Abstract: A digital cross connect includes a first transport switch that grooms inbound traffic for at least one local switch and a second transport switch that grooms outbound traffic for the local switch(es). The transport switches may operate independently. The local switch(es) may be protocol switches. The digital cross connect may be deployed in a central office in an electrical, optical, or wireless network.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging catheter is disclosed that includes a thermistor mounted on the catheter in the vicinity of the ultrasound transducer for monitoring the temperature in the vicinity thereof. The electrical signal from the thermistor can be used to control the output of the ultrasound transducer to thereby control the temperature of the same. In a further aspect of the invention, an isolation box is provided that is external to the ultrasound machine itself and is connected to the same by a cable. Ideally, the isolation box which houses a sufficient number of isolation transformers, is small, so it can be placed easily on or near the patient's bed.

Abstract: An integrated electrophysicology catheter workstation and cardiac stimulator having a cardiac electrical waveform response monitor (11) having at least two modes of operation. During a first mode of operation the monitor receives, detects, processes, stores, and displays EKG data in an ordinary fashion. During a second mode of operation one or more components and/or signal pathways are automatically modified to essentially de-sense part or all of system to thereby prevent a cardiac stimulation pulse from degrading the operability of the monitor. This, in turn, permits the monitor to utilize the first mode of operation more rapidly following application of a stimulation pulse and thereby glean useful post-pulse EKG data.

Abstract: A method and system for initializing a pacemaker includes receiving electrophysiology (EP) data from an intra-body EP catheter or catheters positioned relative to a patient's heart, calculating a patient specific pacemaker operating parameter or parameters from the received EP data and programming the pacemaker to operate based on the calculated patient specific pacemaker operating parameter or parameters. Stimulation of the patient's heart using the EP catheter or catheters based on the calculated pacemaker operating parameter or parameters may then be accomplished to determine whether the patient's heart achieves an acceptable physiological response when stimulated based on the calculated pacemaker operating parameter or parameters, and recalculation of the pacemaker operating parameter or parameters may be accomplished if the stimulation fails to achieve the acceptable physiological response.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting a temperature induced in a body by an ultrasound imaging catheter are provided. The method includes receiving, at an isolation box, an imaging signal from an imaging catheter, receiving, at an isolation box, a signal indicative of a temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter, removing power to the imaging catheter at the isolation box if the signal indicates the temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter exceeds a known value, and sending the imaging signal from the catheter to a processor if the signal indicates the temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter is less than the limit.

Abstract: A process for treatment of organic wastes from municipal wastewater to produce a product for spreading seed in an organic matrix includes the steps of providing organic waste including biosolids and their contained cellulose from municipal wastewater, rendering the organic waste free of foreign objects, rendering the organic waste pathogen free, and sterile relative to plant seeds, by milling in a batch or semi-batch format using a rotor-stator mixer or mill, and mixing the milled organic waste with waste paper products and/or pelletizing the mixture to form a horticultural mulch, to which seed can be added. The pH optionally is adjusted, and additional materials that aid in seed germination or plant growth optionally are mixed into the treated product. The final product is a high quality, beneficial re-use organic soil amendment that provides an enriched seed starter system for lawns or other commercial turf-grass operations.

Abstract: Method for screening patients to predict which patients at risk of a medical disorder, such as morbid obesity, gastrointestinal problems, or gastroesophageal problems, will be responders, and conversely, which patients will not, to achieve a favorable outcome from therapy for that disorder. This method supports an intervention strategy for patients having weight or gastrointestinal problems that will cut health costs. It enables patients and care-givers alike to more efficiently use their time, efforts and resources by enabling an early selection of an appropriate treatment modality for a given patient. Its application also extends to other implantable medical devices and therapies using them.

Abstract: An improved medical implant device is provided which has a plurality of micro-electrodes. The use of a plurality of micro-electrodes allows a clinically effective electrical stimulation pathway to be selected once the implant is positioned within or adjacent to the tissue to be treated even if the implant is not optimally placed or located. Thus, in cases where the implant is not optimally placed, it is not necessary to remove the implant and then reposition it within or adjacent to the tissue to be treated, thereby reducing stress to the patient caused by additional surgery. Moreover, using the micro-electrodes of this invention, directional electrostimulation can be provided to the tissue to be treated. Implant devices with a plurality of micro-electrodes are provided which are especially adapted for use in reducing the frequency and/or severity of neurological tremors.

Abstract: Apparatus for stimulating neuromuscular tissue of the gastrointestinal tract and methods for installing the apparatus to the neuromuscular tissue. The pulse generator is provided with a switching matrix, and may stimulate the tissue in a time-varying manner by selecting pairs of electrodes and altering the polarities thereof while stimulating the tissue. In addition, a real-time clock allowing a trigger for on and off modes, the time clock could also allow for a trigger to change parameters. Such parameters that could be changed are pulse width, amplitude, duty cycle (amount of time of pulse and time between pulses, or series of pulses), frequency, polarity, choice of unipolar versus bi-polar, and electrode on-off. The electrical stimulation utilizes a plurality of electrodes connected to at least one organ in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient along a peristaltic flow path with each of the electrodes being connected at a different location along the peristaltic flow path.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating the volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle of the heart to a succeeding chamber/conduit, or vice-versa, while imaging the intersection of such structures is described. The process utilizes either the M-mode to estimate volume differences in a view of the ventricle over time or Doppler processing techniques to obtain flow profiles across intersections (e.g., valves), or blood vessels, which are then utilized to calculate output. This process can be combined with ECG guidance/triggering to measure/track changes in output from beat to beat, or during the course of an evaluation or therapeutic procedure. This process can be specifically used for the placement of permanent pacemaker electrodes.

