Abstract: Iontophoretic patches for the delivery of anti-migraine compounds and methods of using the patches are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in carrying out a prophylactic or treatment procedure on tissue comprises a head piece 1 having a receiver 2 for receiving an instrument such as an endoscope 10 and chamber 3 into which tissue is drawn by vacuum. There are two electrodes 11 within the chamber 2 and two electrodes 25 located on opposite sides of the entrance 5 into the chamber. The voltage applied to the inner and outer electrodes 11, 25 can be varied independently an allows tissue underlying the device to be treated. This is particularly important for colorectal cancers.

Abstract: A universal closed-loop functional electrical stimulation system comprising at least one electrode assembly adapted to deliver an electrical stimulation signal to the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, or muscles of a user, a sensor system adapted to detect a mechanical response to a muscle stimulation signal of at least one muscle associated with a muscle group stimulated through the nervous system or proximate to the electrode assembly. An electrical stimulation device operably coupled to at least one electrode assembly and the sensor system, the electrical stimulation device including a control system to automatically receive feedback from at least one characteristic of the muscle from the detected muscle response and adjust at least one parameter of the muscle stimulation signal in real-time and in response thereto and a programmed microprocessor for controlling said electrical stimulation and receiving input from said sensor system.

Abstract: Described are implantable devices and methods for treating various disorders of the pelvic floor by means of electrical stimulation of tissue volumes at two or more locations adjacent sacral nerves or portions thereof, and/or pudendal nerves or portions thereof. Two or more electrical stimulation regimes are applied on a continuous, alternating, intermittent or other basis to the respective tissue volumes in an amount and manner effective to treat a number of disorders, including, but not limited to, urinary and/or fecal voiding dysfunctions such as constipation, incontinence disorders such as urge frequency and urinary retention disorders, sexual dysfunctions such as orgasmic and erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, prostatitis, prostatalgia and prostatodynia.

Abstract: A handheld facial massage and microcurrent therapy device. The device includes a massage feature that enables the user to provide motorized agitation to a skin-contacting attachment selected from a group of detachable elements. The detachable skin-contacting element includes bristle brushes, massage sponges, smooth and rough applicators, among others. In addition to the motorized agitation from the attachment, the device also includes the ability to apply rejuvenating micro-current therapy to the skin. Both the motorized agitation and micro-current generation are independently user-adjustable in order to achieve the optimum treatment for each individual. Versions of the device that include galvanic current application as well as ultrasonic skin stimulation are available. The device is compact and easy to use so that the non-professional user can self-treat with professional results.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for displaying and operating a user interface having one or more channel group controllers corresponding to one or more groups of hearing prosthesis channels. The hearing prosthesis may be configured to generate a plurality of signals via a plurality of channels based on a channel profile. The channel profile may define at least one intensity level for each channel. In operation, the user interface may be configured to instruct the hearing prosthesis to change the channel profile of the plurality of channels in response to receiving an input via one of the channel group controllers. The user interface may be used to fit a hearing prosthesis to a recipient. In one embodiment, an initial channel profile may be automatically determined, and the prosthesis channel profile may be adjusted by changing a representative intensity level corresponding to the channel profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. The implanted stimulation device includes a physiological sensor for monitoring the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time, and a control system for adjusting stimulation parameters to maintain stimulation in the neural fulcrum zone based on detected changes in the physiological response to stimulation.

