Abstract: The present invention refers to play and training equipment. The equipment is mainly intended to be used at playgrounds and the like places but may also find use at many other locations. An equipment according to the invention comprises at least one post or preferably two or more posts which are erected in vertical direction. Between the posts or a post and the ground or other support there are one or more movable elements or units, the movements of which are dampened or suppressed and of limited extension by connectors having internal bushings and which mount the units to the posts.

Abstract: A treadle assembly of an exercise equipment including a mounting seat, a treadle, a bearing bracket. The mounting seat includes a supporting groove in the middle thereof and two indentations in the middle of both sides thereof. The treadle includes a rigid cylinder at the bottom thereof. The inside of the rigid cylinder is filled with soft filling material. A screw bolt is fitted in the middle of the soft filling material for securing the mounting seat to the treadle by fixing the screw bolt in the indentations of the mounting seat in collaboration with screwing elements. The bearing bracket is attached to a bottom side of the supporting groove of the mounting seat. Meanwhile, a bearing is disposed at each of four corners for a full contact with the periphery of the rigid cylinder. Thus, a plurality of connecting holes is formed at both sides of the mounting seat for securing the mounting seat to a treadle plank of an exercise equipment.

Abstract: A first horizontal member having a proximate end and a distal end, the distal end is adapted to be attached to a second substantially rigid member. An object assembly including an object located below the proximate end of the first horizontal member. A first line having a first segment extending substantially along a vertical axis defined through a center of the object assembly and coupled to the proximate end of the first horizontal member. The first line having a second segment extending substantially along the vertical axis below the object assembly and is coupled to a third substantially rigid member. The first line having a first end coupled to a top side of the object assembly and a second end coupled to a bottom side of the object assembly. A second line extends substantially perpendicular to the first line in a longitudinal direction substantially along a path of the object defining a horizontal axis.

Abstract: An improved weight plate includes a planar body having a central opening for receiving a barbell or dumbbell bar therethrough. The weight plate includes oppositely facing flange members extending partially about the perimeter of the weight plate. The opposed ends of the flange members are spaced from each other and define a gap therebetween. The flange members extend perpendicularly from both sides of the weight plate planar body about the perimeter thereof. The weight plate includes at least one opening formed adjacent the perimeter of the weight plate. The opening is adapted to receive one or more fingers of an average human hand for securely grasping and lifting the weight plate. Adjacent weight plates mounted on a barbell bar are adapted for interlocking engagement.

Abstract: Weight selecting members are movably mounted on a handle assembly and selectively rotatable into engagement with respective weight plates to provide adjustable resistance to exercise movement. The weight selecting members rotate into and out of notches associated with any combination of the weight plates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an abdominal and torso strengthening apparatus comprising a frame, cross segments and supporting elements. The frame comprises an arc member and a linear member, wherein the linear member couples to the arc member. The cross segments are rods that extend from the linear member to the arc member and can include a fitting that is configured to receive a weight. The supporting elements are coupled to the frame in a position to allow the strengthening apparatus to rest on the shoulders of the user during use.

Abstract: A board for balance training has an upper footstep surface, lower bearing surface and a progressive series of concentric, cylindrical sub-frames depending from the lower surface which enclose progressively smaller framed-in areas of the bearing surface within progressively smaller framed-in crown-cavities defined by each. This progressive series ranges extremes of a major in size to minor, with none, one or more intermediates. All at least but the major sub-frame are selectively removable from the board for clearing way for progressively larger framed-in crown-cavities. Any of the sub-frames permit a training ball to roll freely sandwiched between the board and ground unless stopped against any portion of that sub-frame. Selectively utilizing a minor sub-frame over, conversely, exclusion thereof in favor of any of the progressively larger sub-frames, progressively changes the level of difficulty for trainees standing on the upper footstep surface.

