Abstract: In some examples, a processor of a system evaluates a therapy program based on a score determined based on a volume of tissue expected to be activated (“VTA”) by therapy delivery according to the therapy program. The score may be determined using an efficacy map comprising a plurality of voxels that are each assigned a value. In some examples, the efficacy map is selected from a plurality of stored efficacy maps based on a patient condition, one or more patient symptoms, or both the patient condition and one or more patient symptoms. In addition, in some examples, voxels of the efficacy map are assigned respective values that are associated with a clinical rating scale.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and/or method may apply electromagnetic stimulation to a patient's nervous system over a first time domain according to a first set of stimulation parameters, and over a second time domain according to a second set of stimulation parameters. The first and second time domains may be sequential, simultaneous, or nested. Stimulation parameters may vary in accordance with one or more types of duty cycle, amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, spatiotemporal, and/or polarity variations. Stimulation may be applied at subthreshold, threshold, and/or suprathreshold levels in one or more periodic, aperiodic (e.g., chaotic), and/or pseudo-random manners. In some embodiments stimulation may comprise a burst pattern having an interburst frequency corresponding to an intrinsic brainwave frequency, and regular and/or varying intraburst stimulation parameters.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders that include an implantable microstimulator and an external charger/controller wherein the controller is configured to operate using closed-loop feedback.

Abstract: An exemplary computer-implemented method is disclosed for detection of onset of depolarization on far-field electrograms (EGMs) or electrocardiogram (ECG)-or ECG-like signals. The method includes determining a baseline rhythm using a plurality of body-surface electrodes. The baseline rhythm includes an atrial marker and a ventricular marker. A pre-specified window is defined as being between the atrial marker and the ventricular marker. A low pass filter is applied to a signal within the window. A rectified slope of the signal within the window is determined. A determination is made as to whether a time point (t1) is present such that the rectified slope exceeds 10% of a maximum value of the rectified slope. A point of onset of a depolarization complex in the signal is determined. The point of onset occurs at a largest curvature in the signal within the window.

Abstract: The presence of a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, methods and devices device evaluate optical characteristics of light transmitted into a patient to ascertain physiological signals, such as pulsatile changes in general blood volume proximate a light detector module. Using these features, the methods and devices determine whether pulsatile blood flow is present in the patient and also whether the patient has ROSC based on whether the pulsatile blood flow is present. Some examples of the methods and devices indicate that the patient has ROSC if the patient's pulsatile blood flow is detected after defibrillation therapy has been delivered to the patient. Other example methods and devices either prompt a user to deliver additional defibrillation therapy to a patient or automatically deliver additional defibrillation therapy to a patient if the patient does not have ROSC.

Abstract: A medical device system including a pacemaker implantable in an atrial chamber of a patient's heart is configured to sense near field atrial events from a cardiac signal received by a sensing module of the pacemaker and to sense far field ventricular events. The pacemaker is configured to establish an atrial lower rate interval to control a rate of delivery of atrial pacing pulses, determine a rate of the far field ventricular events sensed by the sensing module, determine an atrial event rate, compare the rate of the sensed far field ventricular events to the atrial event rate, and adjust the atrial lower rate interval in response to the comparison.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices efficiently identify cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing parameter set(s) that provide improved hemodynamic response relative to an initial CRT pacing parameter set, wherein each CRT pacing parameter set includes at least two CRT pacing parameters. User input(s) are accepted that specify a maximum amount of time and/or parameter sets that can be used to perform testing, and specify relative importance of parameters within the sets. Based on the accepted user input(s), there is a determination of how many different variations of each of the CRT pacing parameters can be tested, and based on this determination different CRT pacing parameter sets are selected and tested to obtain a hemodynamic response measure corresponding to each of the different sets tested. Additionally, one or more of the tested CRT pacing parameter sets, if any, that provide improved hemodynamic response relative to the initial CRT pacing parameter set is/are identified.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disposable enclosure for use with a trial neurostimulation device configured to electrically couple with a neurostimulation lead for implant within a patient. The trial neurostimulation device includes a pulse generator portion. The disposable enclosure includes a first wall structure, a second wall structure opposite the first wall structure, a volume between the first and second wall structures, and a header. The volume is configured to receive therein the pulse generator portion. The header is configured to electrically couple with the neurostimulation lead. The header is supported in the disposable enclosure adjacent the volume and configured to electrically couple with the pulse generator portion when the pulse generator portion is located in the volume.

