Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for stimulating cellular function in biological tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for stimulating cellular function within tissue that involves providing a first type of energy to a region of tissue, in which the first type is provided in an amount that inhibits cellular function within the region of tissue, and providing a second type of energy to the region of tissue, in which the second type is provided in an amount that facilitates cellular function within the region of tissue, wherein the combined effect stimulates cellular function within the tissue.

Abstract: A method and a multichannel implantable device are described for partial or complete restoration of impaired gastrointestinal motility, or for disturbing and/or partially or completely blocking normal gastrointestinal motility using one or multiple microsystem-controlled channels of circumferentially arranged sets of two or more electrodes which provide externally-invoked synchronized electrical signals to the smooth muscles via the neural pathways.

Abstract: An exemplary method of facilitating adjustment of one or more fitting parameters by an auditory prosthesis patient includes 1) receiving, by a fitting subsystem communicatively coupled to a sound processor, user input representative of a selection of a fitting parameter, 2) associating, by the fitting subsystem in response to the user input, the fitting parameter with a physical input mechanism that is a part of the sound processor, and 3) dynamically adjusting, by the fitting subsystem, a value of the fitting parameter in response to actuation by a user of the physical input mechanism. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes 1) detecting, by an external module configured to be positioned external to and worn by a patient, an input audio signal presented to the patient, 2) acoustically transmitting, by the external module, an audio signal representative of the input audio signal, 3) detecting, by an implantable module configured to be implanted within the patient, the acoustically transmitted audio signal, 4) generating, by the implantable module, one or more stimulation parameters based on the acoustically transmitted audio signal, and 5) applying, by the implantable module, electrical stimulation representative of the input audio signal to one or more stimulation sites within the patient in accordance with the one or more stimulation parameters.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a sound processor configured to process one or more audio signals and an implantable cochlear stimulator configured to apply stimulation representative of the one or more audio signals to a patient via a plurality of electrodes. In some embodiments, the sound processor directs the implantable cochlear stimulator to 1) apply a main current to a first electrode included in the plurality of electrodes and associated with a first pitch, 2) concurrently apply, during the application of the main current, a compensation current to a second electrode included in the plurality of electrodes and associated with a second pitch that is lower than the first pitch, and 3) adjust the compensation current to result in a target pitch being presented to the patient, the target pitch being higher than the first pitch.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis apparatus including a video capture device for capturing a video image, a video processing unit associated with the video capture device, the video processing unit configured to convert the video image to stimulation patterns, and a stimulation system configured to stimulate subject's neural tissue based on the stimulation patterns, wherein the stimulation system provides a span of visual angle matched to the subject's neural tissue being stimulated.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing and logging changes in brain state of a subject for administering therapy to the subject based on the at least one cardiac signal wherein the system and method comprises the steps of receiving at least one cardiac signal of the subject into a processor, analyzing the cardiac signal to detect at least one cardiac signal change indicative of a brain state change, and logging at least one characteristic of the detected signal change or the brain state change.

Abstract: A therapy tracking system and method may include a processor that obtains physiological information regarding a patient and a time period during which a deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy is conducted. The information may be organized into a plurality of sessions. The processor may arrange in a display device a separate representation of the information for each of at least a subset of the sessions, such that the sessions are presented in order of time.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system that displays a posture state indication to a user. A posture state indication represents the current posture state of the patient, which may be a combination of patient posture and activity. As a patient changes posture and activity throughout a daily routine, a posture state detector may generate a posture state value that may be used to categorize the patient's posture or posture and activity level as one of multiple posture states used to adjust therapy. The posture state may be associated with one of multiple posture state indications that may be presented to the patient. The posture state indication shows the patient the posture state currently detected by the posture state detector. The posture state indication may help the patient to effectively monitor therapy changes due to automatic, semi-automatic or patient-directed therapy adjustments made as a function of posture state.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system includes a neural stimulation lead having a proximal portion and a distal portion and including a plurality of electrodes along the distal portion. The plurality of electrodes are configured for positioning proximate a portion of the autonomic nervous system. A neural stimulation circuit, coupled to the plurality of electrodes, delivers neural stimulation pulses to the plurality of electrodes. A processor and controller is configured to control the neural stimulation circuit to deliver first neural stimulation pulses to each of a plurality of electrode configurations. Each electrode configuration includes one or more of the plurality of electrodes. The processor and controller is further configured to receive information related to motor fiber activity that is induced in response to delivery of the first neural stimulation pulses to each of the plurality of electrode configurations and to identify the electrode configurations that induce the motor fiber activity.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.

Abstract: Provided are cosmetic compositions comprising acrylate film forming polymers and an surface-treated colorants which exhibit an improved or synergistic reduction in their propensity to transfer or rub of during wear.

Abstract: Methods and composition for the protection of an object from UV light are provided. For example, in certain aspects, the composition can include a plurality of photo stabilizers that enhance SPF values of the composition. Furthermore, the invention provides for the use of the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention related to cosmetic compositions comprising oridonin and new cosmetic uses. Oridonin is used for fighting the signs of cutaneous aging and for slimming. A composition comprising a combination of oridonin and darutigenol or a derivative thereof, in particular darutoside, is disclosed together with the cosmetic use of such composition.

Abstract: A supply valve for supplying air to a wearer of an air respirator is attached to a facepiece and includes an inflow port for medium-pressure air (S1), a supply port for the medium-pressure air (S1) with respect to the facepiece, and a diaphragm. The supply valve includes a cylindrical housing and a slider that is reciprocally slidable on the inner peripheral surface of the housing in an axial direction thereof. The housing includes a pilot valve seat urged toward a pilot valve on an outer side of the one end portion in the axial direction and a main valve seat on an inner side of an opposite end portion in the axial direction. The inflow port is formed between the one end portion and the opposite end portion. The slider includes the pilot valve contactable with the pilot valve seat and a main valve urged toward the main valve seat.

Abstract: The present application concerns a module for a device generating at least one water curtain aimed at confining an area of space or for a cooling tower, including at least one water supply, at least one convergence zone mounted downstream of the holding zone, and at least one nozzle mounted downstream of the convergence zone and made of two parallel walls in equal length to the module and separated by a distance defining the thickness of the water curtain. The application also concerns a device generating at least one water curtain including a module previously defined.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing agent may include a foam and at least one inert gas combined with the foam. A method of extinguishing a fire including a burning metal and/or a burning metal compound and also including a burning plastic material and/or a burning paper material may include combining a foam and at least one inert gas to form a fire extinguishing agent, and applying the fire extinguishing agent to the fire.

Abstract: A decontaminating system (100) comprising a decontaminant reservoir (152), a transport fluid source (160) and a mist generating apparatus (10). The mist generating apparatus (10) has a longitudinal axis and comprises a first fluid passage (38) having a first fluid inlet (18) in fluid communication with the decontaminant reservoir (152) and a first fluid outlet (84), and a second fluid passage (90) having a second fluid inlet (20) in fluid communication with the transport fluid source (160) and a second fluid outlet (94). The first passage (38) surrounds the second fluid passage (90) and the first and second outlets (84, 94) are oriented relative to one another such that they have an angle of incidence between (5) and (30) degrees. The second fluid passage (90) includes a throat portion (92) located between the second fluid inlet (20) and the second fluid outlet (94), the throat portion (92) having a smaller cross sectional area than that of either the second fluid inlet (20) or second fluid outlet (94).

Abstract: A trampoline with a spring-actuated bed supported by a frame with the bed having a grommetless spring mounting portion secured to a plurality of springs. Disclosed embodiments include the jumping surface portion of the bed and the spring mounting portion being formed from a continuous sheet of material with the spring mounting portion being a fold in the bed material defining a pocket for receiving an elongate rod therein. The continuous sheet of material can also include at least one of an enclosure mounting portion and a spring covering portion.

Abstract: In an apparatus for muscle stimulation with at least one motor and with two motor-operated drives, wherein each of these drives and a stepping plates are mounted in a frame and each of these drives is a revolving linkage square and the driven drive member is in each case a crank mounted in the frame, a crank and a stepping plate are in each case connected in an articulated manner by means of a coupling member providing for an apparatus for muscle stimulation with stepping plates that can be operated both with low and also with high stroke frequencies.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising an elongate member and a pair of handles associated with the end of the elongate member. Each handle includes a grip defining a channel having two ends and an endless strap forming a loop extending through the channel. The loop is engaged with the elongate member to secure the elongate member to the handle. The exercise device may include a connector engaged with the elongate member and the handle to secure the elongate member to the handle.

Abstract: An elliptical trainer with a variable track is disclosed. The elliptical trainer has a base, a left and a right linkage, a transmission and a left and a right adjusting assembly. The linkages are connected to an upright posts extending upward from the base, respectively. Each of the linkages includes a pedal set configured to slide with respect to the linkage. The transmission deposited on the upright post drives the pedal sets to perform reciprocal elliptical motions. The adjusting assemblies are pivotally connected to the upright post, respectively, and serve to change an elliptical track along which the pedals move. Thereby, the elliptical track varies by expanding or retracting along only a major axis thereof. When using the elliptical trainer, a user will not need to step higher as the elliptical track expands. This design is more ergonomic and adaptive to users with various body heights and habitus.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles of a user generally comprise a user support set atop an enclosure. The enclosure houses mechanisms to actuate a cable system, wherein the mechanisms at least one of feed and retract a cable of the cable system. The apparatuses, methods, and systems also comprise footholds proximate to the user support to support at least the feet from a user, wherein the cable system actuates between the footholds, and wherein the footholds actuate in at least a lateral motion to further accentuate increasing flexibility and/or stretching the muscles. The apparatus, methods, and systems also comprise a control handle coupled to the cable system for the user to grasp, wherein the cable system actuates to either one of increase and release a tension to the grasped control handle, and wherein the control handle comprises at least one control to regulate the either one of increase and release the tension.

Abstract: In general, a computing device disposed in a cardio exercise machine receives data related to a fitness level of a user. The computing device selects a workout program based at least in part on the data. The operations of the cardio exercise machine are controlled based at least in part on the workout program. The computing device generates audio feedback based on at least one of the user's operation of the cardio exercise machine and the selected workout program. The processed data is stored on a removable computer storage medium that is insertable into a port of the cardio exercise machine.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device with a display is provided. The biometric monitoring device may track the completion progress towards one or more biometric performance goals and provide a goal celebration indicator upon completion of a biometric performance goal and subsequent receipt of an input signal. In some implementations, the completion of a biometric performance goal may be signaled prior to receipt of the input signal using a secondary indicator.

Abstract: An aquatic training device (150) including: a drag member (160) including an inlet (161), an outlet (162) and at least one side wall (163) extending between the inlet (161) and the outlet (162); and a link (170), for towing the drag member (160), coupled to the at least one side wall (163) adjacent the inlet (161); wherein the drag member (160) includes at least one drag inducer (164) formed in or attached to the at least one side wall (163).

Abstract: A rehabilitation mechanism includes a supporting base having a seat member, a frame member is mounted on the supporting base and includes two protrusions each having a pivot shaft, two handle members and two foot supports are pivotal attached to the pivot shaft, and a latch device includes two catch members slidably attached to the handle members and each catch member includes one end for selectively locking the handle member to the frame member and for preventing the handle member from being rotated relative to the frame member, and the catch members each include another end for selectively locking the handle member to the foot support and for allowing the handle member and the foot support to be rotated relative to the frame member altogether.

Abstract: An exercise device for performing a variety of movement patterns is provided, having upper right and left leg links pivotally mounted to lower right and left leg links respectively. The upper leg links are pivotally coupled to the frame. A foot support is provided on the distal end of the lower leg links. The device includes first and second transfer systems for coordinating movement of the right and left sets of upper and lower leg links. The first transfer system is movably coupled to the frame and includes a first transfer member coupled to the first upper leg link, a second transfer member coupled to the second upper leg link, and a pivot bar pivotally mounted to the frame between a first end and a second end thereof with the first end coupled to the first transfer member and the second end coupled to the second transfer member.

Abstract: Machine for exercising the core muscles having a swiveling seat mounted on a base for receiving a person in a reclined position with his legs and torso extending in opposite directions, a pad for supporting the upper portion of the torso while the legs are swung back and forth in a horizontal direction, resilient means connected to the seat for resisting the swinging of the legs, and handles on opposite sides of the seat in position to be gripped by the person while he is swinging his legs.

Abstract: The resistance band exercise station disclosed here is a modular hooking system used to perform a myriad of exercises with various exercise tools that require anchoring such as standard resistance bands, suspension straps and stretch straps. The resistance band exercise station includes multiple components: one or more lower units each having column(s) of vertically spaced safety hooks for exercises performed at various heights, from the ankle to eye level, and an upper unit having one or more safety hooks used for exercises performed above the head. The multiple lower and upper units are wall mounted in varying heights. The safety hooks are used to anchor resistance bands, suspension straps and stretch straps from one or multiple points. The safety hooks are open-loop hooks having a barrier member such as a T-bar at the tip to prevent the straps from slipping out.

Abstract: A controlled pressure resistance unit engagement system for bicycle training devices uses a clutch arrangement to limit the maximum torque applied. By doing so, a consistent, correct pressure on a bicycle tire by the resistance unit is achieved, thereby avoiding damage to the resistance unit and the bicycle tire and allowing a more consistent resistance unit power curve to be achieved.

Abstract: The core exercise bar is comprised of the main bar with one bar at each end that can retract into the main bar or extend outward with locking nuts at each end of the bar to hold them in place at each end of the retracting bars are threaded bolts that can be threaded in ward or outward at each end of the threaded bolts are brackets that pivot from side to side in an up and down motion with weighted rubber square handgrips attached to the brackets at each end.

Abstract: An exercise machine for performing barbell type free weight lifting exercises has a power cage or Smith press type frame, an elongated bar held on the frame in a substantially horizontal resting position, and an adjustable exercise mass assembly that allows a user to select an exercise weight from among a plurality of choices of different exercise weights provided by the exercise mass assembly. The exercise mass assembly is separate from the bar and any auxiliary weight plates carried on the bar. A cable and pulley system operatively connects the bar to a movable portion of the exercise mass assembly that provides the selected exercise weight. A powered actuator sets up the bar for performing a weight lifting exercise by lifting the movable portion of the exercise mass assembly up above a second portion of the exercise mass assembly that remains stationary during the particular weight lifting exercise.

Abstract: An isolated curl machine and method therefor is disclosed herein. Generally, the isolated curl machine provides a resistance having a force which is directed upward and away from the user. The machine may also support the user's upper arms, or a portion thereof. In this manner, training on the machine is highly focused on the biceps. The machine may comprise a frame, a seat, an arm rest, and a resistance device. The user may engage the machine by sitting in the seat and placing his or her arms on the arm rest. In this position, the user may engage the resistance device such as by grasping a handle of the resistance device. The resistance device provides the resistance which resists movement of the user's arm during a bicep curl and may be configured such that the force of the provided resistance is directed upward and away from the user.

Abstract: An exercise assembly comprises a frame and elongated foot pedal members that are each movable along user-defined paths of differing dimensions. Each foot pedal member has a from portion and a rear portion. Footpads are disposed on the rear portion of one of the pair of foot pedal members. Elongated coupler arms have a lower portion and an upper portion that is pivotally connected to the frame. Crank members have a first portion that is pivotally connected to the front portion of one of the pan of foot pedal members and have a second portion that is pivotally connected to the lower portion of one of the pair of coupler arms, such that each crank member is rotatable in a circular path. Elongated rocker arms have a lower portion that is pivotally connected to one of the pair of foot pedal members in between the foot pad and the crank member and have an upper portion that is pivotally connected to the frame.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having a paint film which is formed from an aqueous paint and excellent in adhesion to the surface of the golf ball and stain resistance. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film formed on the golf ball body, wherein the paint film has a tensile strength ranging from 5 MPa to 45 MPa and is formed from a curing type aqueous polyurethane paint containing (A) an aqueous polyol composition including (a-1) an aqueous acrylic polyol and (a-2) an aqueous polyurethane resin having a tensile strength ranging from 5 MPa to 45 MPa and (B) an aqueous polyisocyanate including hexamethylene diisocyanate and/or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: A golf ball of the present invention includes: a core located in the center of the golf ball; a cover surrounding the outside of the core and having plural dimples on the surface thereof; a paint layer surrounding the outside of the cover; and a top coat further surrounding the outside of the paint layer. The paint layer is formed of a material having rubber elasticity. The top coat may have a thickness of at most approximately 60 ?m. A material for forming the paint layer has a first loss tangent, a material for forming the cover has a second loss tangent, and a difference Td between the first loss tangent and the second loss tangent may be at least approximately 0.05.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core comprising an inner core center and an outer core layer disposed over the inner core center. An inner mantle layer is disposed over the core, an outer mantle is disposed over the inner mantle layer, and a cover is disposed over the outer mantle. The golf ball preferably has a core compression ratio of greater than 150.

