Abstract: A method of scanning and treating areas of the human body with transcutaneous low intensity direct current. A device is used which comprises a source of low intensity direct current, means for controlling the parameters of the current, a cathode terminal, and an anode terminal. A scanning method is used to determine the proper amperage for the treating method. In the scanning method, the cathode and anode are applied to the skin of a patient and increasing strengths of current are applied. The strength of the current is noted when the patient is first aware of the current and when the patient is made uncomfortable by the current. These two values are averaged to determine the operating current. The treatment method is carried out by applying the anode to an activity point identified in the specification, applying the cathode to the area to be treated, and applying the operating current.

Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for treating inflammatory, proliferative skin disorders, such as psoriasis, with ultraviolet phototherapy. The methods and systems use optical techniques to scan a patient's skin, designate areas of affected skin, and selectively deliver high doses of phototherapeutic ultraviolet radiation to the designated areas. To insure that only affected areas of skin affected are designated for the high doses of UV radiation, the methods and systems use one or more optical diagnostics that relate to independent physiological features of affected skin.

Abstract: A system for exchanging heat with the body of a patient for cooling or warming the patient provides for automatic temperature control in accordance with the monitored temperature of the patient. The system comprises a temperature control module and temperature probes for making body core temperature measurements. The body core temperature measurements are used to control the temperature of fluid circulating within the fluid circuit.

Abstract: A pressurized ventilation system for providing air to the body of an individual wearing the ventilation system to regulate the individual's body temperature is provided. The ventilation system includes the use of an air bladder defining an enclosed volume wherein there is located a plurality of channels for permitting airflow throughout the air bladder. The channels include a plurality of spaced apart apertures, which permit the escape of air out of the air bladder to the body of the individual wearing the ventilation system.

Abstract: An implantable medical electrical lead particularly for stimulation of the sacral nerves comprises a lead body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, and the distal end having at least one electrode of an electrode array extending longitudinally from the distal end toward the proximal end. The lead body at its proximal end may be coupled to a pulse generator, additional intermediate wiring, or other stimulation device. A fixation mechanism is formed on or integrally with the lead body proximal to the electrode array that is adapted to be implanted in and engage subcutaneous tissue, particularly muscle tissue, to inhibit axial movement of the lead body and dislodgement of the stimulation electrodes. The fixation mechanism comprises a M tine elements arrayed in a tine element array along a segment of the lead proximal to the stimulation electrode array.

Abstract: A cardiac transvenous defibrillation lead has a continuous coil conductor within a layer of insulation. A portion of the coil conductor is exposed as a defibrillation electrode. In order to enhance fluoroscopic visualization of the exposed electrode during implant, the end of the exposed electrode is marked with a radiopaque element. The element may be in the form of an adhesive filled with radiopaque material that is used to backfill under the layer of insulation. Alternatively, a tube made of radiopaque material may be installed between the layer of insulation and the coil conductor.

Abstract: A cochlear implant electrode assembly device (10) comprising an elongate electrode carrier member (11), a first stiffening element (15a), and a second stiffening element (15b). The carrier member (11) is made of a resiliently flexible first material and has a plurality of electrodes (12) mounted thereon. The carrier member (11) has a first configuration selected to allow it to be inserted into an implantee's cochlea (30), a second configuration wherein it is curved in shape to match a surface of the cochlea (30), and at least one intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. Both the first and second stiffening elements (15a, 15b) are made of a material relatively stiffer than said the material and in combination bias the elongate member into the first configuration. If either the first stiffening element (15a) or the second stiffening element (15b) are removed, the elongate member (11) adopts the at least one intermediate configuration.

Abstract: A method of treating the face includes positioning electrode pairs so as to stimulate predetermined nerves on a first side and a second side of the face and alternately stimulating a first pair and a second pair of the electrode pairs. The first pair is located on the first side of the face and the second pair comprises a reciprocal electrode pair of the first pair and is located on the second side of the face. The first pair and the second pair are stimulated alternately for a first predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A stent comprises a tubular member having openings therein and having a plurality of interconnected members and one or more frangible restraining members. The frangible restraining members break upon partial expansion of the stent. Thereafter, the stent self-expands.

