Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea by first performing an assessment of the patient that involves observing the patient's upper airway during a tongue protrusion maneuver. The assessment may, for example, be done using endoscopy to observe the upper airway while the patient is awake in the supine position. An adequate response of the upper airway during the tongue protrusion maneuver is indicative of likely therapeutic success with hypoglossal nerve stimulation, and may be used for making clinical decisions. The principles of the present invention may be applied to other therapeutic interventions for OSA involving the upper airway.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system configured for providing therapy to a patient, comprises at least one implantable neurostimulation lead configured for being implanted adjacent target tissue of the patient, and an implantable neurostimulator configured for delivering electrical stimulation energy to the implantable neurostimulation lead(s) in accordance with a set of stimulation parameters capable, and monitoring circuitry configured for taking at least one measurement indicative of a three-dimensional migration of the neurostimulation lead(s) from a baseline position. The neurostimulation system further comprises at least one controller/processor configured for determining whether the three-dimensional migration of the neurostimulation lead(s) from the baseline position has occurred based on the measurement(s), and, based on the determined three-dimensional migration, generating a new set of stimulation parameters, and reprogramming the implantable neurostimulator with the new set of stimulation parameters.

Abstract: A closed loop system is disclosed for monitoring patient movements, such as tremors, and for automatically controlling an implantable stimulator device on the basis of the detected movements. The system includes a motion sensor such as a wearable item that contains an accelerometer to monitor a patient's movements, such as a ring locatable proximate to a patient's hand tremor. The motion sensor periodically transmits a feedback signal to the implantable stimulator device instructing it to change the stimulation parameters, such as current amplitude, in an attempt to reduce the tremor. The motion sensor can additionally communicate with other system components such as an external controller. In a preferred embodiment, the motion sensor and the implantable stimulator device communicate using short range electromagnetic radio waves.

Abstract: A medical device system is configured to sense physiological events by a first device and control a transducer to emit trigger signals in response to the sensed physiological events. A second device detects the trigger signals and delivers therapeutic stimulation pulses in response to the trigger signals. The therapeutic stimulation pulses have a combined total time duration over the sensed physiological events that is greater than the combined total time duration of the trigger signals.

Abstract: A medical device system is configured to sense a physiological signal by a first device and generate a control signal by the first device in response to the physiological signal. An optical transducer is controlled by the first device to emit an optical trigger signal in response to the control signal. A second device receives the optical trigger signal and delivers an automatic therapy to a patient in response to detecting the optical trigger signal.

Abstract: This document describes an implantable medical device including a housing. Electronic components are located within the housing, and a non-metallic hydrogen getter is located within the housing.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats a specified medical condition of a patient through application of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation pulses applied substantially at or near a specified acupoint, its underlying nerves, or other target tissue location. The IEAD includes an IEAD housing having an electrode configuration thereon that includes at least two electrodes, and pulse generation circuitry located within the IEAD housing and electrically coupled to the at least two electrodes. The pulse generation circuitry is adapted to deliver stimulation pulses to the patient's body tissue at or near the target tissue location in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen, the stimulation regimen requiring that the stimulation session have a duration of T3 minutes and a rate of occurrence of once every T4 minutes, and wherein a ratio of T3/T4 is no greater than 0.05.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.

Abstract: A medical device system is configured to sense a physiological signal by a first device and generate a control signal by the first device in response to the physiological signal. An acoustical emitting device is controlled by the first device to emit an acoustical trigger signal in response to the control signal. A second device detects the acoustical trigger signal and delivers an automatic therapy to a patient in response to detecting the acoustical trigger signal.

Abstract: An antenna assembly includes: an antenna including: a metal signal layer having a radiating surface; and a feed port; and a waveguide surrounding the antenna and configured to guide electromagnetic energy transmitted from the radiating surface in a direction away from the antenna; and a controller module connected to the feed port and configured to drive the antenna to transmit electromagnetic energy from the radiating surface; wherein the antenna, waveguide, and controller module are configured such that, when the controller module drives the antenna, the transmitted electromagnetic energy matches a reception characteristic of an implantable device and is sufficient for the implantable device to create one or more electrical pulses of sufficient amplitude to stimulate neural tissue of a patient, solely using electromagnetic energy received from the antenna, when the implantable device is located at least 10 centimeters away from the antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for applying stimulation therapy to a patient includes an implantable medical device (20) and a remote controller (50) for inductively powering the medical device and communicating with the medical device. The remote controller (50) includes a feedback portion (220) for helping to establish a communication link between the remote controller and the implantable medical device (20).

Abstract: An electrical stimulation device configured to perform an electrical stimulation therapy on a patient includes a stimulation circuit, at least one electrode lead comprising one or more electrodes, a communication circuit and a controller. The controller is configured to execute a stimulation program received through the communication circuit. Electrical stimulation pulses are generated by the stimulation circuit and delivered to the at least one electrode lead in response to the execution of the stimulation program.

Abstract: A data collection device (100) is described which monitors the environmental conditions and the operations of a medical device (10). The data collection device may be arranged to communicate wirelessly via a cloud computing environment with a central computer (210). The central computer compares the reported use data with a preventive maintenance model to predict when or how the medical device will fail. In addition, the central computer may integrate reports from many data collection devices operating in various environments for the purpose of analyzing and improving the predictive maintenance model.

Abstract: The present invention provides both methods and devices for termination of arrhythmias, such as ventricular or atrial tachyarrhythmias. The device and method involves application of alternating current (AC) for clinically significant durations at selected therapeutic frequencies through the cardiac tissue to a subject experiencing arrhythmia. Methods are also provided to minimize or eliminate pain during defibrillation.

Abstract: A portable medical device having a reliable readiness indicator. Embodiments provide a reliable readiness indicator with an active clasp that holds the garment in place. The clasp is enabled by the defibrillator when it is ready for use. If the clasp is not enabled the garment cannot be worn comfortably, and it becomes apparent to the patient that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.

Abstract: Phototherapy systems comprising a therapeutic lamp platform for radiant lamps such as LEDs disposed in an assembly including a reflective surface facing towards a patient and a plurality of light apertures substantially aligned with the LEDs for communicating lamp radiation from the lamps to a user. The lamps and associated circuitry are disposed so that the reflective surface is relatively smooth and seamless towards the patient. The walls have a malleable rigidity for flexible adjustability relative to the user, and the device is mounted to the user with a frame.

Abstract: Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to an apparatus and method for charged hadron therapy verification. The apparatus comprises a collimator comprising a plurality of collimator slabs of a given thickness, spaced apart so as to form an array of mutually slit-shaped openings, configured to be placed at a right angle to the beam line, so as to allow the passage of prompt gammas from the target, the collimator being defined at least by three geometrical parameters being the width and depth of the slit-shaped openings and a fill factor. The disclosure is also related to a method for charged hadron therapy verification with a multi-slit camera.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices, systems and methods for controlling the focal depth of energy in targeting tissue for performing various treatment and/or imaging procedures, such as cosmetic enhancement procedures. Ultrasound procedures can acoustically couple one or more spacers, offsets, standoffs, bladders, lenses, multiplexed arrays, transducer movement systems, and/or automated therapy deposition depth systems to mechanically modify a focal depth of an ultrasound transducer for treatment of tissue below tissue surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the success of a proposed HIFU Treatment, of an ongoing HIFU Treatment, and/or of a completed HIFU Treatment. An energy density of a given HIFU Treatment may be used as a comparison factor between the given HIFU Treatment and other HIFU Treatments and as a predictor of the success of the given HIFU Treatment. One exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the volume of the treatment region. Another exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the pre-treatment mass of the treatment region. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of focal hyperechoic features and non-focal hyperechoic features. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of an acoustic obstruction.

Abstract: A tablet deodorant device facilitates transport and storage of individual portions of deodorant while away from home. The device includes a tablet constructed of a deodorant material and a coating encasing the tablet. The coating has a melting point such that the coating is configured for melting upon being positioned in an armpit wherein the deodorant material is dispersed into the armpit.

Abstract: A window breaking assembly for breaking a vehicle window in an emergency such that a passenger in the vehicle is protected from broken glass includes a rod that has a first end and a second end. A pressure plate is coupled to the first end of the rod. A punch is operationally coupled to the pressure plate. The punch selectively generates a thrusting inertia. The punch is positionable against a vehicle window. The pressure plate is engaged by a user so the punch generates the thrusting inertia. The punch shatters the vehicle window.

Abstract: Provided is a portable air purifier, which includes: a mask part; a first connecting hose having one end connected to the mask part; a second connection hose in which the first connection hose is installed, and at least part of which has an opening for introducing external air; an air purification module that purifies the introduced external air to a predetermined temperature condition and discharges the purified air to the first connecting hose; and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the heater. Since the air purification module for removing poisonous gases or biochemical pollutants through a catalytic reaction of a metal catalyst layer can be semi-permanently used, the conventional inconvenience of carrying an extra canister is removed.

