Abstract: A parachute structure includes two canopies. A primary canopy has a central air vent. The primary canopy is attached to an object by primary suspension lines for reducing the velocity of descent of the object. A secondary canopy captures air that exits from the central air vent of the primary canopy. The secondary canopy is attached to the object by control lines. Control of the direction and rate of descent of the parachute is accomplished by adjusting the length of the control lines by way of actuators to alter the distance between the secondary canopy and the primary canopy. Symmetrical changes in the length of suspension lines alter the velocity of descent of the object while asymmetric change steer of the object. In some embodiments, liquid jets ejected from the object increase deceleration and change direction and exterior air bags are deployed to cushion the object from damage.

Abstract: A pacemaker defibrillator system implantable in the intercostal space of a mammalian patient is configured with sensors to sense electrical, mechanical and blood flow activity of the heart from the base to the apex, and the patient position, and to generate corresponding signals responsive to the sensed cardiac situation, as well as to provide instantaneous display of the cardiac situation and the system operational situation using an LCD and multicolor LEDs generating signals which can be seen through the skin of the patient. The system includes at least two flexible electrical generators contoured to conform to the anatomy of the intercostal space and embedded with electrodes for measuring electrical activity, as well as echocardiographic piezoelectric electrodes for measuring mechanical activity of the heart and Doppler blood flow.

Abstract: A collision detection system has one or more sensors for determining an instantaneous velocity of a vehicle. A computer is interfaced to the one or more sensors. The computer obtains the instantaneous velocity of the vehicle from the one or more sensors. The computer is operatively configured to execute software that operates the computer to iteratively calculate an acceleration of the vehicle as a rate of change of the instantaneous velocity over a period of time. The software declares a collision when the acceleration is greater than a predetermined value (e.g. 1.1 g) or the acceleration is less than a predetermined negative value (e.g. ?1.1 g). In another embodiment, the microprocessor declares a collision when the acceleration/deceleration or the turning angle or the turning radius values exceed factory setting for the vehicle. The software determines the severity of collision based on the magnitude of deviation from the predetermined values.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system includes one or more sensors interfaced to an index vehicle and a computer that is operatively interfaced to the one or more sensors, thereby the computer obtains sensor data from the one or more sensors. One or more propulsion devices are operatively coupled to the computer such that the computer controls activation of each propulsion device. The computer executes software that causes the computer to iteratively calculate a size of a safety zone based upon the sensor data and to iteratively determine if an object enters the safety zone as well as if a collision with the object is imminent. If it is determined that the collision with the object is imminent, the software causes the computer to signal one or more of the propulsion devices to emit a jet of liquid, thereby decelerating and/or changing direction of the index vehicle and/or of the object.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system includes one or more sensors interfaced to an index vehicle and a computer that is operatively interfaced to the one or more sensors, thereby the computer obtains sensor data from the one or more sensors. One or more propulsion devices are operatively coupled to the computer such that the computer controls activation of each propulsion device. The computer executes software that causes the computer to iteratively calculate a size of a safety zone based upon the sensor data and to iteratively determine if an object enters the safety zone as well as if a collision with the object is imminent. If it is determined that the collision with the object is imminent, the software causes the computer to signal one or more of the propulsion devices to emit a jet of liquid, thereby decelerating and/or changing direction of the index vehicle and/or of the object.

Abstract: A collision prevention system has one or more sensors for determining an instantaneous velocity of a vehicle. A computer is interfaced to the one or more sensors. The computer obtains the instantaneous velocity of the vehicle from the one or more sensors. The computer is operatively configured to execute software that operates the computer to display a dynamic safety zone in front of the vehicle that is visible to other vehicles that may merge into that vehicles lane, signaling the other vehicles to merge in front of the vehicle if the safety zone is shrinking or behind the vehicle if the safety zone is enlarging.

