Abstract: System and methods for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are described in which regions adjacent (e.g., to the sides and behind the TMS electromagnet) are protected from the high magnetic fields emitted by the TMS electromagnet. Thus, adjacent muscle or neural structures are protected and undesirable side effects are avoid or minimized, allowing stimulation from previously unavailable sites such as the mouth and pharynx.

Abstract: Described herein are Transcranial Magnetic Simulation (TMS) systems and methods of using them for emitting focused, or shaped, magnetic fields for TMS. In particular, described herein are arrays of TMS electromagnets comprising at least one primary (e.g., central) TMS electromagnet and a plurality of secondary (e.g., lateral or surrounding) TMS electromagnets. The secondary TMS electromagnets are arranged around the primary TMS electromagnet(s), and are typically configured to be synchronously fired with the primary TMS electromagnets. Secondary TMS electromagnets may be fired at a fraction of the power used to energize the primary TMS electromagnet to shape the resulting magnetic field. The secondary TMS electromagnets may be stimulated at opposite polarity to the primary TMS electromagnet(s). Focusing in this manner may prevent or reduce stimulation of adjacent non-target brain regions.

Abstract: When a mechanical frame or gantry is used to move one or more electromagnets about a subject, the pulsed magnetic fields of the magnets need to be triggered, but only when the coil is in an appropriate physical position. Trigger points are established along the movement pathway (e.g., along the support frame) for the electromagnets that trigger the pulsation of the current being supplied to the given electromagnet. Use of the present invention allows firing of a magnetic coil to coordinate with the position of that coil, without need for expensive robotics or computerized motion control.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) are provided for synchronous, asynchronous, or independent triggering the firing multiple of electromagnets from either a single power source or multiple energy sources. These methods are particularly useful for stimulation of deep (e.g., sub-cortical) brain regions, or for stimulation of multiple brain regions, since controlled magnetic pulses reaching the deep target location may combine to form a patterned pulse train that activates the desired volume of target tissue. Furthermore, the methods, devices and systems described herein may be used to control the rate of firing of action potentials in one or more brain regions, such as slow or fast rate rTMS. For example, described herein are multiple electromagnetic stimulation sources, each of which are activated independently to create a cumulative effect at the intersections of the electromagnetic stimulation trajectories, typically by means of a computerized calculation.

Abstract: Hypertension may be caused by central nervous system-mediated effort to maintain a certain level of blood flow within the brain. A method is described for using neuromodulation techniques to lower central drive for hypertension.

Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. In one example, embodiments involve methods for stimulating target cells using a photosensitive protein that allows the target cells to be stimulated in response to light. In another specific example embodiment, target cells are stimulated using an implantable arrangement. The arrangement includes an electrical light-generation means for generating light and a biological portion. The biological portion has a photosensitive bio-molecular arrangement that responds to the generated light by stimulating target cells in vivo. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems and methods for screening chemicals based screening chemicals to identify their effects on cell membrane ion channels and pumps, and to systems and methods for controlling an action potential of neuron (e.g., in vivo and in vitro environments).

Abstract: Described herein are devices and method for control and coordination of TMS electromagnets for modulation of deep brain targets. For example, described herein are methods and devices for stimulating neural structures within the brain using multi-coil arrays. Also described herein are devices and methods that relate generally to the focusing of magnetic fields generated by electromagnets used for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Devices and methods relating generally to the focusing of magnetic fields generated by electromagnets used for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation are also described, as well as devices and methods that relate generally to moving and positioning electromagnets generating magnetic fields used for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Finally, also described are devices and methods that relate generally to control of moving, positioning, and activating electromagnets generating magnetic fields used for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for removal and disposal of ammonia from spent dialysate in a dialysis system. Ammonium ions present in spent dialysate are converted into gaseous ammonia by raising the pH of the spent dialysate solution in a first reactor. Gaseous ammonia diffuses through a semi-permeable hydrophobic membrane at the outlet of the first reactor and into a second reactor via a gas channel. The second reactor converts gaseous ammonia into an ammonium compound for easy disposal.

