Abstract: Movement timing stimulator systems and methods that aid in the relief of the symptoms of neurological movement disorders are provided. In one embodiment, a method of improving a patient's gait is provided. The method includes producing a plurality of stimulation prompts at a plurality of stimulation points using multiple stimulation channels. The plurality of stimulation points is located symmetrically on each leg. The method further includes applying the plurality of stimulation prompts in a timed periodic fashion across the plurality of stimulation points and activating a return electrode whenever one of the multiple stimulation channels on an associated leg is active. The plurality of stimulation prompts are not synchronized with the patient's gait. Each of the multiple stimulation channels is associated with a stimulation electrode at one of the plurality of stimulation points.

Abstract: An artificial retina device and a method for stimulating and modulating its function is disclosed. The artificial retina device is comprised of plural multi-phasic microphotodiode subunits. In persons suffering from blindness due to outer retinal layer damage, a plurality of such devices, when surgically implanted into the subretinal space, may allow useful formed artificial vision to develop. One device, called a MMRI-4, transduces light into electric currents to stimulate the retina. The four microphotodiode subunits of the MMRI-4 are oriented so that each flattened sides of the MMRI-4 has two subunits in a PiN configuration and two subunits in a NiP configuration. The flattened cubic shape of the MMRI-4 will allow one or the other of the two flattened sides to be preferentially directed toward incident light when implanted in the subretinal space.

Abstract: An implantable device is described that collects and aggregates data from non-implanted medical devices external from a body of a patient. The device may also collect and aggregate data from medical devices implanted within the body. The implantable device includes a wireless transceiver to acquire physiological data from the external medical devices, and a storage medium to store the physiological data. A processor retrieves the physiological data and communicates the physiological data to a remote patient management system. The device may collect the physiologic data from the various external data sources, possibly over an extended period of time, and stores the data for subsequent upload to a common patient management system. In addition, the implantable device may collect physiological data from other medical devices implanted within the patient. In this manner, the device provides a central point for collection and aggregation of physiological data relating to the patient.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment the present invention provides a tanning system with first and second units mounted to define a gap for a person to be tanned. The gap defines a head area to be adjacent the person's head and defines first and second shoulder areas oriented to be over the shoulders of a person. The first and second shoulder areas provide ultraviolet illumination, with a reduced amount of illumination provided in the head area. In one embodiment, the system includes a row of ultraviolet lamps mounted to the tanning device. Preferably the row includes two shoulder series, where the first shoulder series is over the first shoulder of the person to be tanned, and the second shoulder series is over the second shoulder of the person to be tanned. In preferred embodiments, the tanning system uses at least one quad lamp. In certain embodiments, the quad lamps are mounted vertically. In another preferred embodiment, the quad lamp includes four elongate portions. The elongate portions are connected in pairs.

Abstract: A high-frequency coagulation apparatus according to the present invention comprises a controller for controlling supply of the fluid from a fluid supply section to a tubular body and controlling supply of the high-frequency electric current from a high-frequency electric current generation section to an electrode, wherein the controller has a first mode for supplying the high-frequency electric current from the high-frequency electric current generation section to the electrode and supplying the fluid from the fluid supply section to the tubular body, and a second mode for supplying the high-frequency electric current from the high-frequency electric current generation section to the electrode and interrupting supply of the fluid from the fluid supply section to the tubular body.