Abstract: A system applies and senses electrical energy to and from tissue within a patient's body. The system includes a steerable delivery catheter, housing a flexible shaft and an electrical generator disposed on or embedded within the flexible shaft. Electrodes coupled to the shaft self-expand radially from a compressed position to an expanded position once the delivery catheter is withdrawn, thereby contacting a wall of the tissue of the patient's body to conduct electrical or other signals. The system may be inserted into the coronary sinus and tributary vein to provide physiological pacing to the His bundle and left ventricle. Further, the system provides for controlled passive transmission of normal electric impulses from the atria to the His bundle and ventricles without the need for an embedded generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing electricity from a combination of three sources: ocean waves, wind and solar, includes converting an upward and downward motion of a buoyant platform into a rotational motion of a shaft using a plurality of blades mounted to the shaft, the blades causing the shaft to rotate from internal wind energy as the blades move up and down within a cavity. The shaft is coupled to a generator for producing electricity. A wind turbine is mounted to the buoyant platform for converting wind energy into electricity. Further, solar panels are included, for example, mounted to the buoyant platform and/or turbine blades of the wind turbine, the solar panels also generate electricity when exposed to light.

Abstract: A pacemaker system is configured to sense electrical and mechanical activity of the heart tissue within a mammalian body and to generate a corresponding signal responsive to the sensed cardiac activity. The system includes a flexible electrical generator that contains EKG (ECG) electrodes for measuring electrical activity and ECHO piezoelectric electrodes for measuring mechanical activity of the heart and Doppler blood flow. The generator is embedded in a flexible shield, and is contoured to conform to the anatomy of the intercostal space to be embedded between the ribs of a patient and in the position overlying the heart. The system provides for pacing as well as defibrillation, responsive to the readings of the heart activities. A microprocessor analyzes a cardiac situation, based on the sensor's readings, produces a diagnosis, and generates control signals, such as “pacing pulse” in a life-threatening situation, or “observe” in a non life-threatening situation.

Abstract: A collision detection system has one or more sensors for determining an instantaneous velocity of a vehicle. A computer is interfaced to the one or more sensors. The computer obtains the instantaneous velocity of the vehicle from the one or more sensors. The computer is operatively configured to execute software that operates the computer to iteratively calculate an acceleration of the vehicle as a rate of change of the instantaneous velocity over a period of time. The software declares a collision when the acceleration is greater than a predetermined value (e.g. 1.1 g) or the acceleration is less than a predetermined negative value (e.g. ?1.1 g). In another embodiment, the microprocessor declares a collision when the acceleration/deceleration or the turning angle or the turning radius values exceed factory setting for the vehicle. The software determines the severity of collision based on the magnitude of deviation from the predetermined values.

Abstract: A collision prevention system has one or more sensors for determining an instantaneous velocity of a vehicle. A computer is interfaced to the one or more sensors. The computer obtains the instantaneous velocity of the vehicle from the one or more sensors. The computer is operatively configured to execute software that operates the computer to display a dynamic safety zone in front of the vehicle that is visible to other vehicles that may merge into that vehicles lane, signaling the other vehicles to merge in front of the vehicle if the safety zone is shrinking or behind the vehicle if the safety zone is enlarging.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and avoiding a collision includes measuring speed of one or more vehicles and at least one parameter indicating road surface and condition, weather, and tire pressure. Rear image dimensions are proportional to the speed of the trailing vehicle and front image dimensions are proportional to the speed of the index vehicle. The timing of the projected images will allow for safe deceleration of trailing and of the index vehicles The images are projected either as flat images on the roadway or three-dimensional (holographic) images. The occurrence and severity of a collision is defined by the rate of change in dimensions of the projected images that exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to a deceleration or acceleration of more than 1.1 g. Collision data measured by vehicle or extra vehicular (such as GPS) sensors are instantly stored and transmitted to the police department and emergency medical services.