Abstract: An automatic tool changer in which the load produced when a turret is rotation-driven is reduced, and abrasion in the balls and the like of a speed reducer, and mal-distribution of an axial pressing force are prevented. The speed reducer that drives the turret in the automatic tool changer is constructed by superposing a driving plate, a holder, and a driven plate in the order named. In the driven plate fitted with tools, there is formed a ball groove in a concave-convex shape having the number of cycles corresponding to the number of the tools. In the driving plate, there is provided a ball groove obtained by enlarging the ball groove of the driven plate in the angular direction and copying two cycles. The holder is provided with a plurality of guide holes in the radial direction, which hold their respective balls. The driving plate is rotated by spindle rotation, and the driven plate is driven at a reduced speed of (the number of tools/2) through the balls.

Abstract: Method and device for producing a filter rod. The method includes melting at least one first type of filter material, pressing the at least one first type of filter material through at least one nozzle, depositing the at least one first type of filter material on a conveying element, and shaping the filter rod on the conveying element. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A retaining element for use with elastic sheet material is disclosed. In one form, the sheet material can be provided as a bag (100) having first and second side walls (102, 104). The retaining element can be in the form of an elastic strip attached to one of the side walls. The retaining strip (120) can comprise a heat-unstable activatable material such that it can be applied to the bag in a deadened condition wherein the strip is set and subsequently heated to transition to an activated condition wherein the retaining element is elasticized to provide an elasticized article which can have a shirred appearance. The retaining element can have various configurations and can be activated by various methods.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator a centrifugal rotor is connected to a vertical spindle, which is supported by a frame and journalled in a first bearing and a second bearing. The centrifugal separator is drivable by an electric motor, the stator of the motor being fixed to the frame such that it is radially immovable relative to it, whereas the rotor of the motor is radially movable together with the spindle. The gap between the rotor and the stator of the motor is dimensioned so that it permits the radial movability of the rotor.

Abstract: A method for assembling an endoscope that includes an imaging subassembly inside an insertion tube having distal and proximal ends. The method includes coupling the imaging subassembly to a plurality of wires, which have respective first and second ends, by fixing the first ends of the wires to the imaging subassembly. A connector is coupled to the wires by fixing the second ends of the wires to the connector. After coupling the imaging subassembly and the connector to the wires, the imaging subassembly is installed in the insertion tube by passing the connector through the insertion tube from the distal end of the insertion tube to the proximal end. After passing the connector through the insertion tube, the connector is inserted in a receptacle.

Abstract: A method for registration of virtual endoscopy images in first and second patient positions comprises performing colon segmentation and feature extraction, including centerline and colon surface data for each of the images; resampling the centerline and colon surface data; computing respective local descriptors; pairing point correspondences on the centerlines between the first and second images by minimal cost matching; extrapolating the centerline point correspondences to a 3-dimensional/3-dimensional (3D/3D) transformation between the first and second images. The method also includes selecting a position for a virtual endoscope in one of the images; associating an orthogonal reference frame with the virtual endoscope; and applying the 3D/3D transformation to the orthogonal reference frame so as to derive a corresponding transformed reference frame for the virtual endoscope in the other of the images.

Abstract: A wound protector retractor comprises an inner O-ring for insertion through a wound opening and a connecting sleeve extending between the O-ring and outer mounting means. The outer means are provided by rings between which the sleeve is led. The rings are rotated relative to each other and the inner ring to form a centralised lumen of reduced cross section and to shorten the axial extent of the sleeve. A wound is both retracted and protected.

Abstract: A pediatric liver retractor with a supporting shaft configured traversing a pediatric abdominal wall. A hook portion terminating in an insertion tip is configured generally in a U-shape, with a hook aperture and a hook depth, which along with the insertion tip, are configured and dimensioned for supporting and retracting a pediatric liver without damaging the liver to provide access to a surgical site.

Abstract: A combined mouth retracting and saliva ejecting device has a forward suction portion, a right cheek retractor portion, a left cheek retractor portion, and a rearward suction portion, the device being configured to be placed within the mouth of a dental patient. The device is constructed of a single piece of rigid, but resilient, tubular material, the material having an elastomeric memory. The device is tubular and has a cylindrical or other shape cross section and can be constructed of material so as to be either disposable or nondisposable, the nondisposable version being capable of heat or chemical sterilization. The device can be made in almost any size to accommodate the wide variety of patients that it may be used with, including children.

