Abstract: A Broadcast Marketing System (BMS) creates, transmits, captures, stores and forwards selected home shopping product ordering information in a manner that increases the likelihood that a TV or radio viewer/listener will order a product promoted on a direct response commercial. A Broadcast Provider transmits an enhanced broadcast commercial that is coded with information that identifies the product being featured in the commercial, a telephone number of an order-taking computer, and the call letters of the broadcast station that broadcasts the enhanced commercial. The enhanced commercial is received by a TV or radio or other receiver and broadcast for viewing/listening by a user. The user is provided with a specially-configured Remote Unit (RU), resembling a typical TV remote control unit. The RU allows the user to select for purchase those products or services described in the enhanced commercial by simply depressing a button on a keypad of the RU during broadcast of the enhanced commercial.

Abstract: A deep brain stimulation (DBS) system (10) provides a multiplicity of stimulation channels through which stimulation may be delivered deep within the brain of the patient. The DBS system is powered by a rechargeable battery (27). In one embodiment, the system has four channels driving sixteen electrodes (32). The DBS system is easily programmed fur use by a clinician using a clinician programming system (60), and further affords a simple but highly advanced hand held programmer (50) control interface through which the patient may easily change stimulation parameters within acceptable limits. The DBS system (10) includes a small, implantable pulse generator (20) that is small enough to be implanted directly in the cranium of the patient, thereby eliminating the long lead wires and tunneling procedures that have been used in the past.

Abstract: A programming system and method for use with an implantable tissue stimulator allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a multiplicity of electrodes in an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of a directional pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.

Abstract: An implant device provides context switching, meaning the ability to change one set of operational parameters for another. The implant device is controlled by a set of operational parameters. The patient may swap the current set of operational parameters with another set of operational parameters. Further, the implant device may include a time-of-day clock, and/or a sensor, and is configured to automatically change its operational parameters from one set of operational parameters to another at certain times of the day, week, or month, or upon the occurrence of certain prescribed events. In one embodiment, the patient may define selected operational parameters within a new set of operational parameters for use with the implant device, providing such patient-defined parameters remain within set limits. The ability to change the current operational parameter set (OPS) is achieved, in a first embodiment, by including memory circuitry within the implant device wherein a plurality of OPS's are stored.

Abstract: Non-polar tantalum capacitors and non-polar tantalum capacitor arrays with compact designs are provided. The reduced volume and footprint of the capacitors and arrays in turn reduces the amount of space required in any device in which they are used. In addition, the cost of materials is reduced, and the manufacturing is simplified. Some embodiments of the present invention provide an electromechanical connector between the anode rods of each pair of polar tantalum capacitors, and insulation between the remainder of the capacitor bodies, thus providing a non-polar tantalum capacitor. These non-polar capacitors are mechanically connected to make a non-polar tantalum capacitor array. Other embodiments of the present invention provide for physically connecting the anode rods of the polar capacitors. An insulating encapsulant around the connected rods and between the polar capacitor bodies also holds the capacitors and capacitor arrays together.