Abstract: An inner subassembly of a delivery system assembly extends within a lumen of an elongate outer tube of the assembly, and includes a flared distal end, which is preferably configured to conform to a proximal end of an implantable medical device; a distal-most portion of the outer tube is sized to contain both the flared distal end and an entirety of the medical device. The inner subassembly includes a core, an elongate pull-wire, extending along the core, and a sheath surrounding the pull-wire and the core; the sheath includes a slot opening that allows the pull-wire to pass laterally therethrough. The assembly preferably has a pre-formed curvature along a length of the sheath, and the slot opening extends along the pre-formed curvature. The outer tube is longitudinally moveable relative to the inner subassembly, for example, to deploy the medical device.

Abstract: In an example, an apparatus can include an implantable medical device comprising a housing, an implantable telemetry circuit carried within the housing, a dielectric compartment mechanically coupled to the housing, the dielectric compartment including first and second substantially parallel face portions and a third face portion extending between the first and second face portions, and an implantable telemetry antenna, located at least partially within the dielectric compartment. The implantable telemetry circuit can be electrically coupled to the implantable telemetry antenna and configured to wirelessly transfer information electromagnetically using the implantable telemetry antenna. In an example the implantable telemetry antenna comprises a spiral conductor portion extending along the first, second, and third face portions. In an example the spiral conductor includes a cross section having a lateral width that can be greater than a sidewall height of the cross section.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator with an intelligent self-test system that ensures device readiness. The self-test system conditionally runs functional tests based on knowledge of device use, time of day, pre-programmed information, operational features and previous events. The condition of the defibrillator is indicated visually, audibly or both based on the results of the self-test performed.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit and a multi-cell power source. The cells of the power source are coupled to a transformer in a parallel configuration. The transformer includes multiple secondary windings and each of the windings is coupled to a capacitor that stores energy for delivery of a therapy to a patient. In accordance with embodiments of this disclosure, the low power circuit is configured to control simultaneous delivery of energy from each of the cells to a plurality of capacitors through the transformer.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit and a multi-cell power source. The cells of the power source are coupled in a parallel configuration. The implantable medical device includes both a low power circuit that is selectively coupled between the first and second cells and a high power output circuit that is directly coupled to the first and second cells in a parallel configuration. An isolation circuit is coupled to the first cell, the second cell and the low power circuit to maintain a current isolation between the first cell and the second cell at least during delivery of current having a large magnitude to the high power output circuit.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit, a high-power circuit, and a dual-cell power source. The power source is coupled to a dual-transformer such that each cell is connected to only one of the transformers. Each transformer includes multiple windings and each of the windings is coupled to a capacitor, and the capacitors are all connected in a series configuration. The low power circuit is coupled to the power source and issues a control signal to control the delivery of charge from the power source to the plurality of capacitors through the first and second transformers.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit, a high-power circuit, and a dual-cell power source. The power source is coupled to a transformer having first and second primary windings, each of which is selectively coupled to the power source and a plurality of secondary windings that are magnetically coupled to the first and second primary windings. The plurality of secondary windings are interlaced along a length of each of the secondary windings. Each of the plurality of secondary transformer windings is coupled to a capacitor, and the capacitors are all connected in a series configuration. The low power circuit is coupled to the power source and issues a control signal to control the delivery of charge from the power source to the plurality of capacitors through the first and second transformers.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit and a multi-cell power source. The cells of the power source are coupled in a parallel configuration. The implantable medical device includes both a low power circuit and a high power circuit that are coupled between the first and second cells. An isolation circuit is coupled to the first cell and the second cell in a safe parallel orientation and the first and second cells are configured in a first configuration to deliver energy to the low power circuit segment and in a second configuration that is different from the first configuration to deliver energy to the high power circuit segment. A monitoring circuit is coupled to the power source and operable to evaluate the first cell and the second cell to detect a fault condition associated with at least one of the first and second cells.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit, a high-power circuit, and a multi-cell power source. The implantable medical device delivers stimulation therapy to cardiac tissue. The cardioversion energy is delivered across through electrodes that are coupled to terminals of the high-power circuit. A protection circuit for protecting the low-voltage circuit components from high voltage pulses includes a first segment coupled to a first of the electrodes and a second segment coupled to a second of the electrodes, the components of the low-voltage circuit being coupled to the transthoracic protection circuit portion, and a reference potential corresponding to a ground potential, wherein the first and second segments of the transthoracic protection circuit portion are coupled to the reference potential in a parallel configuration.

