Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and circuitry for controlling dosage rates of a treatment solution. An electric pulse is directed through a coil, inducing a magnetic field and causing a valve to open. A subsequent set of pulses is directed through the coil to maintain the position of the valve. Between pulses, the coil motivates current to flow. Energy associated with the current is captured in a collection circuitry. The method and circuitry may also interpret a signal induced in the coil by an externally applied magnetic field such as that produced by an MIR. The method and circuitry may provide an electric signal to counteract the externally applied magnetic field or to produce a degaussing field.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, for fabricating an implantable apparatus for delivering electrical stimulation from a pulse generator, comprises: providing a plurality of conductors, wherein at least one of the plurality of conductors passes through at least one interior passage of a body, wherein the body is formed of a first insulative material having prescribed mechanical properties; coupling at least one terminal to each conductor of the plurality of conductors, the terminals being adapted to receive electrical signals from the pulse generator, wherein adjacent terminals are separated by a second insulative material with prescribed mechanical properties that are consistent with the first insulative material; and over-molding a region of the apparatus containing the terminals with a third insulative material with prescribed mechanical properties that are consistent with the material of the body.

Abstract: A device and method for generating electrical stimulation. The implantable device includes a programmable switching device or array that receives at least one pulse generator output coupled through at least one coupling capacitor. The switching device selectively connects at least one pulse generator output to a plurality of electrode terminals via at least one coupling capacitor. Electrical stimulation signals may be applied directly from the electrode terminals, or are applied through a lead or lead extension having corresponding electrodes electrically connected to the electrode terminals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating and allowing hot swapping of a circuit board. During both insertion and extraction of a circuit board from a system, two inputs signals are generated from staggered pins located on the circuit board's connector. The inputs are processed through a NAND function implemented with transistors and output to two Schmitt trigger inverters connected in series. The output of the series connection of Schmitt trigger inverters goes high when both input signals are high and goes low when one of the inputs signals goes low. In addition, through the use of a resistor, capacitor combination connected to the input of the first Schmitt trigger inverter, the output signal remains high for a period of time after one of the input signals goes low. This additional period of time prevents any damage or disruption of signaling caused by transient current and voltage fluctuations as a circuit board is inserted or extracted.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dose control apparatus for manipulating the dosage of one or more pharmaceutical solutions emanating from an implantable drug infusion pump. The dose control apparatus has a movable core that is held in a desired position by a magnet. The apparatus has at least one coil that, when activated, motivates the core to move to a new position. The core may be held in the second position by another magnet. The apparatus may have more that one coil provide various control options. In addition, the coils may be used to determine core position or the presence and strength of an externally applied magnetic field such as that produced in an MRI. The coils may also be used to produce a magnetic field counteracting the externally applied field or to produce a degaussing field.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of implementing firmware updates to programmable parts within circuit boards on a manufacturing line. An image file of firmware for each of the parts is created and stored on a firmware server. The programmable parts are preferably integrated with the printed circuit boards; each of the boards networks to the firmware server by connection with an interface server, such that the image files download to the circuit board for programming the board's internal programmable parts. Networking between the parts and the firmware server can include communications across the Internet and/or one or more area networks. Multiple interface servers may be integral with the products incorporating the programmable parts so that many products may be updated concurrently.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a further development and use of biological assays to determine the amount or concentration of an active ingredient present in a sample. The enzyme assay of the present invention determines the amount or concentration of protease inhibitors, including retroviral protease inhibitors such as HIV inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating sexual dysfunction. The method includes stimulating sacral nerve roots, S2 and/or S3, with electromagnetic stimulation in or about the sacrum. The stimulation may be achieved with leads terminating in electrodes that extend with an emerging sacral nerve root or extend transverse the sacrum at or about the location of the nerve root to be stimulated. Alternately, spiraled electrodes and nerve cuffs may be used to stimulate the nerve root within the sacrum, as it emerges from the sacrum, or outside the sacrum. In this manner, the selected sacral nerve root may be stimulated to provide genital stimulation and thereby induce orgasm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a percutaneous insertion-capable lead, wherein insertion made through a percutaneous insertion structure. For one embodiment of such lead, the electrode-supporting stimulation portion of the lead includes at least one waisted region, relative to a transverse dimension of the lead, to facilitate lead steerability.

