Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine composed of at least one immune stimulant and radiofrequency waves using capacitive coupling and to a method, especially an in-situ and in vivo vaccination method for treatment of primary cancer and its metastases even in disseminated cell-states, which cannot be detected by presently available imaging methods or for prevention of relapse of the cancer disease, and especially for enabling and supporting the patient's own immune system to recognize and kill the cancer cells and to build up a memory to prevent relapse of a cancer disease.

Abstract: A urethral stricture treatment method is disclosed that inhibits recurrence of urethral stricture by imparting an epithelial function to a treatment portion formed by treating scar tissue. The urethral stricture treatment method can include a treatment step of treating scar tissue by using a treatment tool transurethrally inserted into a urethra and forming a treatment portion to which an epithelial function can be imparted, a confirmation step of confirming whether or not the treatment portion has been formed by using a diagnostic tool transurethrally inserted into the urethra, and an assisting step of imparting the epithelial function to the treatment portion by using an assisting means transurethrally inserted into the urethra.

Abstract: An operation tool for a fluid injector includes a selective movement mechanism which moves the fluid injector between a first protruding position and a second protruding position in a housing of an outer cylinder. When the fluid injector is at the first protruding position, microneedles of a multi-microneedle device are protruded out to a first distance from the first open end. When the fluid injector is at the second protruding position to discharge a fluid via the microneedles, the microneedles are protruded out to a second distance from the first open end, which is shorter than the first distance. The selective movement mechanism includes a rotational-linear movement conversion mechanism which moves the fluid injector between the first and second protruding positions along a longitudinal center line of the outer cylinder based on a direction and an amount of rotation of the outer cylinder relative to the fluid injector.

Abstract: Molded article for medical tubing and the like, and method of manufacture. The molded article is a coextruded tube having a tube wall of a non-conductive thermoplastic polymer and a central tubular bore. The tube further includes a coextruded conductive strip of conductive fibers in a thermoplastic polymer matrix, the conductive strip being disposed within a tubular passage in the tube wall extending the length of the tube, or within the central tubular bore. The strip is made from a pultruded fiber/polymer compound that can be co-extruded in strip form in the tube to provide an electrically conductive path along the tube length. Advantages include ease of manufacture, and one or more of improved handling (during use), reduced profile and reduced material costs.

Abstract: An arcuate guide for retaining and guiding an intravenous tube over an angular change of direction. The arcuate guide has an arcuate retention structure with an arcuate channel structure and a plurality of locking members. The arcuate channel structure has an arcuate channel therein for receiving and guiding the intravenous tube over an angular change of direction, and the plurality of locking members are disposed in substantial alignment with the arcuate channel. The arcuate channel can be substantially U-shaped, such as by having a rounded base portion and arcuate first and second legs. The channel can have radiused distal edges. The arcuate channel can be adjustable in angular configuration to permit an adjustment of the angular change of direction of the intravenous tube. The locking members can have opposed legs spaced closer than opposed sidewalls of the arcuate channel. The opposed legs can be resiliently deflectable.

Abstract: A connector for producing a fluid connection to a second connector, wherein the connector can, in at least one connector area, form a weakened structure, in order to be able to break open the connector in the connector area and in this way produce a fluid connection to the second connector. A partial area of the connector area is designed in such a way that the weakened structure in the partial area can be generated by covering or spraying the connector area with a medium.

Abstract: A catheter coupling has a tubing and two jaws extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubing which form a channel having an orifice to accommodate an end section of a catheter when the jaws abut against each other. The jaws are interconnected at a respective jaw end via a jaw joint having a joint axis extending transversely to the tubing. The other jaw end is in each case provided with a snap-in locking member and a counter snap-in locking member, respectively, interacting therewith to form a snap-in locking arrangement. In the engagement position, the tubing is deformed by at least one jaw deformation component to securely accommodate the catheter end section. The catheter coupling has at least one inspection window in a base body. The inspection window allows a stop in the tubing for the end section of the catheter to be visually inspected. As a result, a catheter coupling is obtained which prevents an end section of the catheter from being introduced into the tubing if said end section is too short.

