Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system may include a cam device having a cam surface. The length of the cam surface may be greater than the crank diameter of the crank system. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially curvilinear path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus include respective left and right linkage assemblies interconnected between a frame and respective left and right cranks rotatably mounted on the frame. The linkage assemblies link circular motion of the cranks to generally elliptical motion of respective left and right foot supports.

Abstract: In accordance herewith, a handle of a skipping rope is substantially shaped like a “T” with the vertical stroke or elongate portion of the T at one end, swivellably connected to a rope, and the other end, connected to a crosspiece or transverse portion of the T. The handle may be held in a hand with the crosspiece of the T situated between fingers and palm and with the elongate portion extending between two fingers. The crosspiece or transverse portion of the handle is asymmetric, and adapted to fit to a hand that is holding the handle with the elongate portion passing between two fingers of the hand other than the second (index) and third (middle) fingers. This provides a comfortable and effective skipping position, allowing the crosspiece portion of the handle to be in contact with all the fingers and/or the full width of the palm.

Abstract: In a gymnastic apparatus, the actuator (22) is fitted in fixed angular position to a first shaft (16) to oscillate from initial to final position, normally maintained in initial position by a weight unit (8) and connected to the weight unit (8) by a driving device (33) provided with a cam (38) splined on a second shaft (34) transversal to the first shaft (16), two gears (37) are joined in angular position to the first and second shaft (16, 34), respectively.

Abstract: A highly versatile exercise apparatuses is disclosed. More particularly, the invention relates to an exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and opposed extension arms. Upper and lower pulleys direct a cable into the opposed extension arms such that variations in the cable reaction and tension are minimized when either arm is moved.

Abstract: A circular fitness apparatus and method. The circular fitness apparatus includes plural flexible exercise attachments attached to a vertical pole in a hollow circular base that can be selected and used for simultaneous group or individual fitness exercises by plural exercise participants. The circular fitness apparatus is useable for group and individual exercise activities comprising health based, skill based and functional based fitness activities.

Abstract: An isometric/pacing exercise device that is adaptable to exercise apparatuses to produce a signal to the user to exert an isometric muscular force against the force provided by the exercise apparatus. The signal can be either aural or visual. The isometric/pacing exercise device provides a convenient means for a user to isometrically exercise their muscles on existing exercise apparatuses which do not presently have such a signaling device. The device is adaptable to most exercise apparatuses.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise machine includes a bench assembly having a frame and a user support supported by the frame and configured for having a user lie thereupon, a weight assembly adjacent the bench assembly and having a weight carriage movably positionable thereon, a bar for engaging the legs of the user adjacent thigh and shin areas of the legs; and a cable passing through a plurality of pulleys and having a first end connected to the weight assembly and operably associated with the weight carriage for urging the weight carriage in a desired direction and a second end connectable to the bar.

Abstract: An exercise machine (10-101) is provided having a platform (12-121) on which a user (14-141) is supported in a reclining position with the weight of the user (14-14G) being utilized as a resistance which may be selectively varied to the various exercises which may be performed on the exercise apparatus (10-101). A lever (20-201) is pivotally connected (30-321) to the platform (12-121) with the lever being actuated by the user for raising one end of the platform (12-121) with respect to a pivot point with resistance to such raising being varied by the pivotal mounting of the lever (20-201) on the platform (1 2121). Two of the various embodiments (FIGS. 13–16) include a base support (41F, 41G) having a rail (42F, 42G) on which a lever (20F, 20G) has a roller (47F, 47G) mounted for riding movement thereon and pivotally connected (32F, 32G) to a lower leg (62F, 62G) for pivotal movement. Other embodiments (FIGS.

