Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for carrying out and/or monitoring biological reactions in response to electrical stimuli. A programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes an array of electrodes coupled to sample-and-hold circuits. The programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes a digital interface that allows external control of the array using an external processor. The circuit may monitor, digitally control, and deliver electrical stimuli to the electrodes individually or in selected groups.

Abstract: A system for breaking down complex problems and evaluating by common continuous inference network (CINET) agents, includes a hierarchical script and a plurality of relational electronic documents wherein each electronic document includes: (a) a plurality of information input elements comprising data and confidences; (b) a fuzzy logic transfer function element; and (c) an output element.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-functional medical catheters, systems and methods for their use. In one particular embodiment, a medical catheter (100) includes a flexible elongate body (105) having a proximal end (110) and a distal end (120). A plurality of spaced apart electrodes (130-136) are operably attached to the flexible body near the distal end. At least some of the electrodes are adapted for mapping a tissue and, in some embodiments, at least one of the electrodes is adapted for ablating a desired portion of the tissue. The catheter includes a plurality of tissue orientation detectors (140-146) disposed between at least some of the electrodes. In this manner, the medical catheter is capable of tissue mapping, tissue imaging, tissue orientation, and/or tissue treatment functions.

Abstract: A probe that may be used to create circumferential lesions in body tissue and, in some implementations, may also be used to perform mapping functions.

Abstract: Selection of servo signals for peak detection of timing based servo tracks of magnetic tape for lateral positioning of heads relative to the magnetic tape. Servo signals from magneto-resistive servo read head(s) reading a magnetic tape are digitized by analog to digital converter(s); digital peak measurement apparatus is configured to sense the digital converter(s), and provide positive peak values and negative peak values of the digitized servo signals; and control apparatus is configured to determine the greater of the provided positive peak values or negative peak values, and select servo signals having the greater values for a servo channel. Servo apparatus is configured to respond to the selected servo signals to control the lateral positioning of the servo read head(s).

Abstract: A method is disclosed to transfer information between data storage devices. The method provides an information storage assembly comprising a frame, a memory device disposed on that frame, information written to that memory device, a power supply removeably attached to the frame, and a first data storage device comprising a first identity removeably attached the frame. If the method detects an error in the first data storage device, then the method removes the first data storage device from the frame. The method further provides a replacement data storage device, removeably attaches that replacement data storage device to the frame, and determines if the replacement device uses the first configuration information. If the replacement device uses the first configuration information, then the method provides the first configuration information to the replacement data storage device from the memory device.

Abstract: An elastic composite article and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The elastic composite article includes a pair of coverwebs, a plurality of elastic filaments located between the pair of coverwebs. One or both of the pair of coverwebs is a nonwoven fibrous coverweb with a tear pattern of weakened areas formed therein. The tear patterns are formed before the coverwebs are attached to each other to form the elastic composite article.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for occluding a tissue opening are provided. One embodiment includes a catheter having an elongate body and a first lumen to direct hypertonic saline through an opening in the lumen to tissue of a fossa ovalis. The embodiment includes a radiofrequency (RF) electrode coupled to the elongate body proximal a distal end of the elongate body. The RF electrode can emit RF energy to the tissues of the passage and the hypertonic saline can facilitate a distribution of the RF energy along the tissue to fuse the tissue of the passage.

Abstract: A vibration detection and/or classification system includes a waveguide in operative contact with a boundary, at least one sensor for sensing vibrations operatively connected to the waveguide and providing a signal, and a control circuit operatively connected to the at least one sensor and adapted for filtering the signal into a plurality of frequency bands and detecting and classifying vibrations. The control circuit may be further adapted for detecting and classifying vibrations to determine if the boundary has been crossed by an intruder. The control circuit may include a transceiver for sending signals to a central computer for processing, such as via a radio modem.

Abstract: Mitigation of distortion of read signals from magneto-resistive read head(s) are provided in various embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the read signals provided to a read channel having an analog to digital converter and digital equalizer. Digital peak measurement apparatus is configured to sense the output of the digital equalizer, and provide average positive peak values and average negative peak values of the output. Control apparatus is configured to respond to the peak values, to iteratively determine asymmetry of the peak values and estimate the cancellation slope of the asymmetry and cancellation term relationship; from the measured asymmetry and estimated cancellation slope, to iteratively estimate the convergence cancellation term; and to feed back the convergence cancellation term to modify the digital read signals for the input of the digital equalizer to iteratively converge the asymmetry to substantially zero.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for maintaining contact between tissue and a fluid injection device.

Abstract: An apparatus including a lesion formation element and a carrier configured to mount the lesion formation element on a finger.

Abstract: A dual mode lesion formation apparatus including a probe component and clamp component.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a first branch body having a first axis, a second branch body extending in a non-parallel relationship with respect to the first axis, and at least one electrode carried by the second branch body. In use, the first branch body can be located within a pulmonary vein within the left atrium, while the electrode carried by the second branch body is located in contact with endocardial tissue outside the pulmonary vein. Ablation energy can be transmitted from the electrode to contacted endocardial tissue while the first branch body is located within the pulmonary vein.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle that includes a cabin and a primary engine. The control system includes an auxiliary power unit and a microprocessor in communication with the primary engine, the cabin, and the auxiliary power unit. The control system selectively activates the auxiliary power unit to control an engine parameter and a cabin parameter when the primary engine is shutdown.

Abstract: Low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods. The apparatus includes a base member and an inflatable element carried by the base member.

Abstract: Clamp based low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods.

Abstract: Apparatus including includes first and second energy transmission surfaces with a predetermined spacing and a device that allows the spacing to increase when the energy transmission surfaces are brought into contact with a tissue structure that is thicker than the predetermined spacing.

Abstract: An apparatus including a wettable structure and a plurality of conductive fibers carried by the wettable structure.