Abstract: A device for cleaning access devices includes a body with a first opposing side, a second opposing side, and a closed end. The body defines a space for retaining a pad, such as an alcohol prep pad. The pad could contain an antiseptic, disinfectant, etc. The device could include a housing configured to engage an access device, such as a luer access device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing non-transcranial electrical stimuli to a biological subject may employ a support structure, at least one waveform generator, and at least a first electrode and a second electrode. The system can be sized and dimensioned to be worn on a head of the biological subject and operable to deliver non-transcranial electrical stimuli to at least one of the temporomandibular joints of the biological subject.

Abstract: An electrode assembly that includes an electrically conductive layer, a first impedance reduction system, and a second impedance reduction system. The electrically conductive layer forms an electrode portion of the electrode assembly and a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin. The first impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a first amount of an electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a first activation signal. The second impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a second amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a second activation signal.

Abstract: A scaffold defines a plurality of channels, into which axons of a severed nerve may regenerate, such as after limb amputation. Each channel includes a corresponding electrode. Regenerating axons may make electrical contact with the electrodes. Each channel is at least partially filled with a growth factor selected to selectively stimulate axon regeneration. Adjacent channels may include different growth factors, so as to attract different types of axons, for example efferent axons and afferent axons, to each of the adjacent channels. The growth factors may be distributed in the channels so as to present a gradient across a geometry of each channel. This gradient provides enhanced differentiated geometric guidance to the axons, thereby yielding better specificity, in terms of which axons regenerate into which channels. Topography, such as geometric patterns in walls, ceilings and floors of the channels, may also be used to selectively encourage axon regeneration into the channels.

Abstract: A pacing lead for a left cavity of the heart, implanted in the coronary system. The lead includes a lead body with a hollow sheath of deformable material, having a central lumen open at both ends, and at least one telescopic microcable of conductive material. The microcable slides along the length of the lead body and extends beyond the distal end thereof. The part emerging beyond the distal end is an active free part comprising a plurality of distinct bare areas, intended to come into contact with the wall of a target vein of the coronary system, so as to form a network of stimulation electrodes electrically connected together in parallel. The microcable further comprises, proximally, a connector to a generator of active implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or a resynchronizer.

Abstract: An AIMD includes a conductive housing, an electrically conductive ferrule with an insulator hermetically sealing the ferrule opening. A conductive pathway is hermetically sealed and disposed through the insulator. A filter capacitor is disposed within the housing and has a dielectric body supporting at least two active and two ground electrode plates interleaved, wherein the at least two active electrode plates are electrically connected to the conductive pathway on the device side, and the at least two ground electrode plates are electrically coupled to either the ferrule and/or the conductive housing. The dielectric body has a dielectric constant less than 1000 and a capacitance of between 10 and 20,000 picofarads. The filter capacitor is configured for EMI filtering of MRI high RF pulsed power by a low ESR, wherein the ESR of the filter capacitor at an MRI RF pulsed frequency or range of frequencies is less than 2.0 ohms.

Abstract: A rehabilitation system that assists an action of a paretic arm due to brain damage, such as a stroke, includes: a detecting unit configured to detect an assist action that a healthy arm assists the paretic arm; an assist unit configured to cause the paretic arm to carry out bending and stretching actions; an adjustment unit configured to adjust an operation timing, operation speed, bending load or stretching load of the assist unit in response to detection of the assist action by the detecting unit; and a control unit configured to cause the assist unit to operate in accordance with the operation timing, operation speed, bending load or stretching load, adjusted by the adjustment unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pain in a patient using an electrical waveform that link the modulation of a waveform parameter for different areas of a patient. One embodiment in a system for managing pain in a patient comprises an electric device configured to be implanted into the patient and including a plurality of electrodes having at least a first electrode associated with a first area of the patient and a second electrode associated with a second area of the patient. The system further includes an implantable device configured to be coupled to the electrode device and having a computer-operable medium programmed to change the waveform parameter applied to the first electrode and automatically set the waveform parameter applied to the second electrode based on a relationship between a first therapy range and a second therapy range of the waveform parameter.

Abstract: Devices for controlling spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain, and associated systems and methods, including controllers for automated parameter selection are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes receiving a first input corresponding to a location of a signal delivery device implanted in a patient, establishing a positional relationship between the signal delivery device and an anatomical feature of the patient, receiving a second input corresponding to a medical indication of the patient, and, based at least in part on the positional relationship and the indication, automatically identifying a signal delivery parameter in accordance with which a pulsed electrical signal is delivered to the patient via the signal delivery device.