Abstract: A safety support system is disclosed for use in medical care rooms with a track providing a track path between locations, and retractor and a flexible support line with the retractor movable along the track. The retractor allows the line to feed out of the retractor slowly but grabs the line when there is a falling condition of a user wearing a non-restraint support. In the event of a fall, the retractor grabs the line. The support has a closure on the user's front side being openable by a one-handed operation of the user within less than three seconds to facilitate ready removal of said non-restraint support.

Abstract: A centrifugal brake assembly comprises at least one pawl, at least one biasing member, and a rotor. The at least one pawl includes a base from which a circular portion extends. The rotor includes at least one receiving portion having a notched portion configured and arranged to receive the circular portion. One of the at least one pawl and the rotor has a curved slotted portion, the at least one biasing member being seated within the curved slotted portion, and another of the at least one pawl and the rotor having a curved elongated protrusion extending in line with the curved slotted portion and the at least one biasing member. The at least one pawl is pivotable about the circular portion relative to the rotor, and the at least one pawl is configured and arranged to engage a stop member when the at least one pawl is in an engaged position.

Abstract: A fire retardant delivery system for use with a source of carrier for protection from wildfire is provided. The system includes a retardant tank for storing a fire retardant. The retardant tank is in fluid communication with the source of carrier. A metering valve is constructed and arranged to meter a flow of fire retardant injected into the carrier discharged from the source of carrier to maintain a predetermined proportion of fire retardant to carrier, thereby creating a fire retardant and carrier mixture. At least one distribution nozzle is configured to deliver the fire retardant and carrier mixture to a desired area.

Abstract: A fixed fire extinguishing apparatus, comprising a housing (2), a cartridge (1) and an activation controller connected to the cartridge (1), wherein the cartridge (1) is numbered at least two and arrayed in the housing (2). A plurality of cartridges (1) can be simultaneously activated via one activation controller (5), thus greatly enhancing the fire extinguishing performance of the fire extinguishing apparatus. In addition, the fixed fire extinguishing apparatus has a small overall size thus occupies less space.

Abstract: A system includes a gas exhaust line, a valve coupling the gas exhaust line and a pipe, and a control unit generating a command to open and close the valve, the control unit opening the valve to vent gas from the pipe and closing the valve within a period of time. A method includes receiving a command at a valve to open in order to exhaust gas from a pipe of a sprinkler system through a line coupled to the valve, the command corresponding to a command to turn on a pump unit of the sprinkler system, determining that liquid provided at an output of the pump unit is present in the pipe, and receiving a command at the valve to close in order to prohibit a flow of the liquid through the line.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for maintaining a standby pressure in a fire suppression system. The fire suppression system includes at least on spray head and a drive source coupled to the at least one spray head by a supply line. The supply lines delivers extinguishing medium to the spray head. The drive source maintains a standby pressure of the extinguishing medium in the supply line when the system is inactive. A release line is coupled at a first end to the supply line. The release line includes a thermal expansion assembly. When the system is inactive and the standby pressure exceeds a first threshold, the thermal expansion assembly releases extinguishing medium from the system to reduce the standby pressure. When the system is active and the standby pressure exceeds the first threshold, the thermal expansion assembly does not release extinguishing medium from the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for using the anaerobic digestion (AD) process, especially thermophilic anaerobic digestion (TAD), to destroy biohazard materials including prion-containing specified risk materials (SRM), viral, and/or bacterial pathogens, etc. The added advantage of the invention also includes using feedstocks that may contain such biohazard materials to achieve enhanced biogas production, in the form of improved biogas quality and quantity.

Abstract: A method of hydrothermal processing of highly toxic substances, wastes and metal powders, comprises a batch processing cycle of at least following steps i. to viii: i. preparing a batch of highly toxic waste, substances and metal powders for processing; ii. applying precision dozing to the batch to obtain a mixture of the batch with water and at least one additional reagent in preset proportions; iii. feeding the mixture into a reactor; iv. spraying the mixture inside the reactor with a mechanical spray nozzle; v. supplying an additional oxidizing agent inside the reactor; vi. adjusting a temperature inside the reactor to above 374.2° C.; vii. adjusting a pressure inside the reactor to above 21.8 MPa, thereby driving the water into supercritical condition and initiating a supercritical hydrothermal oxidation process; and viii. keeping the mixture in the reactor for a preset amount of time, and at the same time.

