Abstract: A removable artificial climbing hold comprising a molded or cast body having an opening for a threaded fastener to pass through, and safety means incorporated in the body around the opening to retain the debris in the event of the body breaking.

Abstract: A compact exercise device (10) of the type wherein a person grips handle devices (12, 30) lying at opposite ends of a rope that extends through a housing (22), the person pulling one end of the rope away from the housing while resisting movement of the other end of the rope towards the housing to exercise. A windup spool (114) lies in one of the handle devices and a spring (130) urges the spool to wind up rope by a spring, but the spool is normally prevented from turning in either direction by a release mechanism (110). A person who holds a handle grip (100) with most fingers of his/her hand, uses his/her thumb to depress a button (90) to operate the release mechanism. While the thumb continues to depress the button, the person moves a handle device away from the housing to lengthen the effective length of rope, or moves a handle device towards the housing to shorten the effective length of rope.

Abstract: An exercise machine has resilient elongate members for providing balanced resistance in the form of elongate resilient members oriented horizontally such that the intermediate portion of the elongate members contact a fulcrum of the exercise machine. The user adjusts the amount of resistance provided by capturing different combinations and numbers of resilient elongate members. A cable and pulley system ensures a long stroke so that the use can perform a wide variety of exercises in comfortable positions.

Abstract: A tool for a power drill allows fast and convenient loading and unloading of a screw bit, drill bit, or other implement. The user preferably loads the tool with the necessary implements which are then carried with the tool. Each received implement is movable from a storage position to an in use position in drive engagement with the power drill or power screwdriver. The desired implements can rapidly be changed from one to the other, while the implements are retained on the tool.

Abstract: A tool shelf magazine for milling and drilling machines has at least one shelf, a plurality of compartments provided in the shelf above each other at predetermined intervals and also a plurality of notches, which are open on one side accommodating one suspended tool. A handling device is vertically and horizontally shiftable by means of a motor located adjacent to the shelf. At least one gripper arrangement is provided for extracting predetermined tools from the shelf and for transferring them to a tool changer. At least one shelf has compartments with notches serving as tool accommodations on the front and back side. The notches on the front side are located in the access range of the handling device and the notches on the back side are accessible for retooling. The shelf is formed so as to be rotatable about an axis for a change of sides.

Abstract: In order to fully automate the inflation timing and deflation timing of an intra-aortic balloon pump, certain delays intrinsic in the system must be taken into account. A process for calculating these delays includes determining a nominal inflate command time, adding a dither time interval to the nominal inflate command time to obtain an actual inflate time, and determining a deflate command time. An inflation/deflation cycle is then processed in which the intra-aortic balloon pump is inflated at the actual inflate command time and deflated at the deflate command time. Blood pressure data is acquired from the patient during the inflation/deflation cycle, and is then analyzed to determine a realization time at which the effects of inflating the intra-aortic balloon are realized on the blood pressure waveform. From this the total delay time between the actual inflate command time and the realization time can be determined.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis is provided, which includes at least one cylinder, a reservoir, and a pump including a pump housing, at least one reservoir channel fluidly coupling the pump housing to the reservoir, at least one cylinder tube fluidly connecting the pump housing to the cylinders, and a fluid passageway fluidly coupled to the cylinder tube and a transfer chamber. The pump also includes a pump bulb fluidly connected to the fluid passageway between the bypass input channel and bypass output channel along the length of the fluid passageway.

Abstract: An endoscope has a first segment with a proximal end and a distal end and is symmetric about an axis. A second segment, comprising a flexible and interconnected linkage system, is pivotably coupled to the first segment and, when subject to an applied force, is configurable along an arc having a variable radius of curvature. The linkage system is capable of articulation through an angle from zero degrees through about 280 degrees.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods related to endoscopic surgery, particularly related to robotic surgical operations, provide a tissue stabilizer for endoscopically stabilizing a target tissue within a patient's body. For stabilizing a beating heart during a closed-chest coronary artery bypass grafting procedure, a stabilizer is inserted through an endoscopic cannula and provides sufficient surface area to contact the heart and effectively stabilize the target tissue area. The stabilizer can straddle a blood vessel, such as a coronary artery, which is targeted for an anastomosis. Vessel occlusion fasteners may occlude the target blood vessel prior to the anastomosis procedure.