Abstract: An implantable tongue sensor/stimulator device is disclosed for sensing and monitoring physiological parameters and providing a reactive stimulation to a patient. The device includes a main upper disc member carrying one or more micro-biomedical sensors for sensing multiple physiological parameters and one or more stimulation electrodes for creating stimulating sensations in the tongue, a lower tongue plate member that includes a battery for powering the device circuitry and a locking mechanism for locking the device in place when it is implanted, and an intermediate assembly including a central tongue rod member and conducting tubes for penetrating a tongue and connecting the upper disc with the lower disc. The device contains a wireless transmitter for transmitting data from the device.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system configured for providing sub-threshold neuromodulation therapy to a patient. The neuromodulation system comprises a neuromodulation lead having at least one electrode configured for being implanted along a spinal cord of a patient, a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to the at least one electrode, modulation output circuitry configured for delivering sub-threshold modulation energy to active ones of the at least one electrode, and control/processing circuitry configured for selecting a percentage from a plurality of percentages based on a known longitudinal location of the neuromodulation lead relative to the spinal cord, computing an amplitude value as a function of the selected percentage, and controlling the modulation output circuitry to deliver sub-threshold modulation energy to the patient at the computed amplitude value.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system configured for providing sub-threshold neuromodulation therapy to a patient. The neuromodulation system comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of electrodes, modulation output circuitry configured for delivering electrical energy to the electrical terminals in accordance with at least one modulation parameter, thereby providing therapy to the patient at a sub-threshold level and control circuitry configured for controlling the modulation output circuitry in a manner that pseudo-randomly varies a value of the at least one modulation parameter based on a previous value of the at least one modulation parameter, such that the delivered electrical energy is continually maintained at the sub-threshold level.

Abstract: A chronically implanted medical device, connected to a medical electrical lead that includes a sensor, is used to detect diastolic dysfunction. A LV accelerometer signal is sensed through the sensor. Based on the LV accelerometer signal, a determination is made as to whether diastolic dysfunction data exists.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method record signals from each real axis of a multi-axis sensor. An optimal axis for monitoring a physiological signal of the patient is identified from the real axes of the multi-axis sensor and multiple virtual axes. Coordinates defining the optimal axis are stored as respective weighting factors of the signals from each real axis of the multi-axis sensor. A metric of the physiological signal is determined using the multi-axis sensor signals and the weighting factors.

Abstract: Neuromodulation systems are described. An example neuromodulation system includes a controller wirelessly communicatively coupled to a host computer, a signal generator communicatively coupled to the controller, and a plurality of electrodes communicatively coupled to the signal generator. The controller, in conjunction with the signal generator and the at least one electrode are configured to deliver a stimulation to a mammal based on an instruction received from the host computer. The stimulation is configured to induce voluntary movement or restore function in the mammal.

Abstract: A method and system for an improved wearable defibrillator specifically optimized for patient comfort and compliance. The system is capable of sensing information about the patient, determining whether the patient is experiencing a life-threatening arrhythmia, and if so, deliver life-saving defibrillation. The system is specifically designed, constructed, and configured to allow for minimal weight on the shoulders and its associated lumbar spine compression when standing and minimal pressure on the abdomen or thorax when supine in order to increase patient comfort and compliance. This configuration and design can be implemented in several forms including but not limited to the material(s) used, the placement of various components, the durability of the components, the operative or communicative connection between various components, the efficiency and/or accuracy of the various components in performing their functions, and/or the maintenance procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is a heart stimulation medical device that is electrically self-sustaining. The present invention uses the patient's body as a battery or source of electric current. The device relates to the functions of a pacemaker and detecting and/or treating cardiac arrest. The present invention may be characterized as at least including a heart sensor for detecting a heartbeat of the patient and for generating a heartbeat signal; a processor for receiving the heart beat signal and for transitioning the medical device between an active state and an inactive state; an electrical pulse output that is electrically connectible to a portion of the patient's heart; and a power harvester that is adapted to harvest electric current from the patient's body and the power harvester is electrically connected to at least the pulse output and the processor so that the medical device is electrically self-sustaining when in an active state.