Abstract: A method of measuring an activity of a person/object on a flexible mat of a trampoline, comprising: determining a mat deformation signal based at least on measurements from a sensor arrangement comprising at least one sensor and defining a coordinate space for the mat; the or each sensor being configured to measure a value corresponding to a deformation of the mat as the person/object moves on the mat; wherein, the value measured by die or each sensor corresponds to a proximity of the person/object to the sensor; determining a bounce coordinate in the coordinate spate based at least on the mat deformation signal; and determining a bounce location of the person/object on the mat based at least on the bounce coordinate in the coordinate space. Also provided is a trampoline configured to indicate an activity of a person/object on the mat and an interactive apparatus that includes the trampoline.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of exercise equipment and specifically to outdoor fitness equipment. An exercise machine is in the form of a stationary rigid metal construction which is unable to be disassembled and which includes a support frame (1) having an axle (2). The axle (2) is in the form of two coaxial half-axles provided on the outer side of levers (3). The latter are pivotally mounted on the uprights of the support frame (1). Limiters (4, 5) for limiting the movement of a weight (6) are in the form of transverse connections between the levers (3) and are installed on both sides of the axle (2). A load guide (7) is provided between the limiters (4, 5) and is in the form of a bent rod having two rectilinear portions and an arc. The load guide (7) is installed in such a way that the axle (2) of the support frame passes through the common center of gravity of the entire set of weights (6) located to the left side of the arc.

Abstract: In one aspect of various exemplary embodiments, an exercise device comprising: an axial structure defining an axis of rotation; a user support structure rotatably coupled to the axial structure; and a ball member supported by the axial structure and disposed with radial symmetry corresponding points along the axis of rotation. Thus, the ball member may be substantially spherical in shape, elliptical, oblong, etc.

Abstract: A stretching device comprises a shoulder or body harness with an adjustable central hold arranged around the upper body connected with an adjustable extension strap configured to engage a foot at a distal end. The extension strap is slidably connected to the central strap to move along the length of the central strap. The wearable device and method of using the device provides a comfortable tension and facilitates hands free stretching in the supine position, for improving duration of the stretching and range of motion. The device straps may be quickly disassembled with a strap independently used, or in a combination rearranged for connection by interlocking the central strap with either a shoulder strap or the extension strap, for upper body and shoulder stretching.

Abstract: A compact portable leg exercise apparatus includes a top platform, a base member, a resilient member and a frame assembly interposed between the top platform and base member. The apparatus is sized to receive a foot onto the top platform to move the top platform relative to the base member and against a force provided by the resilient member as the apparatus is moved to the collapsed position. The apparatus is sized to fit in carryon luggage, handbag, backpack or be hand-carried, allowing for its use anywhere. The frame assembly aligns the top platform and base member and inhibits twisting motion of the top platform relative to the base member, thereby constraining the motion of travel for the apparatus. The frame assembly can include a plurality of hinged leaf pairs shaped to inhibit generation of noise by the frame assembly as it moves to the collapsed configuration during use of the exercise apparatus.

Abstract: The present embodiments are directed to a rack adapted to support a plurality of weighted plates. Such a rack is commonly known as a “weight tree” or “plate tree” due to the extensions that branch out from the center of the rack. The embodiments described herein may feature extensions that rotate about a central vertical axis so that weight plates stored on the weight tree are easily accessible to a user. In further embodiments, the weight tree may be assembled/disassembled so that individual components of the weight tree may be elsewhere employed, such as on another weight tree or on lifting equipment (e.g., a Smith machine, bench press, squat rack, etc.) adapted to receive such components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bench, which is designed for performing hip extensions in such a way as to prevent damage to the back of the user, and can be adapted to different sizes. To this end, the bench consists of an H-shaped frame having a middle beam (7) that is slightly shorter than the distance established between the disks (6) of the bar (5) to be lifted, and on which a back rest or seat (14) is provided, comprising height-regulating means, characterised in that the height of the side beams is such that the bar (5) can be rolled over the surface of the beams above the stretched-out body of the user, while the large disks are flush with the ground so as not to limit the range of movement.

