Abstract: A wire and electrode combination suitable for use with implanted medical devices, and a method for coupling the wire and electrode to achieve a robust electrical connection suitable for use with such medical devices are disclosed. The apparatus employs a wire that is optimized for strength, an electrode optimized for biocompatibility, and a termination sleeve with a closed distal end for coupling the wire to the electrode, while eliminating the potential for galvanic corrosion, enhancing weld quality, and facilitating manufacture of the apparatus. The method involves compressing the sleeve to engage the wire at two locations, where contact between the sleeve and wire at the first location seals the interior of the sleeve, and contact between the sleeve and wire at the second location electrically couples the wire to the sleeve. The sleeve, which is easier to manipulate than the wire, is then spot welded to the electrode.

Abstract: A method of making a stimulation lead includes disposing a pre-electrode along a distal end portion of a lead body. The pre-electrode includes a body having a central hub and stimulation members individually coupled to the central hub and extending radially-outward therefrom such that each of the stimulation members is electrically-coupled to each of the remaining stimulation members solely via the central hub. Conductors extending from terminals disposed along a proximal end portion of the lead body are electrically-coupled to each of the stimulation members. Electrically-nonconductive material is disposed around longitudinal surfaces of the central hub with the electrically-nonconductive material abutting inner surfaces of the stimulation members.

Abstract: A guide catheter system includes a guide catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall and a first, second and third electrode wherein the first, second and third electrodes are spaced longitudinally apart from each other on the outer wall of the catheter, and an electrical impulse generator connected to the guide catheter wherein the electrical impulse generator includes a circuit for selecting an adjacent pair of electrodes to use as a bipolar electrode system to send an electrical impulse and a method of use thereof to treat vasospasm.

Abstract: A vestibular stimulation electrode lead is described for conducting electrical stimulation signals generated by an implanted vestibular stimulation module. An extra-vestibular lead branch carries the stimulation signals from the stimulation module to a vestibular entry location. A stopper collar is bent away at a first discrete angle from a distal end of the extra-vestibular lead branch to penetrate into a vestibular structure at the entry location. An intra-vestibular electrode array is bent away at a second discrete angle from the stopper collar and has an outer surface with one or more electrode contacts for delivering the stimulation signals to vestibular neural tissue at a target location within the vestibular structure. The first and second discrete angles form a geometry of the stopper collar and intra-vestibular electrode array that limits insertion of the intra-vestibular electrode array beyond the target location within the vestibular structure.

Abstract: An implanted electrical signal generator delivers a novel exogenous electrical signal to a vagus nerve of a patient. The vagus nerve conducts action potentials originating in the heart and lungs to various structures of the brain, thereby eliciting a vagal evoked potential in those structures. The exogenous electrical signal simulates and/or augments the endogenous afferent activity originating from the heart and/or lungs of the patient, thereby enhancing the vagal evoked potential in the various structures of the brain. The exogenous electrical signal includes a series of electrical pulses organized or patterned into a series of microbursts including 2 to 20 pulses each. No pulses are sent between the microbursts. Each of the microbursts may be synchronized with the QRS wave portion of an ECG. The enhanced vagal evoked potential in the various structures of the brain may be used to treat various medical conditions including epilepsy and depression.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a paddle body, at least one lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length with the distal end of the lead body coupled to the paddle body. The lead further includes fixation elements and electrodes. The fixation elements are disposed entirely within the paddle body and the electrodes are disposed on the paddle body. Each of the electrodes includes a stimulating element with an exposed stimulation surface, and a piercing element extending from the stimulating element into the paddle body and making contact with at least one of the fixation elements. Further, the lead includes terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body and conductor wires electrically coupling the electrodes to the terminals. In addition, methods of making stimulation leads using sacrificial portions of electrodes are presented.