Abstract: An adjustable stretching device 6 includes a stretching surface 20 that is raised off of the floor on which the user stands, flexes, and stretches the calf and lowers the leg muscles. The stretching surface 20 can be angled along a primary longitudinal angle 26 to produce a more intense stretch. Specifically, the stretching surface 20 can be angled up to 90 degrees. Additionally, the user can put a leg up on the center pad 50 and stretch the hamstring muscles. The adjustable stretching device 6 also includes a padded framework that allows a user to put a leg up on any of the bars at different heights and further stretch the leg muscles. The padding also provides protection for the bar. The stretching surface 20 of the adjustable stretching device 6 is preferably a dual stretching surface 20 that is angled either away from or towards the longitudinal centerline of the dual stretching surface 20 along the primary longitudinal angle 26. This angle can range between 0 and 45 degrees.

Abstract: One or more balancing objects are provided having an arcuate roof onto which a user may step and a pair of sidewalls to support the roof. The arcuate roof is shaped such that a portion of a user's foot will contact the balancing object when standing on the roof, thereby challenging the user to maintain balance in a more unsteady state than when standing flat-footed. The sidewalls extend downwardly from lateral side regions of the arcuate roof and preferably have a concave profile extending laterally towards one another to provide superior strength to the balancing object when loaded under a user's weight. A frictional overmold may be formed over the arcuate roof to provide a frictional surface preventing a user's footwear from slipping off of the balancing object. Multiple balancing objects may be positioned on a flat, horizontal surface in a variety of orientations such that the user can target certain muscle groups to train for improving balance and proprioception.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a tool change magazine for laser beam machine to improve machining efficiency of a laser beam machine by installing a tool change magazine containing laser machining tools equipped with a torch and a nozzle replaceably attached to the tip of the torch. A setup station 100 for laser machining tools is installed outside a machining area of a laser beam machine. It includes a tool station 200 of the laser beam machine. The tool station 200 of the laser beam machine is equipped, for example, with four tool change magazines 220. A laser machining tool 60 is returned from a machining head 50 to a tool change magazine 220 and a new laser machining tool 60 from a tool change magazine 220 is mounted on the machining head 50.

Abstract: Deflection compensation roll and process for reducing vibrations in deflection roll. The roll includes antifriction bearings, a roll jacket supported in an area of its axial ends on the antifriction bearings, and hydraulic supports arranged to hydraulically support the roll jacket parallel to a working plane. A damping device, positioned next to each antifriction bearing, is structured and arranged to act essentially perpendicular to the working plane.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a, tetrahedral-shaped pouch (100 from a flexible strip of film material is such that a tube (13) is formed from a strip (32) in a continuous manner involving the creation of a longitudinal sealing seam (12), and the tetrahedral shaped pouch (10) is formed from the tube (13) by means of alternatingly forming a first transverse sealing seam (14) running transverse to the longitudinal seam (12) and second transverse sealing seam (16) running essentially perpendicular to and a distance from the first transverse seam (14), whereby the second transverse seams (16) are situated in the region of a tetrahedral corner (18) of the pouch (10), such that an essentially tube outlet part (20) for pouring that is closed at its free end (22) is formed projecting out from the pouch (10).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to penile implants that are easier to implant and reduce trauma because they provide for a smaller effective width during implantation, after implantation, or both. The present disclosure also provides for a shorter tubing junction while reducing effective width, further reducing trauma to the body. In a first aspect, the penile implant includes a tubing junction that is smaller in effective diameter while implanted in the body. The penile implant includes an axially extending cylinder having an inflation chamber and a rear tip. The cylinder also includes a tubing junction disposed between the inflation chamber and rear tip and extending from the cylinder. The tubing junction includes a bore in fluid communication with the inflation chamber. In one example, this bore is in the strain relief of the tubing junction. The bore is configured to include a compound curve.

Abstract: A magnetic anchor remote guidance system includes an engagement member which engages with a body portion in a patient's body; a magnetic anchor made of a magnetic material, connected to the engagement member; and a magnetic anchor guide device which is disposed out of the patient's body and which produces a magnetic field to power the magnetic anchor. The body portion engaged by the engagement member is raised by supplying power to the magnetic anchor via the magnetic field produced by the magnetic anchor guide device.