Abstract: A system and method for providing computerized, knowledge-based medical diagnostic and treatment advice. The medical advice is provided to the general public over a telephone network. Two new authoring languages, interactive voice response and speech recognition are used to enable expert and general practitioner knowledge to be encoded for access by the public. “Meta” functions for time-density analysis of a number of factors regarding the number of medical complaints per unit of time are an integral part of the system. A semantic discrepancy evaluator routine along with a mental status examination are used to detect the consciousness level of a user of the system. A re-enter feature monitors the user's changing condition over time. A symptom severity analysis helps to respond to the changing conditions. System sensitivity factors may be changed at a global level or other levels to adjust the system advice as necessary.

Abstract: The invention presents solutions for large apertures of an ultrasound array under given dimension constraints given by the application for the ultrasound probe, for example by an endoluminal application. The invention has applications to annular arrays for 2D and 3D imaging, and also to linear or curvilinear arrays for 2D and 3D imaging. The invention further provides large aperture of arrays for dual frequency band operation with large difference between the dual bands.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a non-invasive blood pressure monitor that utilizes an SpO2 plethysmographic signal to reduce the time required to obtain an estimation of a patient's blood pressure. During operation of the NIBP monitor, the NIBP monitor utilizes the SpO2 plethysmographic signal to determine a timing period and a deflation period for each pulse associated with the patient's heartbeat. Upon receiving an oscillation pulse, the NIBP monitor determines the oscillation amplitude during the timing period and deflates the blood pressure cuff during the deflation period immediately following the timing period. Preferably, the deflation period occurs during the same oscillation pulse used to calculate the oscillation pulse amplitude to decrease the amount of time required to obtain a blood pressure estimate from the patient.

Abstract: Techniques are described for analyzing auscultatory sounds to aid a medical professional in diagnosing physiological conditions of a patient. A data analysis system, for example, applies singular value decomposition to auscultatory sounds associated known physiological conditions to define a set of one or more disease regions within a multidimensional space. A diagnostic device, such as an electronic stethoscope or personal digital assistant, applies configuration data from the data analysis system to generate a set of one or more vectors within the multidimensional space representative of auscultatory sounds associated with a patient. The diagnostic device outputs a diagnostic message associated with a physiological condition of the patient based on the orientation of the vectors relative to the disease regions within the multidimensional space.

Abstract: An apparatus to enable health care providers to perform a number of diagnostic procedures, including listening to the heart, obtaining electrocardiograms and sonograms. A pocket size instrument displays an EKG tracing on its screen simultaneously upon auscultation of the heart. The abdomen may also be investigated by displaying a sonogram. Wireless broadband technology may provide a closed circuit interface for real-time wireless transmission of acquired data. Examination requires none of a multiplicity of wires to untangle, bulky machines or a technician to be summoned. Regurgitation, heart size, ischemia and heart murmurs can all be evaluated by a visual and auditory methods.

Abstract: A handheld auscultatory scanner continuously obtains a heart sound signal from a patient, using a noninvasive passive acoustic sensor, allowing free-form protocol, analysis and display of the heart sound signal on a handheld processing unit in a graphical manner such that a single heart cycle is displayed in a synchronized manner, along with summary results of the processing of the acoustic signal. The results are presented in terms of standard auscultatory findings. The combination of summary findings, heart sound display and audible signal provides a method for assisting in patient screening for heart conditions and for teaching auscultation techniques.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the analysis of exhaled breath by spectroscopy are disclosed. An optical cavity containing the exhaled breath, typically comprising a pair of opposing high reflectivity mirrors, is used to implement a cavity enhanced absorbtion technique. Pairs of 12CO2 and 13CO2 absorbtion lines suitable for use in spectroscopic breath analysis are also disclosed.

Abstract: Therapy patches provide portable massaging devices that can also deliver topical treatment chemicals. These patches can be adhered to the skin via an adhesive layer that is also impregnated with the treatment chemical. Kits are also provided to create a string of linked patches that can be used together or separately, and a microcontroller controls the vibration of the device for optimized massaging effects.