Abstract: A human condition evaluation system, of which bio-signal analysis means includes a bio-signal peak value detection means for detecting a peak value for each cycle of an original waveform of a bio-signal data, and a power value calculation means for calculating a difference between the peak value at an upper limit side and the peak value at a lower limit side for every prescribed time range using respective peak values obtained by the bio-signal peak value detection means to thereby set the difference as a power value, is structured to determine a predictive signal for falling asleep from an active state into a sleep state. Different from conventional human condition evalution based simply on a Lyapunov exponent as an indicator, a new human condition evaluation system based on a functional status of an energy generation system of the living body is provided.

Abstract: A cuff for a blood pressure monitor is provided with an air bag including a first bag member located outside and a second bag member located inside in the thickness direction when fitted on a living body. The first and second bag members have first and second inflated/deflated spaces, respectively. The second bag member is formed by laying a single-layer resin sheet on the surface on the living body side of the first bag member and by melting and bonding its rim to the surface. A bonded portion of the first bag member with the resin sheet is positioned inner than each end in the width direction of the first inflated/deflated space. Thus, a cuff for a blood pressure monitor fabricated with ease and at low cost, exhibiting high pressing performance and high avascularization performance, and suitable for reduction of cuff width can be provided.

Abstract: Vascular endothelial function in terms of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of peripheral arteries can be assessed reliably by measuring beat-to-beat pulse-wave conduction time (PCT) simultaneously for two symmetric segments of arteries locating on the right and left sides of body. When reactive hyperemia is induced in the peripheral tissues on one side, the time dependent changes in PCT caused by FMD on that side can be detected as the beat-to-beat differences in PCT between two sides (?PCT). ?PCT would provide a sensitive and specific assessment of the FMD response, because the influences of the systemic changes in hemodynamic and neurohumoral factors common to both sides are subtracted out. In addition, measurement of PCT requires no skillful technique and is advantageous in that the apparatus is inexpensive.

Abstract: A device 100 and associated system for facilitating convenient and effective back mobilization of a clothed person is disclosed. The device has a substantially cylindrical body 102 having two ends 104 and two cylindrical, radial surfaces 106, wherein the cylindrical, radial surfaces make substantially smooth transitions 108 into the ends proximate the cylindrical, radial surfaces; and a channel of reduced radius 110 approximately centered between the ends of the cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical, radial surfaces make substantially smooth transitions 112 into the channel proximate the cylindrical, radial surfaces. The system further includes a clothing retainer 200 for retaining clothing proximate the body of the person. The person is able to mobilize the back while moving the back along the cylindrical, radial surfaces of the device causing the device to roll while the clothing retainer keeps the clothing from underneath the rolling device as it rolls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a massaging and reflexology system for an article of footwear comprising a core body generally configured in the shape of a shoe insole, a plurality of cups disposed on a top surface of the shoe insole, and a respective bump or pressure nub disposed within each of the cups. The cups may be disposed on a bottom surface of the core body. The shoe insole may define toe, intermediate, heel and arch portions, or any combination thereof. Each cup may define a substantially concave surface projecting outwardly from the top surface with the cup perimeters being generally circular. The pressure nubs may be centrally disposed on the concave surface of each one of the cups on the top surface. The core body, the cups, the cup spacers and the pressure nubs may be formed as a unitary structure of resilient, elastomeric material such as silicone gel.