Abstract: A vapor therapy treatment device and method for generating a therapeutic vapor is disclosed. The vapor therapy treatment device includes a cushion having an inner space with water-absorbing material therein. The cushion includes a cover having an outer surface and a vapor permeable pouch associated with or connected to the cushion. The pouch is adapted for receiving, retaining, and subsequently releasing vapor therapy materials or compositions. Upon heating of the water-absorbing material, water vapor is released. Released water vapor may combine with vapor therapy materials and compositions to form a gaseous therapeutic vapor. The heated cushion can be applied to the face and/or nose of a user, facilitating inhalation by a user of therapeutic vapors released from the device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating hemorrhoids and similar ailments are disclosed in which one or more piece of material are used to separate swollen, inflamed tissue from non-swollen tissue material may be included within an undergarment that may be worn for the treatment of ailments such as hemorrhoids or an episiotomy. The material incorporated into the undergarment has elastic properties that, in the case of hemorrhoids, acts to separate the buttocks. The undergarment may also include one or more pocket enclosures to hold cold compresses, ice packs, pain ointment, etc. directly upon, or in close proximity to, the affected area. Alternately, the material may be one or more single-use strips that include adhesive such that the strips act to separate the affected area from the non-affected area.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes an electrode electrically connected to a capacitor with a wire. A method of assembly for attaching a wire to a capacitor and an electrode may include an assembly carrier for housing and securing the wire, capacitor, and electrode during assembly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to medical leads for use with implantable medical devices. Various features of medical leads are described, many of which may be useful in a variety of different leads, e.g., used in a variety of different applications. In one embodiment, the invention provides a medical lead of varying stiffness characteristics. In another embodiment, the invention provides a medical lead having a semi-conical shaped distal tip that becomes wider at more distal tip locations. In either case, described lead features may be particularly useful for J-shaped lead configurations used for implantation in a patient's right atrium. Many other types of leads, however, could also benefit from various aspects of the invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to medical leads for use with implantable medical devices. Various features of medical leads are described, many of which may be useful in a variety of different leads, e.g., used in a variety of different applications. In one embodiment, the invention provides a medical lead of varying stiffness characteristics. In another embodiment, the invention provides a medical lead having a semi-conical shaped distal tip that becomes wider at more distal tip locations. In either case, described lead features may be particularly useful for J-shaped lead configurations used for implantation in a patient's right atrium. Many other types of leads, however, could also benefit from various aspects of the invention.

Abstract: An epicardial lead installation tool having an elongated tool body extending between a tool body proximal and distal ends and encloses a tool body lumen. At least one suction pad supported by a suction pad strut extends distally to a distal end surface of the tool body distal end. A lead implantation tool extending between implantation tool proximal and distal ends is inserted through the tool body lumen to dispose the implantation tool distal end proximate to the tool body distal end. The lead implantation tool distal end is adapted to engage the distal electrode head of an epicardial lead to enable the extension of the assembly of the of the lead installation tool, the lead implantation tool and the epicardial lead through a skin incision and to apply the suction pad against the epicardium. Suction is applied through the suction pad to affix it to the epicardium while the implantation tool proximal end is manipulated to affix the distal fixation mechanism to the myocardium at the implantation site.

Abstract: A device, which is preferably disc shaped, has two primary layers. A first layer has one side, which is the lower side in use, for adhering to a patient's skin surface, a second, upper layer on the underside of which electrical circuitry is printed or affixed so that the electrical circuitry is sandwiched between the layers. The device can be made in several sizes to accommodate patient size and location of the acupuncture point to be stimulated. Two distinct forms of the device are presented: a single use and a reusable device for. In the single use device, the first, lower layer is preferably a foam with non-conductive adhesive on both sides: the bottom side for adhering to the skin and the top side for adhering to the upper polyester disc. The holes through this lower foam layer include, preferably, eight holes spaced concentrically about one central hole in the middle of the lower foam layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a braided wire stent to a predetermined length such that a ball or sphere is formed on the end of each cut wire of the stent. These spheres are advantageous in that they provide added comfort to the patient and also act against the other wires of the stent to prevent the stent from becoming unbraided during the process of collapsing and expanding the stent such as is done when the stent is being inserted into a patient. The apparatus releasably holds and precisely positions the wires while the spheres are being formed.

Abstract: An intravascular stent for controlled release of therapeutic drugs and for delivery of the therapeutic drugs in localized drug therapy in a blood vessel having a tubular stent member formed of a microcellular porous metal capable of absorbing and releasing therapeutic drugs, wherein a thin layer of a polymeric material is applied to an outer surface of the tubular stent member. A method of making a polymer coated, porous metal stent having sufficient strength and capable of absorbing and releasing therapeutic drugs for the delivery of same in localized drug therapy at an intravascular site is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for securing a radiopaque marker to an implant is disclosed. The method includes compressing a ball of radiopaque material into an opening defined by the implant.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to radial forces. An exemplary embodiment also provides a family of stents with novel interstice configurations that facilitate flexibility, durability and/or proper installation.