Abstract: An arm supporting pillow in sling apparatus, comprising in combination a flexible sling, with a first strap having connection to the sling to be supported by a user, an insert pillow received in the sling, to be retrievable from the sling, the sling and pillow dimensioned to receive a user's forearm alongside the pillow, in the sling.

Abstract: A compression treatment system is provided that detects the number of and type of garments connected thereto. The system includes a plurality of ports, valves connected thereto and a number of garments having one or more bladders. The bladders are in fluid communication with a fluid source in a pneumatic circuit, to provide compression therapy once a user confirms the number of and type of garments connected to the system for use by a patient. A single pressure sensor communicates with a plurality of detected bladders located in the one or more garments.

Abstract: A method of treating and/or preventing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is provided, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a botulinum toxin to a patient in need thereof or a patient at risk for development of CTS. More specifically, the method includes one or more injections of a botulinum toxin over a period of time into one or more muscles of the hand and/or wrist, or directly into the carpal tunnel along the median nerve. Pharmaceutical compositions are provided as are combination therapies with other agents such as anti-inflammatory drugs, growth factors, and agents useful in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The use of the methods of the present invention are also contemplated with other treatment regimens used to treat patients having carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: A first flow path is defined within a first panel that forms a part of an extracorporeal fluid circuit. A second flow path is defined within a second panel that also forms a part of the extracorporeal fluid circuit. The first and second panels are oriented in a fluid processing cartridge for mounting as an integrated unit on a fluid processing machine and for removal as an integrated unit from the fluid processing machine.

Abstract: A method of transcranial ultrasound thrombolysis comprises the steps of providing a predetermined level of ultrasonic energy substantially throughout a primary treatment zone encompassing the M1 branch and M2 branches of the middle cerebral artery of an individual. A thrombolytic agent is also administered to the individual. A transcranial ultrasound thrombolysis system (10) is also provided that includes a transducer (20). The transducer is adapted to provide a predetermined level of ultrasonic energy substantially throughout a primary treatment zone encompassing at least a substantial portion of the M1 branch and the M2 branches of the middle cerebral artery in one hemisphere of a brain.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongated shaft with an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen, a balloon on a distal shaft section, and a proximal intermediate port proximal to the balloon and a distal intermediate port distal to the balloon, the intermediate ports being in communication with the guidewire lumen and being configured to slidably receive a guidewire therethrough so that the guidewire extends into or out of a proximal section of the guidewire lumen through the proximal intermediate port, extends along an outer surface of the balloon, and extends into or out of a distal section of the guidewire lumen through the distal intermediate port. The balloon is inflated in a patient's blood vessel to perform a medical procedure, with the section of the guidewire extending along an outer surface of the balloon providing improved balloon retention at the desired location in the blood vessel during inflation of the balloon.

Abstract: Pre-filled injection ampoules for administering a readily-available dose of fluid medication, are provided with a retractable needle. The needle is held in a projecting configuration from a barrel against a rearward bias exerted on the needle by a spring located within a spring housing. A piston is positioned within the barrel for expelling the fluid medication therefrom. The piston is configured to release the needle after completion of an injection stroke and to receive the needle in an internal cavity. In alternative embodiments, a retractable-needle injection device includes a housing for receiving a pre-filled medication cartridge of the type having a slidable piston positioned therein. A stationary plunger is located within the housing for maintaining the piston at a fixed location as the cartridge is urged into the housing to administer an injection. After the end of an injection stroke, the cartridge is further urged into the housing to release a effectuate retraction.

Abstract: A medical fluid injector, replaceable syringe, and coupling mechanism to engage the syringe plunger to the plunger drive ram of the injector are provided wherein coupling involves a cam cleat-like mechanism, thereby allowing for cooperative movement between the plunger drive ram and syringe plunger. The coupling mechanism of the plunger drive ram is provided with first and second movable members, each having toothed, arcuate surfaces, while the coupling mechanism of the syringe plunger is provided with a knurled extension. Disengagement of the coupling mechanism is facilitated by translational movement of a face plate located on the forward end of the injector housing.

