Abstract: The invention solves this problem by retrofitting the machine and implement with mating hydraulic connector blocks, which automatically make the hydraulic connections when the retrofitted machine attaches to the retrofitted implement. In addition, the retrofitted machine is still compatible with non-hydraulic implements. Both a method and a kit are described and claimed.

Abstract: A medical device identifies a hemodynamically unstable arrhythmia based upon optical hemodynamic sensor signals. The optical hemodynamic sensor includes a light source for transmitting light corresponding to first and second wavelengths through a blood perfused tissue of a patient and a light detector for generating optical signals corresponding to an intensity of the detected light at the first and second wavelengths. At a low motion period for the patient, optical signals are obtained from the optical hemodynamic sensor and are analyzed to determine a baseline motion level for the patient. Subsequent signals obtained from the optical hemodynamic sensor are compared to the baseline motion levels, with only those signals corresponding to periods where motion does not exceed the baseline level of motion being further analyzed to determine if they are consistent with a hemodynamically unstable arrhythmia.

Abstract: A method for coating internal surfaces of a turbine engine component comprises flowing an aluminide containing gas into passages in the turbine engine component so as to coat the internal surfaces formed by the passages, allowing the aluminide containing gas to flow through the passages and out openings in external surfaces of the turbine engine component, and flowing a volume of a gas selected from the group consisting of argon, hydrogen, and mixtures thereof over the external surfaces to minimize any build-up of an aluminide coating on the external surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods and systems for preventing or treating cardiac dysfunction, particularly cardiac pacing dysfunction by genetic modification of cells of targeted regions of the cardiac conduction system. In particular, a bio-pacemaker composition is delivered to cardiac cells to increase the intrinsic pacemaking rate of the cells, wherein the bio-pacemaker composition increases expression of a channel or subunit thereof that produces funny current and a T-type Ca2+ channel or subunit thereof, and expresses one or more molecules that suppresses the expression of the wild type potassium channel.

Abstract: A medical device that includes a lead having a lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and a housing having a connector block for receiving the proximal end of the lead body. A fixation tip is positioned at the distal end of the lead body, and a plurality of fixation members extend from the fixation tip from a fixation member proximal end to a fixation member distal end. The plurality of fixation members are capable of being advanced from a first position corresponding to the fixation member distal end being positioned along the lead during subcutaneous placement of the lead, to a second position corresponding to the fixation member distal end being positioned away from the lead to fixedly engage the lead at a target site.

Abstract: SubQ ICDs are disclosed that are entirely implantable subcutaneously with minimal surgical intrusion into the body of the patient and provide distributed cardioversion-defibrillation sense and stimulation electrodes for delivery of cardioversion-defibrillation shock and pacing therapies across the heart when necessary. Configurations include one hermetically sealed housing with 1 or, optionally, 2 subcutaneous sensing and cardioversion-defibrillation therapy delivery leads or alternatively, 2 hermetically sealed housings interconnected by a power/signal cable. The housings are generally dynamically configurable to adjust to varying rib structure and associated articulation of the thoracic cavity and muscles. Further the housings may optionally be flexibly adjusted for ease of implant and patient comfort.

Abstract: A manifold for use in a process for coating different sized passages in a workpiece is provided. The manifold has an internal chamber, an inlet for receiving a flow of a coating gas, and a flow diverter within the internal chamber for separating the flow of coating gas into a first flow sufficient to coat a full length of surfaces of a first internal passage set having a first cross section dimension and a second flow sufficient to coat a full length of surfaces of a second internal passage set having a second cross section dimension smaller than the first cross section dimension.

Abstract: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are disclosed that are entirely implantable subcutaneously with minimal surgical intrusion into the body of the patient and provide distributed cardioversion/defibrillation and pace/sense electrodes for delivery of cardioversion/defibrillation shock and pacing therapies across the heart when necessary. At least two hermetically sealed housings forming first and second hermetically sealed housings coupled together by a cable support first, second and, optionally, third cardioversion/defibrillation electrodes. The relatively bulky high voltage battery and high voltage capacitors, and circuitry powered by a low voltage power source for detecting a tachyarrhythmia, charging the high voltage capacitor, and discharging the high voltage capacitor to provide a cardioversion/defibrillation shock are distributed between the first and second hermetically sealed housings.