Abstract: A biodegradable stent for implantation into a lumen in a human body. The stent in one embodiment is made from a biodegradable fiber having an inner core and an outer layer. The outer layer is a blend of two polymer components. The inner core has a first degradation rate, and the outer layer has a second degradation rate. The second degradation rate is slower than the first degradation rate. The fiber softens in vivo such that the stent is readily passed from the lumen as a softened fragment or filament after a pre-determined period of time through normal flow of body fluids passing through the lumen.

Abstract: The stent has at least two different patterns along its longitudinal length such as a closed cell and an open cell design. The stent is made from nickel/titanium, titanium, stainless steel or a noble metal. The different patterns are joined by varying articulations including a W-pattern and S-patten. The stent has at least two coatings over the base structure, the coating depth not exceeding ten microns.

Abstract: A stent is made up of a plurality of adjacent stent segments, spaced from one another. Between each two adjacent stent segments is a detachment zone that includes two articulation planes. In each articulation plane there are two connecting members, with the members in one articulation plane spaced from those in the other articulation plane about the circumference of the stent by from about 60 to 140 degrees from each other. Within each articulation plane, the two members ne are spaced between about 140 and 220 degrees from each other.

Abstract: A vascular graft prosthesis having ingrowth-permissive lumenal wall features with a thin film or layer of sealant-like material placed at a lumenal wall location to promote improved transmural tissue growth and healing.

Abstract: Storage containers for expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries are disclosed. The containers permit an expandable valve to be stored in its expanded configuration and then converted to its contracted configuration while still in the container. A mechanism incorporated into the container facilitates the conversion. For example, the container may have a base and a lid, and a crank manipulable from outside. The lid actuates a key within the container that engages the valve to perform the contraction. If the valve is a spirally wound type of expandable valve, the key may be attached to an inner side edge and rotated to wind the valve into a tight spiral. A drain in the container may facilitate removal of a preservative solution so that the valve can be seen during the contraction process, or so that the valve can be rinsed while still within the container.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring having a three-dimensional discontinuous form generally arranged about an axis with two free ends that are axially offset. The ring is particularly suited for repair of the tricuspid valve, and more closely conforms to the annulus shape. The ring is more flexible in bending about radially extending axes than about the central axis. A deliver template having a mounting ring with about the same shape as the ring facilitates implant, and may be releasably attached to a delivery handle. The deliver template may include a plurality of cutting guides for releasably attaching the annuloplasty ring thereto while presenting maximum outer surface area of the ring. The template may have an outwardly-facing groove to receive and retain the ring.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for holding and packaging intracorneal implants are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a holder body having a surface sized and adapted to carry an intracorneal implant, and a through hole extending through the surface, preferably sized and adapted to facilitate suction being applied to the intracorneal implant located in proximity to the surface. A cap member preferably is provided and is sized and adapted to be secured to the holder body so as to hold an intracorneal implant between the surface of the body and the cap member. Methods for packaging intracorneal implants and for providing intracorneal implants ready for use are provided and may involve using such apparatus.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens system for improving the vision of a patient comprising first and second ophthalmic lenses. Each of these lenses is adapted for implantation in an eye or to be disposed on or in the cornea. The first ophthalmic lens is biased for distance vision and the second ophthalmic lens is biased for intermediate vision. The ophthalmic lenses may be intraocular lenses which are implanted in the eyes of a patient without removal of the natural lens.

Abstract: An iris-supported intraocular lens having an optic portion and a plurality of fixation members coupled thereto. Each fixation member has a pair of pincer arms that separate outward of the optic and converge toward one another at aligned end tips. One or both of the end tips are covered with a soft sleeve or cap. The IOL is fixed in the anterior chamber of the eye by pinching the iris tissue between the end tips of each pair of pincer arms. The soft sleeves eliminate damage to the iris tissue.

