Abstract: Neuromuscular stimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin outside the body or worn or carried by the patient. The assemblies, systems, and methods include an electrode sized and configured for implantation in tissue, a percutaneous lead electrically coupled to the electrode, a carrier sized and configured to be carried by the patient and to hold a power source, an electronics pod removably carried on-board the carrier and including circuitry configured to generate a stimulation pulse, and an electrode connection element carried on-board the carrier that is electrically coupled to the electronics pod. Instructions furnished by a clinician or caregiver or physician prescribe the release and replacement of a disposable battery according to a prescribed battery replacement regime.

Abstract: A system for fluid treatment that provides alternative regeneration cycles within the same fluid treatment device. A second alternative regeneration cycle is available within the same device, which has independent cycles or processes from the first regeneration cycle. The first and second regeneration cycles can be programmed at the same time and be programmed to alternatively run based upon the number of individual cycles run, the time the cycles have run, the amount of fluid that has passed through the device, or the concentration of brine and/or chlorine in the fluid within the device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods reduce levels of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators in blood by selective adsorption. The devices, systems, and methods are useful in situations where abnormal levels of or unregulated or excessive interaction among pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators occur, or during events that do induce or have the potential for inducing abnormal production of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators. The devices, systems, and methods serve to prevent, control, reduce, or alleviate the severity of the inflammatory response and disease states that are associated with abnormal levels of or unregulated or excessive interaction among pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory stimulators or mediators.

Abstract: A reservoir assembly is disclosed including a one-piece integrally formed fluid level switch housing and outlet wherein the switch housing can be rotated 360 degrees about its longitudinal axis to locate the outlet at any desired position. A conventional fitting may be integrally formed at the outlet. The orientation of the outlet may be changed at any time after the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply a suture within a blood vessel lumen. The systems and methods advance within a blood vessel lumen a catheter tube having a distal region that carries a suture applicator. The systems and methods operate the suture applicator from a location external to the blood vessel lumen to apply a suture to an interior wall of a blood vessel lumen.

Abstract: An epidermal lifting mechanism (10) comprising at least one strip of flexible material (50), first and second end portions (60), a middle portion (70), adhesive material (40), a plurality of resilient spring structures (20, 22, 24) extending through the at least one strip of flexible material, and a flap mechanism (80) integral with the middle portion.

Abstract: A fluid contamination analyzer employs one or more MEMS-based sensors. The sensors are incorporated into probes or alternatively may be employed in an in-line analyzer residing in the fluid. The sensors, which can be selective to detect a distinct contaminant within the fluid, sense an impedance of the fluid, which is a function of its contamination and communicates the impedance to analysis circuitry.

Abstract: A vacuum wheel for securing and retaining various sizes of stretchable film is disclosed. The outer surface of the vacuum wheel includes an advantageous pattern of vacuum openings and vacuum slots, wherein the vacuum slots provide vacuum communication between at least two of the vacuum openings. A preferred embodiment provides a chevron or zig-zag shaped pattern of vacuum openings and vacuum slots configured to provide improved vacuum holding strength.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas generator in the form of a reformer is used to produce a reformate gas containing hydrogen and at least one other component for use as a fuel or part of a fuel for a compression engine. The hydrogen containing gas blend or mix is used as one component of a fuel for the engine using hydrogen assisted combustion. The hydrogen containing gas produced as the reformate does not require the non hydrogen components to be removed from the gas prior to introduction to the engine either directly or indirectly. This provides a significant saving in cost as pure hydrogen is no longer required for hydrogen assisted combustion.

Abstract: A modular pontoon boat assembly comprising a railing assembly, a deck assembly comprising a plurality of panels, each of said panels interfitting with an adjacent panel. The deck assembly and the railing assembly are coupled to one another. A plurality of spaced apart cross supports supporting the deck assembly and are releasably secured to a plurality of pontoons. A carrier for the disassembled pontoon boat is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention proposes a new, improved method and apparatus for applying web segments to a traveling web. These web segments, sometimes called ears or wings, may be asymmetrical or otherwise incompatible with the usual slip-and-cut method. The asymmetrical shape may have differing web tensions which can cause the web segments to be improperly engaged with the vacuum holes on an anvil roll. The present invention utilizes both circumferential rows of vacuum holes and an additional pattern of ear retaining vacuum holes. The circumferential rows of vacuum holes are activated consecutively by vacuum commutation, however, the pattern of ear retaining vacuum holes are activated simultaneously to counter the effects of differing web tensions on the ear portions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an ammonia content of an ammonia-based atmosphere. The systems and methods provide a measurement vessel (70). The systems and methods provide an ammonia-based atmosphere conveyed into the measurement vessel (70). The systems and methods provide water conveyed into the measurement vessel (70), with the water causing dissociation of the ammonia from the atmosphere within the measurement vessel (70). The systems and methods measure a flow rate of water into the measurement vessel (70) during the dissociation. The systems and methods determine the ammonia content in the atmosphere based, at least in part, upon the flow rate of water.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and/or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow.