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: An exercise dumbbell includes a handle member and weight plates maintained in spaced relationship at opposite ends thereof. Weight selectors are rotatable into and out of engagement with different combinations of the weight plates to secure a desired amount of mass to the handle. The weight selectors selectively underlie peripheral portions the weights to secure the weights to the handle member. Different arrangements may be used to bias the weight selectors toward desired orientations relative to the weight plates, and/or to lock the weight selectors in desired orientations relative to the weight plates.

Abstract: A swing rotary fitness apparatus is described. A swing base is axially disposed at a center of a bracket having a pair of handles. A pound-force adjuster is disposed between the swing base and the bracket, and elastic elements for restoration are disposed between the swing base and the bracket. In addition, a rotatable seat is disposed on the swing base. When a user rides on the seat, the user exerts a force by lumbar muscles, so as to generate a circumferential motion of synchronous swing and rotation, which increases amplitude of twisting lumbar muscles greatly and thus improves an effect of exercising the waist.

Abstract: The handhold of an exercise handgrip turns freely while seated between the open ends of the upwardly extending prongs. It can be easily removed by moving the specially formed end part of the handhold into an access opening wide enough to slip the end part through. In positioning the handhold's end part for this removal, it must be forcibly snapped through a narrow opening. By reversing the procedure, the handhold can easily be returned to its place of rotation. The specially formed end part of the handhold must, therefore, have a narrow neck-like portion to fit through the narrow opening but the end part must also be enlarged to keep it in place for rotation. Preferably, there is also a stem and ball unit in one of the prongs which swings into place to trap exercise sheeting, cord or other media within an opening at the handgrip's bottom portion.

Abstract: A wall mount for use with exercise cords is secured to a wall and provides spring clips at multiple elevations for the attachment of the exercise cord. Each spring clip has a central curved portion that extends through a slot formed in the wall mount to provide an attachment point to which the exercise cords can be clipped with a caribiner. The wall mount is secured to the wall with a material-specific anchor. The cords may be quickly and easily attached and reattached to the spring clips at plural elevations for a large number of resistive exercise options.

Abstract: A tilting inversion exerciser includes a lower supporting stand having an axle, and a table rotatably supported on the stand with the axle, the table is made of plastic material and having a resilient one-integral-piece structure for smoothly engaging with the back portion of the user and for comfortably supporting the user, and for easily sterilizing purposes particularly following use by someone just finishing a workout and very sweaty. The table is pivotally supported on a base with a frame and one or more arms in which the arms are pivotally supported on the base and limited to pivot or to rotate relative to the base.

Abstract: A tilting inversion exerciser includes a carrier having two arms pivotally attached to two apex members of a supporting stand and having a bar, a user supporting table adjustably secured to the bar of the carrier for adjusting toward and away from the bar of the carrier and for suitably or adjustably supporting the users of different weights or body forms or physiques, and a latching device secures the user supporting table to the bar of the carrier after the user supporting table has been adjusted relative to the bar of the carrier for suitably adjusting the user supporting table and the user toward and away from the apex members or the center of gravity of the supporting stand.

Abstract: A filter for a cigarette has an organic filtering portion defined by granules or fibres of active carbon and housed inside a cylindrical shell of plastic material; the shell is located between a portion of cellulose acetate, which is engaged orally by a user, and a cigarette portion, and has a bottom, contacting the portion of cellulose acetate and hermetically supporting a particulate trap for retaining fine particulate, and an end contacting the cigarette portion and closed by a plug of cellulose acetate.

Abstract: A transport mechanism is disclosed for handling and manipulating flat objects such as carton blanks through an intermediate processing step such as the application of adhesive to end tabs prior to die and plunger carton formation. Specifically, the invention enables a blank to be picked from a magazine, run past an adhesive application system at a fixed, constant distance and speed, and deposited in place for a carton forming step using a single mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a folding machine for a web-fed printing press is disclosed. The folding machine includes a cutting blade cylinder operable with a folding blade cylinder and a folding jaw cylinder. A drive is connected to the cutting blade cylinder. The drive is operable in a non-uniform manner in a collecting mode of the folding machine to supply a first and a second exemplar of different sheet lengths and is operable in a uniform manner in a non-collecting mode of the folding machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing sheets of wood veneered substrate stock into product blanks suitable for use in shipping goods, displaying goods, etc: is provided. The apparatus may include either a flat bed or platen die cutting machine or a rotary die cutting machine. In either case, the apparatus further includes a set of die cutting rules suitably configured for processing wood veneered substrate stock. The set of the die cutting rules includes at least one cutting rule and at least one slit scoring rule. The cutting rule includes a cutting blade having a cutting edge. Similarly, the slit scoring rule includes a cutting blade having a cutting edge. The cutting rule and the slit scoring rules are correspondingly dimensioned such that when mounted to the die board, the cutting edge of the cutting rule extends beyond the cutting edge of the slit scoring rule a distance D.

Abstract: A composite netting is used for wrapping bales with a baling machine. The composite netting includes a continuous netting component, and a discontinuous, breathable material component. The breathable material component is partially attached to the netting material. In some embodiments, the breathable material is attached only along the leading edge of each breathable material panel. As a result of the attaching technique the stretching properties of the netting are not transferred to the breathable material. Thus, each component of the netting retains its individual properties. Each bale is initially wrapped with about one wrapping of netting material, followed by about one wrapping of breathable material and a partially attached net that is continuous from the first section. After this, one or more additional netting layers may be applied if desired.

Abstract: The present invention is a new elongate single-ply paper napkin that achieves the necessary absorbency, strength, hand feel and softness for commercial use but which is less expensive than traditional napkin products. More particularly, the invention is a single-ply napkin that contains folds running only in the transverse direction of the product, i.e. perpendicular to the length of the napkin.

Abstract: A method and unit for folding a reinforcing flap of the lid of a rigid, hinged-lid packet of cigarettes, wherein at least one reinforcing flap of the lid is folded 180° with respect to a blank and about a fold line onto the blank; the reinforcing flap is prefolded about the fold line by means of a first folding device having a movable folding body; and folding of the reinforcing flap about the fold line is completed by means of a second folding device having fixed folding rails.

Abstract: A scanner for three-dimensional scanning of interior surfaces or cavities of limited dimensions or with restricted accessibility. The scanner includes a probe having an axis and at least one light source and one camera adapted to perform a scan 360° around the axis of the probe. High precision three-dimensional replicas of real objects may be created using 3-D scan data obtainable with the scanner.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system for observing living tissues inside a body cavity includes an illuminating apparatus having a white light source emitting white light and an excitation light source emitting excitation light, an electronic endoscope including an insertion part to be inserted into the body cavity, an imaging device that receives an optical image and outputs image signals corresponding to the optical image, an image forming system that forms the optical image, an operating pant provided at a rear anchor of the insertion part, and a plurality of operable members arranged at the operating part, a display device, an image processing system that receives the image signals outputted from the imaging device, the image processing system obtaining a normal image when the living tissues are illuminated with the white light and a fluorescence image when the living tissues are irradiated with the excitation light, and a control system that controls the whole of the electronic endoscope system.

Abstract: Novel catheter constructions comprising thin covering or wrapping materials such as polymer films. A catheter provided with a guidewire catheter lumen having a thin covering that is easily punctured by a guidewire at virtually any desired point along the catheter length. The thin covering may be integral with the catheter shaft, or may be a separate component that covers only the portion of the catheter shaft immediately adjacent the outer portion of the guidewire lumen, or may be a thin tubular construct that surrounds the entire catheter shaft. Moreover, polymer film can be used in combination with one or more elements to produce novel catheter constructions.

Abstract: A device and system for in-vivo imaging with changeable fields of view includes a capsule shaped housing having an external shell that is adapted to be swallowed and passed through a patient due to the housing having no physical connection to the outside. The housing encloses an imaging unit that includes an imager and an illumination source, and a rotatable structure to alter the field of view of the imaging unit. The rotatable structure includes a motor that rotates the imaging unit relative to the and within the external shell. External commands transmitted from outside a patient can control the rotatable structure.

Abstract: A blade extending tower for setting blade depth on retractors having telescoping or extending blades. The blade extending tower features a base, a column extending from the base, and mating features on the column configured to engage the blades of a retractor to extend the blades to a desired blade depth. Blade depth of the retractor is set buy sliding the retractor onto the blade extending tower such that the mating features of the blade extending tower engage the blades or the retractor, stopping the blades progression while the rest of the retractor continues along the length of the column. Thus the blades of the retractor are extended from the retractor to a depth determined by the configuration of the blade extending tower.

Abstract: The invention seeks to provide a method and a system for identifying a dominant signal component in a biosignal including at least two signal components. A biosignal including a first signal component having a first frequency range and a second signal component having a second frequency range is obtained from a subject. First and second indicators are then determined, which characterize the probability distribution of a predefined property, such as frequency, of the biosignal on predetermined primary and auxiliary frequency bands, respectively. Based on the first and second indicators, the system detects which one of the first and second signal components is currently a dominant signal component in the biosignal. The knowledge of the dominant component may be utilized in different ways in different systems monitoring the state of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to contrast imaging. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for contrast imaging in which the elevation beamwidth is controlled to reduce image artifacts, which result from contrast agent being carried into the image region by motion or respiration and not by reperfusion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for examining a specimen. The ultrasonic probe includes a holding portion, an insertion member, and an ultrasonic generator. The holding portion includes a first housing portion. The insertion member is configured to move along the first housing portion. The insertion member has at least one end for insertion into an endocavity of the specimen. The ultrasonic generator is provided at the one end of the insertion member and configured to transmit an ultrasound pulse to the specimen and collect an echo signal resulting from the transmitted ultrasound pulse.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to an improved intravascular device. In one embodiment, an intravascular device includes a catheter having proximal and distal portions, and a phased array of imaging elements, having edge elements each having angles of emission, located in the distal portion of the catheter, wherein the phased array is concaved having a radius of curvature such that when the phased array is steered in a maximal azimuthal direction, the angles of emission of the edge elements are substantially similar.

Abstract: A monitoring device (20) for monitoring the vital signs of a user is disclosed herein. The monitoring device (20) is preferably an article (25) having an optical sensor (30) and a circuitry assembly (35). The optical sensor (30) preferably comprises a photodetector (130) and a plurality of light emitting diodes (135). The monitoring device (20) preferably provides for the display of the following information about the user: pulse rate; blood oxygenation levels; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target zones of activity; time; or distance traveled.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for motivating a user of a spirometry system 20 having a display screen 12, an air-tube 22, a flow measurement sensor 24 operatively associated with the air-tube 22, a display screen 26, and an associated processor 30. A motivational animation is displayed on the display screen 12 having a first aspect that reflects a relative evaluation of a determined peak flow rate to a goal value therefor and having a second aspect that reflects a relative evaluation of a determined total flow volume to a goal value therefor. The processor 30 repeatedly updates the motivational animation during the period of use of the spirometer to reflect the degree of achievement of both of the goal values by the user.

Abstract: Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a handle and a flexible catheter, the handle having a bore, the proximal end of the catheter being fixed within the handle bore. A protective tubular hub having a flared distal end is press-fit coaxially within the distal end of the catheter, the distal end of the catheter being sealed around the distal end of the hub so as to define a distal opening. A hollow needle having a sharp tip at its distal end is disposed within the catheter, the needle tip being sized for insertion through the distal opening of the catheter. The distal end of a flexible wire is coupled to the proximal end of the needle, the proximal end of the wire extending through the handle bore and coupled to a button slide accessible through a slot in the handle.