Abstract: An array of relief cuts is formed at the flexion points of an expandable stent. The relief cuts are small enough to preserve the columnar compressive strength of the stent. The relief cuts allow a balloon expandable stent to be expanded with less balloon pressure. The relief cuts allow the use of wider and thinner material in the stent, giving greater radio-opacity and vessel coverage while simultaneously reducing the stent profile and increasing laminar blood flow through the stented vessel. Patterns of relief cuts may be placed in stents to achieve controlled, non-uniform expansion and which, in some instances, allow the stent to bend easily in a given direction to facilitate deployment in curved arteries or other body lumens.

Abstract: Implantable connector devices which are useable to maintain fluidic connection between, or approximation of, openings formed in adjacent natural or prosthetic anatomical conduits (or adjacent openings formed in a single anatomical conduits). These connector devices generally comprise a plurality of radially expandable annular members having one or more elongate strut members extending therebetween. Initially, the device is mountable on or within a delivery catheter while in a radially compact configuration. After the delivery catheter has been inserted into the body, the device is caused to transition to a radially expanded configuration whereby it becomed implanted within the body so as to maintain the desired fluidic connection between, or the desired approximation of, the anatomical conduit(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides improved prostheses and methods for their endolumenal placement within body lumens, particularly blood vessels. In one embodiment, the prosthesis of the present invention comprises a plurality of radially expansible rings having, a plurality of beams connecting axially remote points on adjacent rings, and a plurality of expansion joints connecting axially proximate points on adjacent rings. The beams maintain the remote points at a fixed distance when the prosthesis is radially expanded and the expansion joints allow for relative movement of the proximate points during delivery of the prosthesis. The combination of the beams and expansion joints minimizes the risk of injury to the body lumen during delivery of the prosthesis to a target site and provides improved tracking capabilities.

Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve has leaflets made of a thin and flexible material. The side edges of adjacent leaflets are sewn together so as to form a substantially tubular valve structure having an in-flow end and an out-flow end. Each of the leaflets is adapted to flex inwardly into and out of engagement with another leaflet so as to close and open the valve in response to force by blood pressure. The leaflets are configured so that a portion of the inner face of each leaflet is in a facing relationship with a portion of the inner face of an adjacent leaflet.

Abstract: Heart valve leaflets (10) arm described that include a plurality of supports (350) within a coapting portion (20) and a substantially arcuate portion (30). The plurality of supports (350) provide the leaflet (10) with anisotropic elasticity.

Abstract: Valve repair apparatus and methods for ensuring proper coaptation and operation of the leaflets of a heart valve. Main aspects of the disclosure relate to devices including a support member configured for attachment to the heart valve annulus, a post extending from the support member away from the plane of the annulus and a connector coupled with the post and configured for attachment to at least one of the leaflets. The various embodiments may include a replacement heart valve connected with the support member for facilitating full replacement as opposed to near repair of an existing native heart valve. Various other devices include support structure and one or more posts connected to opposite sides of the support structure and extending from one side of the valve annulus to another to modify the shape of the annulus.

