Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a variety of conditions, disorders or diseases with diaphragm/phrenic nerve stimulation is provided.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods of sizing an area around the pulmonary veins along an epicardial surface. A sizing element is provided which has a plurality of indicators along its length which is used to size an area around the pulmonary veins. A sizing element is wrapped around the pulmonary veins along an epicardial location. The size of an ablating device is determined by using the indicators on the sizing element. An ablating device is then selected based on this measurement. The ablating device is then attached to the sizing element. The ablating device is then wrapped around the pulmonary veins while manipulating the sizing element.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac device and method provides for monitoring a progression or regression in heart disease during an extended time period. A sensor generates an electrogram signal representing electrical activity of a patient's heart. From the generated electrogram signal, a processor determines morphology measurements wherein the morphology measurements indicate a progression or regression in the heart disease. The morphology measurements are stored in a memory during the extended period of time. A telemetry circuit transmits the stored morphology measurements to an external receiver for retrieval or display. The morphology measurements may be of electrogram intrinsic activity or evoked response activity characteristics.

Abstract: A modular contact switch adapted to be readily assembled from a plurality of contact modules is provided. Both active contact modules and passive contact modules comprise coupling features, including but not limited to, engagement tabs and mating surfaces, to enable a removable coupling of multiple active contact modules to form active contact assemblies and passive contact modules of a passive contact assembly. The active contact modules provide a spring-biased contact that responds to the position of passive contacts of the passive contact modules. As the active and passive contact modules come into abutment and urging engagement, an electrical connection is made between the corresponding contacts. The spring-bias of the active contacts ensures that the electrical contact is made regardless of variations in tolerances and position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door opening assist device comprising a spring-biased piston having a threaded bore mounted in a cylindrical housing by a threaded bolt. The piston retains a spring within the housing at a first end of the housing. The threaded bolt engages the piston from a second end of the housing. The piston is retained within the housing by the cooperative engagement between the spring urging the piston out of the first end and the head of the bolt in abutment with the second end. The door opening assist device is installed in a door frame of an automobile to push the door open a predetermined distance. The door opening assist device provides various mounting options. Upon closing the door, the door abuts and retracts the piston into the housing compressing the spring. Upon unlatching the door, the piston extends under spring bias in such a direction and with sufficient force to push the door to an open position a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A modular contact switch adapted to be readily assembled from a plurality of contact modules is provided. Both active contact modules and passive contact modules comprise coupling features, including but not limited to, engagement tabs and mating surfaces, to enable a removable coupling of multiple active contact modules to form active contact assemblies and passive contact modules of a passive contact assembly. The active contact modules provide a spring-biased contact that responds to the position of passive contacts of the passive contact modules. As the active and passive contact modules come into abutment and urging engagement, an electrical connection is made between the corresponding contacts. The spring-bias of the active contacts ensures that the electrical contact is made regardless of variations in tolerances and position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door opening assist device comprising a spring-biased piston having a threaded bore mounted in a cylindrical housing by a threaded bolt. The piston retains a spring within the housing at a first end of the housing. The threaded bolt engages the piston from a second end of the housing. The piston is retained within the housing by the cooperative engagement between the spring urging the piston out of the first end and the head of the bolt in abutment with the second end. The door opening assist device is installed in a door frame of an automobile to push the door open a predetermined distance. The door opening assist device provides various mounting options. Upon closing the door, the door abuts and retracts the piston into the housing compressing the spring. Upon unlatching the door, the piston extends under spring bias in such a direction and with sufficient force to push the door to an open position a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may be submerged in liquid during operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power assisted cover actuator for operating a tonneau cover for an open bed of a truck, such as a pickup truck. A common truck bed cover includes, but is not limited to, a fiberglass panel that overlies the truck bed. The cover is typically hingably coupled to a distal end of the truck bed adjacent the truck cab. The power assisted cover actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a linear track upon which a trolley is guided. One end of an actuator arm is pivotally coupled to the trolley. The power assisted cover actuator is secured to the inside surface of a side wall of the truck bed proximal to the opening end of the cover and distal to the hinge coupling. The linear track is positioned at an angle to the horizontal extending in an upward direction towards the hinged coupling. The other end of the actuator arm is pivotally coupled to the inside of the cover. A drive means for translating the trolley along the linear track is provided.

Abstract: A lead system for use with an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator is disclosed. The lead system includes a fixation hook positioned approximately half-way between the distal tip of the lead and the tricuspid valve. The distal tip of the lead is positioned at the apex of the right ventricle and may or may not be secured there by a second fixation means such as a screw tip or tines. The fixation hook allows the defibrillation electrode to be accurately positioned by the patient's surgeon and maintained in contact with the septum wall of the patient's heart. By providing such intimate contact between the defibrillation electrode and the septum wall, defibrillation thresholds are reduced.

Abstract: A lead system for use with an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator is disclosed. The lead system includes a fixation hook positioned approximately half-way between the distal tip of the lead and the tricuspid valve. The distal tip of the lead is positioned at the apex of the right ventricle and may or may not be secured there by a second fixation means such as a screw tip or tines. The fixation hook allows the defibrillation electrode to be accurately positioned by the patient's surgeon and maintained in contact with the septum wall of the patient's heart. By providing such intimate contact between the defibrillation electrode and the septum wall, defibrillation thresholds are reduced.