Abstract: A ball training or simulating device is provided. The ball training or simulating device comprises a modified ball coupled to a base by a motion transfer member. The modified ball allows for a lower, more natural, ball position, while the shape, position, and configuration of the motion transfer member provide for a verisimilar kicking experience. The ball training and/or simulating device can be coupled to a computing device to allow input from the modified ball to be used in a simulated or augmented reality game.

Abstract: A conduit for creating a passage from a right atrium to a left atrium, through a mitral valve into the left ventricle, and to provide a passage from the left ventricle into the aortic valve. The conduit includes an elongate tubular member having a shaft with a proximal section and a distal loop section at a distal end of the proximal section. The distal loop section includes a proximal curve, a distal curve, a generally straight segment extending between the curves, and a distal tip. The shaft in the distal loop section curves back on itself so that proximal curve is formed by a part of the shaft that is closer along the length of the shaft to the distal tip.

Abstract: A system and method used to deliver a percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) or other cardiac therapeutic device to a site within the heart, such as a site at the aortic valve. A flexible device is percutaneously introduced into a vasculature of a patient and positioned to run from a femoral vein, through the heart via a transseptal puncture, and to a femoral artery. The venous-side end of the flexible device is withdrawn out the venous vasculature superior to the heart, and a pVAD is secured to the flexible device. The pVAD is pushed in a distal direction while the arterial-side end of the flexible device is pulled in the proximal direction to advance the pVAD to the target site. A left ventricle redirector aids in orienting the pVAD and preventing migration of the flexible member towards delicate structures of the heart during advancement of the pVAD.

Abstract: A system and method used to deliver a percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) or other cardiac therapeutic device to a site within the heart, such as a site at the aortic valve. A flexible device is percutaneously introduced into a vasculature of a patient and positioned to run from a femoral vein, through the heart via a transseptal puncture, and to a femoral artery. The venous-side end of the flexible device is withdrawn out the venous vasculature superior to the heart, and a pVAD is secured to the flexible device. The pVAD is pushed in a distal direction while the arterial-side end of the flexible device is pulled in the proximal direction to advance the pVAD to the target site. A left ventricle redirector aids in orienting the pVAD and preventing migration of the flexible member towards delicate structures of the heart during advancement of the pVAD.

Abstract: An instrument for facilitating transseptal delivery of a cardiac therapeutic device is positionable in a left ventricle. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having a tubular lumen, the shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion actively steerable between a generally straight position and a curved position. An external pull wire and an internal pull wire are each actuatable to move the distal portion to the curved position. The external pull wire extends internally through the proximal portion of the shaft and longitudinally along the exterior of the distal portion of the shaft, while the internal pull wire extends internally through the proximal portion of the shaft adjacent to the external pull wire, and extends internally through the distal portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A system for use in transseptally delivering a cardiac therapeutic device (“CTD”) to a target site in the heart, includes a CTD having an elongate flexible advancer on its distal end, and a flexible member proportioned for introduction into a vasculature and having a length to extend from the right subclavian vein, through the heart via a transseptal puncture, and to a femoral artery such that a first end of the flexible member is external to the patient at the right subclavian vein or other venous access site and a second end of the flexible member is external to the patient at the femoral artery. The flexible member has a grasper releasably engageable with the advancer.

Abstract: This invention comprises a mounted unit that combines the healing power of touch with functional, multi-faceted human engineering body manipulation and stress relief by incorporating the most basic principles of massage, acupressure, reflexology, rubbing/scratching, Shiatsu, and other health improvement techniques to provide the user with an easy-to-use, self-administrable stimulation experience. The unit contains a plurality of generally domed protrusions from each of which extends a nail-like rib running through the center of the domed surface, which perform the massaging experience when a user rubs his or her back against it at a pressure desirable to the user. The mounted unit can comprise a removable handheld unit that increases the body areas which can be massaged by the invention and a hinged door, behind which can be stored specialized attachments that are removably fastenable onto the protrusions for more focused massage.

Abstract: An interactive communications system includes a passive guide system for guiding users on a website to locate their desired content. The passive guide system includes a monitor module configured to monitor user's interaction with content of the website. The passive guide system further includes an analysis module configured to analyse the user's interaction to anticipate user's requirement. The passive guide system further includes a guide module configured to present a message for guiding the user to locate the content on the website based on the anticipated user's requirement. The passive guide system also includes a feedback module for receiving a feedback from the user and changing the previous message based on the feedback.

Abstract: A cargo blanket suspension system for a container comprises: a generally flat, horizontal framework of connected bars positioned within a cargo compartment of the cargo container. A cable system is connected to the framework to suspend the framework from or adjacent to the ceiling of the cargo compartment, to support a cargo blanket carried on the framework, and to permit raising and lowering of the framework and cargo blanket.