Abstract: An energy harvester device for an autonomous intracorporeal leadless capsule comprises a surface formed on the outside of the body of the capsule that is deformable under the effect of pressure variations in the environment surrounding the capsule. A first capacitor electrode coupling to the deformable surface with the interposition of a damping element forming high-pass filter with respect to pressure variations in the surrounding medium, and a second capacitor electrode mounting on a support connected to the body. The movement of the deformable surface produces a modification of surfaces in vis-à-vis of the two electrodes and/or of the dielectric gap which separates them, with a variation of the capacity of said capacitor. The capacitor is preloaded when its capacity is maximum, and unloaded by transferring energy into storage circuit when this capacity decreases from a reduction in surfaces in vis-à-vis and/or of an increase of the dielectric gap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia device for personalized treatment and diagnosis using capacitive coupling and without dipole antenna comprising a radiofrequency source, an amplifier, a sensor and a modulation signal input/generator, wherein the radiofrequency source produces a source signal which is modulated by the modulation signal input/generator using the phase information generated by homeostasis of the target to generate a modulated source signal, the modulated source signal is amplified by the amplifier and directed to a target, and the sensor detects the phase information generated by homeostasis of the target to provide a feedback signal, wherein the feedback signal modulates the source signal to generate a personalized modulated signal. This radiofrequency (RF) hyperthermia device is designed for personalized treatment and diagnosis of a target such as a patient or a malignant or tumorous area within a patient.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and a system for thermally-assisted pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for treatment of osteoarthritis are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a multi-coil applicator adapted for positioning near or around of the treated joint, a pulse generator functionally coupled to the applicator, a power supply, and a feedback loop for stabilizing the temperature of the joint. The feedback loop includes a heating element, a temperature sensor and an electronic controller for maintaining the temperature of the joint in the range of 38 to 42 degree C. At elevated temperatures the healing effect of PEMF stimulation on the cartilage is maximized and overall efficiency of the treatment is improved. To produce a high electric field, the coils of the applicator are made with a low number of turns, for example less than 5 turns, and are spatially arranged to cover the whole joint without “dead” zones.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering electromagnetic signals configured specifically to accelerate the asymmetrical kinetics of the binding of intracellular ions to their respective intracellular buffers, to enhance the biochemical signaling pathways plant animal and human molecules, cells, tissues, organs, portions of entire organisms and entire organisms employ for growth, repair and maintenance. Described herein are devices and methods that utilize repetitive bursts of waveforms configured to maximize the bound concentration of intracellular ions at their associated molecular buffers to enhance the biochemical signaling pathways living systems employ for growth, repair and maintenance. For example the systems and methods described herein may drive the binding of calcium to calmodulin (CaM), thereby enhancing the CaM-dependent nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway.

Abstract: A system for treating neurological conditions by low-frequency time varying electrical stimulation includes an electrical device for applying such low-frequency energy, in a range below approximately 10 Hz, to the patient's brain tissue. An implantable embodiment applies direct electrical stimulation to electrodes implanted in or on the patient's brain, while a non-invasive embodiment causes a magnetic field to induce electrical currents in the patient's brain.

Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, target cells are stimulated using an implantable arrangement. The arrangement includes an electrical light-generation means for generating light and a biological portion. The biological portion has a photosensitive bio-molecular arrangement that responds to the generated light by stimulating target cells in vivo.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a method for treating hypertension within the eye of a patient, comprising: delivering an effective amount of polynucleotide comprising an exogenous receptor genetic material which is expressed in a targeted tissue structure of the eye, wherein the targeted tissue structure has been genetically modified to have light sensitive protein; waiting for a period of time to ensure that sufficient portions of the targeted tissue structure of the eye will express the desired light sensitive protein; and causing controlled mechanical changes to the permeability of the eye by directing light to the targeted tissue structure through a light deliver element optically intercoupled between a light source and the targeted tissue structure of the eye.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and uses of systems for treating a skin condition with phototherapy. A system comprises (a) a phototherapy device comprising a phototherapy light source; (b) a patient computing device comprising a processor and a memory, the patient computing device configured to: transmit a first signal to the phototherapy device enabling operation of the phototherapy device according to one or more conditional prescription parameters, activate the phototherapy light source, and transmit a second signal reporting operation of the phototherapy device; and (c) a server configured to communicate with the patient computing device and receive the second signal.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for the treatment of skin disorders through the use of minimally invasive terahertz radiation. The method includes exposing skin cells to terahertz radiation in amount sufficient to modulate gene expression in the skin cells. The modulation of gene expression then results in a reduction of the disease state or aspects thereof in the exposed skin cells.