Abstract: A paddle lead insertion kit includes a paddle lead and an insertion kit. The paddle lead includes a stylet lumen defined in a paddle body. The insertion tool includes a stylet channel defined along the insertion tool. A stylet is disposed in the stylet channel and transitions between a refracted position and an extended position. When the stylet is in the retracted position, the stylet is disposed completely within the stylet channel. When the stylet is in the extended position, the stylet extends outwardly from the stylet channel and is insertable into the stylet lumen of the paddle lead. A slide assembly is coupled to the stylet and controls transitioning of the stylet between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: An elongate implantable electrical line including an end component at one longitudinal end of the electrical line, wherein the end component includes at least one electrically conductive electrode surface electrically connected to the electrical line. The end component is a composite component that includes at least one thin metal layer with a layer thickness less than 1 ?m. The at least one thin metal layer is applied to electrically insulating material of the composite component and is conductively connected to the electrical line, such that the at least one thin metal layer includes, or acts as, an electrode surface. The at least one thin metal layer includes an outer surface and is completely covered completely by at least one outer ceramic layer on the outer surface, such that the at least one thin metal layer is electrically insulated from a surrounding environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for remotely tuning treatment parameters in movement disorder therapy systems where the subject and clinician are located remotely from each other. The present invention still further provides methods of quantifying movement disorders for the treatment of patients who exhibit symptoms of such movement disorders including, but not limited to, Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism, Dystonia, Chorea, and Huntington's disease, Ataxia, Tremor and Essential Tremor, Tourette syndrome, stroke, and the like. The present invention yet further relates to methods of remotely tuning a therapy device using objective quantified movement disorder symptom data to determine the therapy setting or parameters to be transmitted and provided to the subject via his or her therapy device. The present invention also provides treatment and tuning remotely, allowing for home monitoring of subjects.

Abstract: A medical lead is provided for use in a pulse stimulation system of the type which includes a pulse generator for producing electrical stimulation therapy. The lead comprises an elongate insulating body and at least one electrical conductor within the insulating body. The conductor has a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to the pulse generator and has a DC resistance in the range of 375-2000 ohms. At least one distal electrode is coupled to the conductor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical signal applicable multi-needle syringe. The present invention comprises: a hollow cylinder; a needle hub closely coupled to the rear end of the cylinder; a plurality of needles placed at regular intervals inside the cylinder in such a way that the front ends are further protruded compared with the front end of the cylinder and the drug which is injected through the needle hub is sucked through the rear ends; a first electrode stored inside the cylinder, and commonly connected to a part of the plurality of needles; and a second electrode stored inside the cylinder, and commonly connected with the rest of the plurality of needles. Therefore, it is possible to inject a drug and to simultaneously apply a high frequency directly into the skin through a multi-needle injected into the skin by applying a high frequency between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby promoting the activation of the injected drug.

Abstract: Catheter systems include direction-sensitive, multi-polar tip electrode assemblies for electroporation-mediated therapy, electroporation-induced primary necrosis therapy and electric field-induced apoptosis therapy, including configurations for producing narrow, linear lesions as well as distributed, wide area lesions. A monitoring system for electroporation therapy includes a mechanism for delivering electrochromic dyes to a tissue site as well as a fiber optic arrangement to optically monitor the progress of the therapy as well as to confirm success post-therapy. A fiber optic temperature sensing electrode catheter includes a tip electrode having a cavity whose inner surface is impregnated or coated with thermochromic/thermotropic material that changes color with changes in temperature. An optic fiber/detector arrangement monitors the thermochromic or thermotropic materials, acquiring a light signal and generating an output signal indicative of the spectrum of the light signal.

Abstract: Systems (10), devices (16), and methods may be used for treating bladder dysfunction, such as urgency and pelvic pain. In one example, a method includes administering a pharmacological agent to a patient (14) in a dosage sufficient to desensitize a C-afferent nerve fiber of the patient. Additionally, the method includes delivering stimulation to activate a nerve fiber proximate to the C-afferent nerve fiber via an electrode (19A, 19B, 21A, 21B, 29A-29D) electrically coupled to an implantable medical device (16). In some examples, the nerve fiber may be different than the C-afferent nerve fiber, the stimulation of the nerve fiber may elicit an inhibitory physiological response related to voiding in the patient, and/or the stimulation substantially may not activate the C-afferent nerve fiber after desensitization of the nerve fiber via the administration of the pharmacological agent.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a device for controlling delivery of stimulation signals, comprising: a stimulation delivery circuit; a monitoring component to monitor voltage supplied in at least one current-driven charge pulse via the stimulation delivery circuit; and a stimulation control component to control voltage supplied in at least one subsequent charge pulse based on the charge of the at least one charge pulse delivered by the stimulation delivery circuit. The device may further comprise a model generation component to generate an impedance model of stimulation electrodes in the stimulation delivery circuit, wherein the stimulation control component is configured to control the stimulation delivery circuit to deliver charge according to the impedance model.

Abstract: An external control device, neurostimulation system, and method of programming a neurostimulator. A volume of tissue activation for each of a first one or more candidate stimulation parameter sets is simulated without conveying electrical stimulation energy into the tissue. One of the first candidate stimulation parameter set(s) is selected based on each simulated volume of tissue activation. Electrical stimulation energy is conveyed into the tissue in accordance with a second one or more candidate stimulation parameter sets, wherein the initial one of the second candidate stimulation parameter set(s) is the selected one of the first candidate stimulation parameter set(s). One of the second candidate stimulation parameter set(s) is selected based on a therapeutic efficacy of the electrical stimulation energy conveyed into the tissue. The neurostimulator is programmed with the selected one of the second candidate stimulation parameter set(s).

Abstract: A method for configuring stimulation pulses in an implantable stimulator device having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed, which method is particularly useful in adjusting the electrodes by current steering during initialization of the device. In one aspect, a set of ideal pulses for patient therapy is determined, in which at least two of the ideal pulses are of the same polarity and are intended to be simultaneous applied to corresponding electrodes on the implantable stimulator device during an initial duration. These pulses are reconstructed into fractionalized pulses, each comprised of pulse portions. The fractionalized pulses are applied to the corresponding electrodes on the device during a final duration, but the pulse portions of the fractionalized pulses are not simultaneously applied during the final duration.

Abstract: The disclosure includes an electrochemical cell comprising a first cathode and a second cathodes are adjacent one another in a stacked arrangement to form a cathode stack in the electrochemical cell. The first cathode includes a first current collector and a first cathode form of active material covering the first current collector, and the second cathode includes a second current collector and a second cathode form of active material covering the second current collector. The second current collector is in electrical contact with the first current collector. The electrochemical cell further comprises an anode adjacent to the cathode stack, and a separator located between the cathode stack and the anode.

Abstract: An implantable medical system is configured to coordinate ventricular pacing with intrinsic depolarizations of another chamber. The implantable medical system includes a leadless pacing device implanted on or within the ventricle. Another implantable medical device is configured to sense an intrinsic depolarization the other chamber of the heart of the patient, and in response to the intrinsic depolarization of the other chamber, deliver an electrical pulse. The leadless pacing device is configured to detect the electrical pulse delivered by the other implantable medical device and, in response to detecting the electrical pulse delivered by the other implantable medical device, deliver a pacing pulse to the ventricle via at least a first electrode in coordination with the intrinsic depolarization of the other chamber.

Abstract: An electrical parameter value indicative of an impedance of an electrical path between a first medical device implanted within a patient and a second medical device implanted within the patient may be determined by generating and delivering an electrical signal between electrodes connected to the first medical device and sensing the electrical signal with two or more sense electrodes connected to the second medical device. In some examples, the electrical parameter value indicative of the impedance may be used to detect a system integrity issue, such as relative movement between the first and second medical devices, such as between leads connected to the medical devices, or a lead-related condition. In other examples, the determined impedance may indicate a transthoracic impedance of the patient.

