Abstract: According to some embodiments, data associated with a plurality of potential insurance customers may be received and analyzed to identify a set of similar potential insurance customers. For the set of similar potential insurance customers, at least one customized insurance parameter may be automatically determined and a customized insurance product, including a customized insurance premium value, may be created based on the customized insurance parameter. It may then be arranged for each of the similar potential insurance customers to receive an indication of the customized insurance product.

Abstract: Indicator circuit having a backlight and an indicator light associated with a graphical element. The graphical element is adapted to be illuminated by the indicator light for indicating an active vehicle function as well as backlit by the backlight. A switch coupled to the backlight selectively turns OFF the backlight in response to a drive signal supplied by the indicator light. In this manner, the backlight is OFF when the graphical element is illuminated by the indicator light.

Abstract: Rotary switches and associated methods. A rotary switch can include one or more arcuate passages which are prone to ingress of particulate or liquid contaminants. A gasket, a rib, and/or a lubricant reservoir can be provided in the arcuate passages for blocking ingress of contaminants to an interior of the switch.

Abstract: Rotary switches and associated methods. A rotary switch can include one or more arcuate passages which are prone to ingress of particulate or liquid contaminants. A gasket, a rib, and/or a lubricant reservoir can be provided in the arcuate passages for blocking ingress of contaminants to an interior of the switch.

Abstract: Indicator circuit having a backlight and an indicator light associated with a graphical element. The graphical element is adapted to be illuminated by the indicator light for indicating an active vehicle function as well as backlit by the backlight. A switch coupled to the backlight selectively turns OFF the backlight in response to a drive signal supplied by the indicator light. In this manner, the backlight is OFF when the graphical element is illuminated by the indicator light.

Abstract: Indicator circuit having a backlight and an indicator light associated with a graphical element. The graphical element is adapted to be illuminated by the indicator light for indicating an active vehicle function as well as backlit by the backlight. A switch coupled to the backlight selectively turns OFF the backlight in response to a drive signal supplied by the indicator light. In this manner, the backlight is OFF when the graphical element is illuminated by the indicator light.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, data associated with a plurality of potential insurance customers may be received and analyzed to identify a set of similar potential insurance customers. For the set of similar potential insurance customers, at least one customized insurance parameter may be automatically determined and a customized insurance product, including a customized insurance premium value, may be created based on the customized insurance parameter. It may then be arranged for each of the similar potential insurance customers to receive an indication of the customized insurance product.

Abstract: A method of joining a longitudinally extending wound element, or coiled wire strand, and a mating component, or post, of a body implantable lead assembly wherein the former has a longitudinally extending interior passage and an end portion adapted to be received by the latter. In one embodiment, the post is formed with an integral collar spaced from a terminal end thereof. The wound element is placed about the receiving portion and over the terminal end of the mating component and against the collar. The components are then joined by thermally fusing them together, preferably by means of a laser. If the collar and the wound element are fabricated of the same alloy, the thickness of the collar and the diameter of the coiled wire strand are designed to be substantially equal.

Abstract: Particularly applicable to implantable stimulation devices, a system is provided for laser-welding an electrically conductive elongate member, typically a lead, or elongate member, interconnecting operating components of a stimulation device. A bore is formed in a termination component for the slidable reception of the elongate member. Also formed in the termination component is an aperture in communication with the bore and having an axis which extends in a direction transverse that of the axis of the bore. The elongate member is positioned so it extends through the bore in the termination component and is thereby coplanar with and intersects the axis of the aperture.

Abstract: A method is presented of welding an electrically conductive termination component having first and second opposed surfaces to an electrically conductive elongate member extending to a terminal end. The method comprises the steps of forming a substantially circular aperture through the termination component and defined by a rim having a diameter substantially equivalent to the transverse dimension of the elongate member. The terminal end of the elongate member is positioned proximate the termination component overlying the rim of the aperture such that the longitudinal axis of the elongate member is generally coplanar with the center of the aperture. Then, a laser beam is directed transversely of the termination component through the aperture therein toward and onto the elongate member to simultaneously melt the elongate member and the termination component in the region of the aperture and create a mixture of the molten material of both the elongate member and the termination component within the aperture.

Abstract: For an implantable medical devices, a system is provided for welding electrically conductive ribbon, typically stainless steel, to electrically conductive wire, typically platinum, the melting point of steel being substantially lower than that of platinum. An aperture is formed in the ribbon having an opening smaller than that of the wire. The ribbon is engaged with the wire such that the aperture is generally coextensive with the wire. Thereupon, a pulse laser beam is directed transversely of the ribbon through the aperture and onto the wire to simultaneously melt the wire and the ribbon and to create a homogeneous mix of the molten steel and platinum in the region surrounding the aperture. Thereafter, operation of the laser beam is discontinued to allow solidification and thereby achieve a welded connection between the ribbon and the wire.

