Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for simultaneously stimulating the spinal anatomy at various locations, such as spinal levels, along the spinal cord. By stimulating multiple levels of the spinal column with the use of a single device, a single access path is created to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) rather than individual access paths for each lead at each spinal level to an IPG. By reducing the number of pathways, the procedure complexity, time and recovery are reduced. In addition, some embodiments provide additional specificity within each targeted level, such as selective stimulation of specific tissue, such as the dorsal root ganglion.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are provided to efficiently identify, from among a plurality of possible neurostimulation parameter sets, one or more preferred neurostimulation parameter sets that treat a targeted pain of a patient. A plurality of different neurostimulation parameter sets are tested on the patient to thereby identify those tested neurostimulation parameter sets that treat the targeted pain. Each of the tested neurostimulation parameter sets defines an electrode configuration that differs from the other tested neurostimulation parameter sets.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein can be used to automatically turn on and off stimulation of a target dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and/or adjust stimulation parameters. At least one of an input signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent distal sensory nerve fibers toward the target DRG), an output signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent proximal sensory nerve fibers away from the target DRG) or a DRG signal (indicative of an electrical field produced by cell bodies of primary sensory neurons within the target DRG and resulting from an electrical signal propagated by sensory nerve fibers within the target DRG) is/are obtained and analyzed. Delivery of electrical stimulation is turned on and off and/or at least one of pulse amplitude, pulse width and/or pulse repetition rate is/are adjusted based on results of the analysis.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an antenna for a medical device, e.g., an implantable medical device (IMD), comprises an electrically conductive wire that spirals to form a three-dimensional shape of a rectangular cuboid. In another embodiment, the antenna comprises an electrically conductive wire that spirals to form a three-dimensional shape of an elliptical cylinder, an oval cylinder, an elongated pentagonal prism, an elongated hexagonal prism, or some other shape where the longitudinal diameter of the antenna is greater than the lateral diameter of the antenna. The antennas are sized to fit within a portion of a header of the medical device. Such antennas are designed to provide increased antenna gain and antenna bandwidth.

Abstract: Articulable introducer sheaths and related methods and systems for accessing various surgical sites are disclosed. An introducer sheath comprises a tubular body and a filament. The tubular body has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a central lumen. The filament is constrained on or within at least a portion of the proximal portion and unconstrained over at least a portion of the distal portion. The distal end of the filament is held or attached near a distal end of the tubular body so that advancement of the filament relative to the tubular body causes the unconstrained portion to bow out or extend radially outward, such as to engage a body tissue so as to steer the tubular body when the tubular body has been introduced into a surgical site, such as an epidural space. A surgical tool or medical implant can then be advanced through the sheath.

Abstract: Construction systems for erecting building structures comprise a plurality of prefabricated interconnectable modular building units, each unit comprising framing members and a plurality of nodes, each node situated for selective interconnection with other units, the nodes and the exterior dimensions of the frame conforming to ISO shipping standards such that each unit is transportable using the ISO intermodal transportation system, and such that when the units are interconnected, a building structure is formed. The modular units are assembled at a remote location, and are there constructed to a semi-finished state, following which the semi-finished modular units are transported from the remote location to the job site, where they are secured to form the structure being erected, and the semi-finished modular units are thereafter constructed to a finished state.

Abstract: A sub-system for controlling a medical device comprises memory including a first table and a second table. The first table stores blocks of event data corresponding to events that are to be performed during a period of time (e.g., a 0.5 sec. or 1 sec. period of time). The second table stores blocks of time data corresponding to the period of time. The implantable stimulation system also includes a direct memory access (DMA) controller including a first DMA channel and a second DMA channel. The first DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks event data from the first table to one or more registers that are used to control events. The second DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks of time data from the second table to a timer that is used to control timing associated with the events.