Abstract: Implantable medical device systems of the present disclosure may include a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (SICD) that is powered by a multi-cell power source that is connected to a transformer and power conversion circuitry to charge one or more relatively small, but powerful, high voltage capacitors to provide a relatively high discharge voltage. The SICD includes electrical isolation for the multi-cell power source to protect against cross-charging between the cells during the operational lifetime of the SICD.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit and a multi-cell power source. The cells of the power source are coupled in a parallel configuration. The implantable medical device includes both a low power circuit that is selectively coupled between the first and second cells and a high power output circuit that is directly coupled to the first and second cells in a parallel configuration. An isolation circuit is coupled to the first cell, the second cell and the low power circuit to maintain a current isolation between the first cell and the second cell at least during delivery currents having a large magnitude that are delivered to the high power output circuit.

Abstract: In embodiments, a WCD system includes one or more transducers that may sense patient parameters from different parts of the patient's body, and thus render physiological inputs from those parameters. Individual analysis scores may be determined from the physiological inputs, and an aggregate analysis score may be determined from the individual analysis scores. A shock/no shock determination may be made depending on whether or not the aggregate analysis score meets an aggregate shock criterion. Accordingly, multiple inputs are considered in making the shock/no shock determination.

Abstract: Energy emitting systems are provided which include an adjustable conductive coil configured to generate a magnetic or electromagnetic field focused on a target nerve. The coil includes a central aperture which may be adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration having a radius greater than the radius of the first configuration. The adjustable or movable nature of the coil allows the conductive coil to conform to, accommodate, or be positioned on a particular anatomical structure of a patient to position the coil in proximity to the underlying target nerve. In certain embodiments, methods of magnetic induction therapy are provided which include positioning a conductive coil relative to a portion of a patient's body by adjusting the central aperture of the coil such that the coil may conform to, accommodate or be positioned on the portion of the patient's body in proximity to the underlying target nerve.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for neuromodulating brain activity of one or more target brain regions, the methods using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to produce robust analgesia. In particular, described herein are systems for arranging one or more (e.g., a plurality) of TMS electromagnets in a configuration and applying sufficient energy to neuromodulate the dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus relative to cortical brain regions to significant modulate pain, including the pain of fibromyalgia.

Abstract: In certain variations, systems and/or methods for electromagnetic induction therapy are provided. One or more ergonomic or body contoured applicators may be included. The applicators include one or more conductive coils configured to generate an electromagnetic or magnetic field focused on a target nerve, muscle or other body tissues positioned in proximity to the coil. One or more sensors may be utilized to detect stimulation and to provide feedback about the efficacy of the applied electromagnetic induction therapy. A controller may be adjustable to vary a current through a coil to adjust the magnetic field focused upon the target nerve, muscle or other body tissues based on the feedback provide by a sensor or by a patient. In certain systems or methods, pulsed magnetic fields may be intermittently applied to a target nerve, muscle or tissue without causing, habituation.

