Abstract: The device of the present invention provided an electrostimulation system with electromyographic and visual biofeed back for sensing electromyographic impulses and facilitating muscular activity. The electrostimulation system comprises stimulator that is adapted to generate an electric impulse and at least one pair of electrodes adapted to transmit the electric impulse or to receive electromyographic impulses. The system further comprises an amplifier electrically communicating with the pair of electrodes, the amplifier is adapted to amplify the received electromyographic impulses and a filtering unit electrically communicating with the amplifier and is adapted to remove artifacts from the received electromyographic impulse. A commutation block is electrically communicating with the pair of electrodes and is adapted to alternately transfer the electromyographic impulses to the amplifier or to transfer the generated electric impulse from the stimulator.

Abstract: An apparatus for blocking the electric activity of an area of tissue, comprises circuitry (S) for creating a long non-excitatory electric signal between at least two points (R1, R2) located in the vicinity of a muscle.

Abstract: Implantable cardiac monitoring and stimulation devices and methods using cardiac leads employ coated fixation arrangements. The coating, such as an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, reduces exit block by reducing the tissue response to the fixation arrangement, decreasing the amount of fibrotic tissue, and reducing exit block. An epicardial lead may include a lead body with one or more electrical conductors with associated insulators and an electrode assembly situated at the distal end. The electrode assembly includes an electrode having an active fixation arrangement such as a helical fixation element. The fixation arrangement is completely or partially coated with a fluoropolymer or has a sleeve on some or all of the active fixation arrangement. The coating or sleeve may include a steroid or other pharmacological eluting arrangement disposed on the active fixation arrangement.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are disclosed for improving cardiac function in hearts having zones of infarcted (akinetic) and aneurysmal (dyskinetic) tissue regions. The methods and devices reduce the radius of curvature in walls of the heart proximal infarcted and aneurysmal regions to reduce wall stress and improve pumping efficiency. The inventive methods and related devices include splinting of the chamber wall proximal the infarcted region and various other devices and methods including suture and patch techniques.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) used with a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, includes a rechargeable lithiumion battery having an anode electrode with a substrate made substantially from titanium. Such battery construction allows the rechargeable battery to be discharged down to zero volts without damage to the battery. The implantable medical device includes battery charging and protection circuitry that controls the charging of the battery so as to assure its reliable and safe operation. A multi-rate charge algorithm is employed that minimizes charging time while ensuring the battery cell is safely charged. Fast charging occurs at safer lower battery voltages (e.g., battery voltage above about 2.5 V), and slower charging occurs when the battery nears full charge higher battery voltages (e.g., above about 4.0 V). When potentially less-than-safe very low voltages are encountered (e.g., less than 2.

Abstract: An adapter system is provided for adapting and connecting a leadless microstimulator to a separate monopolar, bipolar, or tripolar electrode. Advantageously, the microstimulator does not need to be physically modified. The adapter system encloses the microstimulator and electrically connects the microstimulator to the selected, separate electrode via an extension lead or leads. The adapter has two forms: a monopolar adapter having a single opening or a bipolar adapter having two openings. The separate electrode is equipped with at least one extension lead having a connector that can be inserted into the opening of the monopolar adapter or the bipolar adapter and connect to the microstimulator that is placed within the monopolar or bipolar adapter.

Abstract: A flexible catheter shaft with a balloon on the distal section suitable for inserting into a body of a patient comprising a deflectable, high torque transmission assembly of a slit tubular element that has either a plurality of rows of slits with anchors or at least one continuously spiraling slit on said slit tubular element and has sufficient bending and torque properties ensuring that a substantial fraction of the bending, rotational and displacement forces provided along said flexible catheter shaft are translated to bending, rotational and displacement forces at a distal end of said flexible catheter shaft, facilitating the placement of the catheter distal section and using the balloon for blocking the vessel ostium and injecting contrast medium through an open distal tip.

Abstract: In a cochlear implant system, the implantable stimulator includes a monitor which monitors parameters associated with the stimulation signals and/or the power stored in an energy storage element which stores energy transmitted from the processor. This parameter or parameters is/are analyzed and one or more feedback signals are generated and transmitted back to the processor. The processor uses the feedback signal to insure that power is transmitted to the stimulator optimally and that the stimulation signals are compliant.

Abstract: A technique and associated device for stimulating multiple electrodes with multiple electrical signals in multiple regions of the spine without injury to the patient. The electrodes are applied to respective sides of the patient's spine, and a first electrical signal is applied to any electrodes in a treatment area of the lumbar region of the patient's spine, a second electrical signal is applied to any electrodes in a treatment area of the thoracic region of the patient's spine, and a third electrical signal is applied to any electrodes in a treatment area of the cervical region of the patient's spine to induce osteogenesis in at least one of the respective treated area's of the patient's spine. The first, second, and third electrical signals respectively generate different electrode currents in the respective treated areas and are ideally selected to create current densities that are approximately equal in respective treatment areas.

Abstract: In a medical treatment device implanted within the body of a patient, a system and method using volatile and non-volatile memory devices within an implanted drug infusion pump to provide a safe and robust programmable system, able to back-up and restore the device's hardware and software operating parameters in the event of RAM corruption and as an alternative to hardware trim techniques. The pump includes a processor, a ROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM. The RAM serves as a main memory and the EEPROM serves a back-up memory in the event of RAM corruption. The ROM serves as an additional layer of back-up memory in the event of RAM and EEPROM corruption.