Abstract: An electrosurgical biopsy device includes a stylet and a cannula movably mounted on a base. The stylet has a shaft with a head at its distal end and a stylet ablation element extending distally from the head. The stylet shaft is disposed through the cannula for axial translation therein between withdrawn and extended positions. In use, the stylet and the cannula are pushed through the skin and the underlying tissue until the stylet head is adjacent a targeted tissue mass. Next, the stylet is extended distally from the distal end of the cannula so that its head penetrates the tissue mass. The cannula ablation element is then activated, and the cannula is pushed through the tissue mass toward the stylet head, thereby cutting a “core” through the tissue mass that is captured as a tissue specimen within the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a rigid support member and a removable inner liner having a contact surface adjacent the support member formed of a non-skid or non-slip material. The liner may include a flap or pocket for receiving at least a portion of the support member, at least at first strap having a first end attached to a first region of the liner and a second end fastenable to a second region of the liner for securing the orthotic device to the wearer, and a patient interface surface.

Abstract: A biomechanical custom made foot orthosis (10) and a method for making the same. The orthosis (10) has a thermoformed flexible top layer (12) made of a first moldable synthetic rubber material, and a thermoformed flexible reinforcement core layer (14) made of a. moldable core material that is molded onto the top layer, (12). The core layer (14) has a posterior end (16) aligned with a mid anterior plantar prominence (K) of a calcaneus bone (C), and an anterior end (18) aligned near metatarsal-phalangeal joints (J) of the foot. The orthosis (10) also has a thermoformed flexible bottom layer (20) made of a second moldable synthetic rubber material that is molded onto the top layer (12) and the core layer (14). The core layer (14) is more rigid than the top and bottom layers (12, 20). The orthosis (10) corrects anatomic biomechanical deficiencies of the foot and ensuing body deficiencies.

Abstract: A patellofemoral brace consisting of a sleeve adapted to be worn by a user in the knee area and having a patella interior opening is provided with a glide which is adjustably carried by the sleeve and which includes a patella engaging brace pad which may be silicon filled and which is generally U-shaped having one longer leg and one shorter leg. The brace is used to influence proper positioning of the patella by the generation of a force applied to the superolateral aspect of the patella to correct misalignment of the patella.

Abstract: Provided herein is an innovative hemoperfusion system and method including a thermal-fused broad-spectrum biocidal iodinated interactive polymer for the treatment of biological contaminants in body fluids. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method utilizes a Triosyn® thermal fused broad-spectrum iodinated interactive polymer, included in a hemoperfusion column, for devitalizing high levels of cell-free microorganisms in whole blood and biological fluids in relation with the characterization of blood cells viability and function post-treatment.

Abstract: A depth and puncture control system for a blood vessel hemostasis system includes a blood vessel puncture control tip which, when positioned in the lumen of a blood vessel, can inhibit the flow of blood out of the puncture site. When used together with a pledget delivery cannula and a pledget pusher, the control tip and the delivery catheter can both inhibit blood loss out the puncture site and inhibit the introduction of pledget material and tissue fragments into the blood vessel. The system also includes a handle which releasably connects together the control tip, pusher, and delivery cannula to permit limited longitudinal motion between the control tip and the delivery cannula, and between the pusher and the delivery cannula.

Abstract: The invention includes a catheter having an elongate main body having a proximal section and a distal section. The elongate main body further includes a first guidewire lumen and a second guidewire lumen. Each guide wire lumen including a proximal port and a distal port in communication with an external environment. The proximal port of the first guidewire lumen spaced by a gap from the distal port of the second guidewire lumen. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the catheter includes a plurality of overlapping stiffening members defined along at least a portion of a length between the distal end and the proximal end of the elongate main body.

Abstract: A handpiece assembly is provided that is adapted for use with a medication infusion system that applies pressure to the handpiece assembly for delivering medication to a body. The handpiece assembly includes a cartridge holder that is configured for disposal of a medication cartridge. A tubing is provided having a first end, which is sealed with the cartridge holder such that the cartridge holder facilitates communication between the tubing and the medication cartridge. A handpiece is sealed with a needle and the second end of the tubing so that the tubing and the needle are in communication. One of the cartridge holder, the tubing, the needle or the handpiece is configured for a selective structural failure at a predetermined pressure threshold applied to the handpiece assembly from the medication infusion system. The cartridge holder may be designed to facilitate aspiration.

Abstract: A drainage catheter assembly for the insertion of a drainage catheter percutaneously includes a trocar, a cannula, a catheter stiffener, and a catheter. The trocar includes a distal pointed end, a proximal end, a uniform cross-sectional shape between the distal pointed end and the proximal end, and a means located at the proximal end for releasably connecting with a cannula. The cannula may include a distal end, a proximal end, a cannula lumen extending therethrough, and a means located at the proximal end for releasably connecting with the trocar and catheter stiffener. The catheter stiffener includes a distal end, a proximal end, a body portion comprising stiff material, a catheter stiffener lumen extending therethrough, and a means located at the proximal end for releasably connecting with the cannula and catheter. The elongated catheter includes a distal end containing a tapered tip, a proximal end, a catheter lumen extending therethrough, and a means for releasably connecting with the catheter stiffener.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents to a target tissue of a human body are disclosed. A catheter in accordance with the present invention includes an injection catheter assembly having a first elongated member with a proximal end, a distal end, an external surface, and an inside surface defining a first lumen. The catheter includes a second elongated member having a proximal region and a distal region. The second elongated member is positioned at least partially within the first elongated member. The second elongated member has a second helical member fixed to an end. The catheter also includes a third elongated member. The third elongated member defines a lumen along a portion of the length of the first elongated member. The third elongated member has a first helical member. The second helical member is longitudinally moveable within the lumen of the first helical member to move the second elongated member longitudinally.

Abstract: A safety winged needle structure includes a protective casing, at least one sliding slot disposed on the protective casing, and having a first position where the needle is shielded and a second position where the needle is exposed, two wings extended from both sides of the sliding slot, and one wing has the first positioning portion; an accommodating body, having sliding member disposed at the sliding slot, a neck portion and the top of the neck portion is a pushing portion. The second positioning portion disposed on pushing portion; and a needle connected to the sliding member; so that when the sliding member is moved to the second position, both wings are lifted and folded, so the first positioning portion behind the second positioning portion at its posterior part is fixed as well as the sliding member can not be withdrawn.

Abstract: A flexible piston rod includes a piston and a row of elements, the top surface of one element being connected to the bottom surface of an adjacent element by a hinge that allows the two adjacent elements to pivot from a first position, where a portion of the top surface of one element abuts a corresponding portion of the bottom surface of the adjacent element and corresponding to a rectilinear, relatively stiff configuration of the piston rod, to a second position wherein the top surface of one element is spaced from the bottom surface of the adjacent element and corresponding to a curved configuration of the piston rod. Each element has cylindrical surface portions incorporating a thread for meshing with a corresponding thread of an actuator for displacing the piston rod longitudinally.

Abstract: A device for administering medical liquids comprising a tubular element made of moulded plastic material and an elastic sealing body made of elastic thermoplastic material overmoulded within one end of the tubular element with a part for anchorage on the outside of said end.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.

Abstract: A catheter kit for a burrow having a catheter and an obturator and excellent in operability. The catheter comprises a tube having, inside, a nutrient passage leading nutrition or chemicals from the outside of a body to the inside of a stomach and extending along the wall surface of the burrow and a non-balloon type endodwelling member fitted to the tip part of the tube, normally placed in an expanded state and reduced in diameter less than that in the expanded state when an external force acts thereon by the obturator, and indwelled in the stomach in a buried state in a living body. The obturator comprises a guide wire passage detachably engaged with the catheter and allowing a guide wire installed in the obturator ranging from the tip to the midway thereof to be inserted therein and an operation part for transmitting the external force to the endodwelling member fitted to the rear end thereof. The rear end part of the guide wire passage and the operation part are arranged in a separated state.