Abstract: An ophthalmic implant for treatment of glaucoma, a delivery device for implanting such an implant, and a method of implanting such an implant. The implant includes a tube having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a tube passage therebetween, and a disk connected to the tube at the outlet end of the tube. The tube passage has a cross-sectional area sufficiently small to inhibit the flow of aqueous humor through the tube passage. The implant provides a bleb of aqueous humor under the conjunctiva so that the bleb and the elasticity of the conjunctiva assist in regulating the flow of aqueous humor through the tube as a function of the IOP. The tube at its inlet end has a beveled surface facing away from the iris and one or more circumferential holes. One or more retention projections are provided for anchoring and may be extended outwardly when the implant is implanted in the eyeball. The disk has an outer rim and one or more inner uprights.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic cornea for placing in a recess formed in the cornea of the eye, said recess opening out into the anterior face of the cornea and not into the posterior face so as to leave Descemet's membrane intact. The synthetic cornea comprises a piece (42) of flexible transparent material having an axis of circular symmetry and presenting an anterior face (44) in the form of a spherical cap of radius Ra and a posterior face (46) in the form of a spherical cap of radius Rp, the central zones of the two faces being separated by a distance e, and a side wall (48) substantially in the form of a truncated cone whose axis coincides with the axis of symmetry and whose apex lies in front of said anterior face, the angle a made between the section of the side wall and the section of the posterior face in a section plane containing said axis of revolution being less than or equal to 45°.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of obtaining ophthalmic lens capable of reducing the aberrations of the eye comprising the steps of characterizing at least one corneal surface as a mathematical model, calculating the resulting aberrations of said corneal surface(s) by employing said mathematical model, selecting the optical power of the intraocular lens. From this information, an ophthalmic lens is modeled so a wavefront arriving from an optical system comprising said lens and corneal model obtains reduced aberrations in the eye. Also disclosed are ophthalmic lenses as obtained by the methods which are capable reducing aberrations of the eye.

Abstract: A cochlear implant system comprising a first unit (5) adapted to be worn on or in one ear of an implantee. The first unit has a case housing componentry including a microphone (27), and a speech processor means (29). A second unit or accessory (30) is adapted to be worn on or in the other ear of the implantee. The second unit or accessory (30) has a case (31) housing a second power source. An electrical conduction means (58) for transmitting power from the second power source to the componentry of the first unit extends between the first and second units. Such a conduction means (58) can extend around the back of the head of the implantee.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a prosthesis. At least a portion of the prosthesis is made from a ceramic that is treated with ion implantation, which causes a controllable, bilateral compressive stress of the ceramic. A diamond-like-coating (DLC) can be coated on the ceramic and in the same chamber as the ion implantation. After treating by ion implantation and coating with DLC, the ceramic will be strengthened and have a low coefficient of friction and thereby be made much less likely to fracture under load.

Abstract: The invention comprises flat, porous, bioabsorbable implants that are conducive to tissue ingrowth at spinal implantation site, and once absorbed, leave behind a functional ligamentous structure. A preferred material is small intestinal submucosa. Also disclosed are anchoring devices for attaching said implants to the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A laterally expandable spinal implant includes a central body and two wings that are adapted to be received within an inner chamber formed within the central body. The wings have guide rails that fit into grooves defined in the central body. To ensure that the implant is properly secured, each guide rail has an outer end with a cutting surface that cuts into vertebral end plates when the wings are extended. The two wings are connected together through a central turnbuckle shaft that has geared teeth and threading on both ends that engage threaded cavities in the wings. Through the gear teeth, the turnbuckle shaft is able to be rotated so as to laterally extend the wings from the central member. A locking mechanism locks the turnbuckle shaft to prevent the wings from retracting.

Abstract: The disclosure provides implants and methods for bone fusion procedures. In some embodiments, the implants are particularly advantageous for use between opposing vertebral bodies to facilitate stabilization or arthrodesis of an intervertebral joint. The implants includes, at least, a support component that provides structural support during fusion. In a typical embodiment, the implants also include a growth component. A growth component provides an environment conductive to new bone growth between the bones being fused. Several unique configuration to enhance fusion, instruments for insertion and methods for insertion use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant having a fixation stem with varying stiffness is disclosed. The stem comprises an elongated core and segments extending outward from the core. The segments are spaced apart so as to define transverse grooves surrounding the core between adjacent segments. The longitudinal length of the grooves, and the materials used for the core and the segments are selected such that the stiffness of the stem varies from the proximal end to the distal end. Typically, the stiffness of the stem will be lower at the distal end such that the distal end of the stem bears less force when loaded and thereby transfers more load to the proximal end of the stem, which has a higher stiffness. As a result, stress shielding, in which the load bypasses the proximal end of the stem, is minimized and bone resorption adjacent the proximal end of the stem is decreased.