Abstract: An intraocular lens having an ultrathin and highly pliable optic and relatively more rigid fixation members extending outward therefrom. The optic desirably includes a flange to which a common arm of a pair of joined fixation members attaches. The fixation members extend on opposite sides of the optic in U-shaped flex portions spanning a distance larger than the diameter of the optic. The fixation members may be flexed inward so as to overlap within the diameter of the optic and define an insertion profile of less than about 5 mm. For anterior implantation, four relatively evenly circumferentially spaced pods are provided by the pair of fixation members. The optic center desirably has a thickness of less than about 0.5 mm for meniscus type optics, and may be made of silicone, hydrophilic acrylic, or hydrophobic acrylic. The fixation members have a thickness of about 0.25 mm and are desirably made of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polyether sulfone.

Abstract: A method of tissue grafting. Tissue elements are obtained from at least one human body and are enclosed within a retaining structure. The tissue elements with the retaining structure are shaped to form a grafting material having a predetermined configuration. The grafting material is then implanted into a patient.

Abstract: Implants for maintaining a distance between cut spinal bones are disclosed. The implants are made of metal, polymer or bone allograft, and have ends angled with respect to each other to conform to the cut bone ends. The implants have hollow regions for packing osteogenic material. The implant ends have surface projections to reduce slippage. Implants made of bone allograft also have ends made of demineralized bone to speed fusion between spine and implant. Methods of using the implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: Implants for use in the spinal column are disclosed. The implants comprise a bone allograft coupled with a non-allogenic plate. The plate has ends that fasten to opposing spine segments, and an intermediate portion that engages the allograft using deformable fingers, or with a hollow portion sized to receive and hold part of the allograft, or with fixed tabs. Methods of using the implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A band of biocompatible and/or bioabsorbable material is provided including threads on one or both of its ends. An area adjacent a spinal disc is accessed, and the band of material is wrapped around the disc to stabilize the disc and/or to facilitate healing. An elongate member is inserted around a posterior region of the disc, e.g., through tubular guide members. An end of the band is connected to a distal end of the elongate member, and the elongate member is pulled back around the disc to direct the band around the disc. The band is secured around the disc overlapping vertebrae adjacent the disc. Optionally, a relative location of the vertebrae is adjusted relative to the disc before wrapping the band around the disc, for example, using a fork member or traction. Energy may also be applied to the disc to enhance healing.

Abstract: A lordotic implant has a frusto-conical shape with external threads. Prior to placement of the implant, vertebrae are distracted in a manner to provide a desired lordosis between the vertebrae. The pre-distracted vertebrae are then tapped to provide a tapped bore having a geometry matching the conical geometry of the implant. The threaded implant is then placed within the pre-tapped conical bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial intervertebral disc for implanting between two vertebral bodies (W) comprising two end plates (1, 2) which bound a hollow space (4), which is filled with an elastically and/or plastically deformable nucleus (3), at two opposite sides, with the hollow space (4) being enclosed by a tubular fibre ring (5) such that the end plates (1, 2), together with the fibre ring (5), bound the hollow space (4) and the end plates (1, 2) are in tensile connection with the fibre ring (5). The fibre ring (5) is designed as elastically extensible in the radial and axial directions, with the fibre ring (5) having a larger modulus of elasticity than the nucleus (3) and the nucleus (3) and the fibre ring (5) interacting such that the elastic properties of the artificial intervertebral disc show a non-linear behaviour with increasing deformation at least with respect to a compression force (F).

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between two vertebral bodies (W) comprising two end plates (1, 2) and an elastically deformable disc (3) pre-stressed between the end plates (1, 2) in the axial direction, with the disc (3) lying within a tubular, elastically deformable, fibre ring (4) and the end plates (1, 2) being in tensile communication with the fibre ring (4). The disc (3) has a contact surface (5, 6) which enlarges with a compression of the artificial intervertebral disc and which adjoins one of the end plates (1, 2) so that the elastic properties of the artificial intervertebral disc show a non-linear behaviour with increasing deformation at least with respect to a compression force (F).

