Abstract: An endoscopic delivery system is provided to deliver a functional device through the esophagus and into the stomach where it is attached the stomach wall The endoscopic instruments attach or remove the attachment devices and functional devices from the stomach and may be used to assist in determining the optimal attachment location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: Methods of denoising a neural recording signal include correlating a neural recording signal with a number of basis functions to obtain a number of weights and then multiplying the weights with the basis functions to obtain a denoised neural recording signal. The basis functions are derived using principal component analysis. Systems for denoising a neural recording signal include one or more devices configured to correlate a neural recording signal with the basis functions to obtain the weights and then multiply the weights with the basis functions to obtain the denoised neural recording signal.

Abstract: An exemplary system for providing power to a rechargeable battery in an implantable stimulator includes a first coil configured to emit a first magnetic field, a coil in the stimulator configured to receive the first magnetic field, and a zero volt recovery (ZVR) circuit in the stimulator configured to use the first magnetic field to cause the coil in the stimulator to be tuned to a frequency of a second magnetic field. The second magnetic field is used to provide the power to recharge the battery. An exemplary method of providing power to recharge a battery in an implantable stimulator includes transmitting a first magnetic field used to provide the power to recharge the battery, transmitting a second magnetic field; and using the second magnetic field to cause a coil in the stimulator to be tuned to a frequency of the first magnetic field.

Abstract: A system for collecting red blood cells (RBCs) and other blood components that reduces the need for human intervention. A disposable set is provided having a port, an RBC container, a centrifuge rotor having a variable total volume, and a filter, along with tubing connecting the port, the container, the rotor and the filter. A control unit is also provided and includes a spinner in which the rotor may be held, a flow-control arrangement for controlling flow among the various components of the disposable set, and an electronic controller. The whole blood is directed by the flow-control arrangement from the port through the tubing to the rotor. The rotor includes an elastic diaphragm, and the control unit's flow-control arrangement includes a pump or other device for applying a positive and negative pressure to the rotor's elastic diaphragm. The spinner rotates the rotor so as to separate the whole blood into plasma and RBCs.

Abstract: A method and recording for the use in achieving alpha and theta brainwave states and effecting positive emotional states in humans, is provided which includes a medium having a musical composition thereon with an initial tempo decreasing to a final tempo and verbal phrases recorded in synchrony with the decreasing tempo.

Abstract: An implantable cuff having an improved closure is disclosed. The closure has a set of small interdigitated tubes lying along the edges of a longitudinal slit opening in the cuff. A rod-like locking member is inserted through the interdigitated tubes to lock the cuff closed. A flexible flap attached to the inside of the cuff electrically and mechanically isolates the interior of the cuff from the exterior. The cuff has particular application as a nerve cuff for recording electrical nerve activity and for electrically stimulating nerves.

Abstract: An array of electrode sites are placed in a heart chamber. The shape of the chamber and the location of the electrodes is determined via impedance plethysmography. Electrical measurements taken from the electrode array and referenced to a surface contacting electrode is used to generate a three-dimensional map of electrical activity. A two-dimensional map of the electrical activity within the endocardial surface is also computed.

Abstract: A portable device for simply and quickly measuring nerve conduction velocities in patients so as to assist the physician in diagnosing the onset of conditions that can cause permanent damage to the patient's nerves and muscles. The device is pocket-size, hand-held and battery-operated, and therefore it can be used by the physician on a day to day basis to provide a useful, objective parameter of the patient's clinical progress.

Abstract: In an apparatus which produces and delivers water vapor upon the skin of an animate subject for dermatological purposes, circuitry monitors the fluid level of a heated container and disables the heating element thereof. When the water level drops, resistance in a temperature sensitive device drops disabling voltage to the heating element via the control circuitry. The control circuit cuts off power to the heating element and is capable of producing a warning signal. Also provided in combination therewith are a vapor ionizer and means utilizing capacitive discharge technology for stepping up voltage to a vapor ionizing electrode coil member.