Abstract: A method for restoring functional ambulation in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injuries which includes partial weight bearing therapy followed by epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) to facilitate partial weight bearing therapy and over-ground walking. Electrical epidural stimulation (EES) is generated by an implanted device during partial weight bearing therapy on a treadmill. The subject is then transitioned to full weight bearing gait training on a treadmill with EES to over-ground gait training with EES and a walker, and finally to full weight bearing independent stepping over-ground with EES with or without an assistive device.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac ventricular defibrillation system based upon entirely endovascular placement of a minimal number of electrodes is disclosed. The electrodes are designed to deliver a number of subpulses that are rapidly switched within an overall defibrillation shock envelope. The rapid switching between set pairs of electrodes achieves an overall electric field strength and distribution that is optimized for lowest threshold defibrillation energies and voltages. The defibrillation system also incorporates a system and method for optimally tuning and correlating the parameters of the subpulse delivery to the individualized needs of a human subject. The implantable defibrillation system reduces the energy and voltage levels needed for successful ventricular defibrillation in a clinically feasible manner.

Abstract: A secure fishing pole and reel locking assembly comprising a pole holder rack and a reel cover which is adapted to be mounted to a wall and locked. When the reel cover is locked, the reel cover locks the fishing poles in the pole holder rack and covers the reels. The reel cover is adapted to be locked via a pad lock or other locking mechanism.

Abstract: A method for restoring functional ambulation in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injuries which includes partial weight bearing therapy followed by epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) to facilitate partial weight bearing therapy and over-ground walking. Electrical epidural stimulation (EES) is generated by an implanted device during partial weight bearing therapy on a treadmill. The subject is then transitioned to full weight bearing gait training on a treadmill with EES to over-ground gait training with EES and a walker, and finally to full weight bearing independent stepping over-ground with EES with or without an assistive device.

Abstract: A nerve trunk (A) has an annular electrode cuff (B) positioned therearound for imposing electrical signals on to the nerve trunk for the purpose of generating unidirectionally propagated action potentials. The electrode cuff includes an annular cathode (30) having a circular passage therethrough of a first diameter. An annular anode (40) has a larger circular passage therethrough of a second diameter, which second diameter is about 1.2 to 3.0 times the first diameter. A non-conductive sheath (50) extends around the anode, cathode, and nerve trunk. The anode and cathode are placed asymmetrically to one side of the non-conductive sheath. Specifically, a first length (L1) along the electrode sheath between a first end (56) and the cathode is at least twice a second length (L2) between the anode and cathode. A third length (L3) between the anode and a second end (58) of the conductive sheath is smaller than the first or second lengths.

Abstract: An electrode cuff (B) including a dielectric sleeve (10) and an annular cathode electrode (20) is disposed around a nerve trunk (A). An anode electrode (22) is disposed in body fluids in electrical communication with the nerve trunk. The cathode electrode is disposed off center within the dielectric sleeve. The flow of electric current from the anode to the cathode has a much greater amplitude along the nerve in the direction extending along the nerve trunk toward the cathode from the end of the dielectric sleeve toward which the cathode electrode is closest. A signal generator (C) applies a pulse train across the anode and cathode electrodes. The pulse train includes a plurality of alternating first amplitude pulse portions (40) and opposite polarity pulse portions (42). Each first polarity pulse includes a sharp leading edge (50) which rises abruptly to a preset amplitude (52).

Abstract: A self-curling sheet (A) of non-conductive material is biased to curl into a tight spiral. A cut out (22) is removed from one corner of the sheet such that, when the sheet spirals, a passage (28) defined axially therethrough has one portion with a smaller diameter and another portion with a larger diameter. A pair of conductive strips (40, 50) are disposed on the self-curling sheet such that one extends peripherally around each of the larger and smaller diameter regions of the passage therethrough. The conductive segments may be electrically conductive for applying electrical impulses or fluid conductive for infusing medications. In use, a first edge (14) of the self-curling sheet is disposed adjacent a nerve trunk which is to receive the cuff therearound. The self-curling sheet is controllably permitted to curl around the nerve forming an annular cuff therearound.