Abstract: An implantable stimulation system comprises a stimulator for generating electrical stimulation and a conductive stimulation lead having a proximal end electrically coupled to the stimulator, wherein at least a first component of the impedance looking into the stimulator is substantially matched to the impedance of the stimulation lead. At least one distal stimulation electrode is positioned proximate the distal end of the stimulation lead.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for paired training include timing controls so that training and neural stimulation can be provided simultaneously. Paired trainings may include therapies, rehabilitation and performance enhancement training. Stimulations of nerves such as the vagus nerve that affect subcortical regions such as the nucleus basalis, locus coeruleus or amygdala induce plasticity in the brain, enhancing the effects of a variety of therapies, such as those used to treat tinnitus, stroke, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Abstract: A device includes a lead configured to for use in applying an atrioventricular delay (“AVD”), an acceleration sensor adapted to output an endocardial acceleration signal, and circuitry configured to receive and process said endocardial acceleration signal to provide ventricular pacing by varying, in a controlled manner, the AVD in a range having a plurality of AVD values. The circuitry derives from said endocardial acceleration signal a value of a parameter representative of an component of the endocardial acceleration signal corresponding to the first endocardial acceleration peak associated with an isovolumetric ventricular contraction (“EAX component”), and evaluates a degree of variation of said parameter values as a function of said plurality of AVD values to detect atrial and ventricular events.

Abstract: A medical device system and method for delivering mechanically fused left ventricular cardiac stimulation. A sensor monitors left ventricular acceleration while left ventricular cardiac stimulation is provided at an AV interval. The left ventricular acceleration is used to calculate a mechanical response interval and the mechanical response interval is compared to a desired mechanical response interval. The AV interval is adjusted until the mechanical response interval is equal to the desired mechanical response interval.

Abstract: A system and method select a pacing site for a cardiac pacing therapy. A change from a baseline mechanical activity is extracted from a signal of mechanical heart activity during pacing at each one of multiple pacing sites along a heart chamber. A change from a baseline electrical activity is extracted from a signal of electrical heart activity during pacing at each of the of pacing sites. The pacing sites are sorted in a first order based upon the changes in mechanical heart activity and in a second order based upon the changes in electrical heart activity. A pacing site is selected from the multiple pacing sites as a common pacing site between the first order and the second order.

Abstract: A device includes a hemodynamic sensor measuring blood flow in the left chambers of a myocardium, at least one motion sensor measuring a displacement of the walls of the left ventricle of the myocardium, a first analysis module determining a time of closure of the aortic valve based on a signal of the hemodynamic sensor, a second analysis module determining a time of peak contraction of the left ventricle based on a signal from the motion sensors, and a third analysis module determining a time between the moment of peak contraction of the left ventricle and the moment of closure of the aortic valve. If the peak of contraction of the left ventricle is after the instant of closure of the aortic valve, the device adjusts the inter-ventricular delay and/or the atrioventricular delay to minimize or cancel the time disparity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for diagnosis of conductor anomalies, such as insulation failures, in an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a pacemaker, or a neurostimulator. Insulation failures are detected and localized by identifying changes in electrical fields via surface (skin) potentials. Small variations in potential are detected along the course of the electrode near the site of insulation failure.

Abstract: An example of a system comprises a cardiac pulse generator configured to generate cardiac paces to pace the heart, a sensor configured to sense a physiological signal for use in detecting pace-induced phrenic nerve stimulation (PS), a storage, and a phrenic nerve stimulation detector. The storage is configured for use to store patient-specific PS features for PS beats with a desirably large signal-to-noise ratio. The phrenic nerve stimulation detector may be configured to detect PS features for the patient by analyzing a PS beat with a desirably large signal-to-noise ratio induced using a pacing pulse with a large energy output and store patient-specific PS features in the storage, and use the patient-specific PS features stored in the memory to detect PS beats when the heart is paced heart using cardiac pacing pulses with a smaller energy output.