Abstract: A surgical cast venting device comprises two elongate strips or two layers of flexible material, at least one of which is porous. The strips or layers are spaced apart from each other and extend parallel to each other. Flexible, solid spacer members are arranged between the two strips or layers and connect them together. These members form air passageways between adjacent spacers so that air is normally free to pass along the passageways. A moisture-absorbent fabric layer extends along an outer side of the porous strip or layer opposite the spacers. In an alternate version, there is a first strip which is porous and a series of substantially flat, flexible outer members arranged in a row from one end of the strip to an opposite end. The outer members are spaced from the strip and opposite side edges of the strip and of the outer members are aligned with one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gas for delivery into a body cavity, body space or body surface of an animal. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. One or more agents are released into the gas stream that flows through the chamber so that the gas stream carries the agent to the animal.

Abstract: A method for using a needle assembly for an intradermal injection, and a drug delivery device is provided, which includes a needle cannula and a limiter surrounding the needle cannula and includes a skin engaging surface on the limiter. The limiter is moveable from a first position in which an elongate portion of the needle cannula is exposed for access to a medication vial, to a locked second position in which the limiter is not movable from the second position to the first position. In the second position, the needle tip extends beyond the skin engaging surface a distance of about 3 mm or less.

Abstract: A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir subassembly that includes a rigid bladder portion used in conjunction with a non-distensible bladder film, such as a metallized film. Simple removal of an interlock allows a disk, or Belleville spring assembly to apply an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents of the fluid reservoir assembly, and allows the device to then be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact surface. A push button activation assembly is provided which can then be used to release and seat one or more spring-loaded patient needles into the skin surface, and establish a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents thereby delivering an infusion into the skin.

Abstract: A fixed needle syringe has a syringe barrel with its distal portion modified to accept a needle protective housing. In particular, the distal portion is formed with the a groove dimensioned to accept a collar that is attached to the housing. The inside surface of the collar is provided with a number of flanges that fit within the groove formed at the distal portion of the syringe barrel of the fixed needle syringe. Protrusions are provided at the inside surface of the collar to frictionally act against the syringe barrel, so that the needle protective housing does not freely rotate, but is rotatable relative to the syringe barrel by the application of a predetermined torque to either the collar or the housing attached thereto. An internal hook is provided in the housing to grasp the needle of the syringe, when the housing is pivoted to cover the needle extending from the needle hub of the syringe.

Abstract: A compression hypodermic syringe is disclosed wherein two leaves are hinged together. One leaf contains a receptacle for a collapsible capsule which contains a pre-measured dose of medication. The second leaf has a structure that acts as a plunger when the second leaf is folded over the first leaf. A double ended hypodermic needle is provided that has one end that pierces a membrane on the collapsible capsule and a second end that is exposed for insertion into a patient when the two leaves are folded together.

Abstract: An arrangement at a stoma bag of the type used by persons or animals with a colostoma, including a flexible bag (flexibag) and a ring fastener/magazine ring, where the ring fastener/magazine ring is designed to be connected to a stoma plate, and where, in its initial position, the entire flexibag is located in or in close proximity to the ring fastener/magazine ring.

Abstract: A delivery catheter that includes a flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having an outer diameter less than about 13 mm; a delivery lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the delivery lumen within the flexible shaft, the delivery lumen having at least an outlet port or at least one side hole at the distal end of the delivery lumen, the delivery lumen having a cross-sectional area at least about 5 mm2; a pressure monitoring lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the pressure monitoring lumen within the flexible shaft; a pressure port adjacent to and connected to the distal end of the pressure monitoring lumen; a balloon inflation lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the balloon inflation lumen within the flexible shaft; a soft tip at the distal end of the flexible shaft; a balloon at the distal end of the flexible shaft, the balloon connected to the distal end of the balloon inflation lumen, the balloon includes at least one of the following materials, po

Abstract: A thrombus suction catheter which is a tube having a distal end opening formed by an angled cut surface. In the distal end opening, at least a part on the proximal end side of the cut surface is formed in a concave shape in an angled direction, and the distal end side of the cut surface is formed to be flat and flexible. With the distal end configuration, suction and crossing are significantly improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for use in delivering formulation that allows modification of the formulation prior to or concomitant with its transport or at a delivery site. The catheter comprises an elongate body, which defines an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a modifying element, which provides for modification of one or more components of a formulation prior to or concomitant with release at the delivery site.