Abstract: A prosthesis for implanting into a bone having a cavity is disclosed. The prosthesis comprises a body and a stem. A first coating including a bone ingrowth promoting material that promotes ingrowth of bone onto the stem and a bioabsorbable material that delays the ingrowth of bone onto the stem is disposed on a proximal portion of the stem outer surface. A second coating including the bone ingrowth promoting material and the bioabsorbable material is disposed on a distal portion of the stem outer surface. The ratio of bone ingrowth promoting material to bioabsorbable material in the first coating is greater than the ratio of bone ingrowth promoting material to bioabsorbable material in the second coating whereby the affixation of the bone to the proximal zone of the stem is faster and stronger over time than the affixation of the bone to the distal zone of the stem.

Abstract: The present invention features a regenerative bone implant. The implant includes a biocompatible and biodegradable matrix having pores, and a biocompatible and biodegradable biopolymer disposed in the pores and covalently bonded to the matrix. Optionally, the implant can further include a bone formation promoter that is also disposed in the pores and can be covalently bonded to the matrix.

Abstract: An implantable device for facilitating the healing of voids in bone, cartilage and soft tissue is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes a cartilage region comprising a polyelectrolytic complex joined with a subchondral bone region. The cartilage region, of this embodiment, enhances the environment for chondrocytes to grow articular cartilage; while the subchondral bone region enhances the environment for cells which migrate into that region's macrostructure and which differentiate into osteoblasts. A hydrophobic barrier exists between the regions, of this embodiment. In one embodiment, the polyelectrolytic complex transforms to hydrogel, following the implant procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resilient foot insert for an artificial foot. According to the invention, this foot insert consists of at least two springs (1, 2) which are connected to one another and which together-in side view, in the unloaded state, enclose an approximately triangular spring deflection space (3), the upper, approximately roof-shaped spring (1) having, in the roof top area, an adapter attachment (4) and, starting from the latter, a heel branch (hereinafter “heel spring 6”) which extends downward in a concave curve into the heel area (5), and a forefoot branch (hereinafter “forefoot spring 8”) which extends downward in a concave curve into the forefoot area (7), the free branch ends (6a, 8a) being connected to a separate base spring (2) which delimits the bottom of the spring deflection space (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for performing multiple and varied processing and sorting procedures on mixed mailpieces of varied sizes in a single pass is provided. The apparatus further provides a user interface so that as few as a single user can perform the multi-task processing and sorting of mixed and non-machineable mailpieces. Also provided are related methods for performing in a single pass with as few as a single operator multiple processing and sorting steps on mixed mailpieces primarily with the purpose of rehabilitating and improving the characteristics of the mailpieces for the purpose of subsequent high speed processing.

Abstract: A state-of-device remote monitor system capable of applying a general-purpose line as a transmission line for transmitting detection signals of a state of a device, comprises an on-the-spot area, and a management area. The on-the-spot area includes an electric device, a detector for detecting a device state of the electric device, and a first communication signal converter for converting detection data obtained by the detection of the detector into communication signals, and transmitting the communication signals.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of at least one motion device, where the motion devices comprise at least one controllable element, includes a setup component and at least one motion command component. The setup component is capable of extracting process information from electronic simulation information, and thereafter formatting the process information into neutral process information. The motion command components are each associated with at least one motion device, and are capable of receiving the neutral process information from the setup component. Each motion command component is capable of interpreting the received neutral process information into operation information for the controllable elements of each respective motion device, where the operation information depends on a type of the at least one motion device. Each motion command component is further capable of distributing the operation information to the controllable elements of each respective motion device.

