Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.

Abstract: Intra-gastric fastening devices are disclosed herein. Expandable devices that are inserted into the stomach of the patient are maintained within by anchoring or otherwise fixing the expandable devices to the stomach walls. Such expandable devices, like inflatable balloons, have tethering regions for attachment to the one or more fasteners which can be configured to extend at least partially through one or several folds of the patient's stomach wall. The fasteners are thus affixed to the stomach walls by deploying the fasteners and manipulating the tissue walls entirely from the inside of the organ. Such fasteners can be formed in a variety of configurations, e.g., helical, elongate, ring, clamp, and they can be configured to be non-piercing. Alternatively, sutures can be used to wrap around or through a tissue fold for tethering the expandable devices. Non-piercing biased clamps can also be used to tether the device within the stomach.

Abstract: One or more magnetic levitation vehicles are provided to transport a storage mass over a magnetic levitation guideway extending between an elevated upper end and a lower end at a lower elevation, and including a plurality of magnetic propulsion windings. Movement of a magnetic levitation vehicle with the storage mass along the magnetic levitation guideway from the elevated upper end to the lower end generates electrical energy through the propulsion windings of the magnetic levitation guideway. The magnetic levitation vehicle with a storage mass can be propelled from the lower end to the upper end of the magnetic levitation guideway, where the storage mass is unloaded to store gravitational potential energy. The magnetic levitation vehicle and storage mass can then be moved to the lower end of the magnetic levitation guideway to convert the stored gravitational potential energy to electrical power.

Abstract: A light fixture has motion detection circuitry enclosed within a motion detector housing. The motion detector housing contains at least one thermal detector such as a passive infrared sensor, the sensor having a detection angle. At least one adjustable blind is housed within the housing adjacent to the infrared sensor, and the blind is adjustable to block and limit the detection angle of the sensor. The blind may be directly connected to a knob on a control panel that allows the user to alter the angle of the blind. Two or more blinds may be used on the interior of the housing, to increase adjustability of the detection angle.

Abstract: The present invention embodies delivery systems and methods for delivering modular endovascular graft devices that allow one portion of the repair device to be deployed while maintaining control of the other portions. The delivery systems are simpler to use, easier to manufacture and facilitate better packing of the repair device.

Abstract: Passive Physiological monitoring apparatus and method have a sensor for sensing physiological phenomenon. A converter converts sensed data into electrical signals and a computer receives and computes the signals, and outputs computed data for real-time interactive display. The sensor is a piezoelectric film of polyvinylidene fluoride. A band-pass filter filters out noise and isolates the signals to reflect data from the body. A pre-amplifier amplifies signals. Signals detected include mechanical, thermal and acoustic signatures reflecting cardiac output, cardiac function, internal bleeding, respiratory, pulse, apnea, and temperature. A pad may incorporate the PVDF film and may be fluid-filled. The film converts mechanical energy into analog voltage signals. Analog signals are fed through the band-pass filter and the amplifier. A converter converts the analog signals to digital signals. A Fourier transform routine is used to transform into the frequency domain.

Abstract: An apparatus for building muscle memory to develop a more rapid baseball swing and avoid casting of the hands and bat during the swing. Such apparatus includes a first attachment member connectable to an upper arm and a second attachment member connectable to an opposing forearm interposed by an elongated tether to be aligned along a forearm upon initially entering into a hitter's stance. A method for using such apparatus is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.

Abstract: A catheter introduces electrodes in a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of venous insufficiency by the application of energy to cause selective heating of the vein. The catheter is positioned within the vein to be treated, and the electrodes on the catheter are moved toward one side of the vein. RF energy is applied in a directional manner from the electrodes at the working end of the catheter to cause localized heating and corresponding shrinkage of the adjacent venous tissue, which may include commissures, leaflets and ostia. Fluoroscopy or ultrasound may be used to detect shrinkage of the vein. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter can be repositioned to place the electrodes to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.

Abstract: There is provided an engaging mechanism of a system in which the flange-like protrusion at the portable equipment is engaged with or locked to an engaging part at a belt clip, wherein both fitting and removing for the portable equipment are simplified. The system such that the flange 5 at the portable equipment 1 is constituted by the disc 6 and the annular frame 7, the protrusion 8 directed inwardly from the annular frame 7 with its circumferential sides being applied as slant surfaces 8b and 8c; the engaging plate 23 of the belt clip 21 (refer to FIG.

Abstract: Methods and devices for maintaining a space-occupying device in a fixed relationship relative to a patient's stomach by manipulation of the stomach. In one variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are brought into appromixation with one another and secured together in a manner that secures a space-occupying device within the stomach of the patient. In another variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are wrapped around a space-occupying device to maintain the position of the space-occupying device relative to the stomach wall. In another variation, a system having a space-occupying member and a locking member capable holding the space-occupying member against the inner wall of the stomach are provided. In a further variation, a pouch is created within the stomach that receives and retains a space-occupying device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as a stent, having roughened areas on an inner surface of the device for enhancing frictional contact between the medical device and a delivery system, such as a balloon catheter to secure the medical device to the delivery system during delivery of the medical device to a body lumen of a patient. Various methods for forming the roughened areas are also provided. The roughened areas may be coated with a material, such as a non-thrombogenic material, to enhance the compatibility of the inner surface of the medical device with fluid flowing through the vessel lumen of the patient.