Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating hypertension, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.

Abstract: A handheld cordless hair dryer utilizes a battery powered fan for directing a flow of air through a nozzle body portion within which a heat exchanger is disposed in heat exchange relationship with respect to both the airflow and heat generated by a gas combustion device. To provide a highly efficient transference of heat from the gas combustion device to the airflow, while avoiding high temperature conditions in exhaust gases discharged or at the peripheral wall of the nozzle body portion, the heat exchanger is comprised of a heat conductive inner duct and an outer duct between which conductive vanes extend, the outer duct being in spaced relationship with respect to an inner surface of the peripheral wall of the nozzle body portion and the inner duct serving as both a combustion tube and an exhaust duct for the gas combustion device.

Abstract: A handheld cordless hair dryer utilizes a battery powered fan for directing a flow of air through a nozzle body portion within which a heat exchanger is disposed in heat exchange relationship with respect to both the airflow and heat generated by a gas combustion device. To provide a highly efficient transference of heat from the gas combustion device to the airflow, while avoiding high temperature conditions in exhaust gases discharged or at the peripheral wall of the nozzle body portion, the heat exchanger is comprised of a heat conductive inner duct and an outer duct between which conductive vanes extend, the outer duct being in spaced relationship with respect to an inner surface of the peripheral wall of the nozzle body portion and the inner duct serving as both a combustion tube and an exhaust duct for the gas combustion device.

Abstract: A hand-held blower includes a tubular housing having a cavity, an open end and peripheral air inlets spaced from the open end. A dividing wall in the housing cavity separates the cavity into a forward and a rear compartment, the forward compartment having a motor and a fan mounted on the motor, and the rear compartment having a rechargeable power supply electrically connected to the motor. Actuating means electrically connects and disconnects the rechargeable power supply and the motor and a charging jack electrically connected to the rechargeable power supply is provided for connecting the power supply to an external power source.