrode.

Abstract: A package of defibrillator electrodes having a date indication element and a circuit for determining a date of manufacture of medical electrodes within the package is provided. Specifically, by the circuit and package design of the present invention, the presence of a fresh package of electrodes can be detected. A circuit detectable package of medical electrodes is provided including first and second electrodes within the package. An electrical interconnection means is provided between the first and second electrodes for electrically completing a circuit connecting the lead wire of the first electrode to the lead wire of the second electrode, and includes a date identification element which when subjected to an applied voltage by way of the lead wires generates a measurable affect representative of the manufacturing period of the defibrillator electrodes. The date identification element may comprise a passive element, a value of which represents a date and can be measured.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional camouflaged garment that has an external surface, a first portion of the external surface being formed of a three dimensional material and a second portion of the external surface being formed of a two dimensional material.

Abstract: A bracket having at least two gripping members for releasably supporting, and, in turn, affixing an object to a surface. The operable distance between the gripping members may be adjusted to compensate for the width of the object. Each of the gripping members is maintained in a substantially equidistant position relative to a center region of the bracket. A movable lip member compensates for the thickness of the object and provides additional releasable securement of the object.

Abstract: A silicone paint brush artist's tool includes a handle and a novel painting tip. The painting tip is made of a resilient silicone having a generally three-dimensional paint contacting working surface that has a maximum cross-sectional diameter no larger than a maximum cross-sectional diameter of the handle. The tip is preferably attached to the handle using a ferrule and expansively locking the tip into a cavity of the ferrule by insertion of an insert. The insert may be a common screw or a barbed, fluted extension of the handle. The tips may include an insert cavity and have various shapes and hardnesses and may be optionally color coded. A formation method for the tool is disclosed with simultaneous insert insertion and joining of ferrules to handles. The ferrules also may be reversibly attached to the handle, in which case a kit comprising multiple interchangeable painting tips may be provided.

Abstract: A main sail's mast rope is inserted into a hollow profile, which is aerodynamically designed and hinged by at least one ring around a substantially round mast. The profile can rotate around the mast about 90.degree. on each side. The shape and function of the profile provide an ideal flow curve for air flow over the mast, profile and sail. The inside of the profile can be designed for roller reefing where the sail is rolled up on a stay provided inside the profile.