Abstract: A system and method are described herein including an implantable medical device (IMD) configured to be programmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) settings for use during an MRI scan, wherein the IMD stores identity data that uniquely identifies the IMD or a patient having the IMD. The system includes an external storage media configured to receive MRI settings associated with the IMD and configured to store the MRI settings associated with the IMD. The system also includes a programmer configured to retrieve identity data from IMD, retrieve MRI settings associated with the IMD from the external storage media and program the IMD using the MRI settings.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an estimated volume of activation (VOA) corresponding to settings applied to a stimulation leadwire includes a processor performing the following: determining, for each of a plurality of neural elements, one or more respective parameters characterizing an electrical distribution along the neural element, looking up the one or more parameters for each of the neural elements in a look-up table (LUT), obtaining threshold values for each of the neural elements recorded in the LUT in association with the looked-up parameters, comparing, for each of the neural elements, a value of the leadwire settings to each of the respective threshold value, estimating based on the comparisons which of the neural elements would be activated by the settings, and generating a structure corresponding to a region including the neural elements estimated to be activated.

Abstract: A system and method of providing therapy to a patient using a plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient. A virtual multipole configuration is defined relative to the plurality of electrodes. The distance between each of a group of the electrodes and a virtual pole of the virtual multipole configuration is determined. A stimulation amplitude distribution is determined for the electrode group based on the determined distances, thereby emulating the virtual multipole configuration. Electrical energy is conveyed from the electrode group in accordance with the computed stimulation amplitude distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to leadless cardiac pacemakers (LBS), and elements and methods by which they affix to the heart. The invention relates particularly to a secondary fixation of leadless pacemakers which also include a primary fixation. Secondary fixation elements for LBS's may passively engage structures within the heart. Some passive secondary fixation elements entangle or engage within intraventricular structure such as trabeculae carneae. Other passive secondary fixation elements may engage or snag heart structures at sites upstream from the chamber where the LBS is primarily affixed. Still other embodiments of passive secondary fixation elements may include expandable structures.

Abstract: An external controller/charger system for an implantable medical device is disclosed, in which the external controller/charger system provides automatic switching between telemetry and charging without any manual intervention by the patient. The external controller/charger system includes an external controller which houses a telemetry coil and an external charging coil coupled to the external controller. Normally, a charging session is carried out using the external charging coil, and a telemetry session is carried out using the telemetry coil. However, when a patient requests to carry out telemetry during a charging session, the external charging coil is used instead of the internal telemetry coil.

Abstract: Stimulation of the facial nerve system (e.g., electrically, electromagnetically, etc.) in ischemic stroke patients will cause dilation of occluded arteries and dilation of surrounding arteries, allowing for blood flow to circumvent the obstruction and reach previously-deprived tissue. The device approaches the facial nerve and its branches in the vicinity of the ear. In use, the device can be inserted into the ear canal and/or placed in proximity to the ear in order to stimulate the facial nerve system non-invasively (e.g., using an electromagnetic field). The device can be used in the emergency treatment of acute stroke or chronically variations for long-term maintenance of blood flow to the brain and stroke prevention. Additional embodiments of the device may be adapted for use on different regions of the body.

Abstract: Magneto-electric nanoparticles in a subject interact with an external magnetic field to cause stimulation of neural networks in the subject. Electric signals in the neural network are coupled to magnetic dipoles induced in the nanoparticles to cause changes in electric pulse sequences of the subject's brain.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for a number of disorders. Described are methods and devices to treat disorders that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect mood, focus, and cognition of subjects.

Abstract: Bracytherapy devices include a respective tether attached to a proximal end portion of the strands. The tether can be color-coded to match a color associated with the corresponding strand.

Abstract: Radiosurgery systems are described that are configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, and in some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system useful for providing imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring generally comprises an acoustic transducer assembly configured to enable the ultrasound system to perform the imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring functions. The acoustic transducer assembly comprises a single transducer that is operatively connected to an imaging subsystem, a therapy subsystem and a temperature monitoring subsystem. The ultrasound system may also include a display for imaging and temperature monitoring functions. Additionally, the acoustic transducer assembly can be configured to provide three-dimensional imaging, temperature monitoring or therapeutic heating through the use of adaptive algorithms and/or rotational or translational movement. Moreover, a plurality of the exemplary single transducers can be provided to facilitate enhanced treatment capabilities.