Abstract: A flexible tube for an endoscope has an elongated tubular core body, and an outer cover which is provided over the core body. The outer cover is composed of an inner layer, an outer layer and at least one intermediate layer. In this flexible tube, any one of the layers is different from one of the other layers in its property. Further, at least one of the layers has a thickness-varying region where the thickness of the layer varies in its longitudinal direction. In addition, the inner layer of the outer cover has projections which are integrally formed on the inner layer so that the projections project into holes and/or the recesses formed on the core body. This structure makes it possible to produce a flexible tube for an endoscope that has high durability, high flexibility and high chemical resistance as well as excellent operationability.

Abstract: An apparatus (180) for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) comprises a contact lens (40) including an inner surface (42) contoured to a surface portion (34) of an eye (36) and a sensor (10) disposed in the contact lens. The sensor (10) comprises a contact surface (14) for making contact with the surface portion (34) of the eye (36). The contact surface (14) includes an outer non-compliant region (16) and an inner compliant region (18) fabricated as an impedance element that varies in impedance as the inner compliant region changes shape. The sensor (10) further comprises a region of conductive material (38) electrically coupled to the impedance element of the compliant region (18) and responsive to an external signal for energizing the impedance element so that the IOP may be determined.

Abstract: An impedance model of tissue is useful for describing conductivity reconstruction in tissue. Techniques for determining and mapping conductivity distribution in tissue supply useful information of anatomical and physiological status in various medical applications. Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) techniques are highly suitable for analyzing conductivity distribution. Electrical characteristics of tissue include resistive elements and capacitive elements. EIT techniques involve passing a low frequency current through the body to monitor various anatomical and physiological characteristics. The system can interrogate at multiple frequencies to map impedance. Analytical techniques involve forward and inverse solutions to boundary value analysis to tissue characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous wave Doppler beam former application specific integrated circuit (CW-ASIC). The beam former may be a transmit or receive beam former.

Abstract: An apparatus for a heart assist device, comprising a processing unit for computing the blood flow rate from the arterial pressure curve and for predicting at every heartbeat the closing time of the heart valve from the curve of the blood flow rate. The processing unit is adapted to deliver a signal for controlling a heart assist device at a point in time, a period ahead in time of the closing time of the heart valve, wherein the mechanical properties of the said heart assist device are taken into account in determining the period. The apparatus adapts itself to changes in a patient's heart frequency and aortic pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing sleep apnea, which detects a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep by applying light to a part of a subject's body and processing light output therefrom, includes a light source unit for sequentially generating light of at least two different wavelengths according to a control signal, a photodetecting unit for detecting the light, which are generated by the light source unit and applied to the body part, and for converting the detected light signals into electric signals, a diagnosis unit for substantially removing a time delay between the electric signals output from the photodetecting unit, for calculating a ratio between the electric signals, and for comparing the ratio with a predetermined reference value to diagnose sleep apnea, and a controller for outputting the control signal to the light source unit to generate the light signals, and for providing the predetermined reference value to the diagnosis unit.

Abstract: Multi-channel blind system identification is utilized to identify a patient's cardiac functions without catheterization. The approach is adaptive to each patient's cardiovascular system variations. The cardiac functions can be determined by formulating an auto-regression moving average model utilizing either finite impulse response systems or a group of infinite impulse response systems. Both of these models identify the system functions by solving a set of linear equations using the least-squares method. The system input is then identified by deconvolving the system output and the estimated impulse response of each channel. These models can be augmented to obtain an estimate of the maximum order of the cardiac functions when they are unknown a priori. The approach can also be modified to obtain the cardiac functions by first resolving the distinct dynamics associated with each channel, then determining the common dynamics and ultimately determining the system input.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-contact monitoring devices, and more particularly, non-contact respiration monitoring devices. According to the invention there is provided a monitoring device having a body defining an air monitoring channel between an air inlet and an air outlet. Disposed in monitoring channel is a respiration detection means, such as a flap-valve, which operates with associated logic circuitry to report the presence or absence of respiration via visual and audible displays. The device may be configured to attached, or be integrally connected to, the air input orifice of an air filter canister of a gas mask or the like. Alternatively, the device may be associated with the air output orifices or valves of a gas mask or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying viewer reactions to a display object. The display object is divided into a plurality of spatial regions, viewer reactions are collected to an exposure to the display object and correlated with the spatial regions, and the display object is displayed with an aspect of the display of each spatial region being a function of the viewer reactions for the region.

