Abstract: A method is provided for predicting an onset of a clinical episode, the method including sensing breathing of a subject, determining at least one breathing pattern of the subject responsively to the sensed breathing, comparing the breathing pattern with a baseline breathing pattern, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the comparison. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting an onset of an asthma attack. The method includes sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the asthma attack at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Also provided is a method for predicting an onset of an episode associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), including sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring vital signs for the prediction and treatment of physiological ailments are provided. The methods and systems may be applied to the monitoring of a broad range of physiological ailments or “episodes,” including, but not limited to, asthma, hypoglycemia, coughing, edema, sleep apnea, labor, and REM sleep stages, among others. The methods employ sensors, for example, non-contact sensors, adapted to detect vital signs, such as heart rate or respiration rate, to produce signals that can be analyzed for trends, for deviations, or for comparison to prior conditions or criteria. The sensors may be positioned whereby the subject need not be viewed by the health care provider. Some methods and systems employ the use of “scores” based upon the combination of sensed vital signs or based upon a comparison of the vital signs to criteria.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting an onset of an asthma attack. The method includes sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the asthma attack at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Also provided is a method for predicting an onset of an episode associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), including sensing at least one parameter of a subject without contacting or viewing the subject or clothes the subject is wearing, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the sensed parameter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting an onset of a clinical episode, the method including sensing breathing of a subject, determining at least one breathing pattern of the subject responsively to the sensed breathing, comparing the breathing pattern with a baseline breathing pattern, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the comparison. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Printing cylinder supporting unit for a printing machine, with a supporting frame (27) and supporting means mounted on said supporting frame for rotatably supporting one of several printing cylinders (1), which are designed so that in the operating state they make contact along a contact line (6) with a substrate (3) that is to be printed, which printing cylinders (1) can have different diameters, the supporting means comprising at least three supporting bearings (11.1, 12.1, 13.1), each of which interacts at the position of a bearing point with the bearing surface (5) of a bearing ring fixed concentrically on the printing cylinder (1). The bearing points lie on a common circle with variable diameter.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal system including a carrier including an actuator in operative communication with at least one traction member, the actuator moving the at least one traction member relative to the carrier, wherein the at least one traction member is movably supported across supports extending from the carrier, and wherein a portion of the at least one traction member between the supports is sufficiently compliant so as to deform in conformance with a shape of a gastrointestinal tract during traction therealong.

Abstract: An implant system including a transurethral prostatic implant positioned in a prostate and including a lumen with an inner perimeter that surrounds an outer perimeter of a urethra at the prostate. The implant system may include a delivery tool including a shaft having a distal portion and an implant-holding portion proximal to the distal portion, the distal portion being sized for entry into a urethra, and the implant-holding portion being thicker than the distal portion, and an implant positioned on the implant-holding portion.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting an onset of a clinical episode, the method including sensing breathing of a subject, determining at least one breathing pattern of the subject responsively to the sensed breathing, comparing the breathing pattern with a baseline breathing pattern, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the comparison. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implant system including a transurethral prostatic implant positioned in a prostate and including a lumen with an inner perimeter that surrounds an outer perimeter of a urethra at the prostate. The implant system may include a delivery tool including a shaft having a distal portion and an implant-holding portion proximal to the distal portion, the distal portion being sized for entry into a urethra, and the implant-holding portion being thicker than the distal portion, and an implant positioned on the implant-holding portion.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising an imaging device assembled on a carrier tube, and a first outwardly expandable element and a second outwardly expandable element mounted on the carrier tube, wherein the second expandable element is expandable both radially and axially, the imaging system comprising a mode of operation, wherein during expansion of the second expandable element, obstruction of the radial expansion of the second expandable element causes the axial expansion of the second expandable element to propel the carrier tube and the imaging device axially.

Abstract: An intraocular lens assembly (70) including a lens assembly comprising an interface element adapted for attachment to an ocular structure, the lens assembly comprising a tensing element (76) adapted to expand and contract relative to the lens assembly and apply a tensing force on the ocular structure directed towards an inner volume of the lens assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting an onset of a clinical episode, the method including sensing breathing of a subject, determining at least one breathing pattern of the subject responsively to the sensed breathing, comparing the breathing pattern with a baseline breathing pattern, and predicting the onset of the episode at least in part responsively to the comparison. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal system including a carrier including an actuator in operative communication with at least one traction member, the actuator moving the at least one traction member relative to the carrier, wherein the at least one traction member is movably supported across supports extending from the carrier, and wherein a portion of the at least one traction member between the supports is sufficiently compliant so as to deform in conformance with a shape of a gastrointestinal tract during traction therealong.

Abstract: An implant system including a transurethral prostatic implant positioned in a prostate and including a lumen with an inner perimeter that surrounds an outer perimeter of a urethra at the prostate. The implant system may include a delivery tool including a shaft having a distal portion and an implant-holding portion proximal to the distal portion, the distal portion being sized for entry into a urethra, and the implant-holding portion being thicker than the distal portion, and an implant positioned on the implant-holding portion.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal apparatus including a guidewire, and a gastrointestinal tool including a guiding member formed with a bore, the guidewire passing through the bore.

Abstract: A system including a guide member at least partially insertable into a proximal opening of a body lumen, the guide member including a first passageway connectable to a source of fluid pressure, an elongate carrier arranged for sliding movement through the guide member, and a piston head mounted on the carrier, wherein a greater fluid pressure acting on a proximal side of the piston head than on a distal side of the piston head propels the piston head and the carrier in a distal direction in the body lumen.

Abstract: A method, device and kit for body decoration. Embodiments of the kit include an ink suitable for body decoration, means for applying the ink to a desired body area, and an electrically powered patch detachably coupled to the application means to promote penetration of the ink into the body area. Embodiments of the device include a fully integrated patch device. The patch device integrates the elements of a kit (i.e., a color formulation, a means for applying, and a patch) into a stand-alone patch. Embodiments of the method include contacting the desired body area with a means for applying, applying ink through the means for applying, and promoting penetration of the ink into the body area with the patch by applying electric current to the ink application. Exemplary applications include temporary and permanent tattooing, applying semi-permanent cosmetics, animal tattooing, and administering therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: A device for implanting in the body. The device comprises a chamber containing cells. The device also comprises an oxygen generator for providing oxygen to the cells.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising an imaging device assembled on a carrier tube, and a first outwardly expandable element and a second outwardly expandable element mounted on the carrier tube, wherein the second expandable element is expandable both radially and axially, the imaging system comprising a mode of operation, wherein during expansion of the second expandable element, obstruction of the radial expansion of the second expandable element causes the axial expansion of the second expandable element to propel the carrier tube and the imaging device axially.