Abstract: The method is used for controlling an actuating mechanism of a prosthesis provided on one side of the lower body of an individual, the individual having a healthy leg on the other side. Accordingly, the method comprises providing a plurality of artificial proprioceptors, at least one of the artificial proprioceptors being on the side of the healthy leg, and at least one of the artificial proprioceptors being on provided with the prosthesis, generating data signals in real time at the artificial proprioceptors, and generating control signals in real time for controlling the actuating mechanism in response to the data signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to perform an automatic diagnosis for the poor performance of a control loop, and to determine whether or not the malfunctioning is caused principally by a poor adjustment of the controller tuning parameters. The method makes use of the fact that a poorly tuned control loop amplifies disturbances in a narrow frequency range around the so-called resonant frequency. The method comprises measuring an error in a control loop over time to determine a power spectral density of the error, determining a best fit analytical function describing the power spectral density and measuring a diagnostic value from a difference between the best fit analytical function and the power spectral density of the error.

Abstract: The invention includes an adaptive control system used to control a plant. The adaptive control system includes a hedge unit that receives at least one control signal and a plant state signal. The hedge unit generates a hedge signal based on the control signal, the plant state signal, and a hedge model including a first model having one or more characteristics to which the adaptive control system is not to adapt, and a second model not having the characteristic(s) to which the adaptive control system is not to adapt. The hedge signal is used in the adaptive control system to remove the effect of the characteristic from a signal supplied to an adaptation law unit of the adaptive control system so that the adaptive control system does not adapt to the characteristic in controlling the plant.

Abstract: A method and system of designing the operations and controls of a gas turbine, includes generating an operations model for the gas turbine including at least one objective function and defining operations and control constraints for the operations model of the gas turbine. An online dynamic optimizer/controller dynamically optimizes and controls operation of the gas turbine using model based control based on the operations model and the operations and control constraints. The model based control may include model predictive control.

Abstract: A speed adjustment control method includes determining an amount of variation in speed from a data table corresponding to |command speed−initial speed| and speed adjustment time, determining number of divisions of |command speed−initial speed| by dividing |command speed−initial speed| by the amount of variation in speed, determining number of divisions of the speed adjustment time by subtracting 1 from the number of divisions of |command speed−initial speed|, determining a speed variation interval by dividing the speed adjustment time by the number of divisions of the speed adjustment time, determining a value for speed that is obtained by adding the amount of variation in speed to previously determined speed for each speed variation interval after starting with a speed obtained by adding amount of variation in speed to the initial speed during acceleration, switching over to the command speed on attaining the command speed, and d

Abstract: There provided an audio device that includes, in its housing, an audio section outputting an identification signal, receiving an input signal, amplifying the input signal and output an output signal, and an optical disc device which, only when receiving an identification signal from the audio section, playing back the optical disc in response to an instruction signal, and, when not receiving the identification signal, does not play back the optical disc even if it receives the instruction signal. Thus, even if only the optical disc device is removed from the housing, connected to a PC and receives a read instruction signal, information in the optical disc cannot be illegally read.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized by the following points:

Abstract: In a backup system 310, 340, 350, or 360, a controller 300 controls operation of a multi-source audio apparatus MMSA. An operation status holder 310 holds operation status information Dbk of the multi-source audio apparatus MMSA. A non-volatile memory 340 stores the operation status information Dbk. A capacitor 360 as a power storage means stores part Pt of operating power. An operating power detector 350 (Sps) detects whether or not the operating power is being supplied. An operation status information write device 310 selectively writes the operation status information Dbk into the non-volatile memory 34 depending on whether or not the operating power is being supplied.

Abstract: Manufacturing processes and related systems are disclosed which provide for fast, reliable, inexpensive production of customizable goods. Types of manufacturing equipment elements are individually equipped with various sensors and effecters, and associated with a software agent running on a dedicated processor. The elements may be made mobile, perhaps by placing the individual pieces of equipment on a movable trolley, and further equipped with a wireless transceiver. In this way, the elements may be easily assembled for a manufacturing process, with minimal human intervention required. Moreover, the elements may execute the steps of the manufacturing process in an autonomous, intelligent fashion.

