Abstract: A rolling-element bearing includes a first ring element, a second ring element, a plurality of rolling elements rotatably disposed between the first ring element and the second ring element, and an electrically insulating layer on a surface of the first ring element. The electrically insulating layer is a ceramic layer containing a mixture of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and titanium oxide, and the insulating layer includes titanium compounds that contain reduced titanium oxide (TiOx) and/or metallic titanium (Ti), and the insulating layer further includes a cured synthetic resin sealer.

Abstract: A rolling-element bearing includes a first ring element, a second ring element, a plurality of rolling elements rotatably disposed between the first ring element and the second ring element, and an electrically insulating layer on a surface of the first ring element. The electrically insulating layer is a ceramic layer containing a mixture of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and titanium oxide, and the insulating layer includes titanium compounds that contain reduced titanium oxide (TiOx) and/or metallic titanium (Ti), and the insulating layer further includes a cured synthetic resin sealer.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing three dimensional orthogonal ECG measurements to assess patient risk of a subsequent cardiac event based on evaluation of cardiac vector values in view of risk factors defined by the invention.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing three dimensional orthogonal ECG measurements to assess patient risk of a subsequent cardiac event based on evaluation of cardiac vector values in view of risk factors defined by the invention.

Abstract: A screening evaluation tool according to the present invention provides instructions and mechanisms to probe areas of vision (related to learning). These areas include eye movements used during reading, visual imagery of mental pictorial images generated by viewing, visual recall of mental pictorial images maintained over time, mental manipulation of pictorial images transformed spatially and visual manipulation of mental pictorial images viewed from multiple spatial perspectives. The screening may be conducted remotely from any physical location via the Internet or other network. Further, the present invention may be utilized for performing therapy, screening tests or more formal evaluations of vision over the Internet. In addition, the screening and/or therapy sessions performed by a user may be replayed by the tool for presentation to doctors and/or therapists for evaluation purposes.

Abstract: An ECG signal processing system which removes the CPR-induced artifact from measured ECG signals obtained during the administration of CPR.

Abstract: A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures is disclosed. The system in its preferred embodiment provides an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The invention is particularly applicable to catheter ablation, e.g., ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: Featured is a catheter device for ablating tissue that includes an elongated body member having a distal portion and a deflection mechanism operably coupled to the distal portion so as to cause the distal portion to deflect with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body member. Such a catheter device also includes a guide member and a guiding mechanism that is coupled to the elongated body member and is configured so as to guide the guide member. The guiding mechanism includes an exit portion from which the guide member exits during deployment The exit portion is disposed with respect to the distal portion end so the distal portion deflects from and with respect to the guide member as well as rotating about the guide member. Also featured are systems and methods related thereto.

Abstract: A chest compressions monitor for measuring the depth of chest compressions achieved during CPR. A displacement detector produces a displacement indicative signal indicative of the displacement of the CPR recipient's chest toward the recipient's spine. A signaling mechanism provides chest compression indication signals directing a chest compression force being applied to the chest and a frequency of such compressions.

Abstract: A method of processing a raw acceleration signal, measured by an accelerometer-based compression monitor, to produce an accurate and precise estimated actual depth of chest compressions. The raw acceleration signal is filtered during integration and then a moving average of past starting points estimates the actual current starting point. An estimated actual peak of the compression is then determined in a similar fashion. The estimated actual starting point is subtracted from the estimated actual peak to calculate the estimated actual depth of chest compressions. In addition, one or more reference sensors (such as an ECG noise sensor) may be used to help establish the starting points of compressions. The reference sensors may be used, either alone or in combination with other signal processing techniques, to enhance the accuracy and precision of the estimated actual depth of compressions.

Abstract: Chest compressions are measured and prompted to facilitate the effective administration of CPR. A displacement detector produces a displacement indicative signal indicative of the displacement of the CPR recipient's chest toward the recipient's spine. A signaling mechanism provides chest compression indication signals directing a chest compression force being applied to the chest and a frequency of such compressions. An automated controller and an automated constricting device may be provided for applying CPR to the recipient in an automated fashion. The automated controller receives the chest compression indication signals from the signaling mechanism, and, in accordance with the chest compression indication signals, controls the force and frequency of constrictions.

Abstract: A computationally efficient method for assessing a subject's autonomic balance by measurement of heart rate variability is disclosed which is particularly suitable for implementation by an implantable medical device. Statistical surrogates are used to represent frequency components of an RR time series. A ratio of the low frequency component to the high frequency component may then be estimated to assess the subject's autonomic balance.

Abstract: A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures includes an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter may further include an ablation tip, and be used as an intracardiac device to deliver energy to selected areas of tissue and visualize the resulting ablation lesions. The antenna utilized in the combined electrophysiology and imaging catheter for receiving MR signals is preferably of the coaxial or “loopless” type.

Abstract: A screening evaluation tool according to the present invention provides instructions and mechanisms to probe areas of vision (related to learning). These areas include eye movements used during reading, visual imagery of mental pictorial images generated by viewing, visual recall of mental pictorial images maintained over time, mental manipulation of pictorial images transformed spatially and visual manipulation of mental pictorial images viewed from multiple spatial perspectives. The screening may be conducted remotely from any physical location via the Internet or other network. Further, the present invention may be utilized for performing therapy, screening tests or more formal evaluations of vision over the Internet. In addition, the screening and/or therapy sessions performed by a user may be replayed by the tool for presentation to doctors and/or therapists for evaluation purposes.

Abstract: Chest compressions are measured and prompted to facilitate the effective administration of CPR. A displacement detector determines a displacement indicative signal indicative of the displacement of the CPR recipient's chest toward the recipient's spine. A signaling mechanism provides chest compression indication signals directing a chest compression force being applied to the chest and a frequency of such compressions. An automated controller and an automated constricting device may be provided for applying CPR to the recipient in an automated fashion. The automated controller receives the chest compression indication signals from the signaling mechanism, and, in accordance with the chest compression indication signals, controls the force and frequency of constrictions.

Abstract: A furnace tray for supporting tooth pegs used in the manufacture of false teeth, dental prostheses and the like comprises a refractory tray base member having a carbon plate receiving recess in its upper surface. A carbon plate is positioned in the recess and dental prostheses supported by tooth pegs are placed on the upper surface of the plate. The tray with the carbon plate and the dental prostheses thereon are then placed in a furnace and the teeth are fired. During the firing process the interior of the furnace is simultaneously purged by the carbon.