Abstract: An apparatus (21, 221, 231) for forming a butt seam (33, 233, 354) between opposed edges (32, 33, 231, 232) of resiliently compressible, fully cured, elastomeric, fabric sheets (28, 29, 228, 229, 351, 352), such as foamed neoprene for wet suits and dry suits. In some embodiments (21, 221) the apparatus includes fabric manipulating assembly (23, 223) which continuously compresses the sheets proximate and inwardly of the edges, preferably by a roller assembly (26, 27, 226, 227), to firmly press the opposed edges of the flexible and compressible sheets (28, 29, 228, 229) tightly together during movement and bonding along the seam (33, 233). The apparatus (21, 221, 331) preferably includes adhesive activation device in the form of an ultrasonic transducer (24, 222, 322) which contacts the neoprene pieces to activate a dry neoprene cement carried on the edges of the fabric pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a butt seam between opposed edges of resiliently compressible fabric sheets, such as foamed neoprene for wet suits and dry suits. The apparatus includes fabric manipulating assembly which continuously compresses the sheets proximate and inwardly of the edges, preferably by a roller assembly, to form opposed shoulders or areas that will permit the application of a lateral force to firmly press the opposed edges of the flexible and compressible sheets tightly together during movement and bonding along the seam. The apparatus preferably includes adhesive activation means in the form of an ultrasonic transducer which contacts the neoprene pieces in advance of compression rollers to activate a dry neoprene cement carried on the edges of the fabric pieces. A method for forming the butt seam is described, as are alternatively adhesive activating assemblies and a seamed neoprene fabric sheet.

Abstract: A system is provided to control operation of an implantable medical device based upon detected EMI (electromagnetic interference). A correlator produces a correlation function indicating the level of an EMI component of an input biomedical signal that includes a biomedical signal component and an EMI component, and that is monitored relative to a predetermined threshold to allow the device to operate in a normal manner as long as the intensity or level of the EMI component is such that it does not affect or interfere with device operation. One or more remedial measures may be selected in the event the level of the EMI component exceeds a predetermined threshold. The system is useful with any electronic device which receives an electronic information signal which may include an EMI component.

Abstract: An implantable device, such as a defibrillator, has a conforming housing that is adapted to follow to the contours of the patient's body at a device implantation site, while complying with pressures applied to the patient's body and with body flexion. In one form of the invention, the device housing is articulated at one or more hinge locations to provide a segmented housing that conforms to an implantation site through movement about the hinge axis. Another embodiment of the invention provides a flexible housing that surrounds a flex-circuit assembly.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator having a plurality of high voltage capacitors in the output stage which are coupled in parallel and a switching matrix for controlling the number of capacitors used to deliver the shock. For patients having lower DFTs, the number of capacitors in the output stage, as controlled by the switching matrix, can be reduced thus reducing the capacitor charging time prior to delivering a defibrillation shock. Additionally, if one of the capacitors experiences a degradation in performance, it can be switched out of the output circuit as long as the remaining capacitors can provide the necessary energy delivery for defibrillation. In another embodiment of the invention, if a particular defibrillation shock is ineffective, the back-up capacitors may be switched into the high voltage output circuit for delivery of the next shock.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting ventricular fibrillation based on chaos theory. A Poincare plot of the amplitude of the ECG signal is generated and used to detect the presence of fibrillation. The plot is monitored for the data points drifting off the plot axes. Upon detecting such drift, the presence of ventricular fibrillation is confirmed. The system and method may be used as a primary detection scheme or as a backup system to reconfirm fibrillation detection using conventional techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a butt seam between opposed edges of resiliently compressible fabric sheets, such as foamed neoprene for wet suits and dry suits. The apparatus includes fabric manipulating assembly which continuously compresses the sheets proximate and inwardly of the edges, preferably by a roller assembly, to form opposed shoulders or areas that will permit the application of a lateral force to firmly press the opposed edges of the flexible and compressible sheets tightly together during movement and bonding along the seam. The apparatus preferably includes adhesive activation means in the form of an ultrasonic transducer which contacts the neoprene pieces in advance of compression rollers to activate a dry neoprene cement carried on the edges of the fabric pieces. A method for forming the butt seam is described, as are alternatively adhesive activating assemblies and a seamed neoprene fabric sheet.