Abstract: A golf utility tool that may be attachable to a golf club. The golf utility tool may include a clip that may be used to clip to a putter. The golf utility tool may further include a divot tool prong and a ball marker that is removably attached. The golf utility tool may further include a loop cutout for carrying other devices, such as a towel.

Abstract: A mesh pocket for a lacrosse stick is disclosed. The mesh pocket is defined by a plurality of strands, which are inter-engaged. A wax is impregnated into at least a portion of at least some of the strands. Additionally, a process for applying a wax to a mesh of a lacrosse stick is disclosed. The process comprises providing a wax-permeable layer having a first and second opposed sides, and positioning the first side in contact with the mesh. The process further comprises providing molten wax to the second opposed side of the wax-permeable layer. The molten wax passes through the wax-permeable layer to the mesh.

Abstract: Improved synthetic lacrosse stick heads that have more consistent performance characteristics under variable temperature and playing conditions.

Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts.

Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts.

Abstract: A golf club includes: a shaft; a head; and a shaft case, a hosel column, wherein: the shaft case includes a convex axis member provided at a top end of the shaft case; the hosel column includes a plurality of concave threads that are provided on the lower side of a step face on an inner periphery of the hosel column; a flange member is provided at a back end of the shaft case, and a spacer is provided insertable and removable between the flange member and an upper end of the hosel column; a bolt holder is arranged to connect with the step face when the spacer is inserted between the flange member of the shaft case and the hosel column; and the bolt holder is arranged to connect with the upper ends of the concave threads when the spacer is removed.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head includes a club face to engage a golf ball, and the club face includes a face portion. Further, the club face includes at least one groove in the club face, and the at least one groove has a bottom, a first side wall adjacent to the bottom, a second side wall adjacent to the bottom, a first top radius adjacent to the first side wall, and a second top radius adjacent to the second side wall. Further still, the club face includes a second portion located between the face portion and one of the first top radius or the second top radius of the at least one groove. Other embodiments of related golf club heads and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a putter-type golf club head with an increased moment of inertia about the X axis (MOIxx) and an increased moment of inertia about the Z axis (MOIzz) are disclosed. Generally, the MOIzz is increased by designing the putter such that the center of gravity (CG) of the putter head is located at or behind the geometric center of the putter head. Additionally, the mass of the putter head is concentrated at the outer edges of the putter head. To accomplish this, the ratio of the width of the front of the putter head to the width of the rear of the putter head is no greater than 0.55:1. The MOIxx is further increased by locating the CG relatively close to the bottom of the putter head.

Abstract: A golf club (2) comprising a shaft (20), a head and a damping device (1, 100). The damping device (1, 100) includes an anchor element (3, 103) and a damping element (4, 104) interconnected by a rigid rod (5, 105). The anchor element (3, 103) is anchored within the lower section of the shaft (20) that has a substantially constant diameter such that the damping element (4, 104) is in contact with an internal surface of the shaft (20) to dampen vibrations therein.

Abstract: A method and system to analyze sports motions using the motion sensors of a mobile device, such as a smart phone, is provided. This method uses the mobile device motion sensor output to define the impact point with a virtual object, such as a golf ball, baseball or tennis ball. The motion sensor signature of the sports motion is analyzed for characteristics, specific to each type of sports motion. A method is disclosed using multiple sensors outputs in a mobile device to compute the impact point with a virtual object, such as a golf ball, baseball, tennis ball. Further, a method is disclosed where moving virtual sports objects interact with virtual sports motions and the responsive outputs are displayed on the mobile device and/or any Web-enabled display device.

Abstract: A self-supporting, readily erectable and transportable mast that includes a pneumatically inflatable elongate tubular member useful for providing structural support when raising various types of equipment above the ground. Included in the tubular member are woven or interwoven textile reinforcing strands arranged in one or more layers that may be laid at various angles useful for reinforcing and strengthening the tubular member when raised.