Abstract: A control device which controls an industrial machine according to an aspect of the invention includes a unit which determines whether the user is a registrant registered in advance, a unit which, when the user is determined to be the registrant, selects one of a setting permission state and a setting inhibition state individually for at least one operating condition of the industrial machine in accordance with the operation of the registrant, and a setting unit which accepts from the registrant a setting of the operating condition for which the setting permission state is selected.

Abstract: Disclosed is an appearance processing method comprising: designing a reference appearance for designing a set shape as a theoretical value; producing a specimen; comparing the reference appearance with the specimen and thus setting a deviation region; performing ion beam milling for milling the deviation region of the specimen by ion beam; and comparing the milling-processed specimen with the reference appearance after the ion beam milling thus to obtain a deviation and milling the deviation region repeatedly thus to make the specimen consist with the reference appearance. Accordingly, an arbitrary shape, a minute spherical surface, or an aspheric shape can be precisely processed, and a large quantity of fabrication by a uniform processing precision is possible.

Abstract: A method includes processing a workpiece in a manufacturing system including a plurality of tools. Workpiece fabrication data related to the processing is retrieved. Future processing in the manufacturing system is simulated based on the workpiece fabrication data. At least one process parameter for the future processing is predicted based on the simulating. The workpiece is processed in at least one of the tools based on the predicted process parameter. A system includes a plurality of tools configured to process a workpiece and a simulation unit. The simulation unit is configured to retrieve workpiece fabrication data related to the processing, simulate future processing for the workpiece based on the workpiece fabrication data, and predict at least one process parameter for the future processing based on the simulating, wherein at least one of the tools is configured to process the workpiece based on the predicted process parameter.

Abstract: A system for monitoring equipment operating parameters of a remote system includes a monitor that communicates with a controller of the remote system, and at least one piece of equipment operable within the remote system, and that communicates with the controller. The equipment has at least one associated operating parameter. The monitor compares a present value of the associated operating parameter to a previous value to determine a difference therebetween. The difference is associated with a cost, measuring the cost of operating the equipment at the present operating parameter.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for the automated structuring of data representing a tangible system. The method includes receiving first item information describing a first tangible item of the system, receiving first item position information describing a position of the first item, receiving second item information describing a second tangible item of the system, receiving second item position information describing a position of the second item, and characterizing a relationship between the first item and the second item based at least in part upon the first item position information and the second item position information.

Abstract: An aligner evaluation system includes (a) an error calculation module configured to calculate error information on mutual optical system errors among a plurality of aligners; (b) a simulation module configured to simulate device patterns to be delineated by each of the aligners based on the error information; and (c) a evaluation module configured to evaluate whether each of the aligners has appropriate performances for implementing an organization of a product development machine group based on the simulated device pattern.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an injection-molding machine capable of accurately and conveniently setting operational conditions in the filling and pressure-holding steps. A curve showing the position of a screw versus time in the filling and pressure-holding steps is displayed on the same screen as that displaying settings for a forward speed and a back-pressure of the screw in the filling and pressure-holding steps. The operator can change settings while monitoring the data indicated by a curve displayed on the screen.

Abstract: When text information is inputted as electronic data from an operation panel of a display apparatus, which functions as a human-machine interface of an injection molding machine, an operation panel controller of the display apparatus stores the electronic data of the inputted text information. When an instruction to display text information is emitted from the operation panel, the operation panel controller displays the stored electronic text information in the display apparatus, according to the instruction.

Abstract: A new method and system of testing and classifying semiconductor devices is provided. User requirements are collected for this purpose, test specifications and test functions are defined for the to be tested DRAM devices. The Automatic Classification Shipping (ACS) data base is updated with test related data, the testing is performed whereby DRAM devices are assigned categories from with DRAM classes are derived. These identified classes are used to sort the tested DRAM devices in accordance with their tested functional performance characteristics.