Abstract: A system and method to selectively illuminate (part of) an infant during phototherapy uses an array of collimators and a set of light sources to control impingement of electromagnetic radiation on the infant.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for treating hypertension within the eye of a patient, comprising a light delivery element optically intercoupled between a light source and a targeted tissue structure of the eye; wherein the targeted tissue structure has been genetically modified to have light sensitive protein; and wherein exposure of the genetically modified targeted tissue structure to radiation delivered through the light delivery element modulates the contractility of the genetically modified targeted tissue structure to reduce an intraocular pressure within the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods that can help heal skin wounds and grow hair by irradiating light from light emitting diodes (LED). One device is provided with: an ultra-narrowband light irradiation means which generates ultra-narrowband red light with peak wavelength range 620-660 nm and FWHM 10 nm or less; an ultra-narrowband light irradiation means which generates ultra-narrowband green light with peak wavelength range 500-540 nm and FWHM 10 nm or less; an ultra-narrowband light irradiation means which generates ultra-narrowband blue light with peak wavelength range 440-480 nm and FWHM 10 nm or less; and an ultra-narrowband light irradiation means which generates ultra-narrowband red to near infrared light with peak wavelength range 700-2500 nm and FWHM 10 nm or less. In this way, cell growth factors such as HGF and KGF are acted upon by irradiating the affected area with ultra-narrowband monochromatic light of FWHM 10 nm or less, which has excellent effects in healing skin wounds and growing hair.

Abstract: An irradiation plan for a particle irradiation unit is determined in a first run based on a specified target volume in a test object and a specified dose distribution to apply the particle beam in the target volume. The target volume includes a plurality of isoenergy layers. The irradiation plan may be determined in a second run with an additional condition that at least one of the isoenergy layers, determined according to one or more criteria, is not irradiated. Alternatively, the irradiation plan may be determined in a second run with an additional condition that only certain isoenergy layers, determined according to one or more criteria, are irradiated.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a Radio-Therapy (RT) system and an associated method and in particular to an integrated radiation source with an MRI system featuring a variable imaging Field Of View (FOV). The FOV can be tailored for various RT-specific applications such as, but not limited to, patient setup verification and real-time tumor tracking, for example, as well as for various imaging volumes of interest.

Abstract: According to a three-dimensional image capture system of the invention, it includes a three-dimensional measuring device that is placed on a top board and performs image-capturing of a patient to thereby generate three-dimensional-image data, and a three-dimensional-image processing device that generates from the three-dimensional-image data, a three-dimensional image associated with a reference coordinate system with reference to the top board or a floor of a room, and that displays the three-dimensional image.

Abstract: In a particle therapy treatment planning system for creating treatment plan data, the movement of a target (patient's affected area) is extracted from plural tomography images of the target, and the direction of scanning is determined by projecting the extracted movement on a scanning plane scanned by scanning magnets. Irradiation positions are arranged on straight lines parallel with the scanning direction making it possible to calculate a scanning path for causing scanning to be made mainly along the direction of movement of the target. The treatment planning system can thereby realize dose distribution with improved uniformity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and to an irradiation system for irradiating a moving target volume with an ion beam, in particular for tumor therapy, wherein ion radiography measurements of the target volume are performed and the irradiation for deposition purposes and for radiography purposes is performed with the same ion beam but consecutively in time by alternating the energy of the ion beam between a higher radiography energy and a lower deposition energy using, for example, a passive energy modulator proximal with respect to the patient.

