Abstract: A training method and device for the lower body providing a mode of exercise that manifests as a functional, closed-kinetic-chain training of the gluteus maximus and the hamstrings in a natural sequential firing pattern. The device construction allows an upright stance so that during exercise the lower body mimics a stride action, as in walking. By combining this natural stride action with adjustable resistance elements in the device, a wide range of uses, from strength training to rehabilitation, are achieved. The device generally includes footplates that are movable in forward and backward directions and also can be simultaneously moved upward against resistance. The heel of the foot can simultaneously be raised with respect to the toe of the foot, also against resistance.

Abstract: A polymerized hydrogel composition for hydrating or dehydrating a surface, particularly a dermatological surface, to which it is applied and a method for forming the composition. The composition is comprised of a mixture of two polymerizable materials, a two-part redox catalyst system and a two-part polymerization medium. The percentage by weight of each element in the composition may be varied within stated percentage ranges and depending to the desired application. The rate at which hydration or dehydration occurs may be controllably altered by varying the percentages of certain of the composition elements and by adding either or both of a fibrous filler material and a humectant to the composition.

Abstract: A combined oil pump and balance module for mounting in an oil sump of a reciprocating piston engine includes a housing supporting a rotatable balance shaft carrying at opposite ends balance weights for offsetting unbalance forces of the engine. The balance weights are enclosed in open top enclosures from which oil is pumped by vanes on the weights and an associated gear, driven by the engine crankshaft. A pair of oil pumps are mounted on opposite ends of the housing inboard of the weights. The pumps draw oil from the sump through housing passages and deliver the oil to one or more engine oil systems. In one embodiment, the first pump feeds oil to a lubrication system and to the second pump, which delivers oil at a higher pressure to a hydraulic actuating system of the engine.

Abstract: A bypass valve assembly, comprising: (a) a housing 12 having an inlet 16 and an outlet 18; (b) a valve member 20 disposed within the housing and being movable between a closed position and an open position; and (c) a slug of material 30 disposed in an initial substantially solid phase in contact with the valve member 20 so as to maintain the valve member in the closed position. The slug of material 30 is subsequently heatable into a substantially softened phase so as to permit the valve member 20 to move into the open position.

Abstract: An optical device is positioned by mounting the optical device in a support formed at least in part of a support material which is capable of controllable and permanent mechanical deformation by a non-force-applying agent. Examples of such support materials include shape memory alloys, composite materials, and materials having a residual stress therein. The optical device is mounted to the support in a first position, and then the support is controllably and permanently locally deformed by the non-force-applying agent to reposition the optical device to a second position. The non-force-applying agent is preferably local heating, as with a laser.

Abstract: An implantable electrode in the form a helically wound conductor having an electrically conductive polymeric layer coaxially surrounding and contacting the helically wound conductor, wherein the electrically conductive polymeric layer is electrically conductive in a dry state prior to implantation. Preferably, the electrode has two conductive portions, the additional second conductive portion being preferably located at the distal tip. The implantable electrode preferably incorporates an insulating portion wherein an additional length of the helically wound conductor is continuous with the remaining length of helically wound conductor coaxially covered by the electrically conductive polymeric layer. The insulating portion has a coaxial covering of impermeable polymeric electrically insulating material which is preferably silicone tubing.

Abstract: An implantable lead for use with cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators and other long term implantable electrical devices intended for sensing or tissue stimulation, having a helically wound conductor with a surrounding tubular insulating layer of elastomeric material such as silicone or polyurethane and an additional coaxial tubular exterior biocompatible layer of porous PTFE having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. The exterior tubular layer of porous PTFE may be fitted coaxially over the elastomeric tubular layer whereby the porous PTFE tubular layer is in longitudinal compression and the fibrils within the microstructure have a bent and wavy appearance. Any portion of the length of the porous PTFE tubing in longitudinal compression allows that portion of the length of the lead wire to be extensible to a controlled extent limited by the straightening of the bent fibrils within the porous PTFE microstructure.

Abstract: A flexible patch electrode for use with living tissue, comprising, in sequential laminar form, a layer of electrically conductive porous polytetrafluoroethylene, a layer of polymeric adhesive, a layer of electrically conductive sheet material having lower resistivity than the layer of porous polytetrafluoroethylene, and an insulating layer. The layer of electrically conductive sheet material is of less length and width than the adjacent layers and is placed so that its edges are not exposed at the edges of the flexible patch electrode.

Abstract: Porous polytetrafluoroethylene materials having high strength and coarse microstructure are produced by densifying the materials after removal of lubricant and then stretching. The term, "coarse," is used to indicate that the nodes are larger, the fibrils are longer, and the effective pore size is larger than conventional materials of the same matrix tensile strength. Densification can be achieved through the use of such devices as a densification die, a calender machine, or a press. This invention can be used to produce all kinds of shaped articles.