Abstract: Myoblast cells obtained by culturing, particularly from satellite cells or other progenitor cells, are transplanted into tissue such as diseased heart tissue to form healthy repair tissue and reverse disease. This technique can be carried out in various ways and preferably includes a cellular integration factor to assist cellular survival, integration and longevity into the treated organ. Angiogenesis factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor are particularly preferred and may be transgenically expressed by the transplanted cell. Other factors that may be used to augment the procedure include migratory and scaffolding molecules. The methods and materials are particularly useful in combination with an automated cell processor and an automated catheter delivery system. The materials and methods for their use may be applied to the prophylaxis and therapy of damaged hearts, using cells originally obtained from the patient, another human, or another animal.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for their use are presented that provide automated delivery of cells to structures in the body such as degenerative or weak muscle. The catheters contain one or more sensing components and a system for delivery of cells such as autologous myogenic cells. The sensing component(s) triggers automatic discharge of the cells upon detection of a body surface that needs repair. The discharge of cells may occur through an automated lancing mechanism that alleviates operator error from manual injection timing. During use, an operator can position the catheter end to a structure in need of cellular repair, and the device can automatically discharge cells at a location and time as determined by conditions sensed at the catheter end. A catheter and system is particularly useful for repair of degenerative and or weak heart muscle, such as that found after a myocardial infarct.

Abstract: Sound signals are created at the eardrums of a listener to correspond to sound signals which would be created at the eardrums of the listener in a predetermined acoustical environment in response to first electrical signals applied to a loudspeaker having known sound-reproducing characteristics. A determination of the relative position of the head of the listener when the listener is in the predetermined acoustical environment is made, producing a second signal. An equalizing network is provided with a first input for receiving said first electrical signals, and a second input for receiving the second signals, and a pair of outputs connected to the earphones on the headset of a listener.