Abstract: A method for operating an implantable medical device (IMD) implanted within a patient may include scanning for a wakeup request signal from an external programmer over a first frequency band at a first power level, switching to communication over a second frequency band at a second power level after the IMD detects the wakeup request signal, wherein the switching operation initiates an initial data exchange session during a common connected time period between the IMD and the external programmer, and cycling between the first and second power levels during the common connected time period based on whether data is being exchanged between the external programmer and the IMD.

Abstract: A modular header and method of fabricating same for making electrical connection between an array of feed-through pins extending through a wall of a hermetically sealed enclosure of an implantable medical device and lead connect or receptacles within the header in which the header is fabricated using a pre-formed molded header module, together with a set or harness of interconnected flexible conductors incorporated and sealed by an overlayer of medical grade polymer material. The assembled modular header is capable of complete pre-testing prior to assembly onto an implantable medical device.

Abstract: A feedthrough includes a ceramic body mechanically joined about a perimeter to a hermetic case. The ceramic body includes a ceramic matrix and a ductile phase distributed through at least a portion of the ceramic matrix. The ductile phase increases the resistance of the ceramic matrix to crack propagation. A plurality of electrical conductors passes through the ceramic body.

Abstract: A system and method to deliver a therapeutic quantity of energy to a patient. The system includes a capacitor having a rated energy storage capacity substantially equal to the therapeutic quantity of energy, a boost converter coupled with the capacitor and constructed to release energy from the capacitor at a substantially constant current for a time interval, and an H-bridge circuit coupled with the boost converter and constructed to apply the substantially constant current in a biphasic voltage waveform to the patient. The method includes storing a quantity of energy substantially equal to the therapeutic quantity of energy in a capacitor, releasing the quantity of energy at a relatively constant current during a time interval using a boost converter coupled with the capacitor, and delivering a portion of the quantity energy in a direction to the patient using an H-bridge circuit coupled with the boost converter.

Abstract: A method of modifying the force of contraction of at least a portion of a heart chamber, including providing a subject having a heart, comprising at least a portion having an activation, and applying a non-excitatory electric field having a given duration, at a delay after the activation, to the portion, which causes the force of contraction to be increased by at least 5%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identifying and using groups of cardiac events associated with depolarization wavefronts to coordinate the delivery of pacing therapy to the heart. According to one aspect of the invention, cardiac events associated with a plurality of cardiac sites are detected. The cardiac sites may be located in a single heart chamber or in bilateral heart chambers. A group of detected cardiac events associated with a depolarization wavefront is identified. According to another aspect of the invention, a particular cardiac event of an identified group associated with a depolarization wavefront may be used to synchronize pacing therapy delivered to the heart. According to yet another aspect, premature ventricular contractions may be classified using the identified groups.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy that treats atrial arrhythmias within pain tolerance thresholds of a patient. An implantable therapy generator adapted to generate and selectively deliver a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy and at least two leads, each having at least one electrode adapted to be positioned proximate the atrium of the patient. The device is programmed for delivering a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy via both a far-field configuration and a near-field configuration of the electrodes upon detection of an atrial arrhythmia. The three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy includes a first stage for unpinning of one or more singularities associated with an atrial arrhythmia, a second stage for anti-repinning of the one or more singularities, both of which are delivered via the far-field configuration of the electrodes, and a third stage for extinguishing of the one or more singularities delivered via the near-field configuration of the electrodes.

Abstract: A defibrillator system optimizes the timing and manner of applying a defibrillator charge to a patient based upon data provided to the defibrillator from a utility module or one or more external devices. A parameter module on the utility module provides the defibrillator with patient parameter information. Devices external to the utility module may provide the utility module with coaching data that the utility module may pass through to the defibrillator as a proxy to the external devices. The utility module may also provide external devices with patient data that the utility module may pass through to the external devices as a proxy to the defibrillator on a scheduled or other basis. The utility module may additionally provide a reserve of power to enable defibrillators to be used where power is unavailable and to enable defibrillators to deliver multiple charges more readily anywhere, anytime.