Abstract: A dermatologic hair-regrowth-inhibiting apparatus is disclosed which is cordless and sufficiently compact as to be hand-held. A self-contained housing is configured for gripping by a person's hand for cordless manipulation in a hair-regrowth-inhibiting procedure. A light source and electrical circuit are contained within the housing. The circuit includes one or more batteries for energizing the light source to produce output light pulses. A light path within the housing includes an aperture through which eye-safe light pulses are propagated out of the housing having properties sufficient for at least temporary hair-regrowth inhibition. A diffuser is disposed along the light path to reduce the integrated radiance to an eye-safe level.

Abstract: A method of treatment of lower extremity body pain is described comprising freezing a portion of the lower extremity, for example, for cryoanalgesia. In one form, a method of treating a Morton's neuroma comprises freezing the neuroma in the foot. In another preferred form, a method of treating plantar fasciitis comprises freezing a tissue portion in or adjacent to the foot. The methods include inserting a cryogenic probe through a skin surface for percutaneous access to a region for cryoanalgesia, and operating the probe to provide one or more successive freeze cycles.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for modifying or destroying selected tissue, by selecting an area of tissue for treatment, collecting the area between a plurality of energy transmitting elements, applying an electric current and/or electromagnetic radiation between the energy transmitting elements, and applying the electric current and/or electromagnetic radiation until, for example, the cells are modified or destroyed. Cooling may be applied to prevent unwanted modification. Conducting mediums may be applied to control tissue modification. Embodiments of the present invention may be used for treatment of fat cells, acne, lesions, tattoo removals etc.

Abstract: A system and method for creating lesions and assessing their completeness or transmurality. Assessment of transmurality of a lesion is accomplished by monitoring the impedance of the tissue to be ablated. Rather than attempting to detect a desired drop or a desired increase impedance, completeness of a lesion is detected in response to the measured impedance remaining at a stable level for a desired period of time, referred to as an impedance plateau. The mechanism for determining transmurality of lesions adjacent individual electrodes or pairs may be used to deactivate individual electrodes or electrode pairs, when the lesions in tissue adjacent these individual electrodes or electrode pairs are complete, to create an essentially uniform lesion along the line of electrodes or electrode pairs, regardless of differences in tissue thickness adjacent the individual electrodes or electrode pairs.

Abstract: A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly and increases in radius to aid in the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. A method of treating atrial flutter employs the curved ablation catheter.

Abstract: A tubal sterilization device having sesquipolar electrodes includes a hollow catheter defining an interior passageway, the catheter including a first end for insertion transcervically into a patient, and a second end opposite the first end for grasping and manipulation by a physician. The device further includes an electrode tip situated at the first end of the catheter. The electrode tip includes a first portion having a first electrode, the first portion being preferably formed generally conically in shape so that it may be snugly fit into the tubal osteum of the fallopian tube. The electrode tip further includes a second portion having a second electrode which is a coil formed from a wire which is helically wrapped about an insulating spacer or support.