Abstract: A method of achieving improved hair feel. The method comprises applying to hair a composition comprising: (a) a specific cationic guar polymer; (b) a specific cationic copolymer; (c) an anti-dandruff active; (d) a cosmetically acceptable carrier; (e) a surfactant; wherein the weight ratio of (a):(b) is from about 1000:1 to about 3.5:1; and wherein the sum of (a)+(b) is an amount of from about 0.0001% to about 0.7%, by total weight of the composition. The composition forms coacervate particles upon dilution of the composition with water and the coacervate particles have a squeeze flow viscosity of from about 1 Pa·s to about 100 Pa·s. The percentage of coacervate particles with a floc size of greater than about 20 micron is from about 1% to about 60% and the on-scalp deposition of the anti-dandruff active is at least about 1 microgram/cm2.

Abstract: Composition containing an aqueous phase, a lipophilic compound and an emulsifying system containing a fatty acid ester of sucrose and a fatty acid ester of polyglycerol, and to its use in the cosmetics field, in particular for cleansing and/or for removing makeup from keratin materials.

Abstract: A movable cable loop descent system comprises a cable for forming into a loop, a receiver for attachment to a structure having a receiver pulley for engaging the cable loop, a brake assembly, having a drive pulley for being rotated by the cable loop, the brake assembly for slowing a rate of travel of the cable loop and a carriage supporting a load for attachment to the cable loop at a point and for movement between the structure and the ground. A rotor and substantially parallel conductive frame is mounted on an axle through the drive pulley. Magnets on a surface of the rotor and/or the frame induce eddy currents, as they are relatively rotated, which create a rotational braking force controlling descent of the carriage and load. The brake assembly may be removably positioned by a drive-on anchor. The cable is removable and the system may form a kit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fall protection system for use when working on an elevated structure. The system includes an anchor rope which is securable on opposite sides of the elevated structure so that the anchor rope extends from one side of the structure to the opposite side of the structure. A safety rope, which is connectable to the anchor rope and to a harness worn by a user, is also provided. The system further includes a rope length adjustment device which is connectable to the safety rope and adapted to allow the safety rope to pass therethrough so that the effective length of safety rope extending between the rope length adjustment device and the anchor rope can be adjusted up to a certain length determined by the user in order to define a safe working area. The anchor rope may be connected to anchor points on the structure by means of belay-fall arrest-descending devices which allows a user to be lowered in a controlled manner down to ground level in the event of a fall occurring.

Abstract: An energy absorber including a strap including at least a first path of relatively reduced strength extending over at least a portion of the length of the strap. The energy absorber also includes at least a first transition region including a first initial point where tearing begins along the first transition region when a force above a threshold force is applied (to the energy absorber/strap) and a first end point. The first end point is in operative connection with a first point on the first path so that tearing continues along the first path after tearing along the first transition region. A gradual increase in load occurring as tearing occurs along the transition region.

Abstract: A fire barrier system for use in aircraft, ship or offshore drilling platform comprises a flexible graphite sheet. Methods of providing fire barrier protection in an aircraft, ship or offshore drilling platform comprise installing the described fire barrier system in the aircraft, ship or offshore drilling platform. Additionally, the fire barrier system when installed in the aircraft, ship or offshore drilling platform is described.

Abstract: A firefighting method and apparatus are described for suppressing fires in remote dried out former wetlands/marsh areas. A water pump is positioned upon a floating platform maneuverable in adjacent shallow marsh waters that are not navigable by conventional watercraft. Said pump has an intake port for drawing water from nearby marsh waters and ponds through a hose, said hose having a filtering screen for preventing the pickup of solid materials. The pump has a discharge hose connected to the outflow connection, said discharge hose connected on the distal end to a piping extension projecting away from the hull and over the nearby burning peat lands. Said pump is operated to discharge water over and into the adjacent burning marsh as the platform is maneuvered within the surrounding marsh canals and waterways.

