Abstract: A seam reinforcing bead for stretchable materials formed by cutting, extrusion, or casting is applied to a seam in conjunction with heat and/or ultrasonic energy. In a system for application the reinforcing bead is fed by a first pair of rollers past a heat source, thereby producing a non-equilibrium temperature distribution within the reinforcing bead. The reinforcing bead is then applied to a seam in a sheet of material and compressed by a second pair of rollers. The reinforcing bead may contain an excess of solvent/plasticizer to reduce viscosity during heating and to aid in the reduction of residual stresses.

Abstract: A signal source coupled to one or more electrodes in the vicinity of the diaphragm for mapping therapeutic electrode sites. A stimulus signal from the signal source may be applied to the one or more electrodes to produce activation of the diaphragm. Activation of the diaphragm is sensed to provide information that may be correlated with the stimulus signal. The correlated information may be used to identify a therapeutic locus for a therapeutic electrode. An electrical stimulus comprising a series of pulses may be applied to the one or more electrodes to elicit a desired breathing response. The electrical stimulus may be applied between intrinsic breathing cycles, or between regulated breathing cycles. More than one electrode may be supported on a single substrate. The substrate may configured to be positioned on the diaphragm. A hierarchy of stimuli may be applied to a set of electrodes.