Abstract: Methods of identifying a fusion inhibitor and inhibitors of gp41-mediated membrane fusion are disclosed. The methods comprise, for example, providing a first helical polypeptide comprising a sequence of IQN17 (SEQ ID NO: 1); providing a second helical polypeptide of 34 or less than 34 amino acids comprising the amino acid sequence W-X1-X2-W-X3-X4-X5-I, wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, and X5 are each independently chosen from any amino acid except proline; measuring, by capillary zone electrophoresis, the degree of complex formation between these peptides; and comparing the measured degree of complex formation to the degree in the presence of a test composition.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of making a molded article (10). The molded article (10) includes a paint layer (12) formed from a paint composition and a polyurethane layer (14) formed from an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component. The paint composition is applied to a surface (22) of a mold (18, 20) to form the paint layer (12). The paint layer (12) is infused with a base. The polyurethane layer (14) is then adhered to the paint layer (12) in the mold (18, 20) to make the molded article (10).

Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include at least one sensor, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure under the ball of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response elements may be a sole adjuster, a lace adjuster, and/or an upper adjuster. Methods of determining the golfer's type of movement are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable, substantially isodiametric, low resistance implantable lead having at least one electrode positioned in a stimulation/sensing portion of the lead as well as a method of manufacturing the same. At least the stimulation/sensing portion is unitized through partially surrounding and supporting insulation and conductive element(s) of the stimulation/sensing portion with a fused matrix of material having mechanical properties consistent with a body of the lead.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a programmable or controllable infusate delivery with minimal power consumption using controllable valves and with safe and reliable operation of the delivery system. Embodiments provide programmable control without the need for implantable power sources using multi-stable valves and/or mono-stable valves which are powered externally when activated. Embodiments provide for very low power programmable control, such as by employing micro-electromechanical system valves and a flow restrictor array. An external program controller may be utilized to provide a user interface and which may communicate with the controllable infusate delivery system using wireless links. Internal controller circuitry may provide for flow control changes for different activities or times of day and/or in response to changes in pressure, temperature, etcetera.

Abstract: A lead, method of manufacturing same, and system for stimulation is provided. The lead includes an insulative member or layer that masks a portion of the electrode(s) to effectively generate a directional lead that focuses or directs the stimulation to desired location(s). In another embodiment, the lead further includes a marking system to allow a clinician to orient the directional lead, as desired, while the lead is within a body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay for determining the biochemical fitness of a biochemical species in a mutant replicating biological entity relative to its predecessor. The present invention further provides a continuous fluorogenic assay for measuring the anti-HIV protease activity of a protease inhibitor. The present invention also provides a method of administering a therapeutic compound that reduces the chances of the emergence of drug resistance in therapy.

Abstract: A system for providing basic system control functions upon failure of all management processors in a computer system. During normal system operation, a plurality of management processors monitor system sensors that detect system power, temperature, and cooling fan status, and make necessary adjustments. Each management processor normally provides an output signal indicating that it is operating property. A high-availability controller monitors each of these signals to verify that there is at least one operating management processor. When none of the processors indicate that they are operating properly, the high-availability controller monitors the system sensors and updates system indicators. If a problem develops, such as failure of a power supply or a potentially dangerous increase in temperature, the high-availability controller sequentially powers down the appropriate equipment to protect the system from damage.

Abstract: Logic apparatus filters noise signals on a signal line to a digital circuit. An edge detector determines one or more edges of the noise signals relative to a fast clock. Signals indicative of the edges asynchronously reset a timer; the timer clocks the latch of the signal line when the signal line is stable, and without noise signals detected by the edge detector, for a period defined by a slow clock. The slow clock is slower than the fast clock by several orders of magnitude. The edge detector may be constructed by one flip-flop and an XOR gate. A second flip flop couples to the signal line and the output of the timer to pass through the latched value of the signal line to the digital circuit when clocked by the timer.

Abstract: An implantable, substantially isodiametric, low resistance implantable lead having at least one electrode positioned in a stimulation/sensing portion of the lead as well as a method of manufacturing the same. At least the stimulation/sensing portion is unitized through partially surrounding and supporting insulation and conductive element(s) of the stimulation/sensing portion with a fused matrix of material having mechanical properties consistent with a body of the lead.

Abstract: An implantable, substantially isodiametric, low resistance implantable lead having at least one electrode positioned in a stimulation/sensing portion of the lead as well as a method of manufacturing the same. At least the stimulation/sensing portion is unitized through partially surrounding and supporting insulation and conductive element(s) of the stimulation/sensing portion with a fused matrix of material having mechanical properties consistent with a body of the lead.