Abstract: A system for influencing a state of a user includes a display with a light source for emitting light influencing the state of the user. A light controller selectively controls the emission of the light including at least one of; (1) the spectrum of the light; (2) the duration of the light; 3) the distribution of the light; (4) the intensity of the light; and (5) the timing of the light. An analysis engine capable of providing a signal to the light controller indicating a desired emission of the light based upon selectively illuminating one or more of a plurality of different blue light sources, each of which having a different peak spectrum.

Abstract: This invention provides for an energized biomedical ophthalmic device and associated method of measuring changes in biomarkers contained in tear film to generate data related to a light therapy regimen used to treat symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder. In some embodiments, the energized biomedical ophthalmic device can include an energized contact lens with a light source in communication with a processor controlling said light source according to the light therapy regimen. The light therapy regimen may be generated or modified by the processor from the measured changes and sometimes from user's preferences, and/or additional measurements, including for example, light exposure and/or circadian rhythm of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particle therapy apparatus used for radiation therapy. More particularly, this invention relates to a gantry for delivering particle beams which comprises means to analyse the incoming beam. Means are integrated into the gantry to limit the momentum spread of the beam and/or the emittance of the beam.

Abstract: A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta- or alpha-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved so as to release the microspheres from the polymer matrix. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding or minimizing undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods including calibrating a radiotherapy machine to identify an effective radiation source size of a radiation source contained within the radiotherapy machine, the radiation source having a nominal radiation source size, to improve accuracy of a predicted dose profile for one or more radiation beams from the radiation source to further improve accuracy of radiation dose calculation and treatment delivery.

Abstract: Methods are provided for permitting manipulation of an achievable dose distribution estimate deliverable by a radiation delivery apparatus for proposed treatment of a subject. One such method comprises: determining a dose modification voxel for which it is desired to modify the dose value and a corresponding magnitude of desired dose modification; for each of a plurality of beams: (i) characterizing the beam as a two-dimensional array of beamlets, wherein each beamlet is associated with a corresponding intensity value and a ray line representing the projection of the beamlet into space; and (ii) identifying one or more dose-change beamlets which have associated ray lines that intersect the dose modification voxel; modifying the intensity values of at least one of the dose-change beamlets; and updating the achievable dose distribution estimate to account for the modified intensity values of the at least one of the dose-change beamlets.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe transmits vibration along longitudinal axis from the proximal toward the distal end, including: first area including proximal and distal end portions, a center axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, the first area having a vibration antinode position at the distal end, wherein maximum distance from the center axis to an outer peripheral surface in radial direction orthogonal to the center axis is a first distance; a treatment section located on a distal end side's barycenter position displaced from the center axis; a second area located between the first area and treatment section continuous with the distal end of the first area and gravity center axis parallel to the center axis to pass through the barycenter, wherein maximum distance from the center axis to the outer surface in the radial direction orthogonal to the center axis is a second distance equal to or shorter than the first distance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair conditioning composition comprising: a cationic surfactant system comprising a mono-long alkyl cationic surfactant and a di-long alkyl cationic surfactant; a high melting point fatty compound; a direct dye; a nonionic thickening polymer having a viscosity of the aqueous solution with 2% of the nonionic thickening polymer being from about 1,000 to about 300,000 m·Pa, at 25° C.; and an aqueous carrier; wherein the composition has a pH of above 4.5 to about 9.0. The composition of the present invention provides improved product stability and color stability, while providing conditioning benefits and coloring benefits.