Abstract: A reading enhancement device for preventing and/or treating presbyopia of the eye. The enhancement device is sutured to an outer wall of the sclera for buckling and compressing a portion of the sclera and the ciliary body inwardly and perpendicular to the plane of the sclera and exerting a posterior compression force toward the vitreous humor in the rear of the eye. The enhancement device includes a compression body with a front of the body having semi-circular convex surface. The compression body made of a non-metallic, synthetic polymer. The convex surface is used for engaging, buckling and compressing both a portion of the sclera and the ciliary body of the eye. The compression body also includes an enlarged, rounded first and second end portions and an elongated center portion with the convex surface formed thereon. Also, the compression body includes a rear having an outwardly extending rib portion with a pair of grooves at opposite ends of the rib portion.

Abstract: A self defense tool comprising a generally S-shaped tool having at one end thereof a ring portion for finger placement. The handle portion is used for holding the S-shaped tool and the handle portion is located between the ring portion and a blade portion. The blade portion has a tip portion at an opposite end of the S-shaped tool, which is used to apply pressure to specific areas of a person's body. The blade portion further comprises an inside curve portion near said handle portion for trapping and hooking capabilities. The tool can be in a solid form or in a foldable version such as a folding knife. Additional embodiments include LED strobe and/or steady-on lights and shock voltage capabilities and an automatic blade release trigger and locking mechanism.

Abstract: Provided is a throw-type compact reconnaissance robot, which is used for military purposes or counter-terrorism and is capable of ensuring a long operational time as well as drop safety by efficient spatial layout of a battery. The throw-type compact reconnaissance robot includes a cylindrical body (100) with a camera (140), drivers (200) made up of two tires (270) that are disposed on opposite sides of the body (100) and is drivable individually, and battery units (300) supplying power used to operate the robot and disposed in inner spaces of the tires (270) of the drivers (200) on the opposite outermost sides of the robot.

Abstract: Described is a locking stop mechanism for a riflescope that includes at least one rotatable reticle adjustment dial mounted on a scope body. It includes a stop member on the adjustment dial at a preselected position and a lock member on the scope body. The lock member is positioned to engage the stop member upon rotation of the adjustment dial to a preselected setting. The lock member is configured to prevent rotation of the adjustment dial in either direction when engaged with the stop member while allowing free rotation in at least one direction when the lock member is manually displaced and when the stop member is not engaged with the lock member at the preselected setting.

Abstract: Applicant has disclosed a foam swab for cleaning and lubricating firearms. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises: a molded plastic shank having a threaded free end and a series of parallel rings spaced between parallel spacers; and a foam cover, preferably made of polyurethane, thermally bonded to the spacers. To clean a firearm, solvent or lubricant is applied to the foam cover. Then the threaded end can be screwed into a gun cleaning rod and the foam swab drawn through a firearm bore.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for multi-correcting a trajectory, the apparatus comprising a trajectory correcting unit in which a polygonal cam comprising a plurality of surfaces different in distance from a rotary center is rotatably installed between a dot sight or an optical signal and a firearm to adjust an angle between an optical axis of the dot sight or optical sight and a gun barrel axis of the firearm, wherein the trajectory correcting unit is installed to be movable in an axis direction, and coaxially provided with two or more polygonal cams to respectively set trajectory correcting angles corresponding to distances in accordance with calibers of a bullet and the kinds of bullet. With this, one dot sight or optical sight can be mounted to firearms using bullets different in the trajectory or firearms different in a caliber from one another, thereby enhancing equipment use efficiency.

Abstract: An arrow nock having a telescoping impeller and housing with resilient means for enhancing the acceleration of launch. In various embodiments, effective together or independently, the housing and impeller are configured and coupled to: create arrow rotation during launch; grip the bowstring during notching and release it during launch; and generate tracking signals.

Abstract: A device for transdermal drug delivery and administration of differing dosages at specific times of the day automatically pursuant to a pre-programmed dosage profile. The device includes a control and display unit, a two-part dispensing mechanism, a drug reservoir, an administration element, and a solvent removal element. The dispensing mechanism may be a peristaltic pump having an active portion with a motor, a roller, a mounting plate and a detachable passive portion with tubing and a housing. The motor and roller are mounted in the reusable portion of the delivery device with the control unit and a power source. The speed of the micromotor is controlled by the control unit, so that the turning speed of the roller is controlled which, in turn, controls the flow rate to the administration. The passive portion and drug reservoir are detachable along with the administration element for attaching a new dosing reservoir.

Abstract: A spinning reel for fishing includes: a reel body including a front portion; a handle provided in the reel body; a cap-shaped cover body including a surrounding wall mounted in the front portion of the reel body; a spool on which a fishing line is to be wound; a rotor including a fishing line guide part, the rotor being rotated by the rotational manipulation of the handle to wind the fishing line on the spool; a driving part passing through the cover body and transmitting the rotation of the handle to the rotor; a support part provided in the front portion of the reel body and supporting the driving part; and a magnetic seal device mounted in the cover body and including a magnet, a cylindrical magnetic body forming a magnetic circuit between the magnetic body and the magnet and magnetic fluid maintained between the magnet and the magnetic ring.

Abstract: A method is provided for the suppression or prevention of pain, movement disorders, epilepsy, cerebrovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, sleep disorders, autonomic disorders, urinary bladder disorders, abnormal metabolic states, disorders of the muscular system, and neuropsychiatric disorders in a patient. The method comprises positioning at least one electrode on or proximate to at least one of the patient's sphenopalatine ganglia (“SPG”), sphenopalatine nerves (“SPN”), or vidian nerves (“VN”), and activating the at least one electrode to apply an electrical signal to at least one of the SPG, SPN, or VN. In a further embodiment of the invention used to treat the same conditions, the electrode used is capable of dispensing a medication solution or analgesic which is applied via an electrode to at least one of the SPG, SPN, or VN. A method is also provided for surgically implanting an electrode on or proximate to at least one of the SPG, SPN, or VN of a patient.