Abstract: A novel submaximal F-wave acquisition and analysis system that employs computational intelligence to set up submaximal F-wave acquisition conditions and to extract submaximal F-wave features automatically, without operator intervention.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a system for detecting nuclear material based on at least one source of probing radiation and the radiation signatures generated from interrogating an object under inspection. In addition, the present specification describes a threshold-activation detector capable of detecting prompt neutrons, via the activation, after the source's blinding radiation has stopped. The threshold-activation detector can be manufactured from liquid fluorocarbons that allow for the detection of beta radiation and gamma rays.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a housing; stimulation means mounted to the housing; a biosensor releasably mounted to the housing, the biosensor comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting a sural nerve response evoked by the stimulation means; acquisition means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the biosensor for acquiring the sural nerve response; processing means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the acquisition means for digitizing, processing and storing the acquired sural nerve response; calculation means mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the processing means for calculating the conduction velocity and amplitude of the processed sural nerve response; and display means mounted to the housing for displaying the sural nerve conduction velocity and amplitude; wherein the stimulation means and the biosensor are designed to be placed on a patient's anatomy, in the vicinity of a sural nerve, by manipulating the housing.

Abstract: The application discloses systems and methods for X-ray scanning for identifying material composition of an object being scanned. The system includes at least one X-ray source for projecting an X-ray beam on the object, where at least a portion of the projected X-ray beam is transmitted through the object, and an array of detectors for measuring energy spectra of the transmitted X-rays. The measured energy spectra are used to determine atomic number of the object for identifying the material composition of the object. The X-ray scanning system may also have an array of collimated high energy backscattered X-ray detectors for measuring the energy spectrum of X-rays scattered by the object at an angle greater than 90 degrees, where the measured energy spectrum is used in conjunction with the transmission energy spectrum to determine atomic numbers of the object for identifying the material composition of the object.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of bioelectric signals indicative of neuromuscular function. A mapping biosensor array is first used to identify, relative to reliable anatomical landmarks, the optimal myoelectrical detection site for the majority of the population. Then a diagnostic biosensor array is fabricated using this information so that when the diagnostic biosensor array is positioned on an individual using the reliable anatomical landmarks, the detection electrode is automatically positioned over the optimal detection site.

Abstract: In one form of the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting an A-wave, the method comprising: applying a series of stimuli to a nerve; recording a series of late responses; creation of a feature space map from an ensemble of late responses; identification of clusters within the feature space that represent A-wave components; consolidation of A-wave components into a discrete collection of A-waves; removal of false positive A-waves; and extraction of A-wave characteristics.

Abstract: A method for the assessment of neuromuscular function by motor unit number estimation, comprising: (i) determining and controlling stimulation and data acquisition process via pre-configured electrode array so as to acquire stable and less uncertainty MU responses; (ii) pre-processing acquired MUs responses so as to attenuate noise, determine MUs activity region, and improve processing speed and accuracy; (iii) minimizing alternation effects by globally searching and comparing SMUPs; (iv) eliminating alternation effects by identifying alternating MUs directly; and (v) computing and reporting MUNE results, as well as the statistical description of these MUN estimates to evaluate its robustness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting physiological function, for example, nerve conduction, is described. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a housing including a stimulator shaped to fit a first anatomical site and a detector shaped to fit a second anatomical site. The housing automatically positions the detector substantially adjacent to the second anatomical site when the stimulator is positioned substantially adjacent to the first anatomical site. The detector contains a plurality of individual detection elements, whereby the response evoked by stimulation at the first anatomical site is measured using one or more of these detection elements at the second anatomical location.

Abstract: A multi-electrode assembly for use in neuromuscular testing, the multi-electrode assembly comprising: a substrate; at least one stimulation electrode carried by the substrate; at least one detection electrode carried by the substrate; a connector carried by the substrate, the connector being configured for connection with testing electronics; and a plurality of traces for electrically connecting the at least one stimulation electrode and the at least one detection electrode to the connector; wherein the substrate is flexible so that the at least one stimulation electrode and the at least one detection electrode are independently positionable on a patient.