Abstract: A method for ablation in which a portion of atrial tissue around the pulmonary veins of the heart is ablated by a first elongated ablation component and a second elongated ablation component movable relative to the first ablation component and having means for magnetically attracting the first and second components toward one another. The magnetic means draw the first and second components toward one another to compress the atrial tissue therebetween, along the length of the first and second components and thereby position the device for ablation of the tissue.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A fixation plate includes a set of threaded peg holes adapted to individually receive fixation pegs therethrough and non-threaded alignment holes having a relatively smaller diameter than the peg holes and preferably sized to closely receive a K-wire. The alignment holes are located between the peg holes. One alignment hole is configured for aligning the plate during an osteotomy procedure, while other alignment holes are configured for use after fracture reduction and receive K-wires to temporarily stabilize the fracture and secure the plate to the bone and determine whether pegs inserted through adjacent respective peg holes will be properly located before drilling relatively larger holes for such pegs. The head of the plate has a shape and contour which provides bone support and a low profile which minimizes the potential for soft tissue irritation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for clamping and reclamping an orthopedic surgical cable used in conjunction with an orthopedic implant device, a bone, and/or bone implant or structure. Systems and methods provide a clamping body, a clamping mechanism, and a force application member that cooperate to allow tensioning and re-tensioning of a surgical cable.

Abstract: An implant assembly including a main implant and a secondary implant to fix the main implant in a relative position. The secondary implant being passable into a unprepared bone structure to securely fix the main implant in place. The secondary implant including a conduit to flow a flowable material that is able to securely interconnect the secondary implant with the bone structure.

Abstract: A mounter (3) integrally provided with a lancing element (47B) and analyzer includes a lancing member (47) provided with the lancing element (47B), a first member (4) including an accommodation portion (40) for holding the lancing member (47), and a second member (5) formed separately from the first member (4) for holding the analyzer (6). The accommodation portion (40) includes an accommodation space (43) communicable with the outside through a first opening (43a) and a second opening (43b). The lancing member (47) is held and hermetically sealed in the accommodation space (43) by closing the first opening (43a) and the second opening (43b) with a first seal member (44a) and a second seal member (44b).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide for automatic tamping of the sealing plug. In addition, torque required to tamp the sealing plug is automatically sensed and gear ratios of an automatic tamping device are automatically changed in response to sensed changes in torque. A planetary transmission may be used to automatically change gear ratios in response to the changes in torque.

Abstract: The present invention includes a radiopaque stent comprising a cylindrical main body. The tubular main body comprises a cobalt chromium alloy that comprises cobalt, chromium and one or more radiopaque materials.

Abstract: A middle ear prosthesis comprises a one piece disk shaped prosthesis including a generally circular malleable body including a bore. The body engages a tympanic membrane and the bore receives a head of a stapes when implanted in a middle ear. More particularly, the middle ear prosthesis comprises a body comprising an annular head, a collar, and a plurality of radially extending members connecting the head to the collar. The head engages a tympanic membrane and the collar receives a head of a stapes when implanted in a middle ear.

Abstract: A vertebral implant for interposition between two vertebral endplates comprises a first endplate assembly for engaging a first vertebral endplate, a second endplate assembly for engaging a second vertebral endplate, and a first flexible core component interposed between the first and second endplate assemblies. The first flexible core component comprises first and second end portions. The first end portion is coupled to the first endplate assembly to prevent translation of the first end portion with respect to the first endplate assembly, and the second end portion is pivotable with respect to the second endplate assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a prosthesis structure for anchorage to the joint end of an articulatory part of a joint in a human or animal body which comprises an engagement element which presents a flat or a substantially flat engagement surface for engaging with a complementary joint end surface provided at the joint end and an elongate fixture connected to and spaced from the engagement surface for insertion into a complementary bore provided at the joint end at a distance from the joint end surface. The invention further provides that the elongate fixture forms an acute angle with the engagement surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing horn substances from animal skin. The method is characterized in that animal skins are treated in an aqueous bath containing between 0.05 and 5 wt. %, in relation to the weight of the salt, of at least one compound of general formula I or the corresponding alkali metallic salts or alkaline-earth metallic salts thereof or ammonium or phosphonium salts.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel diaminopyrazole derivatives of formula (I), wherein: R1 represents C1-C6 alkyl or C2-C6, preferably up to C4, alkenyl, linear or branched, bearing at least a substituent selected among OR, NHR, NRR?, SR, SO2R, COOH, CONH2, CONRR?, PO(OH)2, SH, SO3X, a non-cationic heterocycle, Cl, Br or I?; X represents H, Na, K or NH4; R and R?, identical or different, represent C1-C6 alkyl or C2-C6, preferably up to C4, alkenyl, linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted by one or several functional groups selected among OH, NH2, OR, NHR, NRR?, SR, SOR, SO2R, COOH, CONH2, CONRR?, PO(OH)2, SH, SO3X, a non-cationic heterocycle, Cl, Br or I, X, R and R? having the definitions mentioned above; R2 represents H, or C1-C6 alkyl or C2-C6, preferably up to C4, alkenyl, linear or branched, unsubstituted or substituted by one or several functional groups selected among OH, NH2, OR, NHR, NRR?, SR, SOR, SO2R, COOH, CONH2, CONRR?, PO(OH)2, SH, SO3X, a non-cationic heterocycle, Cl, Br or I, X, R and R? h