Abstract: Described herein are shaped coil TMS electromagnets formed by two bent magnetic coil loops joined at a vertex having an angle between the outer coil regions of the coils that is typically less than 120 degrees (e.g., between about 45 and about 70 degrees, 60 degrees, etc.). The vertex region shaped to optimize the magnetic field projected from the TMS electromagnet. For example, the vertex region may be horizontal or vertical. In some variations the vertex region is formed by re-arranging the conductive windings forming the two coils so that they are no longer arranged in the same columnar structure that they are in the other portions of the bent magnetic coil loops. These TMS electromagnets may be well suited for use in deep-brain Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining an anti-tumour immunologic response by thermotherapy of a treatment lesion covering at least a portion of a tumour is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a heating probe comprising an optical fiber and a cooling catheter. The optical fiber is inserted in the cooling catheter. Further the heating probe has a light emitting area, and the heating probe is interstitially insertable into the tumour of the treatment lesion. The heat probe is internally cooled by a fluid circulating in said catheter. The apparatus further comprises a first thermal sensor member having at least one sensor area. The first thermal sensor member is positionable at a distance from said boundary. The apparatus also comprises a control unit for controlling a power output of said light source based on a measured first temperature.

Abstract: There is herein described apparatus and a method for performing Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and apparatus for performing PDT. More particularly, there is herein described a method of using PDT and associated apparatus over a prolonged period for the treatment of a range of therapies such as wound healing, cancer treatment (including both skin and internal body cancer) and psoriasis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ocular therapy device having a radiation source emitting UV light and an optical imaging system disposed downstream of the radiation source for imaging a therapy beam coming from the radiation source in an ocular imaging plane, wherein an optical condenser unit is disposed downstream of the radiation source and comprising a diaphragm unit, an optical means for influencing a spatial energy distribution which can be associated with the therapy beam and is oriented along the therapy beam cross-section, and comprising an optical means for influencing a beam form, which can be associated with the therapy beam.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for skin improvement using low-dose radiation, and the low-dose radiation can exhibit excellent effects of improving skin wrinkles, improving skin barriers, improving skin thickness, improving skin elasticity, and improving skin moisture through the mechanisms of promoting the growth of normal human dermal fibroblasts, increasing the collagen synthesis within the normal human dermal fibroblast, or reducing the metalloproteinase synthesis within the normal human dermal fibroblasts, thus being effectively used for skin improvement. Additionally, the low-dose radiation of the present disclosure can exhibit excellent hair growth-promoting effect through the mechanisms of promoting the growth of human dermal papilla cells or activating hair follicle cells, thus being useful for the improvement of promoting hair growth.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods for treating various conditions and diseases using an optical signal. In one or more embodiments an apparatus is providing having an optical window, which is used to deliver an optical signal to provide stimulation to one or more tissue sites in the body such as the brain, optic nerve, eye, ganglia, spine, or other like site. The optical signals can be used to treat a variety of neurological diseases and conditions including epilepsy, migraine headaches and chronic pain. In particular applications the optical signals can be used to treat, inhibit or prevent epileptic or other neurological seizures by providing an optical input to a foci or surrounding tissue in the brain causing the seizure. The optical signal may also be combined with an electrical signal to produce an aggregate effect in tissue for treating the disease or condition such as a neurological disease or condition.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: An example treatment system includes: a treatment couch for holding a patient; fiducials associated with the patient; an imaging system to capture an image of the fiducials and of an irradiation target while the patient is on the treatment couch, where the image is captured in a treatment room where treatment is to be performed; a mechanism to move the treatment couch; and a computer system programmed to align locations of the fiducials to the fiducials in the image, and to determine a location of the irradiation target relative to a treatment system based on locations of the fiducials and based on the image. The movement of the treatment couch into a treatment position in the treatment room may be based on the location of the irradiation target.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a method for treating and/or preventing neurodegenerative diseases by applying low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation. In addition, this present invention discloses the LIPUS increases neurotrophic factor protein expression, improves cognitive dysfunction and reduces brain damage in neurotoxicity.

Abstract: A focused ultrasound (“FUS”} system capable of use in a small bore imaging system, such as a small bore magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”} system is provided. The FUS system generally includes an ultrasound transducer whose position is adjusted by a positioning system. The positioning system is sized to fit within the bore of the small bore imaging system. For instance, the positioning system can fit within a diameter of 150 millimeters or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for cardiac ablation and to sensor structures useful in such apparatus and methods.