Abstract: A system for relocating polluted air includes a tubular chamber with an inlet at one end, an outlet at a end, and auxiliary venturi inlets between the inlet and the outlet. There is at least one fan arranged within the tubular chamber. The fan flows air from outside of the tubular chamber, through the tubular chamber and out of the tubular chamber through the outlet. A compression chamber compresses air before entering the heating chamber. There is at least one heating element within the heating chamber. The heating element(s) heat the air, thereby increasing the velocity of the air through the tubular chamber. The air exits the tubular chamber through the outlet, directed vertically and upward towards upper strata of the atmosphere to redirect the air (and pollutants) into the upper strata of the atmosphere. In some embodiments, filters and scrubbers are provided within the tubular chamber for reducing pollutants.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and avoiding a collision includes measuring speed of one or more vehicles and at least one parameter indicating road surface and condition, weather, and tire pressure. Rear image dimensions are proportional to the speed of the trailing vehicle and front image dimensions are proportional to the speed of the index vehicle. The timing of the projected images will allow for safe deceleration of trailing and of the index vehicles The images are projected either as flat images on the roadway or three-dimensional (holographic) images. The occurrence and severity of a collision is defined by the rate of change in dimensions of the projected images that exceeds a predetermined value corresponding to a deceleration or acceleration of more than 1.1 g. Collision data measured by vehicle or extra vehicular (such as GPS) sensors are instantly stored and transmitted to the police department and emergency medical services.

Abstract: A system to generate and sense electrical energy to and from tissue within a mammalian body. The system includes a flexible shaft and an electrical generator disposed on or embedded within the flexible shaft. Radially displaceable arcuate arm members forming electrodes are displaceable responsive to actuation of the electrical generator.

Abstract: A catheter with an improved retaining, activation and locking features is provided which is a safe device with reduced irritation and discomfort for a patient. The retaining mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the catheter assumes a “closed” position for introduction and removal of the catheter into and from the body cavity of a patient, and is transitioned into the “open” position when the catheter is positioned within the body cavity by mechanically manipulating the retaining mechanism through an activation mechanism having a piston member slideably displaceable within a cylinder housing member. A locking mechanism is included for maintaining the catheter in the “open” position.

Abstract: An electrical lead system includes a shaft to which a series of expandable ring electrodes are attached that follows the contour of the vascular or muscular structures of the heart, such as cardiac veins, arteries, atrial appendages and trabeculae, and provides sensing of electrical cardiac impulses, pacing and high voltage shock or defibrillation. The lead system uses a variety of energy sources to stimulate the heart, such as ultrasound, electromagnetic and electric impulses.

Abstract: An electrical lead system includes a shaft to which a series of expandable ring electrodes are attached that follows the contour of the vascular or muscular structures of the heart, such as cardiac veins, arteries, atrial appendages and trabeculae, and provides sensing of electrical cardiac impulses, pacing and high voltage shock or defibrillation. The lead system uses a variety of energy sources to stimulate the heart, such as ultrasound, electromagnetic and electric impulses.

Abstract: A urinary catheter with an improved retaining and activating feature is provided which is a safe device with reduced irritation and discomfort to a patient. The retaining mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the catheter assumes a “closed” state for introduction and removal of the catheter into and from the urethral tract, and is transitioned into the “open” state when the catheter is in the bladder by mechanically manipulating the retaining mechanism through an activation mechanism having a syringe based actuator with a plunger selectively displaceable within a receiving member.

Abstract: A urinary catheter with an improved retaining and activating feature is provided which is a safe device with reduced irritation and discomfort to a patient. The retaining mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the catheter assumes a “close” state for introduction and removal of the catheter into and from the urethral tract, and is transitioned into the “open” state when the catheter is in the bladder by mechanically manipulating the retaining mechanism through the activation mechanism. An actuating linkage wire connected between the retaining mechanism and activation mechanism controllably reciprocates in the channel of the catheter to transition the catheter between the “open” and “closed” states.