Abstract: The present invention describes a torch for producing a plasma for a spectrochemical analysis comprising: an alumina ceramic injector, a vitreous material inner tube concentric with the injector, and an annular joint between the injector and the inner tube. The joint fixedly attaches the injector and the inner tube together and comprises of an adhesive compatible with vitreous material and alumina ceramic. A method of manufacturing the torch is also described.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for applying electrical impulse(s) to one or more selected nerves in or around the carotid sheath are described. An electrode assembly is introduced through a percutaneous penetration in a patient to a target location adjacent to, or in close proximity with, the carotid sheath. Once in position, one or more electrical impulses are applied through the electrode assembly to one or more selected nerves to stimulate, block or otherwise modulate the nerve(s) and acutely treat the patient's condition.

Abstract: The present invention describes a torch for producing a plasma for a spectrochemical analysis comprising: an alumina ceramic injector, a vitreous material inner tube concentric with the injector, and an annular joint between the injector and the inner tube. The joint fixedly attaches the injector and the inner tube together and comprises of an adhesive compatible with vitreous material and alumina ceramic. A method of manufacturing the torch is also described.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma and anaphylaxis wherein the treatment includes providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve and/or the lungs of a patient suffering from bronchial constriction.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma and anaphylaxis wherein the treatment includes providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve and/or the lungs of a patient suffering from bronchial constriction.

Abstract: A reversible vacuum filter cartridge for connection to a pair of tubes or other entities to filter a liquid medium placed in one of the tubes or other entities is described. The filter cartridge is comprised of a male coupling and a female coupling. The couplings are interconnected to one another by simply pushing a mating projection of the male coupling into a mating cavity of the female coupling. A connecting port is provided in the male and female coupling and has a conduit communicating with tube connecting ends of each of the couplings which communicate with an open end of a tube connected to each of the couplings. The connecting port is identical in each of the couplings and serves either as vacuum port or an air intake port. A filter disk is retained captive between perforated outer walls of each of the couplings when interconnected together in fluid-tight relationship.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma and anaphylaxis wherein the treatment includes providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve and/or the lungs of a patient suffering from bronchial constriction.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease wherein the treatment includes stimulating selected nerve fibers responsible for smooth muscle dilation at a selected region within a patient's neck, thereby reducing the magnitude of constriction of bronchial smooth muscle.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease wherein the treatment includes stimulating selected nerve fibers responsible for smooth muscle dilation at a selected region within a patient's neck, thereby reducing the magnitude of constriction of bronchial smooth muscle.

Abstract: This relates to a device for treating lung disease, and more particularly, relates to a device for exchanging energy with airway tissue such as that found in the airways of human lungs. The exchange of energy with this airway tissue in the airways reduces the ability of the airways to constrict and/or reduces the resistance within the airway to the flow of air through the airway.

Abstract: This relates to a device for treating lung disease, and more particularly, relates to a device for exchanging energy with airway tissue such as that found in the airways of human lungs. The exchange of energy with this airway tissue in the airways reduces the ability of the airways to constrict and/or reduces the resistance within the airway to the flow of air through the airway.

Abstract: A reversible vacuum filter cartridge for connection to a pair of tubes or other entities to filter a liquid medium placed in one of the tubes or other entities is described. The filter cartridge is comprised of a male coupling and a female coupling. The couplings are interconnected to one another by simply pushing a mating projection of the male coupling into a mating cavity of the female coupling. A connecting port is provided in the male and female coupling and has a conduit communicating with tube connecting ends of each of the couplings which communicate with an open end of a tube connected to each of the couplings. The connecting port is identical in each of the couplings and serves either as vacuum port or an air intake port. A filter disk is retained captive between perforated outer walls of each of the couplings when interconnected together in fluid-tight relationship.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus proved for: simultaneously monitoring at least one of nerve and muscle electrical activity on respective sides of a target plexus of a patient; identifying desired electrical activity of at least one of nerves and muscles on both sides of the target plexus based on the monitored activity; and modulating the electrical activity of the at least one of nerves and muscles on both sides of the target plexus to achieve a therapeutic result.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma and anaphylaxis wherein the treatment includes providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve and/or the lungs of a patient suffering from bronchial constriction.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for reducing the volume of a lung. A plurality of anchors are anchored at different positions in the lung. A cord is attached to each of the anchors. The anchors are drawn towards one another via the cords to cause the lung to collapse, thus compressing the tissue in the lung and establishing a reduction in lung volume.

Abstract: The devices and methods disclosed herein are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, these devices and methods produce and to maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that expired air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. The devices and methods also disclose locating and selecting a site for creation of a collateral opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptively despreading a direct sequence spread spectrum signal. The direct sequence spread spectrum signal is provided to a transversal filter. The output of the filter is demodulated to provide a soft symbol. The soft symbol is provided to an error corrector which generates an error corrected version of the soft symbol, referred to as a hard symbol. The value of the hard symbol is subtracted from the soft symbol to generate an error symbol. The error symbol is then used to compute tap values of the transversal filter by an LMS algorithm.

Abstract: Seed and/or fertilizer or similar particulate material is fed by a seed cup assembly or the like from a hopper to a main conduit through which air is passing at a rate sufficient to ensure that the material is picked up by the air stream and transported thereby. A main distributor head receives the material and feeds it pneumatically to a plurality of secondary distributor heads. A plurality of feed conduits extends from each secondary distributing head one to each of the seed outlets provided adjacent the furrow openers of the assembly. Each distributor head is provided with tapered restrictors which concentrate the material centrally so that it strikes the curved upper end centrally and is thus spread evenly to all of the conduits extending from the manifold thus ensuring even distribution of the material.