Abstract: A foam mat with a differently colored border includes an upper layer and a lower layer overlaid with the upper layer. The upper and lower layers are made of foaming materials of different colors, and each peripheral side of the foam mat is processed into an inclined edge where the lower layer extends further outward than the upper layer. The inclined edges show differently colored layers which are both easily identifiable and esthetically pleasing. The inclined edge at each peripheral side of the foam mat also provides a slope which reduces the chance of a user's feet hitting the foam mat by accident when the user is stepping on the foam mat.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a grounded covering that is in direct contact with a natural earth ground are provided. In some embodiments, a mat is provided, the mat comprising: a first material forming a substantially planar form; and at least one conductive material integrated into the first material in a manner in which the at least one conductive material conducts electricity from a first side of the first material to a second side of the first material, and in which the at least one conductive material is visible to a user and arranged to contact one or more exposed body parts of a user while the user is performing yoga poses on the first material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a rope-type conditioning/exercise apparatus that provides movements and resistance similar to prior devices requiring significantly longer ropes by providing ropes that are connected to sliders on sliding tubes, wherein the resistance to upward and downward movement of the sliders can be adjusted as desired by a user to create.

Abstract: A workout system is provided that includes a piece of furniture having at least a backrest and a seat. A chair workout machine is provided coupled to the piece of furniture. The chair workout machine includes a support frame coupled to at least one structure of the piece of furniture. At least one rotatable arm is rotatably attached to the support frame. One or more resistance elements are coupled to the at least one rotatable arm, where the resistance elements arranged to provide resistance to movement by at least one body part of a user.

Abstract: A facial muscle trainer for training the facial muscles of a person, having a C-shaped clamp with two legs, which are joined by a joint piece, as well as two bite surfaces being arranged at the ends of the legs, characterized in that the facial muscle trainer has at least one rib at at least one of the two legs running along the longitudinal direction of the leg, increasing the stiffness of the leg.

Abstract: An improved exercise device comprises a rigid platform and a plurality of flexible elements attached to the bottom side of the platform in such a way as to render the platform able to move freely in the lateral direction, while not able to tilt. The platform is of sufficient strength to support the weight of a person, as well as the weight of any exercise implements the person may be using. The exercise device thus enables the user to exercise on a slightly unstable surface, which is beneficial to the user's stabilizer muscles and sense of balance. Since the exercise device provides only a mildly unstable surface, it is safe to use as a physical therapy aid for seniors or people recovering from injuries or surgery.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention include lighted bounceable toys for play and amusement. Such toys or structures can be made in an infinite number of graceful and useful configurations. Exemplary bounceable ball toys include a light assembly having a power source and a plurality of light emitting elements, and a spherical skeletal structure having a plurality of segments. The spherical skeletal structure defines an open interior cavity, and at least some segments of the skeletal structure include a channel opening that faces toward the interior cavity. Light emitting elements transmit light to the channel openings.

Abstract: A heat treated golf club head is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head wherein the striking face portion and the body portion are heat treated differently to achieve different hardness, strength, and Young's modulus (E) at the two portions to improve the performance of the golf club head.

Abstract: A golf club head with multi-component construction. The golf club head includes heel and toe portions that generally provide ground contacting surfaces and a raised central region. A portion of a club head wall is spaced away from a second portion of the club head wall by a less than about 2 cm.

Abstract: A weight system configured to adjust the location of the center of gravity of a golf club head comprising an adjustable weight comprising an aperture dimensioned to receive a fastener, a threaded bore formed in said sole and configured to receive a fastener, and a fastener configured to pass through the aperture of the adjustable weight and engage the threaded bore, wherein rotation of said fastener in a first direction locks said adjustable weight into a locked position, preventing said adjustable weight from rotating relative to said body, and wherein rotation of said fastener in a second direction, opposite said first direction, unlocks said adjustable weight into an unlocked position and allows said adjustable weight to rotate about said fastener, and wherein said adjustable weight can be unlocked and rotated without completely removing said fastener from said threaded bore.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf clubs with adjustable loft and lie and methods of manufacturing golf clubs with adjustable loft and lie are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf tee. The golf tee comprises a tee body having a head portion and a base portion longitudinally extending from the head portion and a ball-supporting section, provided on an upper surface of the head portion, including at least three supporting bumps located on a periphery of the upper surface of the head portion, wherein a spacing distance is formed between the adjacent two supporting bumps on a peripheral line of the periphery of the upper surface of the head portion so that a plurality of spacing distances are formed, and there is only one of the spacing distance being greater than the other spacing distances which are substantially equivalent with each other, thereby the flight distance of the golf ball will not be reduced and the accuracy of impacting the golf ball are increased.