Abstract: A new firefighting monitor has multiple pivoting conduit segments and a synchronization mechanism with engaging faces that automatically restrain pivoting of an intermediate conduit segment with respect to an upstream conduit segment when the downstream conduit segment is pivotable with respect to the intermediate conduit segment, and automatically restrain pivoting of the downstream conduit segment with respect to the intermediate conduit segment when the intermediate conduit segment is pivotable with respect to the upstream conduit segment. In a variation, an intermeshed gear train causes a downstream conduit segment to pivot proportionately with respect to an intermediate conduit segment as the intermediate conduit segment pivots with respect to the upstream conduit segment.

Abstract: An instrument for assessment and intervention in the areas of sensory, motor, language, and the educational requirements of the children at-risk, developmentally delayed, and disabled. The devise is constructed on a base board with four sides. Its front side has one in-built height adjustable chair bar with chair, and adjustable visual stimulating roof. Its back side has height adjustable parallel bars and one mirror. On right and left side it has two height and length adjustable hands in addition to that right side have height measuring scale on the wall and extended space to stand and to keep weighing machine. On the top it has space for two sided video display frame and two stands for video cameras.

Abstract: The present invention is a telescoping plyometric exercise device which can be rapidly adjusted for height using a single lifting motion. The apparatus is incrementally height-adjusted and secured in a position capable of withstanding force. The apparatus requires a single lifting motion to securely and incrementally adjust the device, and to balance impact and force through the use of novel, contoured inner components and structural assemblies. These inner components and structural assemblies are engineered to provide the capability for rapid height adjustment of the apparatus.

Abstract: A training device for passively supporting a gymnast while learning and practicing handstands and handstand turns is herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the device has a base, an apparatus attachment attachable to the base for a gymnast to practice on various pieces of gymnastics equipment, and a supporter that may be set at a desired height to provide passive support to a gymnast. The support may be fastened or engaged to a tower, which is mounted to or positioned along the base.

Abstract: This invention relates to an exercise device (1) and more particularly to an exercise device of the type that allows the user of the exercise device to exercise with part of their body in a negative pressure environment. These devices are becoming increasingly popular however the known devices are usually bulky, difficult to transport, difficult to install and difficult to maintain. The present invention provides a construction of exercise device that will enable the device to be transported and installed in a more efficient manner by providing the casing (3), in particular, in a number or pieces (21, 23) that can be connected together easily and quickly on site. The casing will still be sufficiently air tight. Furthermore, the construction of the present invention permits easier access to the interior of the casing (3) for cleaning/servicing purposes thereby simplifying cleaning and repair significantly.

Abstract: A multi-use exercise apparatus consisting of two stations, a wheel as the upper station for exercising upper extremities and a T-bar below the wheel as the lower station designed for resistance exercises of the lower extremities. Both stations are mounted on a collapsible structure making it easily transportable. Fixed knobs are disposed at various radii from an axis of the wheel to allow users to perform different ROM type exercises. Anchoring means are also provided on the apparatus to engage various other exercising accessories as well, either on the T-bar or adjacent to the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for abdominal exercise in a seated position using a seat. The device comprises a first elastic band, a second elastic band, a pair of couplings, and a harness. The elastic bands are of a configured length and resistance and have a first end extending to a distal second end. The coupling is secured at the first end of the elastic bands and operable to secure the device to the seat. The harness has a first and second end and presents a partial perimeter. The second end of the first elastic band is joined to the first end of the harness, the second end of the second elastic band is joined to the second end of the harness, whereby the continuously joined first elastic band, harness, and second elastic band present a partial perimeter for user engagement.