Abstract: Personal care compositions comprising a polymer-bound UV absorber are described that provide enhanced properties, including customizable UV spectrum protection, broad-spectrum UV spectrum protection, water resistance, and labile UV stabilization. The polymer comprises anhydride functionality, such as maleic anhydride or a derivative thereof, and the UV absorber contains at least one hydroxyl, primary amine, or secondary amine group. The personal care compositions may be used to treat and/or protect against burns, cancers, erythema, lentigo (“liver spots”), keratotic lesions, wrinkles, and cellular changes of the skin; and/or color changes, embrittlement, lack of luster, tangles, split ends, and/or unmanageability of the hair.

Abstract: Provided is an electrically charged filter which has a high initial filtering efficiency and is not liable to decline in filtering efficiency, by including a liquid-charged nonwoven fabric layer that is charged by application of force via a polar liquid, and a tribo-electrically charged nonwoven fabric layer that is charged by friction between fiber components of a plurality of types.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an avalanche safety system including an inflatable chamber, activation system, inflation system, and a harness. The inflatable chamber is a three-dimensionally, partially enclosed region having an inflated state and a compressed state. The inflated state may form a particular three dimensional shape configured to protect the user from burial and provide flotation during an avalanche. The activation system is configured to receive a user-triggered action to activate the system. The inflation system may include an air intake, battery, fan, and internal airway channel. The inflation system is configured to transmit ambient air into the inflatable chamber. The harness may be a backpack that enables a user to transport the system while engaging in activities that may be exposed to avalanche risk. The harness may include hip straps, shoulder straps, internal compartments, etc.

Abstract: A safety apparatus on a rope, including a first flange-plate, an operable second flange-plate, and a mechanical indicator collaborating when the swiveling movement takes place with both the first pivot-pin and a latch to indicate that the second flange-plate is in the closed and latched position, or in an unlatched ready-to-open state.

Abstract: A differential control valve and method of operation as a residential dry pipe fluid control valve which provides for a high liquid to gas trip ratio. The valve includes a housing having an interior surface defining an internal chamber with a central axis. The valve further includes a first port; a second port and a third port, each in communication with the internal chamber. A first valve seat is disposed along the interior surface of the housing circumscribed about the central axis and a second valve seat is circumscribed about the first valve seat. A sealing member defines a sealed position and an open position with respect to the valve seats. A spring member biases the seal member toward the open position and is disposed between the sealing member and the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing composition has a water-thickening agent and a foaming agent. The fire-extinguishing composition contains less than 10 vol % water. The ratio of water-thickening agent to foaming agent is from 99:1 to 1:99 volume ratio. The composition is in the form of a powder or flake. A method of extinguishing a fire is by applying a mixture of a fire-extinguishing composition and water to a fire, the fire-extinguishing composition having a water-thickening agent and a foaming agent.

Abstract: A trampoline with a frame has a rebounding mat that is tensioned to the frame with a plurality of flexible and cordlike linear elastic members. Preferably each cordlike elastic member is connected to the frame and the rebounding mat at one of two alternative positions to alter the tension. The alternative positions permit a tensioning process that extends the lifetime of elastic cords having a fabric sheath. This independent tension of each elastic member is via connector member that grips the rebounding mat but also grasps opposing the ends of the elastic members as well as central portion thereof so that two segment of the cord between each end and the central portion are preferably wrapped around the trampoline frame.

Abstract: An exercise equipment frame, such as a power cage, is formed from uprights that comprise at least two sections that are telescopically interfit with one another. The sections have an interference fit between them when the telescopic interconnection is made that is tight enough to require the use of a tool that enables leverage greater than that achievable by the hand pressure of a user. The sections may be of substantially equal length to one another when forming the main uprights of the frame to allow packaging of the sections when disassembled in a carton of more regular dimensions. The sections may also be unequal length to allow coupling of a frame extension to the top of a completed power cage type frame.

