Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a cardiac stimulator, a multi-electrode lead attached to the device, and a connector coupling the device to the lead. The lead has multiple electrodes, each electrode connected to a wire extending though the lead. The electrodes may be circumferential coils or rings, for example. The lead has a connector that fits into a recess on a surface of the device or apparatus. A bottom wall of the recess has an array of apparatus connections deployed around a threaded bore. The connector is attached to the apparatus by a screw with a threaded shaft and an enlarged head. The screw passes through a central bore in the connector. Electrical connections form a regular pattern, such as a rectangular or square grid, or a radial pattern, around the central bore. A pair of O-rings or seals surround the connections. A gasket, mounted on male connections or contacts, fits around female connections that may be on either the apparatus or the connector.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulator system or medical apparatus comprising an electrical device, a hermetically sealed case, a non-conducting plate in the case, and a plurality of electrical contacts on the plate. The system also has a lead having a plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of electrical conductors coupled to electrical contacts. The lead has a connector with a non-conducting sheet and electrical contacts protruding from the sheet, each of said contacts being connected to an electrical conductor. The contacts on the connector are arranged to contact one of said electrical contacts on the plate. Electrical contacts on sheet may comprise pins extending through the sheet, the pins comprising a bottom section and a flat section. The flat section extends above the sheet and is split by a slot, forming a first tab and a second tab, the second tab being longer than said first tab. One of the conductors of the lead is inserted into a slot of a pin.

Abstract: A patch panel including a plurality of electrical connector assemblies, wherein each of the electrical connector assemblies comprises a first jack presented on a first side of a panel frame of the patch panel and a second jack electrically linked to the first jack to form a jack pair and presented on a second side of the panel frame. Both the first jack and the second jack are presented at an angle with respect to the panel frame, and both the first jack and the second jack may be engaged using a patch cord. The first and second jack of each jack pair are at a 90-degree angle relative to one another.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include an optical housing including a substrate having a reflective side and an absorbing side. The substrate has a generally planar base portion and a protruding cover portion. The cover portion defines a pocket on the absorbing side. The substrate has an open position where the base portion is distal the cover and a closed position where the base portion is proximate the cover. The substrate is configured to enclosed a detector within the pocket in the closed position. The base portion defines an aperture generally centered within the base portion and aligned with the detector in the closed position so as to pass light through to the detector.

Abstract: A patch panel including a plurality of electrical connector assemblies, wherein each of the electrical connector assemblies comprises a first jack presented on a first side of a panel frame of the patch panel and a second jack electrically linked to the first jack to form a jack pair and presented on a second side of the panel frame. Both the first jack and the second jack are presented at an angle with respect to the panel frame, and both the first jack and the second jack may be engaged using a patch cord. The first and second jack of each jack pair are at a 90-degree angle relative to one another.

Abstract: Wet and dry wipes comprising additives for removing allergens from surfaces are disclosed. The wipe substrate comprises an additive capable and binding the allergen onto the substrate such that the allergen can be removed from the surface. Various allergens including animal and pet dander can be removed from numerous surfaces utilizing the wipes of the present invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the allergenicity of the allergen is also reduced. Suitable additives for immobilization onto the wipe substrate include lectins, proteases, and enzyme inhibitors.

Abstract: A method of sterilization of a container is provided whereby a cold plasma is caused to be disposed near a surface to be sterilized, and the cold plasma is then subjected to a pulsed voltage differential for producing energized ions in the plasma. Those energized ions then operate to achieve spore destruction on the surface to be sterilized. Further, a system for sterilization of a container which includes a conductive or non-conductive container, a cold plasma in proximity to the container, and a high voltage source for delivering a pulsed voltage differential between an electrode and the container and across the cold plasma, is provided.

Abstract: A method of sterilization of a container is provided whereby a cold plasma is caused to be disposed near a surface to be sterilized, and the cold plasma is then subjected to a pulsed voltage differential for producing energized ions in the plasma. Those energized ions then operate to achieve spore destruction on the surface to be sterilized. Further, a system for sterilization of a container which includes a conductive or non-conductive container, a cold plasma in proximity to the container, and a high voltage source for delivering a pulsed voltage differential between an electrode and the container and across the cold plasma, is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacture and method manufacturing of implantable, coiled electrodes that are integral with their associated conductor. Electrodes of differing selected sizes may be manufactured by the method described herein and mounted on a single catheter. The size of the electrodes may be selected to optimize electrode performance for sensing, stimulation or other purposes. The apparatus comprises a motor-driven winding mandrel. A tensioning device, mounted generally perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the mandrel, controls tension in a wire being formed into a coiled electrode. A holding apparatus clamps a portion of the wire along the mandrel. In one embodiment, the holding apparatus comprises a sheath surrounding the mandrel. The mandrel fits into a hole in the sheath. By controlling the diameter of the hole with respect to the diameter of the mandrel, the radius of curvature of a bend between the coiled electrode and a straight part of the wire can be controlled.