Abstract: A device and method for the obtaining a tissue biopsy and the delivery of a material to provide hemostatis, therapeutic agents or marker material is described that can be used in conjunction with either an aspiration biopsy or a cutting needle biopsy device. The device has an application chamber through which the biopsy mechanism, either a cutting needle device or aspiration needle, passes through. The mechanism for an aspiration biopsy has a biopsy cannula of constant cross section over its entire length connected to an aspiration and collecting chamber and at least one application channel of constant or varying cross section connected to a dispensing chamber integrally connected with the aspiration chamber. The cutting biopsy mechanism has a mechanical or electromechanical mechanism to rapidly fire a stylet with a biopsy trough into the intended tissue and then fire a biopsy cannula over the stylet to sever and retain tissue that has protruded into the biopsy trough.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for resecting tissue from the gastrointestinal tract are disclosed. The apparatus can include an RF tissue cutting device disposed inward of a side opening in the device. A tissue stop can be used to control the depth of tissue resected, and the tissue stop can include holes for communicating vacuum for drawing tissue into the side opening. The tissue stop can be electrically grounded with respect to the RF tissue cutting device, and the tissue stop can provide one pole of an RF electrical circuit.

Abstract: An actuation system for a bodily fluid extraction device includes a detector cap, at least one vibration sensor connected to the detector cap, and at least one signal processing unit in communication with the vibration sensor. In addition, the signal processing unit is configured to receive an output signal from the vibration sensor, analyze the received output signal, and to send an actuation signal to the bodily fluid extraction device based on the analysis of the received output signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to lancing elements for use in drawing bodily fluids out of a patient and, more particularly, to an improved lancing element including first and second elements positioned relative to each other such that an incision formed by the first element is held open by the second element and bodily fluids are pulled up the lancing element by surface tension on the first and second lancing elements.

Abstract: Elongate medical devices such as guidewires can be formed from a core wire and a preformed distal cap that is configured to fit over a distal end of the core wire. The distal cap can be attached using a variety of techniques. In particular, the distal cap can be attached to the core wire using laser welding.

Abstract: An arthritic hand or foot treatment apparatus and system for applying dried, pressurized and/or heated air to a user's hand or foot.

Abstract: A handheld massage device has a body including a handle portion and a head portion forming a socket in which a roller ball is removably received. The user can provide increased pressure and can better control a motion during a massage by way of the device. A rolling aspect of the roller ball provides a distinctive massage, especially when a ball of a predetermined size, material, and/or other physical characteristics is used in the device. The massage device may include a set of roller balls, and the method may include selecting a roller ball from the set based on one or more desired characteristic and/or associated therapeutic property to impart a particular healing or other benefit to the subject person.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device for syndactyly of at least two fingers or toes, said device being in one piece and comprising at least two rings joined via at least one connection bar in such a way as to permit sliding of the syndactylized fingers or toes relative to one another.

Abstract: The surgical stocking made by knitting a knitting yarn together with an extensible weft yarn is a placebo type stocking suitable for exerting compressive pressure at the ankle of less than 8 mmHg, and preferably less than 5 mmHg. It is intended for double blind tests versus placebo using a product having the same structure, the same visual appearance, and the same feel as an active stocking but compression that is negligible and thigh/ankle degressivity that is close to unity. The weft yarn presents mass per unit length lying in the range 250 dtex to 600 dtex, preferably in the range 350 dtex to 500 dtex, with the proportion of elastic material being less than 25% and preferably less than 20% of the total weight of the thread. Its elongation capacity lies in the range 200% to 350%, preferably in the range 200% to 300%, but its springiness (II) is very different from that of an elastic stocking (I).