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a composition comprising at least one fluorescent dye and at least one non-associative thickening polymer, to processes using such a composition, and to devices comprising such a composition. The disclosure also relates to processes and methods for dyeing human keratin materials, for example artificially dyed or pigmented hair and dark skin, with a lightening effect, using compositions comprising at least one fluorescent dye and at least one non-associative thickening polymer.

Abstract: Fuel compositions for internal combustion engines, comprising a principle amount of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel and an amount, which has a cleaning effect, of at least one propoxylate additive of the formula I where n is an integer from 10 to 20 and R1 is straight-chain or branched C8-C18-alkyl or C8-C18-alkenyl, if required in combination with at least one detergent additive, e.g. a polyalkylamine additive of the formula II R2—NH2 ??(II) where R2 is a straight-chain or branched polyalkyl radical having a number average molecular weight of from about 500 to about 5000, and fuel additive compositions which contain propoxylates of the formula I and, if required, further additives, such as the aforementioned polyalkylamines of the formula II, as intake valve cleaners.

Abstract: A centrifuge (10) suitable for separating soot from an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine; the centrifuge being disposed between, and arranged coaxially in relation to, a raw gas inlet pipe (11) and a clean gas outlet pipe (12); the centrifuge including a rotating body (20) which is open on both axial end faces, drive vanes (26) arranged adjacent the inlet for driving the centrifuge, and at least one device (29) provided inside said rotating body for reversing or deflecting the exhaust gas flow direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product for, and a method of, treating gases, fumes and vapors with fragments of crustacean shell so as to extract one or more components/pollutants from the gases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agriculture. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of increasing photosynthesis of a plant and more particularly of crop plants. In addition, the invention relates to a method of increasing photosynthesis and/or yield in crop plants, comprising an exposure thereof to lipo-chitooligosaccharides, and compositions therefor. Further, the invention relates to an agricultural composition for enhancing a plant crop photosynthetic rate and/or growth thereof comprising a photosynthetic rate-promoting amount of at least one lipo chitooligosaccharide (LCO) together with an agriculturally suitable carrier and methods using same.

Abstract: A new composition for forming a matrix body which includes spherical sintered tungsten carbide and an infiltration binder including one or more metals or alloys is disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition may include a Group VIIIB metal selected from one of Ni, Co, Fe, and alloys thereof. Moreover, the composition may also include cast tungsten carbide. In addition, the composition may also include carburized tungsten carbide.

Abstract: A method of forming a powder metal fractured bearing component, such as a connecting rod, includes the step of forming a component blank having a bearing aperture for separation of the component blank into a main body and a bearing cap, wherein the component has a hardness in the range of about HRC 22 to about HRC 34. The method also includes the steps of forming a stress riser in the blank where the fracture is to occur, and fracturing the component blank of the connecting rod into a main body and a bearing cap by applying tensile force thereto, in order to form a surface area ratio of >113% on the mating surfaces of the main body and the bearing cap.