Abstract: A system for treating a wound with suction is provided. The system comprises a wound cover, a pump having an input port and an output port, the input port providing suction to the wound via the wound cover, and a reservoir coupled to the output port of the pump. The reservoir is adapted to receive effluent from the wound and the pump is capable of maintaining a controlled level of suction at the wound.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having a center absorbent element on a backsheet. The center absorbent element has a center absorbent sheet covered with a center topsheet. The center absorbent sheet is formed with a plurality of projections, wherein longitudinal guide grooves are defined between transversely adjacent projections, transverse guide grooves are defined between longitudinally adjacent projections for communication between the longitudinal guide grooves. The longitudinal guide grooves are dimensioned to extend over at least two projections aligned in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a center connection having a flexible section. The flexible section allows a portion of the center connection to be highly flexible, while maintaining the ability to transmit torque. One method of forming the flexible center connection is to form the flexible section of the center connection of a series of individual interlocked segments.

Abstract: An intravascular device can have an elongate shaft and a proximal hub assembly. The proximal hub assembly can include an interference fit member (IFM) which forms an interference fit with a carrier tube to reduce the tendency of the device to fall out of the carrier tube during handling and to provide for easy removal of the device when ready for use.

Abstract: A flush catheter is provided which is configured to be introduced into an orifice to create a flush zone therein. The flush catheter includes a catheter body having an inner cavity, the inner cavity being configured to communicate with a source of flush solution, one or more openings configured to expel therethrough flush solution, and a sheath at least partially covering the one or more openings, wherein when flush solution is expelled through the one or more openings, the flush solution is directed by the sheath to flow along an outer surface of the catheter body, thereby creating a flush zone along a length of the outer surface of the catheter body. The flush catheter may be used in combination with an image catheter/probe such as an image catheter/probe utilized in OCT imaging systems.

Abstract: A telescoping catheter is adapted to provide improved support and protection for a drive cable by providing, in addition to an outer sheath and a telescoping sheath, an inner sheath surrounding the drive cable. The outer sheath has a relatively larger diameter, to allow for a flared end of the telescoping sheath to pass freely within the outer sheath. The inner sheath protects and supports the drive cable when the telescoping catheter is extended and the drive cable would otherwise only be protected and supported by the outer sheath having a diameter too large to provide the desired amount of support and protection for the drive cable.

Abstract: A device for uniform ablation of the endometrium comprises a transparent inflatable coolable balloon, flexible cryoprobes operable to be advanced into the uterine cornuae, an applicator operable to deliver balloon and cryoprobes to and from the uterine cavity, and optional channels for a hysteroscope and a light source, enabling observation of the uterine cavity during device insertion and observation of the endometrium during various stages of the ablation process.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating heart and vascular tissue with cryotreatment. A medical instrument, such as a catheter is positioned to contact a target region of cardiac tissue such as the epicardial tissue. The instrument or catheter provided includes a cryotreatment element that has thermally-transmissive properties. The cryotreatment element may be a cryochamber for enclosing the flow of a fluid refrigerant therein. The cryotreatment element is disposed at the situs of heart or vascular tissue to be treated, usually by piercing the epicardium sac via an opening in the patient's body. A refrigerant flow within the cryochamber creates endothermic cooling with respect to the targeted heart or vascular tissue, inducing hypothermia and forming iceballs proximate the tissue. The cooling may be reversible and non-permanent, or may be permanent leading to cell death, necrosis, apoptosis and/or surgical excision or ablation of tissue.

Abstract: A tissue welding apparatus is adapted to fuse a first piece of tissue to a second piece of tissue which are disposed in a surface proximate relationship. An elongate shaft carries a first jaw, and a second opposing jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. At least one penetrating member is carried by the first jaw and moveable relative to the second jaw to create a channel through the first piece of material and the second piece of material. A source of heat is coupled to the penetrating member for denaturing the tissue defining the channel. This denatured tissue forms a column binding the first piece of tissue to the second piece of tissue. A chemical agent can be carried to the tissue with the penetrating member.