Abstract: Novel materials and methods for repairing/reclassifying superalloy components are described herein. These materials are non-traditional blends of materials having a much higher base material content than traditional repair/reclassification materials. In embodiments used to repair/reclassify nickel-based components, these materials may comprise about 5-18.9 weight percent of a low melting point alloy and about 81.1-95 weight percent of a base material. In embodiments used to repair/reclassify cobalt-based components, these materials may comprise about 15-30 weight percent of a low melting point alloy and about 70-85 weight percent of a base material. These materials can be used to repair surface defects and/or build up worn or eroded areas of a component to meet precise dimensional and metallurgical requirements. These materials create robust repaired components having a dense, isothermally solidified structure having minimal borides and a high re-melt temperature.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker and method of its use. The pacemaker is provided with a pacing electrode array configured for location at a left anterior portion of a patient's thorax between the patients third and sixth ribs, outside the patient's thoracic cavity. The pacing electrode array includes multiple pacing electrodes and preferably includes one or more steering electrodes for configuring the electrical field produced by delivery of pacing pulses to avoid unwanted nerve and muscle stimulation while allowing cardiac stimulation. The electrode array may be located subcutaneously, submuscularly or on the patient's skin.

Abstract: A method for decreasing risk of ventricular tachycardia following myocardial infarction increases cell-to-cell coupling and/or excitability in the border zone of an infarcted region of myocardial tissue. Enhanced conduction to treat the border zone is carried out by genetically modifying myocytes in the border zone to form more gap junctions and/or sodium channels and/or calcium channels. Alternatively, enhanced conduction is carried out by incorporating cells into the border zone that form gap junctions with the myocytes and/or form sodium channels and/or form calcium channels.

Abstract: The invention is a method for identifying proteins associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) and for assessing a patient's risk of SCD by determining the amount of one or more SCD-associated proteins in the patient. Typically, the patient submits a sample, such as a blood sample, which is tested for one or more SCD-associated proteins. Based upon the results of the tests, the patient's risk of SCD may be assessed.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to systems and techniques for assessing a risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmia in a patient by measuring one or more biochemical markers that reflect the health of a patient. Typically, the patient submits a sample, such as a blood sample, which is tested for one or more biomarkers. Based upon the results of the tests, the patient's risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmia may be assessed. When the patient is found to be at risk, the patient may receive an implantable medical device or drug therapy to address the risk.

Abstract: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are disclosed that are entirely implantable subcutaneously with minimal surgical intrusion into the body of the patient and provide distributed cardioversion/defibrillation and pace/sense electrodes for delivery of cardioversion/defibrillation shock and pacing therapies across the heart when necessary. At least two hermetically sealed housings forming first and second hermetically sealed housings coupled together by a cable support first, second and, optionally, third cardioversion/defibrillation electrodes. The relatively bulky high voltage battery and high voltage capacitors, and circuitry powered by a low voltage power source for detecting a tachyarrhythmia, charging the high voltage capacitor, and discharging the high voltage capacitor to provide a cardioversion/defibrillation shock are distributed between the first and second hermetically sealed housings.

Abstract: An externally actuable, hermetically sealed switch is incorporated with an implantable medical device (IMD). A patient applies pressure against the tissue over the IMD and actuates the switch. The actuation of the switch causes the IMD to take predetermined actions, such as recording data, inhibiting therapy, initiating therapy, increasing therapy, requesting information, initiating a communications session, or performing a status check. Thus, the patient is able to interact with the IMD without requiring an external device such as a programmer, patient activator or magnet.

Abstract: The present machine peels strips of sod from the ground and conveys them upwardly and rearwardly to power driven horizontal rollers. Cutting knives just ahead of these rollers cut the sod strips transversely into pieces of a predetermined length. At the same time, a horizontal platform is raised below the rollers, and upwardly projecting fingers on this platform pass between the rollers and lift the cut pieces of sod off the rollers. During the up and down movement of the platform the oncoming sod strips are held back on the conveyor. A transfer apparatus moves horizontally between a position overlying the rollers, where it receives the sod pieces after they are lifted off the rollers, and a stacking location at one side of the rollers, where it releases the sod pieces to drop by gravity into neighboring stacks. The timing of such release is varied periodically so that the stacks of sod pieces will overlap laterally at intervals.