Abstract: Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical circuitry for ultrasonic vibrating the needle. A power source provides pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical circuitry and an input is provided for enabling a surgeon to select an amplitude of dislighted pulses and a pulse width. A control system and pulse duty cycle is provided for controlling the off duty cycle to insure heat dissipation before a subsequent pulse is activated, including a foot pedal switch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for treating body tissue whereby a section of tissue is drawn into contact with the open distal end of the first passageway of the apparatus. A tissue treatment fluid is introduced into the second passageway for treating the desired section of tissue retained within the first passageway. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for positioning a medical device at a desired location within the heart. A portion of the apparatus is retained at a desired location of the heart and a medical device is extended through a passageway of the apparatus for contacting the heart at the desired location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for administering muscle relaxant to a patient. The system includes an infusion pump adapted for delivering said muscle relaxant to a patient, and a controller adapted for controlling the operation of said infusion pump on the basis of at least one received input value. Further the system includes measuring means adapted for continuously measuring the effect of said muscle relaxant on the patient and adapted for supplying a value representing said measured effect as said input value to said controller. According to the invention, on basis of said at least one input value, said controller is adapted for selecting a control value from a set of predetermined control values as the value to be used for controlling said infusion pump. The invention also relates to a method of administering muscle relaxant to a patient and to a testing apparatus adapted to be used for testing the automatic operation of a system for administration of muscle relaxant to a patient.

Abstract: A catheter for use in an emboli containment system includes a flexible elongate member having self-expanding sealing means mounted on its distal extremity. This self-expanding sealing means can take any suitable form, such as a braided structure formed of a suitable shape memory material such as a nickel titanium alloy. In order to prevent abrasion of a vessel, it is desirable to cover the braided structure with a covering of a suitable material such as a polymer which extends over the braided structure and which moves with the braided structure as it expands and contracts.

Abstract: A pressure apron for insitu plug formation is provided. In one embodiment an injection tube having a first channel and a piercing tip is provided, the first channel in fluid communication with a pressure source. In this embodiment, the injection catheter may also include a pressure apron with a tissue-mating surface. In another embodiment a medical kit for delivering a therapeutic is provided. This medical kit may include a catheter having a channel and a piercing tip, the piercing tip in fluid communication with a pressure source and slidably placed in the channel. The catheter in this embodiment may include a pressure apron with a tissue-mating source while a therapeutic may be included with the kit.

Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, oncolytics, hormones, steroids, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from a plurality of prefilled containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser uniquely includes a plurality of stored energy source that are provided in the form of compressible-expandable members of novel construction that provide the force necessary to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from a plurality of device reservoirs. The apparatus further includes a plurality of fluid flow control assemblies that precisely control the flow of the medicament solutions from the plurality of device reservoirs to the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide for a tracheotomy to be performed on a patient. The apparatus includes an applicator base with an aperture placed over the trachea. A firing mechanism is triggered by application of manual force to an actuator to propel a cutting instrument and grommet through the aperture of the applicator base to insert the grommet into the trachea. A supply of breathable gas may be provided through an air passage of the grommet and into the trachea and lungs of the patient. The methods provide for placing an applicator base of a tracheotomy device onto the neck of the patient so that a curvature of the applicator base fits to the curvature of the trachea and so that an aperture is over the trachea.

Abstract: A universal seal is shown with orbital movement of a center opening for use in endoscopic surgery A two part seal housing encloses the universal seal in an annulus surrounding an insertion port. The outer periphery of the universal seal is clamped between the two parts at the outer edge of the annulus. An inner ring of the universal seal is free to move from side-to-side inside the annulus while maintaining rubbing contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the annuluses for vertical support. The seal housing and universal seal are mounted on a proximal end of a cannula which allows access therethrough for the endoscopic surgery. The center opening of the universal seal is in general alignment with the insertion port of the seal housing, but the center opening and inner ring may move from side to side when medical instruments are inserted through the insertion port, the center opening, and the cannula and moved from side to side.