Abstract: A resistance training apparatus includes a resistance member, and a handle assembly arranged to reciprocate between proximal and distal positions against the resistance of the resistance member. The handle assembly includes a yoke. The yoke includes a first arm and an opposed second arm. The first arm has a first inner end and an opposed first outer end, and the second arm has a second inner end an opposed second outer end. A first handle is carried by the first end of the first arm, a second handle is carried by the second end of the second arm, and a third handle is connected between the first and second arms. The third handle extends between the first and second arms and is located between, on the one hand, the first and second handles and, on the other hand, the first and second inner ends of the first and second arms.

Abstract: A resistance brace includes a pair of hinged arms having plates cooperating with one another to define a first and second pivots point separated from one another by a distance. A pair of splints having limb-attachment portions and geared ends engaged with one another and pivotably coupled with the plates at the pivot points. An adjustable compression member is coupled with the plates to compress the plates against the geared ends so as to frictionally impede movement of the splints relative to the plates. A joint harness is coupled with the hinged arms to attach the resistance brace to a joint of a body so that the hinged arms are positioned on opposing sides of the joint relative to a plane of rotation of the joint. Attachment members are coupled with the splints to attach the resistance brace to a first and second body portions extending from the joint.

Abstract: The invention provides an antigravity muscle exerciser comprising a garment which when worn by a user is close-fitting and covers at least the torso of said user. The garment comprises separate top and bottom portions or is a one-piece article, and has incorporated therein first portions of flexible material on each side of the torso which extend from the pelvis to beyond a respective shoulder where the portions are contiguous with a second portion of flexible material which extends across the top of the head of the user in a coronal plane. The portions of flexible material in combination have a length and elasticity which creates axial compression between the top of the head and the pelvis. The invention also provides a method of utilizing the garment exercising deep posture and anti-gravity muscles.

Abstract: An exerciser machine including a base frame, a pole frame and a swivel frame is described. The base frame can have longitudinally a head section and a rear section pivotally coupled with the head section. The pole frame can have one or more extendable poles extending longitudinally between a far end and a near end of the pole frame. A cross bar can be detachably affixed between the extendable poles. The pole frame may be pivotally attached to the base frame. The swivel frame can have one or more side bars having longitudinally a handle end and a pole end. A handle bar may be detachably fixed between the side bars at the handle end. The swivel frame may be rotably attached to the extendable poles to allow rotary movements of the swivel frame in between the extendable poles.

Abstract: The present application includes various embodiments of apparatuses, systems, kits, and methods for physical exercise of a user. Some embodiments, for example, include an apparatus comprising: a strap having a first end, a second end, a length between the first end and the second end, the strap having an elastic portion between and spaced apart from the first end and the second end; a first handle configured to be coupled to the strap on a first side of the elastic portion such that the first handle is spaced apart from the elastic portion; a second handle configured to be coupled to the strap on a second side of the elastic portion such that the second handle is spaced apart from the elastic portion; and one or more suspension members configured to be coupled (i) to the strap at a first point between the elastic portion and the first handle, and at a second point between the elastic portion and the second handle, and (ii) to be coupled to a supporting structure.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus of the present invention includes a supporting frame of limited height to which the pulley-carrying system is rotationally connected. The pulley frame is releasably movable by the operator utilizing a swivel locking mechanism. By this locking mechanism, the operator releases a handle to cause the frame to rotate 360 degrees. The pulley frame contains multiple pulley units engaged with multiple bands. A handle mechanism allows the operator to selectively choose from the various bands which allows various levels of resistance and various exercises.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that has a generally rectangular frame. The rail portions of the frame each have an upright outer wall and a hidden outwardly open slot therein. A foot bar support assembly movably carried by each of the outwardly open slots supports the foot bar. Each foot bar support assembly has an elongated slide plate movably supported within the slot, a hook plate fastened to the slide plate, and a foot bar support arm rotatably and slidably fastened to the hook plate. A pair of tubular risers each having a lower and upper roller therein at the head end of the frame direct arm cord ends to a cord retraction assembly mounted on the carriage. The retraction assembly mounted to the carriage releases the cords by pivoting either one of the shoulder stops toward the foot end of the frame.