Abstract: An apparatus for proposing bending sequences and bending tools for a metal plate part includes system for storing a development plan of the metal plate part; system for detecting a plurality of bending sequence proposals which make it possible to manufacture the metal plate part based on the development plan, and bending tool proposals used in each bending process of each bending sequence proposal; and system for displaying the plurality of bending sequence proposals. Such display includes information showing the stage numbers in each bending sequence proposal.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, control system and computer program product are provided for controllably positioning the solar concentrator. The method, apparatus, control system and computer program product determine the respective errors generated by more and different error sources than prior techniques, including error sources selected from the group consisting of a gravitational residue error, an elevation transfer function error and an error attributable to atmospheric refraction. Based upon the respective errors, the method, apparatus, control system and computer program product determine an elevation command and an azimuth command to compensate for the vertical error and the horizontal error between the centerline of the solar concentrator and the sun reference vector such that the solar concentrator can be more precisely positioned, thereby improving the efficiency with which the solar concentrator collects solar energy.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for developing programs for operating industrial processes. The system includes an operator interface, and a computer coupled to the operator interface, where the computer includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a first program and information concerning a plurality of templates within at least one library and a plurality of objects within at least one project that is representative of the at least one industrial process. The processor is configured to execute the first program to process information stored within the memory so that the processed, stored information can be operated upon by a second program. The first program is capable of performing at least one of (1) determining an identity of one of the second program and a third program that was employed to generate the information, and (2) selecting portions of the stored information for use by the second program.

Abstract: A method of identifying features for a classifier includes identifying a set of elements that share a common characteristic, and then identifying a subset of elements within that set which share a second characteristic. Features are then selected that are more commonly possessed by the elements in the subset than the elements in the set but excluding the subset, and that are more commonly possessed by the elements in the set but excluding the subset, as compared to the elements outside the set. A further method of identifying features for a classifier includes defining a list of features, selecting a first feature from that list, identifying a set of elements that possess that first feature, and then identifying a subset of elements within that set which possess any other feature.

Abstract: A method of processing data is provided, which includes a plurality of processes 502 to 505 equipped with dependencies 603 and a continuation manager 814, said processes 502 to 505 including a plurality of sub-processes 507. The continuation manager 814 recurrently selects (1301) each of said plurality of processes for execution in the order of their dependencies. The continuation manager further recurrently selects (1302) each of said plurality of sub-processes 507 within each of said plurality of processes 502 to 505 for execution. The output data generated at each of said selected sub-processes 507 is generated in the order of said dependencies 603.

Abstract: In connection with a classification system for classifying media entities that merges perceptual classification techniques and digital signal processing classification techniques for improved classification of media entities, a system and methods are provided for automatically classifying and characterizing sonic properties of media entities. Such a system and methods may be useful for the indexing of a database or other storage collection of media entities, such as media entities that are audio files, or have portions that are audio files. The methods also help to determine media entities that have similar sonic properties by utilizing classification chain techniques that test distances between media entities in terms of their properties. For example, a neighborhood of songs may be determined within which each song has similar sonic properties.

Abstract: In connection with a classification system for classifying media entities that merges perceptual classification techniques and digital signal processing classification techniques for improved classification of media entities, a system and methods are provided for automatically classifying and characterizing melodic movement properties of media entities. Such a system and methods may be useful for the indexing of a database or other storage collection of media entities, such as media entities that are audio files, or have portions that are audio files. The methods also help to determine media entities that have similar, or dissimilar as a request may indicate, melodic movement by utilizing classification chain techniques that test distances between media entities in terms of their properties. For example, a neighborhood of songs may be determined within which each song has similar melodic movement properties.

Abstract: An audio converter device and a method for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, the audio converter device receives the digital audio data from a first device via a local area network. The audio converter device decompresses the digital audio data and converts the digital audio data into analog electrical data. The audio converter device transfers the analog electrical data to an audio playback device.

Abstract: In the context of a video game, multimedia presentation or other application, multiple sound sample files are read out simultaneously and mixed together. The volumes and/or pitches of the wave tables are parameterized to allow a single parameter (e.g., power, intensity, etc.) to simultaneously control the multiple read out processes. The control parameter may be, for example, responsive to a user-manipulable control, such as a joystick. Sound effects produced using this technique are rich and interesting, and the user feels as if he or she is directly controlling the effect.