Abstract: A system and user interface according to invention principles supports concurrently managing and maintaining multiple medical devices (e.g., infusion pumps) and processing and displaying the data produced by the medical devices within a Healthcare enterprise. An information system supports a plurality of network connected infusion pumps. The system includes an acquisition processor for acquiring fluid infusion related data from a plurality of concurrently operating infusion pumps. A data processor processes the acquired fluid infusion related data to provide data suitable for presentation in a single display image identifying the plurality of concurrently operating infusion pumps together with status information identifying status of individual pumps of the plurality of concurrently operating infusion pumps.

Abstract: An infusion set comprises a base member (60), an introducer cap (64), and an infusion cap (54). The base member (60) preferably comprises a soft cannula (52) extending from a lower side (118) of the base member (60), and a port (62) on an upper side (92) thereof. The port (62) is configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (52). The port (62) also comprises a septum (130) adapted to seal the port (62) against unwanted fluid flow. The introducer cap (64) is adapted to be mounted to the base member (60) and has a needle (66) adapted to extend through the septum (130) and said soft cannula (52) in an assembled position. The infusion cap (54) comprises a lumen (160) adapted to receive an elongate flexible tube (162). The infusion cap (54) also comprises a hard cannula (170) adapted to be inserted through the septum (130) and to place said soft cannula (52) in fluid communication with said lumen (160).

Abstract: A passive needle guard includes a body having a cavity therein for receiving a syringe, and a shield. The body is slidable with respect to the shield between retracted and extended positions covering and exposing, respectively, a needle extending from the syringe, the body being biased towards the retracted position. Latch members extend from the shield that include catches for engaging mating catches on the body for holding the body in the extended position. During use, the needle extending from the syringe is inserted into a patient. A plunger is depressed to inject medication from the syringe, thereby deflecting the latch members to disengage the catches and release the body, whereupon the user may controllably retract the body to the retracted position. In the retracted position, cooperating detents on the shield and body engage one another, thereby substantially permanently covering the needle with the shield.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a universal safety syringe adapter that allows for a standard syringe, vacuum tube or other medical device to be quickly modified to have a protective sheath which may be deployed automatically upon activation of a release member with a single hand in order to propel the protective sheath from a retracted position to an extended position covering a needle in order to avoid sharps injuries and protect medical or other professionals using the instrument. The present invention also provides for a syringe safety device which includes a protective sheath having an elastic member in order to propel the protective sheath from a retracted to an extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective sheath for an injection needle or cannula arranged on a cannula-holding support, said sheath comprising guide means making it possible at least to move said cannula holder from a completely retracted position to an ejection position, further comprising preliminary locking means enabling said cannula holder to be temporarily locked in a retracted pre-use position. The invention also relates to an injection unit and to a needle equipped with a sheath.

Abstract: A safety device, usable in particular with hypodermic needles, and incorporating a trigger mechanism which when activated primes the device to initiate the unsheathing of the needle in use by flexing one or more needle-surrounding legs away from the needle axis; the initial priming and leg-flexing movement being caused by the interaction of an operative portion of the trigger with the or each said leg or with a member connected operatively thereto; characterised by the feature that, when such movement occurs, the trigger end interacts with the leg or the said, part connected thereto in a manner which positively latches and retains the two in engagement.

Abstract: An aspirator, including a bulb that defines first and second ports, a tube adjacent to the first port defined by the bulb, and means for helping to prevent aspirated material inside the bulb from exiting the bulb through the second port defined by the bulb.

Abstract: A new and unique, multi-purpose sanitary napkin is designed and intended for wearers with an excessive flow of fluids. The sanitary napkin has a super absorbent core which gives maximum protection, against the wearer skin and garments, from extremely heavy menstrual cycles, post pregnancy and urinary incontinence.

