Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a rotatable shaft for the presence of defects may include continuously rotating a shaft under an applied load. As the shaft is rotated, an ultrasonic signal may be propagated along the length of the shaft. Attenuated or reflected ultrasonic signals may be collected from the shaft as the shaft is rotated. The presence of a defect in the shaft is determined by analyzing the collected ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a rotatable shaft for the presence of defects may include continuously rotating a shaft under an applied load. As the shaft is rotated, an ultrasonic signal may be propagated along the length of the shaft. Attenuated or reflected ultrasonic signals may be collected from the shaft as the shaft is rotated. The presence of a defect in the shaft is determined by analyzing the collected ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: A new method and system for adapting standard home network protocol communication signals for communication between networked computation devices over the AC power line is provided. This invention provides improvements to the standard home network protocol required for use over the AC power line, including such features as encrypting, signal amplification and improved signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A new method and system for adapting standard home network protocol communication signals for communication between networked computation devices over the AC power line is provided. This invention provides improvements to the standard home network protocol required for use over the AC power line, including such features as encrypting, signal amplification and improved signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A wireless power line carrier voice and data communication device is provided. The device permits a user to connect one or more electronic devices to surge suppress and isolated AC power connections while simultaneously providing a communication channel between telephone equipment, such as telephone extensions, modems and/or facsimile machines, across the AC power lines to a remote telephone connection. This invention prevents the degradation of the voice and/or data signal across the power lines that would otherwise be induced by the AC connected electronic equipment. Furthermore, this invention provides a cost effective, convenient solution to the data processing user who requires access to telephone lines, for voice, data or both, as well as AC power outlets for electronic equipment all from a physical location some distance from a convenient phone connector. The isolation and surge suppression circuitry is designed specifically to address the power line carrier environment.

Abstract: A program routine vectoring system for use in a data processing system has a central processing unit and input circuitry for receiving interrupt information.

Abstract: A metering device is disclosed which includes a metering chamber (14) divided into two compartments (22, 24) by a pressure transmitting member in the form of a flexible diaphragm (20). Fluid flow is alternately allowed into each of the two compartments (22, 24) with each compartment filling to the volume of the metering chamber (14) when full so that periodic pulses of intravenous fluid of that precise volume are sent to the patient. The volume of the metering chamber (14) is selected to match a standard intravenous set drop size, for example one-tenth, one-fifteenth, one-twentieth, or one-sixtieth milliliter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for catheter insertion (10 or 100) for inserting a flexible catheter (12 or 112) into a selected liquid-filled body cavity (144) into which the anterior end of a substantially rigid, tubular member (151) has been inserted. A containing member (22 or 122) adapted to contain a limp, flexible, substantially straight catheter (12 or 112) is attached to the posterior end of the tubular member (151) in fluid communication therewith.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device (10) is disclosed which is usable to insert a very flexible catheter (12) formed of a silicone elastomer into the blood vessel of a patient. Catheters of highly flexible material, such as silicone elastomer, are highly desirable for use as such catheters in that they do not initiate a build-up of fibrin in the blood stream as do other, more rigid, catheters. A hub member (18) is slidably received over a needle (14) carrying the catheter (12) and a semi-rigid sleeve (26) extends under the proximal end of the catheter (12) so as to aid in removing the catheter (12) from the needle (14) after the needle (14) has been inserted into the blood stream of the patient.

Abstract: A check valve is disclosed for use in blood drawing apparatus wherein it is desired to draw multiple samples from a single needle inserted into a patient's arm for use in a variety of medical tests. The check valve includes therein a valve member formed of a piece of a silicone elastomer which has a slit formed therein, the slit opening only when fluid pressure is greater in the patient than in the vessel into which the blood is being drawn. The check valve is of particularly small size so that it may be mounted within a conventionally sized double-needle fitting normally used in blood drawing apparatus.

Abstract: A naso-gastric feeding device is disclosed which includes a highly flexible feeding tube carried inside of a semi-flexible guide tube. The guide tube is inserted into the patient and then fluid is forced through the guide tube into the patient carrying with it the feeding tube. The guide tube is then withdrawn so that only the feeding tube is left in the patient with feeding taking place therethrough.

Abstract: A manually operable tool to knock out identification slugs from the heads of keys such as ignition and door keys for automotive vehicles while the keys are mounted upon a key ring passing through holes in said slugs, the tool comprising a pair of jaws on handles pivotally connected adjacent the jaws, one jaw having a seat to position the end portion of the head of a key which is beyond the slug and the other jaw having a pair of spaced lugs positioned to straddle the key ring and engage the opposite portions of the slug which are on opposite sides of the hole in said slug to punch said slug from said head of the key when said jaws are moved toward each other.

Abstract: A surgical tape in one embodiment having an elastomeric tubular body with the ends of the tubular body sealed to entrap air therein at substantially atmospheric pressure. A curved metal needle may be affixed to one end of the tubular body to facilitate insertion of the tape device between body structures. A clamping pad may be attached to the tubular body at a point intermediate the ends thereof. The clamping pad is adapted for use in ligating blood vessels by engaging the blood vessel between the clamping pad and a portion of the tubular body and drawing the tubular body into engagement with a jaw portion of the clamping pad.

Abstract: A fabric clamp suitable for holding together pieces of fabric, such as surgical drapes, towels and the like, which is relatively compact and inexpensive. The clamp has two resilient arcuate members which are joined together at one end of each member with the arcuate members respectively having convex and concave jaws at their other ends. Latch members extending inward from the arcuate members engage when the clamp is pressed together to maintain the jaws in engagement. Release of the latch members is accomplished by laterally displacing the arcuate members of the clamp. The clamp may have multiple closed clamping positions, and finger members may be provided which are formed on the interior of the arcuate members in position to grasp a tube or other object therebetween when the clamp is closed.