Abstract: A low noise patient cable has a plurality of emitter wires configured to communicate a drive signal between a monitor and at least one emitter. A plurality of detector wires is also configured to communicate a physiological signal between a detector responsive to the emitter and the monitor. A polymer layer is disposed around, and adapted to conduct a triboelectric charge away from, the detector wires.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treatment of congestive heart failure from the right side of the heart. An implantable cardiac stimulation system with a multi-electrode lead having three or more selectable electrodes, together with apparatus for identifying an optimal subset of electrodes, apparatus for shaping a propagating wave front, and apparatus for modifying the intrinsic ventricular cardiac activation sequence, or generating simultaneous or near simultaneous pacing pulses to the septum or right ventricular outflow tract during ventricular systole in order to improve left ventricular cardiac efficiency and reduce mitral regurgitation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. A three dimensional map of electrode placement may be calculated. A sub set of the available electrodes in the right side of the heart is selected for stimulation such that septal motion during systole is reduced or the mitral valve area is stiffened to reduce mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: Fluoropolymer films which combine the attributes of outdoor durability, chemical resistance and thermoformability with paint-like aesthetics are formed into film structures which have at least one surface coated with a primer of amine functional polymer and an overcoat of a thermoplastic adhesive of acid modified polyolefin. Fluoropolymer films so coated are securely bonded to a variety of thermoplastic substrates forming a laminated film structure which resists delamination when exposed to moisture and humidity.

Abstract: Fluoropolymer films which combine the attributes of outdoor durability, chemical resistance and thermoformability with paint-like aesthetics are formed into film structures which have at least one surface coated with a primer of amine functional polymer and an overcoat of a thermoplastic adhesive of acid modified polyolefin. Fluoropolymer films so coated are securely bonded to a variety of thermoplastic substrates forming a laminated film structure which resists delamination when exposed to moisture and humidity.

Abstract: A separable fastening system including female component having a channel-like structure into which a male component is inserted. The female component has a lengthwise opening that can be widened for insertion of the male component and can recover to its original shape, thereby enveloping the male component and providing vertical engagement. The female component has depressions or holes on or through a surface of the female component. Protrusions from the male component engage with the depressions or holes, thereby providing engagement in a shear force direction.

Abstract: A process for making an article with an image protected by a clear fluoropolymer film includes coating the inner surface of the fluoropolymer film with a layer of hydrophobic, ink receptive polymer composition compatible with the fluoropolymer film. An image is printed on the layer of hydrophobic, ink receptive polymer composition using an inkjet printhead supplied with a non-aqueous solvent based ink. The clear, printed fluoropolymer film is then adhered to a substrate with the inner surface facing the substrate whereby the image is viewable through and protected by the fluoropolymer film.

Abstract: An adapter, which allows the use of a complex multi-electrode pacing and sensing cardiac lead with a conventional one-channel cardiac pacing pulse generator has a connector that attaches to the multi-electrode cardiac lead, a multiplexer to select which of the electrodes of the multi-electrode cardiac lead are to be connected to the one channel cardiac pacing pulse generator, and a connector to connect the adapter to a connector such as the industry standard IS-1 connector. New therapies are developing requirements for both optimum-site pacing (rather than the traditional ventricular apex) and multi-site pacing to improve cardiac hemodynamics. These therapies require custom pulse generators that are capable of connecting to the multiple-electrode configurations required. This adapter allows a conventional one-channel cardiac pacing pulse generator to be connected to a multi-electrode cardiac lead and steers the output pulse to the desired set of electrodes.

Abstract: Chemical pulps or papers, especially kraft pulps or papers, which may still contain traces of lignin, have enhanced resistance to yellowing when they contain an effective stabilizing amount of a N,N-dialkylhydroxylamine, an ester, amide or thio substituted N,N-dialkylhydroxylamine or N,N-dibenzylhydroxylamine or an amminium salt thereof. This performance is often further enhanced by the presence of one or more coadditives selected from the group consisting of the UV absorbers, the polymeric inhibitors, the nitrones, the fluorescent whitening agents and metal chelating agents. Combinations of hydroxylamines or their salts, benzotriazole or benzophenone UV absorbers and a metal chelating agent are particularly effective. N,N-Diethylhydroxylamine and N,N-dibenzylhydroxylamine and their acid salts are surprisingly effective for this purpose.

Abstract: A method for remotely accessing a real estate listing database using a wireless phone or other wireless communication devices is provided in which a user first inputs the street number of a property which the user wishes to get information. The street number is then used to query an existing multiple listing service database. Subsequently, the user is provided with a list of street names on which properties with that particular street number are for sale. The user then selects a particular address in which the user is interested. After the selection is made, the user is provided with information pertaining to the selected property such as a description of the property for sale.

Abstract: Lignin-containing papers are rendered light stable when they contain TiO2 in combination with an amine hindered radical scavenger.

Abstract: A patch panel including a plurality of electrical connector assemblies, wherein each of the electrical connector assemblies comprises a first jack presented on a first side of a panel frame of the patch panel and a second jack electrically linked to the first jack to form a jack pair and presented on a second side of the panel frame. Both the first jack and the second jack are presented at an angle with respect to the panel frame, and both the first jack and the second jack may be engaged using a patch cord. The first and second jack of each jack pair are at a 90-degree angle relative to one another.