Abstract: A system and method for seamless switching and concatenation of compressed audio streams in Internet, Digital Radio, Digital Television, DVD, storage, and other applications. The technology allows switching between streams at pre-determined points without the introduction of audible artifacts. It can be used for the personalization messages such as advertisements, news systems and other.

Abstract: A method for providing a displayable task schedule of tasks to be performed on behalf of specific service tasks such as individuals by a particular worker of a plurality of workers is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving worker identification information; compiling a list of tasks to be performed by a worker in response to the received identification information based on a role assigned to the worker and a list of service tasks; and initiating display of the compiled list of tasks. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The substrate carrier management system includes a pre-diffusion processing apparatus, a carrier cleaner, and a carrier conveyer. The pre-diffusion processing apparatus unloads a substrate from a supplied carrier in which the substrate is stored, performs predetermined processing on the substrate, and transfers the processed substrate stored in a carrier to be used after processing. The carrier cleaner cleans a carrier emptied as a result of taking a substrate out of the carrier. The carrier conveyer conveys a carrier between the pre-diffusion processing apparatus and the carrier cleaner. The empty carrier unloaded from the pre-diffusion processing apparatus is cleaned by the carrier cleaner, and the processed substrate is stored in the empty carrier. With this arrangement, it is possible to automatically change carriers and thereby continuously use a cleaned carrier in the subsequent step without using a dedicated carrier.

Abstract: There is here disclosed a semiconductor device manufacturing method, comprising arranging at least one subject piece in a processing chamber, and starting a predetermined processing, applying a light having a predetermined wavelength to a monitoring section which is formed to enable transmission and reflection of the light and which is provided at a tip of a monitoring device to indirectly monitor a thickness of a film on the subject piece, and measuring a reflection light which is the application light is reflected near the monitoring section, while the light and the reflection light are isolated from an atmosphere and a substance in the chamber, measuring an amount of a substance on the monitoring section based on the reflection light, determining a thickness of a film on the subject piece based on the substance, and conducting the processing while controlling the processing based on the thickness of the film.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising determining a first processing condition to apply a predetermined processing to a base body in a reaction chamber of a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus, processing the base body based on the determined first processing condition, measuring one or more process parameters which vary the processing capability of the process on the base body during the processing, determining a second processing condition during the processing so that the processing amount is a set value, from a reference state representing the relation between the processing capability and the process parameter, and the measured value of the process parameter measured during processing, and changing the processing condition from the first processing condition to the second processing condition during the processing, and performing the processing based on the second processing condition.

Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling a process for making paper or paper pulp. The process has a process product output at an end of the process. The controls include a process variable sensor input configured to receive a process variable related to the process. The controller is configured to provide a control signal to control the process. A process model has a model product output which is a model representation of the process product output. The model process output is a function of the sensed process variable and a product output setpoint representative of a desired process product output. The control signal is a function of the product output setpoint and the modeled product output.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for predicting precipitation kinetics in precipitation-hardenable alloys, such as the 7000 series aluminum alloys, and for optimizing conditions for thermal treatment thereof. The method includes the steps of measuring a real-time temperature of an alloy component during the thermal treatment process, and using a signal in dependence upon the real-time temperature to predict, using executable code, a current state of the alloy component. The executable code includes a series of rate equations and initial parameters for a particular alloy. Optionally, the initial parameters for the particular alloy are provided after the code is in execution. The thermal treatment process is terminated when a predetermined state of the alloy component is predicted.

Abstract: A method is provided for assisting an operator in setting optimized machine parameters of a machine tool. The machine parameters are used for controlling the machining. The method comprises manual selecting priority values for at least two mutually dependent target values representing the machining performance and automatically determining the machine parameters based on the selected priority values. A corresponding operator support system is also provided.