Abstract: A hair treatment process for providing dispersed colors by light diffraction including (a) coating the hair with a material comprising a polymer, (b) pressing the hair with a pressing device including one or more surfaces, and (c) forming a secondary nanostructured surface pattern on the hair that is complementary to the primary nanostructured surface pattern on the one or more surfaces of the pressing device. The secondary nanostructured surface pattern diffracts light into dispersed colors that are visible on the hair. The section of the hair is pressed with the pressing device for from about 1 to 55 seconds. The polymer has a glass transition temperature from about 55° C. to about 90° C. The one or more surfaces include a primary nanostructured surface pattern.

Abstract: An aerodynamically smooth air manifold designed for use with an underground shelter located very close to ground zero, including a manifold body; a bottom plate under the manifold body; a manifold cover atop the manifold body; a baffle; an air pipe; a gully surrounding the top outside manifold body; a rolled angle ring surrounding the bottom outside manifold body; a plurality of first fasteners that secure a bottom flange of the air pipe and the bottom plate together; and a plurality of second fasteners that secure the rolled angle ring and the bottom plate together.

Abstract: An airborne particle sensor that is intended for use with portable or stationary respirators to provide detection of particulates. This could be used in a number of ways, either continuously or on-demand to provide fit-testing, to validate proper functioning of a respirator, to provide a warning of respirator-failure, to provide notification of filter loading (with integration of pressure sensor), and to provide exposure levels while using the respirator.

Abstract: The flame arrester is optimized for installation within fuel containers. The flame arrester has an elongate, generally cylindrical skeletal frame having opposing first and second ends. The first end is configured as a mounting flange adapted for permanent, immovable installation within the tank or container and the second end may include a spring-loaded check valve. The frame is covered by a woven or nonwoven textile material, or alternatively, by a porous or foraminous sheet material. Fuel and vapors pass through the cylindrical textile wall, the porosity of the textile serving to prevent flame propagation through the textile material. The frame is formed of a flexible, fuel-impervious plastic material to allow the flame arrester to be bent or curved for installation within a curved tube.

Abstract: A fire prevention device is provided for arresting the formation of fires and suppressing those that are already ablaze. The device is a hollow shell willed with a powdered flame retardant and a small weighting element. The shell disintegrates at high temperatures releasing the flame retardant into a flaming area. A weighting element helps carry the device close to the heart of a fire prior to shell disintegration. When the flame retardant is released it falls on the flames, suppressing them and preventing the fire from spreading. A variety of uses are provided including lining automobile engine hoods and chemical transportation tanks with the capsules, placing them as packing fill inside crates of volatile material, lining ceilings with the balls, and others.

Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher where the improvements relate to a system where the owner of the extinguisher can service and maintain their fire protection. Systems in place today require the servicing of a third party. The service companies (third parties) are charged with maintaining the system. Further Improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that is articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. The improvements further include a wall mounting bracket that reduces tampering with the extinguisher, an automatic fluffing motor and manual fluffing wheel with a chuck for use with a drill. These features extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition. The fire extinguisher is construction of components that are interchangeable and provide equal operation for left and right handed people.

Abstract: At least one embodiment comprises a testing system for a fire suppression system which can comprise at least one fluid conduit having a first end and a second end with an isolating valve and at least one pressure regulating valve coupled to the conduit. A tap is coupled to the fluid conduit, and is positioned between the first end and the second end and be for selectively allowing fluid to flow out from the fluid conduit to allow fluid to flow past the pressure regulating valve. The process for testing a fire suppression system can comprise the following steps: connecting at least one first valve to a fluid conduit, disconnecting sprinkler heads from the fluid conduit, flowing water through the pressure regulating valve determining the flow rate through the pressure regulating valve, and determining the pressure downstream of the pressure regulating valve, stopping testing, and then reporting the results.