Abstract: A quick pass exit/entrance installation and method is particularly adaptable for controlling and monitoring the exit and return of vehicles to and from a secured area. The identification of the driver and the vehicle is automatically determined and the exiting transaction is undertaken while the driver remains seated in the vehicle. The vehicle VIN and the image of the license plate may be automatically obtained at both the exit and entrance lanes. An image of substantially all four sides of the vehicle may be automatically obtained on both exiting and entering the facility. The information is processed and receipts are issued while the driver remains seated in the vehicle.

Abstract: A current-driven load such as LEDs or laser diodes is driven by a current driver having a two stages (or phases), the outputs of which have ripple which is forced to be out-of-phase with one another. In analog embodiments, an output (ripple or switching) of a master stage hysteresis controller is phase-shifted and scaled, and modulates the input of a slave stage hysteresis controller so that the slave stage pulls into a ripple-canceling phase. In digital embodiments, a faster of the two phases is designated “master”, maximum and minimum thresholds are set, and the slave phase's on time is based on a previous cycle's slave phase ON time, the master stage OFF time and an offset. The slave controller may “lock” to the anti-phase of the master stage (or phase). The ripple currents at the summed output of the master and slave stages substantially cancel.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide neurostimulation systems adapted for selective neurostimulation of one or more nerve root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided to modulate portions of neural tissue of the nervous system, such as portions of the central nervous system or portions of the peripheral nervous system. In some embodiments, the systems and devices of the present invention are used to stimulate one or more dorsal root ganglia, dorsal roots, dorsal root entry zones, or portions thereof, while minimizing or excluding undesired stimulation of other tissues, such as surrounding or nearby tissues, ventral root and portions of the anatomy associated with body regions which are not targeted for treatment. In other embodiments, the systems and devices are used to stimulate portions of the peripheral nervous system. In some embodiments, the modulation generates a massaging sensation, particularly when stimulating neural tissue on particular spinal levels, such as L2 or L3.

Abstract: A kiosk has a transaction terminal which is suspended between a pair of uprights. A cover is rotatably positionable between a closed position and an opened position to allow access to said terminal. The cover has a transparent, arcuate hood-like shape. The cover is maintainable in a stable opened position and is automatically returnable to the closed position. A solar array and/or communication equipment may be located above the transaction terminal.

Abstract: A technique for providing range correction values in a laser rangefinder range processor uses return pulse width (rather than return pulse amplitude) for correcting amplitude (range walk) and speed of light problems. A plurality of range correction values may be generated in a test setup (by simulating return pulse delays) and stored in a lookup table based on return pulse width, nominal range (time of return), and other factors such as temperature and pressure. The technique is also capable of correcting other problems such as receiver delay. The technique allows for the use of a saturating preamplifier with the increased sensitivity that it offers, and is relatively simple to implement, as it may be embedded within a digital processor (DSP) or gate array that is normally present for a basic range counter implementation.

Abstract: A service line safety monitor which may be configured as a separate module or incorporated into an EVSE is adapted to monitor the connection with the service line to determine whether there is a defect in the connection. The module preferably employs a current transformer to determine a no-load and a load applied to the EVSE. Comparisons are made to determine whether there is a power loss. In the event of a power loss beyond a safe limit, the monitor disconnects the EVSE from the service line. A warning indicator is also employed.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation system (e.g., an implantable neurostimulation system (INS)) comprises memory including a first table and a second table. The first table stores blocks of stimulation event data corresponding to stimulation events that are to be performed during a period of time (e.g., a 0.5 sec. or 1 sec. period of time). The second table stores blocks of next stimulation event time data corresponding to the period of time. The implantable stimulation system also includes a direct memory access (DMA) controller including a first DMA channel and a second DMA channel. The first DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks stimulation event data from the first table to one or more registers that are used to control stimulation events. The second DMA channel selectively transfers one of the blocks of next stimulation event time data from the second table to a timer that is used to control timing associated with the stimulation events.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for anchoring medical devices to hard tissues, such as bones or bony structures, particularly vertebrae. By anchoring these medical devices directly to the surrounding hard tissue, the devices are anchored closer to the source of treatment. This provides additional stability and reduces migration of the device at the treatment site. Also, by attaching to hard tissue rather than soft tissue, a stronger attachment is often able to be made.