Abstract: A method for computing the amount of a payment which is to be made by a customer and communicating the same, the method comprising establishing a list price for each of a plurality of nerve-specific electrodes (NSEs); establishing a study pricing structure for the NSEs which are to be used in a nerve conduction study (NCS); upon completion of an NCS, determining the number and type of NSEs that were used in that NCS; summing the list prices for each of the NSEs used in that NCS so as to calculate an inventory price; determining the relevant level of the study pricing structure according to the quantity of NSEs used in that NCS so as to determine the appropriate study price; calculating a study pricing credit; determining the amount due; applying the study pricing credit, against the amount due; and displaying the result to the customer.

Abstract: In one form of the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting an A-wave, the method comprising: applying a series of stimuli to a nerve; recording a series of late responses; creation of a feature space map from an ensemble of late responses; identification of clusters within the feature space that represent A-wave components; consolidation of A-wave components into a discrete collection of A-waves; removal of false positive A-waves; and extraction of A-wave characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting physiological function, for example, nerve conduction, is described. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a housing including a stimulator shaped to fit a first anatomical site and a detector shaped to fit a second anatomical site. The housing automatically positions the detector substantially adjacent to the second anatomical site when the stimulator is positioned substantially adjacent to the first anatomical site. The detector contains a plurality of individual detection elements, whereby the response evoked by stimulation at the first anatomical site is measured using one or more of these detection elements at the second anatomical location.

Abstract: A method for localizing a needle to a nerve, the method comprising: using the needle to electrically stimulate the nerve, with a known current intensity, so as to evoke a nerve response; detecting the nerve response; analyzing the detected nerve response so as to identify at least one attribute of the same; and confirming that the needle is in the immediate proximity of the nerve based upon known current intensity and at least one identified attribute of the detected nerve response.

Abstract: A method of detecting neuromuscular pathology in an individual is disclosed comprising the steps of placing a detector on the skin surface of the individual substantially adjacent to a skeletal muscle; obtaining signals from the detector; processing the signals; and determining neuromuscular status in response to the signals. A system for detecting neuromuscular disease in an individual is disclosed, the system comprising at least one means for recording a first signal from a skeletal muscle; a filter in communication with the recording means to generate a second signal consisting substantially of spontaneous myoelectrical activity; and a processor in communication with the filter, wherein the first signal from the skeletal muscle is filtered so as to generate spontaneous myoelectrical signals, and further wherein the processor calculates the power spectral density of the filtered signals and determines the neuromuscular status in response to the power spectral density of the filtered signals.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the assessment of neuromuscular function by F-wave latency. Stimuli are applied to a nerve that traverses a wrist or an ankle joint of an individual. Stimulation of the nerve causes a muscle innervated by that nerve to respond, thereby generating a myoelectric potential. One component of the myoelectric potential is the F-wave component. The F-wave latency between application of the stimulus and the detection of the myoelectric potential is used to provide an assessment of a neuromuscular function of the nerve and/or muscle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the assessment of neuromuscular function by estimating motor unit F-wave component time of arrival (TOA), comprising: (i) determining and comparing F-wave component features so as to accurately identify individual F-wave components; (ii) repeatedly searching the individual F-wave components and extracting additional individual F-wavelets where possible so as to build a complete F-wave TOA profile; and (iii) computing and reporting TOA results for the assessment of neuromuscular function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing neuromuscular pathology in an individual, by (a) applying a plurality of stimuli to a peripheral nerve; (b) recording from the peripheral nerve, or from a muscle innervated by the peripheral nerve, at least one response to each stimulus; (c) processing each response into at least one response characteristic; (d) compiling the response characteristics from all of the responses into a plurality of descriptive parameters of the response characteristics; and (e) analyzing the plurality of descriptive parameters according to a function specific to the neuromuscular pathology so as to yield an indicator of the pathology.

Abstract: A neurological diagnosis and/or treatment system comprising: (i) patient interface apparatus for interfacing with the patient so as to acquire desired data from the patient; (ii) a function-specific module for performing a desired diagnostic and/or therapeutic function on the patient via the patient interface apparatus; (iii) a controlling device for providing a user interface between a medical professional operating the system and the function-specific module, whereby to enable the medical professional to provide input to, and receive output from, the function-specific module; and (iv) a communications hub for connecting the controlling device with a documentation/analysis/storage center by means of a communications network; wherein the function-specific module is connected to the patient interface apparatus by a communications link, the function-specific module is connected to the controlling device by a communications link, and the controlling device is connected to the communications hub by a communica