Abstract: Ink additives that reduce the deceleration of inks containing a polymer, such as acrylate binders, are disclosed. In accordance with the invention, an ink-jet liquid, an ink-jet liquid set, and the method for using the same are provided, wherein the one of the liquids comprises an aqueous vehicle, and a deceleration-alleviating component. The present formulations are used to formulate ink-jet liquids, and more particularly, to provide enhanced drop ejection performance in inks containing a polymer, such as deceleration (rapid drop velocity degradation during continuous operation of the firing resistor), when the liquid contains a deceleration-alleviating agent, such as, an aromatic glycol ether, a polar solvent and a long alkyl chain surfactant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring strain on a surface of a substrate utilizes a substrate surface coated with at least one coating layer. The coating layer provides both luminescence and photoelasticity. The coating layer is illuminated with excitation light, wherein longer wavelength light is emitted having a polarization dependent upon stress or strain in the coating. At least one characteristic of the emitted light is measured, and strain (if present) on the substrate is determined from the measured characteristic.

Abstract: An ablation catheter designed to make long linear lesions by utilizing long flexible electrodes and conducting energy between the electrodes. One aspect of this invention includes the adding of a radiopaque material beneath the flexible electrodes. Another aspect is to co-extrude the conductor wires within the body of the catheter material. Another aspect of the invention is a junction box whereby defibrillating energy can be utilized through all electrodes on the catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus for stimulating neuromuscular tissue of the gastrointestinal tract and methods for installing the apparatus to the neuromuscular tissue. The pulse generator is provided with a switching matrix, and may stimulate the tissue in a time-varying manner by selecting pairs of electrodes and altering the polarities thereof while stimulating the tissue. In addition, a real-time clock allowing a trigger for on and off modes, the time clock could also allow for a trigger to change parameters. Such parameters that could be changed are pulse width, amplitude, duty cycle (amount of time of pulse and time between pulses, or series of pulses), frequency, polarity, choice of unipolar versus bi-polar, and electrode on-off. The electrical stimulation utilizes a plurality of electrodes connected to at least one organ in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient along a peristaltic flow path with each of the electrodes being connected at a different location along the peristaltic flow path.

Abstract: Apparatus for stimulating neuromuscular tissue of the gastrointestinal tract and methods for installing the apparatus to the surface of the neuromuscular tissue. A pair of electrodes are supported by an electrode attachment member having a distal surface configured for attachment to the surface of the neuromuscular tissue. The electrodes are supported adjacent the distal surface to provide an interface between the electrodes and the surface of the neuromuscular tissue. The electrode attachment member may be flexible to pass through a laparoscopic surgical access opening in a compacted form and then returned to an uncompacted form for attachment to the surface of the neuromuscular tissue by the use of staples or sutures.

Abstract: An improved medical implant device is provided which has a plurality of micro-electrodes. The use of a plurality of micro-electrodes allows a clinically effective electrical stimulation pathway to be selected once the implant is positioned within or adjacent to the tissue to be treated even if the implant is not optimally placed or located. Thus, in cases where the implant is not optimally placed, it is not necessary to remove the implant and then reposition it within or adjacent to the tissue to be treated, thereby reducing stress to the patient caused by additional surgery. Moreover, using the micro-electrodes of this invention, directional electrostimulation can be provided to the tissue to be treated. Implant devices with a plurality of micro-electrodes are provided which are especially adapted for use in reducing the frequency and/or severity of neurological tremors.

Abstract: Apparatus for stimulating neuromuscular tissue of the gastrointestinal tract and methods for installing the apparatus to the neuromuscular tissue. Four electrodes are supported by an electrode assembly for attachment to the neuromuscular tissue. The electrodes are oriented substantially equidistantly with respect to the tissue and provide an electrical interface with the neuromuscular tissue. The pulse generator is provided with a switching matrix, and may stimulate the tissue in a time-varying manner by selecting pairs of electrodes and altering the polarities thereof while stimulating the tissue.

Abstract: Ink additives that reduce the deceleration of inks containing a polymer, such as acrylate binders, are disclosed. In accordance with the invention, an ink-jet liquid, an ink-jet liquid set, and the method for using the same are provided, wherein the one of the liquids comprises an aqueous vehicle, and a deceleration -alleviating component. The present formulations are used to formulate ink-jet liquids, and more particularly, to provide enhanced drop ejection performance in inks containing a polymer, such as deceleration (rapid drop velocity degradation during continuous operation of the firing resistor), when the liquid contains a deceleration -alleviating agent, such as, an aromatic glycol ether, a polar solvent and a long alkyl chain surfactant.

Abstract: A simpler, lower-cost way of installing polymer capacitor canisters on motors and other equipment. A bracket and/or fastener is attached to the canister (e.g., by ultrasonic welding a polymer fastener or bracket directly to the polymer canister), and the fastener and/or bracket are used to make the connection between the canister and the equipment. E.g., fasteners may be chosen so that they mate with holes or matching fasteners on the equipment to which the capacitor is being attached. Depending on choice of fastener, installation of the capacitor becomes a simple snap-in action. The capacitor manufacturer can now easily manufacture capacitors with a wide range of built-in fastener arrangements, relieving the equipment manufacturer of most of the work formerly associated with installing a capacitor on equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus for stimulating neuromuscular tissue of the gastrointestinal tract and methods for installing the apparatus to the neuromuscular tissue. Four electrodes are supported by an electrode assembly for attachment to the neuromuscular tissue. The electrodes are oriented substantially equidistantly with respect to the tissue and provide an electrical interface with the neuromuscular tissue. The pulse generator is provided with a switching matrix, and may stimulate the tissue in a time-varying manner by selecting pairs of electrodes and altering the polarities thereof while stimulating the tissue.