Abstract: Techniques for applying electromagnetic energy to deep, targeted areas without overwhelming other areas are provided. One or more coils are moved relative to a target area and magnetic fields are applied to the target from multiple coil locations. As a result, the aggregate electromagetic energy applied to the target over time is greater than surrounding areas. Additionally, a model for testing and treatment planning is provided.

Abstract: The treatment of specific neurological and psychiatric illnesses using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) requires that specific neuroanatomical structures are targeted using specific pulse parameters. Described herein are methods of positioning and powering TMS electromagnets to selectively stimulate a deep brain target region while minimizing the impact on non-target regions between the TMS electromagnet and the target. Use of these configurations may involve a combination of physical, spatial and/or temporal summation. Specific approaches to achieving temporal summation are detailed.

Abstract: Techniques for applying electromagnetic energy to deep, targeted areas without overwhelming other areas are provided. One or more coils are moved relative to a target area and magnetic fields are applied to the target from multiple coil locations. As a result, the aggregate electromagetic energy applied to the target over time is greater than surrounding areas. Additionally, a model for testing and treatment planning is provided.

Abstract: Efficient use of multi-coil arrays for magnetic nerve stimulation depends upon coordinating the coil polarity, the pulse phase and the pulse timing. Monophasic magnetic nerve stimulators produce more precise and predictable results in the stimulation of nerves than biphasic and polyphasic machines, but are less electrically efficient, and consequently limited in terms of pulse train speed. The present invention concerns the coordination of pulse polarity, phase, timing, and strength between multiple magnetic stimulation coils. The goal is to optimize the manner in which multiple coils may be used synergistically to control the activity of underlying neural tissue.

Abstract: Systems using RFID tags to identify subjects or objects using RFID readers located on a subject or in a suitable enclosure with associated host computers, stimulus generators and associated output devices are provided. The interactions can generate immediate or delayed stimuli involving one or more output types as well as recording of events.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing data and verifying the data accuracy, includes a structured document having defined regions dealing with different categories. Dictionaries specific to the categories are included to check the accuracy. of words and phrases in the various regions. Points are allocated to the entered data to facilitate subsequent decision making, and a facility is provided to maximize the accumulation of points by visually indicating regions that could potentially be filled in to increase points most effectively. Preferably data is entered orally by a user into a computer system, and transcribed using speech-recognition software. The user is prompted for data entry, and the prompting mechanism may follow a predefined pattern and speed, or be adjustable by the user, or be adjusted by the computer by monitoring past user behavior.

Abstract: The present invention detects how much air is inhaled through the inhaler with what time course (including such derived measurements as how much volume is inspired within the bounds of a given flow range) as well as certain events such as the triggering of the release of aerosol. The system can be set up to compare the resultant time course to either (a) a standard target envelope (e.g., one or more of flow, volume, and time) for that patient programmed into the intelligent inhalation device by a healthcare professional. Based on the comparison, the success or failure of effective inhaler actuation and aerosol inspiration can be signaled to the patient (e.g., visually or through sound) and may be recorded with a time and date stamp for later decoding and evaluation of the invention, the device would also possess the ability to signal the patient to continue post-inspiratory breath holding for use in interpreting the success of medication delivery.

Abstract: An apparatus for interactive training of a patient in the use of an aerosol inhaler includes a feedback display based upon air flow versus volume data in order to train patients to use a proper sequence of inhalation steps to insure maximum delivery of an aerosol pharmaceutical to target sites in the lungs. Flow and volume data are displayed to provide the patient and physician with a real-time, interactive representation of the inhalation process. Visual feedback to the patient includes a portrayal of the lungs which may be either three dimensional or an outline form in addition to or instead of an X-Y display. An important element of visual feedback is the portrayal of the distribution of representative droplets of aerosol medication in various stages of inhalation and breath holding. Thus, the patient is provided with meaningful feedback representative of the actual distribution of aerosol medication.