Abstract: This invention provides for methods and apparatus for increasing the speed of material deposition by a blade element traversing across an apertured mask. The invention involves varying the velocity of the blade element as it sweeps across different sections of the apertured mask. Varying the sweep velocity of the blade element allows for increases in the average speed of material deposition while retaining precision in the application of material deposited through the apertured mask.

Abstract: For an implantable medical devices, a system is provided for welding electrically conductive ribbon, typically stainless steel, to electrically conductive wire, typically platinum, the melting point of steel being substantially lower than that of platinum. An aperture is formed in the ribbon having an opening smaller than that of the wire. The ribbon is engaged with the wire such that the aperture is generally coextensive with the wire. Thereupon, a pulse laser beam is directed transversely of the ribbon through the aperture and onto the wire to simultaneously melt the wire and the ribbon and to create a homogeneous mix of the molten steel and platinum in the region surrounding the aperture. Thereafter, operation of the laser beam is discontinued to allow solidification and thereby achieve a welded connection between the ribbon and the wire.

Abstract: A joint and method of making a joint for providing a secure mechanical and electrical connection between a longitudinally extending coiled or wound element and a terminal on a mating component in a body implantable lead assembly. The wound element has an end portion threadedly received by a post on the terminal. A ring is disposed about the end portion of the wound element. The ring, the end portion of the wound element and the post are joined at at least one location along the circumference of the ring, preferably by thermally fusing these parts using a pulsed laser. The ring has a thin wall and is preferably made of the same biocompatible metallic alloy as the wound element.

Abstract: The invention relates to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) respiratory therapy apparatus for treatment of apnea, hypopnea and other sleep disorders, and particularly to a control for the CPAP apparatus. A blower is connected through a hose and a mask, such as a nasal mask or a nasal cannula, to the patient's respiratory airway. An air flow sensor and an air pressure sensor are located at the blower end of the hose. Optionally, a vent valve also may be located at the blower end of the hose. The sensor outputs are used to estimate the air pressure at the mask and the air flow sensor output is used to determine the gross air flow to the hose, the patient air flow and the occurrence of patient snoring. The air flow sensor output also is used to generate a square wave breathing signal. The breathing signal may be used by a microprocessor to control the optional vent valve to establish different levels in the applied pressure during inspiration and expiration.

Abstract: The invention relates to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) respiratory therapy apparatus for treatment of apnea, hypopnea and other sleep disorders, and particularly to a standby control for automatically operating an air blower in CPAP apparatus. A blower is connected through a hose and a mask, such as a nasal mask or a nasal cannula, to the patient's respiratory airway. Initially, the blower is in a standby mode in which it is either turned off or, preferably, operated at a low speed. When a patient starts breathing through the mask, the blower is automatically switched to an operating mode. In the operating mode, the blower may be controlled to initially supply a low air pressure to the mask which either is increased after a sufficient time delay to allow the patient to fall asleep or is increased in response to the detection of a respiratory event such as apnea or hypopnea.

Abstract: A defibrillator patch lead having a connecting element interconnecting an electrical conductor and a wire mesh electrode pad. The connecting element includes a body portion which has a slot cut therein into which a portion of the wire mesh electrode is inserted and securely bonded, preferably by laser welding. The connecting element further includes a female connector portion which is designed to mate with a male core sleeve. The core sleeve includes a channel for receiving a first conductor therein, which is then electrically and mechanically connected (e.g., by either welding or crimping). The core sleeve also includes an orifice for receiving a second conductor, which is subsequently electrically and mechanically connected (e.g., by either welding or crimping) between the core sleeve and the connecting element. Advantageously, the combination of the core sleeve, two conductors, and the connecting element have superior pull strength over conventional methods of attachment.

Abstract: A quench system which can be used to quench a continuous reaction such as the continuous digestion of titaniferous ores with sulphuric acid is provided. The quench system comprises a pressure vessel (1) equipped with a full bore outlet valve (5) connected to a reaction vessel (7) which may require quenching. The pressure vessel is partly filled with a liquid (18) and the ullage is occupied by a gas under pressure, the pressure being sufficient to discharge the liquid through the outlet valve (5) when open. The reaction vessel is equipped with means to detect cessation of stirring therein or power failure and the full bore valve is equipped with means (19) to open when cessation of stirring or power failure is detected.Operation of the quench system enables a reaction to be rapidly cooled and diluted to prevent solidification and the problems associated therewith in the event of the reactants being unstirred.

Abstract: Chemical waste is burned in oxygen using an electric plasma flame to heat a stream of gas which contains at least 70% by weight oxygen. Liquid waste in fine droplet form is introduced into the gas stream via a two-fluid atomizer using a carrier gas also preferably oxygen. The total amount of oxygen present is at least 30% more than required for complete combustion of the liquid waste. The reaction mixture is maintained at a temperature of at least 1450.degree. C. for a time of at least 2 milliseconds prior to cooling rapidly of the reaction products to a temperature below 300.degree. C.