Abstract: The invention comprises a multi-axis charged particle irradiation method and apparatus. The multi-axis controls includes separate or independent control of one or more of horizontal position, vertical position, energy control, and intensity control of the charged particle irradiation beam. Optionally, the charged particle beam is additionally controlled in terms of timing. Timing is coordinated with patient respiration and/or patient rotational positioning. Combined, the system allows multi-axis and multi-field charged particle irradiation of tumors yielding precise and accurate irradiation dosages to a tumor with distribution of harmful proximal distal energy about the tumor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for noninvasive tissue tightening are disclosed. Thermal treatment of tissues such as superficial muscular aponeurosis system (SMAS) tissue, muscle, adipose tissue, dermal tissue, and combinations thereof are described. In one aspect, a system is configured for treating tissue through delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, temperature, and energy level to achieve a desired cosmetic effect.

Abstract: A treatment device is provided that enables a volume of tissue located beneath the device to simultaneously receive ultrasound and light stimulation. According to one embodiment, the device includes an ultrasound transducer, a light source, and a faceplate extending across a face of the transducer for providing a tissue contacting and ultrasound energy coupling surface of the device. The faceplate is transparent or translucent to the light generated by the light source, and the faceplate transfers the ultrasound and light energy into the tissue or into an element which transmits these energies into the tissue. A controller operates the ultrasound transducer and light source in a pulsed manner to produce discrete pulses of energy, so as to provide higher amplitude energy treatments without negatively impacting heat generation of the device or the benefits of co-locating both types of energy treatment.

Abstract: An in-line accessory (10) for use with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) system (12) and associated method include a hardware form factor comprising an opening (42); a first connection interface (30) on the hardware form factor configured to selectively connect with a connection interface on a regulator (16) of the SCBA system (12); a second connection interface (32) on the hardware form factor configured to selectively connect with a connection interface on a mask (14) of the SCBA system (12); and circuitry disposed on and/or within the hardware form factor to perform and add one or more functions to the SCBA system (12); wherein the hardware form factor is disposed between the regulator (16) and the mask (14) in a non-obtrusive manner in the SCBA system (12) and the opening (42) supports air flow from the regulator (16) to the mask (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a respirator mask having a mask body, at least one exhalation valve and at least one inhalation valve, at least one filter module allocated to the inhalation valve, and at least one coupling element arranged on the mask body and provided to fasten at least one head fastening strap engaging the head of a user from behind. It is provided that the coupling element for fastening the filter module to the mask body in a detachable manner comprises at least one holding projection which can be displaced from a position locking the filter module in place on the mask body to a position releasing the filter module.

Abstract: In one aspect, an eye shield for a respirator mask of the type having a face piece adapted to fit over the face of a user is provided. The eye shield includes a visor assembly including a visor surrounded by a frame, the visor assembly configured to be removably mounted in an opening in the face piece. One or more fastener elements are provided on the frame for removably securing the visor assembly to the face piece. The visor is formed of a transparent material which filters electromagnetic energy emissions at one or more preselected wavelengths. In certain embodiments, one or more head up display assemblies are attached to the visor assembly for projecting a human viewable image to the visor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respirator mask comprising a mask body for covering mouth and nose of a user, comprising at least one exhalation valve and least one inhalation valve arranged at the mask body, and in each case comprising a filter module, which is assigned to the inhalation valve and which is/can be detachably fastened to the mask body. The mask body encompasses an opening, through which a housing part of the inhalation valve reaches, wherein the housing part, together with the filter module, forms a detachable bayonet closure. The housing part is rotatably supported in the opening of the mask body and for the opening to be embodied in a bottom of an accommodating recess of the mask body, which encompasses a contour, which differs from a circle, for accommodating the filter module so as to be locked against rotation.

Abstract: A rail lifeline fall protection turntable assembly is provided that includes a base member with rotating disk, a center rail, rail sections, stop members and corner members. The center rail is coupled to the rotating disk. Each rail section is coupled to the base member and is positioned to align with the center rail at a select rotational orientation of the rotating disk. The stop members are coupled to the rotating disk and are positioned to prevent a sliding shuttle from falling off one of the rail sections not aligned with the center rail. The corner members coupled to the base member and are positioned to prevent a sliding shuttle from falling off of the center rail when the center rail is not aligned with one of the rail sections.

Abstract: An entry/exit gate assembly for a shuttle based fall protection system is provided. The entry/exit gate assembly includes a rail, a gate and a gate manipulation member. The rail has at least one entry/exit cutaway section. The gate is slidably engaged with the rail and the gate manipulation member coupled to selectively lock the gate in a static position in relation with the rail to block access to the at least one entry/exit cutaway section.