Abstract: Jump rope assembly comprising a rope, a handle at one end of the rope, an axially extending axle mounted in bearings within the handle for rotation about its axis, a gimbal head affixed to the axle at one end of the handle including a ring with a circular opening having an axis perpendicular to the axis of the axle, and a spherical ball of greater diameter than the opening pivotally seated against one side of the ring, with an end portion of the rope passing freely through the opening and being attached to the ball in a manner permitting the ball to pivot freely with respect to the axis of the opening as the gimbal head rotates about the axis of the axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manually operated treadmill adapted to generate electrical power comprising a treadmill frame, a running belt supported upon the treadmill frame and adapted for manual rotation, and an electrical power generator mechanically interconnected to the running belt and adapted to convert the manual rotational motion of the running belt into electrical power.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a handle having two ends, a buckle comprising a receptacle secured to the handle and a clamp secured to the other end of the handle, and an elongate flexible tube. The receptacle and clamp selectively releasably engageable together to join the two ends of the handle and disengageable to separate the two ends of the handle. The receptacle and clamp defining a hole when the receptacle and clamp are releasably engaged. The hole having an outer dimension. The elongate flexible tube sized to be received by the hole and having an enlarged portion. The enlarged portion having a clearance dimension greater than the outer dimension of the hole to prevent the elongate flexible tube from disengaging from the buckle.

Abstract: Exerciser for strengthening the grip of the hand having a pair of handles which are removably mounted on the arms of a helical torsion spring in a manner permitting springs having different strengths or resistances to be used interchangeably with the handles. The handles can be constrained against rotation on the spring arms, allowed to rotate freely, or allowed to rotate to a limited degree, depending upon the needs of the user.

Abstract: A workout system comprising a board, wherein the board comprises a first half and a second half coupled along a fold, wherein the first half and the second half comprise a plurality of reinforced holes; and a plurality of pins sized and dimensioned to removably mate with the plurality of reinforced holes, wherein the pins further comprise a detent.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus including a top member configured to couple with an anatomical appendage or a structure thereof; a bottom member rotatably attached to the top member; and a movement-enabling means for enabling the apparatus to move across a surface substantially without interruption, wherein the movement-enabling means comprises a turntable bearing between the top member and the bottom member, and a rolling mechanism about a bottom surface of the bottom member.

Abstract: A portable exercise machine (1), for the execution of gymnastic and/or rehabilitation exercises through the extension of an elastic element, characterized in that it comprises: a base or platform (2) of small size, adapted to be transportable in a cabin briefcase, said base or platform being usable to stabilize the machine by means of the weight or the thrust of the user; a gripping element or handle (3) of cylindrical shape, provided with a device (130) for sensing the three-dimensional motion, adapted to transmit a signal relating to the displacement carried out and usable for displaying on an electronic device (105) the trajectory of the movement performed by the gripping element or handle (3); an elastic band (4) whose ends are respectively fixed to said base (2) and to said gripping element or handle (3), the length of the portion of the elastic band used for an exercise being variable due to the winding of the same elastic band (4) around the element gripping or handle (3).

Abstract: The present invention involves a connecting device of elastic exercise cord with straps, which comprises a hollow body (12) provided by a through-made channel (13) with an upper opening (14) and a lower opening (15), wherein into the upper opening (14) arms (7,8) of a strap (3) are introduced first by its upper section (9), these arms (7,8) are passed through the channel (13) and bended over the edge of the lower opening (15) about 180° and the arms (7,8) are arranged along outer surface of the hollow body (12) up to the outer edge of the upper opening (14), wherein above the upper opening (14) the lower sections (10) of the arms (7,8) of the strap (3) are joined with upper section (9) to one joint, wherein the hollow body (12) with above mentioned arrangement of arms (7,8) is arranged in the cavity (16) of the tubing core (2) and this joint of the lower sections (10) of arms (7,8) of the strap (3) with upper sections (9) is together with the tubing core (2) provided by a collet (17) and the outer surface of

Abstract: A method for using a ski exercise machine involves steps for putting on a pair of ski boots, stepping onto a pair of foot pads on the ski exercise machine one at a time, the foot pads implemented on a carriage rolling on arcuate rails, engaging a rearward portion of the sole of each ski boot in each foot pad beneath a heel retainer plate as a part of each foot pad, such that the heel portion of the ski boot is constrained vertically, placing the toe of each ski boot behind an adjustable toe stop on each foot pad such that the ski boot is constrained from moving forward in the foot pad, but the toe is not constrained vertically, and grasping a hand rail as part of the ski exercising apparatus and urging the carriage side to side on the arcuate rails, simulating skiing activity.