Abstract: A resistance training device is provided that comprises a waist harness, one or more limb harnesses, and one or more elongated resistance bands disposed therebetween. The bands are secured at each end by retainer assemblies comprising a ring device disposed within a clamshell retainer housing, whereby the ring supports the band at one end and secures to a D-link at an opposite end. The bands are removable from the rings, while the rings may also be removable from the D-links. The D-links are disposed on the limb harnesses and the waist harness, whereby the limb harness is secured to a foot or arm portion while the waist harness secures around the torso of the wearer. In this way the resistance bands are anchored to the user, who can engage in stretching or strength training exercises by stretching the band between the harnesses.

Abstract: Machines, apparatuses, systems and methods for providing adjustable tension to a cable system using a pivotally mounted leverage mechanism that employs an adjustably positionable weight. Embodiments are used in exercise and other muscle strengthening devices, and may include an electronic control system for monitoring, recording a user's progress, and for altering or releasing tension to the cable system based on feedback from the user. Embodiments include a user interface for inputting information for particular exercises or workouts, as well as outputting/downloading information following exercises or workouts. Other embodiments allow adjustment to the starting point of the lifting bar so that such machines may be used for bench presses, squats, cleans or curls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus operated in a seated position where foot operated pedals and arm operated handles follow linear paths. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with motion of the feet. The foot pedals and handles are positioned forward the operator to allow easy ingress and egress. The handles and pedals may be operated in unison for rowing exercise or the left handle and pedal may be operated independent of the right handle and pedal for opposing stepping exercise. Adjustable resistance is provided.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a frame, a left foot link supporting a left foot pad, a right foot link supporting a right foot pad in a left foot link supporting a left foot pad. The right foot pad is linked to the left foot pad so as to synchronously move out of phase with the left foot pad through an elliptical path having an adjustable step height and an adjustable stride length. An adjustment synchronizer is operably coupled to the left foot link and the right foot link to synchronously adjust both the step height and the stride length of the elliptical path.

Abstract: An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for a wireless exercise monitoring system for interactively monitoring an aspect of exercise, sports, or fitness utilizing a wearable device, such as a watch, eyewear, or smart apparel. The device is equipped with, or connected to, a digital camera. Sensors integrated with, or wirelessly connected to, the wearable internet device record physiological data during exercise and data measuring the amount of exercise performed. The data and visual images from the camera are transmitted to one or more internet servers, and may be shared with other mobile internet devices.

Abstract: A layered exercise contact counter display tracking and showing repetitive contacts with the lens contact surface of a housing covering a sensor pad, which responds to contacts sending a signal to a powered circuit board to record and display the number of repetitive hits adapted for mounting on an exercise device or a support surface to encourage an exerciser to complete and exercise or contact event.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing a monitor for determining a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser and for outputting a signal representative of the performance level; (2) using the monitor to measure a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser; (3) outputting from the monitor a signal representative of the performance level; (4) providing a video game having a character, the video game inputting and being responsive to the performance level signal output by the monitor, the video game using the performance level signal to control a performance level of the video game character; and (5) while the exerciser is not exercising, controlling a performance level of the video game character based on a performance level signal output by the monitor.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and/or an apparatus using a computer configured exercise system equipped with an electric motor to provide physical resistance to user motion in conjunction with means for sharing exercise system related data and/or user performance data with a secondary user, such as a medical professional, a physical therapist, a trainer, a computer generated competitor, and/or a human competitor. For example, the exercise system is used with a remote trainer to enhance exercise performance, with a remote medical professional for rehabilitation, and/or with a competitor in a competition, such as in a power/weightlifting competition or in a video game. The exercise system is optionally configured with an intelligent software assistant and knowledge navigator functioning as a personal assistant application.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an airbag system and, more particularly, to such a system employed as a rescue or life-saving system to enable a person to survive an avalanche, for example. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to an airbag system utilized with a backpack to be worn by a skier, snowboarder, hiker, or snowmobiler, for example. Instead of relying upon compressed gas cartridges or cylinders to inflate the airbag(s), the invention inflates the airbag(s) with ambient air only. In a particular embodiment, air is supplied to the airbag by means of a battery-powered electrical motor.