Abstract: Disclosed is an automated programming system for a neuromodulation device that is configured to assist a clinician to efficiently program the neuromodulation device for a particular patient. In particular, the assisted programming system comprises a stimulation user interface control that is configured to cause the intensity of the neural stimulus to ramp up with time as long as the patient continues to interact with the control. The value of stimulus intensity at which the patient ceases to interact with the control is recorded as a significant perceptual marker upon which subsequent steps in the assisted programming workflow are based. This user interface design takes advantage of the human withdrawal reflex, whereby the patient is likely to instinctively release the button upon receiving uncomfortable stimulation. The design therefore minimises the training burden placed on the patient in using the assisted programming system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically changing or updating insurance coverage using a computer device. An insurance analyzer may receive data associated with an insurance user. The insurance analyzer may determine types of insurance coverage available and coverage amounts associated with the received user data. Based on the received data the insurance analyzer may automatically activate insurance coverage based on determined types of insurance available and coverage amounts. The insurance analyzer may also deactivate insurance coverage or change insurance coverage amounts based on determined user activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assisted programming system for a neuromodulation device that is configured to assist a clinician to efficiently program the neuromodulation device for a particular patient. In particular, the assisted programming system comprises a processor configured to ramp a stimulus intensity parameter to or from a predetermined target intensity while the neural stimuli are delivered by the device according to the ramping value of the stimulus intensity parameter. The ramp traverses stimulus intensities below a predetermined threshold at a faster rate than stimulus intensities above the predetermined threshold. The effect is to improve the apparent responsiveness of the neuromodulation device by reducing the amount of time spent traversing stimulus intensities below a perception threshold, while avoiding a sensation of abruptness.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assisted programming system for a neuromodulation device that is configured to assist a clinician to efficiently program the neuromodulation device for a particular patient. In particular, the assisted programming system comprises a user interface with a plurality of controls such as switches, each switch control corresponding to a predetermined configuration of the stimulus electrodes. Activation and de-activation of the switch controls causes stimuli to be delivered via the respective stimulus electrode configurations. Alternatively, or additionally, the user interface controls may be tiles, whose activation may cause the state of delivery of stimulation via the respective stimulus electrode configurations to be inverted.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assisted programming system for a neuromodulation device that is configured to assist a clinician to efficiently program the neuromodulation device for a particular patient. In particular, the assisted programming system comprises a processor configured to predict physiological thresholds of a particular stimulus electrode configuration from perceptual markers obtained using patient reported responses to neural stimuli via that stimulus electrode configuration. Alternatively, the processor may be configured to predict perceptual markers of a particular stimulus electrode configuration from physiological thresholds obtained using measured neural responses to neural stimuli delivered via that stimulus electrode configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for analysing signal windows captured subsequent to delivered neural stimuli and for providing a quality score for each signal window. The quality score is indicative of how closely the captured signal window resembles, or how likely that the captured signal window contains, an ECAP. The quality score may be provided to a process supervising a feedback loop of the closed-loop neural stimulation device delivering the stimuli and capturing the signal windows to ensure the delivered stimuli are appropriate. For example, if the score falls below a predetermined threshold, the supervisor may take a mitigation action to prevent inappropriate adjustment to the intensity of the delivered stimuli by the feedback loop, such as suspending operation of the feedback loop.

Abstract: A dedicated outdoor air system and method that is capable of operating over a broader spectrum of conditions. The HVAC system of the present invention utilizes a heating means positioned within the return air passageway in order to optimize the regeneration of the desiccant wheel and energy recovery device. By positioning a heating means upstream of the regeneration side of the desiccant wheel, the system is capable of providing supply air having low dew points to the enclosed space while still providing improved energy efficiency over conventional HVAC systems.

Abstract: An electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) energy storage device is provided that includes at least two electrodes and a redox-enhanced electrolyte including two redox couples such that there is a different one of the redox couples for each of the electrodes. When charged, the charge is stored in Faradaic reactions with the at least two redox couples in the electrolyte and in a double-layer capacitance of a porous carbon material that comprises at least one of the electrodes, and a self-discharge of the energy storage device is mitigated by at least one of electrostatic attraction, adsorption, physisorption, and chemisorption of a redox couple onto the porous carbon material.

Abstract: An electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) energy storage device is provided that includes at least two electrodes and a redox-enhanced electrolyte including two redox couples such that there is a different one of the redox couples for each of the electrodes. When charged, the charge is stored in Faradaic reactions with the at least two redox couples in the electrolyte and in a double-layer capacitance of a porous carbon material that comprises at least one of the electrodes, and a self-discharge of the energy storage device is mitigated by at least one of electrostatic attraction, adsorption, physisorption, and chemisorption of a redox couple onto the porous carbon material.

Abstract: A cassette for supporting a plurality of cylindrically-shaped containers (e.g., test tubes) of randomly varying diameters in spaced parallel relationship includes a frame supporting a plurality of tube centering assemblies in side-by-side relationship. Each tube-centering assembly comprises a housing defining a through opening for receiving a container, and a pair of cooperating collar members slidably mounted on the housing for movement towards and away from each other. Each of the collar members has an arcuate surface adapted to contact a side wall of a received container during the sliding movement thereof. A spring is provided to bias the collar members towards each other and towards engagement with the side wall of a received container, whereby the collar members cooperate in supporting a received container therebetween.

Abstract: The invention provides a tube adapter for use on a plurality of different types of tubes. The tube adapter includes a sleeve in which to receive smaller diameter tubes. The sleeve preferably includes a bar code reader slot to allow reading of bar codes on the tubes through the sleeve. The sleeve includes a spring portion biased to retain tubes in the tube adapter. The sleeve also preferably includes a key for aligning the tube adapter in a tube cassette. The tube adapter can include a clip to prevent the tube adapter from inadvertently being removed, rotated or dropped from the tube cassette.

Abstract: A universal stripper plate for operating on a plurality of different types of collection containers or tubes. The universal stripper plate includes a universal button for aligning and seating the various tube stoppers or caps for piercing. The universal button is mounted onto a stripper plate, which can be driven into the tube seating/alignment, tube piercing and aspiration and tube release positions. The universal stripper plate also can include a bar code tab to provide a bar code reference and a piercing needle alignment for the various tubes.

Abstract: A self-adjusting tube detector for operating on a plurality of different types of collection containers or tubes including a pivotable adjustment arm which is biased into a first position. The first position is preadjusted for the smallest diameter tube to be utilized. When a larger tube is moved into the aspiration location, the adjustment arm is moved upward against the bias by the tube. The self-adjusting tube detector includes a pivotable reader arm, which is biased into a first position indicating the absence of a tube in the aspiration location. When a tube passes the adjustment arm, the tube will move the reader arm upward to provide a signal indicating that a tube is aligned in the aspiration location for aspiration by the stripper plate assembly.

Abstract: An aspiration apparatus primarily including a biohazard-safe aspirating cartridge assembly for use with material which might be hazardous to humans. The cartridge assembly includes a longitudinally expandable and contractible washing chamber, within which a fluid aspirating needle is longitudinally positioned. Opposite ends of the washing chamber are secured to a pair of telescopically slidable mounting members, which are pluggably mountable to an operably associated support. A locking element surrounds one of the mounting members, for preventing accidental/premature telescoping. Intentional release of the locking element enables the pair of slidable members to be telescoped together by the drive means, causing the washing chamber to contract, permitting the tip of the aspirating needle to be extended out of the chamber, for penetration of an operably associated sealed container of material, for example whole blood.