Abstract: An absorbent article and method are disclosed for providing side leakage protection for an undergarment and absorbent article positioning guidance for proper placement on the undergarment. An absorbent configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman and a liquid-impermeable baffle are provided with a pair of garment-attachment adjustable scroll members for receiving a crotch portion of an undergarment. In one aspect, arcuately shaped curled folds on a lateral side surface of the absorbent article form the adjustable scroll members. In one aspect, a stiffening insert in the adjustable scroll member provide superior curling and holding capability. In one aspect, a friction-enhancing material reduces the sliding of the panty elastic or fabric in the adjustable scroll, thereby to reduce twisting and shifting of the undergarment.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes connector sheet strips used to connect front and rear waist regions of the article which respectively includes proximal sections and flap-like sections. The proximal sections are fixed to the rear waist region on its inner surface along zones immediately adjacent to transversely opposite side edges of the rear waist region and the flap-like sections extend from the respective zones to the inside of the article in a circumferential direction. The flap-like sections are formed with folding guide means facilitating the flap-like sections to be folded so that these flap-like sections may extend from the inside toward the outside of the article.

Abstract: Devices, compositions, and methods for achieving non-surgical lung volume reduction (e.g., bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR)) are described. BLVR can be carried out by collapsing a region of the lung, adhering one portion of the collapsed region to another, and promoting fibrosis in or around the adherent tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices for selectively removing an agent from a physiological efferent fluid collection site are provided. A feature of the invention is that a non-occlusive aspiration device is employed to selectively remove the target agent from the site only when the target agent is present in the site. Also provided are systems and kits for performing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including the selective removal of both therapeutic and diagnostic agents from a variety of different physiological sites.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-lumen catheter assembly having a selectively attachable hub including a multi-lumen catheter tube that has a proximal portion and a distal portion and a hub assembly that has a proximal portion and a distal portion, whereby the distal portion of the catheter tube is selectively attachable to the proximal portion of the hub assembly after subcutaneous insertion of the proximal portion of the catheter tube into a patient.

Abstract: A remote-controlled device for rotating tools, preferably medical tools, comprising a hollow body (1) which is embodied in the form of pivotally connected proximal and distal parts (2, 6) provided with a pair of adjacent end surfaces (5, 5?) which are angularly disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body (1), and an axis (7) which is perpendicularly oriented with respect to the end surfaces (5, 5?) and provided with a central channel and a remote control mechanism. A shaft (10) arranged in the central channel of the device comprises driven, driving and transmitting sections (11, 12, 13) respectively, and operates as a link for transferring working rotational motion at a variable angle. The tilt angle between the distal part (6) and the longitudinal axis of the proximal part (2) can be equal to 180°.

Abstract: A self-centering coupling device is provided for coupling a sensor array to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided surgery. The self-centering coupling device includes a sensor support having a stem and sensor support arms coupled to the stem to support the sensors of the sensor array. The self-centering coupling device is received within a recess formed in the surgical instrument.

Abstract: An elongated catheter device with a distal balloon assembly is adapted for endovascular insertion. Coolant injected through the device may, in different embodiments, directly cool tissue contacting the balloon, or may cool a separate internal chamber. In the first case, the coolant also inflates the balloon, and spent coolant is returned to the handle via a return passage extending through the body of the catheter. Plural balloons may be provided, wherein a secondary outer balloon surrounds a primary inner balloon, the primary balloon being filled with coolant and acting as the cooling chamber, the secondary balloon being coupled to a vacuum return lumen to serve as a robust leak containment device and thermal insulator around the cooling chamber. Various configurations, such as surface modification of the balloon interface, or placement of particles, coatings, or expandable meshes or coils in the balloon interface, may be employed to achieve this function.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making a hole of a first predetermined diameter in a dura of a patient for the insertion of a catheter having a second predetermined diameter. A burr hole is created in the cranium of the patient, if necessary. A stylet is inserted into the lumen of a catheter with an end of the stylet formed with a tip having a diameter having a predetermined relationship with the first predetermined diameter such that the distal end of the stylet is proximate to a distal end of the catheter. The end of the catheter is inserted into the burr hole of the cranium. An electrical current is applied to the stylet in order to cauterize the dura creating a hole in the dura approximately equal to the diameter of the tip.

Abstract: An automatic control system for an electrosurgical generator is herein disclosed. The automatic control system includes voltage and current sensing circuits, a processing circuit, an output determining circuit, and a control circuit. Samples of the voltage and current outputs are supplied to the processing circuit and the output determining circuit to generate an output signal. The output signal is compared to a reference signal to generate a feedback signal for controlling a drive circuit.