Abstract: A device for administering an injectable product in doses including a casing, a reservoir for the product, a piston which displaces product towards a reservoir outlet and out of the reservoir when it slides in an advancing direction, a drive member which may be slid along a sliding axis, thereby pushing the piston in the advancing direction, and a dosing member which is mounted in the casing and may be slid, preferably rotatably, about the sliding axis of the drive member for setting a product dose, wherein a bearing surface between the dosing member and the casing is lubricated and at least one lubricating agent reservoir is provided on the bearing surface.

Abstract: A medication delivery pen is provided having a lead screw with an enlarged portion at a first end thereof and an end longitudinally opposite the first end in contacting engagement with a plunger of a medication cartridge. The lead screw is selectively axially displaceable by a user when selectively administering a predetermined dosage amount of medication for injection into a patient. The medication delivery pen also includes a driver coaxially disposed about the lead screw; and, a reset ring non-rotatably disposed on the driver and axially slidable thereon and therealong. The reset ring is axially movable with respect to the driver when a dosage amount is set by a user of the medication delivery pen. The reset ring engages the enlarged portion of the lead screw upon a predetermined extent of relative axial movement between the reset ring and the lead screw.

Abstract: An injection device including a housing, a reservoir for a product to be injected, an advancing apparatus that carries out an advancing movement to discharge a selected dose of product from the reservoir, a dosing member that carries out a propulsion movement relative to the housing in a propulsion direction and a dosing movement counter to the propulsion direction, the dosing member operably coupled with the advancing apparatus such that the propulsion movement causes the advancing movement of the advancing apparatus, wherein the length of a distance determining the discharged dose is selected by the dosing movement, a first catch mechanism formed by the housing in a sleeve section that surrounds the dosing member, and a second catch mechanism formed by one of the dosing member or a separate, additional dosing catch body, wherein a catch engagement of the catch mechanisms is releasable through a rotation free dosing movement of the dosing member or the separate, additional dosing catch body.

Abstract: Valve syringes of the invention include a barrel, a plunger and an applicator valve. The applicator valve, which controls the flow of the fluid material contained within the barrel, can rotate at the end of the barrel between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, slots in the applicator valve align with holes in the barrel and allow the fluid material to flow therethrough. In the closed position, a contact surface seals the holes in the barrel closed to prevent the flow of the fluid material therethrough. The applicator valve includes an applicator tip that is either integrally connected to or detachably connected with the applicator valve. The valve syringe also includes means for releasably securing the applicator valve in the closed position to prevent undesired leaking and evaporation during periods of nonuse.

Abstract: Devices that detect and monitor components and fluid used with an injector system, such as an angiographic injector system, are disclosed. The devices may include mechanical, electrical or software based indexing or keying features to ensure that only compatible components are used on the system. In addition, these devices may also be used to track and/or monitor fluid volume and use during various injection procedures. Single use and multiple use components, conveniently supplied in kits, may also be tracked and/or monitored by the devices of the present invention.

Abstract: A pull-on disposable diaper is composed of a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region extending between these waist regions and a body fluid absorbing component formed on an inner side of these regions. The absorbing component is formed in the crotch region with a V-shaped first folding guide, a V-shaped second folding guide and a third folding guide extending in a transverse direction between the first and second folding guides. The absorbing component is folded along the third folding guide so that a core forming a part of the component may have its outer surface sections facing each other and along the first and second folding guides so that the core may have its inner surface sections facing each other.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis defining front and rear waist regions, an absorbent panel laid on the inner surface of the chassis and a decorative element adapted to be seen through the chassis and interposed between an intermediate zone of the chassis and the absorbent panel. An optical transmittance exhibited by the intermediate zone of the chassis in which the decorative element is laid is higher than an optical transmittance exhibited by opposite lateral zones of the chassis.

Abstract: Containers and methods for storing medical solutions are provided. More specifically, containers and methods for storing components that are to be admixed, together to create a final solution, one of the components comprising a lipid. In an embodiment, a container including an interior defining at least two chambers. The first chamber includes a lipid containing liquid. The second chamber includes a liquid that does not include a lipid. The first and second chambers are separated by an openable seal.